My Graduation!

Graduation has come and gone and now, I am an alumna of Mills College, Class of 2006. It was a really wonderful day--from the graduation ceremony to the picnic to the family dinner afterwards. I feel very happy to be done with my undergraduate studies but it has not sunk in completely yet. Here are some photos from graduation and the rest are in the flickr box. Enjoy!

Being "hooded"

My whole family and me!

My proud mom and me! Thanks mom for all the support!

Quick update

Hello...

I know that I have been absent from the blogging world due to F's arrival, my graduation, Mother's Day and now, we are road-tripping through the NW part of America...we have been so busy

Check back in...I will update soon with pictures and news.

Bis bald!
Emily

Airports

Finally, the day I have been waiting for (other than graduation):

First, I finished my last undergraduate class today and I can't believe that I am done with my degree tomorrow at noon! Wow, four years have passed so quickly.

Second, F. flew into today from Hamburg. It is so great to see him...it is hard to describe...now I am really enjoying the thought of having him here for three and a half weeks. While I was waiting in the airport, I thought about how important airports have become to me. At first, my family would be meeting me at the airport and I would welcomed home from the semester with hugs and kisses and occasionally a sign or two. Now, airports are what connect F. and me together.

But I have to admit that there is always a moment before F. walks out of security, where I think, "maybe I won't recoginize him or maybe he won't recoginize me". But then I see him and we smile and hug and kiss. It creates this build-up of emotions within me and confusion in my brain due to his immediate presence after months of separation. But oh, how the wait is worth it.

I am as happy as a clam.

My Summer Plans

This summer, I will be researching the genes found in Caenorhabditis elegans. I know, how interesting, huh? Well, I am interested in it. I am really excited because it is my first science research job and I will be learning a lot about genetics and working in a lab.

Also, I am graduating in one week and I am so excited about that. My family and F. will be coming to Mills and we have a busy weekend of celebrating and hanging out. I have been looking forward to this weekend for four years and now, it is here. It is so great!!

My Computer Saga

The 5 steps of grieving for a computer:

1. Learn to accept that your loss is real.

When my computer crashed after the power outage, I was in a state of disbelief. I thought, "No, it has to go to the main menu," but I kept getting the same screen of 'error'. I knew that I had a problem and there was no turning back.

2. It is ok to grieve.

I contacted Dell Support (which was actually better than I expected it to be) and finally, they broke the news that I had to re-install my operating system. In simple terms, delete everything and start again with a clean computer. At this point, reality of losing my files hit like a ton of bricks and images of all my documents, pictures, and music files were flying by in my head. I literally broke down in the office and started to sob! It was the worst that I have cried for in a long time. Thanks R. for the support.

3. Ignore your computer.

After I learned I had to re-install everything, I tried to contact someone that could back-up my files before deleting everything. Mills was great in helping me transfer my files into their system until I had a new operating system. After that was finished, I put my computer in the corner to 'think' what it had done. I was in a pretty angry state with my computer at this time. It has since passed.

4. Adjust to living without your computer.

After spring break, I couldn't fix my computer right away, so I used multiple computers all over campus and I am a regular at Stern. It was an experience.

5. Rejoice for your repaired computer.

Yesterday, I got all my files back safe and sound and my computer has a new operating system. I am still getting reacquainted with my computer...it feels a bit different but at least it is fixed.

Moral of the story:
BACK IT UP!!!

I know, I have heard of this advice tons of times but man, I wish I would have listened. Do it now...I am will never forget these rough couple of months.

Also, thanks to everyone who offered support, advice or a shoulder to cry on.
I really appreciate it.