You and I were never meant to be

Mood: amused  Music: Never Meant to Be - Samantha Mumba  Reading: Dreams That Glitter

Crazy. That’s the only word I can use to describe the weekend. Nay, this past week!

In case you don’t know, I graduated from college this past weekend. But let me start at the beginning…

My mom flew into Vegas last Monday. Over the course of a few painful days, we painted my nieces’ old room as well as my sister’s old room. The girls’ old room became my game room/loft, and Ate’s old room will be our guest room.

I took my finals on Tuesday, sat through three days of work trying not to fly away from sneezing too hard, waiting on pins and needles on Friday, for what was gonna happen on Saturday. I took Mom and Dad to see “O” at the Bellagio that night and I know they had a good time. They don’t often get to go to shows, so I’m glad I was able to expand their horizons a bit. When they do stuff as a couple it’s usually to go to the casinos and go gambling and maybe eat at the buffet. I can’t wait to take them to “Love.” My dad will DIE. He’s the biggest Beatles fanboy ever lol.

Saturday was emotional for me, in many different ways. I woke up out of a dead sleep and started rearranging the loft and my room. I pulled the computer desk out of my room, put it in the loft, moved my TV in there, put my Super Mario Bros decals up. It looks pretty sweet.

My mom had reserved us some space at the Red Rock Feast Buffet for lunch, and it was super delicious like it always is. One of our favourite buffets in town, highly recommended, if you know your way off the Strip. Unfortunately, there was some drama because people showed up – who were related to us – but whom we didn’t really want there. They didn’t even greet my mom! They stayed amongst themselves and ate! How rude. I hope they read this and realize how jerky they were. Most of them did greet me and my mom, so that’s OK. But the ones who didn’t… *evil eye*

I got almost $200 dollars in grad money, as well as some hand soap and lotion, as far as grad gifts go. Greatest day ever.

The major drama was when my niece C who had not seen her second cousin J in ages because of their mothers, burst into tears when he showed up. It all came to a head for her. She was angry for me because Mom’s side – who doesn’t make an effort to come to see us – showed up at all. She’s very emotional like that. She hasn’t learned to let family slights roll off her back, but she’ll learn. She’s almost 16. But this party was half my mother’s (and she was paying) so I didn’t really have a say in who was going or not. But I’m definitely NOT going to let her steamroll me into combining celebrations anymore. I’m done. Period.

However, A, T, and Corinne did come, so at least I had them to talk to. I couldn’t believe they were able to make it. They promised, I know, but it’s still awesome to see that they wanted to support me. Just when I think I don’t have friends, I’m reminded that I am one of the luckiest girls in the world. No amount of distance can ever come between you and your friends if you want to make it work.

After lunch, I dropped Corinne off at her place, and made plans to pick her up later. Due to my klutziness earlier in the week, I was able to swap my iPhone out for another one at the Apple store at Town Square. I was scared they were going to charge me, but the Genius at the Mac Bar there hooked me up. By the time that was sorted out, I had to fly back home and get ready for my commencement ceremony.

It was surreal. We were grouped by major but not by name. There were only 4 of us who were only English majors without any secondary titles, so we all sort of stuck together. My pal Marijke wrote a beautiful poem that only English geeks would get. I texted her to ask for a copy, so I hope she a) didn’t change her number, and b) can email it to me, lol.

Walking across the stage was epic for me. My dad – who never goes to these sort of milestones – went to this. I know my Ate was upset because Dad didn’t go to her bachelor’s commencement. I would hate to think he was playing favorites, but I know that’s what she would think. I think he went because Mom was here in town. He doesn’t like doing things without her, even if it’s something epic like this. Which is dumb because he didn’t go to my high school graduation. Whatever. I’m not going to ponder the intricacies of my father’s brain lol. If I did, I’d find a way to get him to shave his Chairman Mao beard, OK? A was telling me later that my dad was super proud of me. I’m glad my goofy friends get along with my goofy parents.

Also C was telling me that Ate didn’t even want to go to my commencement because she didn’t want to see people there who were supporting me. WTAF? However, C defended me by saying I went to her commencement; the least she could do was go to mine. Also I think the girls put some emotional pressure on her. She has a tendency to keep the girls from us and that’s a blog for another day. *le sigh* Ate put on a good face, and I’m glad she didn’t say or start anything.

After the ceremony, I had to track down M who came to commencement. I still wasn’t able to get a picture with him. It was really windy and cold by the time the ceremony ended, and I was wearing a dress so I didn’t even think to get one! Afterwards, I drove me and Corinne back to my house to grub on Filipino food. I made her take baon too, haha. We jammed out to “I Gotta Feeling” by the BEP as we got out of the parking lot. I was ready to party as we left, but as soon as I got home and changed, I felt the full force of the day catch up with me.

Sunday I slept in for a bit, and met up with A, T, Kat, and S on the Strip. We all parked at Mandalay Bay and meandered our way down the Strip to Caesar’s Palace, stopping at all the cool hotels on the way there. I treated everyone to the Eiffel Tower Ride, using my grad money, and we got some great pictures in between. I lost everyone at Caesar’s ’cause I needed to use the bathroom. There was a “security issue” at the first one I saw. I was like, “F this,” so I used the one by the race and sports book. When I got out, they were gone. So I kept powering over to the Forum Shops ’cause I wanted to see FAO Schwarz, but I guess it closed a few months ago? HELLA DUMB. Bought my mom some chocolate from the ABC Store, the Hawaiian kind. She gave me a kiss.

On Monday, I went shopping with Ma at Target, and saw “Iron Man 2″ with Kat, S, Bunny, M and B. What a fun movie. I wanna see it again lol. And who geeked the loudest when she saw the seeds for the Avengers movie? ME, that’s right. After we stayed for the post-credits scene, me, Kat and Bunny were jumping up and down like the silly fangirls we were!

By the time I got home, I was dying from my allergies so I took the extra strength Benadryl that knocks your ass out. I ate ice cream and fell asleep in my new bean bag chairs that I had bought at Target that day. So comfy. I almost did it again but NCIS was on, haha.

I woke up today, put together the new 5 shelf bookcase that I bought the day before, and shuffled bookcases again. I put my 4 shelf near my computer in the loft, and the 2 shelf back in my room. I needed the space that both provide in both for each room. Everything is finally how I want it to look.

However, I need to buy some LP frames, so I can hang the vinyl I’ve collected for the past few years up in the game room. I saw some at Michael’s. I might get it tomorrow after work.

I can’t believe how much I got done this past week! I feel so accomplished lol. It finally looks amazing. Our next project is the backyard. And probably the guest room.

The only thing left to get my physical bachelor’s degree in my hands is to finish French 4, and transfer the credits back. I’m going to take a month or so off and enjoy my summer vacation and then attack it with gusto. I’m going to miss being a student though as much as it was emotionally draining carrying on two different lives for so long. I almost don’t know how it’s gonna be to actually have a day off from work, and not be traveling to school. I can have a social life. As if I had one before but whatever. Work with me here!

So you might be wondering what my plans are now that I am a graduate.

For the short term, I am going to stay where I’m at. The job market really isn’t all that hot for grads with degrees, and I’m not keen on getting a master’s anymore. So I’m gonna cool my heels, pay off my cards, save up some money, and focus on the long term goal: open the tea store. But who knows? A random opportunity may fall into my lap that will supersede all of this. I’m open to the wonders the world may offer.

You hear that, world! BRING. IT. ON. I am ready for anything!

?: “Did/do you have any concrete goals after graduating university?“