D-O-N-E!

It's official, you must now call me, Master. Just kidding, but not really ;).

On Friday I FINALLY graduated! About a month-and-a-half ago I passed my 6-hour comprehensive exam, passed my internship presentation and portfolio, and all my classes were complete. Woo hoo!

There were a little over 3,500 students who graduated this December (not all at once, it was split up into 3 different ceremonies so you don't have to sit there for 10 hours).

I'm excited for a few reasons:

• I can now have "M.S." on my business cards and my e-mail signature after my name (silly, but still fun)
• I can hang my new degree in my office next to my bachelor's
• NO MORE HOMEWORK OR STUDYING!!!!!!!!! (that's most definitely my favorite reason because I can have my life back!)
• I'm proud of myself for finishing and accomplishing this degree. My degree program is not designed for someone working full-time, which is one of the reasons it took me a while to finish, along with getting married and starting a family. As the only person who worked in the program, it feels extra good to have finished
• I'm hoping some new opportunities at work will open up in the (near) future

Least favorite reason:

• My student loans have started. Fun.

I got official notice at 10 p.m. the night before that I had "cleared" my degree audit, meaning all the requirements in my degree were met, but I didn't really believe it until I arrived at the ceremony and immediately hunted down a program to make sure that 1) I showed up to the correct ceremony and 2) that my name was actually in the program. Phew, everything worked out!

(6th name from the top!)

Unfortunately, I don't have as many pictures as I had hoped. It was the first time I actually went to the Gymboree store (not the outlet) and paid full-price for an adorable polka-dot jumper. Fail.

I made a classic new-mom mistake and didn't pack and equally-as-cute-outfit. In my defense, Kathryn has a good reputation of not wrecking outfits. The "plan" was to take pictures after graduation. (Note to self: "plans" don't usually work out with infants)

During the ceremony I looked up to the top level of the basketball arena and noticed Kathryn wearing an all-pink outfit. WHAT?!?! I immediately texted E.J. and he informed me that she had a leak like no other. Of course!

Pre-Old Faithful Geyser

So when I met up with them after graduation K was sporting pink sweatpants. I know I know, it's not the end of the world, but I was excited to take pictures of us in her little jumper. On top of it, it was a mad rush to get out of the arena as thousands upon thousands of people tried to exit at the same time. Plus it was a chilly, gloomy day so E.J. put Kathryn in the car and we got a picture together.

We might end up going to A&M one day and taking some pictures in my regalia.

My view of graduation!

From E. J.'s view :)

The proof!

Gross picture of myself. The mortar board and heels make me taller than E. J. (as you can tell, I'm not a fan of that). Oh well!

Out to dinner!

We have "long day" written all over our faces. A great day though!

Fun surprise! The beautiful roses from my parents.

Backtracking a bit: My advisor has a tradition of taking each graduate out to dinner at what is probably the nicest restaurant in town, Christopher's. YUM! It was delish! We went out to eat about a month ago, but I didn't want to share the pictures until I officially knew that I was done.

One of the smartest, kindest, and most helpful, (the list could go on and on) woman I know, Dr. Gastel. (Her full name is Barbara Jean Gastel...I was meant to work with her!)

Yummy dessert! Chocolate Nutella cake!

Biggest relief ever to now be able to say that I'm done!