One year ago...

Today is the one year anniversary of the day I defended my PhD dissertation. Time flies, that's for sure. I spent a little bit of time reflecting today about what a crazy time it was leading up to the defense, but the actual day of the defense wasn't so bad. It was actually a little bit fun (sounds weird, I know), and SUCH a relief to have finished!

That night, after a successful defense, my faculty adviser (Don) threw me a party (as is the department tradition). His son took a lot of pictures at it, and I never had a chance to post them, so I'll post some now. It's fun to relive it!

First off, Don's other son made all the food. It was an amazing spread!

Another department tradition is the Tshirt. Steven made my Tshirt and did the presentation.

Clearly, I thoroughly enjoyed his presentation and explanation. He's funny, there's no denying it.

They also put the Tshirt content in frames so you can put them in your future office. (And they are, don't worry.) This was the front...

And this was the back....

And of course, they make put it right on and wear it for the rest of the party.

People made speeches...my adviser (Ted), my faculty adviser (Don), even Steven wanted to say more. I was really touched by all the nice things people had to say. (This is me listening to all the speeches.)

During Steven's speech, I remember him saying he'd miss me because no one laughed at his jokes as much as I did. (Which is true, by the way.) (But he's so dang funny, I can't help it.)

Not the best of me, but fun to remember who was there!

My parents came out for the occasion! I was glad they were there.

Me with Don (left) and Ted (right).

Me with Mukremin (my academic older brother who graduated a few years before me -- he just happened to be in town for it) and Steven.

White dwarf groupies.

Yep, I was one happy graduate!


Thanks again to everyone who supported me during that time, as well as during the time since then! I'm happy that I can look back on it with such good feelings. :)


(Also...is it weird that one of the things I think about when I look at these pictures is, "Man, I miss those earrings." They were one of my favorite pairs, and I lost them about 10 months ago. Sigh!)