Today seems to be my first day of summer since it is the first day I don't have school commitments. But I suppose I should express some sentiments on graduation.

The ceremony was pretty bland and traditional. It went almost exactly how it was practiced with hardly a sentimental moment. Even the speeches, though made by 4 very good writers, were predictable save one who was just humorous. Only one moment almost caught me. They announced the most influential educator awards and when they got to the high school TC won it. I just for a moment had tears in my eyes (I voted for him of course). Our class sprayed silly string and blew these horns just before walking out. Later when I went to get my paper bag full of cards, LZ told me after a hug that TC gave all the mock trial seniors that cd he had promised for the last 2 years. I couldn't believe he'd actually gone through with it. That cd is my best graduation present because of all the memories that go along with it. Every time I play it, it's like having "fun friday" or a faculty concert, or the mock trial party all over again.

And my highlight of that evening: I ended up talking to BH, my high school theatre idol who is 4 years my senior. His younger sister is in my class. BH just finished graduating from college and has a 11 month job at the Children's Theatre in Minneapolis and would be starting to build equity points. He congratulated me on my path of study and wished me well in the acting field. He asked me about all the benefits of my college and told me the BFA Musical Theatre major was a great asset. I was amazed because it seems in the not too distant future we could be competing in the same field. I remember being in awe of him back when I was in jr high. Out of all the talented high school actors I admired when I was growing up, BH is by far the most talented and to my knowledge is the only one going for the acting field.

I spend Friday night, all day Saturday, and all day Sunday going to graduation parties and ended the weekend with my own. Each party was pretty much the same, but the feeling of high school was different. Something inside me started to become nostalgic. The realization of never seeing certain people again started to set in. I ended high school with good memories...I'd never go back, but at least the experience isn't tainted.

My own party was similar. The Hall (imagine that, I have my party at the theatre) was comfortably filled, mostly adults but that's typical of me. I was extremely tired and I had to keep circulating, even though I'd rather have curled up in A's arms and slept. But it was good to read the well-wishing messages in the cards. (And count the money...I should have graduation parties more often)

I spent a wonderful day with A yesterday...more on that in a later post. Tomorrow's my 18th birthday and i'm actually celebrating it, if not on small scale.