Thankful

What I'm Thankful for this year:

JESUS and my relationship with him
my FAITH and the amazing gift it is in my life
Living in the U.S.A. with freedom and SO many opportunities
FAMILY
FRIENDS
knowing through everything I'll be ok if I'm with God :)
having direction in my life
JOY!

and TODAY, I am most thankful for:
being able to RACE and spend time with an amazing Family :)
Kathe, Pat, and Andrija McCurry :)
my Turner family!
my grandparents
Lorissa & Johnny
being able to LEAVE this city and state tomorrow for a BREAK from all the drama and craziness!!!!

Truly, Thank GOD!
Happy Thanksgiving

Book Part UNO (of many I hope Ha!)

OK here it goes. Just raw stuff. Kinda weird/scary but whatev...:)

Thursday, August 17, 2000:

“Today I woke up and got ready for Junior High Registration. We dropped Alex off @ Kamee’s so he wouldn’t embarrass me. At registration we bough my PE uniform, payed class fees, put money on my lunch card, had pictures taken for yearbook and my activity card, got my agenda book, and got my locker combo and schedule. We also found my locker and I finally opened it and we walked to all of my classes so I’d get somewhat of an idea of where they were. “

--Obviously starting junior high is a pretty big deal so I'm glad this was in there. Apparently I was at that embarassed by my brother stage (that was probably til around freshman year-ish).

Thursday, August 24, 2000:

“Today I woke up and watched my shows. Then we went to the dentist. Rory told us Kristy was going to South. Poor her! After that we went to the rosary in the park. Lorissa went with us to Blimpie’s for lunch. When we got home I gave Coco a bike ride and then watched a movie. After dinner I got ready for orientation. On the way we dropped Alex off at Grandma’s so he wouldn’t “embarrass” me. Orientation was very unnecessary. The principal gave a 7-minute speech and then we were supposed to walk our schedule—even thoughwe did that at registration. We did it anyway, but still were only at the school for a half an hour. We stayed at Grandma’s for a while, and then came home and watched this movie called Quints, it’s so cute!

--I think it's so funny I talked about TV in my journal. Again with the Alex thing haha...poor kid :) Also, this introuces Lorissa, my nonbiological older sister who has played an UBER important role in my life and faith. It also shows I was active and impatient at this stage, and not that excited for junior high. And most importantly, it introduces the most important human ever in my life--my grandma Betty Jane :)

Friday, August 25, 2000:

“Today mom took me to Costco! Why? So I could get contacts!!! It took about 45 minutes to take them out, clean them, and get them in. The lady who was helping me was very patient, though. When we got home I took my contacts out and swam with Alex and Leanna. Later I thought my contact was in my eye, but it had fallen out. I kept trying to find it in my eye, and then mom found it on the floor, all dry…”

--All I can think about reading this is "Oh, here's where the vanity started." I was such a tomboy until jr high when I got into dances and clothes and shopping and makeup. Funny how I'm back to the tomboy stage and wearing little or no makeup these days :)

Saturday, August 26 2000:

“Today I woke up and got ready and did my chores. Then I made Grandma Betty-Jane oatmeal chocolate chip cookies for her cookie coupon I gave her on her birthday. After that we all met Dave and Shannon and their friends (for Dave’s birthday) for a movie, and then went to Dave and Shannon’s house for pizza, cake, and ice cream for the birthday part. When we got home, I took my contacts out and watched Miss Teen USA. Miss Pennsylvania won.

--Again, Grandma is present. This also shows that at 12 I was perfectly comfortable eating junk food and then watching a beauty pageant. Too bad I chose to warp my self-esteem and view of realistic women by watching so many of those over the years...

Sunday, August 27, 2000:

“Today I woke up, was lazy for awhile (it IS the last day of summer!), then got ready for church. After church we went to grandma’s house because mom had a Life Teen meeting and dad was working on the car. We did stuff with grandma (the house was even quiet) until Tony and Kamee got home from camping. Then we helped and played with the boys. When dad picked us up, he took us with him to the grocery store. When we got home, I swam to cool off. Then I just hung around, and we had dinner. After dinner I talked with mom and dad about school. I’m sorta bummed aboutgoing back, but excited. I got ready for bed at 8:30! And as my dad says, “The party’s over now.”

