I took High School very seriously, like I was one of the three students in the high school who actually used my planner and then looked at it after it left the school. I normally did my homework before I did anything else at night, showed up early to ask and get clarification on things I didn't understand, write papers and do projects long before they were due, etc. Basically, I was a Grade-A High School nerd.
^That, does not mean that I never had fun...for the most part, I had a lot of fun, while still getting work done. I went to prom and had a GREAT time, I danced the dances away in a group of friends and friends friends, I made new friends fine, and I genuinely loved the experience most of the time....I didn't have many friends, but they were about as real as they come (or so I thought at the time, fast forward to today, and I only talk to one of those friends now).
Graduation:
The awesome of graduation actually starts before the actual ceremony...for 8 months, my Montana family told me they couldn't come. They showed up 2 days before I graduated as a graduation surprise! I was BEYOND excited. Another aunt called me and I got to talk to my great grandpa right before I left for the college to walk at graduation...I had to redo a little eye make-up on the way, but its all good! My hair looked awesome, and my sister did my make-up, but only cause I was a hot mess the day of graduation and had been fighting a rash literally for months that we couldn't fight! It chose graduation morning to venture to my face....oh joy!
I managed to walk down the path for graduation without falling on my face, which was awesome! Fro those of you who know me, you know the accomplishment that this would have been....now imagine the fact that I was wearing wedges and you will be really impressed! I went with taller shoes, because in graduation practice, I realized exactly how short I was, when I had to walk next to a classmate and I hat right below his shoulder. The walk up to get my diploma was a little less graceful, thanks to the help of a graduation program that I slipped on....that same guy caught me when I slipped a little...I am told my family didn't even notice, so I am hoping that my little mishap was missed by all! It will remain our secret. I got my diploma, remembered to smile big for the camera and I was greeted by Beth coming down the ramp. Beth was on the school board and so she was sitting on the stage. She was also my bible drill coach while I was in high school and so it made sense. My tear ducts decided that a coach hug was a little too much, and broke free....thankfully, I didn't mess up the make up too much. Following diplomas, I threw my hat (accidentally hit a teacher with it), and walked out.....and finished graduation by headed to my designated table to get my graduation packet.
Back at the tables, my friend Kim found me and gave me a gift! I hadn't even known she was at graduation, and so it was another awesome surprise! I still have that frame set up in my room, with a picture from graduation in it! I love it and I will cherish it always!
Graduation Party:
I did my grad party the day after graduation....that way everyone who came for graduation would still be here. we kept things really chill! lol Walking tacos, brownies (because I am not a huge cake fan), gifts and lots of outdoor play. It was the perfect way to celebrate for me....play some tag with the little people, eat walking tacos (my favorite) and brownies from the store here in town.....which happen to have the best brownies ever!
After Graduation:
The graduation high didn't last too long, when we got a call two days after I graduated that my great-grandpa, who I looked up to a greatly admired and respected, had passed away. He had told me on graduation day, that being around for my graduation was the last fulfillment of a promise that he had made in his life. I felt so honored and so guilty. He had been holding on for a long time, and I found out that I was the reason why. Talk about not knowing how to really feel!
Anyway, we ended up leaving for Montana about 12-16 hours after my other family had left to go home. Saying good-bye to him was a pretty hard thing to do, that was made even harder by receiving his graduation card to me in the mail the day we left. I stayed in Montana that summer after the funeral, and Krystal and I road tripped back. It was an awesome trip, and seemed like the perfect hoo-rah into true adulthood. WE got back from Montana two days before I left for my first year of college......talk about uber fast packing, and jet lag....it was awesome!
At any rate, here are some pictures that my personal photographer took (that's right, I am awesome enough to have a personal photographer....at least when my Uncle Frank or Cousin Terry are around lol).
