To alleviate the suspense...
So, in the grand tradition of life, nothing ever has to be easy for me. Yesterday after being awoken by my little angel I received an email from the University of Washington in Seattle, offering me an assistantship (about the same as Maryland). Since Maryland was looking less than promising because of my professor no longer teaching and not responding to my emails, I decided Washington would be my best decision. So, next year I will be living in Seattle instead of College Park. I know you are all thinking, "Wow, that is REALLY far away", but believe it or not, it is closer than where I am now. It is a big step in my life, as I have never been further west than Missouri, and this would be a completely new experience. Not to mention, it would be very far away from my family, friends, and even my beloved new country. It is a choice I thought I had to make, and I think my experience there will change my life, but in the most wonderful way. I am very much looking forward to my new experiences. Not only that, I will have the greatest supporter in my life coming with me to help me along the way. Yes, Brandon is still coming with me, and although I know he is not the least bit thrilled about the decision (especially because I made it without giving him the details), he is absolutely supportive of me. He has made the ultimate sacrifice for me, and although I realize this might be more difficult for both of us, he is optimistic. He really is the best boyfriend I could ever ask for, and he puts up with more than he should at times (this week in particular with my "heinous bitch" mood swings). I have been jerking his future plans around a lot too, and that is not fair to him. I wish I could do it differently, but these are decisions I have to make about my future and what is best for me. So, Bran, when you read this, keep in mind that I really do appreciate what you do, and although sometimes you think I am on permanent PMS mode (which, really, I am), it is not a direct attack on you. I want the entire world to know how wonderful you are, and although it might have seemed that I sacrificed a lot for you in the past, you are sacrificing just as much, if not more, in the future. I love you.