Saturday, May 26, 2012

Summertime celebrations

So long Swelles, it's been real. Ok I didn't actually go there, but I visited frequently and someone with my name graduated yesterday, so it's basically like I did, right? RIGHT!!?? whatever. I might not have studied there, but I did get to witness my sister's four years studying and listening to the church bells play Harry Potter music. The music selection makes sense. So yesterday, surrounded by family and friends we watched as Jessica received her diploma...well technically her diploma holder but it's the symbolism of the event. Generally the ceremony was lovely. The procession in lasted a bit too long, but the two main speakers were great and hilarious and kept me interested. Once Jessica's name was called I may or may not have zoned out until the crowd started singing America the Beautiful. That wasn't cheesy or anything. AMERICA. But really, it was classy and all kinds of sentimental. There was also a lot of WOMEN ARE AWESOME talk. Job well done, Wellesley, you successfully converted the crowd into feminists. Watching my sister graduate got me thinking that in only 2 short years, that will be me. Well, let's hope so anyways. And though I find myself complaining about school more often than not, i know when graduation day comes around I'll definitely be sad. Despite not always wanting to admit it, Wheaton is my second home and I know I'll miss that tiny, tiny campus and mysterious food. Jokes, I'm never gonna miss the food. Except the soft serve machine. Oh man, what am I going to do without the option of soft serve whenever the heck I feel like it???? Life just got a little darker.

Julie's Grad/Birthday/Farewell Celebration

CAKE

All the graduates!

She's a bachelor's degree smarter now!




Photobomb


Friday, May 18, 2012

SUMMER

Today is a good day. Although, I am writing this from the GC box office, but even still. I'm trying to be positive. Honestly, I have nothing to complain about. I mean sure, the Blend is currently playing yet another horrible 90s song and has Katy Perry's "Firework" on a constant loop, but hey, there are worse things in life, right? Actually there are some pretty great things coming up that I really could never complain about. Brys is currently on her way home (actually she's home now, I just wrote this like 3 days ago) meaning tomorrow I get to see her for the first time since January! Five months is a long time not to really see someone and I cannot wait to start our summer shenanigans, especially with new puppy. I also could not be prouder of Jessica and Julie and their upcoming graduations! I just associate with really smart people, no big deal. I'm also super excited for Julie's trip to Italy! I know I'm not actually going....unless she has a big enough suitcase...but I can't wait to hear the stories and see the pictures! Can't forget about my hike with Katie that has already happened since writing this post. It was super cold but I felt accomplished. We also saw a dog. Highlight.

And more than anything, I cannot wait to be in Guatemala in just two and a half weeks! How did this happen?? Where did time go??? Not only will I get to see Kat in person again, but I get to experience something that I'm sure will be eye opening and life changing. I'm excited to eat the food, meet new people, experience the culture, practice my Spanish, and generally just be my awkward self in a new country. I can't help but feel extremely thankful for all the great opportunities provided by my wonderful family and school. Without both I'd be spending just another summer at the GC, and don't get me wrong, a lot of time will still be spent there, but never in a million years would 5 years ago me have believed that I am about to spend a month in Guatemala. So thanks parents and Wheaton, you rule. So, even though it's muggy and rainy out, and the Blend has the most awful blend of songs ever, I'm feeling slightly ok with it all knowing that I get to be reunited with some great people, watch some very accomplished women receive Bachelors Degrees, and fly off to Latin America all within the next few weeks. I'd say that's pretty decent.

Other than feeling super lucky,  my life has been relatively lazy. I've rewatched an insane amount of Glee, scooped plenty of popcorn for the always chipper public, and read a couple of books. I call that a success. I did make a quick venture to Worcester yesterday for a tour of the women's shelter that I'll be volunteering at. It's actually much bigger than I expected and seems like a really great organization. It's located in a kind of grungy part of Worcester but luckily they have a parking lot right behind the building so it's allll gooood. Side note, I'd just like to publicly thank Katie for the text "Good luck and don't get shot" from that day. Wiser words have never been typed. Anyways, that's about it for me. I shared a lovely breakfast with Jessica, Julie, and Katie this morning and am now off to be productive with my day. ha maybe.

morning hike!
  
It was rather chilly


this is actually from January, but it's a pretty accurate recreation of yesterday.....except we were happier