Oh, airports...

...I love them. Not only do I enjoy flying in general, but it's usually such a happy place. If not happy, then bittersweet. People reuniting, little kids running to their mommies, and couples waving at each other as one rides the escalator all the way up to go through security. It's a horridly romantic place (I'm sure it used to be more romantic in the days before 9/11, but whatever). Also, if you haven't seen the movie "Love Actually" you need to do so immediately. Go. Now. Then come back and finish reading my post.
When Kevin and I were long distance I got to know airports all too well- especially Spokane and Sacramento International. Many tearful goodbyes were had but also many AWESOME reunion smooches.

We shared one particularly awesome kiss at this baggage claim in Sacramento. It made old ladies stare.

We both believed that when I moved to California we would probably never have those moments again.
However, tomorrow I leave for Spokane and Kevin is driving me to the airport. We'll be apart for the longest time ever since getting engaged (almost 2 weeks) and we're both not looking forward to it. But, then he'll be in Spokane with me. And then, a few short days later, we'll be married. (And then we fly to MEXICO! ...but that's not the point of this blog...)
I can't believe our two year engagement is almost over. Two years of planning and stress and deadlines with vendors all will come down to us saying "I do".
So, another airport tomorrow and probably some tears. But, next time I fly into Sacramento I will be arriving with my husband.
17 days and counting!

Second Post of the Day: BIG NEWS!

This is worth two posts in one day...
Saturday I received some EXCELLENT news in the mail. Contingent on the state of California having sufficient funds I am a recipient of the Title IVE Stipend!
I will be receiving 18,500 a year for my two years of the Master's program. That comes out to about 1,850 a month (for the months I'm in school, so I'd better save it up for summers!). In return, I agree to work for the state of California for two years after my graduation to make up for it (or pay the money back outright).
So, yay! It means four more years in California, but that's better than me NOT getting the stipend and then possibly not attending grad school.
If everyone could cross your fingers that the state doesn't run out of money in the next two years that would be really stellar. Thanks!

So... Where was I?

I've been meaning to blog ever since Kayla, Cassie, and Charlene left. It was such a fantastic weekend and I felt so loved to have three people come all the way from Washington to support me.
Kayla came on Thursday and the fun didn't stop until she left (Love you, big sis!). We started out with some delicious In-N-Out burger since we were both a bit too poor to stick to our tradition of sushi. Then we just chilled until Kevin came home... then we went to the best Chinese place in the world- Hop Sing Palace!
Yes, please. We left (waddled) with very bellies and went home to play some Uno.
The next day Kayla and I spent the morning and early afternoon doing two things. Firstly, my final wedding dress fitting. Kayla learned how to lace it up tightly to make me look all skinny and gorgeous. No, there will be no pictures, Kevin might see, and we are very serious about him not seeing me in the dress for 26 (!) more days. Then we cruised around Old Folsom in search of a BLT and a beer. It was nice to window shop and hang out with my sissy-lala

Possibly the best part of Old Folsom- the candy shop! Two tiramisu truffles, please!

That night was spent at the bar with friends and then we came home to Cassie and Charlene being in our parking lot! Yay! Not too many shenanigans were had (except moscato soaked peaches!), as graduation was at 8:00 the next morning! Yikes.
Kevin didn't bother bringing my camera to graduation because he was video taping it for Mama, so I Have no pictures of me in the hat with my summa cum laude honor cord or anything. But, I can tell you that I looked goofy and tired. Tres tired.
No time for sleep, though... it was time to party!




Yes, we play board games at our parties, what about it? Other than Cassie, Charlene and Kayla, Anna also made an appearance, as did Zach (who will make it to the wedding!) and Ricky and Elizabeth. Ricky ate four of those cupcakes. He must love funfetti as much as I do.
Heh. I wonder if he reads this...

After a really long day we had to go to bed to get some energy for another long day... girls day in San Francisco (no Kevins allowed).
We didn't get to do too much as it was only one day. We did walk on the Wharf and check out the cute shops, and then go to Ghiradelli square for some hot chocolate (at where else?) and some cupcakes at Kara's Cupcakes. After that the rest of our time was spent in the zoo.
I'll leave you with some pictures! And a big thank you to Mama, Aunt Vicky, Cyndie, and Bonnie and Jerry for the graduation cards and wishes!