A Ceremony of Our Own

Last week I mentioned that Eric and I had finally graduated with our MAs. We did not, however, attend our graduation ceremony. Actually we did nothing to acknowledge the occasion---possibly due to shame (it did take us a small eternity to edit our thesis papers). Anyway, once we were back home from our NC trip we decided that we needed to have a little ceremony of our own, why not?!

So I made us some radical diplomas (we have yet to receive our actual diplomas).

We held the commencement ceremony on our back patio. Since the graduating class was comprised of two individuals we decided that we should each give a speech.

Cordelia set up our audience


I handed Eric his diploma and he returned the favor.


He was thrilled, he couldn't believe this day had finally arrived.


After a few tears were shed Eric was able to compose himself and give a riveting 30 second speech.

After what was certainly one of the most inspirational speeches of all time (sorry no transcript available) I was up next.

I graciously accepted my diploma

Then I launched into my speech....it was a bit lengthier

I gave a balanced speech...I believe


I expressed my disappointment in the system


I was also sure to thank those who had helped and inspired me along the way

Truly the ceremony was a thing of magic. I am sorry you missed it, but hopefully this account will bring the experience to life for you...

After our "graduation" we held a fort night party!

What?! You've never been to a par-tay this awesome?!

"Fort"unate: Yes, Another Fort Night

Well, we certainly couldn't let the year end without a final 2008 fort night. Am I right? Yep, that's right!

Trouble

We set the fort mood by playing a little bit of a game called Trouble. I am sad to report that it was a beat down. Eric won, majorly. C'est la vie.

Le Fort: Final of 2008

We then set about the busy task of fort building. Our fort was sturdier than usual. We celebrated with an impromptu dance off to some sweet tunes from Queen. Truthfully there was very little dance off, mostly it was just me spazing out to Queen while Bumblebee (the dog) stared at me.

Maria Rose: Inside the Fort

Once I danced myself into a stupor I was ready to succumb to the sweet comfort of our extra sturdy fort.

Eric: Practicing the Popcorn Toss

Eric made himself some popcorn. I didn't want any, but he tried to force it on me, that was weird. Then he decided to just feed himself. Now, you may be stunned by the glory of Eric's PJ's. They were a Christmas gift from my aunt Karen. Aren't they awesome? I am a bit jealous. Eric won't let me show you, but there is an honest to goodness flap in the back, you know trapdoor style, complete with a button!

Maria Rose and Eric: Final Fort Night 2008

So, once the fort was complete and we were prepared with snacks we settled in and watched Total Recall. Eric has seen this so many times that he likes to advance quote. No, this isn't annoying, it is way more fun to watch my husband anticipate a cheesy line! A lovely evening indeed!!!

Saturday and Fort Night

Yesterday , after our relaxing morning, we decided to head out on our morning walk with Miss Bumblebee. She was in a fantastic mood and was doing these bucking bronco kicks. So, Eric decided to capitalize on her mood. He began tossing a stick around for her, as you can see in the photo below. Eric has taken over the bulk of the stick tossing duties since the day I accidentally poked her in the eye with a stick.
Bumblebee doesn't really play fetch. Instead she chases the stick runs in circles with it, tosses it in the air and then settles down to chomp on it as you can see below. The sitting and chomping can be a bit of a problem, considering that she has all the time in the world to lay in the grass and do nothing. Sometimes we indulge her, but yesterday she was distracted by two yappie miniature collies.

After the collie encounter we finished up our lovely walk and then headed home.


We had some lunch and went to a few libraries around Denver. We found out that Emiliana Torrini had released a new album and listened to it as we ran a few errands. When we got home I decided that it was high time to get a little painting done.


I completed this giant canvas that I have been working on for quite some time! The photo below is of me signing the finished piece. Woo hoo. I will let you know when it is up on the web site.


Finally, we decided it was fort time. We had planned on making a fort Thursday night, but then switched to Saturday night.

We drew up some fort rules, made some fort snacks and settled in to watch several episodes of Lost.
I love days that go so well that my cheeks hurt from all the smiling!

Thankful Thursday

I am feeling kind of tired and lazy today. I think I need to remind myself to be thankful and motivated. So, here are some things I am thankful for today.

• I am thankful for this glorious bowl of fruit. I am really excited about the pomegranate. I have been saving it for just the right time. My mouth is watering just thinking about it. Hmmm...maybe I will have it for dessert.
• I am thankful to have a stable job that I actually enjoy working at.
  
• I am thankful for my hubby. He gets up early every morning to have breakfast with me before I hit the road.
• I am thankful for my dog who inexplicably barks and rubs her face into the carpet after she gets a drink of water.
• I am thankful that I have the courage to cut my own bangs, because they could really use a trim today!
• I am thankful that I made enough spaghetti for leftovers. I know spaghetti is not exactly sophisticated, but I love it so much.
• I am thankful that there is a nice breeze today. Sure it's more than a little brisk, but it blows the fresh air into the city.
  
• I am thankful that Eric wants to have a fort night tonight. OK, this is my sneaky way of asking Eric if he wants to build a fort tonight.
  

What are you thankful for today?

Friday Night Fort Making

When was the last time you made a fort for yourself? For Eric and I it was last night. We have our fort making down to an art form at this point. Having developed our skills since childhood we know what type of fort to make for specific activities. Obviously we are not really interested in making a mini-house, as we already live in a mini-house. So, generally our forts are made in front of our TV. We like to settle in and watch a good movie.

When Bumblebee realizes that it is fort making time she tries to claim the best spot. She will go through a digging motion and circle several times before sighing and falling into her chosen spot. The cats are in on the action as well. They nervously approach, heads bobbing and cautiously explore the alien habitat.

Last night Eric and I watched Big, one of my personal favorites. For me its sort of like the Princess Bride, when I watch it I recount how I felt about certain elements when I was a child, how old I was when I started to get some of the adult humor and so on. Last night Eric and I were really focused on just how big those shoulder pads were. Ahhhh the '80s were a time for style.

Why don't you try fort making today. You won't regret it.