The Cornhusker State

That's where I am once again. We left this morning at just about 7 am. We got to our hotel in Nebraska at just about 7:30 pm. It was a pretty quality drive. The most ridiculous thing that happened was a kind of freak rainstorm right before we got into Illinois. It was pouring like crazy. Rain was coming down sideways and when you're driving 60+ miles per hour that makes things kind of a problem. Not to mention the incredible wind. We're pretty sure it was hailing for a little while too. We had to pull over to the side of the road it was so bad, and we weren't the only ones.

Other than that, the drive was nice and easy. I took what I call fake naps. I stretched out as best I could, put my headphones in, closed my eyes and just kind of relaxed. I don't ever take naps. It's just not my thing. I fake nap a lot though. It's basically me shutting my brain off to an extent.

I did accomplish something I accomplish on pretty much every road trip and any other kind of trip I take: I read John Green's Paper Towns. It was as fantastic as ever.

Dinner was this delicious wood fire barbecue place, Whiskey Creek. Mmmm, so good. I had a pulled pork sandwich with a delicious rub and traditional sauce. It was quite fantastic.

And now Remember the Titans is playing on TV but it's practically over. Such a great movie too.

By this time tomorrow I'll be in Utah! I can hardly believe it.

Last YouTube video I watched: Modern Nature

Gatorade and I'm in Nebraska

My favorite flavor of Gatorade is the one that's ice blue. I can't remember what it's called exactly but it sure is delicious and I often drink it on road trips. Hold the cursor! MY PIZZA IS HERE.

It's been over an hour now and while eating pizza I watched Say Yes to the Dress, Community, and Bones. I'm about to start The Office but I wanted to finish this first.

So . . . NEBRASKA. I like it less than Wyoming. I hate western Nebraska, just putting it out there. Once we get close to Iowa I'll be happy. I like Iowa a lot, actually.

I had this whole plan for what I wanted to write about but I have completely forgotten what that stuff was. I came up w/ it in the car so who knows where that thought went now.

Wow, this post is so lame. I sincerely apologize. I think the problem is when I'm in the car I have A LOT of time to think. By the time I get to somewhere with Internet the thoughts have kind of already made their way through the system that is my mind. Another thing about today is that I spent HOURS writing back to my Scottish lad Jordan. It's probably one of the best letters I've written to him and I'm technically not done with it since I'll be sending him pictures and Reese's Pieces as well. So yeah, when I write to Jordan I walk my way through my past few weeks, examining my life in a sense. I've already gone through my life, my month, my week, my day, basically all my thoughts with Jordan (metaphorically speaking of course since he's across the Atlantic). At this point I don't have much left to give to you guys. Sorry, kids.

The last YouTube video I watched: Skyway Flyer - "Take Me Away" [BECCA YOU NEED TO WATCH/LISTEN TO THIS SONG. I THINK YOU'LL LOVE IT]

Nebraska is . . .

better than Wyoming. I know this due to experience.

Today, my dad, my brother, and I left for Utah. [HOORAY] The trip's been fine. Honestly, there's nothing to say. EXCEPT THAT I READ MOCKINGJAY. There be spoilers down below so BE CAREFUL. [Not legit spoilers but stuff about Gale. Becca knows I have a thing for Gale]

SPOILERS BELOW

I have a thing for guy friends, so Gale will always hold a special place in my heart. I always have had guy friends, I always will have guy friends. The first year of college only solidified this. I always knew Katniss and Gale wouldn't end up together; how could anyone really separate her and Peeta? But that doesn't mean I don't love Gale. Because I do. A lot.

Gale is a combination of a bunch of guy friends I have acquired over the past year. When I put together the top 2 or 3 guy friends I made at college, you have Gale. One provides his listening ear, his continual kindness, and some great hugs; I definitely have the feeling Gale gives great hugs. Another provides his understanding of my life, something I don't find often. Another provides his all around love, a little more listening ear, and the ability to sit in comfortable silence. I'm not even kidding about this last one: all of my guy friends are good looking, so clearly they have that like Gale, too. Everything about Gale as Katniss's best friend reminds me of my closest guy friends.

The other reason I love Gale is because I kind of am Gale. Well, I'm clearly not a guy and I don't have to support a huge family but you have to realize at this point that I am not being literal. Gale knows that Katniss can't forgive him, at least not yet she can't. She doesn't hate him, she does want to forgive him, but it's hard to do. Gale knows the damage he has done, unintentional or otherwise. And yet . . . Gale forgives Katniss. He does not begrudge her anything. He loves her so much that he can let her go. Some of you may think, "What would Gale have to forgive Katniss of anyway?!" If you can't realize that, well, you need to re-read this book. Friendship is a two-way street; they are both only human. This is where I come in. I have always been quick to forgive; I may not forget right away but I definitely forgive. I am the person that will give up on someone they love if it will make them happy. It hasn't really happened yet in that way but this summer I have had to give someone up. I want my friends to be happy, more than anything. I put away my own feelings so that they may be happy. Sometimes you just know that you can't be with someone. It's not easy to let go but it's easier than the alternative, whatever that may be. Gale knows he can't be with Katniss, he truly does.

And that makes me love him even more.