last night was our official graduation. no pomp and circumstance. just our manila envelopes with our certificates. it was good to see everyone after testing. many couldnt make it. but those that did, wow, what a spread! a ton of food at our potluck! omg, steak (thanks lester for that tri tip! omg!) carne asada, lumpia, panset, beans and weenies, meatballs, pizza.....yes, shows the class' ethnic diversity doesn't it??? everything was so good and the important people were there. i met jared's mom, what a sweetheart! i see where he gets his sensitivity. ricardo's family is wonderful. greg's family is super, those grandbabies are cute! girl power, yes! blessings to your son in iraq. come home safe. larry and family, thanks for the great spread and your cleanup crew! isnt that why we have kids? elizabeth, i love you. elmer, we're going riding when you come home from your guatamala adventure. charlie, i'll see you on the mountain when i get my bike. rusty, youre a manly man. i'll see YOU on the road. darci, i'll see you on the road too. we're gonna swap stories somewhere in the middle of a cornfield in nebraska. roger, RIP, i know you were there with us.

many of my classmates, names i have not remembered, but doesnt mean i will forget you. you cant spend 18 months with people and forget them overnight. some will continue in this industry sucessfully, others will not. some didnt pass. and it's ok, that means they were not meant to be on the road with 80,000 lbs behind them. i have learned so much from everyone. im happy i was able to help others as well. i feel good about this accomplishment and its opened a new door for me. and im just stepping through....so much more to come!!!