The defense went swimmingly! I'm so happy that so many people came:
Right after the group picture I shouted for joy and executed a secret plan that was about two years in the making: jumping in the fountain!
Of course, I probably should have taken my cell phone out of my pocket first! Well, at least it didn't take me long to get the mindless professor role down pat :)
Thank you to everyone who made getting a PhD in four years possible -- I couldn't have done it without you!

I am late to the party, but congrats all the same! This is Patrick, Rachel Burlage's friend from Texas.
So now for the question everyone likes to start asking as soon as the defense is done: What's next?
And congrats again!