SURPRISE!... aka 'Home'

Surprising people is one of the greatest joys of my life.  That's why I was sooooo excited about three weeks ago when I decided to buy a ticket HOME.  I hadn't been planning on going home in May, but after I decided to move out of the nanny house, it was as if God put a little bug in my ear: "Lisa, why don't you go home for a few days after the semester is over?"  So I thought about it for a couple days, bought a ticket, and then didn't tell anyone besides Kristen about my trip. And it was wonderful.  I really don't think I could have found a more perfect time to be home.

When I asked Kristen if she could pick me up from the airport, her first response was excitement that I was coming, and her second response, when hearing I would arrive at 9:40pm on Wednesday, was, "Lisa, that's during LOST!"  I told her she could wait until LOST was over to come get me; I know she would have done the same for me :-).

I couldn't wait to surprise my mom and Suzanne.  With Suzanne's birthday on the 5th, Mothers' Day on the 10th, and Mom's birthday on the 14th, I split the difference but planned my trip to be able to celebrate with them.  I've missed A LOT of birthdays and A LOT of Mothers' Days and I was so glad I could make it home this year.  They were both sleeping when I arrived on Wednesday night and were quite shocked and a little disturbed to see me when I woke them from their slumber :-).  I think, "What are you doing here??" was the question of choice.

Thursday I spent the day with my bestest friend in the whole world and my 'niece' Evie, who turned 1 year old on the 4th!  So good to just BE with them--eating, talking, walking, drinking tea--as always.  And that day plans were in the works for the second big surprise of the trip.  I was legitimately so sad that I would miss Derek's graduation from FPU until I bought my ticket, and then I was fake-sad.  Hehe.  Because Thursday night, when Derek finished his last class and thesis presentation, I was sitting on his couch (thanks to Ralph!) shouting "Congratulations!" when he opened the door to his apartment.  I will say it's MUCH more fun to surprise people who are awake.  I'm pretty sure he stood in the door, mouth open, for at least 30 seconds while Ralph and I laughed.  You see, one of the greatest joys of my life :-)

Friday I spent the day with my mom, who took the day off work.  We had a huge and delicious breakfast at the Rodeo Cafe, did a little shopping, and then bought some fresh strawberries--yum!  Fresh produce is definitely one of the things I miss most about California.  That evening Suzanne and I had some quality sister-time over sushi and Bloody Marys in Tower, and then I met up with Derek, Ralph and Marky for some more drinks and a little bit of dancing across the street.  Fun times!

Saturday was the day of events!  It started at 10am with Randy & Angie's Discernment Group.  I didn't get to see them at Christmas, so I was so glad I got to be there for this AND that they decided NOT to move to Alaska!  Then it was off to a 12:45 hair appointment, which resulted in me now infamously going blond (an accident, I swear!), and then Derek's graduation!  So so glad I got to be there for this HUGE occasion!  Not to mention getting to see my pals Becky & Jen, and Derek's sister Cassy. From there it was straight to Suzanne's family birthday celebration at BC's, where I got to see my grandparents, my aunts, and Steve and Eric. And then it was off to Derek's graduation party at Plaza Ventana and the after-party at The Circle, where I got to see my girl Andi and do some shadow-box dancing. Lol.  SO MUCH FUN! :-)

Sunday was Mothers' Day, spent with Mom and Suzanne over brunch and games.  And did I mention I single-handedly assembled a patio table?  Then in the evening it was off to Grandpa Freeman's 85th birthday celebration!  Got to spend time with him, Dad, Sheila, Aunt Kathy and Clare, and Uncle Jess over Armenian food and delicious cake.  Followed by some delightful parking lot stalking with Becky & Jen.  Who would have thought the McDonald's parking lot would be such a happening place on Sunday night?

Monday was filled with people I love: coffee with Randy, afternoon with Kristen & Evie, dinner with Cass, Panera with Josh Schroeder, rounded out by Yodigity with Derek (and him pushing me around the parking lot in a Rite Aid shopping cart).  And Tuesday morning Suzanne took me to the airport and I flew home to DC.

One of the reasons I decided I'd like to have home be in the States is so I can be a part of important events and occasions.  Flying across the country may be difficult at times, but it's nothing compared to flying across the world, which is often impossible.  I'm so glad I didn't let three time zones keep me from being home last week for all the festivities.  Thanks God, for putting the bug in my ear.  And thanks friends, for making it so special!