I Wanna Wake Up in Texas..!

Have you ever seen the Texas episode of SpongeBob??? Where Sandy is feeling homesick so SpongeBob & Patrick throw her a big party & she sings her awesome TEXAS SONG!? Well, I sing that song all the time- especially when I'm headed home. I just can't wait to fly home and "wake up in Texas." <3 nbsp="" p="">
I had been planning this trip back home for several months now. There was a lot of things I had to take care of, aside from visiting my family and friends, of course. A major part of the trip was getting my Bridesmaid Dress! The last time I was in San Antonio I had been measured and finally the dresses were here! They're so pretty and look wonderful on all the girls. Now all I need to do is find heels to go with and get it trimmed (by a lot).
Along with the wedding, I had to be a buffer between Sarah, Bride-to-Be, and her hair stylist, my mother! It was an idea I threw out there several months ago as well, but neither of them had gotten up the courage or taken the initiative to talk things over with the other person. So, in order to get the ball rolling, I offered to arrange a meeting between the two of them. It's understandable, of course. My mom has known Sarah since she was in high school with my sister, but she's my friend. I'm glad I was able to get them together to work things out!

Then, of course, I couldn't forget about my sister! I really wanted to try and be back in Texas in September, so that I could celebrate her birthday! Suzette's birthday is September 14th, and sure it's way early, but I wanted to do something with her! We managed to work it all out that she would drive from El Paso (she literally just moved there a month ago) the very same weekend I was visiting. Even if there were a few complications, I'm glad she managed to make it..!

And last, but most certainly, not least: San Japan! I used to go every year with the Harkiewiczes, but I had to miss last year! Everything I had to take care of in San Antonio revolved around the convention0 because WHY NOT!? And with so much happening the past week, here's a full rundown of the days I was home...

Wednesday, August 30th:
I usually take early flights from Orlando to Texas in order to spend more time with the family, but there really was no point this time around. With Mom working and Nicky at school, there wasn't anyone to pick me up (A), and B, I wouldn't have anyone to hang out with... So this time around, I got to leave in the afternoon! It was an easy flight. It was the 1st time I flew with JetBlue, and I am certainly a fan! They're quite cheap and they have excellent Guest Service: Free TV Service, lovely Attendants, and lots of really great snacks!
In order to bring just my one carry-on luggage, I made sure to keep two big items out: my Kigurumi and Hogwarts Robe. People kept giving me weird looks. I walked onto the plane carrying both of them, pretending one was my jacket and the other a blanket, haha. But midway through the flight I got cold... Aaaand, after much debate, I slipped on the Kigu! The older gentlemen next to me kept looking over. I really thought he was thinking me mad, but when we were disembarking, he spoke to me. He loved the Kigu and thought it was a brilliant idea to bring it along!
After several flights now, I've come to the realization that FOR SOME STRANGE REASON, flight to Austin are waaaaay cheaper than to San Antonio. (WHY?) Luckily, Austin is only about an hour from home, so I waited till my mom picked me up. We spent the whole drive home talking about everything that was new, discussing dinner plans, and listening to her favorite country jams. You know, one of my absolute favorite things about being home, is getting to eat some home cooked meals.  It's all I ever want. But, of course, my mom bugged me the whole way home asking what kind of food I wanted her to make. Lol

Thursday, August 31st:
In light of everything happening in Houston with the Hurricane, my mother was almost called away to assist with the Relief Team. Although it would have been fantastic for her to have gone and assisted, she never got called in all weekend. There seemed to have been too many nurses already flown into the Eastern Region of Texas affected by the Hurricane. Instead, she remained in San Antonio as assisting nurse in the shelters they opened downtown. I really must do a shout out to her and the other Relief Team Members that put in such a wonderful effort. That's true Texan Pride, right there. I even learned that H-E-B was a main contributor to supplying those in need all over the region... it's times like these, I'm proud to have grown up in the Lone Star State. <3 nbsp="" p="">Meanwhile, Nicky was at school and I stayed home watching TV, playing video games, and relaxing. Lol It was really nice after working for over 2weeks straight. Mom & I wound up at the mall, having our very own girl's day out. We shopped mostly with our eyes, discussed some wedding details, ate lots of sweets and candies, and even got a facial from Origins. She took me to visit the brand new, and totally GREEN H-E-B Super Market that opened up near our house. And I am in LOVE. With all the new healthy options available, and even some "make your own organic peanut butter" stations- I know that when I'm home, I'll definitely be a frequent visitor! And by the end of the day, I was packed and ready with all my cosplay & snacks necessary for an awesome Con Weekend!

Friday-Sunday, Sept. 1st-3rd:
SAN JAPAN WEEKEND! Con Weekend are always a blast! Friends, Family, Nerds! What more can you ask for??? Lots of things happened this weekend (sort of), and it certainly deserves it's very own Blog Post! So Stay-Tuned!

Monday, September 4th:
SOMEHOW, I wound up doing my absolute favorite day on this Labor Day: Chilling with the Family, staying inside, and watching ANIME. That's right! I got my family hooked on my current obsession with My Hero Academia!! After having to say by to Suzette and the babies, Mom literally ran back inside so we could watch more of the episodes! Lol I love my family.
We watched a few episodes together, before I had to drag mom mom out to meet with Sarah and her fiancé, James. We, of course, visited the local Starbucks (where else are you supposed to have meetings??) We sat and talked wedding details for about an hour before we said our farewells. And within a couple weeks the two of them had settled on a look for the wedding! So proud of the two of them! And after returning home, Mom forced me to put on the next episodes of My Hero. We got through pretty much about half of the 1st Season, and spent the next couple days finishing it up...!

Tuesday, September 5th:
It was a struggle to wake up early in the mornings, especially since I was on "vacation." But it was well worth it. Nicky drove for me! How strange to think that he's old enough to be driving a car and actually receiving his Permit! Not my little brother!
After I returned home, I got to spend the rest of the day with Mum. She even wanted to watch more episodes of My Hero, although we stayed up extra late just for her! Haha. And that night, we hung out for more Anime, before I had to pack up my things for the next day.

Wednesday, September 6th:
Always the worst day of a trip- having to say goodbye. Nicky went off to school and I went off to prepare for my flight. Everything was packed a little differently (thanks, San Japan). I also had to leave behind a very important item! Carlos, my mom's fiancé, gave me a Concert Ukulele he had! But because we didn't have a hard case for safe travel, I had to leave it behind! (T^T)
SO! Without my Uke, and after a sad kiss goodbye Mum & Nick's furry babies (Link, Navi, Zelana ((Yay, Zelda Themed Dog Names!)), and Mewsette), we loaded up my things into the car. I was almost late to the airport. Thank goodness for Mom being a speed-driver and for Austin having a tiny airport. Literally, as soon as I got through Security they were calling my name. The plane had arrived early and they were ready for take-off! I boarded the plane and we were off!

And so, here I am, back in the most Magical Bubble of Orlando Theme Parks..! Most people would give their lifesavings to be here, in my shoes. But honestly, all I ever want to do is be home with my family. It's always nice to return and get back to my everyday life of work, work, work, and more work... But all I ever want to do, is wake up in Texas... <3 nbsp="" p="">