After almost three years - 2 years, 259 days in fact, I'm happy to report I've completed my Master's Degree. The University of Houston - Clear Lake conferred my degree in Computer Engineering on May 8th, and the commencement happened at Reliant Stadium on May 11th. I'm glad to have participated in the whole ceremony, but I'm sorry it was such a long one. I showed up there at about 5pm and we didn't get out until after 10pm. There were over 1,100 students graduating and they read off most of the names. It was heady stuff to go across the stage and get my surrogate sheepskin (They mail the real one after they are sure I passed everything). I shook hands with a couple of folks, including the president of the University, the Provost, the Dean of my college, and one of the guys who made a speech. I forget his name, and I'm sorry to say his speech wasn't one of the better ones I've heard. The Mayor of Houston also gave a speech, but his wasn't much better. That's all I'll say about that.
My old high school buddies, Jim and Paul showed up and sat through the ceremoney as did my parents and my wife. I felt worse for them being subjected to the monotony than I did. The worst part was trying to get something to eat afterwards. We stopped at the Bayview Duck for pints of beer to celebrate, but they had shut down the kitchen by then. So after finishing the beers -
A nice mixture made by the barkeep Alec - 1/2 Belhaven Wee Heavy and one half Belhaven Scotch Ale we got back home and devoured some of the pork loin we had roasted on the grill earlier in the day. "Good Pig" was the general consensus.
The next day, we had a party at the house. A lot of good friends showed up and we had Home brew, Bratwurst, burgers, and nice weather. I was pleased to let the Pecks take Surprise out for a sail around the bay. The kids had fun splashing in the water, and they ended up getting Mike C. into the water with them. Jim and Paul spent a lot of time arguing about whose car ws bigger and discussing the finer points of military history, fencing, Sailing and Blu-Ray vs. HD DVD
There was plenty of food and drink. Thanks to all the nice folks who came and provided the company and an excess of consumables. Also thanks for the nice gifts. I really don't need them, but I am honored to accept them as tokens of friendship.
Paul brought an excellent quote by William Butler Yates to my attention:
"Think where mans glory most begins and ends, and say my glory was I had such friends."
Posted by Bob at May 14, 2007 09:50 AM