Crazy busy week (and I'm happy for all of it!)

Yesterday- grocery store, ran outside (4 miles!), got my hair cut and colored (much lighter still uncertain on it), errands, home to clean and get food organized for the week, dinner with B, more work in the kitchen.

Today- awful car incident (see earlier post), work until 8, then my cousin arrives at our house! He has an interview for a job in Japan, so he's coming today and staying with us until Thursday. We're having a good dinner tonight, hanging out, etc.

Wed- I work until 4, go home and get ready FOR MY MOM TO COME!!!! My mom and Ralph (her adorable boyfriend - sounds like they are five but I don't know another word to use!) are coming tomorrow around 6:30 p.m. and staying until Sat. They're coming down for my graduation, and I can't wait to see them. I haven't seen them since Christmas! We'll have 7 for dinner- Jamaican Jerk Pork Tenderloin, a savory squash dish, broccoli, and a Chocolate Peanut butter Torte. YUM! I started marinating the meat last night, and the marinade smells absolutely delish!!!! I can't wait to try it.

Thursday- workout with the fam, get ready for the big event, head down to UIC, and graduate at 1 p.m. (I can't wait to show you all how hideous and weird this gown and hood are!! There are wings and a tail- not kidding!). Attend the post graduation gathering, head home for a few moments of relaxation, and then dinner downtown at a newer restaurant we've been excited to try.

Friday- Mom, Ralph, and I will hang out all day while B is at work. We'll take a long walk, shop some, perhaps work in the garden a bit. Then we are having another cousin (he lives here) over for dinner. Steaks on the grill, potato salad, veggies on the grill, etc. It's supposed to be nice, so we'll eat out back on the patio.

Sat- Long walk/run at the lake front with everyone. Then Mom and Ralph will get ready to go back to MI. B and I are joining our friends after they leave for a pub crawl sponsored by one of the local radio stations. It's always a great kick off to summer and a great day to hang out with our friends. It's 9 bars in 8 hours (insane!) so we'll be home as soon as it's over to recoup!! I can never "hang" with the boys, so I'm usually just along for the diet cokes and the fun conversations that happen about the fourth or fifth bar!!

Sunday- Church, cleaning, relaxing, and packing for Spain!!!!!

Wowzers- it's going to be a hectic 6 days, but I am so thankful that I have so many things to look forward to. I can't wait to officially graduate and to spend some quality time with my mom.

I'm quite behind on my reader, and though I am trying hard to comment, it may be sporadic at best until next week!!! I am still thinking about you all and trying to catch up during the few slow moments at work.