The Journey

I read Google's quotes of the day today and loved this one:

"Whoever ceases to be a student has never been a student." ~George Iles

It just seemed appropriate for me to read today. I officially (and successfully) defended my dissertation on April 16, 2009, earning my doctoral degree in Information Systems and Communications from Robert Morris University. But even though I'm done with the program, I've always had a love of learning and know that I'll never stop seeking to learn and understand more. Plus, with my newly formed research skills, I know I'll continue to actively research in the future (formally or not).

While it's a huge relief to be finished, there is a part of me that's a little sad that it's over. Our advisors always say that getting a doctorate is "all about the journey" - and I think in many ways they're right. There's definitely a feeling of pride and accomplishment in finishing, but it was also fun to look forward to learning new things and having new (and repeated!) intellectual debates and discussions at each doctoral weekend. Plus, my program was cohort-based, and the others in the cohort that have gone on this journey with me for the past 3 years have honestly become great friends. It's hard to think that we won't see each other as much anymore... although I fully expect the Pittburghers to keep getting together!

I'm looking forward to the graduation dinner and the commencement ceremony in May. I just wish that Mom could be there too. I know she'll be with me there in spirit, but I can't help wishing for more.

Mom

My Mom passed away on April 8, 2009. She was surrounded by her four daughters, each of us holding her hands, her husband, her sister, and her closest friends. It's the worst thing that's ever happened in my life, and I miss her so much I can't even explain it. I'm not sure if I will want to write more about it here or not, but I found this poem that I wanted to share.

OUR MOTHER

IF WE COULD HAVE A LIFETIME WISH
ONE DREAM THAT WOULD COME TRUE
WE WOULD PRAY TO GOD WITH ALL OUR HEARTS
FOR YESTERDAY AND YOU.
A THOUSAND WORDS CAN’T BRING YOU BACK
WE KNOW BECAUSE WE’VE TRIED.
AND NEITHER WILL A MILLION TEARS
WE KNOW BECAUSE WE’VE CRIED.
YOU LEFT BEHIND OUR BROKEN HEARTS
AND HAPPY MEMORIES TOO.
BUT WE NEVER WANTED MEMORIES
WE WANTED ONLY YOU.
SO QUIETLY TODAY
YOUR MEMORY WE TREASURE
THINKING OF YOU ALWAYS
AND LOVING YOU FOREVER.

Hard Times

OK, this is a really hard post to write. My Mom is still battling her cancer, and things are not going well right now.

Internet, all prayers for my Mom are appreciated.

6 months old!

I can hardly believe that Brody is 6 months old already! I got to babysit him last night for a while - he was a little fussy butt for most of the night - but you wouldn't know it from these pics (and we had fun anyway... I even got him to laugh!). How can you resist this little guy?

Superbowl XLIII

What a game! It was so exciting -- from Harrison's mad dash to a touchdown, to Fitzgerald's touchdown that we thought would be the end, to the football swooshing through Santonio's hands, and finally his game winning catch. We were on the edge of our seats for much of the game and had a blast watching the action at Wes and Danielle's house. Everyone had black & gold fever and was sporting their Steelers gear (although I was the only one without a jersey on because I had worn my Steelers hoodie for the AFC championship when they won - so of course I had to wear it again!). Even Zoe had on her little number 86 jersey.



We broke out the 3D glasses, checked out all of the new commercials, feasted on pepperoni rolls, chicken wings, and buffalo chicken dip... and had a great time overall. The girls even found some time to get in a few rounds of Pounce before kickoff.


At the end of the night, Paul and I watched some of the coverage on the news after the game and it was crazy to see how many people were out crowding the streets of Oakland! What a night. I know that Holmes had the game winning catch - but my vote for MVP went to Big Ben.