Street tubing: it's the next big thing!

My return to scholastic living is well underway. But thus far, there is still time for diversion. I took a weekend to join the Texas Herpetological Society and become familiar with the herp life of a Texas shortgrass prairie. Met a fellow from Lockport, IL of all places! He too was familiar with Lockport and Romeoville Prairies, which is about as close as you can get to a natural oasis in the concrete jungles of Chicago and the surrounding suburbs. The Buffalo Lake National Wildlife Refuge similarly was a breath of fresh air compared to the surrounding areas. Here is what this lovely area provided for us: (I apologize to those whose eyes might start to glaze over, but be thankful I'm not using scientific names) North American porcupine, yellow mud turtles, prairie rattlesnakes, corn snakes, a coachwhip, checkered garter snakes, a larval tiger salamander, lined snakes, Texas horned lizards, an exensive prairie dog town, woodhouse's toads and there's probably a few others I've forgotten.

Other than that weekend, it has been business as usual. Classes are fine, I finally have keys to my office and my roommates are amazing. Kickboxing twice a week is ridiculously fun: a great tension reliever and I've found cooking healthy, semi-involved meals to be therapeutic as well. All useful remedies for keeping my mind off missing Taylor. I give props to those who deal with long-distance relationships (Sheri, my heart goes out to you especially). My situation is frustrating at times, but not completely unbearable.

The only other update I have is in regards to the very unusual weather. Hurricanes have been causing intense rain in Lubbock which unfortunately has the worst draining system I've ever seen (or maybe I should say 'not seen'). I watched in fascination yesterday as our street progressively turned into a rushing river. Had we a tube, there most definitely would have been some street tubing occurring. Class was canceled due these extraordinary circumstances, so I should probably utilize this time and get some necessary reading done. adios