graduation

Wow. What a weekend.

I just dropped Joyce off at the airport a few hours ago and now the house feels so empty. Especially since the past five days have been bustling, filled with people and activities. I am super tired but miss all of my friends and family terribly. They are the best.

This is how I would sum up the weekend: blessed, fun, exhausting, sugar overload. I seriously need to detox from the many desserts I consumed.

I started my graduation celebration by having brunch with the girls at Stacks in Menlo Park. Yummy: crab frittata, crab louis, banana macadamia coconut pancakes, chocolate waffle. No, we did not hold back.


Afterwards, we walked around downtown Menlo Park and visited lots of cute shops, including the Sugar Shack, a candy store:

Lounging around before the party on Saturday:


At night, we headed over to Mike's house for my graduation party. (A big thanks to Joy, who planned and prepared for the party and to Mike, for hosting.)

Joyce leading games--one truth and one lie about me

It was a great party--I had a wonderful time. Another big thanks to everyone who attended. I was really blessed and encouraged by your support and love! :) As the pictures show, there were many sweet things to eat at the party. On top of that, Jono and Olivia gave me a dozen Love at First Bite cupcakes to take home (thank you!); my sugar downhill began that night.

On Sunday, we headed over to Stanford for my English Department commencement ceremony.

me in my doctoral gown and (silly) hat

the ceremony was held at the gorgeous Memorial Church (thank goodness it was indoors because it was a hot day!)

my classmates and me waiting outside before the processional

walking down the aisle for the processional

That night, we headed over to Danville to celebrate with Byron's extended family. They were so sweet--they decorated the home and had a "reception" (i.e. cake) for me before dinner. As usual, there were lots of food and pictures.

my two families--I am so thankful for them!

Byron's cousins (see that wholefoods cake?)

After a yummy (but oily) Chinese dinner and more dessert (sweet buns and almond jello), I was ready for a steamed vegetable diet all week. Instead, on Monday we went to SF to meet up with Pauline, where we ended up chatting and eating more. I took her and Joyce to Tartine in the Mission.

bread pudding and lemon tart

I had a terrible stomach ache Monday night and couldn't sleep very well. On top of the sweets, I was pretty tired from late nights with Joyce, the stifling and muggy weather, and just playing too much. We told ourselves we would take it easy on Tuesday...and we did. At Berkeley! Did our usual thing: Sway, Gregoire's, Cheeseboard. I didn't eat any sweets, although I did freeze some scones for later.

Now they are all gone. *sad* But at least I have my many flowers to remind me of this wonderful weekend. :)