A Sing'n and A Shake'n

First off; just a thanks to my sister for not only reminding me of this dreadful day; but for forcing me to share this story with the world ;) !!!  Honestly I just knew I was in the 89 earthquake and I was in preschool; it wasn't until this morning that I discovered that today is in-fact the 19th Anniversary of the event.  And if my sister was 8 and a half when it happened; that means I was a wee 4 and a third when it happened.  If you haven't read my sisters account yet; you can find it here.

And so the story begins; while my sister was off "cuddling" with an older boy she "probably liked" in a doorway while the house was shaking around her; my story is one of a different sort.  I was at preschool that day but I don't remember what we were doing at the time; all I know is that I walked into the bathroom leaving a perfectly normal classroom behind; but opened the door to a very different site.  See; apparently while I was in the bathroom doing my thing and singing my little heart out; the world around me was shaking (the bathroom wasn't shaking at all).  I went to the bathroom; washed my hands and opened the door to everyone crouched under the tables.  I remember it being a very traumatic site, and I remember it looked very full under those tables but I had to dash from the bathroom to under the table.  Besides that I don't really remember much; I remember that after the earthquake was over the teachers let us all just play until our parents got there; and I remember feeling like they were pretending like nothing had happened (I'm sure that's not true).  And that's where the story ends; I too remembered my sisters doll losing it's leg to the disaster, but that's it.  My mom said that I was very traumatized by the event, and she had to go see a therapist  to figure out how to help me; clearly I had some PTSD!

(gotta get mom in there too!)

I don't really remember much about the 89 earthquake; after-all I was only 4 at the time, but I remember the earthquake itself very well.  And thanks to that earthquake I now, 19 years later, have a funny story about me as a 4 year old sining in the bathroom while the world around me was falling apart. 

Remember

This might not be the most pleasant video to watch, but it's one that needs to be watched.  Everyday we go about our lives living in a world where we don't have to fear for our safety, but if there's anything we can gain from this horrible act upon our freedom, it should be that freedom isn't free.  It's sad that we have a yearly horrible reminder that we will carry with us all our lives, but on at least one day it will help America stop and be thankful for what we have.

I didn't find out till I got to school and a friend told me. I was staying with some family friends while my parents were visiting my sister in Fiji, and we hadn't turned the TV or radio on all morning. It was one of the scariest things I've heard in my whole life, and then my second thought was worry because my parents were in a different country; my family wasn't around.

2 Arms; 2 Lives

A few weeks ago I gave blood (not a rare thing) at our annual church blood drive.  The thing that is out of the ordinary is that only twice in my blood giving career have I had to be stuck in both arms, and both times it was at the church blood drive.  Not really sure what that's all about!

Last year they got it all out of one arm but couldn't get anymore out for the tubes because of a clots, so in order not to waster the blood, they went into my other arm to fill the tubes.  This year I had them use my right arm; and the lady had such a hard time finding the vein (she spent a good deal of time fishing around with that huge needle in my arm) that at one point I looked and it was completely side ways; perpendicular to the vein; my question is who thinks a vein runs that way!?!  Anyway, she gave up, I got wrapped, switched chairs, arms, and ladies and gave my donation.  I got two super cool arm wraps, a shirt, a pen, a coupon for a free pint from BaskinRobins and great snacks on top of the satisfaction that my donation can save 2 lives!  The pen and shirt were my gifts for allowing them to stick me twice; not everyone gets a shirt (this is my 3rd "for your trouble" shirt in the past year; hmm)

I was wearing these pink and green shorts so my first wrap color selection was pink; after that the new lady got all excited and wanted me to do green on my other arm, and then the guy made me these two corresponding bows and said; "Here at the blood source we believe in accessorizing!"

(Not my best picture but the inspiration of this post!  Click to see the accessories!)

I find it really fascinating that our bodies are so complex that if we scrap ourselves or cut ourselves we bleeds, but our blood is also so contained in it's tubes and tracks that if you stick a needle in someone's arm and it's not in the exact right spot you will get absolutely nothing, not even a tiny drop of blood.  God is amazing!

