Last weekend . . .
We had much in the way of family in town, all of them here to support me as I attended my hooding ceremony and commencement, and then actually picked up my degree!

My dad was beaming much of the time, my mom cried through all the ceremonies, and my grandma boasted to everyone she met. My brother and his lovely wife flew out for the hooding to wish me well (which thrilled me -- it was the first time my brother has visited me in DC), and my uncle made the trek and put up with us all to wish me well, too. Hee . . . it was wonderful. I think the_overqual's parents and brother were pretty happy for me, too. Having my family here made the weekend for me: I think the only thing that could have made it more complete would have been if my sister, my niece, and my other grandparents could have made it . . . but y'know, we must be happy with what we have, and I have a very loving family.

It all even started to sink in a little bit at the commencement. I was too nervous at the hooding (what with the having to walk across the stage and all), but getting to sit at the front of the crowd at commencement gave me much time to reflect . . .

Hope this memorial day is proving tranquilly reflective for you.