ex-boyfriends, new boyfriends and baby showers

I’ve been really sick and super stressed with finals, so there wasn’t much going on in my life. Not much, until a couple days ago. My best friend is in town from England for her baby shower. I’m going to be an auntie! YAY!! So, It Girl and I went up on Thursday night to meet up with her and some other friends of mine from high school for this thing called Holiday Stroll in Redondo Beach. There were a couple streets blocked off and thousands upon thousands of screaming children were running around. Ok, maybe not thousands. But, there were a lot. And, the fact that kids could sing karaoke was not helping that number seem smaller. There was free wine for the adults. I didn’t partake in the wine, cause I knew I would fall asleep. Plus, I had to get It Girl and myself back to the OC. And it’d be mean to drink in front of my preggers bestie. “You can’t drink, but I CAN!! (glug glug glug)” That’s not so great or solidarity. Then again, she’s the one who got knocked up, not me. (Yes, she’s married. So, it’s not quite as trashy as that makes it sound. But I like to go for effect.) We ended up meeting up with the Brohamster (my ex formerly known as MDA). It was the first time I’d actually hung out with him since we ended things last January. Sure, we hung out at school every day last semester. But, hanging out at school is safe. Hanging out in public where alcohol is involved is a whole other story. While part of me was excited to see him, part of me was nervous as to how it would make me feel. I didn’t want to instantly spiral downwards. But, I think actually the opposite happened. When I saw him, I realized I had no feelings whatsoever for him. I could have been wasted and alone with him and had no feelings. There was nothing. No spark. And that was the most amazing feeling I’ve ever felt!! I was worried I’d always have feelings for him. Nope. Not the case. I think I just realized that we are not as compatible as I once thought. And, I realized that he really needs me as a friend, and I want to be there for him. I think I’ll always care deeply for him. But, it’s nice to know that those feelings I once had have been transformed into something much healthier!

Cut to yesterday. I’ve been bummed about the Marine blowing me off. But, I was over it. And, of course, we ended up talking! Apparently he’s deploying soon, so he was worried about starting something. I told him that I would be willing to even hang out just as friends before he deployed if he wanted. So he asked what I was doing. I told him I was studying and could possibly take a study break later at night. So he called me later and we ended up meeting up. I just like hanging out with him. He’s so mellow and easy to be around. And he’s super funny and smart. We talked a little more about the deployment. He’s leaving within 30 days. He said he had a girlfriend last time he was deployed who didn’t write him more than twice while he was gone and cheated on him. How do you prove to someone that you’re not like that? I told him that I would write him every day, even if it was “So, I’m at school waiting for class to start. Awesome.” I don’t know that those letters would be very exciting for him, but it’s the thought that counts, right? I also offered to transcribe episodes of Family Guy. “So then Stewie says…And then they cut to a scene of… And then giant fighting chicken and Peter…” Maybe that wouldn’t be so exciting either. But, I’d do it. I’m such a giver. But either way, I had a lot of fun with him. I’m hoping that he doesn’t over think things and still hangs out before he leaves. But, boys are dumb sometimes and over-analyze things. I guess we’ll see what happens. No matter what, it was fun seeing him, and a very welcome study break! I have 3 finals in 2 days, which is kind of stressful. But, after Tuesday, I’ll be good, cause then I only have 1 final a week later and 1 paper due at the end of finals. Totally doable!

And now I’m off to my best friend’s baby shower for a couple hours. I wonder if she’ll be mad if I bring an outline with me? No, it’s not that California Civil Procedure is more interesting than baby shower games (though, that is a close call as to which is better) but I just need to multi-task today. I can’t wait to give her all the presents I bought. They’re not going to find out the sex of the baby til it’s born. So I bought lots of gender neutral onesies. I also bought a TON of toys and books. As a former English major, I believe it’s never too early to start reading! One of the books is about the 50 states in the US. Hey, I’m going to make it my mission to make sure that kid is well informed about its American heritage, even though they live in England. I also got it a Dodger outfit, because we have to represent CA! And, Nascar socks, because when you think classic Americana, you think Nascar. Well, I do anyway. Um..oh..and I got “butt paste” for rashes. I think it’s for rashes. I really just got it because it’s called “butt paste” and I laughed a lot over that! HAHA Butt paste.