My My My Mexico Part 2

Everyone watching Justin fly in the sky

The Kids playing in the sand

Thursday Kim, mom and I took a yoga class which consisted of the three of us and the teacher.  It was an awesome class and though I was apprehensive at first of the small class size, I was glad in the end because I feel like I probably got a better workout because of it.  After class we met the boys and the kids for a late breakfast, and then the Rush's headed home.  We decided to trek over to the Marina that afternoon for some shopping and dinner and were enjoying the wandering and dinner when a huge storm hit.  It was awesome at dinner because the restaurant was open so we saw and heard amazing lightening and thunder, but the walk home was a whole different story.  We were walking in flooded streets with the water well up to our shins.  Because mom had a white shirt on and I had kaki pants on (see through when wet) we opted for the trash-bags we'd seen a few others wearing.  Not really sure what Bill's excuse was!  And the night was closed out with some Olympics; did you expect anything else!?!

Bill doing his best Nacho Libra

My Turn

Mom Always trying to one up!

Nice Family Dinner

Trash-bag Trio

The damage

Friday was another day of nothingness which was just the way I liked it!  We had more pool time and after mom and Bill headed off for their afternoon at the spa, Justin and I headed to dinner and then back to our room for the exciting 100 Fly with Phelps taking his 7th Gold!!!  Kim Rush actually called us soon after the race to find out what had happened because through the husle of the night they missed the race.  So of course we were more then happy to fill them in!  Oh, and there was another storm on Friday evening; Justin say lightening strike the building right next to ours, and the thunder was so loud I jumped/fell out of my chair!

Enjoying my lime smoothie 

Justin enjoying his banana smoothie 

Pool Girls

Saturday was a late morning, breakfast at the buffet that we'd been having breakfast at pretty much every morning (oh, how awesome is a vacation in Mexico when you can eat things like tamales, beans and quesadillas for breakfast among other things like the worlds best waffles!)  

Roses on the Roll

The water running through the hotel

After packing up we played a few rounds of card before heading to the airport and back on to SLC.  Mom and Bill had to rush through to their connecting flight but Justin and I met up once again with Timbra and Al.  Timbra took us on a little downtown SLC adventure and to dinner before we headed home.  

It was an awesome trip, and while usually we do more on vacation then lounge by the pool everyday, I think this was exactly what everyone need that week! Thanks Bill and Mom for an awesome vacation!

My My My Mexico

So there's not much I can say about my trip to Mexico except that it pretty much rocked my world!!  A lot of relaxing, lounging by the pool/ocean, and soaking up the sun with an occasional evening sea turtle adventure!

Saturday we headed out for our adventure far too early in the morning; I believe that I set my alarm for somewhere around 3:45 am, but I've tried to block that out of my memory!  Justin and I headed to the airport and flew to Salt Lake City where we had about an hour to go out and visit with Mike, Timbra and Alani in the airport.  It was sad that they didn't go on the trip with us so it was a nice treat to get a little visit in.  

Me at like 4:15 am

Justin getting us gas at 4:40am

Al stealing auntie Haley's shoes

We flew on from there to Mexico and after waiting a bit for the parents we headed on to the hotel.  Can't complain about the view from the room that's for sure!!

We happened across the turtle nursery after talking with just one person about where we could release baby sea turtles and that pretty much set the rock'n pace for the rest of the week!  I mean, come on, how lucky were we that there was a whole baby sea turtle farm right at our hotel!!  I'll give the sea turtles the respect they deserve by posting a whole different blog about them, for now an overview of the week!

So Saturday night after dinner we watched some Olympics and then mom and I headed out to do some sea turtle sighting and were excited to see a few different turtles in different stages on coming up to the beach to lay eggs and going back to the water!

Sunday (like most of the days to come) was a lazy/relaxing day by the pool.  We found some lounge chairs between the pool and beach and camped out for the day.  We enjoyed chips/salsa and blended drinks while lazing around!  We pretty much spent most of the day going back and forth from the pool to our lounge chairs, and the most exerting thing we did all day was play a little 2 on 2 water volley ball (quite a sight to behold!).  That evening we ordered room service and watched the Olympics (you'll notice this to be a recurring theme!)

Monday Mom and I made our way to the spa where she enjoyed a facial and I enjoyed the best hot stone massage I've ever had - a fire opal massage!  After that we did more lounging by the pool, under the umbrellas trying to recover from our Sunday sunburns!  After having dinner at one of the hotel restaurants and watching the olympics ( it was a sports bar type place) we check to see if any babies might be ready to release and were pleased to discover that there would be a nest ready in about an hour!  So you can bet that we were there an hour later ready to let them go!  We also saw a few more turtles coming up to lay their eggs while we waited for Oscar (the turtle master!)!

