I just graduated from college a couple of weeks ago.  That means I know enough to write something that will make all of the pre-college people look up to me as a wise giver of advice. 

That also means I will write this in complete disregard for the hundreds (if not THOUSANDS) of people who have already graduated from college at least once and will see this as rambling just to make myself seem accomplished and/or smart.  That previous sentence is also a subtle/passive aggressive disclaimer so that people won’t peg me as arrogant, even though by writing that sentence I am doing so (and this very sentence itslef attempts to further dissociate the author from any possible perceptions of pride in an attempt to make everyone like him by exposing the fact that he knows.  Speaking in third person also allows the author to take less responsibility for the things he has written). 

Three lessons. 

Lesson #1: YOUR PHYSICAL APPEARANCE WILL CHANGE

Explanation: If you’re learning and you know it, then your fashion will surely show it. 

Evidence:

Encouragement: See how I am still just as happy as I was on day one? 

Lesson #2: WE DON’T ALWAYS KNOW HOW MUCH WE KNOW WE NEVER KNEW WE NEVER KNEW

Explanation:  If your goal is to know everything, then you will never get kick the soccer ball past the goaltender.  It will just bounce right back into your face and then you will realize maybe you should play a different sport with a better analogy.

Evidence:

Encouragement: The year I was the most content was my senior year.

Lesson #3: IF YOUR EXPECTATIONS ARE WHAT YOU EXPECT TO BE THE BEST POSSIBLE RESULTS, IF YOU EXPECT YOUR EXPECTATIONS TO BE MET, YOU WILL BE DISAPPOINTED WHEN THE EXPECATATIONS YOU EXPECTED ARE EXCLUDED FROM WHAT ACTUALLY HAPPENS.  BUT, YOU MAY FIND THERE ARE EXCEPTIONS TO YOUR EXPECTATIONS WHEN REALITY EXCEEDS YOUR EXPECTATIONS IN AN EXPLOSION OF EXCITING EXPOLORATIONS INTO A WONDERFUL LIFE YOU COULD NOT HAVE EXPECTED OR IMAGINED.

Explanation: “You can’t always get what you want, but if you try sometimes you just might find you get what you need.” – The Rolling Stones.

Evidence:

Encouragement: John 2:1-11

So, rejoice when things don’t go the way they were supposed to go.  Sometimes life gives you lemonade, when all you ordered was a lemon.

I am a senior.  And I am graduating.  In 9 hours.

Whoa.

Once upon a time, my mother was trapped in a dark and awful castle.  Then one day my father came and rescued her.

And they lived happily ever after.

The end.

Felipe, my Brazilian roommate, got a visit from his parents.  They went to Washington, D.C.   Look how much fun they are having:

I think the sun must be looking at them.

My other roommates, John and Jake, went to Maine for the first time ever.  They have an amazing story.  Read it here and here.

Maine apparently has a significant moose population.  So Jake and John brought me back a birthday present.

His name is “Sweet Marlon.”  That’s what his tag says anyway.  He is a sweetie.

Yes, that is a hatchet she is holding.  And a Bible.

I do not recommend her methods of doing ministry by the way…

I got some of this at the store tonight.  There was a little video player beneath it that told me why this fabric softener was superior to all others.  It told me that it is not oily so it will not leave my clothes greasy.  You can use it on kid’s clothing too.

But I’m suspicious.  It just looks like a bunch of sidewalk salt with blue coloring.  This could be a good thing.  My clothes do tend to be slick in the winter.

I have no more things to say.

When I am behind this person, I cannot pass them.  That is why I would like to drive this:

It is called the “3D express bus” and it is coming soon to a China near you!  And I want one.

My dad is Johnny Jess Briles, born in Michigan
His dad is Jesse Obed Briles, born in Bolivia (a missionary kid).
His dad is Ninevah Rush Briles, born 1896 in Indiana.
His dad is Joel McKenneth Briles, born  1870 in Indiana.
His dad is Ninevah Rush Briles,  born 1837.
His dad is Alfred Briles, born 1807.
His dad is John Briles, born 1777 in Randolph County, North Carolina.
His dad is Frederick Briles, born 1745 in Virginia.
His dad is Conrad Briles, born 1709 in Otisheim, Germany.
His dad is Johannes Broyle, born 1679 in Alsace Dusslingen, Germany.

I also found out by Googling about Johannes that his wife, Ursula, was the daughter of a local gravedigger.  Johannes was the oldest son of his family and had a good inheritance coming his way but he decided to become a weaver instead.  Then he, Ursula, and the kids joined a bunch of families sailing to the New World (that’s where we live today).

Through the website I also confirmed that I am indeed related to this guy:

He is the coach of that Baylor football team.  His new Defensive Coordinator’s last name is Bennett.  Bahaha.

And I am related to this guy:

No, not the one on the right.  That’s Roberto Clemente.  I a distant cousin to the one on the left, Nelson Briles.  He was pitcher.  A good one.

Okay, I’m done.

1) chasenoface.blogspot.com – You can be ugly and beautiful at the same time.

2) www.etsy.com/shop/MoralMustache – If I could turn back time, I would like to use a turntable.

3) www.fubiz.net/2010/07/27/milas-daydreams – Babies don’t have to be boring.

4) www.yankodesign.com/2010/07/09/fruity-water-gate – And you thought “water-gate” was a bad thing.  You haven’t seen the “fruity water gate.”  Yanko has a lot of cool stuff.

5) And this list wouldn’t be complete without one good gif: emmy.eviltrailmix.com/BABYOTTERROLLING.gif

I hate it when the URL gives it away.