After Graduation

Last week I walked in my graduation from BYU. So now it's done. I don't have my diploma yet because my grades for my last classes aren't in yet. But I'm basically done with everything and that's a little weird.

I don't know what I'm going to do now and that's strange for me because I've always, always had a plan for what is happening in my life and so I've had a guide for my life. Well, right now I don't have a plan except for trying to find a job so that I don't go broke or have to move home...

I submitted another job application yesterday at Discovery Ranch. Hopefully that will result in something. I found that job listing from someone in my ward who works there. Keep your fingers crossed for me that something works out.

Yesterday was kind of a lazy day for me. I wasn't working so I didn't really have any place to be. Early in the morning I went with some friends to take Ashely to the airport. It's a little sad but she'll have a good summer over in the Holy Land. When I got back I went for a run and then rode my bike down to the library and got some books. For a while I laid out in the sun by the pool and just read. I haven't done that in a long time. Also, my good friend Jenny came out and talked to me for a while and I really liked that. I love you, Jenny and I'm so glad that we're friends.

I'd give you some pictures from graduation day but my computer is out of comission for a little bit longer. My power cord died and I'm waiting for my new one to arrive. It should be here sometime today, hopefully. Also, if anyone wants to do me a huge favor: I wanted to take some pictures by the BYU signs at the entrance to campus but there wasn't time on graduation day with my family in town so if anyone wants to help me out and come take some pictures with my camera just let me know. As soon as I can get pictures on my computer I'll put them up :)

I coming to accept that not being so busy is a good thing. A good friend of mine has the nice habit of calling me a workoholic so maybe it will be good for me to take it easy for a little bit before I start the next big thing in my life. I'm still looking out for what is next but I'm not going to worry about it too much right now.

Tagged by Mary

Four shows I like to watch...
1. Gilmore Girls
2. Glee...I know you all thought I would never admit it...
3. Heroes
4. Prison Break

Four things I'm passionate about...
1. Life
2. Christ
3. Improving myself
4. Learning

Four phrases I say a lot...
1. Oh my awkward
2. Heck no
3. "PDBio, this is Briana" -- work
4. Don't judge me. You don't know my life.

Four things I have learned from the past...
1. Life is full of surprises
2. Keep moving through life even if it's painful
3. Hard times happen for a reason even if you can't see it now
4. Trust in Heavenly Father

Four places I want to go...
1. Niagra Falls
2. Australia
3. England
4. Africa

Four things I did yesterday...
1. Rode my bike to the Provo City Library to get a couple books
2. Went on a run
3. Took a nap
4. Read by the pool :)

Four things I'm looking forward to...
1. Getting a new car
2. Exercising more frequently
3. Sunshine and warm nights
4. Meeting new friends

Four things I love about spring
1. Warm weather
2. Leaving the heater off and not having to turn on the a/c
3. Laying in the grass outside my apartment
4. Spending time with friends without worrying about school

Four things on my wish list...
1. Job in my field
2. Not worrying about the future
3. Soup
4. Being more compassionate

Four people to tag...
1. Nicole Winegardner
2. Kellie Frederick
3. Amy Knowlton
4. Morgan Anderson

Cap & Gown

Yesterday afternoon before i went to take my final I picked up my gap and gown from the alumni building. It's crazy that it's that time already. It was pretty exciting to show different people that I have my tassel. I just need to get through one more final and then I'm home free :)

I'm super excited to see my family. I haven't seen my parents and younger brothers and sister since Christmas and I'm so grateful that they can all make it out to see my graduate. I don't know what I'll be doing this summer but I can figure that out along the way. The next time I post I'll probably be a college graduate :)

Looking Forward

Things I am looking forward to after graduation

• time to read things that I actually want to read
• time to attend the temple more
• taking time to serve more
• discovering what to do with the rest of my life
• being a better friend
• sunshine and blue skies of summer
• being able to say I graduated from BYU :)
• family picture
• no more homework
• not buying textbooks
• less stress

Things I'll miss after graduating

• pdbio, 'nuff said - I love my job & will miss it dearly
• running into random people on campus that i haven't seen in a while
• good friends i made at school that are now going in a million different directions
• dressing up everyday for work - silly i know, but a girl enjoys being dressed up sometimes
• sflsa - i learned so much from this wonderful group of people & I will miss the club tons
• teachers & advisers that have impacted my life so much
• free t-shirts for doing silly things
• the police beat
• being a college student
• doing homework in the grass & warm sunshine
• and many more that i can't think of right now

A friend recently recommended I read President Uchtdorf's talk from priesthood session of conference. I read it yesterday and it is amazing! I know it was given specifically for the brethren of the priesthood but I felt like it applied to my life so much.

Here is my favorite quote from it that helped me get some perspective on the trials I've been facing lately: "We must learn that the Lord's plan, our understanding comes "line up on line, precept up on precept." In short, knowledge and understanding come at the price of patience.

Often the deep valleys of our present will be understood only by looking back on them from the mountains of our future experience. Often we can't see the Lord's hand in our lives until long after trials have passed. Often the most difficult times of our lives are essential building blocks that form the foundation of our character and pave the way to future opportunity, understanding, and happiness."

Finishing Up

We're down to the last weekish of my undergraduate career. Here's what I have left to do:

-attend 4 classes
-finish up 2 papers that are almost done
-one page assignment
-3 final exams

And then....

-GRADUATION!!!!!

It's crazy how this year has flown by so fast. I wanted it to go by slowly because I didn't feel ready to graduate. But it went by even faster than I expected. I am excited and scared to graduate all at the same time. I don't know what lies ahead for me in life. I've always had a plan or direction in my life and right now I don't have much of a plan and I'm still trying to figure it out. Wish me luck on the things that I need to do in the next week and a half :) I'm looking forward to this summer because I'll be living around and with some great friends. I don't have another semester to buy books for and stress over so hopefully this summer will be chill and relaxed.