Going on a weekend trip to Las Vegas with my best friend was one of my best experiences in my life. Not only did get to visit the wonder of Vegas itself, but i also got to view some of the coolest places in the United States. Caesars Palace is probably my most memorable walk throughs due to the sheer beauty of the palace. The marble statues of the Greeks are absolutely stunning up close and give you a real appreciation for sculptures. If anyone is ever in Vegas, caesars palace is a must visit
Farrington Field was the home field for my high school’s football field. The concrete cathedral was completed in 1939 and was where my mother cheered in high school and where my brother and I played football together. The stadium was erected in honor of a group of orphan children who miraculously won the Texas state championship in the early 1930s. The stadium is a staple in the Fort Worth community and I have many fond memories of both watching and playing football there. I very much enjoyed the historical aspect of the stadium and game days were particularly special because of the old school nature of the locker room and other facilities. It was much like stepping back in time. Unfortunately, the stadium is soon to be demolished. I am so grateful to be one of the last few players to play in the stadium. The stadium was simple and entirely concrete. However, it had beautiful facades of players in leather helmets and early-twentieth century uniforms. I think it’s a shame to replace it. 
I thought traveling to Paris was a dream come true but Italy blew Paris out of the water for me. I was very fortunate to be able to study abroad with PLC to Italy last summer. I have already been thinking about when I can go again because it was a trip of a lifetime. This blog is about the pantheon and wow was it an interesting building. The pantheon was super bright and natural inside and I felt like I was still outside yet in the shade. This was because there are no windows in the pantheon and there is a massive hole /opening at the top of the dome like structure that allows the natural light and nature inside. The Pantheon was carved so perfectly and had geometric patterns throughout the whole structure. The Pantheon was actually first built to honor all Gods and the hole in the top was to connect the people to the gods. I thought the pantheon would just be another basic building but once I walked inside and saw the masterpiece with my own eyes I was taken aback by the tranquility and beauty. I had a sense of peace and curiosity. The pantheon was built so long ago that no one truly knows when it was built. It amazes many architects because the building is still standing today and has survived so much. Many buildings that are close to the Pantheons age have not survived and it’s amazing that the Pantheon did and the condition that it is in is still incredible. The Pantheon is massive and made me feel small but in a good way. It made me reflect and have a sense of calmness and peace. I was able to just walk and look up and feel good and happy. I think the design is incredible and amazing and if it has lasted this long, I have no doubt that it has many many years to stay standing. (I took this picture myself!)
The Devon Energy Center is in the Engineering Quad of OU’s campus. The first time I visited I thought very little of it because I was only there momentarily. However, once I explored the building more I found a new appreciated for it. There is a terrace on the top floor that allows you to see a clear view of our campus. The giant windows on the side of the building allow for an amazing amount of natural light to come in, which I really enjoy the most. Also, there is plenty of nice study space in the building on the various levels. You can also see below at the first floor from other floors above. One of the best parts is that it is connected to the underground tunnel system that connects most of the buildings in that quad.
The Chick-fil-a in Norman will always hold a special place in my heart. I have always been considered an extremely picky eater and after moving to Norman I found myself consistently disappointed by almost every fast food restaurant I went to. The first time I went to the Chick-fil-a in Norman, it instantly brought me a feeling of home (because I regularly ate at therein high school). The station where the employees stand is so friendly and welcoming. It made me feel like I was back at the my home town chick-fil-a. Also, the new layout of the restaurant and drive thru greatly improved efficiency and made it an even more pleasant experience than before.
Chesapeake Energy Arena is home to the Oklahoma City Thunder and many other world class events. Its construction was completed in 2002 and its doors were open to all. In 2013 the arena underwent some significant renovations improving on the customer experience. The outside of the arena is so interesting to me, because there are so many windows that reflect the beautiful Oklahoma sunset on specific days. When you’re inside, there is so much natural light that you just feel rejuvenated when stepping into the building.
This arena has so many good memories for me, including going to several New Orleans Pelicans games while they were relocated to OKC during hurricane Katrina. I’ve also been to over 30 Thunder Games so i am always more than happy to return to the arena.
Sea World is an aquatic amusement park in San Antonio Texas. It is part of the top 10 attractions in Texas that provides people with more knowledge of marine life. Though the park voluntarily canceled showings of killer whales in 2016 to prevent animal suffering and unethical captivity, Sea world still offers many other fun activities. When I went there, it was mandatory in my family that we ride all of the rides, including the horrifying roller coasters. The scariest one was the Steel Eel. We were not allowed to do anything else in the park until I rode it and in the very front. After nearly vomiting on everyone behind me, my family and I would enjoy the other marine life in the aquatic rooms. There were fishes of all kinds in these huge aquariums. Being an animal lover, this sight was breathtaking every time. They had another park called Aquatica that was a water park. There are different parts of the park such as a kid’s area and insanely big water slides. Sea World was the best place to go when I was a kid. When I think of the times my family and I would go, I would remember how simpler things use to be. I would think about how my childhood and how happy my family was when spending time together. If you’re ever in texas, go to Sea World.
The Bradshaw Estate is a family heirloom, a well known piece of property located on Waco’s westside. The main house is a 1903 Greek-Revival build that was owned and maintained by my ancestors, Mr. and Mrs. Leo Bradshaw, throughout the second half of the twentieth century. The Bradshaws owned Cogdell’s Department Store, of which was later turned into a gun shop. They also helped establish Cogdell Methodist Church (Cogdell was my great-ancestral last name). The house is dominated by dark wood floors and ornate furnishings and decorations. A large porch extends from the back with a beautiful view of the surrounding Texas plains. The surrounding neighborhood was built as part of Camp McArthur, a World-War I training camp. The house and its history fascinates me. It is a part of my heritage. It was where my ancestors spent their holidays, where my grandparents got married, etc. The property was recently purchased by the famous celebrity renovators Chip and Joanna Gaines who remodeled the estate. I am encouraged knowing that the building is receiving the newfound love and care that it deserves.
Independence Hall is a building that sticks my inner patriot and enforced the reason why I joined the military. Being able to see independence hall was a really cool experience because its where the footings were poured for the foundation of this country. The architecture is Gregorian and its set up like the White House with a main building then two halls on each side that have there purposes one side was the court room. the other side is the second picture where all of the congressman for the 13 colonies met and where the Declaration of Independence was signed into action. The chair pictured is where George Washington sat to lead these early meetings that lead to the creation of everything we now have.
Price Hall is a building I go in and out of almost every day of the week. It symbolizes professionalism and education to me. Most faculty members are very open minded and welcome you with open arms. The students as well: it is home to numerous organizations that want to better your professionalism and networking abilities as well as bettering your academic career. Price Hall creates for an amazing learning environment that promotes various professional and academic opportunities.