Even with everything that's been going on in my perpetually complicated state, as always, I've managed to find some sense of normalcy complete with a routine (at least my definition of a routine). People always ask me the same questions: How's it going? How's the job hunt going? Are you taking any classes this summer? While I have a profound dislike for the first two questions (because you can never say anything but "fine" to the first one, and the second one always manages to bum me out), the third is one that I don't mind, simply because the answer is "NO!"
A lady I work with asked me today if I'm taking classes this summer, and as always I said "No, I just finished my degree, I'm transferring in the fall to another school." Delighted as anyone I've ever seen, she offered a buoyant "Congratulations" followed by, "Does anyone know? Does anyone here know? Did you celebrate it?" Casually, I said no. And to my great surprise, I found myself getting lectured about what a wonderful accomplishment it is to have gotten my Associate's and "how could I NOT celebrate it?" She then made me promise, with witnesses present, that I do something to celebrate my "wonderful" accomplishment; be it a short trip or material items. Looking into the pleading, unbelieving face of my extremely kind, wise and adorable co-worker, I tried to explain that I bought a new CU shirt (from work, of course) since I'm transferring to UCD, to make it official- at least to me. But it wasn't good enough. She scoffed at my shirt and wouldn't take anymore of my casual "It's no big deal" attitude until I finally promised that I would find something to consider a celebration, and tell her about it. Oh, and she even gave me a deadline: "You have all summer"... well played.
The truth is, I thought for an entire 5 minutes about whether or not to have a party for my... graduation? continuation? and decided against it because I wasn't sure that I would have the time, money or energy. And even now I only mildly regret it. Because, at the end of the day, the day I finally get my Master's degree and accomplish all the things I want to for myself, will be the day worth celebrating. Until then, the days and steps run together, and my many goals pile up; but at the top of the list: enjoy summer.
"But I have promises to keep, And miles to go before I sleep, And miles to go before I sleep." -Robert Frost
