Memorial Day and Graduations Galore

May 30, 2016

Hey y'all! This last month has been a whirlwind to say the least. On May 5th I graduated pharmacy school. I was so excited! After eight long years of constant studying, sleepless nights, and lots and lots of prayer, I can finally say that I am a Doctor of Pharmacy! During pharmacy school, I was a member of APhA, Phi Delta Chi where I served as Worthy Alumni Liaison, and a member of the pharmacy leadership fraternity Phi Lambda Sigma. I also graduated with a 3.7 GPA. During undergrad while obtaining my degree in Biology, I did what I needed to do to get by. My main focus was my friends and sorority (which I don't regret!) I definitely matured a lot after starting pharmacy school. I think I finally felt like I would use what I was learning unlike in Biology when I did things like dissect salamanders LOL 

Of course my sweet momma made the day special from start to finish! She and my dad invited the whole family to Olive Garden to eat before the ceremony. We knew once we got to The Keith Albee for the graduation it would be difficult to spend any time together. I was so happy that I was able to spend time with my family on a day that meant so much to me! My uncle Freddie and cousin Ross weren't able to make it to the dinner, but they did come watch me graduate. My aunt Michelle got very sick the night before the graduation and wasn't able to make it. We missed her! After the ceremony, my mom gave me the most beautiful bouquet of flowers. They were sprinkled with glitter and had a big pink bow on them.  And Lord have mercy y'all, I got some of the best graduation presents ever! Tyler got me Jack Rogers wedges that I had been eyeing for months! He gave them to me early so I could wear them to the ceremony. I love them! Here are some of the other treasures I got.. I might go back and get another doctorate if the presents are this good LOL (kidding!) 











Giving an interview before the start of the ceremony..


Here is the actual interview. The link and video is on MarshallU's YouTube channel!










When the lady handed me my diploma, I whispered, "No take backs!" LOL












One of my favorite teachers and preceptors, Professor Peterson! 




After graduation, my mom whisked me away to Myrtle Beach for a girls trip with her and my sister. It was so great to be able to finally relax! We enjoyed our trip together! The Grimmett Girls always have fun when we are together! 





Notice the notecards in my hands.. I had to study at least a little while on vacation LOL


Love my Pooter more than anything! 


More studying... 



One of my most favorite people in the whole world



MUSOP 2016!


After I returned from the beach, I knew it was time to start studying for my boards. Y'all didn't think that eight years of school was enough did you? Heavens no! We have to pass two exams before we can FINALLY say we are finished. I have been following a pretty strict schedule ever since I got home from my trip which is why I haven't blogged in forever. I am currently studying for the NAPLEX and need to get through 1,000 pages of material in about a month. Each day I read and outline three chapters and take practice quizzes that go along with those chapters. I will be finished outlining in a little over a week (thank goodness!) and can finally start committing this to memory/reviewing my notes. I would appreciate your prayers for these exams!

Despite being so busy, I have managed to cook a bit! 

Fresh squeezed lemonade 


Taco Night!


You know it is going to be a good breakfast when you chase it down with Cherry Coke and Dr. Pepper!


Strawberry Pie


Chicken and peppers for Cajun Alfredo


Sausage and hash browns 


Chicken, broccoli, and fire roasted tomatoes marinated in Italian dressing


I wasn't the only graduate this May! My handsome little cousin Ross graduated high school. We are all so proud of him! He will be going into the Air Force and has a plan for his future. I know he will succeed in whatever he puts his mind to! He has a bright future ahead of him! After Ross' graduation the whole family went to a local Mexican restaurant together for dinner. I always love going back home and spending time with all of my loved ones. Now that I've been in Charleston I have been able to go back "home" a lot! Tyler was out of town for work last week, and I spent most of the week at my mom's house. We had a cook out, and I got to spend time with my grandparents and Ross. I did manage to get all of my outlines done that week believe it or not!











Donnie and Marie.. oops, I mean Freddie and Michelle LOL



I love this picture of me and my sweet Pap 


Laying out before everyone came up to eat and swim


The two kitty sisters taking a break from the sun on the porch swing! 


While I was back home I got to meet my newest nieces, Ariel and Gemma.. I only got a picture with one unfortunately but they are both so adorable! They're the new babies of my friends Lauren and Josh!

Tyler and I have been trying to explore our new city a bit. We have been to the country club several times to have dinner and to play golf. By play golf I mean Tyler played, and I relaxed in the golf cart. We also made it down to the first Live on the Levee, an event that is held by the river. There were vendors galore with all different types of food and drinks, music, and fireworks! It was great being able to get out of the apartment and have some fun! It is so hard studying 24/7. On one hand I want to take breaks to clear my head, but the whole time I'm supposed to be "relaxing," I am feeling guilty/anxious because I'm not studying. I can't wait until all of this is over!



As I'm writing this, our long weekend is almost over. Today Tyler and I went and ate a quick lunch and made a few stops at Cabela's and WalMart. I got stuff to make jambalaya and s'mores for supper (quite a combination I know LOL). We went to Cabela's to check out the Yeti coolers. Tyler has some gift cards that he got for Christmas, and we are thinking of putting those toward one. I want the blue one, but Tyler said it is too girly. What he doesn't know is the one I really want is the limited edition breast cancer awareness pink cooler LOL 

I hope everyone had a happy and safe Memorial Day. Today and everyday I am thankful to live in a country where I am free, and I am able to have that freedom because of the service men and women that defend our country. I would like to offer my gratitude to those that serve and protect all of us and to those that gave the ultimate sacrifice for their country.  

I would like to close by dedicating this post to our dear friend Justin T. Chafin. He was a very close friend to Tyler and me, and we miss him greatly. Justin was such a caring and compassionate gentleman who was loved by all that had the pleasure of knowing him. It has been weeks since his passing, and it hasn't gotten any easier. We love and miss you Justin. Rest in peace. 

"Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted." - Matthew 5:4

Until next time.. Take care y'all! 

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