April Craziness

Whew, this has been a BUSY few weeks. Work has been crazy, as usual, and the weekends have been the best. Here's a bit of what we've been up to:

The weekend of April 4th, Krystle visited! The weather was the most perfect beach weather I've experienced since I've been here. Florida was obviously trying to convince her to stay here forever. We did nothing but relax, eat, and drink. We celebrated Eric's birthday on that Friday night at Guanabanas, where Cas Haley and El Dub were playing, and holy CRAP it was awesome.

Eric with Cas Haley and El Dub

I love visitors, especially this one!

Tell me this isn't a perfect view.

Last weekend was my birthday weekend. We all know how much I hate my birthday. I didn't tell anyone at the school about it. People convinced me to go out to dinner, which I did, and it ended up being one of the best birthdays ever. Eric and I ate at Hog Snappers with Kristin, Ben, Katie, and Paul, then headed over to Tequesta Brewing Company for some beer, followed by some late-night swimming at the beach.... living here has made me feel so much more at peace with myself, including aging. It's all about celebrating life. And I got to spend my birthday with new friends, and with Kristin for the first time in 10 years. I'm looking forward to lots more happy birthdays in Florida. I missed all of my friends and family back home, but I got so many birthday wishes, cards, and gifts that I felt like I was still with all of you! THANK YOU!

Easter decorations from my mom

My mom knows me well <3

Perfect, meaningful bracelet from Lauren Ann <3

The next day was Heather's going away party. Heather has been one of Kristin's best friends since she moved down here, and I have felt like I've known her since then, even though I only actually met her once before moving here. She is moving to the Caribbean for vet school, which is SO COOL for her, but it really sucks that one of the few friends I have here is moving so far away. So we had a great time hanging out and playing games at her house with all her friends and family. We even played Catchphrase, which brought back some good Game Night memories with the crew back in Jerz ;)

This week has been ridiculous with work. The pressure is really on, with the end of the school year coming and all. But I am dealing with it okay. I am starting to be able to sleep in a little later in the morning. I don't wake up til 6:30 now... baby steps, okay? Baby steps. I am getting there. I can say with certainty now that winter is over that I am much better able to cope with any anxiety and depression here in Florida. Plus, I get awesome notes from the kids at the school that really make me feel like I am there for a reason. No matter how shitty I feel, I know that kids are really getting something out of me being there.

From an 8th grader who sells weed to the other kids and cuts school to smoke. Powerful.

In wedding news, Eric and I have updated our wedding website (mazzdeeg.com), AND I finally got my wedding shoes! So, we have been going going going nonstop for the past several weeks. 

Luckily, I have a three-day weekend coming up. I'm starting it off by watching the first Flyers vs. Rangers playoff game! Easter weekend will be strange without family, but Eric and I are planning to make it a good one :)