A Bittersweet Time

Well, I did it. I graduated from the U of A with my degree in Business Management. I almost quit a few times along the way but I am so glad I stuck it out and came out with my bachelor's degree. I only attended the graduation ceremony for the business school rather than the big university wide ceremony and it was really nice. Here are a few pics.

This woman is my inspiration. She helped push me to go to college and finish my degree. I love you Mama!

We had a little party for me on Saturday night at our house and it turned out to be pretty fun. I got some nice gifts and lots of gift cards so I can build my closet with professional business attire.

These girls are my favorites!

Opening presents.

The loot.

I'm happy that school is over and that I have some time off before starting my new job. It's been quite a rough time ever since graduation.

One of my cousins, Celia, passed away Saturday. It is so sad to lose her. Although there was a large age difference between us, she was always there to support me. She was a great mother to her children as well as a loving daughter, sister, wife, niece, aunt, and teacher. She will be greatly missed but it is comforting that she is part of an eternal family. It is times like these that make me so thankful for the plan of salvation and the opportunity we have to be sealed to our families forever.

I've had a few health problems myself recently. I spent all day yesterday in the Emergency Room because I nearly passed out in the shower yesterday and was extremely dehydated from having stomach flu. I was taken to the hospital in an ambulance and had to be pumped full of IVs to re-hydrate my body. I was so dehydrated that my veins had flattened out and my blood was dark purple. They could barely get it out of me to run a blood test. My mom and Dan stayed with me there all day and I'm so glad they were there at my side. It was not a good day.

My dog had her surgery on her leg to put in a nylon piece in her knee to hold her bones together and keep them from sliding. She has a large incision wound and can't get around very well so she and I are just staying home being sick and weak together. Hopefully the future gets brighter from here. I'm optimistic about it.