Charmed, I'm Sure

It isn't quite autumn here yet, but the leaves have started changing, and it is so beautiful. As I write this, I can hear a train going through town (so neat!) Today marked the end of the preview conference, with a Q&A, an information fair, and housing tours. I also stopped by their Missions building, the Lifeway christian bookstore on campus, and 'the Locker' where I picked up a mug for my dad...
Once the conference stuff was done here, I would have lots of time to go and check out Raleigh. One problem. I am a moron. I left my debit card (aka my credit card AND my source of cash) at home. All I've had on me is an American Express, which is NOT everywhere you want to be. I called up a couple of the places I was planning to visit, and sure enough, they did not take AMEX. So I called mom and pops, who so graciously wired me money. Within half an hour, I was doing my first ever WesternUnion transaction. That was funny. Not in a haha way, though.
By 4 I was on the road to Raleigh, with the warning that I would 'hit rush hour' and 'it might take a while'. I was downtown 25 minutes later. I am wondering if anyone has experienced 'rush hour'... not that I wish that on my worst enemy. I drove around downtown, checked out some sights. The really tall building is the courthouse, I believe. And the one with a statue/memorial is the state capitol building. As far as state capitols go... ahem... it's not that exciting. But still very pretty. Plus, I was lucky enough to catch it just as the sun was going down.
I had this whole route planned out, but ended up missing my exit and getting flipped off. So, I improvised. I went to Cooper's BBQ first, and ordered sweet tea, brunswick stew with hush puppies and a slice of carrot cake. Guess how much I paid... $3.75!!! I was blown away. Rachael Ray, $40 a day- beat that! I drove around town a little more, found all the restaurants and shopping districts I want to come back to - like Cameron Village, Five Points, Duck & Dumpling, the Grape and Nana's... and then stopped for dinner #2. What can I say? I'm a foodie :)
I absolutely loved NoFo. I recommend that everyone go there at some point in their lives. Should you come to visit me, that is where I'll take you. Such a good vibe. Really neat store upstairs. Really great food downstairs. I ordered the Spinach & Pine Nut Ravioli. It was incredible. I don't even like ravioli that much. I loved this. I was able to do all my souvenir shopping after, too! (no 'North Carolina' pens and postcards though...)

I'll have to save so many things for the next visit I make. I was happy to see on my way back that they will soon have a Steak n'Shake within 5 miles of the school. Look mom- I found a job. Yeah, right... I did find a nice shake place though :)


I didn't get to try any local thai food.
I didn't make a new best friend.
I didn't keep all of my shoes in tact after all of the rain and puddles.
I didn't see the trees with faces that Kristel loves so much.
I didn't get to wear my sweater much.
I didn't stay as long as I would've liked.
But...
I did get sweet tea at EVERY meal.
I did put 130+ miles on the rental car.
I did meet lots of interesting people.
I did feel God confirming a lot of things.
I did spend some time alone with Him, away from it all.
I did get excited.
I did fall in love with this town and this school.
I did get a crick in my neck from typing this in my bed.

Hope to see you soon, if you're someone I usually see!