Brittany's Senior 365

Today was a very relaxed day. My dad installed Netflix a while back, but it was pretty difficult to use because it kept messing up, so today we finally decided that we were going to force it to work. After a few tweaks, our mission was accomplished! I went online and added a lot to our instant queue, thank god (we had absolutely NOTHING on it!) My favorite things I uploaded was the first season of Laguna Beach. This season was recorded the year 2003-04, a really long time ago! I watched a couple of episodes, and it just blew my mind away at how much older I feel the cast looks than all the seniors that surround me everyday. Maybe we should live by the beach and tan more often! Hehe :) I used to watch this show when I was in middle school, my how time flies!

Tonight Ashlyn Belding had a white elephant exchange christmas party! She had one last year and that's where I met most of my Dulles friends, so I was definitely excited to see everyone again! Last year, I brought a horse on a stick that made noises as my present, which sounds weird but it was the hit of the party! So this year, I definitely had to get a good gift to keep my good gift-giving name, so I bought a $5 scooter and matching purple fuzzy hat at Goodwill. :) Walking in, I honestly had no idea who was going to be there, so I was definitely happy to be greeted by a million hugs and familiar faces! After some crazy gingerbread house building and the photoshoot frenzies, we finally started the gift exchange. My scooter was the first gift to be opened, score! I wound up winning a Spongebob Squarepants foldable chair, and Zach Lathrop got my scooter! After the party dwindled and most of the people left, there were only about 5 of us left. Meaghan Connolly and I say on the couch talking till about 1:30 when we went outside to check if we could see the moon, there was a Lunar Eclipse tonight! We couldn't see it because it was too cloudy outside, but it was still fun to stay up late and talk with some old friends :)

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that frightens us most. We ask ourselves, 'Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and famous?' Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that people won't feel insecure around you. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in all of us. And when we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.

Yesterday, the oldest Engle child, Jason, graduated from Texas A&M university! I've known the Engles for as long as I could remember, so celebrating Jason's graduating from college was a huge milestone. In order to celebrate with everyone they knew, the Engle family had a super bash at their house tonight! Tons of people; big and small, old and young, everyone you could think of was there! The house was filled with food, drinks, presents, and some ultimate party music! Kaitlyn, Katy, Lauren, Taylor, and I were definitely having a fun time dancing and getting our party on. We were definitely getting down and "raising our glasses" to Jason. The Engles are one of my favorite families and some of the best party animals I know!

Today was the last day of the first semester! Senior year is officially halfway over! It's frightening, but also extremely exciting! Only one more semester left in Sugar Land at home with the parents, it's a pretty bizarre thought! Today since it was the last day, I thought I'd get spirited and wear a festive "last day of school" outfit :) I love that winter break has finally arrived! Today I also had Erin, Jamie, Victoria, Erica, Kate, Brooke, and Savannah over for a Secret Santa party, which was a total success! I had jamie, jamie had erica, erica had savannah, savannah had erin, erin had brooke, brooke had me, and victoria and kate had each other! Everyone was pretty happy with their presents, which made us all ecstatic. Getting in the Christmas spirit makes me so happy, and all of us were definitely feeling the spirit :) Christmas isn't so much about the presents, but more about being happy and loving the people you're with. <3

Today after school, Kaitlyn, Katy, Anam and I finally ALL got to hang out! Usually, Kaitlyn is never available so she tends to be the absentee. But thankfully, all four of us could hang out at least for a little lunch! We went to pei wei after school (we got out early, woohoo!) thankfully right before it got crowded! When we sat down, the first thing we did was open all of our fortunes cookies! We said that whatever your fortune cookie said, meant how your life was going to turn out. Too bad my fortune was lame! After we opened our fortunes, I decided to whip out my surprises for the girls - their Christmas presents! I kind of did a crappy job with their birthdays... so I decided I was going to give them amazing Christmas presents to make up for it :) I got all for of us matching Claddagh rings. They mean "Love, Loyalty, and Friendship" - which I thought was just all too perfect for a group of best friends! We may all be separated a year from now in different part of the world, but we will always be best friends :)

Today was definitely my easiest exam day this year, we had 2nd and 4th period. I have 2nd period off so I got to come in late. Fourth period I have broadcasting, which was the easiest exam thus far. My exam was to get the class Chick-fil-A, and I got a 100! When class started, we had a secret santa exchange, and some people got some pretty funny gifts. Mary got an electronic helicopter from Cale. After the Christmas exchange, the boys set up the x-box and played Call of Duty - even Mr. Gardner played! Since none of us were really into x-box; Josh, Riley, Davis and I all left to go on our Chick-fil-A adventure. It may have taken a little while to get all the orders taken care of, but it was delciously worth it!

