I slept until 2:30 pm (having gone to bed at 11 pm the day before), waking in just enough time to take a shower and eat a little something before Krystle and Ryan actually arrived. They pulled into our cul de sac with their big truck complete with camper shell, and despite feeling ill, I suddenly felt relieved. I missed work and class, but I was not going to miss the one time my Coloradan friends drove across the country to see me. We spent some time together, made dinner, and caught up on new (and old) times. Krystle and Ryan are the kind of couple that just makes you happy to be around. When you're with them, it's easy to see how much they love each other.
Which brings me to Vegas (and all the celebration). My sister Tiffany married the love of her life, Rob. They decided to elope, which provided a pretty good reason to get out of town for the weekend (especially for my first time to visit Las Vegas!!). The ceremony was beautiful and it was so fun getting to know Rob (not to mention both Tiffany and Rob's friends). Tiffany, fortunately for us as usual, led us all around the city, taking us to amazing hidden treasures (and not at Treasure Island). I can't imagine a more fun celebration and definitely think the whole weekend was a wonderful celebration of Tiff and Rob. What stands out most in my mind, though, were those moments that Tiffany and Rob stole to themselves, moments when they thought no one was watching and they would steal a kiss or just look at one another. These were the precious times when I knew I was in the presence of the kind of love one feels blessed just to gaze upon.
The amazing "falling" leaves in the Venetian lobby.
One of many self portraits that Melissa and I are infamous for...
some things never change.
Where I won all my moneys playin' Blackjack!
Did I mention that I'm awesome and won money?!
But, the aftermath was devastating. I was so sick yesterday and so exhausted on Monday and Tuesday. Today, Hunter commented on the fact that this week has been a rough one for all three of us (of course, Tex is always the implied third when I speak of Hunter and myself, and vice versa). And, for some reason to know that my comrades, my amigos, my new life mates were in rough shape made me feel that my own life was under control. Now, it could be inferred that I, like many, am just an example of misery loving company. I will argue, though, that it was the sense that we were all in sync that gave me a sense of camaraderie--the sense that I am not alone. To know that I share an experience with people I love and that we are somehow participating in the same life is a great comfort.
Well, back to today. Krystle and Ryan are in the living room watching movies and hanging out with their wonderful chocolate lab, Leroy. They are the most easy going visitors to have in town. I took them to Harvard's campus today and they thought everything I had to show them was amazing and they made me feel really great about myself and my pursuits here. Then, I went to class and sent them on their merry way. We met back here after school ended and Krystle cut my hair (which I sooooo needed). We grabbed a lovely dinner and now...here I am. Blogging instead of studying, content to feel less sick and just plain ol' happy.
Between the rhythms I have created with the new family I have here and the blessed and lucky interruptions into those rhythms from those longtime friends and family that make up each of the threads of my safety net, I am a pretty lucky gal.
It's good to be part of something bigger. It's good to be loved.
And, it's good to feel better.
-Sierra
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