--I think this part is important because it shows the importance Life Teen and church played in both my mom's and my life from a very young age. And it reaffirms the fact that family meant SO much to me at this point--whether grandma, my baby cousins, or my parents--I loved them more than anyone. And finally, it displays my FEAR of junior high, and basically the start of my teenage years...

Monday, August 28, 2000:

“My first day of school and Junior High: “6:15 came WAY too early this morning. I’ve never gotten up to get ready for school when it’s pitch black outside! I’m very nervous and excited. I got ready (got dressed, had mom curl my hair, ate breakfast, put my contacts in, and got my stuff together) and said goodbye to Mom (who was nervous and excited as much as me) and dad (who knew I would survive). On the bus I sat with Cally McGuire who I used to play with in kindergartedn and first grade. When we got to West, I waited by the back doors with the other hundreds of kids. First, I went to my assigned admission room to get my “official schedule.” Then I went to my [half L] locker and opened it, first time, piece of cake. Then I headed to Life Science. Mrs. Anderson teaches it and she’s really funny. By the time first period started, my butterflies were gone. 2^nd period is Accelerated English; about ¾ of the kids are from Amity. The teacher is Mr. Lynn (he’s about 28 or 30). We went over Rules and Regulations and that’s about all. AUsually after 2^nd period, we have a 13 minute break where we can go to our locker or the cafeteria, but since today’s a half day we didn’t. 3^rd period is Reading. The teacher is Mrs. Corn and she’s a little old and a little weird. We filled out a paper telling about ourselves in Reading. 4^th period is Accelerated Math (my favorite subject). My teacher is Mrs. Kormylo, she’s cool. All we really did was talk about rules and some of the stuff we’d be doing in math. Usually after fourth peiod we have lunch, but since today we have a ½ day, there’s no lunch. Sixth period is Computer Applications, Mr. King teaches it and he’s fun and funny. We talked about computers and what we’d be doing this semester. Seventh period is Home Ec. My teacher, Mrs. Watterlin, is sort of loud and different. We talked about what we’d be doing this year and filled out a paper about ourselves. Eighth period is World Geo., and Mr. Richardson teaches it. He’s nice, organized, young, and funny. We filled out notecards about ourself and I found out he’s a Vandal fan (too bad). And that’s the end of the day. I got home at noon (cool!) and rode the bus home. I like junior high and I’m going to have a great year! When I got home, I told my mom about my day. She told me Heather, my pen-pal, is coming down to Boise for the Fall Conference with her mom and their foreign exchange student. They’re staying with us! I get to meet Heather!!!!! I’m so excited. I’m not going to be able to wait until September 17! I had lunch and emailed Heather. Then I watched Rosie. We had dinner, and then I had to go to bed at 8.

--This just makes me laugh. I can't believe how many details I mentioned. And they all have to do with people...hmm....:) I was so optimistic about jr high, funny I don't ever remember feeling that way about it :) As you can see my mom and I had a great relationship and I always told her everything. My life was pretty boring but I thought it was cool.

My Brilliant Idea to write a book :)

While running I get these crazy ideas.
Awhile ago this idea to write a book came to me. It's very specific--it would be a book about mental and spiritual health slash being a woman today and how it sucks but it's actually possible to be sane in our messed up society. Ha.

I was thinking to just take journal excerpts from all my journals since 6th-ish grade...gosh they are so funny to look at now...and then when I've taken a few social Work classes to add to my Psych background I can actually analyze the crap. Haha.Sounds like fun, no? Well Genna thinks it's a good idea, she's probably going to be my editor. Because all she does right now is "work at Denny's and sit on my couch watching reality TV with Jaxson" and it makes her feel really fulfilled...NOT! LOL.

So yeah...I gotta start on this project soon b/c there's no way I'll have time once school hits in January...And since I'm driven and bored and have had my latte for the day that means NOW I'm starting NOW. SO...the next post will be the first few excerpts from my first ever journal--6th grade--and let me tell you it is quite amusing.

Let me know what you think! Feedback would be awesome!

Have a wonderful day!

