Texas Our Texas!!!



Lyles, Anessa, Tasha and I

This post is long overdue, but for the purposes of documenting a monumental event in my life, I submit this experience to my online memory bank. Last month, I had the opportunity to go to the Texas State Fair with my sisters Delilah and Natasha along with our niece Anessa. Although www.bigtex.com provides in-depth info on the actual fair, perhaps my experience might be beneficial to future patrons. These are things I wish I knew prior to attending!

Rides: Be strategic with the rides you choose to enjoy

• Go on the "scary" rides first; get it out of your system before you attack the food carts
• If you're a wimp, perhaps you shouldn't ride the scariest ride and then whine about feeling sick the rest of the time [luckily this wasn't an issue with us]
• When going on a merry-go-round like ride, it is best to sit toward the inside of the ride rather than on the outside edge. This will help to avoid being squeezed between your partner and the rail of the cart. [Trust me, I learned the hard way...ahem.]
• For adults who have out grown the slides at neighborhood parks, the fair is the perfect place to re-live your childhood memories at the playground. The giant slide pictured to the right was quite an adventure. Although the hike to the top was a tad excruciating, the view of the city and park was pretty nice. One thumb up for the adult slide! (not quite worthy of the 2nd thumb just yet)

Random Fair Moments: Apparently, one does not obtain a full state fair experience without a few weird turns into random tents and booths. I took the following notes:

• Slander is allowed when printed on signs such as the one shown to the left. (Idk what has the Maori's thinking they have control over anything. The Haka isn't that intimidating.)
• Colorful funky hats are "cool" and worth a 10-minute pit stop. Well, I'm not sure how true that statement is, but as much time as these two spent in that little booth, that's the impression I gathered. 
• And lastly, I was amazed at the "world records". The fact that this measley little stack of mattresses qualifies as a record is not the least bit impressive.

Food: "The point of the fair"

I've come to understand that this is the main highlight of the fair. It allows the "chefs" of the state to throw any food item in a deep fryer and make money off of it. It's also the best excuse to stuff your face with anything you want and it be acceptable.

If you want to consume unlimited calories and sugar, the fair is where you need to be. I personally wasn't too impressed with it. It's amazing how the aroma of the food lures you in so you hand over your tickets and WWWOOMMPP! It is not the least bit satisfying. Such was the case with the corn dog I wasted my 8 tickets on. Needless to say, if it weren't for the chocolate covered strawberries I found at the end of our adventure, I would not have been a happy camper. Ok, maybe that's a bit extreme, but seriously...they were some delicious strawberries!!!! (I wish I got a picture of them.)

Games: The real money maker

I know it's a known fact that people go to the fair for food, but this trip definitely proved that the various games at the fair are the real money makers of the event. When you spend that much money for repeated attempts at a game that is pretty much rigged and leads to you walking away empty-handed, then that's some real hustlin' if you ask me.

Regardless, we played the games and even won Anessa some prizes. Poor girl probably thinks her Aunties are lunatics. haha. 

I could go on and on about the girls in stilletos, the grimey guys with cheesy pick up lines and the annoying food attendants who made us walk all the way around to the opposite side of the cart to take our order, but those are only worth mentioning and not elaborating on.

The State Fair is a good way to spend unnecessary money, see "unique" people and eat very unhealthy food. =) jk...On a serious note, if I were to sum it all up: it was a good experience with great company.

Eternally Together

"The most beautiful discovery true friends make is that they can grow separately without growing apart." - Elizabeth Foley

True friends are hard to come by these days, but I'm lucky enough to have many. Specifically, Crystal Tapukitea Ma'umalanga Vake. We met at the age of 4 in Sunday School at church and we've been friends ever since. It's hard to imagine how fast time has flown and all the memories I have of this girl. I have witnessed many key events in her life, but this has been the most precious by far.

On July 16, 2011, Crystal was sealed to her husband, Taniela, and little princess Suliana for all time and eternity. Although I didn't get to attend the actual sealing ceremony, being able to welcome her family out into the "real world" as a newly-tied family was one of the greatest joys I've been able to experience on this earth.

She looked absolutely stunning that day and I am proud to call her friend, sister and exemplar. I admire this girl in more ways than one and know that she is a great strength to her family. A woman of beauty, strength, determination and love...she truly blesses the lives of all she comes in contact with each day.

Crystal, thank you for being the friend you are to me. For always lending me your ear when I needed to vent, for sharing my tears when I was going through rough times and for giving me the joy of sharing in all of your happiness. I know that because of your faith and hard work, the Lord has blessed and will continue to bless you and your family without measure.

You are a true beauty inside and out and I want you to know that I will always be here for you. 21years of friendship and still going...I love you!!!!