The Happy Graduate

Another family milestone was celebrated this past Saturday when my daughter graduated from Oregon State University.

She received the actual diploma!

After many years of study, Denise earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry.  My son Cody and my parents traveled to Oregon to help celebrate the occasion.

Loved Denise's cap decorations!

Oregon State is a huge university.  This year's graduating class was a record 5,221 students.  In order to help spectators find their graduate in the mob, many grads affix elaborate decorations to the top of their caps.  In keeping with her major, Denise stuck a test tube, molecule model, and painted her initials as periodic table elements.  Very creative!

Social media is everywhere - even graduations!

With such a large number of graduates and family, commencement was held in Reeser Stadium.  It's the only place on campus big enough to hold a huge crowd.

Hamming it up for mom's camera

Early that morning, my hubby and folks left to snag a seat in the stadium, while I hung out with Denise at the campus quad.  The quad was the designated graduate assembly area.  Denise found the correct line and took her place among the mass of smiling students.

A happy young lady, ready to walk

It was great fun to be amongst a large group of happy young people, all ready to celebrate their accomplishments.  I checked out some of the cap decorations, and chuckled to see many of the gowns still bearing fold creases.  I'm sure a lot of them were only taken out of their packages that very morning.

Watching the grads approach on the jumbo-tron

I finally bid Denise goodbye and located my family in the stadium bleachers.  I was surprised to see that the concession stands were open for business.  I've never been to a graduation where spectators were eating popcorn and hot dogs!

While waiting for the ceremony to begin, the jumbo-tron flashed footage of the graduates marching through campus, and gave periodic updates of their whereabouts.

The graduates enter the stadium

Finally, with a roar, the mass of black-gowned students stormed into the stadium.  The band struck up "Pomp and Circumstance."  That song always get me misty-eyed, and I admit I shed a few tears.  My baby girl was going to be a college graduate!

It was a huge crowd

The program allocated a full half hour for all the graduates to enter the stadium and be seated.  I couldn't believe it would take that long, but oh it did!  When all 4000 plus of them took their seats, it was a sight to behold!  I was able to capture this panoramic shot of black-capped students covering the stadium floor.

It was fun to see the different cap decor

It was interesting to look out into the sea of graduates at the different things affixed to caps.  Seated in sections by colleges, the College of Liberal Arts had the largest amount of colorful caps, while the College of Engineering had barely any.

The moment we've all been waiting for

The actual ceremony itself was pretty dull.  There was the usual speeches about going into the world and making a difference.  Living your life, etc, etc...  It was a hot, sunny day, and although we spectators were shaded by the stadium roof, the poor graduates sat out in the middle of the field with no shade.  Full sunshine beat down and heated them up in their black robes.  Denise texted us that she was sweating through her clothes.  Some of the graduates even removed their gowns. 

Can this girl be any happier?

After nearly an hour and a half of speeches and songs, the moment we'd been waiting for finally arrived.  The mood on the field became jubilant, with cheers, waves and several beach balls bouncing through the crowd.  The graduates were divided into four lines, all directed to different places on the field, to receive their diplomas.  Due to the large volume of students, no names were announced.  But I watched and waited for my daughter's turn.  Since our last name is near the end of the alphabet, it took awhile.

Yeah - I did it!

But finally I spied Denise moving towards the front of the seating area.  Training my zoom lens on her, I fired away.  I've never seen my daughter so happy.  I love the above photo the very best.  A moment of unbridled joy!

Earlier this year, Denise was unsure whether she'd participate in commencement.  She thought it would be too many people, and too long of a ceremony.  When she finally decided to walk, I told her we'd be there.  After watching my daughter get handed her diploma (she received the actual document) and raise it up in triumph, I was glad she decided to participate.

Family photo - brother, parents and grandparents

After locating Denise outside the stadium, she took us to the Chemistry Building, where the department sponsored a lunch for the graduates and their families.  We got to meet some of her professors and personally thank the man that tutored our daughter through two quarters of P-Chem (a horribly hard chemistry class).

My fabulous kids

But the best news of all - a week before she graduated, Denise was offered a job in a local chemistry lab.  So not only is my daughter a college graduate, she will also be employed, working in her dream job.

