Sunday, May 23, 2010

Birthdays, Goodbyes, and Prom, Oh My!

Hello and happy weekend!  This weekend has been pretty busy but really wonderful, filled with happy moments with friends and family and some bittersweet goodbyes as Matt and I prepare to move (tear.)  So, this is a bit of a mish mosh of a post, but I want to document and squeeze in all the last few memories as we prepare to leave the place we’ve called home for the past four years.  Enough of that, the tears are beginning to well, so I’ll move onto to the post :)

DSCN2552 Thursday night was a birthday celebration for our friend Natalia.  We went to one of our favorite spots for dinner (the same place we went for my birthday dinner last month.)  I am loving her dress!

DSCN2533 Matt and I looking like “that” couple in our matching blazers.  Totally unplanned, I swear.

DSCN2534 Norma and I shamefully sitting with our Blackberrys on the table.  That is sad, seriously, and after seeing this picture, I’m slightly embarrassed.  Note to self: put it in my purse next time.

DSCN2542 Nati, her chocolate mousse bombe, and her birthday sparkler.  The sparkler went out before we could get a picture, so Norma and I smiled and asked nicely if the waiter could redo it.  He laughed.  We didn’t.  He went and got another one for a redo.  The things that are necessary for birthday photos :)

DSCN2548 Of course we couldn’t end the night without a self shot lol.  These people have been a part of my daily life for the past 3-4 years and its weird to think about how different that will be in a week :/  Luckily, we got to squeeze in a last birthday celebration for Nati, and we’re excited for Norma’s celebration tomorrow night!

16735_762270631548_16735515_43189374_4863292_n  Friday was my last day at my job and a really hard day.  I’ve talked before about my how much I love my job and leaving it is the hardest thing about moving to Chicago.  My job and my students have been such a special part of my life for so long now, that I hate imagining my days without them.  The worst part of the day was certainly saying goodbye to my boss.  (The picture above is us at one of our winter events.)  I cried just walking into her office.  I couldn’t even look her in the eye, and I couldn't begin to choke out any words.  And just to make me cry even harder, she gave me the most beautiful photo album/scrapbook filled with photos and messages from students, past and present as well as coworkers.  I cried just opening it.  Later, after I left the office with mascara half way down my face, I sat in car reading all the notes and messages, crying even harder.  It is the most beautiful thing I’ve even seen, and now holds the title for the “first thing I would grab if my house was on fire.”  Though it was an incredibly rough day and I’m depressed about leaving, I’m trying to remember that good things and new opportunities are ahead of me…(Yes, must repeat…good things and new opportunities are ahead of me…)  Positive thinking, right?

DSCN2561   Luckily, my brother’s prom was Friday, so I couldn’t wallow in my last-day-of-work-sadness too long.  After work, I drove to Houston to see THIS little cutie.  I mean seriously?  Have you ever seen a more handsome little dude?!  Eeeek, I have the cutest little brother EVER!

DSCN2562 Ryan and the parentals.  So cute!

DSCN2563 A quick family self shot before we hit the road :)

We took this video as my brother and I pulled out of the neighborhood with my parents following behind.  I don’t know why I love it so much, but it was such a fun moment, and I was lucky to capture a few seconds of it.  I have a feeling I’ll be watching this on repeat when I’m homesick in Chicago.  (Depending on how loud you play the video, you may be able to hear my squeaky giggling in the background lol.)

DSCN2576 Ry and his date, Loren.  She was so precious.  Is it weird that I want to steal a high schooler’s prom dress?  (Ok, not steal, but you know what I mean.)  For realz, how cute is she and how gorgeous is her dress?  Much different than my poufy pink high school prom get up :)

DSCN2617 Oh how fast he has grown up :(

IMG_1366 Luckily, Ryan isn’t “too cool” to take a pic with his big sis, even when all his friends are around :)  After the pictures, the laughs, and the limo, my parents and I headed to dinner then back to anxiously wait up for my brother.  I’m starting to realize being a parent is an exhausting job!

This morning, my mom and I woke up early, and like our usual Saturday mornings when I’m in Houston, we hit the garage sale trail.  We found lots of fabulous treasures (including some great vintage jewelry), though I’m scared to see what Matt says when I lug the loot inside our apartment tomorrow.  We’re supposed to be moving our stuff out, not in.  Oops :)  Then my fam and I spent the afternoon soaking up some rays at the pool and enjoying some fajitas grill side.  Oh how I love weekends at home.  I’m sure going to miss them…

So though I’m sad and a little nervous about all the goodbyes coming up this week, I’m thankful for such a great weekend full fabulous memories with friends, coworkers, and family.  No matter how far away I am from my loved ones, I’ll always have my memories, and for that, I am so grateful :)

How was your weekend?  I’d love to hear!

10 comments:

caknitter said...

I love the video. Your little brother sounds like he is going to or had a great time at the prom.
Ah, those were the days...the only worries were boys, clothes, and grades.
Thanks for sharing your weekend.

Tina said...

Ohhh guys are all the same but garage sales are the best!! lol good luck with everything with the move!! It must be so hard to say all those goodbyes but as long as you keep them in your heart than it'll be okay :)

Unknown said...

Looks like fun!!! Cute cute cute:-)

Kendall and Brooks said...

Few Things:

1.) I think I am going to have to post some pics from our Prom photo shoot - that should be hysterical.

2.) I am so proud of you and Matt and all your accomplishments! This move to Chicago is going to be great for you guys! Have no fear, because I KNOW when you were moving to C.S. you probably felt the same way, and look how amazing the past few years have been for you there! I love you and miss you!!!!

Amber's Notebook said...

You and your brother are so cute!! Good luck on all the things coming up in your life!

Anonymous said...

It looks like you had a beautiful weekend!

P.S. I can't believe how fantastic you are about getting pictures up -- I'm truly terrible about putting all our photos on the computer and posting them (family and friends are ALWAYS giving me a hard time). Kudos! :)

Miss Southern Prep said...

I just found your blog and it's so cute! It looks like you had a wonderful weekend! Good luck with your upcoming move!

Amanda* said...

Adorable brother!

Dave and Jenny McIntosh said...

What a great weekend after a sad Friday! I don't like your empty desk...or Norma being in it (sorry Norma). Let's hope we can both survive another see you later...later this week! Your brother is adorable-too bad I have run out of sisters!

Federico Panarello said...

funny photos...i like that!!!