My sister is officially a Ph.D.

Technically, the degree was conferred on July 19, 2007 -- that's what it says on the diploma -- but the ceremony was last night.

There were 43 Ph.D. graduates in attendance. I cheered for my sister and her five friends as loud as I could (which isn't saying much) because if their journey to graduation was anything like my sister's (and I know it was) then they deserve all the recognition in the world.

There were also M.D. graduates being recognized, but I didn't know any of them, so I followed along in the detailed program as each person's name was called.

While in Houston, we got to spend some quality time with my sister's friends and their family members who were in town for the ceremony. We even had a post-graduation meal at one of the first places my sister went when she was being recruited for the Ph.D. program. (Talk about the circle of life -- er, the circle of grad school -- eh?)

So, it was with bittersweet feelings that I arrived at Bush Intercontinental Airport's gate E16 for the flight back home. You see, before my sister started grad school eight years ago, I'd never been to Houston. Now that she's officially done, I don't see myself going back.

It's not that I don't like the city; it's just that there's no reason I would want to return. In fact, I must say, in the six trips I've taken, there hasn't been a bad one in the bunch. (Yeah, it was a bit hot this time around, but it's a dry heat.) So, I bid farewell to the fair city, until we meet again.