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Graduation Recap!

This won't contain a lot of pictures, for I'm not the best with my own camera. But, Lisa is posting some great photos! But I will say the past weekend was INCREDIBLE! So here is a little bulleted list of the amazingness.

  • First off, I am quite burnt out. With clinicals, critical care class (which is more challenging than my previous courses in nursing school - to say the very least), and preparing for the party. I can't remember the last time I had a "break". It has been go, go, go - and it probably won't "stop" for awhile! But all the prep and hard work was WELL worth it!
  • Wednesday, Lisa got in. We went for an amazing 6.5 mile hike. Since (I think) all of you read her blog, you can see pictures on her recap! :D (Thanks, Lisa!)

    Lisa & I hiking Madera Canyon
  • We then took her to our FAVORITE sushi restaraunt; Ra. It was a beautiful evening filled with tons of laughter, great conversation, and fantastic weather!
    • As a side note - that night was yet another happy reminder of how EVERYtime Lisa & I get together, we manage to find things to have many many long, belly laughs about memories. :)
  • Friday morning Mom and Dad came over to the house. I whipped together a quick breakfast - that we enjoyed out on our patio. And then the cooking began!
    • Ryan & my Dad managed to visit outside for about 3 hours, while us 3 ladies worked away in the kitchen doing "prep work" for the party!
  • We then headed to town and Ryan had his Pre-Commencement Ceremony.
    • This was with the Electrical and Computer Engineering School, and each graduate got to give a talk.
    • Tears nearly came out when Ryan got up and in addition to thanking his excellent instructors, mentors, and study-groups, he began with "I would like to thank my wife, Abigail, for her ongoing support and love." :-D
    • We had dinner with Ryan's dad, Grandma, my parents, and Lisa at one of our favorites in Tucson: a Microbrewery called Gentle Ben's. It was a fantastic evening! Absolutely perfect!
    Mom, Lisa, & I
    Dad, Ryan, and I - A nice picture with my 2 favorite guys in the whole wide world! :)
  • Saturday we were up early to get ready for the Graduation Ceremony!
    • Upon arriving to the ceremony, Ryan realized her forgot his graduation cap.
    • This was a stressful moment, to say the very least.
    • I encouraged him to not give up....and we found a stand selling caps and gown for other forgetful graduates ;)
  • The ceremony was great, filled with excellent speakers! It made me a little teary eyed (with joy) to think that Ryan is FINALLY DONE!!!!!!
  • We then headed home, for lots of prepping & cooking for the party.
  • Unfortunately, I was a little nervous about everything turning out perfect - so I probably wasn't the most pleasant "soul" to be around. Which I regret with every ounce of my heart now. I never see my family - and the precious time they had with me - I was "tense". :-(.
  • But, life goes on! For the party I made:
    • Shredded chicken tacos
    • Shredded beef tacos
    • Guacamole (which was a near mal-function due to non-ripe avocadoes - Mom & sister saved the day with a trip to the store to buy new avacadoes! :D)
    • Mango-Habenero Salsa (and lots of it!)
    • My famous black-bean recipe
    • a big veggie tray
    • And a cake - which was ordered....I don't do baking much ;)
  • The party was a success!
  • It was so great to see so many of the people that have been a part of our lives since we've moved to Tucson! And it meant the WORLD to have my parents and sister there!!! :-). I just wish I could've spent more time with them :(
  • Our last guests left at 2 am. Since I was up at 5:30 and went non-stop every day the prevoius week....
  • Sunday I C-R-A-S-H-E-D.
  • We cleaned up everything by 8 am, and the rest of the day; I thought I was ill. Probably just tired. But, wow. Body was not happy with me! So I recuperated before another week of absolute craziness!!
This was the 1st time we have cooked for more than, oh, 5 people. This time it was more like 30. So, I was a little uptight and nervous about the outcomes! But everthing worked out well - and I look forward to hopefully doing MUCH MORE entertaining in the future!! :)

I am a very proud wife. And happy to have my husband back! Too bad I am completely and utterly consumed in Critical Care right now...but in 5 weeks I will return to normalcy ;)


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Comments

Lisa's Yarns said…
Great recap! I had so much fun! It was great to see where you & Ryan live. I can see why you enjoy living in Tucson.

And really - don't worry about the stressiness of Saturday afternoon. Anyone who has hosted a large group has been there. It's stressful! So don't apologize! Mom & I both know what it's like!

Good luck getting through this critical care unit!
May 19, 2010 at 5:06 AM
Marlys said…
You did an awesome job, Abby, especially with all that is going on in your lives! I was extremely proud of you two, not only for your accomplishments but for you hospitality! We had a super time.
Tucson is really growing on us - Dad loves that you don't have to mow the lawn! :)!
May 19, 2010 at 6:53 AM
Mandy said…
Congratulations on graduating!! I am sure it was a great weekend for you being able to have your sister and parents there with you.
May 21, 2010 at 6:54 AM
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