Since I last wrote

Since you last heard from me…

My brother graduated law school

Saw Mary Poppins at the Peabody

Had a duel graduation party at my dad’s

Got a new job, lateral move

Went to the Gypsy Caravan with Liz

Assisted with the bowling event of the Golden Age Games

When to a relative’s wedding

Went to an art class at SBAP with mom and sister, Lindsey

Celebrated father’s day with my dad

Had lunch with a pregnant friend from high school, Beth since I missed her baby shower.

Switched my AWS day at work

Went on a road trip to Mammoth Cave with my family.  We haven’t done a trip like this in many many years

Started a new tradition of going out the night before Fourth of July (like the night before Thanksgiving?)

Received my diploma in the mail

Went to my amazing cousin, Billy’s wedding… outside… on July 14^th… quite hot, but a very nice day!

Saw the FOADs at least twice

Saw The Dark Knight Rises at the Omnimax at the Science center

Went to a surprise 30^th birthday party for my very favorite cousin Andy

Went on a real vacation to Daytona Beach with my step-sister and bff Liz… a whole week on the beach soaking up the rays

Read Where we Belong by Emily Giffin one of my favorite authors (and had a crap ton of StL references)

Went to Des Moines to visit my friend from college, Melissa.  It was a surprise visit and we went to the Iowa State Fair.

Celebrated my brother’s birthday… twice

Took an afternoon off to celebrate my other bff’s 30^th birthday by shopping and going to happy hour.

Celebrated my graduation at PF Changs with the family

Saw the Lion King at the Fox with my mom.

Went to a wedding ceremony with my dad.

Officially celebrated Susan’s birthday on Main Street in St. Charles.

Threw a bridal shower for Liz

Started a cross-stitched Christmas stocking

Weekly tv night with my friend Michelle

And numerous hang out with the boyfriend

.

It’s been quite a summer my friends!

It's all over

Just like being done with school there’s another thing that’s come to an end officially… and that’s my marriage.

As of a couple of weeks ago I am officially divorced.

I really thought at the beginning of all of this that I would have more to say when it was all official… but it turns out I don’t.

I wouldn’t say I’m sad… I wouldn’t say I’m happy… I am just kind of ‘eh’ about the entire thing.  I mean, I guess in the end the big stuff has already happened and this is just putting the period at the end of the sentence finally.   That actually makes it sound bigger than it is…

Either way… it’s officially done.  We are divorced and that’s that.  I’m not really going to say much more about it, because most of what I’ve wanted/needed to say I’ve said.  But if you have any questions on the specifics, I’d be happy to answer them.

I will say this, mostly b/c it’s come up a couple of time.  I’ve decided to stick with my married last name of Jones.  I considered going back, but honestly changing your name is such a PITA and I didn’t really want to do it.  Also, at work, people here have always known me as Jones.  I also work on a national level so going to a new-to-them last name would probably be confusing and people would probably assume I got married and not the opposite.  Could it be done?  Sure, I just chose to not to.  If I ever get married again, I will take on their last name… most likely.  So that’s what that is.

I just didn’t think it was right to drone on and on about this break up in the beginning and at least not clue you in on the end. 

D-O-N... Done!

(ok, I say that, I’m not sure what it means, but whatever haha)

Yes, that’s right folks, on Tuesday, May 8, 2012 at 10:59 pm CST my final class in my master’s program will be complete.

I have already received a grade in this class and know that I have completed my degree with a perfect 4.0!! 

I can’t believe just 16 months ago I began this journey and now here I am finished… I am so happy I just decided to do it… stopped putting it off and buckled down and did it.  I am proud of myself and couldn’t be happier.

Once I get my diploma (6-8weeks) I’ll be sure to post a pic… but for now just know that I’m finished with school forever (hopefully)  Eek! I’m so excited!!

Signed,

Jennifer C Jones MSEd