Welcome to the Real World

The day has come that the U of A finally said they'd given me all they could and that it is time for me to leave and enter into the "real" world. The world of working from 9 to 6, actually ironing clothes before leaving the house, and making sure ends meet to pay bills (the real kind, not bar tabs). So after a 3 hour graduation ceremony in Bud Walton Arena, the Razorback Class of 2010 officially became alumni.

Me and some of my KKG sorority sisters before the ceremony. At this point we were still in denial that it was happening. Flash forward through 2 1/2 hours of name calling and the Graduation March, which is still stuck in my head, and you've got graduation.

I can't tell if my family is more excited that the forever long ceremony is completed or that their money and patience with me for the past four years has finally paid off with a degree and a job for me! Either way, we were all in really good moods :)

After the ceremony we all went our separate ways for dinner--my family went to Bonefish in Rogers for a great meal--and then we reconvened at Powerhouse for a big celebration shin-dig on the patio. It was good to get to see everyone and their families one last time before parting ways for jobs, schools, and internships.

Then after we'd tired all of our parents out, we decided to hit Dickson Street for one last time all together as (semi-) undergraduates. It was definitely a great night out and great way to end a fantastic 4 years.

Now I'm back in West Memphis knee deep in boxes and dirty laundry. I've been sorting out what I should get rid of and donate to 8th Street Mission, what should stay in West Memphis, and what needs to eventually make its way to DC with me. As much as I claim to hate packing and cleaning, I really don't. Turn on some good tunes and I get in my zone. If I can rope Mom, Dad, or Clayton into sitting and talking with me while I do it, then it's even better! But so far I've really enjoyed being home and spending some much needed catch-up time with my family and old friends.

Changing Direction

When I began this blog, my intent was to reflect on quotes and words of wisdom I came across. Obviously, I've dropped the ball. So, now that my life is changing directions with graduating college, leaving Fayetteville, and moving to Washington, DC, it only seems appropriate that my blog should too. So instead of writing about other people's takes on life, I will talk about my own ideas and experience with my new job and new location.

For the first time in my life, I will not be within driving distance from my family or in the same town as the majority of my friends. The people I'm used to seeing daily (or hourly) that know every detail of my life will now have to be told things instead of experiencing them with me. So what better way to all keep up with our lives than to blog!

In three days I will officially be a University of Arkansas alumna. WEIRD. The past four years have seemed to go by within the blink of an eye. I have met the most amazing people, had the greatest experiences, and grown up so much while here. I can't help but think about the things I'm going to miss the most....

• Sonic Happy Hour everyday with Becca (the closest one to DC is like 50 miles away or something... YIIIKES!)
  
• Walking around campus never knowing who you'll run into
• The food!! Hammontree's, Noodle's, Flying Burrito, Feltner Brothers, Kosmos, Loafin' Joes, Hugo's, Patron, and Tim's...
• Working at Metropolis and all the girls there (and my free haircuts!)
  
• Going to Razorback football and baseball games
• Walking at Wilson Park
  
• Hanging out in the ASG office
  
• Sitting and talking/thinking/praying at Mt. Sequoya
• Seeing everyone you know on Dickson Street
• My roomies... and Duncan in general
• The Kappa house
  
• Free concerts every semester
• All of your friends living in about a mile radius of one another
  
• RUF and all of the preaching, singing, people, Bible studies, and random events that it encompasses
• The Traveler, especially the crossword puzzles
• Four dollar movies at Fiesta Square on weeknights
• Camping, hiking, and caving at Devil's Den
• Riding around listening to music and singing at the top of our lungs
• The "Brough Game"
• Greek with Yiorgos and Dr. Levine
• Shopping at Something Urban and Private Gallery
  

The list could keep going, but I should probably wrap it up...It has been a wonderful four years that I would not trade for the world. Filled with many laughs and the neatest people. Thank you, Fayetteville.