Savor the Moment.

There are many cross-roads in one's life, and one of the most exciting and scary is graudation from college. It's the terrible reality to you are finally an adult, and have to find a *Gasp* real job! The actual convocation I didn't attend, since it was thousands of people in a tight place... You wouldn't even be able to parcel me out - even on the gigantic screen husky stadium has.

No no, I opted for the Henry M. Jackson School Convocation, which was smaller, but as equally boring. I'm glad it only happens once (sort of like weddings, well, in theory).

College, I must say, has been the greatest experiance in my life. I only regret not trying harder, not going to class when I should have, and being more involved. I guess I only have three words to remedy the situation... P.h.D. Now I just need to find funding, a school, and uhh, something to be an expert in. Ph.D's, as far as I've observed, allows you to have an opinion, with which you can blab your mouth over town with. =)

No, if there was anything that made that $19,000 of your tax money worth it (thanks FAFSA) these three would be it...

1) It taught me to be critical of everything. I actually use my noggin now, to analyze and pick apart, to question and ponder. It has been the greatest skill I have learned, and hope to continue to develop. It has its downsides though, as recently someone sent me a new article without citing the source, I went beserk.

2) It taught me to have passion for information. I read the news online just about everyday. The books I read are about ancient and modern history, politics, economics, science and philsophy... There's always those trashy girl magazines to fall back on though, or Real Simple, which caters to my "nesting tendencies".

3) It taught me to not take things for granted. I had only two, very short years at the University of Washington, and I only wish I had appriciated it more. Strolled on campus more, go to Prof's office hours and perhaps a frat party or two (I never went).

If anything, college allowed me to prove to myself that I was a worthwhile human being. That I had something to contribute to the world, that I would not end up just marrying the guy who drives the BMW. (Although, that wouldn't be half bad). I'm looking forward to making something of my future, to make a difference in the world, to make good use of the my god-given gifts. That perhaps I can be a good model for my sisters, and that we can keep inspring each other to grow and prosper.

Here are some groups photos from Graduation - Many wonderful people came to support my envedours, and I can never express my appriciation. Others who couldn't be there, were there in spirit. My mother in particular, as all my acomplishements were built on the foundations of her sacrifices. My paternal grandparents as well, who have showered me with their love and support all these years.





The necklace that I'm wearing here is a graduation present from Danielle. She thought that a little bling would be good luck for me. I think that it's beautiful, and works really well with all the rest of my bling. Andy's been a great friend and confidant, even before we got together. Some of my fave memories of college include having coffee with him, and arguing about the world. Way to keep me on my toes, props to you.


The Townsend's came as well (no relation, creepy huh?) They also have been wonderful to have around, and supportive of my endevours. Chris (far right) and I met in the dorms, where my former boyfriend Kipp used to live. He helped get my PDA to talk to my computer. (They didn't like each other).

Left to Right: Dave Townsend, Jan Townsend, Riani Townshend, Chris Townsend.

This is one of my fave pictures. Sam (Andy's little brother) and I got a little silly with my selendang, a traditional Indonesian wrap thingy that you wear to special occasions. Serves double purpose when it's cold outside, it keeps scantilly-clad me warm. Also good for impromptu pictures. =)

Julio (or Johnny as he's affectionately known) and I

The scary thing about the scary tanning was that it worked. This picture was taken the day after I went tanning. In 12 minutes I got as dark as I usually do going out to the Thousand Islands (In Indonesia) for a weekend. I wouldn't recommend religious tanning though, if you want to keep looking young. There's also that little problem called cancer (just ask my Grandfather, who has monthly trips to the Dermatologist). Props to those of you who are OK with who you are, and how you look like.

Danie and El Espantoso posing together for my documentation.

This adventure begins one sleepy Saturday afternoon, with my darling twin sister Danielle citing severe psychological trauma from the lack of sun (well, we do live in Seattle). Since the skies were overcast, sunning herself at a sun salon seemed like the next best logical choice. Guess who she wanted to drag along.

