Trending On Facebook

I would really like to let everyone know that my university is trending on Facebook as I type. We developed/found seaweed that tastes like bacon but is healthier than kale. Take that all you superior athletic schools. We have bacon seaweed.

But for real. I know its been a while and I apologize. I promise I haven't buried myself in a pile of blankets somewhere and wasted away. Things have been heating up in regards to wedding planning which also means that the grief monster is rearing its ugly head once more. Lucky me.

I have been blessed with a lot of really incredible people in my life, but no one can take the place of mom and I am realizing just how true this is as the wedding draws nearer. I went to my last fitting solo and grappled with the fact that they have to alter the neckline solo. The dress I walk down the aisle in will no longer be the exact dress my mom saw when she came with me the day I bought it. Who knew that a an inch of tulle would be so emotional. Also tough? Venting. I have great support systems all over the United States, but an angry text just isn't the same and ranting and pacing around the room while mom tells me that I'm being ridiculous in the comforting way that only a mother can. I guess I just never thought that she would't be there.

I just returned from a long weekend in Vegas and for those I didn't see, I apologize. It was a quick decision to just de-stress. I spent most of the weekend on a couch with Sarah and Mary watching Netflix and eating obscene amounts of food. I live the glamorous life don't I? It was interesting though to be out and about in Vegas remembering when we lived there. I think we drove past the doctor's office where they told mom that the spot in her mouth was just a spot for years. We drove past my grandma's nail salon where I first got my nails professionally done and mom was shocked at the colors I chose; neon blue and green french tips. Fifth grade me was a stunner. We had brunch at the Draft House where ten year old me complained into mom's ear about how hot the chicken strips were. Little did she know that I didn't mean temperature wise. That is, until she took a bite. And so many more memories. The time I accidentally gave her a sample of a jalepeno chip in the grocery store. The time the sprinkler system at school broke and turned the grass into a marsh and I tried to surf on it. Even with all the memories though, it was a great trip. Coming home was the hard part strangely.

When I went to Costa Rica, mom got up at 3 am to take me to the airport. She also stayed up until close to 2 am the day I came home so she could pick me up at the airport. I half expected to see her this time.

So much has changed. So much will be different. But at least we are trending on Facebook.

Until next time,

Karina