Thank you to those who have served and continue to serve our country. Today. Tomorrow. And every day. Happy Memorial Day!

I had a very memorable weekend filled with family and friends. I’m so grateful to have such special people in my life and this weekend definitely reminded me just how lucky I am.

Friday:

I left work a bit early and made my way down to SoCal.

I landed around 2PM, stopped by at home for a few minutes to drop off my stuff, and then quickly drove over to Chapman where this guy was graduating!

The last time I saw him was back in June of last year when we hung out BRIEFLY in Vegas. But, I’m so glad I was able to make it to such an important day for him! I can’t believe this kid is gonna be a lawyer. UNREAL.

The ceremony wasn’t too long (except for the keynote speaker who kept talking about how many awards he’s received…)

It was also really nice to get to meet Greg’s WHOLE family! After 8 years of friendship, it was wonderful to get to meet so many other important people in his life! Especially James, his nephew. SO. FREAKING. ADORABLE.

I had to go home after dinner to partake in some other festivities (Bhaiya and Bhabhi’s 4-year anniversary!) and had every intention to return afterward. BUT, Xanax + a tequila shot + a glass of wine was enough to force me to call it a night and head to bed. I’m old, folks. (But not that old because I handled that tequila shot like a CHAMP!)

Saturday:

On Saturday, I woke up to these lovely people:

We enjoyed breakfast together and, when my Dad went off to work, we all decided to head to Chino to go shopping!

Just a little shoe shopping for the little one. 

After shopping, we went to BJs for dinner and I tried to stay as close to plan as possible.

It’s obviously not ideal, but I knew I wouldn’t be able to be SO strict while gone this weekend.

Sunday:

I had plans to go for a long walk with my Dad before he had to go make his rounds. BUT, at some point during the night, one of his patients got called into the ICU so he had to go into work. I decided to go for a run instead and then make my way to Pasadena for Conor’s wedding!!

I met up with Gina around noon and we went to Lemonade for lunch. I’ve been wanting to go for 2 years now, but, in all honesty, I wasn’t too impressed. I was overwhelmed by the selection and felt pressed to pick my sides before I even had a chance to look at everything! I also ordered the grilled chicken salad, thinking I would have an option of other toppings/ingredients to add, but those were pre-selected so I decided to nix that order and start over. The staff there wasn’t too friendly about the situation and I wasn’t the biggest fan of their food, so I doubt I’ll go back. I do have to say, however, that the lemonade was pretty darn good.

Gina got the Cucumber Mint Lemonade and I got the Guava Limade Lemonade. I don’t know whether it’s because I’ve gone without sugar for so long OR if the hot weather had something to do with it, but the lemonade tasted phenomenal. I guess if you call your cafeteria-style restaurant LEMONADE, your lemonade better be pretty effing good.

Since the sides were a little complicated for me to understand, I decided to go simple and order a herb-grilled chicken sandwich.

It was okay….nothing great. But it did the job.

Shortly after, we went to Dry Bar to get our hair done for Conor’s wedding. I had never gone before and I absolutely love the concept. I realize I’m late to the game, but, HELLO, if you serve me a mimosa AND do my hair at the same time, I love you FOREVER.

We went back to Gina and Tyler’s hotel room and got ready for the wedding. It took us about half an hour and then we made our way over to the wedding venue. I couldn’t believe how close it was to the Rose Bowl. We parked in the ROSE BOWL parking lot. Memories. So. Many. Tailgating. Memories. I miss college and I thought this venue was so appropriate for Conor’s wedding day – seeing how all of us attended nearly every single football game each year!

Let’s back up for a second here.

I started my freshman year of college in 2004. I was only 60 miles away from my parents, yet I was on my own and that was an entirely new concept for me. I don’t know HOW I got so lucky, but I was placed on a dorm room floor with these crazy kids.

Over the course of the year, we all became best friends. Inseparable. We continued living together the next year. And then, when we were forced to leave on-campus housing, the 7 of us moved into the same apartment complex. We finished our college years together, closer than ever. And, though we’ve all gone our separate ways since then, they still remain some of the most important people in my life.

Brad and Mike were two of Conor’s groomsmen. Though Brad and Conor only met our first year at UCLA, they continued on as roommates when they both attended the same law school. Mike and Conor have known each other since elementary school! They’ve been best friends for so long. 

I don’t have pictures of the actual ceremony yet. We all have to share our pictures and I think Gina got the best ceremony pics since she was sitting in the aisle, but I do have a [blurry] picture of the couple’s first dance.

It is so obvious that they were meant to be together. Though I don’t know Melissa very well, it is very apparent how much Conor loves her and how much she loves him. I am so happy that the two of them found each other! 🙂

Connor tossing something? to all the single men…

These people have seen me at my best. My worst. And all the things in between.

I can’t imagine, and don’t WANT to imagine, what my college experience would have been like without them. 10 years later, I am reminded just how fortunate we are to have been placed on the same floor. Just how lucky we are that we’ve found each other. And, though days/weeks/months go by without talking to these crazies, they still remain some of my favorite people. FOR LIFE.

I am so excited for Conor and his future life with Melissa! I wish them all the best.

And, just for fun. A Before and After. A 2004 to the Present:

Thanks Gyn for the PicStich! 🙂 

Question of the Day:

• When was your last reunion with your BFFs from school?