the end of the toliet paper roll

Since last post on the Monday before, I…

• went to grad row, which was a fabulous mess. I rowed in a 4+ (I hate them) with Adam Goldhammer, Elliott, and Jake.. and Chris coxing. Also I rowed port, for the first time ever. It was hilarious.
• packed up my life in Pittsburgh in what felt like a million tiny boxes.
• went inside the Sunnyledge Inn (c/o Ian and his family) for the first time ever. The rooms were absolutely beautiful and now I want to stay there when I return to Pittsburgh.
• saw Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian with Baribeau, Susan, and Ashleigh. Ashleigh locked her keys in the car and kept the car running, and didn’t notice until after the movie ended. I found it hilarious and we got to meet some cool people who were very friendly and helpful, although Ashleigh was somewhat less than amused. Oh yeah, the movie was pretty great too.
• skipped honors and other extraneous ceremonies on Saturday and instead opted to frolic around Pittsburgh with Patti (!) and Adam. Patti gets an exclamation mark because she came as a surprise! We made it to Tessaro’s which is now officially my favorite burger restaurant in the world. I only wish I had gone sooner (jab to Adam). We then went to Venture Outdoors and kayaked in the channel next to the boathouse, then went on to Carnegie Science Sports Works which was filled to the brim with small children cutting in line and screaming. We played virtual hockey, went virtual hang-gliding, rock climbing, virtual roller-coaster riding (which was actually really frightening for me since it was the first time I’ve ever been on any form of roller coaster, and apparently my screams could be heard outside the ride), and trampoline jumping/flipping! Finally, we went to the Monongahela Incline where I got a rainy view of the city I now love and will be sad to leave.
• commencement consisted of keynote speakers Al Gore and Randy Pausch. Both of whom were inspirational and I feel very lucky to have had them speak to our class. I also thought Al Gore was funnier than Cosby (from last year).. although it may just be that I paid more attention this year.
• had my life summed up in 4 years, powerpoint slide-style. Karen (our advisor) did an amazing job for our class. I half blanked out and half started tearing up when she launched into the 3 minute speech about me.

And now that I am at home, I…

• watched and helped celebrate my sister’s 17th birthday in style. The huge amount of gifts, baked goods, and balloons she toted back today and yesterday have left me in awe. Her official birthday dinner isn’t even until tomorrow night, either.
• have been hanging out with my uncle (from NC) and aunt (from Taiwan) who have been feeding me little treats and am getting me quite plump.
• obtained new glasses (they aren’t in yet, but are ordered). I am quite delighted since the frames are bright aqua and wine-colored, appropriately befitting my new identity as a young professional…

SO all in all, I am grateful for all the family, friends, professors, and advisors who have helped me along the way to graduating! I wouldn’t be here today if it weren’t for all of you.  Goodbye, Pittsburgh… hello, Philadelphia!  (After Europe, anyways!)