Saturday, May 24, 2008

The final countdown

We leave Tuscaloosa next Saturday. I'm dealing with mixed emotions of excitement, curiosity, sadness, and anxiety. I was born in raised in Baton Rouge, but I've spent half of my life in Tuscaloosa. I've made wonderful friends here. I've enjoyed the beautiful scenery and fell in love here (with Patrick as well as Yoga).

In June, we will travel from Louisiana to Michigan saying goodbye to friends and family. We also plan to do some camping and perhaps white water rafting in the Smokey Mountains. July 2nd we fly away to spend 5 and a half months in Finland. Who knows what that adventure will bring. I want to try out some Finnish Yoga as well as the Saunas. I have very few preconceptions about Finland, so I am interested to see what life is like there. And, how could a place with a festival honoring garlic be bad? I mean, come on!

While I look forward to what is coming, I remain grateful for my time here in Alabama. And to all of my friends here, I will miss you.

We have moved most of our stuff into a storage unit. It's the floor-life for us these days. We sit on the floor, eat with little trays on our laps, and sleep on a mattress on the floor. I'm in the office today to finish packing up my books and backing up my files. Next week, we will do the final packing and cleaning of the apartment. It's so weird to think about. But, there it is.


Oh, I saw Indiana Jones yesterday. I was entertained, but I think Iron Man was a better movie. :D

Friday, May 16, 2008

Now I can start my life of crime

It's official. I finally graduated with a Phd, and I'm already trying to figure out how to get back into school. Maybe I'll get a religious studies degree this time....

Click here to watch me graduate!

My family came to town for the big day. My mom, stepfather, brother Paul, and brother David were unable to make it, but brother Brad made a surprise trip from Seattle...woot!

Sarah says she was there, but I have to take her word on that one.

After the hooding process, we had a crawfish boil, drank beer, and beat up a zebra pinata. It was a blast, and I look forward to my next Phd graduation. lol!

I'm kidding.

maybe.