I'm one proud mama!

I'm so proud of Denise I could burst.  She's worked so hard to make it to this day.  She did not pick an easy course of study.  It entailed many, many hours and nights of studying.  Having to decline her friend's offers to go out on the weekends.  Taking impossibly hard chemistry tests.  Spending hour upon hour in the lab, finishing experiments. Working two jobs to pay rent, food, and car payments.

Way to go, Denise!  Enjoy this moment.  You've earned every bit of it.

Beaver Believers

My daughter attends Oregon State University.  Roger and I love OSU football games, even though the Beavers have been notorious for less-than-stellar teams.  Despite this, OSU has many "Beaver Believers" - loyal fans that show up in force to every game.


Size matters!  Click on any photo to enjoy a larger version.

A family of "Beaver Believers"

After a dismal 3-9 record in 2011, expectations for this year's team were low.  Pre-season, OSU was ranked at the bottom of the PAC-12 conference.  However the first two games this season were victories over nationally ranked teams.  Eight weeks into the season, the Beavs had an incredible 6-0 record and were ranked 8th nationally.  This Cinderella story caught the attention of many who follow college football.

The OSU team arrives!

Although they had one loss to Washington in week 9, the Beavs came back fighting. Last weekend's game was a redemption match.  It happened to coincide with OSU Dad's weekend, so Roger and I made a trip to Corvallis to watch our beloved Beavs take on Arizona State.

They even have a special drink for Beaver fans!

Game day in a college town is great fun.  First up, a late lunch/early dinner at the Flat Tail Brewery, one of the best brewpubs in town.

Daddy-daughter pre-game drinks

Then a trip through one of the parking lots outside Reeser Stadium for some tailgating.  My friend Chuck introduced us to Darrell and Sandy, wonderful alumni who welcomed us into their tailgating crowd.

Our wonderful tailgating hosts

Darrell loves to create jello shots for each game.  This week, the shots included a bonus gummy worm.

Hmmm.....interesting jello shot

After making merry in the parking lot for a hour or so, Beaver fans began to filter into the stadium for the main event.

Havin' fun with my daughter

Roger and Denise love football, and understand the game way better than I ever will.  But I enjoy the noise and pageantry of a college football game.  It's great fun to be in a stadium full of 46,000 screaming fans (especially if your team is winning).

Game time!

Although the game got off to a slow start, the Beavs picked up steam, and by the 4th quarter were leading ASU, 29-19.

Good times in Reeser Stadium

In the end, the Beavs beat ASU 36-26, and bettered their record to 7-1.  Although the rest of the season's games have tough opponents - including the annual "Civil War" with our rival the Oregon Ducks (currently ranked #3), all of us in Beaver Nation have confidence our team will persevere.  It's been an incredible season so far.  Whatever happens, we are and always will be, Beaver Believers!

GO BEAVS!

Linking to: Orange You Glad it's Friday and Sunny Simple Sunday.

OSU Mom's Weekend

The weekend before Mother's day is traditionally mom's weekend at Oregon State University.  In the four years Denise has attended OSU, I've yet to miss a one.  Last weekend was no exception.  I packed my car on Friday afternoon and headed south towards Corvallis.


Size matters!  Click on any image to enjoy a larger version.

Mother-daughter photo op

Wanting to avoid the Friday afternoon traffic on I-5, I sought an alternate route.  I'd read about a short hiking trail at Willamette Mission State Park, and since it was sort of on the way, decided to make a short detour and check it out.  This hike is also one of the "100 hikes" in Sullivan's book I've yet to check off the list. 

Willamette River at the Wheatland Ferry crossing

The park is about 9 miles north of Salem, deep in the heart of the Willamette Valley farm country.  The drive was especially scenic, through rolling farmland and forested valleys.  But when I reached my destination, I found it closed, the main road barricaded off.  I discovered - much to my disappointment - most of the park under water.  It's been an extremely rainy spring, and an abundance of "liquid sunshine" caused the Willamette River to overflow its banks.  No hiking for me today!

The Wheatland auto ferry

But all was not lost.  I whipped out my map and saw that the Wheatland Ferry was practically next door.  If I crossed the river on the ferry, and took a secondary road for a short distance, I'd connect with US Hwy 99W.  This alternate, scenic route would take me straight into Corvallis.

