Graduation

Well, folks, it's nearly here. After probably a bajillion years and with one impressive stay here in Provo, Deg's graduation is Thursday and Friday. Provo's been good to us, and though I love all of my friends and the fun things there are to do here, I'm excited to move on. Though the potential moving part of moving on is bittersweet and sort of scary (change always throws me through a loop), it's so great to know it's that time. We're both ready. Deg mentioned the other day that it's weird to think of graduating, but working full-time seems so normal and like the natural next thing to be doing. So in the crazy excitement that will be here soon, I think it'd be good for me to stop and reflect on the top 5 things I've enjoyed about being here 3 years post graduation for me while Deg finishes up (which will include some of the opportunities he's had here) and the top 5 post-grad things I'm looking forward to now that we're done.

1. I'm so glad that I've been in a place that feels comfortable to me while I've been going through so many transitions in my life. From entering the workforce to getting married to finally admitting to myself that I deal with anxiety, it's been a busy 3 years, and it's been so helpful to be in a safe place.
2. We are so lucky to live where we do. Rent has been ridiculously cheap, which has allowed us to enter this new stage with zero student loans or outrageous credit card debt. All we have is a car payment, which is reasonable and necessary. It's been such a blessing to not have to worry about that.
3. Deg has had a great job that has allowed him to develop as a software developer and a web programmer. He is graduating with so much experience and real-world knowledge, and this will put him in such a great position for an employer, which is so great.
4. Deg's program has taught him so much, but it's also a program that has a lot of real-world openings. We have probably a bajillion positions we could apply to, and because of his experience, he's eligible for a lot of jobs, which in this economy, is such a blessing.
5. How could I complete this list without mentioning the wonderful friends that both Deg and I have here that make our lives so enjoyable. We have formed lifelong friendships that have bonded us with people who have influenced us for good, and I am so grateful for being in a place with so many people like us who we can relate to.

1. I'm looking forward to having two paychecks. I'll be honest - the paycheck for teachers sucks. It will be so nice to be able to help provide, but not be the sole breadwinner. Deg's part-time job on campus helped, but it wasn't much. I'm really looking forward to the two of us working so we can save up for my #2...
2. I have house lust so bad. I want to own a house, to paint it, to decorate it, to work in the yard, to organize it, to clean it (I know - I'm looking forward to that, which says something). It doesn't have to be huge, but I'm so excited to have a place all our own. Apartment living isn't so much fun, especially thanks to demon baby and the downstairs Mariachi band.
3. I want a puppy, too. In our current situation, not only does our complex not allow puppies, but there is no way we could afford one. I want a puppy so bad and I'm so excited to get to a place where that would be a reality. Puppies!
4. We might not be jumping the gun right now as far as having a family, but now that he's done and will be working, the possibility to have a family is there. I'm looking forward to getting to that point and being in a position where that would be so much more doable for the two of us. I'm sure it'll be a bit of time yet still before that happens, but it's logistically possible.
5. I'm excited to feel like I'm in the real world. We still aren't 100% decided as to where we'll be (though we'll hopefully be positioned and moved by mid July), but to be out of the college mentality is going to be so refreshing. Imagine: having a real, non-student life. Sigh! That sounds beautiful!

There are a great number of things I could list as to what we'll miss, what we're grateful for, and what excitement lies ahead, but I think this list is a pretty good summation of what an exciting time this is going to be for us. Now, if I can just stop freaking out about having the in-laws here this week (I did shampoo the apartment carpets, after all)... :)