Yesterday was my last day at the First Presbyterian Church in Monterey. Even though the power was out, we still had our service by candlelight and sang from the Hymn Books. It was really nice actually and afterwards I went to the pastor's house for lunch with other college students. I was very happy to see everyone, especially S and AB. Wonderful conversation, laughs and bad jokes. Lunch was simple: make your own sandwiches and butternut squash soup.
Afterwards, the pastor presented me with a map of NYC and list of attractions on West and East Side. Noted is 5th Ave Presbyterian Church that my uncle also recommended so I'll have to check that out. Then, everyone laid hands on me and prayed for me... That was sweet.
Later in the day I went over to SI's house and we caught up, talked about all different kinds of things then went to Starbucks where I got a white chocolate mocha. Yums, even with the shot of coffee in it. Also got myself a rice crispy treats-- They make them so good! Next stop was my home where we just sat in my room, relaxed, looked at pictures and I also did some light packing, while listening to Don Giovanni Oprah which is just so, so beautiful!
The next day I woke up early to go with M to Santa Cruz. Two of her friends came with us: S who was really sweet and N who was a bit crazy and lots of fun. I met up with one of my friends over at Porter Cafe, where I got a Vanilla malt shake -- Really thick, smooth and packed full of good flavor. For lunch we went to Pizza and Grille for the combo and it was quite good. After that was the Boardwalk and the Wharf: Very pretty out as usual.
When home I continued with some packing and am trying to make sure the suitcases aren't too heavy. I took some breaks to chat with people online and on the phone. I will be meeting with a few of my good buddies at Edgewater tomorrow and we'll spend the afternoon together. I'm glad I'll get to see them before I leave tomorrow night... Ahhh! I'm so excited and terrified at the same time.
When my dad came home he gave me some cash so I can have some for the car service, outside food, etc so that was nice. Then I went on a little shopping trip for some essentials and I think I'm almost all set to go.
Tonight we're having a very appetizing meal of pork chops, noodles and I'm warming up dimsum: Tail on shrimp roll, seafood samosa, cripsy seafood deli, bon bon deli and butterfly shrimp. Along with that, for dessert, my mother got an incredible looking cake: Handmade chocolate ganache torte-- Rich chocolate mousse between 2 layers of moist chocolate cake glazed with semi-sweet chocolate ganache. So mouth-watering and sweet sounding!