So, I'm graduated. Thats all I am going to say. No long post with lots of details and stuff at least not for now...I just want to say thanks to everyone! It was an amazing day and I really enjoyed it! (Especially thanks to the Websters! ;) On to the next adventure in life....
"Normal" Questions
Its finally graduation week. So ready for it. :) These past few weeks I have been asked two specific questions a ka-zillion times! It usually goes like this, "So are you excited about graduating?" Me-"No I am so depressed about it, I really wanted to stay in school for another 7 years." *Sarcastic face* Okay, yeah that's usually not what I reply with...its more along the lines of, "Yes, very excited." I know boooooring. But what do they expect me to say?!? Haha I know people are just inquiring about me and graduation but it is funny how everyone ask the same thing. The next question comes without fail. Every. Single. Time. I'm sure you know it, because you've probably asked it. "Soooo, whats next?"
At first, I had a good answer to this question but I guess my brain has heard it so many times it just lets it come through and out now without doing much work to answer it. I'm sure some people make think I'm leading into a useless life because they don't realize the plans I have. The problem is I don't have it set in stone exactly what I will be doing...I mean I know I just don't know. Its complicated. And instead of trying to explain to them which usually leads to a bunch of more questions I answer the best I can and move on.
So, yes, I am VERY excited about graduation and yes I do know whats next but I don't exactly know to tell you yet. :) I was talking to a friend today on the phone and they asked me the same questions jokingly because they know how many times I've been asked that and they replied saying that they are just the "normal" questions everyone ask a graduate. I suppose its true. The more I got to think about it there are "normal" questions like that for all special occasions, like having a baby, getting married, dying. Well I don't know about dying...but that is a special occasion! So I suppose the "normal" questions are just beginning! Yay for monotonous!! :P
"So, what are your plans after graduation?"
I cannot count how many times I have been asked that question this past year! It is just people's first thing that they ask when they know I'm graduating. I don't have a detailed answer like "Im going to University of Florida to work myself to death with school and work for the next 2 years of my life since I have only been doing school for the past 12 years. I have nothing better to do so I might as well work super hard and then use all that money for college." Yeah, no answer like that because the thing is I DO have something better to do--at least in my eyes.
I have prayerfully thought about what my next step would be in life and I have going back and forth but I have finally come to a decision. It isn't about what MY plans are its what GOD'S plans are for me. And He has clearly shown me the pros and cons of it. (and there are a lot) But this is the simplest way to look at it from my perspective.
Okay, so lets say I work my way through college for another 2 years at least and receive my degree in Elementary Education (or "Professional Studies" as they call it now) and then go on to teach in a private school. Yes, its something I know I could accomplish but is it how I want to spend the next few years or my life?
Next option, its much simpler. Serve. Yes, thats right serve. "Who?" You may be thinking...well a lot of people really. There are so many opportunities I have right now to serve in my family, church, and community. And, its what I want to do. Not something that I would do because I thinks its "right" or God would be "pleased" with, but because as a Christian I want to help those around me. And I wouldn't just be spending my days just wandering around looking for someone to help, God has put them all right in front of me.
I have prayerfully thought about what my next step would be in life and I have going back and forth but I have finally come to a decision. It isn't about what MY plans are its what GOD'S plans are for me. And He has clearly shown me the pros and cons of it. (and there are a lot) But this is the simplest way to look at it from my perspective.
Okay, so lets say I work my way through college for another 2 years at least and receive my degree in Elementary Education (or "Professional Studies" as they call it now) and then go on to teach in a private school. Yes, its something I know I could accomplish but is it how I want to spend the next few years or my life?
Next option, its much simpler. Serve. Yes, thats right serve. "Who?" You may be thinking...well a lot of people really. There are so many opportunities I have right now to serve in my family, church, and community. And, its what I want to do. Not something that I would do because I thinks its "right" or God would be "pleased" with, but because as a Christian I want to help those around me. And I wouldn't just be spending my days just wandering around looking for someone to help, God has put them all right in front of me.
One of my deepest passions is to work with children and I know I do not have to have a college degree to do that. So you see, this whole college thing is way over-rated, it truly is! Enough said.
Which would be glorifying to God? Which option would honor Him more? I have been through this battle in my head a lot recently. For some of you, you may be thinking that this would be an easy decision. But its not. And for a lot of different reasons that are too complex to go into right now.
