Curtain Falls... Bows All Around

At 12:20 p.m. (MST). Finished, finished I am, with my final, final exam.

This is it. I have completed my law degree. I’ll say it again. I’m finished.

I now only require certification from the University of Wisconsin in order to be sworn in to the Wisconsin Bar next month, and then to sit for the New Mexico Bar exam at the end of February.

It has been both a very long and very short two and one-half years.

There were times when I couldn't wait to fall asleep because that was the most enjoyable part of my day. There were other times when I felt awed and inspired as I realized the great opportunities awaiting me; opportunities that I couldn't even imagine in detail, but that I somehow know will be none-the-less entirely the product of my future efforts and desire.

Since May 2003, I have been on a path that I chose deliberately to follow, not knowing where it would ultimately lead, but always believing that the destination was worth reaching. True, I didn't "go to the woods to live" in a literal sense, but I think the metaphor applies to my deliberate choice to return to school full-time.

So, to all of you who care, be you near or far, you're in my thoughts today and I thank you.

I also want you to know that on this Friday afternoon in December…

Elvis... has indeed... left the building.