I woke up on Sunday, April 3 groggy and tired. It was just after 8 am. Like most people my age, waking up at that time is not the norm. Especially considering I was so excited the night before that I didn't manage to fall asleep until almost 2:30 in the morning. So it was with great effort I managed to get out of my bed and stretch. 

It took me less than a few seconds, however, to remember just why I was waking up that early. And soon, all grogginess and tiredness dissipated with the speed of a traffic light turning green. Instead, my mind had been replaced with the same excitement and joy that had occupied it in the preceding weeks. I was dressed within minutes, and extra sets of clothes were packed along with a bag of general hygiene products into a suitcase. I was so excited to hit the road that I was ready to leave by 8:35.

Too bad my parents weren't. I had forgotten I wasn't leaving for at least another hour.

So instead I sat. Then I stood up. And I sat down again. I ate a bowl of cheerios. I like cheerios. Especially with bananas. As it was Sunday, I read the Sunday comics. This has been routine since I was at least 7 years old. I love the Sunday Funnies. But even as I read the comic strips my mind kept going back to Katie. And it brought smiles to my face. For the first time since we met online all those months ago, I was going to finally meet her. And my heart soared.

Finally, we were out the door. 5 hours of driving awaited me before I could see her. And in some ways, it was agonizing. I remember the route that leads to Vegas, having traveled on it many times. There's this one long stretch of road that has many hills and bumps. Going over them feels like being on a small roller coaster. I  wasn't sure whether the feelings in my stomach were caused by driving on this road, or were the result of a combination of nerves and excitement.

I texted Katie for about an hour and a half, keeping her updated on where I was and how far we were. Eventually I had to turn my phone off to conserve the battery lest it died and I couldn't talk to her until arriving at my destination. In the few hours I had my phone off I busied myself with reading one of my favorite books. Before long it was lunch time. My parents took me to In-N-Out Burger.

Oh man. I love In-N-Out! Double Double animal style with fries and a Dr. Pepper? I swear, I need to live by this restaurant in my future home.

As satisfied as I was with my lunch, I was more anxious to get back on the road. I'd waited so long, I couldn't wait much longer. So we were soon driving again, but Vegas was still at least 120 miles away. *sigh*

An hour and a half later, I looked up to see that we were coming up to a sight I've seen many times. The stateline! We were about to cross the border into Nevada! At that point, it was only 45 miles to go! I turned my phone back on and texted Katie, so happy were we both that I was so close! So close! The closer I got, the more agonizing it became for both of us. I was all for driving straight to her house while my parents went off to get a hotel room.

We were coming up to the strip. The strip is seriously one of the most amazing sights you could ever see, and the interior of most of these hotels is beyond fantastic.

Unfortunately, I did not go straight to Katie's house. Instead, my parents got off on the strip to find a hotel first. The wait became almost unbearable at this point. I remember impatiently walking around the casino floor as my dad sorted out registration. I occupied myself with watching the slot machines, feigning interest until I finally tore away. I think it was at that point I was visibly agitated. I tried to keep my composure, but it was getting difficult.

Thirty minutes later, we finally left our hotel room and I was officially on my way to her house! At that point, I was incredibly nervous. It was finally here. I would finally see Katie beyond a computer screen. I would finally  kiss her and hold her in my arms. As excited as I was, I cant deny I was nervous beyond all reason.

The drive from the strip to her house was about 20 minutes. I drove the way so that I could familiarize myself with the location since I'd be driving back and forth a lot in the coming days.

Soon, I parked outside her house in the driveway. I remember my heart was beating faster than I could ever remember it doing so. My legs were shaking from pure nerves and utter excitement. I climbed the steps and rang the doorbell.

It was pure bliss. Katie threw herself into my arms and we kissed for the first time. And not just sweet little kisses. It was full on passion and fiery, the result of love built up over months and months of never being able to release it before now. We hugged. And in that moment, I was the happiest man alive. This moment was for us and us alone.

We broke apart reluctantly. Silly me had forgotten that my parents were waiting out on the driveway, hoping for the chance to meet the amazing woman I've told them so much about. I couldn't wipe the smile off my face.

Before long, my parents left. And Katie and I spent our first moments together, alone. Needless to say, there was lots of intense cuddling and kissing, all the while our faces were likely plastered with the goofiest of grins, the happiest of expressions. Could you blame us? All I know is that in those moments, nothing existed for me but the girl I was currently holding in my arms, kissing with all the passion I could.

The next couple hours passed in a haze as the two of us just cuddled and kissed, so happy and so joyful to finally be together. We broke away from ourselves long enough to make fajitas. I thought my mom's fajitas were awesome. The ones Katie and I made together were beyond anything. And so for the first time, we cooked together. Dinner took some time to make -- as more kissing and hugging got in the way. We put on some Disney music and sang "A Whole New World" from Aladdin together. It was beautiful harmony. I didn't think I could love her more, but in those moments I fell harder. Katie was absolutely perfect.

And to think, it was only the first day.