Whew...

I'm DONE! Officially. Yay!

And a big "thanks!" to Bill, Terri and Gage for coming out to support me at my diploma ceremony! I was happy to graduate, but I was even happier to share it with the people who are important to me. Before I walked across the stage (or ran, as Terri later pointed out), I caught sight of my mom, dad and sister, then saw Bill and Terri right behind them. Knowing that I had my own little cheering section gave me a thrill that no piece of paper can duplicate.

Apparently someone told my mom recently that I must be the "smartest one" in our family. That's by no means the truth. Maybe I'm the most academically inclined, but in the end, what does a degree mean? Maybe one day I'll make more money, or people looking at my resume will be more likely to grant me an interview. But as I sat around the table at the reception today, looking at my family and friends--and frequently interrupting my conversations with them to talk with teachers past and present--I remembered how important it is to just be liked and to like people in return. I didn't kiss as much ass as some of my fellow master's students, and I certainly didn't take myself as seriously, but I have friends, family and colleagues who care for me. And THAT is what is most important to me.

Done

Well, like Adam, I'm just about done with this whole master's degree thing. I completed my last class/oral presentation/research paper this past Thursday and tomorrow I have to turn in my "internship" report.

(For those of you who don't know, the program I'm in has an internship requirement which I still had to complete--despite the fact that I have a full-time job as a professional writer. Lame.)

Anyway, this weekend has been weird, the first one without a big black cloud of homework and projects hanging over my head since January. I anticipated being super-productive, but I was somehow overwhelmed by the amount of things I could do. Do I want to clean or shop? Go for a walk or watch some movies? Reorganize my kitchen? Read a book? It's like I was in jail and now, as a free woman, I have no idea what to do with that newfound freedom. So I did a little bit of everything. Took a long walk, went to the mall, had a very odd interaction with my non-date ex-neighbor at Old Navy, watched two movies and about four episodes of Boston Legal that were on my DVR.

As the weeks go on, I hope that I don't feel so aimless/baffled with decisions about how to spend my time.

Right now, I think I'm going to take a nap. THAT is an easy decision!

That American Idol Dude

Last year, I watched the final episode of American Idol, despite the fact that I hadn't seen any episode leading up to it. Ever. I found myself pulling for Bo because he seemed so much less candy-store-sickening-sweet than Carrie Underwood. He sang "Vehicle" with some soul. I thought he had potential.

What a sell-out. I just heard his new song on the radio and it's crap. Crap crap crap. He sounds just like every other male singing now, even that British dude whose song abut seeing and falling in love with some girl on the subway was great for like two weeks.

American music is going to hell. Except the country folks, who seem to be getting better (except for the Carrie Underwood bitch). Much as I love country, it would be great to have some new rock or decent pop music to get excited about.

Maybe I should download The Fray's album, just for kicks.

The Freak Out Begins Now

All weekend I amazed myself with my calmness despite the fact that I had a take-home final, quiz, news story, oral presentation and research paper due this week. I even managed to take a short-but-sweet nap yesterday on a clear conscience, thinking I would have no problems meeting all my deadlines.

Ladies and gentleman, the freakout began today.

How in the world am I going to pull this off? It's impossible! I'm taking Wednesday off, but that's to write my 15-page paper. When am I going to do the other stuff???? Whaaaaaaaa!!!!!!!

Send some positive writing energy my way, Defying Gravity readers. I'll need it.

(On Thursday night at 9:30 p.m., I'm going to party like it's 1999.)