Graduated.

Yesterday was my final graduation ceremony. It was at McKale Center where I have spent, throughout my life, many days and nights of basketball games. It was a fitting location for a welcome end. Our commencement speaker was Savannah Guthrie, former Tucson newscaster and now White House correspondent. She was funny, articulate, brilliant, and adorable! UA finally got its stuff together and made the ceremony shorter by talking less about themselves and all the administrative accomplishments and actually focused on the graduates. They also gave the masters and PhD students their own graduation ceremony the day before, so this one was just for the bachelors degrees. I really enjoyed this ceremony and am glad that I attended. My only complaint is the TSA style pat down on at least 3 separate occasions just to ensure we weren't carrying tortillas and beach balls (which ended up inside anyway!)

After the ceremony we headed to a little Mexican food restaurant around the corner from our house where we met 10 of my closest friends and had a celebratory lunch. It was so much fun! Good food, amazing people, wonderful conversation...I am blessed beyond words!

Social and Behavioral Sciences Ceremony

I had my first graduation ceremony this afternoon. My hubby, sister, father-in-law, mom and dad were all there (I know! My parents showed up, I was shocked!) I would like to thank them all for attending what is possibly the longest graduation ceremony of all time. Traffic was terrible, parking was atrocious, you all love me very much for dealing with such nonsense and I am so appreciative!

I had a wonderful time and my parents were quite supportive and friendly. Afterwards they even took the three of us out to dinner! My only regret was not getting an opportunity to speak with any of my professors before we left.

Good memories and good company, I am delighted!

I am Free...!!!

I completed my last final exam of my college career just a few short hours ago. I can't wipe this smile off my face! I just checked my records at Pima to confirm that I have been in school (both part-time and full-time) every semester since the Spring of 2002. I have been in perpetual school for 9 years...I just can't believe it. I cannot comprehend that after all this time, the tears and the triumphs, I am finally achieving my ultimate goal!

I am so grateful to so many people but mostly to my husband and my sister. My hubby has been my rock, my tutor, my motivator and my provider. He has worked hard and sacrificed dirt bikes, new cars, and vacations so that I could go to school. I could NEVER have done this without him and I can never adequately repay him! I love you Sweetheart!

My sister has sat on the phone with me more times than I can count, reminding me why I was doing this and convincing me that my test didn't go nearly as bad as I thought. :) She has been both comforting and brutally honest when I needed it. Her support has meant so much to me!

In two days I will be walking across that stage, dressed in my cap and gown, surrounded by all the people I love! I can't wait!

Doctor's Appointment

I went to see my doctor this morning and he confirmed that I have strep throat in addition to pink eyes (that's right, both eyes). Thank goodness we caught both while they are still manageable and slightly less debilitating. I should be back up and running in about 48 hours. In the meantime, liquids, rest and no touching the cat or dogs!!

Last Day of School...Ever

Tomorrow is my last day of classes before finals begin. At the moment I am having difficulty completely comprehending the momentousness of this occasion, mostly because I never thought this day would come but also because I think I have strep throat. Excellent timing!

Forget the Royal Wedding...

I witnessed "The Royal Rumble". The meeting of one Vin Diesel with 'The Rock' in the most epic movie I have seen in a long time, Fast Five. I cannot say enough good things about this movie, it had everything I ever wanted: fast cars, hot girls, explosions, shoot-outs, car chases and Vin Diesel & The Rock. Honestly, how this match up has not been done up to this point is beyond me! The entire movie I kept saying to myself, "I cannot wait to own this movie and watch it everyday". Now, go to the theater and enjoy!

Papa (1931-2011)

My friend Melanie (who lost her husband a couple of years back) lost the grandfather who raised her on Monday, April 11th. I am humbled to say that I was there with his entire family when he passed away in his home from leukemia at the age of 80. I loved him like he was my own grandfather and I will miss him deeply. He will forever be my Papa!

