dear diary

I received a journal in my Easter basket this year. I was absolutely thrilled, because I've been wanting to start recording my days like I used to back in fifth grade. Oh yeah... I had a prayer journal in the fifth grade. And it was awesome. And I keep it with me in college just so I can look back on some of the entries for laughs and giggles.

I've decided to give you an example of the kinds of things "fifth grade Brittany" said.

Let's go back to 1999. Also known as the year I went to Space Camp. Which means it is also known as the best year ever. Picture a girl with a slicked-back bun, with the exception of about 50 fly-away hairs that not only plague her forehead, but also her dreams of having the smoothest up-do at Clay Elementary. She is probably wearing a plaid, short-sleeved button down shirt from Gap, because that is what she wore every day that year. There is also a scrunchie around her wrist. You know... if the other scrunchie in her hair happens to break.

I don't have a picture of the Gap shirt, but this is my mom and I after the talent show at Barnum and Bailey summer camp that year:

I was obviously loving my life. Photo courtesy of awkwardfamilyphotos.com. ***

Alright. Back to the journal. Comments from "senior-in-college Brittany" are in orange. Please note that all of this was written in my best cursive.

March 13, 1999

Dear Jesus,

Sorry I haven't written in a while. I had voice lessons today. I am practicing "Power of Your Love" and "I Choose You." All this week, I have been outside playing basketball with the guys. Bow chicka wow wow! Me, mama, Hope, Jill, Christen, Morgan and Brooke are going to the beach during my birthday. I can't wait! I already got curtains, a lamp, and $50. I am scared about my language grade. I think I may have a B average. GASP! But I have faith in you, Lord, to help me to bring it up. I am not asking you to do it for me, but to help me.

Love,

Brittany

p.s. Sorry so choppy and sloppy Could someone please tell me who I was apologizing to? Did I think Jesus would be upset that my diary entry was sloppy?

p.p.s. Please help me to control my temper That weird kid must have stolen my War Heads at lunch again that day.

May 5, 1999

Dear Jesus,

Today I was taking names in class, and Jana was acting up, so I put her name down, and now she is mad at me. I actually remember this day. Yes, I was a tattle tail. But she WAS talking! Please bless our friendship. We had our writing assessment today. For some reason I must have really felt the need to throw that in there. NERD ALERT!

May 6, 1999

Dear Jesus,

Jana and I settled our fight today. Whew! Bless all the children and people who are being abused. I know, I know... so pious.

What's so funny to me is that, in some ways, the things I write in my journal now haven't changed since I was twelve. I still get excited about $50. I still get upset about silly things. I still lose my temper when someone steals any kind of food item from me. And God still cares about it all.

The things that were such a big deal to me in fifth grade seem so silly now. I can only imagine what I'll think when I look back on my current journal... "Why was I so worried about post graduation? Who was Jim Halpert, and why did I write our names together inside little hearts?"

Don't worry, there are more entries from 1999. Some even include detailed drawings and timelines that I will be sure to post in the future. I hope you'll continue with me on this journey of learning lessons from my pre-teen self. In the meantime, I'll be praying that God will once again help me raise my language grade.

Love,

Brittany

***For all you slow pokes out there... this picture isn't really me. It's my roommate, Emma. Just kidding. Or am I?