Finally!!!

Well, I finally did it. On Friday I graduated from the University of Utah. YAY! The ceremony was long and hot and boring, but it was still nice.

Read on for a detailed account of my graduation and subsequent celebrations.

I sat with some of my friends from the teaching cohort which was great; it made the ceremony significantly less excruciating. The experience was sort of surreal; even as I sat in the Huntsman Center in my cap and gown I could not believe that I was graduating! When I finally went down on the floor to get my diploma (cover), that's when it kind of hit me. I looked up and waved at my family- I tipped my hat to my little brother (hehe) and laughed at my mom, who was of course crying- and then I thought to myself "Huh, I'm graduating. YAY!" It was pretty great. My mom, sister, younger brother, dad, stepmom, and grandma all came to the ceremony, which was nice. The U has a tradition where you wear a red stole with your cap and gown and then give it to someone who has inspired you or helped you through your college career. I gave mine to my grandma, because she is amazing. She got her degree and teaching certificate through balancing school, a full-time job, five kids, a husband, and a farm- absolutely insane. She has been so excited and supportive of me becoming a teacher and it was very nice to be able to acknowledge her by giving her my stole. She seemed very touched. My friend Staci and her husband Garrett also came which was great. They also attended our post-graduation lunch with my crazy family, and it was a lot of fun. My second dad, Brian Fast, also attended. His daughter, Nicole, was my best friend all through elementary school and I have remained close with the family ever since so I thought it was very touching that he made the effort to come see me graduate.

After the ceremony was when the real fun began. We hung around and took pictures for a bit then my mom, grandma, brothers, sister, Staci, Garrett, and I went to lunch at Johnny Carino's. After that I took a short nap (I was sooo exhausted!) then I went with my friend Erica to a graduation party for our friend Maria. We ate dinner, had a few drinks, danced, and just hung-out. After that I met with my friend Coby and his friends Tree and Lisa Marie for drinks at Club Sound. Good times, good times.

Then on Saturday I went to lunch at Chili's with Casandra, Sarah, and Chrissy. After that, Casandra took me on a tour of the model home for their new townhouse. It is very nice and I am very excited for her and Trent to have their own home.
Later that night I met my friends Jen, Julia, her boyfriend Aaron, Hollie, Todd, Kirsten, Ryan, and Emerson for drinks at The Spot. It was soooo fun. Crazy, but amazingly fun.

Tonight my dad, stepmom and grandma are taking me and my little brother (he turned 18 on Friday!) out to dinner, and Thursday my cohort is having a BBQ to celebrate graduation. Yeah, it's a busy time, but hey, graduating college is definitely worth celebrating.