Ernest Ray Bennett

Ernest Ray Bennett born March 23, 1931, died April 11, 2011. He is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Teodora Bennett and children, Barbara (Johnny), Chuck (Cindy), Marsha (Dan), Jim (Theresa) and Ernie (Stephanie) and eight grandchildren and 11 great- grandchildren. He is preceded in death by daughter, Susanne. Ray was a farmer for many years in AR and AZ and joined the Southern Pacific railroad from which he retired. He continued his hobby of tractor restoration throughout his retirement. He is greatly missed by his many family and friends. A Memorial Service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 21, 2011 at EAST LAWN PALMS MORTUARY, 5801 E. Grant.

Graduation: Hotels

For any of you out-of-staters who are considering joining us for graduation in May, there are two convenient hotels very close to our house (literally 2 minutes away).

Comfort Suites:
http://www.tucsoncs.com/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=places&utm_campaign=google_places_ms
(There is a special price for people attending UA graduation -- $99 a night)

and Ramada
http://www.ramadafoothillstucson.com/index.php
(preliminary search shows $89 a night)

If these will break the budget we can try to put some people up at our house, however my sister is staying in our spare bedroom, so space is at a premium at the moment.

Post OCS: Foot MRI/Orthopedist

Matthew had another doctor's appointment this morning. This time it was to take a look at his right foot. The MRI report indicated that he has 3 stress fractures. Two are in the first metatarsal (the bone below the big toe), and one more in the bone above that (closer to his ankle). There is also significant swelling and edemas near the first metatarsal and ligament damage, although not serious enough for surgery. He also is experiencing numbness in his left big toe but still maintains full functionality. The doctor speculates that with time this will heal, but he may never regain feeling back.

The doctor has prescribed 6 more weeks of rest and than a follow-up appointment in May. After that, as long as he is continuing to improve, he can begin running and exercising again. No formal physical therapy is needed during this 6 week period.

We are still fighting the insurance company (TriWest) who keeps denying our claims despite having pre-approval.

The x-rays still haven't arrived from Quantico.

We received our second and final payment from the Marine Corp for "disability". We are (hopefully) rounding the bend with all this government nonsense. Matthew is back to work so we and the military are itching to part ways!

College Convocation: Update

I received additional information this afternoon regarding the Friday afternoon graduation event at the Tucson Convention Center.

Parking that is near the TCC will be $8 per automobile, however, they claim there is additional (free) parking within walking distance.

Guests will be required to have a ticket for the ceremony (what a joke!!). The tickets are $8 in advance and $10 at the door. If you notify me by May 5th, I will order your ticket for you. After that they will have to be purchased on the day (starting at 1 pm). Children 6 and under are free (Yeah Liam!!)

Preliminary Graduation Information

I ordered my graduation invitations exactly two weeks ago but they still haven't arrived. I have already started to get some questions about when and where, so in an effort to keep my friends and family informed, here is my graduation information:

College Convocation --
Where: The Tucson Convention Center
When: Friday May 13th
Time: 2-4 pm
This is where the individual graduates will be recognized. This should be better than the university-wide ceremony the following day.

Undergraduate Student Commencement --
Where: McKale Center at the University of Arizona
When: Saturday May 14th
Time: 9:00 am
The individual graduates will not be recognized at this ceremony, the entire college will stand when announced. This is rather boring and I don't expect anyone to attend this particular event.

We are still working out the party details, but most likely we will have a shindig on Saturday after the commencement.

Expect invitations in your mailboxes soon!

Our Brackets are Complete

This was the worst year for us and our NCAA brackets. I didn't get one single final four team, Matt got 1. I dare one of you to show me a bracket that had VCU beating Kansas!! I dare you!!

The tournament is always a roller coaster!

Until next year...

32nd Birthday

I just want to send out my deepest thanks and gratitude for an amazing birthday! A sincere thank you to all of you who texted or called me yesterday!

Aside from a full day of classes, it was a great day! My hubby brought me a dozen pink roses, a pizza (so I didn't have to cook dinner) and my sister purchased for me a Coach wallet that matches my purse. Last, but not least, our AZ Cats won their game and advanced to the Elite Eight!! Tonight is my "official" birthday dinner.

I am a very lucky and happy girl!!