Hesitant, Hopeful

It's possible that it may come as no surprise that I made it to California safe and sound.  We left on Friday morning, getting here on Sunday afternoon after stopping Saturday night in Flagstaff.  It was nice to catch up with my Aunt Sue, since I'd not seen her in 12 years, and along the way I was able to see my grandma, which was really important for me because she's not at all in good health.  It's strange, but seeing my aunt again was really comfortable, like I'd just seen her last week, even after all these years!!

So, since getting here, I've just been hanging out with my folks and sister which has been great since I haven't seen them in more than two years.  On Sunday afternoon my sister, Staci, and her family came over to say hello, which was... well, it was what it was.  Staci and I haven't been close since we were small, but it was nice to see her nonetheless.

Last night I had dinner with Jodi.  It was amazing to see her after all these years!!  Before dinner the other night, we hadn't seen one another in 11 years.  We went out to IHOP, where we had dinner and caught up for about four hours.  We had a lot to say, a lot of catching up to do, and I think between us we could have sat and talked another four hours, at least.   I was really nervous to see her, for a lot of reasons, some of them shallow (like my weight), but I feel like we had a really nice time.

Today I went with mom and Candi to do some running around.  We went to Target, had WoodGrill Buffet, which was delicious, and went to Lane Bryant, Fashion Bug, and Kohls.  I tried on several different things but walked away with a new dress, a shirt, and a little coin purse-type wallet.  My mom actually bought me the dress (thanks, mom!!).  This is actually a huge thing because I don't normally wear dresses.  I've never found one that I liked, or that didn't make me look like the broad side of a barn.  We went to Lane Bryant so I could try something on, but the dress I got came from Fashion Bug.  It fits great, and makes me look more slender than I am, and the best part is that it's two sizes smaller than I normally wear.  For whatever reason, the cut fits me really well.  Not going to look a gift horse in the mouth on this one, just going to be grateful and move on.

Tomorrow, not sure but I think we might go to a bakery out in Apple Valley and have cupcakes.  Yay!!  Then, Friday, I'll probably go spend some time with Jodi and Shannon, though I've not emailed Jodi back yet, so I'm not sure when.  Then, unless I decide to stay another few days, I'll be leaving with my aunt on Saturday sometime, but again, not sure when.

I've been thinking I'd stay a few more days, until next Wednesday, and take the train home.  It'd only cost me $133 one-way from Ontario, CA to Temple, TX, but I wouldn't be home until Friday.  This would have me missing two classes, but also it would leave Matt home alone another four days, and me trapped on a train with my teeth hurting.  So, I don't know that I'll be doing that.  As much as I want to stay, I don't think I can miss class since I have two assignments due in one and have already missed one of the other.  Still thinking it through.

So, there you have it.  I'm here, I'm having a good time.   I am missing Matt, and Anakin, and Galileo, but seeing my folks has been really nice.  Now, I'm off to get some sleep because it's 11pm here and I'm not feeling good.  Happy St. Patrick's Day!!