I missed you. Did you miss me? Check yes or no.

Well, first things first: We survived final exams, just like we knew we would. I have to say, though, that last week was one of the most difficult of my academic career. I studied hours upon hours, but I struggled to concentrate and retain the information I needed to know for those last three exams. To make matters worse, my last final on Friday was one from a class I loved and a prof I adored, and I didn't have the safety net of an open-book exam. Although the exam was fair and offered plenty of opportunity to shine, I left feeling ill-impressed with my mediocre answers, disappointed that I hadn't been able to muster up more impressive policy, and hoping I wasn't the only graduating student in the same boat. The last essay even involved a fictional city named "Miloville," which I attributed to all the voodoo dancing I did, and I still struggled to develop my argument beyond the basics. Even more disappointing, I didn't find an opportunity to present the scenario of the Supremes in the basement, watching porn and trying to define the prurient interest.

But alas, final exams were over and my whirlwind weekend began. Friday night, AJ and I went to a mother/daughter banquet with my mom at her church, which was lovely. My mom, of course, wins the best mom award hands down. After the banquet, we went out to the local bar (yeah, the same one with crappy wine glasses) for a benefit concert for a server that was severely injured in a car accident a couple of weeks ago. An friend and former colleague of mine was playing bass for the 50s-60s band, and it was great seeing him and catching up. Saturday my family had a cookout at my grandparents, and I was once again reminded how blessed I am to have such an awesome family who has supported me and loved me, not only through law school, but my whole life. We laughed so hard my cheeks hurt the next day.

And then Sunday was graduation, which was AWESOME! It was much more fun than I expected, actually! For once, I was glad to be at the end of the alphabet because I absolutely enjoyed watching all of my classmates cross the stage to family cheers before me. I am so proud of all of my friends, each of whom has overcome their own trials and tribulations during school. And Deb gave an amazing, heart-felt speech that brought everyone to tears. The best part for me was seeing my family and friends so excited and proud of me. At that moment, it really did feel like an accomplishment more than it had before. My favorite aunt and uncle came from St. Louis, and my cousin drove all night from William & Mary in Virginia after his last final exam to be there. My girlfriends from home - the ones who loved me and understood all the busy chaos of law school - came and cheered me on. And a few people came from work, which meant so much to me. It was a great day, and one that I will always cherish.

Yesterday, I went back to work. Although I worked on projects from home during finals, I had taken a couple of weeks off from the office. I wanted to take a couple of days off after graduation, especially when I woke up feeling completely emotionally and physically drained yesterday morning. However, I am going to be out of working commission over the next few days, and I needed to show my face around the firm and tie up some loose ends. It actually was good being back in the swing of things yesterday and today - much more preferable to the studying. I am finally starting to feel connected to the firm and the people there, and I missed it a bit while I was away. I really like the work that I do there, and I'm looking forward to getting back on a consistent schedule.

But consistency will have to wait a bit longer. I'm having another surgery tomorrow. For those out of the loop, go here and here to get the scoop on why and how I have ended up with multiple crappy surgeries this year. I had hoped that the last one on Valentine's Day would be the last surgery, but my doc is certain that one more will get even better results than the last one. And I like my perfectionist doc so much that I am willing to let him practice his trade on my face one more time. At least this one isn't for any more bone issues - my upper jaw seems to have finally stabilized. This one is more cosmetic than anything, although still a necessary step in the process. Anyhow, I am dreading it and not looking forward to the painful (and ugly) recovery, but I am looking forward to ice cream, vicodin, reading the new "O", and two whole days of Court TV. I can only hope that Court TV is covering something other than that Michael Jackson freakshow.

I'll keep y'all posted. Maybe I'll even figure out how to post before/after pics with my kickass new digital camera, compliments of the Ps. On second thought, maybe I'll skip the monster pics and just post pics of Milo. Wish me luck!