Celebrate Good Times

As the time for me to go draws nearer, I have noticed that so many things that have been a part of my life for so long are coming to an end. I’ve decided to try to look at all of these things being happy endings and to have a good time in honor of them. With all of this celebration also comes celebratory eating, which I CANNOT afford to keep up. Nonetheless, it happens, and I am loving every minute of it.

Thursday was my last official day of classes… EVER!  Like some people (weirdoes, if you ask me), I could have been sad about this. But instead, I was incredibly giddy throughout the day, thinking of how fantastic it’s going to be to not have to do homework anymore. I also turned in my thesis, AKA the culmination of all my hard work in college. Sweet relief.

During all of that time, I ate several delicious meals.

Apple Oatmeal Muffins

Salad beast from the school cafeteria (which I haven't eaten at in 2 years).

I could only eat the chocolate and the fruit. *sad face*

The perks we get for paying too much for schooling.

Peanut butter vanilla protein shake. I'm addicted to these things.

That afternoon, Biff and I hit up the school gym, which I always enjoy immensely. When we arrived, all of the treadmills were full. So I hopped on the elliptical, shortly after which I realized how much I despise it. I prefer the treadmill, bottom line. Luckily, a treadmill opened up and I jumped on before anyone else could snatch it. My workout was as follows:

• 7 min brisk walk from the app to the gym (in the blazing heat)
• 10 min at resistance level 5 on the elliptical
• 10 min interval jog on the treadmill
• 15 min of upper body (just biceps, shoulders, and triceps) and abs (This part was quick, but efficient. I used heavier weights than normal and cranked ‘em out!)
• 7 min brisk walk from the gym to the app (in the blazing heat)

Our evening was made up of eating, talking, laughing, having random people show up to the app, planning on going out, ending up staying in, and going to bed early. Somehow, this epic failure of all previous plans made for a fun night. My girls always make everything fun, guaranteed.

Sad face/Happy face

Reese's Peanut Butter Egg. And so begins the chocolate affair...

Bread with spices and olive oil and a glass of wine. Classic.

Excited about nothing.

I look terrified, she looks like a nut job. I suppose I am terrified of the nut job next to me.

I guess I am showcasing my bread...

Love me some chocolate

I look waayy to excited back there.

My day today began by joining the British Royals in their celebration of the marriage of the new duke and duchess. Watching the processional and a rerun of the vows made me so excited for my own upcoming nuptials. I can’t wait!

Then Biff, Beccs, Abell, Sabs, and I went to a local diner for a good ole southern breakfast.

2 eggs over-med on grits. Before mixing...

After

Afterward, feeling the need to work off some of that butter, I went for a 45 minute brisk walk in downtown Collegeville. As I looked around at the same scenery I’ve been seeing for the past four years, I noticed so many little things I’ve missed. I found myself thinking, “I’ve still never eaten there,” and, “I’ve always wanted to stop in that shop.” But instead of getting sad about things I haven’t done, I let myself get nostalgic about all of the fun that’s taken place there.

A few hours later, Biff and I made our way to the mall to get her ears pierced—for the first time in her life. Yes, my Biff is twenty-two years old and has never had holes put into her lobes until today. It was a site to see.

Scaredy McScared pants

Preparation

Poking holes

Happy it's over

Gorgeous

 On our way back, instead of going to the Senior Celebration where we are supposed to pick up our cap and gown, have a champagne toast, and eat free Italian food while socializing, I came home earlier than planned to spend time with my family and some friends of ours who were coming over for dinner. After spending the evening eating, laughing, and eating some more, I am certain I made the right choice.

Yummy salad

Fajitas!!! Picture this x's 2 plus a ridiculous amount of chips and salsa

 Also not pictured here was ice cream. We currently have 6 flavors of Bryer's ice cream in our fridge left over from my going away partizzle. I had a scoop of each...

With every passing day, my desire to soak up every little thing that happens here at home grows. I want to be here constantly, both in body and mind, paying attention and taking mental notes and physical pictures of everything that goes on. Suddenly, nothing seems trivial and everything seems important enough to talk about, think about, and write about. I don’t want to come to the end of my time here and think about all of the things that I missed. Instead, I want to remember all of the good times I've celebrated.