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Amy and her friend, Nicole, are driving down to Columbia for the weekend! We have no major plans, so it should be lots of fun showing them around and relaxing. We're also heading to Charlotte on Sunday to meet up with Erin Jensen Gray. Can't wait! Evidence of how quickly I've acclimated: I told Amy it was going to be cold here this weekend (so she could pack accordingly). "Cold" is now 50 degrees and sunny. Stumbling across these gameday pictures was a nice reminder... 
Late in the season in Wisconsin... 
Late in the season in Carolina...Have a great weekend!
So I spent my Sunday break at the Student Health Center this afternoon...a throwback to elementary school days because I have pink eye. In both eyes. Yuk. Eyedrops four times a day will be a challenge with my whole dislike of putting things in my eyes. Off to disinfect my apartment and wash my linens...any other suggestions??
This past weekend was tough not being back home with the Kennedy clan, but luckily, I had plenty to keep me busy here in Columbia. I attended/worked my first conference sponsored by the National Resource Center! We sponsor six conferences each year, but the Center hasn't hosted a conference in Columbia in a number of years, so it was pretty great to be a part of one in our "hometown".
The conference this past weekend was the 15th National Conference on Students in Transition and we had about 275 attendees - college administrators, educators, student services and student affairs professionals. This conference focuses primarily on transitions outside the first year, like the sophomore year, transfer students and the senior year experience. Working the conference meant very long days followed by early nights before starting over again the next day. And, since we were in Columbia, it also meant seeing lots of familiar faces from the USC campus and my program -- which was very refreshing and energizing!
I was exhausted after the conference which makes it hard to imagine the Annual Conference in Orlando. It's our biggest one with close to 2000 participants and lasting 5 days! It will be an experience, that's for sure!
Grandpa Kennedy passed away on Wednesday and many of you have already shared the thoughts and feelings we are all going through. He will be terribly missed but I can only imagine how happy these two are to be together again. Remembering how much they loved each other and their family is what I'll always hold on to.
It may be overcast and a bit rainy, but there are already long lines at the polls here in Columbia. Several of my coworkers waited in line over an hour having arrived at their polling locations right at 7 a.m. I hope you all have pleasant waits in line today!There are actually no classes today at the university or local schools because of the election...it is a big, big day! (It would be nice to have the students around because I'm sure they would add to the energetic atmosphere) No students = a quiet campus and office = productivity (hopefully!). I'm putting in a few hours at work before heading to Charleston for the evening with some friends. I hope you all enjoy the energy and excitement today brings...happy election day!!
Last weekend I had my first introduction to Asheville, NC when I traveled north for my cousin Erin's wedding. The city is amazing -- beautiful sites, cute shops and mountains. I can't wait to go back. The best part about the weekend by far though, was seeing my family!
Mom, Dad, Uncle Tim & Aunt Sue were all in Columbia on Thursday so we met up with a bunch of my HESA friends. (Special thanks to Mary and Spen for playing tour guides while I was still in class!!) I'm glad they were able to finally put some faces with the names of people in my world down here.
Friday we made the short trek north and arrived in time for the welcome reception. I got to see a bunch of the aunts, uncles and cousins, the bride and groom, and - at long last - sister Amy! Highlight of the night: Rachel being asked if she was married to our cousin, Brian...bring on the jokes about the South :) (Sorry, Rach)
Saturday was a bit chilly for the wedding, but beautiful nonetheless. The ceremony was outdoors and amazing. They had a bluegrass band for the music...the wedding had so much personality, I loved it. And look how gorgeous Erin is! 
After the ceremony, they hosted a cocktail reception under this beautiful tent (complete with heat lamps...yes, it was cold!). My family members worked very hard to stay warm which meant the wine and beer was flowing freely...I think it's safe to say we all had a great time. Here's a shot of the Kennedy clan that made the trip. We clean up nice, don't we?
Some more pictures from the day...
Kennedy ladies (minus Simran and Erin)
Amy, Dad and me
Erin protecting her cake from the uncles
With their quilt from the aunties...adorable
Results of the squash soup incident...awesome
Amy, Aunt Sue & Mom
All in all, a great weekend...so refreshing to see my family! Congratulations Erin & Jason!
Cousin Kimmy finally joined the blog family! More adventures in Spain...check her out! http://marikimi.blogspot.com/
Late in the season in Wisconsin... 
Late in the season in Carolina...
After the ceremony, they hosted a cocktail reception under this beautiful tent (complete with heat lamps...yes, it was cold!). My family members worked very hard to stay warm which meant the wine and beer was flowing freely...I think it's safe to say we all had a great time. Here's a shot of the Kennedy clan that made the trip. We clean up nice, don't we?
Some more pictures from the day...
Kennedy ladies (minus Simran and Erin)
Amy, Dad and me
Erin protecting her cake from the uncles
With their quilt from the aunties...adorable
Results of the squash soup incident...awesome
Amy, Aunt Sue & Mom
