what i learned in college

1. god is real
2. good friendships are hard, but worth the fight
3. you don't hurt family
4. life's not about what you learn in a classroom
5. i'm not in control
6. sometimes its easier to ask for forgiveness later than for permission first

normally, i'd expand on these things.. share a funny story of something dumb i did to learn them or an anecdote of why these things are important. however, this list is in no way all-inclusive nor am i done figuring them all out. so, for now, that is it... a short list of some big ideas that i learned about in the last four years.

every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end

http://egan.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/05/06/dear-graduate/
^a good article for graduates... for everyone. its advice for life.
highlights from the article:
-do one thing everyday that scares you.
-learn to cook.
-avoid phony controversies.
-volunteer.
-nourish your friendships.

if i could add my own things to the list:
-make a decision purely for yourself. just because you want to even if it makes others upset/disappointed/etc. there have been a handful of decisions i have made in college just because i wanted to do something. i thought for myself, weighed the pros and cons, and went for it. i have never regretted them once and they have helped me gain confidence and boldness in myself.
-love people hard. without second thought. intentionally. show grace and mercy to people even when you're hurt. be compassionate. care about others.
-be purposeful. do things with a reason. be intentional in relating to others... listen for the answer when you ask how people are. make goals.
-leave work at the office. i don't want my job to ever define my life more than loving god and people. so while its possible to be intentional at the office, don't bring the work junk home, to your dinner plans, to your friends, etc

i didn't know this day would ever come... the last day i ever have to walk into a classroom as a student. i don't plan on ever doing it again! no inkling of grad school here- i am done.

funny fortunes...

"your principles mean more to you than any money or success" -my fortune cookie from dinner tonight

oh the irony!

i get this fortune on the same day as:
1. not getting any response from yet another two job applications from last week. (i've stopped counting how many times this has actually happened... NO ONE is hiring.)
2. finding out for sure that my boss doesn't have the budget to give me a full-time salary... which equals no job after a 2 year internship there.
3. determining my last day of work at the current job.

hello unemployment! at least i'll have my principles! :)

my updated plan for life = currently seeking out a well-paid part-time job with a good amount of hours so at least i'll be getting a pay check while waiting on the economy to reboot and offer me my dream job with full benefits. :) here's to not getting sick while i don't have a full-time job/insurance! holler!

american idol!

a picture of the final 5 as of last week. matt (far right) was kicked off last week. the final four are now:
-danny (far left): my favorite, but i don't think he'll win. i just think he's the sweetest thing ever!
-adam (in the back): the obvious crowd favorite. he's done broadway so he can put on quite the show. i'm not a fan and would prefer he goes home tomorrow. i mean he should just stay on broadway with his previous success. maybe he'll get a lead role now. (is that mean?)
-allison (the only girl): she's only 17 and such a rockstar. i'm predicting her for the win if she makes good song choices. she reminds me of kelly clarkson but with a little more of the punk edge.
-kris (in the white tee): one word= adorable. he sure can melt a girl's heart. too bad he's definitely married. :)

so i'm hoping adam goes this week. i can't decide between danny and kris going home next leaving allison for the win!