I’m graduating in less than a month. And even though that means I have some pretty great things to look forward to it also means that I’m leaving behind a pretty good life and some pretty good friends. And that’s the reason I’ve been sporadically crying for weeks a little bit upsetting. So instead I’m going to try to look on the bright side. I’m graduating. There will be a celebration. There will be a party. And that means there will be gifts. (There are also a lot of other things to look forward to after graduation.)

And while most of these gifts won’t be nearly as great as the list I’ve compiled in my head (and rightly so), I still feel like sharing it with you ladies. Mostly because I just want to daydream about these awesome graduation presents, but also because maybe one of my relatives will find this article after winning the lottery and feel bad about getting me a crappy high school graduation present all those years ago and surprise me with one of them.

But anyway, back to the point. After day dreaming about my graduation celebration I’ve compiled a list of dream gifts. Not gifts I expect to get. Not gifts I think I should get, but gifts I wish I could get. And now I’m sharing them with you. Get ready to drool ladies.

1. MacBook Air
This one is actually pretty practical. For a long time now I’ve been a PC girl, or a Dell girl to be more precise. But after four years and more fried hard drives and/or motherboards than I care to admit, I think it’s time for a change. Now that I’m out of college I no longer have to worry about my papers being compatible with my teachers and I want to make the switch to a Mac, but not just any Mac, the MacBook Air. It’s tiny and portable, and so, so pretty.

2. A Trip to Greece
Ever since I read The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants I’ve wanted to visit Greece. And every time I see it in a movie (Mamma Mia, My Life in Ruins, and lots of other chick flicks) my desire to visit the country only increases. There’s just something about it that appeals to me, ancient and beautiful, and full of gorgeous guys with great accents. A one way ticket is fine, thanks.

3. The iPhone 5
I’ve wanted the iPhone for a very long time. But not enough to give up my Verizon service plan. So I held off on entering the world of the smart phones for a while. Until last summer. When I finally caved and got the Blackberry. Just a few months before the iPhone came to Verizon. So now I have a 2-year Blackberry plan, and can’t upgrade without paying for the iPhone in all its full price glory. Something I will not do. I will, however, accept gifts.

4. A Shopping Spree
Come on, how could I pass up the opportunity to ask for a full-fledged shopping spree? I mean I’ll be a college graduate soon. So that means I need a college graduate’s wardrobe. Wish means I need to do lots and lots of shopping. For lots and lots of shoes business attire. It doesn’t have to be the whole mall, just Macy’s will be fine…please?

5. A Lifetime Supply of Starbucks
Just because I’m giving up all-nighters that doesn’t mean I’m giving up my caffeine fix. In fact, now that I’ll have to wake before the crack of dawn I’ll need my morning macchiato more than ever before. But trenta venti caramel macchiato’s don’t come cheap, especially on a post-grad budget. So if someone else could fit the bill I’d really appreciate it.

What about all the other seniors out there? What are your dream graduation gifts? Do any of these graduation gifts belong on your list?

In a depressing market like that, people need to step up their game to get ahead of their competition. You gotta prepare. You gotta know your ish. You gotta do whatever you can to prove to that hiring manager that you’re a better candidate than the 300 other recent grads sitting vying for the same job (from their parents’ living rooms).

But how do you do that?

Monster.com has you covered.

Being that Monster is one of the biggest job searching websites in the world, they’ve helped millions of people find the jobs of their dreams. Now, to say thanks, those people are sharing their tips for success with the people who need it most. And they want you to do the same.

Are you a recent grad with an awesome new gig?
A current student who found a sweet summer job on Monster.com?
Or maybe the perfect internship for next semester?

Share your tip on Monster.com’s success site and you will be entered to win a brand spanking new MACBOOK AIR! Yes, it’s true. Here’s how it works:

1. Go to http://success.monster.com
2. Submit either a career tip or success story of how you found a job on Monster (bonus: you get one extra entry if you submit your tip or story with a photo or video!)
3. Tag your entry with “College Candy” at the end.

At the end of the week, we’ll randomly choose a winner and reward you for sharing your job hunting knowledge with a sleek, sexy MacBook Air! And for those of you without job tips, well, with the hundreds of helpful tips already on there to help you find employment post graduation, you’re all winners too.

Good luck!

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I am embarrassed to admit this, but I spent a good portion of yesterday refreshing numerous technology blogs as Steve Jobs gave his keynote speech at the annual MacWorld. Please don’t judge me.

It is just that since acquiring my iPhone, I have grown more and more obsessed with Apple products. They are so white. And shiny. And pretty. Oh, and I also wanted to see if Mr. Jobs had addressed my personal iPhone issue of searching through contacts on the phone…which he did not. So, if you happen to know Steve Jobs personally, please let him know that I am still waiting.

Anyways, besides the awesome news that iTunes will now be offering movie rentals – perfect to download to your iPod video/classic/touch/iPhone/laptop for long plane rides – the Mac Daddy introduced his brand new baby: The MacBook Air.

This thing is like the Nicole Richie of laptops. Super duper skinny. And oh so chic.

Just watch the demonstration. This laptop fits in a manila envelope. An envelope! Imagine how much easier it would be to tote this thing around – to the library, to class, on a roadtrip. The MacBook Air is super light, ultra fast and so completely awesome looking. Just think of the guys you will attract writing a paper on this at the ‘Bucks. Reason enough to fork over the $1,800 (ouch!) for it.

The price tag is probably the only problem this little guy has. But, if your family is anything like mine and you haven’t yet celebrated Christmas/Hanukkah (we are doing it this weekend), I think this would be the perfect item to put on your list. I did, but my mom just laughed at me and said something about me paying for my own stuff and blah blah blah.

Maybe next year? Mom? …Bueller?