can't stop, won't stop

Today was, well, Monday. I woke up early, breakfasted, did work, ate lunch, went to class, ran in the rain (more about this tm), and drank at beer & wine appreciation. I really had the best sober intentions at that last part, but I couldn't resist thoroughly reviewing drinking the samples of lager (Stella Artois), pale ale (Sierra Nevada), wheat beer (Blue Moon), and IPA (Harpoon). Oy vey.

A similarly dedicated experience took place as Saturday continued. We got back to the house around 4:30 p.m. and went straight to naps. I, of course, hardly shut my eyes but I did rest and get rid of that sugar headache. Oh sweet wines, the love/hate relationship we have.

Then around 7:30ish a select few of us reunited for dinner at Carrabba's. I love these girls, and their families, oh so very much. I also thoroughly enjoyed my meal. Being the Italian food snob as I am (tisk, tisk), I was impressed at how above satisfactory my choices from the Italian chain.

I had a bowl of their Zuppa Minestrone and an Insalata Fiorucci (mixed field greens tossed with marinated artichoke hearts (hate these), roasted red bell peppers, and grilled eggplant in vinaigrette, topped with a hazelnut goat cheese medallion.) They were a bit too heavy-handed with the dressing but I  happily made it through... with my glass of Pinot Noir in hand. So typical.

Afterwards, we released the parentals to their hotels and headed next door to the neighbors. One of the fraternities was having an "Around the World"-themed semi-formal. As the party's inspiration, I obviously had to make an appearance ;). I visited Russia, England, Mexico, Ireland, Germany, the Netherlands, France and the United States, and even managed to make it into bed by 1 a.m.

Still, the next morning I was certainly in dire need of water, caffeine, and carbilicious food. I picked up my parents and our special guest, K, for brunch at Sugar Pearl at 10:30 a.m. Upon arrival, my first two needs were promptly answered with a delectable French-pressed coffee and glass of H20.

Next came my all-time favorites, their pumpkin and zucchini vegan pannycakes. I may have altered the vegan-factor with a few pats of butter but they were all the while incredible. I made it through a whole one, two, three of 'em and insisted on wrapping up the fourth :).

By the time one rolled around: I was satisfied, their car was packed, and we said our goodbyes. I thanked those two for the wonderful time and I cried . Not during, not immediately after, but soon enough. I am going to graduate in less than three weeks. Did you hear that people? I AM GOING TO GRADUATE IN LESS THAN THREE WEEKS. I'm not sure how I'm supposed to feel but the thought overwhelms me. Me, a real person?! Onward and upward Project Real World.

P.S. I only discovered this picture on my camera while downloading. They're too cute :).