Wow

So it wasn't until I got a friendly comment reminder from Meagan that I realized it has been nearly a month since I posted last! Everything has been so crazy, it's been hard to find even a few minutes to jot down some new happenings. But this morning, I am going to take those minutes and work them over like they need to be, and put off grading the rest of my students' drafts for a little bit longer.

When I got back from Japan I pretty much hit the ground running. I arrived in Charlotte Sunday night after about 24 hours of travelling. The next morning I was driving to school to begin my workweek. I taught two classes that day, and I admit I was a little out of it by my 3:30 class. But there was no time for jet-lag. I had my own classes to take on Tuesday. I think the schedule forced me to readjust my body clock pretty quickly... OR maybe I haven't adjusted yet- I don't think I have stopped long enough to notice!

It has been a busy time since getting back. OF course in grad school there is always something to read or write, and now to grade. But I love it. And I really can't complain- one of the reasons I am so busy this weekend is because two weekends ago my mother paid me a surprise visit, which was awesome! I was just sitting reading Passage to India waiting for Todd to get home. When the door opened and I heard my mom's voice, I was in shock! It was so nice to have her here. And she was here for my surprise birthday party! Todd and Mary had been plotting a birthday party for me since I had been in Japan for my actual birthday. It was great, complete with a pink princess cupcake cake (tiara and sceptor included)and lots of my favorite foods from the Asian Mart.

Then last weekend, Todd took me on a cruise to the Bahamas. While we were in Nassau, Todd asked me to marry him. It was so nice. It was formal night, so he was in a suit- not something you see often. We had just had a wonderful dinner and a bottle of wine. We were taking a walk around the boat and ended up at the front of the ship admiring the stars, and that's when he took the ring out. I absolutely love it- and rather than explain it- I will just post a picture.
So we are very excited about that! Although still no date or anything like that. We are thinking next summer sometime.

I can't believe I have been back for almost a month now. SO much has happened, yet it has gone by so quickly! And I must catch up as time keeps whirling by. So before I can plan a wedding, I think I have to go grade some personal narratives!