I have gotten a ton of different replies from people when I have told them my options as I listed above, many do not agree with my on my view of it and many had their own say in the matter. I was confused because I was getting so many different traffic light signals from different people. Then, God brought to my attention that is doesn't matter what others think or say about this and in some ways that might sound harsh, but its true. The only people who have a say in this is of course God who is at the center of this, my family, and my pastor, other then that I am not worrying what option other people think I should take. In the end, they won't be reaping what I sow.
So, needless to say, option "Serving the Lord by serving others" has been picked and decided. That doesn't mean I won't ever go back to school but unless God puts me back on that path I surely am not going to be trying to jump back on it. I have had enough school to last me for a long time!!
There you go, for anyone who was wondering, there are my thoughts about "What am I going to do after graduation?"
My little Man :)
A few years ago I met this little boy....it started out as just someone who I was going to babysit for, but it turned into something much more then that!
Carter is so much fun! We have had the best summers together swimming and playing outside at his house. He is so funny and can always make me laugh!
We are good buddies. :) Sometimes he insiste that I call him "Peter Parker" or "Spiderman" and he calls me "MJ". We make up lots of fun stories.
I love him SO much and am going to be very very very sad when he and his family have to move away this year. :( I'm not sure what I will do not seeing him at least 3 times a week! I suppose I will survive with phone calls and letters. But it will not be the same without the blonde hair blue eye little boy who has captured my heart.
Mine are the BEST!
I know that you might think it, but I'm sorry its only true for me. No, really, I am telling the truth. I know from experience.
Have yours been there for you WHENEVER you need them?
Always honest with you?
Have a million inside jokes with you?
Can read your facial expression?
Has had tons of adventures with you?
Knows you and still loves you?
Has laugh not only with you but at you?
Can make you smile whenever you need it?
Can finish your sentence for you?
Knows your favorites?
Visits you in the hospital everyday?
Will let you squeeze their hand when you are in pain until you cut off their circulation?
Is your partner in crime?
Give you the most amazing and creative presents?
Yeah, I didn't think so. I told you mine are the best.
Thanks to ALL my FANTASTIC friends who are all those things for me and more!!!! And a special thanks to Katie, Kait, KT, Becky, and Jessie for the amazing "Blog Book"! I love it and will treasure it always.
I
You!
So, nuff said. Mine are the best.
Strawberry & Sunshine Over The Years
Well, a long time ago I met this girl. And she was cool. So I hung out with her. And we did all sorts of cool stuff.
Like rafting with Becky and Katy.
And planning fun photo shoots with our favorite Curdys.
And going on fun trips to places like Destin for her birthday, along with a few other stragglers that we invited to make sure no one was getting jealous.
Just kidding.
Playing volleyball.
Or just chillin' at co-op. And then proceeding to go crazy.
Taking a break from playing volleyball in the co-op parking lot to get some pictures...
Dancing the nights away...
Watching the fireworks...
Going on photo shoots...
Making memories.
Lizzy is one of those people who you can't help but love. She drives you crazy in a good way and teaches you what true fun is. You haven't met true awesomeness until you've met my sunshine.
Sunshine and Strawberry.
I don't know what I'd do without Lizz. She's the one who taught me how to roll with the punches and administer them when needed. She's taught me that life is full of ups and down but it's the ups that count and they are the ones to let your mind dwell upon - not the downs.
I don't think she realizes just how much she has impacted my life. Sure she's crazy and looney and all that jazz - that's why we love her.
In only two months, we graduate in the same class, side by side(Literally - our last names both start with a C so we will be standing next to each other in line :-P). Just a little while ago, we were talking about the future. In five years, we could be celebrating each other's marriages. In ten years, perhaps our kids will be playing with each other while we talk about old memories and memories still to come over coffee.
I can't wait to embrace the future with Lizzy as a dear and close friend - the one she has, and always will be, to me.
~Senior Year~
I remember as a little girl thinking about what "big girls" got to do...one of those thing was graduate. I use to think (and still do) that the best part must be walking down the aisle knowing what you have been through to get to this point in life. I am almost there. Two months to go until I walk down that aisle. I am very excited! A little sad that that chapter in my life is closing but very eager about what God has in store for me next!
I owe so much to my parents for all that they have done for me! Because of God and them is the only reason I have reached this point in my life. "Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ." -Philippians 1:6
I owe so much to my parents for all that they have done for me! Because of God and them is the only reason I have reached this point in my life. "Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ." -Philippians 1:6
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