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Yesterday at Brandon's graduation, his younger brother (notice I didn't say little brother) decided to buy a bit of Alumni apparel. For himself. That way, he doesn't even have to go to college. He can just wear his CSULB Alumni sweatshirt to a job interview, and when they ask where he went to college, he can say "would I wear this sweatshirt if I didn't graduate from Calstate Long Beach?" And since they probably don't know him very well, they won't answer "yes, most definitely."

Graduation Day

Brandon
Originally uploaded by mosaiclife.

My sweet husband is now an alumnus of California State University, Long Beach. I'm so very proud of him, and of how well he did.

I'm so grateful for the things God has done in our lives already. I know he'll continue to guide us as we move across the country and he begins graduate work.

A while back, Seth drew a cartoon version of Brandon that I thought was pretty typical of him: holding a ruler, greek cards all about, unshaven. I thought I'd post it for your enjoyment.

My Sister's Wedding

Brandi
Originally uploaded by mosaiclife.

I just got back from Alabama. Brandi's wedding was beautiful, and I'm so happy for her and Cam. I really think they'll have a great life together. I know that sounds cheesy and like it's totally the default thing to say when people get married, but I really do mean it.

Her wedding took place in a church that was built in 1865 (according to the historical sign in front). I took a few shots of the stained glass windows, one of which is on flickr. It even had what I thought was some sort of old-fashioned sunroof in the entrance, which turned out to be the bells. I felt like such a tourist, taking pictures of everything.

The reception was held next door to the church at her inlaw's house. Their home was built in the 1890's (I think) so it's pretty cool because you can pretty much pose anywhere in the house and come out with a great picture. Which makes tourists from California happy.

My sweet husband met me at the baggage claim last night with roses. He joked that originally he has two dozen roses, but he sold off a dozen for $100 to some guy who didn't think ahead.

It's nice to be back.

Tomorrow (early, early early - like seriously early in the morning, we're talking I don't even want to think about how not cool it'll be driving down the freeway before dawn)I will be flying to the south for my sister's wedding, which will be this Saturday. It'll be a quick trip as I am returning on Monday evening.

This week has been crazy. I have a paper due in my Literature class, and this morning I took my math final (which I took early, because the final was scheduled for Saturday). Not too sure how I did on my final, because I'd studied all of the information from the second half of the semester and somehow the majority of the problems on this "comprehensive" exam were from the first. Ah well. I hate math anyway.

And even though I know Shanna probably doesn't read my site, I thought I'd say HAPPY BIRTHDAY SHANNA anyway. Good for you, all turning 23 and stuff. I meant to send you a card... See paragraph 2.

Lastly, four years ago today Brandon proposed to me. Obviously I said yes. What with me marrying him and all. Yay for good decisions.

Real quick, cuz I am supposed to be writing a paper that's due tomorrow:

I have to take a math exam tomorrow morning, and I need a blue book from Brandon. So to remind myself and him, I wrote "BLUE BOOK" on a post-it note in large serial killer handwriting. Before sticking it on the bathroom mirror, I added "RED RUM! RED RUM!" to the bottom for good measure. Just couldn't resist.

I thought it would be a nice service to the music-makers of the world if I issued them advice, based on the details in their songs. However, I am only going to issue the advice to bands whose songs were popular at least two decades ago. This way, the advice will either be useless because the singer is already dead, or the advice will finally be heard, as the singer is now a has-been and he actually reads blogs written by nobodies. So here we go:

Got My Mind Set on You
by George Harrison

But it's gonna take money
A whole lotta spending money
It's gonne take plenty of money
To do it right child

It's gonna take time
A whole lot of precious time
It's gonna take patience and time, ummm
To do it, to do it, to do it, to do it, to do it,
To do it right child

My advice to you, George Harrison (wait, are you that ex-beatle? are you dead? my, I'm too lazy to do any research) is to set your sights on someone less high-maintenance. Instead of "I got my mind set on you," you could sing "I wouldn't mind settling for less with you." Just as catchy.

Get Outta My Dreams; Get Into My Car
by Billy Ocean

Get outta my dreams
Get in to my car
Get outta my dream
Get in to the back seat baby
Get in to my car
Beep Beep, yeah
Get outta my mind
Get in to my life
Ooooooh

Mr. Ocean, you wouldn't have had to try so hard if you'd have simply offered her some candy. Everyone knows if you're trying to lure someone into your car, you offer them candy, rather than singing a song about it that includes the lyrics "Hey, let's make a deal Make it real Like a road runner Coming after you."

That's it for now, perhaps more advice later. If you're a has-been 80's pop star, feel free to leave some songs in the comments so that I can give you advice on how it should have went down. Thanks.

I realized the other day that we have three people at my place of employment that will prove or disprove some common fears. It's very noble of them, really, to subject themselves to such things for science.

One person drinks diet coke. That's all he drinks, as far as I know. I don't believe I've ever seen him drink anything else. Wait, except the grape juice at communion. Therefore, since diet coke seems to be the only fluid he consumes, we will know through him if aspartame is really harmful or not. So far so good.
Results: Inconclusive.

The second coworker talks on his cell phone quite a bit. If he's not on it, then it's probably ringing. Therefore, if he doesn't get a brain tumor, then you should feel free to talk on your cell phone, as I doubt that any of us (13 year old girls excluded) talk our cell phones quite as much. So far, no tumors. So you have nothing to fear! Except peak minutes. And car wrecks. But not brain tumors.
Results: Inconclusive

Seth, another coworker, doesn't eat vegetables, except artichokes, spinach, and large quantities of carrots. If what mother said is true about how you won't grow up healthy and strong if you don't eat all of your veggies, then we'll find out through him. So far, he does seem to get some debilitating illness every six months or so. Perhaps he's proving mama right even now!
Results: Mama and veggies - 1, Seth - 0.

The German Beard and Mustache Championship competition is the coolest thing ever.