So I got to ride the Wheatland Ferry.  This particular ferry, in operation since 1844, is the oldest ferry landing in Oregon. With a maximum capacity of of six autos, the Wheatland Ferry provides a vital connection to the neighboring farm communities.  A ride across the mighty Willamette costs a mere two dollars. 

That day the river was running high and fast.  But the ferry plowed right through the water, and got my car safely to the other side.  What a fun experience!  Definitely something I don't do every day.

Hot air balloon rides for Mom's weekend

After a beautiful drive through neon-green farm country (I never knew there were so many wineries north of Salem!) I arrived safely in Corvallis.  Friday night was spent doing the usual mom things, buying my broke college student groceries, and taking her out for a nice dinner.

The balloon rises through flowering trees

Saturday morning, Denise and I headed to the OSU campus to check out the Mom's weekend activities.  One of the more popular offerings was hot air balloon rides for moms and students.  Although we weren't able to get a ride (it was booked solid all morning) I enjoyed seeing the colorful balloon moored in the middle of campus.  Great photos ops too. 

Beautiful flowers on campus

The school hosted a large craft fair adjacent to the student union building.  Denise and I had fun looking over all the wonderful handmade items.  We always end up buying something (or in today's case I bought three "somethings.")

 

More lovely floral displays

One of the things I enjoy most about coming to Corvallis for Mom's weekend is seeing the OSU campus in spring.  The grounds are landscaped beautifully with a great variety of different flora.  All the flowering bushes and trees are at the height of their bloom.  There are rhododendrons and azaleas in many different hues - some that I've never seen before.  It's a true kaleidoscope of color.

 

My beautiful daughter

With a little persuasion, I was able to get my daughter to pose for a photo by this lovely peach azalea bush.  Isn't she beautiful?

Gorgeous flowers

Denise gave me a tour of campus.  She has a new job working in the chemistry lab, and showed me the building she works in.  The doors were locked, so I decided to take an outdoor shot instead.   I thought this was an interesting view of the outside corridor looking towards the entrance.

Chemistry building

After completing our walking tour of campus (which took a little longer than Denise expected, due to her mother being distracted by the many photo ops) we decided to visit downtown Corvallis.  In all the years Denise has been a student at OSU I've never spent any time downtown.  We found lots of interesting places to check out.  They had an amazing tea shop!  And it's way better than anything I've seen in Portland.

 

Love the colors!

Our day ended with dinner at a local burger place with Denise's roommates and their mothers.  I had a blast talking with the other ladies.  It was so much fun, I considered staying over Saturday night, instead of driving back to Portland as planned.

Denise's roommates and their moms

But I'd already promised a friend I'd ski with her on Sunday, so after dinner I pointed my car north on I-5 towards home.

I had a wonderful time hanging out with my daughter.  I think this mother's weekend was my favorite one yet.  Happy Mother's Day to all you moms out there!  And Happy Mother's Day to my mom too!

Corvallis Half Marathon

Last year, when I ran the Eugene Marathon, my daughter gave me a hard time for running a race in the city of her rival college.  To equalize things, I vowed to find a race that was held in Corvallis, home of Oregon State University.  Imagine my delight to discover the Corvallis Half Marathon.  Not only was it my favorite distance, but the race was scheduled for mid-April, near the end of ski season.  Perfect timing.  Sign me up!


Size matters!  Click on any photo to enjoy a larger version.

Nice finisher shirt - too bad it's too small!

As one of my goals for 2012, I vowed not to let any running event interfere with skiing (gotta have your priorities!).  It wasn't like I stopped running over the winter months.  I just backed off from any serious training.  What it did mean, though, was no races during the months of January through March, and no spring marathons.  But I figured I could still ski and handle a half by the time April rolled around. 

Ready to rock 'n roll

Of course, like many races, registration happens months in advance of the actual date. What seems like a good idea when you sign up becomes a "what was I thinking?" moment four weeks before the big event. That's about the time I employ the "oh crap, I've got a race in one month" training plan.  (Big thanks to my neighbor Penny who got my sorry butt up early for two morning runs a week - couldn't of done it without you).