Now, I have never tanned in my life, and the idea of sitting in a hot glass coffin didn't sound too pleasant, but I went along for the ride anyway. Danie and I haven’t spent enough time together, and I figured it would be a good “quality bonding experience”. Not so much.

The monstrosity posted above is a top-of-the-line Italian tanning station, apparently the black diamonds of the tanning line, instead of the bunny trail I was anticipating. It closes automatically, whirrs and blinks, and has some computer-animated voice greet you and asks you to relax. It got extremely hot in their, and sweating on glass isn’t the most comfortable experience. Additionally, the light emitted by the contraption was a neon-purple…

That was the first, and most likely the last experience I will have in a tanning salon. Besides, I’m ok in my own skin, even though I inherited more of my father’s whiteness than I bargained for.

I have realized that many important events in my life have occured privious to this blog's creation. I will try to update everyone on these events by backtracking a little bit.

Don't be surprized if I don't go in order, life it seems is not quite linear to me.
Riani

For those of you who don't know, I'm a senior at the University of Washington in Seattle, graduating from the Jackson School of International Studies. As seniors, we are all required to take a course called Taskforce. With 15 other peers, policy recommendations on particular subject for the US government or international institutions are researched and written. (I did policy recommendations for the World Bank.) The 300-500 page report is then sent to an expert (suspiciously from around the Seattle area on many accounts) who then administers a defense.

With such hoop-lah, you would think that Taskforce was awesome. Talking to many though, it was not a "course to remember". Our Prof barely made it to class, failed to read our papers and generally provided mediocre leadership and guidance. Thankfully, I had the privilege of working with a fantastic group of individuals who supported each other.

After the defense, all of the taskforces (I think there were 10) get together for a formal dinner... The photo above was taken after the dinner at a pub which the Jackson School overtook, where drinks and merriment were accompanied by laughter.

The lovely ladies in the picture above have been my peers since I first started at the UW . Vanja, to my left is Croatian, Monique to my right is Thai-American and Debbie to my extreme right is Zambian. Extra points to those who can locate all three countries on a map. =)

Below, is a picture of my taskforce after the dinner.

So I managed to drag Andy along for spring break in Florida, a much needed sun-break from winter-weary Seattle. (Rain, rain, rain).

This picture was taken on South Beach in Miami, FL. It was a beautiful day out, not a cloud in the sky. It was also, incredebly HOT.

We managed to visit my grandparents, my friends from highschool as well as my amazing neighbors. We attended an easter egg hunt (with money in the eggs, I racked up $55 worth of eggs) and a night out playing mini-golf with highschool friends.
Andy & I: Southbeach, Miami FL

Florida was still covered with blue roofs, evidence that the area still had not recovered from the Hurricanes of last season. In fact, easter dinner over at Zack Smith's house co-incided with roofing day. Zack's mom, Paula shrugged the whole thing off and said "what do I say, come back later? We've been waiting 4 months." Others in the country don't realize the extent of the damage, or the depth of the desruption of daily life. I am thankful that we live in a Hurricane-free environment (says the girl in Mt. St. Helens backyard.)

Going back to Florida was a chapter closer for me, it was a way to see my grandparents and come to terms with the events of my childhood. The town was too small, the school not challenging... I know that I belong elsewhere, but am thankful for the positive experiances that had occured.

My AP Environmental Science teacher taught me about passion for life and learning and my guidance counciler paid for my graduation gown when I couldn't afford it. My friends who would wake me at 6am on Saturday morning to watch the sunrise over the beautiful blue ocean, or the parents who took me in as their own.

If there is anything that I have learned, and hopefully will never forget, is that there is good everywhere you go. Just open your hearts to it, and love will find its way.

Zack and I the night we went to play mini-golf. It was one of the most fun nights I've ever had. There's something about getting the people you care about together, and just being able t0 hang out, goof off and relax. With so many people in our group playing, we were able to break off in little groups and enjoy each other's company. Here is a picture of Zack and I, which I love. Zack is a friend from highschool, who came back to Indonesia with me in 1999. He's grounded and dry-humored, and I'm so glad we got to see each other again.