Aww, brother and sister 

Tuesday morning we did the room service thing again and watched the olympics over breakfast!!  Around noon our friends the Rush's arrived for a overnight visit, so we said our hellos and took the kids into the pool while everyone worked on catching up in the water!  It was someone's grand idea to do room service in our (Justin and I's) room and watch the Olympics so I ordered up some pizzas and the 9 of us crammed into our room to enjoy good company, good entertainment (the Olympics as well as Tim and the Kids!) and good food!

Wednesday we pretty much hung out by the pool yet again, taking the kids swimming here and there.  There was a storm coming in so we got out of the pool fairly early that day, plus the Rush's were all suffering their Tuesday sunburns.  Justin did have the opportunity to go parasaling in the afternoon so that was really fun to watch.  And in the evening we all had dinner at a nice Japanese restaurant (the type where they cook in front of you) and after that went for a walk on the beach to see more turtles coming up to lay eggs.  And of course the evening was concluded with some Olympic coverage!

Justin checking the medal count

Mom and Bill relaxing by the pool

Justin Parasailing

Whistle While You Work

So most people who know me ore my family know that the women of our family were not blessed with the best of whistling skills.  (though if you put us on a team together and something requiring whistling/humming is on the line we can pull it out!)  Anyway, as of late I've been really into whistling, and I'm always excited when someone can recognize the tune I'm whistling. . . Anyway to make a long story short, today I was whistling The Itisy Bitsy Spider and I asked Lauren what I was whistling, and she guessed it!!!  Leave it to a two year to recognize my whistling ability!!!!  

A Birds Eye View

Incase anyone didn't have a clear view of just how bad living in Northern California is these days, I have some pictures from a birds eye view of the smoke.  Yep it's smoke you are seeing, and I couldn't even see the ground through it once we were in it.  Please keep everyone who's threatened by the fire and the Firefighters putting tireless hours into fighting these fires in your prayers. 

A clear view of Crater Lake

Mt. Shasta with the smoke creeping in on it.

The last thing you could see

And then nothing

The Tail of The Lost Data and the Personal Recovery Process

So as I'm sure you've gathered by now, my hard drive died on me a few weeks ago.  It was really a traumatic experience because I used the computer 15 minutes before and was just coming back to google something but when I opened it nothing happened.  After several restarts all I was getting was blank screen, but I was in the middle of prepping for a BBQ the next day so I decided that there was no point in freaking out until after that event was over.  

Sunday after an awesome BBQ, I headed to a friends house to see if he might be able to work some magic on my computer but sadly his magic had apparently run out for the night so he did the next best thing which was to make me an appointment at the Genius Bar in the Apple store for Monday afternoon.

So I set out on Monday to take it to the store, and as sad as the news that I received was, the experience was just comical enough that I survived the diagnosis, which was that I needed a new hard drive.  After the Genius did a few things to see if he could pull my hard drive up on another computer he pulled out the big guns; which was a stethoscope so he could listen to my hard drive.  He said; "I know this looks a bit funny. . . " and I told him no, it was great and it made the diagnosis all the more bearable.  The whole time I was wishing I could take his picture so I could document the moment.  So the diagnosis was the there are good noises and bad noises that hard drives make and mine was not making good noises.  He explained that it was like two records in the hard drive and instead of the needle starting at the beginning and reading the information mine was skipping to the end.  A problem that could not be fixed in the store.  The other problem was that I couldn't get a new hard drive until I could give them the old one.

I left the store once again kicking myself for not backing my data up over the past year while I've had this computer and a list of numbers to call for data recovery.  So Tuesday I called the first number on the list, which was also going to be the cheapest option and their quote was a free analysis of the problem and a start cost of $299.  Holy crap, I'm not going to pay that much if I don't have to. . . 

The next 5-7 days were spent without a computer still and toiling over how much data I really lost and if it was worth the money.  After talking it out with the friend mentioned previously, I made the firm decision that I have enough of my data in other places and I couldn't justify the expense for a minimal amount of loss (he was pushing for me to pay the money).  