Today was the first day of finals, finally! Today I had my government exam with Coach Isenhower. It was an easy test, thankfully! We all ended early so we already got our grades, which was a load off because now I won't have to walk all the way to his class to check my grade later this week. I got a 91, thanks to all my studying! :) I was pretty excited about getting the grade, but it's not what I was most excited about. I realized that it was the final government/economic exam that I will EVER have to take in high school! Since I'm in my senior year, I am DONE with exams after first semester. No more social studies for me till college!

For Christmas instead of buying things for my grandparents, I always make them something. This year (especially this summer) I've been really into painting, which my grandpa Papu and my grandma Grammy are both into. So for this year, I'm painting them some quotes on canvases to hang up in their houses. I'm excited because throughout my life, my grandparents have really influenced me in an artistic way. Every time I've repainted my room, my grandma Grammy always comes into town so that she can help. When I was younger, she even painted an entire mural on my wall. My grandpa Papu likes to paint as well, but he's more of a canvas man. He has given me countless painting and has even taught me how to paint with oils. My grandparents mean a lot to me, and I hope that I can just show them how much I appreciate them this Christmas!

Well it seems I may not be the only one not wanting to study this week. I honestly don't think my tests will be too difficult, but I still have to do them. Unfortunately, exemptions don't apply for first semester! :(

Tonight at Victoria's house, Cale introduced us all to a new, hilarious game. It's called "Contact Roulette" and it's pretty much exactly what it sounds like. The way to play is to look away from your phone and scroll through your contact list. When someone tells you to stop, you put your finger on whatever name you're on, and you have to call that person and talk to them for a minimum of one minute. Cale and Mark played against each other, and I couldn't stop laughing. We kept score, and Mark won by far! Cale got some extra points though for playing a trick on my sister! He had to call her, but she couldn't talk because she was studying. So instead of giving up on her, he decided to still make up a story, but via text. He made up some extravagant story about how he got caught inside my house after breaking in, and she believed him! To pile on the story, I called her and told her how angry I was at her for telling him to tell my parents he was there, because "I got in trouble too". I told her my parents gave my Christmas presents away to charity - I thought this would help her understand the joke. But I was wrong, she still believed us! After we couldn't take it anymore, all of us bust out laughing and told her it was fake. She was a little mad we tricked her, but we just couldn't help ourselves!

Tonight I got a chance to hang out at Nick Thomas' house for a little bit with some of the guys. I haven't seen them in a while, so it was definitely a good reunion! Sometimes, these boys annoy me with their non-stop talk about cars... I seriously understand none of it! Thank god Mike was there, if I didn't have him to talk to I don't know what I would've done! Mike and I haven't talk in so long, we've both been pretty busy. But finally we got an update on each other's lives! We mostly talked about music, which was so awesome because we have pretty much the same taste. After I couldn't wait any longer, I finally plugged my iPod into Nick's surround sound and played "Jack and Dianne" by John Mellencamp, one of the best songs ever! Without a doubt, that song always puts me in a good mood. Listening to some great music and hanging out with some great guys was all I could ask for on a Friday night!

Today after school we had an SNHS social, called "Whose Line is it Anyway?" - just like the comedy TV show. In the show, the members who play are given a certain game and they are forced to improvise. Usually, this would be so much fun and easy. There was only one problem... we had to speak in spanish. I mean spanish is pretty easy to understand for me, but apparently people who aren't in spanish class anymore just completely forgot how to speak it! It was pretty awful to watch, it was like trying to watch two people with a bad stutter attempt to speak in gibberish... that bad. Since it got a little unbearable, we changed the rules up a little bit and we decided that it'd be better to speak in english! Thank goodness too, because people were finally free to break down the spanish wall and be funny! The funny award definitely goes to Chirag and Mishal... those two together were a hoot! They did a scene where they were a worker and a customer at Subway and they had to act out whatever emotion we called out, it was a knee-slapper! When they're given the opportunity, AP kids can really joke around!

