Today is the tenth anniversary of the day I graduated from high school. After four years of mostly torture and pain, I walked proudly across the stage with over 300 other students in front of our families and friends. In a way, it was a sad farewell, because we had reached the end of the road, but we were certain that we would see each other again in 2002 (but that reunion never happened!). It was also my last chance to collect the numbers of my fellow seniors, and I promised that I'd call them during the summer, but never did. Well, that was then...

And this is now. Or, as the newest American Idol single goes, "This is my now!" Since I moved to Charlotte last year, my luck has changed for the better. I got my license and have my own car. I'm back in school at CPCC. But best of all, a few minutes ago, I called some of my friends just to say that it was nice to hear from them again. Next year, they'll be seeing a lot more of me, since I will be pursuing my Associates Degree in Networking Technology. In the meantime, I will try to get a part-time job to go along with my classes, so that I can pay for gas (which is showing no signs of dropping in price), and I already have an idea of what my weekly schedule will look like this fall. I'm planning to work on Monday, Wednesday and Friday (and, if possible, Saturday), and go to school on Tuesday and Thursday. In addition, I will be having evening classes on Monday and Wednesday, and I'll also take an online course this fall. When I transfer to Wingate in 2009, I will most likely study online, although I'd be willing to go to Matthews if needed. Anyway, I'm happy to announce that I'm already getting started on my Associates Degree, and I'll keep you posted on the latest goings on as time goes by.

Finally, in reference to American Idol, I'm very happy for Jordin Sparks, the youngest contestant ever to win the show. The 17-year-old Arizona songbird beat out 25-year-old Seattle beatboxer Blake Lewis, and both of them will perform on the American Idols Live Tour this summer. Congratulations, Jordin!