Graduation No. 2 and a little more.

Sean’s graduation was this past Friday with the College of Built Environments, in case I haven’t mentioned it before he is majoring majored in Construction Management. He is such a smart guy and I am so proud of how much effort he put into his studies and experiences here at UW. The ceremony was really nice, and their guest speaker was very inspiring. He gave four pieces of advice: 1. Stay young, 2. Try not to work, 3. Don’t listen to economists, 4. Do it now. Basically he said, do what you love – do it now while you’re young regardless of what people say and make sure your brain stays young in the process. I am not giving as much grace to his words as he did but really think about it and they are wonderful pieces of advice Moreover, he informed us (Sean & I) that we have only four years left until half the world is older than us and half the world is younger than us…age 26 is the world’s median age. Uh oh, we better get a move on it! Back to Sean, he looked so handsome up there in his purple and gold hardhat, the sash he wore for being a smarty pants in the CM honor society and his accomplished looking black robe. Yes, he looked exceptional – and apparently his work also thinks he is exceptional because they have already sent him home with work….just when he thought he was finished with homework! Such is life. I don’t have the graduation videos edited yet but as soon as I do I will post them para los padres.

Wedding news…invitations are officially out! Yes, you select lucky few, expect those invites shortly. Haha Oh boy I crack myself up. Last Thursday Sean and I met with Victor, our photographer for our Engagement Session. He was really great and I know Sean was really impressed. He already has our photos on his blog!! I love them, he did a really great job with us and now I’m even more excited to have him (and his brother) at our wedding to capture our whole family. Really wonderful memories Victor!

Sisters…and best friends: These are a few photos of Amy & me enjoying the festivities of the Pike Place Market Festival. We saw people taking photos behind this ridiculous set up and we couldn’t resist. Luckily, we saw two other ladies eyeing the photo shoot as well so they took our pictures in exchange for us taking theirs. I must say they did a fabulous job ‘catching the action’. Amy & I have really grown closer over the past few months and I know a lot of it has to do with our weekly walks together. It gives us girl time just to chit chat and be sisters and gives us excuses to call each other in the middle of the week to plan or catch up on something we talked about on our last walk. I really do consider Amy my best girl friend and I wouldn’t have it any other way – I love her..even if she is a sista’ from another fatha’…no halfsies here (clearing throat)!

Bittersweet celebration: Sean & I attended the NROTC commissioning ceremony a few hours before Sean’s departmental graduation ceremony. It was quite a moving experience for someone like me who has had so little experience with military events and as exciting as it was to watch our old roommates and friends make the transition from UWNROTC Midshipman to Naval Officer it was also a bittersweet experience having Sean next to me in the crowd instead of on stage receiving his commissioning. After Sean’s mysterious illness which lead to reactive arthritis the Navy has put him on hold pending their medical evaluation – which means, Sean has put in four years of hard work and training only to be told ‘hang on while we decide if your eligible anymore’. It would be different if it was Sean’s decision to leave his NROTC training for a ‘civilian life’, but instead he’s caught in the middle with no easy decisions ahead of him. Nonetheless, I am so proud of everything he has accomplished while at UW and I know things will always work out. I love you babe.

Spider Stick: Journaling reads, “Unbeknownst to me I was your ‘spider stick’ before I caught on to your little ploy and made you fend for yourself.” Sean and I often walk in the woods behind us to Lake Washington, and these past few weeks there have been an oddly high number of spider webs in our way. One day I noticed Sean kept lagging a few paces behind me and it was starting to irate me so I dragged him up to my stride as I asked him why they heck he was lolly dagging. He nonchalantly responds, “I didn’t want to walk into anymore spider webs so I was letting you go first.” How thoughtful, huh? I obviously told him no way buck-o, and the next thing I knew he grabbed a stick, waving it around in front of him while he walked to ward off the spider webs. Yes, my manly Sean – hence the spider stick. Layout inspired by Stephanie Howell.