On monday, I wore an ugly Christmas sweater to school. Like I said previously, a lot of people gave me weird looks and comments. One of my favorite teachers, Mr. Gardner, took particular interest in the sweater. He told me that he and his wife were going to a secret santa/ugly christmas sweater party this weekend. He told me my sweater was pretty ugly (thanks Mr. Gardner!) and he wanted to know if I had any more ugly Christmas sweaters he could borrow. Now family members sharing clothes usually isn't weird, but a dad borrowing a daughter's clothes... now that is just a little bizarre!

Around 8 o' clock tonight one of the strangest things happened. Apparently, the college board has had my address wrong and sent it out to a couple of schools - making them send all their mail to the wrong house! My neighbor came over with a big bag FULL of college letters that she had been collecting that were supposed to be for me. Why she didn't bring them over before December I don't know, but I still thought it was hilarious she took the time out of her day to bring me my letters. There were a total of 70 in the bag she brought, some small, some large, and some very enticing! Westminister in Utah even offered me $102,000 worth of tuition, a full ride scholarship! Even though the offers were impressing, nothing could make me back out of wanting to go to Texas A&M and be an aggie! I can't wait to leave high school!

Today I woke up extra early to drive to college station for one of my best friend, Kelsey Young's, confirmation! It started at 11, so I was up and at em' pretty darn early! It was at Saint Mary's in College Station, and Heather Fasching was her sponsor! I love these two girls and I am SO glad I got to spend the day with them, Richard, and Kelsey's parents. The Young family is definitely one of my favorites... it's a love-love relationship. Kelsey's mom is a little loony, when she started jabbering at the lunch table about a shirt that Kelsey stole, I started laughing when I realized that I had actually worn the exact shirt before. Apparently, it's her favorite shirt because she won it at a casino and was very proud of it. When I told her that I had worn it, the whole table started roaring with laughter as she started to blame it on Kelsey. She said that in return for loaning out her favorite shirt, she was going to go to Kelsey's house and steal her clothes and shoes. That woman is a hoot, and I love that family to death! I think if I was ever to be forced to have to hang out with a couple of parents, these two would be my number one pick!

This morning, Anam, Katy, Kaitlyn, and I had wanted to all go out to eat together. It turned out though that Kaitlyn had work and Katy got sick - so it was just Anam and I! We went to Panera Bread and had some to die for sandwiches! We sat and talked for a long time, which I needed because it had been a long time since I had seen this girl! After lunch we parted ways for a little bit, only to be reunited later that night! Mark and I went over to Anam's house to hang out and eat some delicious treats! Her mom gave us some indian chocolate - something I've never tried but it was really good! Her sister had brownies and oreo balls... needless to say the sweets just kept coming! After a while I had to say no to the sweets and yes to the healthy cereal! Every time I go to Anam's house it's like going to my grandparents house... they always want to feed me junk foods!

Today started out as a regular friday. End the day with meeting up and Chick-fil-A after school and then heading off to Erin's house to hang out for a little while. Today however, was a little different, a little more scary and well... disgusting. When we first got to Erin's, we decided we were going to watch movies on Netflix. It was a pretty cold day, perfect for staying inside and watching movies. The first movie we chose however was pretty scary, Paranormal Activity! Before this, I have never seen either the first or second of these movies, and I was in for some shocking moments! In all honesty, being possessed by a demon does NOT seem enjoayable! Afterwards we were on for another movie, and Victoria and Erin INSISTED on watching The Human Centipede, even though Jamie and I were not up for it. Basically, a German doctor who is well-know for being a siamese twin separator decides that he wants to take it to the next level, and create siamese humans. He does so by creating, well, the Human Centipede. It is probably one of the most disturbing movies I have ever seen in my life, and I definitely don't recommend it!

To be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind. To make all your friends fell that there is something in them. To look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true. To think only of the best, to work only for best, and to expect only the best. To be just as enthusiastic about the success of other as you are about your own. To the forget the mistakes, forget the past, and press on for the greater achievements of the future. To wear a cheerful countenance at all times and give every living creature you meet a smile. To give so much time to the improvement of yourself that you have no time to criticize others. To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear, and too happy to permit the presence of trouble. Promise yourself.

