Julianne; brother's wedding, work

this weekend marks the culmination of one of the best years of my life. i've concluded my freshman year and it's time to head home for the summer. that means saying goodbye to my dorm mate and getting ready for the summer.

Julianne

i had been talking to this southern californian for about a month via telephone, text and e-mail prior to that september 14 day when i moved into what would be my home for the next nine months.

i'd never had a roommate before, despite my large number of siblings. i arrived in the morning and moved my things into our room. it wasn't long before i heard this "hi. Kasey?" it was this sweet girl who would become not only my roommate, but my best friend and "partner in crime" as well.

we've studied together, confided in each other, partied together, prepared food for each other ... well, you get the idea.

i've been so fortunate to have been around a girl such as Julianne ("Jules") this year. she's kept me grounded and said i've done the same for her. this has been a new experience for each of us and i can't put into words what it has meant to me to have her here. fortunately, we have arranged already to share a room next year as well.

today i said goodbye -- no, "see you later" -- to Jules for the summer (though i may make a trip to visit her native oxnard this summer).

it was very difficult and emotional to say goodbye to someone who has been such an integral part of my life these last nine months. the tears wouldn't seem to stop. watching her drive away was akin to seeing my parents and baby sister drive away on that lonely september day.

i shall miss Jules these next few months.

summer full of plans

school is over, but not my time in the bay area. i my brother and his fiance will exchange their marriage vows on june 25 in Carla's home town of san jose.

i will stay with them (in my room at their place) until tuesday before driving home for a week. the following tuesday, my dad and i will drive down to assist Brian and Carla in any way we can, then celebrate with them on their wedding day the following saturday.

while my brother and his new wife are on their honeymoon, i will house sit for them when much of the rest of my family will head back to portland.

i'm looking forward to the week of house sitting, as i will be joined by my sisters, three-and-a-half year old Monika and 14-year-old Angela. there is also a strong possibility 17-year-old Jessica will join us as well (she wants to; has to figure out some band scheduling). that would be an amazing week if the four of us had a chance to spend it together in san francisco. the three -- or four -- of us will drive back the following sunday, just a couple days before independence day.

i'll spend july, august and the beginning of september owrking for my family's business outside of portland. my mom is the general manager, but as acting operations manager, i'll be able to give her some time off to enjoy her summer, as well as fulfill her u.s. army reserve responsibilities.

so, that's what's going on with me. any questions?

~ Kassandra