Gradumanated!!!

Everything turned out fine with aeroelasticity (in fact, I pulled my grade up a lot, which surprised even the Dicky) and this past Saturday I walked at Graduation.

I guess with the bachelor's degree becoming what a high school diploma once was, graduation isn't a big deal to a lot of people. But, for my family, it is the culmination of the move away from our home country and family in order to have access to better lives. I actually at one point almost became really emotional. I have reports that my dad didn't cry (he did at the high school one). Who knows, maybe when I get my masters?

There are certain things that I will never forget about the event: the look on Will's face, the mayor getting the year wrong (and the idiot kid next to me agreeing with her... shouldn't they not give you a degree if you can't even get the year straight?), the man horribly butchering my name, crazy Buzz and how it looked to be in a white and gold balloon shower.

Afterwards my parents took us out to lunch with the Wolffs, Heather, Becky, Alden, Kaya and the Malloys at Maggiano's. Definitely one of the best meals I've ever had, made infinitely better by all my favorites there with me.

Later that night was my party at my brother's, which was lots of fun. I'm irritated because a good number of people who said they would show didn't, which wouldn't have been a big deal (because most of my favorites were there!) except that it made the keg unnecessary and even more irritated that some (ok, one) that were there shouldn't have bothered! But any, we played all of my favorite drinking games and the night ended with what I like to call "the Will show," this episode being about on-campus bedding and its similarities to a "fuzzy tampon." It turns out that he meant to say maxi-pad... hilarious!

I am just truly grateful for all those who helped me celebrate (Kristy, I know you were there in spirit!) especially Melissa, Stephen, John and Justin who all drove long ways and Lucas who delayed his departure.

As I look back on my 12 semesters (yep, it took 12!) there are a lot of things I did and wish I hadn't, didn't and wish I had, but mostly I am satisfied with my experience. And hey, hopefully getting my masters will be a shorter, funner continuation of life there...

I guess things won't be changing that much for me, unlike many I know who are moving clear across the country. At least not yet. For the time being (til May) I will live with my favorite girls, work at the same place (new desk though!), and the classes will be considerably different. Mostly I just know the time will fly by and before I realize it I'll be walking again... and after that time I won't come back for more! Michelle has already argued with me about getting a PhD... by I think I'm going to stand firm on that one. I could be persuaded to go for an MBA though...