Spent the holidays with the Santarpia's in Franklin, TN, right near Nashville. (Sadly had to take pictures with a puke disposable camera. I got a little crazy at that winter dance--tee hee--and knocked my digital around too much, so the pictures are all blurry now :( )

Cheers! A nice dinner with the Santarpia family.  

The Grandkids get $50 from Nonno (Danny) and Nonna (Toni). 

Mom, Me and Rob 

Table #1 of the Poker Tournament.  

Table #2  

THE WINNER!!! Beginners luck or pure skill? We'll never know.  

Danny comes in 2nd place for the Poker Tournament.  

I made her pose.  

Welcome to Nashville!! 

Luc (the kids cousin), Sam and Drew 

I GRADUATED!!! Finally! This calls for a blog entry! Five and a half years later (due to changing my major one too many times) here I am! My family has been so proud and it has made me realize what an amazing accomplishment it is. I am greatful for the support of my family but I think it just feels good knowing that it was without them cutting the check for my education. And what a privilege too! Not everybody has the opportunity to go and finish college. Why me??

So, overall, this weekend has been spectacular. To begin, last night I met up w/some friends at Mr.Smith's in Georgetown to celebrate my graduation. I wasn't quite sure how the night would turn out, but a bunch of friends turned out and I ended up having the time of my life. Together we all sat around the piano, along w/the other bar-goers, drinking beer and singing songs along w/the piano man. A group of santa clauses showed up to add to the atmosphere. One gave me a broken candy cane and a free beer. That made my night (especially the broken candy cane). Then me and the peeps left to head over to Modern. We were crazzzzzzzzzzyyyy as we walked down the street. We probably made quite an impression on this large group of Asian tourists we ran through. Lei decided to give Lisa a piggy back ride and then dumped her in the trash can. Yet another highlight. We got to Modern and right before my bare toes were about to fall off we got in and boogied down. A great end to a great night.

And then today. Wow. What a day. I got to Cole Field House (or whatever they call it now) at 12:15. In line I got to sit between Jaclyn and Laura. So that was fun. I got ahold of the rents via text messaging during the ceremony. Me and the other undergrads had great conversations while the people gave their speeches a few yards away. Ha. Finally we had our moment of glory and walked across the stage. I just focused on not walking funny or tripping on my heels, so I didn't hear my family and friends screaming in the background (I told them to do that). The assistant dean, who I have interacted with before, gave me a big hug and congratulations when I got off the stage. But it was after all this that was so special to me. I said goodbye and congratulations to everyone. Then I went over to my Dad and Noreen since they were nearest to me. Noreen was crying and saying how proud she was. I gave her, Dad and the kids hugs and kisses. Mom finally made her way over with Rob, the kids and Mataunt Dolorus. We took tons of pictures. But while this was going on, it was the most special thing for me to see all my siblings from both sides playing with each other. Imagine, my Mom's kids and my Dad's kids getting together. I am the only link between them. I took a picture with them all which I will treasure forever. Then, to my surprise, they all wanted to go out to lunch together. So...Mom, Rob (Stepdad), Sam, Drew, Dad, Noreen (Stepmom), Isaac, Hannah and Mataunt Doloruse (my Aunt from CT) all go out to have a nice lunch together. How unique is that?? While we sat there I was thinking, I can't believe this is happening. Both of my families are here with me on either side of me talking and enjoying each other. I was gettting all teary thinking about it. Mom almost cried cause she saw me too. (Women--we're so emotional.) So we had a great lunch/supper together and then I headed out w/Dad and Noreen so that they could drop me off at my car.

So here I am now typing this. I'm beaming in and outside. I couldn't have asked for a better graduation. Thanks to my family and my friends who gave me some of the most memorable moments of my life. Now for the pics!

I love these girls! Lilit, Lynette, Jaclyn, Me and Laura.

A few of my graduating girls holding up their name cards. I think there were a little over 60 of us getting our degrees in Elementary Education.

Me n Jaclyn.

Me n Laura during the ceremony.

A VERY special picture to me. Imagine, both sides of my family together. We all went to lunch afterwards.

One of the most special pictures I have ever taken. Me along with all of my siblings. Andrew (5 yrs), Samantha (7 yrs), Isaac (6 yrs) and Hannah (3 yrs).

So cute!

Me and Mataunt Dolorus. She came all the way from Connecticut for this! Thanks Mataunt!! That meant a lot. :)

Finally, they make up for their boredom of the ceremony.

The kids coloring at the restaurant.

Me n Dad (lookin mighty stretched) at the restaurant after graduation.