LMU Graduation Ceremony and Celebration

On May 5th, I officially graduated from LMU. There ceremony took place on LMU's campus in the Sunken Gardens. The ceremony was long, and drawn out, with a guest speaker named Erin Brokovich. Yes, the woman that was portrayed by Julia Roberts. To tell you the truth, it would have been much more interesting having Julia Roberts present, but I'll leave it at that. During the ceremony doves were released, and at the end confetti was shot in the air, making it look like it was snowing colorful pieces of paper!!!








The following day, all of the dearest people in my life showed up to celebrate the festivities! It was an afternoon filled with fun, lughter, love, and of course amazing food, thanks to Mammy and Jeanine! The buffet was excellent, and it was comforting to eat all Belgian style grub! To be quite frank, it was decadent. Thank you all for the most amazing afternoon, in support of my academic achievements!

April 18th-25th...

This week has been eventful to say the least. Working the front office for most of the week. Times flies by all to quickly though when there's so much that must be done. But half way there nontheless....

But the important part by far this week was this past weekend. Saturday came and went of no importance. It was nice to stay in Friday night and stay up past midnight talking with Tiffany. It's amazing how fun it is to be able to talk to another girl about everything and anything for hours on end and really just have a good night with no where to have to be or get ready for. And then it felt amazing to sleep in the next morning and still get what needed to be done, and then some. Those new black shelves that Debbie gave me fit perfectly in my new room! Once I get the place settled and organized I'll have pictures up asap.

Sunday was the day however. Family Sunday that is. Arnaud and Jessica came down to Orange County with Isabella to have a late Sunday lunch at the parents'. So the whole pack went over to the house, including myself. Lo and behold, the "American" extension of the family appeared as with Cindy, Dan and Aunt LuAnn. And what a wonderful afternoon it was, with wonderful company, lots of food and drink, and a general great feeling of being surrounded by people you love. Here are some pictures from the day....

a face plant....yet she's still sleeping?

Testing out the outfit for the flight in May to Belgium....those Vans crack me up, I've got a pair just like 'em...

Nonnina holding Isabella as Zia tries to get herto giggle...seems like it's working :-)

Success in getting the giggles...

The older generation holding the newest addition to the family

Nonno holding Isabella on the swing...she seems to like it

The fam...

Too cute in personal swing

P.S . Notice the resemblance of her birthmark with any particular country....??

Life as of April...

It's April 2007. Much has happened. I had my 22nd birthday on the 2nd. We all had a splendid BBQ in Beverly Hills for my birthday, my mom's and my brother's. The setting was beautiful, and the weather had cleared up just for the full day of eating, frisbee throwing, and bocce ball tossing.

Easter was the following weekend. Yet again the weather cleared up just for the main feast in the afternoon. Despite the morning drizzle and the ominous looking clouds, the afternoon cleared up and allowed for a beautiful outdoor buffet...

Work this month has been keeping me busy. I feel like I'm learning so much here within the way the world of real estate and business law works. I realize I went to school to use my french, but as I see it, right now it can't get me anywhere so I should try to broaden my horizons. Maybe in the future I can go back to school and do what these lawyers are doing but on an international basis. If I could use my french that would be a tremendous feat.

My new living arrangements are splendid. I am living with my "cousin" and another really great girl. Our dynamics all really mesh well. We are all so busy, going in and out and taking care of work and personal things that down time is well spent. I am looking forward to living in this new place and resuming my life in Orange County, but this time being independent. I have been on my own to an extent for the past 4 years, and a good 6 months in Paris, and now it's time to come home and start my life.

The family is doing great. Arnaud, Jessica, and Isabella seem to all be doing tremendously well. Isabella is such a quick learner. I have a feeling she's going to be giving her parents a run for their time. Already at three months she's wanting you to read to her, following the pages and the pictures. She's such a beauty, and I can't wait to see what's next in store with the rate that she's growing.