So the next day was Monday again, and I made the trek down to the Apple store once again to hand over my lost data forever (forgot to mention that my hard drive crashed just a week and a half before the 1 year warranty expired so that was a blessing, and I went ahead and bought the extended warranty the previous week I was in the store.)  I met with another Genius who told me it would take a few days to get it all ready to go; to which I said "Aren't you just going to exchange hard drives?"  He said we could do that if I wanted to format the drive myself; to which I said; "No".  So I explained that I was headed out of town for a week on Wednesday and he told me he's try to get it done as fast as possible.  I left the store computer-less which was a really weird and a bit unnerving of a feeling, resolved that this whole process was happening for some reason and that in the end I'd have a working computer again.  I headed back home; and was at the AT&T store a half hour later when I got a call that my computer was ready . . . wait wasn't it going to be a few days.  I was very excited to have my computer working again, but in an annoying sort of way because . . . do you know the price of gas these days???

So that's my sage of the lost data and the personal recovery process.  I don't know if I would have lived through the whole experience if it hadn't been for the first Genius and his stethoscope!  Sorry for no pictures, I didn't have the nerve to ask if I could take one! Oh, and how could I forget, the Genius's at the Apple store wear shirts that say . . . Not all heroes wear capes!  How great is that; it was also a highlight of the experience!

Officially the Unofficial End or Unofficially the Official End

Today marked the end of yet another chapter in my life; it seems like more chapters are finishing up these past few weeks, what with graduation, my birthday and now the official end of the job that has carried me through my college days.  Today was "officially" my last day of nannying for the Polley family.  I keep using the word official because we've got tentative dates set through July with the understanding that if I get another job I won't work those days.  It didn't really hit me much during the day because we're all headed out on vacation together tomorrow and the Saturday after I get back I'm already scheduled to watch the kids, but sitting at home tonight I'm feeling a little sad in a good way.  

With each chapter ending these past few weeks there's a new one beginning, but sometimes it's hard to close the book.

I started watching the kids when Aden was just over two months old and now he's 5 years old and almost a month.  And of course in that time Lauren came along; I watched her alone for the first time when she was just two weeks and now she's 2 years and almost 5 months old.  All I can say is time flies.

Sadly because of my hard drive crash last week I don't have much on my computer; but I did download these few pictures from my camera, so I can't do any then and now pictures, but I've got a now picture.  

Someone must have done something right along the way because these awesome kids made some good decisions about what they wanted to do with their life; some fine choices if I do say so myself!!  Let's see what we've got. . . 

A Policeman

 No how about a Piano Playing Pirate (let me think about this one)

 No wait A Fireman sounds good

And of course who doesn't want to be like their big brother!?!

Another Pirate in the family sounds about right!

What's My Age Again?

I've hit the big 23!!  Ok, I know compared to some I'm not that old, but it's the oldest I've ever been!!  I'm very excited for what this year has in store for me because it's not just the beginning of a new year but it's the beginning of a new chapter.  Now that I've finished up college I'm entering a new part of my life, and I know that God can now open the doors in any direction; which is slightly exhilarating and slightly terrifying at the same time.   

I was talking with Aden the other day about his birthday and how excited he was to finally be 5; but sadly he told me he was a little scared because now that he's 5 he's closer to passing away (a little bit of a fixation of his since his great grandma passed away a few months ago.  He told me once when we were talking about birthdays that 23 was kind of old and I was going to pass away soon; much funnier then the present conversation).  It was really sad to me to think that at 5 he's worried about passing away; he also told me that every year someone gets another year older they get a little sad because they are closer to passing away.  I'd like to think that with every "year older" someone gets they have the opportunity to reflect on the past, but that they spend more time looking forward to the great things to come; the great things to be experienced and accomplished.  I know I'm excited for the things to come, and passing away isn't on me list of current thoughts!

So on to my actual birthday . . . 

My mom flew down for a few days to celebrate my birthday with me which was a super special treat!!  She flew in Monday afternoon and after we stopped at Jacks Urban Eats for some tasty salads we headed up to Ben and Katie's to hang out with Katie, Aden, and Lauren.  We spent the afternoon just coloring and playing games; sometimes the simple things can be so much more exciting then the hustle and bustle of getting ready and going out to do something "fun."  Later in the evening we met up with Ben at BJ's for dinner and a birthday pazookie (not really sure how to spell that).  It was a nice relaxing day (which proved to be the pace of the trip which is a nice change from what they usually are; always fun but always jam packed with action!).

Right, so now we're actually going to get to my birthday. . . 

