Graduation Day

These days I'm too preoccupied with the fact that I am soon leaving this city, so I haven't been on the computer much at all. But here are some photos from graduation!!Me and my classmate Germika (aka Superwoman!). I met her in the very beginning of the program at orientation. Same story with Jae, too. They are two of the few friends I made in school, yet, we never had classes together.

The rain stayed back while at Yankee Stadium. And Bill Clinton did a fine job on his speech (even my dad said so!).
My parents and I went straight from Yankee to my social work school ceremony at Avery Fisher Hall. It was just in time, too, because the rain started to fall.My mom has a few better pictures of this day, but I don't have access to them. It was a long, but great day and I'm so happy my parents were there to share it with me!!

Mom in NYC

My mom and Me at the end of our last day together in the city:


We've had a wonderful time these last few days, post graduation day. Once she is gone, and I have no one to hang out with anymore, I'll post more about what we've done.

Rain, Rain, Go Away

This is what the forecast shows for the week:


Insane. What are the odds that the one week my parents are here for my graduation it's supposed to rain EVERY SINGLE DAY. But so far, it hasn't been as bad as it sounds. Just an overcast, drizzle-type day. Let's hope tomorrow is the same. It's the big day!!! Now, it'd be nice if my professors would just post my grades already! Sheesh.

Yankees!

I got a sneak peek last week where my graduation is going to take place. Yankee Stadium!!!





I got so excited walking up and seeing the field. It was a church activity and was a lot of fun just to hang out.


Below is me and my roommate:


We sat in the bleachers and for the cheap seats, they weren't half bad. I splurged and got an ice cream that came in a cool souvenir cup!


It was freezing outside, but a really cute, nice guy let me wear his jacket. He also shared sunflower seeds and peanuts with me. I'm starting to care again about guys and dating. I really haven't since I've been in school. I'm waiting till I get home to do that, though. We shall see.

It's Real

Ticket in hand:


It's official...I'm in! You can't get THIS far, right, without having passed?! I've already checked for final grades twice, but they're not posted, yet. I wasn't worried about passing class, really...but just the reality of it all hasn't sunk in just yet, that I am done, never to return to academia again. It was a surreal moment, sitting in my last class, trying to soak it in and appreciate it. I actually finished grad school in the same exact classroom where I began, two years ago. I'm probably the only one in the world that would notice such a thing, or even care about it. But I thought it was pretty cool. It shows you how sentimental and observant I am.

Yesterday I got my hair cut at a salon that specializes in curly hair, and my hair feels great! It pretty much looks the same, cause it always does. Afterward, I picked up my graduation cap and gown rental for the big day, one week from today. Here's a sneak peek!


Now I just need everyone I know to pray for good weather for next week. It says it's supposed to rain every day! Oh boy.

Catchin' Up

Withing the last week or two I've been able to see and spend time with good ol' friends that have made their way to NYC for various reasons. First, Emily! She just graduated, too! We met up several times and ate and shopped and it was fun!
Following her visit, I got to see one of my friends, Alliy, who was a mission companion of mine. She stayed with me, which allowed for us to really catch up. Below we're at her booth at the trade show she was here for.
This was Friday, or better known as "the day of freedom," and I celebrated well, as you can see below. One of only a small handful of 7-Elevens in the New York City area, and I'm glad I came across it that day. Hits the spot! On Saturday I took a spontaneous trip down to Coney Island with another friend I needed to catch up with (though I failed to get her picture). I doubt I would've made my way there before I move away, so I'm glad I went. The pictures speak for themselves:
And the weekend ended (or the week began) with a lovely birthday party gathering in Sheep's Meadow in Central Park.I took my time getting out of there on the way home, and it was so peaceful.I saw ducks and turtles and flowers and lakes and bridges...I even saw a Red Cardinal! It was wonderful.

My Mother

Where to begin...My mother is my best friend. She is my support, my constant. She is patient with me when I call her and do nothing but complain. She never gets angry at me when I cut her off in conversation so that I can speak what's on my mind, rather than listen to what's on hers. My mother is so giving, she is willing, and always has been, to send me anything and everything I've needed while living far away and on my own, from California to Costa Rica, from Utah to New York, at whatever cost. She is realistic, not idealistic, in her thinking when I come to her with a concern or problem, which I appreciate. She is honest and gives all her time to her children and their children (just ask my dad). She spends lots of time with him, too, and demonstrates patience, even when he can be cranky and frustrating. She taught me to always say my prayers by kneeling beside me throughout my childhood, every night.I am grateful every single day, and every hour, for being blessed with a wonderful, kind, and loving mother. When I hear others complain about their mothers or say they aren't that close with theirs, or that they don't talk to theirs that often, I cannot relate. I don't understand.

My mother is the greatest blessing in my life.I love you, mama.Happy Mother's Day.