senior week, day 6

Thank you for the well wishes my dear! Let's continue, shall we? Friday brought many last-minute pre-graduation responsibilities. There was a cap and gown to be picked up, a room to be packed, nails to be painted, and fun to be had. I also had to pick up a beautiful leather case for my diploma (!) and stop by one of my professor's office to drop off a few things.

Not to mention that the weather was beautiful, the campus was nearly empty, and the startling realizations of "Oh my God, I think I really have to graduate now!" were setting in. Someone told me that it won't really hit until September though. Something to look forward to! Wonderful :).

Then came dinner for two because my family of six (grandparents included) had not yet arrived. I chose a neighborhood favorite for one of my last chances to dine by the 'Cuse, Phoebe's, and a bottle of medium-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon. P.S. I don't know why we are wished "Congratulations" upon graduation... an "I'm sorry to hear about your loss" would have seemed more appropriate ;). 

For our entrées, I had the grilled salmon with shaved fennel, garlic mashed potatoes, and roasted carrots and he had the pork chop with haricot verts and more garlic mashed potatoes. Everything was superb and both plates were cleared in a timely fashion. Of course, being as it was a "celebratory" weekend dessert could not be passed, and I was craving something different...

Yeah, right. Chocolate lava molten cake it was! Unfortunately, it wasn't as good as I'd imagined, but it hit the spot. Afterwards, the fun continued as my friends and I made the most of what would be our last night as true college seniors. The theme of the night brought many pressures, so much so that the number of quality photographs was limited, and the only one that I did find the next morning was this:

The next day it came, all of it--the college convocations, department receptions, family dinners, and the one big commencement ceremony that marked our official college graduation. In one weekend I went from swimming along with a big school of fish to flying completely and utterly solo... I know somebody will appreciate the metaphor ;). Pictures will come tomorrow, as will a much-needed motivational quote! Q: What's makes your happy ending to a meal? (or era?)