Texas! | Day 3

Nick Mason — Sat, 23 Apr 2011 00:39:45 +0000

Today, my mom and I got to sleep in a bit - until 0600. This was nice. We got to take our time while getting ready and got to eat a nice breakfast with the waffles and the muffins and the orange juice. Our shuttle arrived at 0745. We loaded up with the three ladies as usual, and we were driven to the base - the parade grounds. We met up with my grandparents, and my dad, who arrived last night late. We sat down and waited for the parade to begin. The lady sitting to the rear of me admired my camera. We talked for a while, a very nice lady she was. Today would be Jeff's town-freedom day 1! He could leave the base!
The ceremony began at approximately 0900. It lasted for no more than an hour. It was a very impressive ceremony. Lots of flags and marching. The band played more than they did yesterday. I took a lot of videos.
After the parade we met up with Jeff right after he put his instrument on the bus. We walked back to my grandparents' quarters, (they're staying on base,) and sat and talked for a while in their room. After this we fit a few of us into their car and drove to Jeff's barracks. Jeff and I were the only ones who got out at the bowling alley - we stood outside and waited as the others took the separate trip to pick up the others and bring them to the bowling alley. We talked. It was nice, as we talked about things that we used to talk about, and caught up with each other, we both shared stories and inside-jokes. It was nice.
When the rest of the crew got back, we got to tour Jeff's barracks - where he slept, showered, and crapped. I tell you what, it was not all that comfy looking. It smelt kind of funky, and everything was so damn orderly and perfect. We did not try the quarter thing, as we were not allowed to touch anything - ESPECIALLY anything chrome. It was pretty impressive.
After this, we loaded back up, again taking two trips, this time I stayed in the car and was the navigator for the second trip. My mom and Jeff went to buy him a new shirt as part of his uniform, as someone stole one of his other one. While they walked to do that, we went to the BMT center and mingled in the gift shop. I bought a bumper sticker, my dad bought one for me rather. After this, the shuttle picked up the three women and the group of us.
We all were going to the same place, ironically - the Riverwalk in San Antonio. Holy shit was it beautiful! We ate at Dick's, I had a wrap with black beans, rice cheese, and no chicken, mozzarella sticks, and french fries. The employees of Dick's have to be rude - it's part of the theme. It was amazing! The menu said hilarious things - from "Crabby Balls" to their "Big Ass 1/3 LB Burgers." The restrooms were called "theaters." There was also a sign above them that said "2P," pointing to the restrooms. Damn, I'm so full! After that we took the boat tour, going all around the river walk. It was so relaxing and warm! I swear, I'm turning into a Mexican! LOL!
After walking for a while after the boat tour, we decided to go sit and have some drinks in this little Mexican place. I had some delicious lemonade, as did Jeff. They gave us free chips and some spicy-ass salsa! There was this couple on the staircase outside in this alleyway thing next to our window... they need a marriage counselor. LOL!
We strolled around for a while, after deciding to drag our lazy asses out of the restaurant and left the Riverwalk to this little park near the Häagen-Dazs ice cream place. We sat there for a while waiting for our shuttle. When he arrived back to the base, Jeff, my grandparents, and my dad went away.
We then came back to the hotel, and I am typing this post. My mom and I are talking, and my shit is charging. We have to pack tonight and tomorrow we are leaving. Yuck!! NO!!

My Week

Nick Mason — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 14:19:29 +0000

Well, this week was quite enjoyable. First on Monday after school, I went to Emi's house. We talked for a few minutes and got her vegan cupcakes and veggie platter ready for the GAPP meeting. Then we went to the meeting, which really made me realize that I am actually going to Germany! I'M SO EXCITED!!
Tuesday was the Concerto concert with the orchestras. Before the concert my mom and I went to El Rio Grande. She had never been there before and she loved it! We got to talk for a long time which was very nice as we are both always so busy. I had my usual - Veggie Platter #2 (two bean burritos covered in cheese sauce.) The concert went well. After the concert was over, I got to talk with my old orchestra teacher for a while which was nice. Then, a bunch of people and I went to Culver's, like we always do after an orchestra concert. This was hilarious!! We were kind of loud... especially because we were laughing the entire time! I love Selena's laugh! I had a short chocolate shake and small fries, as usual. There are photos on facebook.
Wednesday I had to work. I worked at 5 PM, and the weather was nasty. It was so windy and rainy. After my shift, I go outside and try to unlock my car. The locks were frozen and you couldn't turn the key. UGH! So after trying various methods to get in, I called my dad and he picked me up. I had to leave my car over night.
Thursday started out horribly. My hair wouldn't cooperate, I spilled my oatmeal all over myself, the counter, cupboard doors, and the floor, I was late to school, and my car wouldn't start. It was still at McDonald's. It got slightly better as I got to school. Near the end of the half day of school, the Badger Conference Large Group Band Festival took place. We had to wear formal wear. I brought my tuxedo and planned on changing right before we went on stage. Yeah... my white undershirt was not in my tuxedo bag!! I had to wear a t-shirt under my coat. It looked SO stupid! I felt stupid too. But oh well, things happen. We played Windsprints and Symphonic Dance No. 3 Fiesta very well. When we finished playing, we were critiqued by the judge person.
After this, Tony took Emi, Taby, and me in his car. He dropped Emi off for her babysitting. Then, we went to McDonald's to pick up my car, as the temperature had risen a considerable amount since the night before, and the sun was shining on the locks. I easily get into the car, but when I turn the key in the ignition... Lights and dinging, and then nothing. My battery died! This is the second time this year it has died... hmm... So we left it there again and went to eat at Taco Bell. I had a bean burrito with no onions, some potato wedges, and a crispy potato soft taco (which I asked for with no sauce or lettuce.) The lady with the mustache who took my order said "it doesn't come with sauce." I said it did, but she just denied it. Of course, the sauce was still on it. Oh well, it was only a dollar. Then we dropped Taby off, and we went to the high school to meet up to go laser tagging with Chamber Strings. Well, Bryce, Laura, Shaylee, Emma, Kaylie (Jewdy), Tony and I. We got all the way to Ultrazone and they were not even open yet! LOL! So we decided to go the mall, which was equally as fun. There was a display for this outdoor living space company in the middle of the mall, and we made it our summer home. It was beautiful! We went to the Apple store and had a ton of fun with iPads... photos! They are on facebook as well. That was a blast!

Nick Mason » band

Texas! | Day 3

My Week