Adventures In Adulting

Flowers from my Adventure Buddy 💛

Graduation was a wonderful day. Apart from the supposed one-size-fits-all cap constantly trying to slide off and my arms getting tangled in the half dozen tassels, cords, and stoles, I couldn't have imagined things going more smoothly. Because I went to a small college they were careful to personalize our ceremonies. Each student was required to write "Thank You's and Future Plans and Goals" a month before and these were read as we walked across the stage.

It had taken me a long time to write mine. Partly because I had no exact plans and because there was not enough space to really thank those who deserved it. In the end, I scribbled something down and forgot about it until I was on stage and facing the crowd.

"Arnica---Graduating with a Technical Certificate in Business. Suma Cum Laude, National Technical Honor Society, and Phi Theta Kappa. Arnica would like to thank her friends, family, and Adventure Buddies, for all the support, encouragement, and french fries."

The crowd seemed mildly amused. My Adventure Buddy was the only one who really got the joke.

"After graduation, Arnica plans to get a good job so she can buy good food and die happy."

That startled the audience into thunderous laughter.
So how am I doing on my future plans and goals?

I sometimes wonder if life will always be this stressfull. Because I am have a precarious balance between the good and difficult right now.

The weekend after graduation I went to visit my best friend. About a year ago she moved to a city three hours away from me. We were both very excited about this because for most of our friendship she had been at least seven hours away. Much to our joy, we had also started relationships within a month of each other. Her guy actually came down for the weekend and I got to meet him (I approved). A fun little twist happened when he proposed to her after I left for my trip home.

Fun fact: I had been suspicious this might happen and purposefully left early to give them some time alone. I had also convinced her to paint her fingernails, something she almost never does, and when the moment came for pictures of the ring, she was grateful. 😊

In the following week, I passed two certification exams for Word Specialist and Excel Specialist. I went to the second interview for a job I had thought I was not going to get. Passed the drug test and started the week after.

Everyone agrees, Bookmobile Librarian is a perfect fit for me.

Some friends don't even know what a bookmobile is. I usually tell them to imagine a UPS truck lined inside with bookshelves. In that, my partner and I travel to the remote parts of our county as well as to nursing homes, schools, and daycares. So I get to combine my love for books, with my love for helping people, and my love of travel. It's been a blast so far.

As for me and my Adventure Buddy...

Things are never easy.

I am inclined to attribute this mostly to my parents. Without them, I suspect our relationship would have a lot fewer bumps. It would also be much less strong.

We are planning to get married.

But he knows I will not commit until he asks my dad. And even I have no idea if my dad will give his permission or not.

My parents do not disapprove of my guy. But they are also not supportive. It's a horrible spot for their daughter who wants to please everyone.

So someday, my AB will get up the courage to ask my dad. And eventually we will know for sure whether or not I can commit and we can actually start making plans.

No. That is not a pleasant spot to be in.

I am trying to keep this post short so  I will not go in to further detail on that.

Grandma has been more difficult the past few months. The three of us who live with her feel that she is slipping more and more. She is very clingy. And more needy with each day.

Honestly, I struggle with some feelings of resentment.

Not that she does not deserve our care. But it IS difficult.