So now I'm done with my adventures in LA and it feels strange knowing that when I come back from Hawaii I'll be here permanently. My graduation ceremonies went by without much fanfare. Bill Clinton and Wesley Clark bailed on us because of the UC workers' protest. Although I support the workers cause to receive livable wages, I believe their strategy of choice eventually backfired when the graduating class and their families realized that the speakers we were looking forward to listening to have dropped out because they refused to cross the picket lines. They made a day in which was supposed to to celebrate and be proud of our accomplishments into a politically charged event. Way to piss off tens of thousands of people folks! If they understood the funding issues that the UCs have to deal with then perhaps they would have had better impact if they took it to Sacramento. The UCs have their hands tied when it comes to funding for the next several years and they are doing everything from paying less for their workers to raising student fees. I worry that our UC system will have enough funds to stay afloat for the next few years, I'm proud to have (almost) graduated from such a prestigious institution and I hope future generations will benefit from the education they get there as well.

Planning for the wedding is in semi-full swing. I plan to really get my hands dirty when I'm finished with my study abroad program in Hawaii. I'll be leaving on July 5th and coming back mid-August. I love Hawaii so I'm really excited to get this opportunity to learn more about their native culture and history. The sweetest part is that Rob will be flying in after my program ends and we'll be spending a week there on vacation. W00t!!

Rob and I will be getting our engagement photos taken tomorrow! I'm nervous and excited at the same time. We're going to start out at Hakone Gardens and then make our way to Half Moon Bay. I'll let you know how it goes!