Uber productive.

For probably the first time this whole summer vacation, I had a productive day yesterday. It felt invigorating and exciting. I was happy to be enjoying the fresh air.

My mom and I set out a little before one in the afternoon with the intent to go pick up tickets we ordered for the local Summer Fine Arts production of the musical, Miss Saigon. Based on a phone call received earlier in the day though, we decided to go last night rather than tonight. Tonight I get to babysit. I don't like passing up opportunities to earn some money, as well as experience. However, halfway to pick up the tickets, we estimated we wouldn't be there in time and would just do will call instead. Still on the road, we headed to my high school to pick up scores for this state-wide standardized test we take grades 3-11. I think I've mentioned it before; it's called FCAT, or more aptly-named in my view, total blegh. I got what I figured I would: not perfect or close to perfect, but certainly above the mean. These tests are serious, yet I think the ACT and SAT do a much, much, better job of assessing a student and their academic level.

Anyway, my mom and I then turned and started heading to this thrift store about an half an hour drive from our home to donate clothes. I've been there before to do just that, donate. But this time I was curious and walked through the actual store part of the small place.


I was attracted to this black and white purse on a shelf. It only cost two dollars and I was thrilled. We walked into this room with multiple shelves of paperbacks. My mom [who might as well be a book collector] wasted no time and began scanning the books. We ended up with seven, a quarter each. Including a copy of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. She also found these hardcover story books she remembers having as a child and purchased each of them for a buck.

Next stop: the library, a book lover's heaven. It's a library I've never been in before, but since it's within county limits, my library card is valid for any books there. [One reason I love the library even more.] I walked through the youth area and spotted a section dedicated to the list of Teen Read books I've been beyond eager to read. They had a copy of almost all of the total fifteen books and without being a total selfish whatever, only took six. Hehe. I am super duper happy!


We had a couple of returns to make at Target, so we went. There was a fairly good selection of junior clothes and I got some. Okay, and the more interesting part of the story was a cart returner/employee who caught my eye. [According to my mom, I caught his, too, especially when I wasn't looking at him.] Later when I was packing stuff in my car, [and my mom was texting my brother. She was acting more like the teen! I love it.] the cute cart returner was outside [coincidence?] doing his job, collecting the carts. Using my awesome 360 vision, I stalled long enough so that I could just give it to him. Oh my, oh my. Up close he was even more gorgeous and when he smiled, I promptly smiled back . He said "thank you," I said, "no problem," then turned around and felt my cheeks fluster...

Then we came home, ate dinner, and were off the musical. It was well put together, and all the leads had amazing voices. There's no good way to end an already fantastic day other than seeing your best friend twirl a flaming baton!

I love how the one good shot I got of the action happened to have her in an awkward pose. Ha, it's okay, she'll forgive me. :]