Great photos from ALL over the years!

Here are some pictures from Mom's computer-

Leah and I, Dec 07

Dad and Big, Dec 07

Big and I --

I think this is on Leah's birthday, wine at the McGee household first and then out!

We are pretty cute

Me and Big hanging out before our run

Summer 2004

Me and the "Mean Green" in 2004 before I left in my new white one...

the new one! :)Dad in San Antonio, 2004 Mom in SA, 2004

Galveston with Craig, Jill, Mom and Dad in 2004

Dec 2003 in Houston

Junior year of high school- Go Eagles! Mere and I at the lake in 2004

4.0

Okay, I wasn't sure if I was going to post about this or not, but I decided it is my blog and I can blog what I want.

I got a 4.0 this semester!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yeah, I am pretty psyched, still.

Yep, I took a self portrait before we went and had our "senior" photos taken, also before I had submitted my last assignments. It was crazy to have that square hat on, the gown but especially the hood...

I can't promise this is the last school related post .... I am still pretty excited by the whole thing!

Master of Arts, Mass Communications

That is my "title" not likely that I will ever use it as a title, but I completed my master's degree! YAY!

Graduation was a wonderful weekend-- Nick surprised me and came to Lubbock YAY! My nephew is the MOST adorable little guy EVER. He smiled at me a few times, I got to feed him and it was all around a GREAT weekend. My family and Leah arrived Friday, graduation was Friday night, Brandi and I rode together and let me tell you- what a ride of relief and wonderment. We were just so excited to finally be there, and somewhat befuddled that we were 'there,' it some ways it feels like we just met two years ago and began this journey, and in someways it feels like we have been students forever.

Friday night Jon was amazing and got us a table at 50 Yard Line - YUM!

The group that made it out to dinner... don't know why Leah and I felt it was necessary to LAY down for the picture, but this is the ONLY picture of the group from the weekend, I am disappointed. But this is a super cute picture!

Nick and Grandpa at graduation, I love his little outfit! So cute and so HAPPY that he came to graduation and Lubbock! :)

Leah and I

Eric came too!

We went to the winery on Saturday -- such fun, we tried five different wines and purchased a case! Then we went to the family favorite, Rosas! SOOO GOOD!

Jill and I after the winery enjoying a Saturday afternoon with the family.

My best friend and I, my mom.

So, what is next? Who knows- right now I am enjoying the "retirement" as my grandmother called it and on the hunt, the job hunt that is! :) If you have any tips, let me know!

Today

My mom and dad sent me two dozen red roses- they are the BEST!

I can't believe I graduate tomorrow- I am SO EXCITED TO SEE MY FAMILY AND LEAH!

Cleaning, cleaning and CLEANING...

So- school is over...

now I am a maid! :) Just kidding.. I am just picking up around apt de la Ashley for the arrival of the family!

Done, done and DONE!

I submitted my last paper around 4:30pm and 'that's a wrap!' My graduate degree is complete!

I am so relieved ... and so excited...and so in "limbo" about the next step in life.

So, what did I do? I started cleaning, the blinds- the base boards- the back of my headboard- the dog- the dishes- about to start on the bathroom.

WORRY~

I wish I had the capability to be lacksadasical about my work. I wish I had the ability NOT to FREAK out in the last minute and spend 6 MORE hours editing a 22 page paper. I wish I had NOT stayed up until 4 am editing the darn thing. I wish I was more relaxed... but after two years of graduate work, 5 years of undergraduate work and 24 years of deadlines I have come to realize that I am a worrier. I worry about a lot - I try to keep my 'cool' but alas I worry about most things that are a reflection of me.

I have one more paper to submit and then my career as a student only has the two hour ceremony and short walk left. Oh and the FABULOUS gown, hood and SQUARE hat ;)

SEE YOU ALL FRIDAY!

Words...

I was emailed a poem my senior year of high school that I printed out and posted on my dorm room wall and have kept on a bulletin board since then. I think it is appropriate for this time in my life and I am going to share it with you (two people that read this!)

This chapter in my life is coming to an end.
So many emotions that I am drained.
Leaving those I said I wouldn't,
my forever friends.
Tear stained cheeks,
Salt water eyes.
Memories cannot be repeated,
only cherished.
Each on a momemnt
filed away in my heart.
Everyone is moving on
and our great memories
will remain just that-
shadows from the past
as we step onto the next plateau.
Unsure if I really want to go.
Can't bare to say goodbye,
choked up, ready to cry.
Can't live in the past no matter how hard I try.
Afraid I will forget the memories I cherish,
the people I love, the people I leave.
Only God knows, only time will tell.
Farewell, keep in touch, more is to come.
This doesn't have to be the end,
my forever friend.
But the beginning of the next chapter
tied to the past, linking the future,
all scribed onto my heart, never to be forgotten,
never to leave the person it molded.
Tiny imprints tell of unforgotten treasure,
You I always will remember.



I know that a lot of this is in respect to moving away from friends, which many of mine have already left Lubbock, but what it symbolizes is more important.

And this chapter of my life- I think it counts as a few chapters or maybe a section of my book of life.

Okay- now I HAVE to write my LAST paper... EVER

What a FANTASTIC DAY

I had my second interview for a positon this morning that went well. I also submitted my final project for newswriting and I got an A!! YAY

Now, to write one more paper and edit the other and I am HOME FREE!



Sad news, Jon's television died tonight --- seriously one minute it is on - the next Nothing. :(