Tuesday morning was nice and relaxing, we got to sleep in a bit which is always a treat!!  I headed out to Trader Joe's for a few essentials like eggs and cooking spray so my mom could make my "homemade" birthday cake!!  I grabbed some breakfast sandwiches at Starbucks and came back so we could enjoy a leisurely morning.  I opened my present which was a shirt from a local feed shop on "my mom's island" which had roosters on it to accompany the roosters in my hood!  I also got a super cute camera case for my new camera which I got for graduation!!  After mom made the cake we headed out for a girls day at the spa.  I was treated to a manicure, pedicure, and hot stone massage, my mom got the same treatments; after all she is the one who gave birth to me!!  It was such a fun experience and a very fancy place, the kind where you wear robes and slippers the whole time your lounging around, and there's fruit in your water; oh and don't forget the green tea chocolate in your locker!!!

After our relaxing morning at the spa we headed for salads at El Torito (ok it know it seems like were always eating, but I'm trying to catch every tasty detail!).  We came back to my apartment and because I've lived here for almost 2 years and have never once walked to town we decided that Tuesday was the day; despite the heat we headed to town and checked out some of the cute shops and some of the roosters!!  It was a fun little walk!!  We came back and still had time to squeeze in a few rounds of skip-bo before it was time to hit the showers and get ready for the drive-in!  

Fair Oaks is Known for it's wild roosters!

Baby chicken or baby rooster, we just don't know yet; either way super cute!

Some of the local studs strutting their stuff!

This was a full on rooster gang there were so many of them!

That's right, we met up with some friends of mine and headed to the drive-in.  We say Indiana Jones for the first movie and for the second one we saw Narnia.  I'm not a Indiana Jones fan; haven't actually seen any of the originals, so I wasn't super impressed but I really enjoyed Narnia.  Before we left for the movies I set my mom up with a bed in the back of my car; memory foam and all, which she used later on in the evening for a nap during the second movie (accompanied by some make shift napkin earplugs)!!  Before the first movie started (at about 9:20) there was singing and tasty "homemade" cake!  Just before the end of the first movie we saw an awesome meteor falling through the sky; it was like slow motion!!  Another friend of mine; Brandon met up with us before Narnia, which didn't end till after 2am!  It was a perfect night, I didn't even put a sweatshirt on until after the first movie; a nice warm drive-in evening!

Who knows what those boys were up to!

The "homemade" box cake that I love!

My Mom and I sitting on the "bed" in my car for the candle blowing out ceremony!

The drive-in group; Isaac, Canda, Dustin and I.  Mom's taking the picture and Brandon came later

Wednesday morning my mom and I had planned to go kayaking but by the time Wednesday morning actually rolled around I was way too worn out for a cold I have been fighting and way too tired from the late night, so we opted to sleep in and hang out.  We had salads at Red Robin for lunch and came back to play canasta and phase 10 with a side of cake before it was time to head to the airport.

Overall it was an awesome birthday, and I'm so blessed to have such loving family and friends who took time to make my birthday extra special!  Thanks everyone for the calls, cards, comments and company!

Oh, and how could I forget, I was saving my locals from this post to break in on my birthday and I wore two pair throughout the day; yeah!  23 is going to be a good year . . . 

Loco Local Love'n

I was very distraught when I found out we wouldn't be taking out family trip to Hawaii this year; mostly because I needed to restock on my Locals.  Ok, maybe not mostly but it was a serious factor!  I've been holding on to the my few pair I have from the last trip that was 3 years ago and was in desperate need of a new stock.  Well we had a mini birthday celebration for me while I was in UT and I was super excited to open my presents to find not 1, not 2, not 3, but 6 pair of new Locals!!  That's right I said 6!!  I was/am excited beyond words!!! And it was also exciting today to be able to toss out my poor excuse for Locals in exchange for some "fresh" ones.  

Perhaps in heaven Locals will be the footwear of choice!

Thanks Timbra and Mom for getting the idea, and thanks to Heather (the little Hawaiian helper) for making a girls shoe dreams come true!!  Some girls like $200 shoes, I'm content with Locals!

Of course a Slippa's balloon is in order!

The Local Circle of Love

One should always have the classic black pair so your ready for anything; Heather's logic which I fully agree with, the rest are all for fun!  Still haven't warn them yet, I feel like I should save the first wear for a special occasion; perhaps I'll pick the perfect pair to go with the perfect birthday outfit!

