...graduation! the moment i've grown up seeing on commercials is upon me. i can raise up my hands and say, "finished!"

ucsc is divided into 10 colleges. i have never attended my college's graduation before so i wasn't sure how it normally goes or what to expect. i'm not one for pomp and circumstance but other than the waiting around, boring speeches, and hot sun, i enjoyed myself and had a good time. i didn't have a problem with being friendly and smiling. i was quite into it, except of course when the photographer asked me to smile. that set off a trigger inside and i reacted by flipping him off. everyone around me was shocked and i heard someone say, "i can't believe she did that." they obviously don't know me.

i arrived a little bit earlier than when the college asked participants to arrive. i signed up and waited for over two hours.

ipod kept me company--this was the first time i got to use it and it sounds great!

as i waited, i admired the architecture of surrounding buildings and noticed how remarkably blue and clear the sky was

the procession walking towards the unknown

getting a glimpse of the crowd below

some friends couldn't make it, but i was surprised at how many people showed up to see me graduate

with my long time best friend and supporter, twiddle thumbs

documentation of a rare sight: the three of us in dresses (after the ceremony, we went to dinner at the crow's nest for a beach view)

we went back to my house for dessert (vegan chocolate cake!)

someone got the bright idea to do karaoke (yes, i own a karaoke player--it's mandatory of all japanese)

with a little alcohol, even the shy busted out the moves

then my mom started giving dancing lessons

after all that alcohol, singing, and dancing, everyone got the urge to go to a club so we're off to party the night away!