Looking serious at the start

Then the weather forecast called for amazing weather on Hood the day before my big race.  The mountain was calling and I couldn't resist!  Not willing to miss skiing on a bluebird day, I headed up to Mt. Hood Meadows.  And it was a fantastic day.  (Photos and story can be found here.)  I got in a bunch of runs on incredible snow before forcing myself to quit early.  Yeah, I knew I'd probably pay dearly for this ski trip....

Following the pack

I woke up the morning of the race feeling surprisingly good.  My legs were a tiny bit tired, but not sore.  The feeling continued, even after the hour and a half drive to Corvallis.  After picking up my race number and timing chip, I headed over to Denise's apartment for a potty break in a real bathroom.

Running through the OSU campus

I finished prepping for the race at my daughter's apartment.  The weather was predicted to be warm and sunny, so I chose shorts instead of my staple winter running capris.  And since the race was taking place on the OSU campus, I donned the only orange tech tee I possessed, and my OSU cap.  I was going to represent (go Beavs!) 

Denise drove me back to the starting line, in the middle of the Oregon State campus.   By then, a large crowd of runners had gathered.  It was a festive scene, with the OSU band playing peppy tunes.  I love marching bands, and really enjoyed the music.  Got me all fired up to run.  The morning chill and clouds were burning off, making way for a beautiful, dry sunny day.

Denise caught me at mile one

And soon enough - we were off!  The pack headed around the perimeter of campus, before turning back and running straight through the very heart of it.  Crowds of people lined the main road, cheering, ringing cowbells and waving signs.  Little kids held out their hands for "high fives" (which I love to give!)  I'd loaned Denise one of my cameras to get some photos, and I spotted her on a street corner near mile one, firing away.

Still feelin' good

Then a very friendly man struck up a conversation with me.  He inquired about my arm warmers, and I asked him about his Vibram Five Fingers shoes.  Turned out he was a high school science teacher in a nearby town.  Since Denise is studying to do the same thing, it provided a common topic.  We chatted until the first water station, where I lost  him in the crowd.

We ran right underneath this building

After a nice tour of the OSU campus, the course then took its participants into the rural countryside on the outskirts of Corvallis.  We ran by fields just starting to wake up from a long, wet winter.  It was very scenic and sure beat running along a busy urban roadway.  My body was starting to wake up, and I enjoyed a very pleasant couple of miles.

Loved the mile marker signs!

One of the things I loved about this race was its wonderful mile markers.  Each sign was bright and cheerful, and had an inspirational slogan.  Really helped keep a positive attitude (which was even more important in the later stages of the race).

Approaching the covered bridge

Then the course took us down a country lane and through a beautiful covered bridge.  How great is that?  I love covered bridges, and couldn't help myself - I wanted some photos.  So I pulled over to the side and stopped to snap a couple of images.  The volunteers stationed at the bridge laughed at me.  I just smiled and replied "Well, as you can see, I'm not in this race to win it!"

The runners were routed right through the bridge

After running through the bridge, my runner friends and I continued through farmlands, crossed a road and parking lot.  In the parking lot was another water station, and more cheering people.  They were really cheering loudly and at first I thought it was for me.  That's I looked behind me and saw......

Hooray for the Superheros! 

THE SUPERHEROS!  Two guys dressed up in superhero costumes running the race.  What fun!  I turned around and asked if I could take their picture.  They were great sports, and even slowed down and posed so I could capture their greatness.  I ran with them for a short distance, joking that I should've donned a Wonder Woman costume.

Running through the country

Then the course turned back onto a nice, wide bike path that wound through more lovely countryside.  About mile 6, things changed and we got routed onto the side of a road.  Not quite as nice, but the race organizers had the traffic control down pat.  Not only was there a sign at the 6 mile mark, there was another one to commemorate the halfway point.  And it had the greatest slogan - "Now is the time to lose your quit."  This saying kept me going for the next couple of tough miles.

By mile 7 we were back following the road

Miles 7 to 8 were a slight incline along a semi-busy road.  The elevation gain was minimal, but by this time it felt like I was climbing a huge hill.  My pace slowed down considerably.  I felt myself sagging and thought "OK now is when you're gonna pay for that ski trip!"