Ratuation (rat-chew-way-tion)

If you ask Lauren where she went two Saturday's ago she'd say to "Haywee's Ratuation (rat-chew-way-tion)!"  So following that logic, I've Ratuated (ratu-chew-waited) and I'm now a Ratuate (rat-chew-it)!!!

I know this post is long overdue; my sister has posted about it here, here and here, so for the expanded version with lots more pictures you can check those out (but be sure to leave all comments here!!)

Saturday May 24th, 2008 I walked across the stage (well actually we walked in front of the stage) to receive my BA (and of course I didn't actually have it in hand yet!) in Child Development from California State University of Sacramento - CSUS or Sac State.  It was a very exciting moment in my life; a benchmark moment if you will.  I've been working toward my BA in Child Development for the past 5 years, and at 22 years old I've now accomplished what I set out to do.  I suppose one could say I've actually been working towards this my whole life considering that this is where life has directed me to this point, but it took me 5 years of college to get to the stage!

Waving hello to my fans!

Getting ready to go

Lauren Spots Me

Alani Spots Me

Aden Finally Spots Me

Fortunately for me, I've been surrounded with love and support throughout this whole journey, and there's no way I would have been able to accomplish such a huge task if it hadn't been for the support of my friend and family.  Everyone in my life has played a special part in getting me where I am today, and while it's tempting to list them off and thank them each for their contribution, here's not the place for that.  Just know that I love and appreciate all of your for your unique support and encouragement along the way.

Graduation weekend was a big to-do, starting with Timbra and Alani arriving on the Wednesday before.  Fortunately I was able to work out my finals schedule so that I had them all taken and over with before anyone even came to town; thus when the first guest arrived so did the celebrations!  Timbra and Alani came up on Wednesday, Thursday my mom and Bill flew in, Friday, Mike, Justin, Cheryl, Tyrone, Ireen and Ethan and Grandma all showed up (yep, it was turning into the makings of a big dog party [mom I like your hat]).  

Saturday morning started out with an ever festive breakfast at the International House of Pancakes (IHOP; Bill's choice) and then running around town doing a little of this and that to get ready for the big event (before we go any further somehow the even got so big and eventful that it was equated to me getting married, with some jokes along the way!).  Had to get some last minute clothing items, a haircut, makeup, all that good stuff.

Graduation was at 5, and I had quite the turnout; or fan-club as I like to call it!  This is the whole group together in a rather impressive shot if I do say so myself; I mean, how often do you get this many people looking in the same direction!

(Back Row - Justing, Courtney, Dustin, Aden, Isaac, Del. Middle Row - Bill, Mom, Me, Timbra, Alani, Mike, AUnt Teri, Ben.  Front Row -Grandam, Canda, Di. Front - Katie, Lauren)

Mom and Me

The Whole Family

Me and Di 

(If there was one thing  I could have changed it would have been that my dad was there too.)

My Homies - Courtney, Dustin, and Isaac

The Polley family

Del and I

After the ceremony we all made our way to Spaghetti Factory for a tasty pasta dinner, then we made it back home for some rest and to gear up for the actual party on Sunday!!

One of our Two Dinner Tables

Once again I'll say how truly blessed I am, and how blessed I feel because of all the love and support that people have shown me, as silly as it feels when someone says they are proud of you; I know it all comes from the heart and it means a lot to me.  We had a huge turnout for the BBQ, and we couldn't have asked for better weather.  Thank you to my mom, Timbra, and Katie for working so hard to make this BBQ so special.  And Thank you to all their extra helpers.   I was so excited to see all my friends and family at the party, and to have a chance to catch up with them all.  The biggest surprise when when I found out the Boggs Family was coming; they made a day trip up in the midst of getting ready for a cross country move.

The Family

The Boggs

Don't touch my cupcake

The Party

Jim and I

The Party Planers

Didn't get a pic with Mike and the BBQ

Didn't get a pic with Bill at the BBQ either

The whole weekend was full of love, support, and celebration; I'm so lucky that God has blessed me with amazing family and friends.  

What better Fortune could a Graduate Ask for!

Sadly the partying ended on Monday when everyone had to head home, but the celebrations continue on as I embark upon this next chapter of my life . . . the chapter of unknown experiences and wonderful adventures.  Stay tuned for what's to come . . .