Bri
Prov 3:5-6 ;)

Last Day of Moxie and Leanna is in the Hospital :)

This is my fave coworker and I (her name is Casey) @ Moxie on my last night (Saturday)
I love her :)

AND:

Leanna is in the Hospital. St. Lukes. Until she has the babies. It's fun...she really enjoys it...
Ha.
At least she has me to let her use my computer/bring her Mongolian BBQ & Moxie and books and DVDs and entertain her with my exciting personality and love life. :D
She refuses to allow me to post a picture of her and I have to say I don't blame her LOL :)
BUT...any day now...or, any week now....We really have no idea, her original due date for one baby was the first of January, the due date for the twins is December 25, but she is 31 weeks now and apparently the babies are "advanced" as in they are more developed than the average baby at their age. Haha. Good genes run in our family :)
Better pray their average like Lorissa and Johnny do for their kids, since mental illness comes along with high levels of intelligence...
haha...i would know ;)

Anyway...
G2G change, put together a Thanksgiving basket for the needy w/Chad, go 2 church, and etc...

But just wanted to let you--i.e. Marci and Krista, my favorite out-of-town peeps--know what was going on :)

P.S. sorry about the random texts Marc... :)

Dear Mom, Grandma, and Grandpa~~

For Mom, Grandma, & Grandpa (Those who most formed me and who I am)~

Grandma and Grandpa--

You have NO IDEA how grateful for you, the amazing people you were (and still ARE to me and those whose memories and hearts you continue to live in), and the incredible FAITH you raised my mom with, so that she could raise me with. I was raised from the womb with FAITH, and THAT is the biggest gift anyone could ever give me or ever will. Even though, I have to admit, sometimes I'm mad that you aren't physically here- for the special times-graduation, babies being born, and holidays--I know you are always with me. And GOD is always with me, which is because of YOU and your gift of faith in my mom's and my life. Though I cannot see your faces or hug you each week, I will always have GOD to pray to and listen to, and HE has never let me down.

Mom--

Thank you for taking me to church and talking to me about God. Because I KNOW, that despite what anyone says or implies, that I WILL be fine and taken care of and have a good life, because of that faith I was so blessed to have been given and shown by you and Grandma and Grandpa. That faith you taught me to appreciate and Love. That faith that I love more than anyone or anything. Because of YOU. A young mother who did an INCREDIBLE job raising her children to be followers of Christ.

I am FOREVER GRATEFUL to you--Mom, Grandma, and Grandpa.
I would not be ME if I hadn't been born into this family.
Thank GOD I was :)

I LOVE YOU!!!

amazing book

It's called Life Without Ed.

if you are a woman or have a daughter, you should read it...
well that's my opinion.

i don't want to discuss on the internet what the book is about. But google it if you're interested....:)

PICTURES!!!!
I've been slackin' on the writin' and the pictchas....sorry!

But here are some from Mac's Birthday, Halloween, and Election Day ;)

w/Katie Beall @ Mac's birthday lunch. she loves me, she's 4 :)

with Hattie and my FAVORITE boys!!--Noah, Joshua, and Caleb A.K.A. Donald Duck, Lightning McQueen, and Buzz Lightyear :)

Tarzan & Jane on Halloween!!!

I <3>

w/Hattie & Ally @ our Halloween party :)

Jane/pirate/Sarah Palin haha

trying to do the official "pow-pow"... :)

best friend in the entire world ;)

favorite cousin's g/f!! she's awesome!!

yeah i never did master the "POW POW"...oh well...my Miss Alaska sash was cool ;)

we have lots of fun together!!
they're my favorite girls ;)

don't u love my librarian/tina fey/sarah palin glasses? ha
this was like the one and only day Hat was NOT wearing her glasses and i WAS !

pre-party in the car :)

we have deep love for her...:)

woot woot webcam !!
@ Hat's apartment gettin ready :)

ELECTION DAY @ The Official Democratic Party!!!!

w/our new President-elect (isn't he handsome? :])
P.S. just 30 minutes before being interviewed on the Channel 7 for being a "young voter"...haha...I was FREAKING OUT, way nervous ...now I'm just glad the youth minister was watching channel 6 that night ;)

Pet peeve

My pet peeve:

Selfish, Self-Absorbed, Lazy, Immature Adults over 25.
Seriously.
Get over yourself.
Grow up.
Do something productive with your life...like get a freaking babysitter.....
Stop expecting others to serve YOU and start serving God and others.
If I am EVER like this....shoot me. I'm not joking.
I would rather be dead than completely self-absorbed and stupid.
Gah...