Denise caught me at mile 8

Happily, I ran into the nice science teacher from the beginning of the race.  We picked up our conversation where we'd left off, and it provided enough of a distraction to get me to mile 8.

Wave for the camera!

Mile 8 fell in a local park that wasn't too far from Denise's apartment.  Running through the park, I was happy to see Denise and her two roommates standing in the crowd, cheering for me.  That put a spring back in my step.  Beyond the park, the road dipped into a sweet downhill.  Rejuvenated, I put the pedal to the metal and picked up the pace.

More inspirational mile marker signs

The course continued through a maze of residential streets.  Some of the home's occupants gathered at the curb and on street corners to applaud the runners.  All the support was greatly appreciated, and I thanked as many spectators as I could.

Passing people at mile 11

After taking in a Gu around Mile 9, I began to get a second wind.  I was amazed to be still feeling good, and not as tired as anticipated.  Checking the time on my watch showed that a 2-hour finish was doable.  I didn't expect to be running such a fast pace this late into the race!  That brought out my competitive side.  Time to kick it into high gear and see how quick I could finish this thing. 

The finish line is in sight!

Slowly, the residential neighborhoods gave way to apartments and businesses.  I could tell we were getting closer to campus again.  At one point, I heard loud heavy metal music up ahead.  When I got closer to the source, I saw a lone guy with a boom box entertaining the runners by doing air guitars and crazy dancing.  He was great!  His antics made me laugh and provided a much-needed mental boost.

Everyone's finish was shown on the stadium jumbo-tron

The runner pack crossed a busy street, and entered Greek row.  It was fun to run by all the fraternity and sorority houses.  At one house, a bunch of frat boys were sitting in the front yard, drinking beer and loudly cheering the racers.  I whooped back, which garnered a huge enthusiastic response from the guys.  By then, I was in such a competitive zone, I didn't even think about getting some photos of the Greeks.  But those guys were so funny, now I wish I had taken a couple pics to share here.

My great support crew

Then before I knew it, we entered back onto the Oregon State campus.  The campus is such a beautiful place in the spring, with it's blooming trees and flowers.  I was happy to be here, because this meant the finish line was close.  I zoomed down the campus road, passing a couple of ladies I'd been trailing the entire race.  Taking a corner, I heard a bunch of loud cheering and was surprised to see Denise and her roommates.  Their unexpected presence gave me another positive energy surge and I shifted into high gear.  Only one mile left - time to finish this thing in a big way!

Reeser Stadium was full of runners

I zigged and zagged through more campus roads, until finally the walls of Reeser Stadium loomed ahead.  Almost done!  I turned a corner into one of Reeser's parking lots, and noticed a bunch of spectators holding a sign that read: "Run like you're being chased by a rabid opossum!"  I laughed so hard!  That sign provided the positive motivation I needed to step on the gas for the final push.  I streaked through the parking lot and there before me was the ramp leading down to Reeser's field.   I could hear the whoops and applause before even entering the stadium.  Hitting the turf, I was engulfed by the noise.  The finish was set up on the field's 50-yard line, and no sight was sweeter.  As I hit the timing mats, my Garmin read  2:03:49.  Although not a PR, it was still a great time.  I'd survived another half marathon, with spotty winter training and skiing the day before! 

My wonderful daughter and I

Denise and her roommates Kristin and Shannah, greeted me at the finish.  It was great to have someone waiting for me, and I thanked them for their support.  A large crowd was gathered on the field itself and a festival atmosphere prevailed.  I felt amazing considering my busy weekend, with only a sore right ankle.  After some great soup and bread, and a shower back at her apartment, I took Denise and her roommates out for lunch.

I was really impressed with this race.  The course was absolutely beautiful - a great tour of Corvallis. Took me to parts of town I didn't know existed!  (and Denise has been at OSU four years)  There was lots of water stations and the volunteers on traffic control were great.  I love, love, loved the mile marker signs.  And it was fabulous to finish in Reeser Stadium!  Made me feel like a true champion. 

With a good night's sleep, I recovered quickly and didn't feel too bad the next day.  Maybe I need to go skiing the day before a race more often....  :)