Party Plans

I have decided that I will host a get together to celebrate my defence, if all goes smoothly. I won't announce the party until after I find out if I passed, but I've decided to make it potluck, so pretty much anyone can come. I found a nice gazebo I can rent at a reasonable rate for an afternoon by a lake in a sizable park near campus, with playground equipment, washrooms and a concession stand nearby. Decorations will be simple and sparse, and I've planned out some basic foods and such.

I had been reluctant to do this, mainly because I am broke. However, the three successful candidates who have come before me each had something (one BBQ and two banquety-type things), and I figure I should think twice before being the tightwad who bucks the tradition. I will be only the fourth PhD minted from this program, so that would make me the odd one out if I skin-flinted out on this one.

My one concession to my poverty is to make it potluck; I am hoping people will be charitable enough to see this for what it is - someone who cannot afford to feed a troupe of people (especially people who make vastly more money than she does), but a person who does want to share some society with them at an important time in her life.

The park gazebo, of course, is essential due to the fact I live in an apartment that can barely accommodate four guests at a time.

Despite my initial reluctance, though, I find myself excited by the prospect of celebrating. I am starting to believe this is actually going to happen... and I am shocked, leery, but also really... what's the word? Happy? Proud? All of the above?

It seems like I might actually finish this damn degree after all.

And that is cause to celebrate, in my opinion.