Howdy folks! I just got back from my second trip to Texas in a month which means I have a bit of an accent again. It's pretty fun to hear ya'll and howdy and that twang! Since I have a little bit of a breather here today, I thought it would be a good time to update the blog and give a little window into my life at this moment.
Well, it is official- I HAVE COMPLETED MY COURSEWORK!!!! I have finished three years of coursework towards my doctorate and it felt so good to be done. My very last class, I did announce that I just finished the last class I will ever take towards a degree. I'm not gonna lie..I have toyed with the idea of a sociology degree, but there is a reason the doctorate is called a "terminal" degree- the end! As people in my program graduated they were also cheering me on and saying that next year- it would be me. I can see it at this point at least, but lots to do in the mean time.
ANGIE GOT MARRIED! I flew home May 30-June 1 to watch my little sister Angie get married to Chad Stevens. Their ceremony was very touching as they not only said vows to each other, but to the kids. Chad has a daughter Avery and Angie has a daughter Logan. So after all the vows were exchanged, they presented the family instead of just the couple. It was so moving and I have to say I was pretty teary eyed. That was Friday night. Then Saturday night we had a reception with lots of family and friends. The weekend was such a blur, but it was also fun because all of my family was in one place for the weekend and I got to see everyone!
PHOTOS:
Album 1
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2454181&l=7ec45&id=5238266
Album 2
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2454184&l=d9ad4&id=5238266
Graduation planning came to culmination on June 13-14 when we hosted about 40,000 people for spring graduation. It was alot of fun and everything went smoothly. I was so glad for it to be over on Saturday night and John took me out to the BBQ place in town for sweet tea and brisket. Then I slept for 14 hours straight.
The Wednesday after graduation I got on a plane and headed to San Antonio, TX for Alpha Gamma Delta Convention. I was exhausted from the academic year but so looking forward to Convention and seeing many of my AGD sisters that I only get to see about every 2 years. This Convention was one that I will always remember. I arrived on Wed and didn't leave the hotel but once. There were so many folks to catch up with and meet. I was able to connect with all of the Province Directors that I supervise and their chapters. I also sat in amazement at our members- such strong women leaders, both alumnae and collegiate. I also conducted Chapter Advisor trainings and facilitated a couple of workshops. It is something that is impossible to describe when you have 400 women in a room who share the same purpose and surround each other in sisterhood.
PHOTOS:
Album 1
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2454122&l=bfabc&id=5238266
Album 2
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2454155&l=4f6f6&id=5238266
What lies ahead...
I am now preparing to take the first two parts of my comprehensive exams. There are three total and I will take Part 1 June 27-June 30, Part 2 July 3-6. I am meeting with my advisor tonight to do a little prep and get myself in the mindset. In the mean time, I am also preparing to conduct research in July when all our first year students come to orientation (as we call it IntroDUCKtion). I'll then wrap up my comprehensive exams August 25-Sept 12. Then I will hopefully have a committee in place and have my proposal approved to conduct research for my dissertation starting Sept 29. It's an extremely tight timeline, so this summer will be full of work welcoming new parents and dissertation.
So, that's the skinny on my recent adventures. It's always an adventure, but I am grateful for the support of my family and friends. I wouldn't be able to handle everything that is on my plate right now without your support. It's been difficult and I know I have been out of touch, but knowing that you are thinking of me and cheering for me really does make the biggest difference in the world. I feel fortunate to have this support.