Today was club picture day at school! Unfortunately, I forgot ALL of my club shirts, and half of my club pictures. According to the yearbook, this year I will be much less involved than I was last year. For some reason though, I didn't really care. I'm still in a few clubs, but I don't participate as much as I used to. Being a senior doesn't only mean I'll get senioritis with school work, it obviously also takes a toll on my extra curricular activities too! I've realized that since I'm already in my college of choice, that I don't need to stress about extra curricular activities as much anymore. I love being a senior and livin' easy!

Today I finally did my last SNHS hour! It was at Bethel, and I was so thankful that I was done with my SNHS hours! Every time we go to Bethel, Aarti and I make up our "ideal" box. We see all the food (mostly desserts) and say which ones we would want in our box if we were to get one. Today, surprisingly, there was an excess of boxes. At the end, there were about 30 boxes left and no families to come get them! Then to our surprise, they asked us if we wanted any food! We were all super surprised and Aarti and I looked at each other like we couldn't believe it. Immediately, we went to get some chocolate bites that we ALWAYS say we want, but this time we actually got to eat them! Eating our ideal box is something we thought we'd never do, but thank goodness we went to Bethel tonight because it finally came true!

This year, a few girls and I have a set plan for all of each other's birthdays. There's a group of eight of us - Erin, Jamie, Victoria, Erica, Kate, Brooke, Savannah, and I that do this "birthday plan". When it's one person's birthday, the 7 other girls donate $20 to a pot that we can use to buy things on the birthday girl's wish list! Today Erin, Jamie, and I went shopping for Victoria's presents, and we were VERY successful! Usually the birthday girl is pretty specific on what she wants, but Victoria literally told us nothing, so we thought it would be difficult. But instead, we got lots of things for her spot on! I was definitely excited that we got her the most perfect gifts! Afterwards, we drove to her house and picked her up to take her on a scavenger hunt! Well, it wasn't too planned out because all we did was drive her places and when we got there we gave her the next clue so there really wasn't any "hunting", but it was still fun :) When we finally got to the last stop - Jamie's house - we gave Toria all her gifts and she loved every single one :) I love seeing people's happy reactions when they get gifts, and I love birthdays!

Today was the last day we were getting to have my grandma in town (my grandpa is staying for a business meeting) so we decided to let her go out with a bang! The whole family (minus dad, he was at the Texans game!) went to the movies to see "Due Date", which was funny... but a little disappointing. At some parts it was really just disturbing to watch, especially with my grandparents! After the movie, we had to eat and my grandpa was feeling pizza, so we went to Grimaldi's! My crazy grandparents are hilarious, and I love spending time with them. Grammy calls me her "weird grandchild" (rude) and Pop likes to shut doors in my face. Some may take it as rude, but they are just too hilarious to get mad at! Those two may be old, but they are definitely young at heart!

Today the entire family, plus the grandparents, went out on a boot-seeking adventure! Usually for Christmas, my grandparents will just send my parents money to buy us stuff that we would like, so it's never really a present "from" them. This year, we all wanted to change that so we took them shopping for what we'd like! All three kids; Diane, Michael, and I, all wanted boots for Christmas, so we decided that those were our "Grammy & Pop" presents! At the first stop, Michael and Diane found perfect fits, but not me. I was pretty discouraged :( But the parents said we should make a stop at the Cavender's by the Relient Stadium, so I had a second shot! Thank god we went there too because I finally found the boots of my dreams, and I couldn't be happier! I can't wait till after Christmas so that I can wear my new boots! :) After shopping, the family all went to Lupe Tortilla for some dinner. My parents and grandparents had a little too much to drink, Diane and I even caught my grandparents dancing on the porch of the restaurant! So hilariously enough, Michael had to wind up driving home! At night, I FINALLY went to see Harry Potter 7 Part 1, and I had been waiting FOREVER! It was definitely an awesome movie, but I do not like how it left me hanging. I will definitely be watching the last one as an excited but sad-that-it's-over fan. I love Harry Potter!

I woke up waaaay to early this morning... 7:15! Okay, so it's not THAT bad, but it was definitely too early to be waking up when I'm on break! But, it was black Friday, so the girls got up early to shop - of course! Diane, my mom and I went to the mall - a daring move. But to our surprise, it really wasn't that bad. Besides the check out lines, it was pretty much like the mall on any other day. No crazy moms fighting like I had expected! After some shopping, I met up with Kaitlyn Engle to get some lunch and much needed catch up time. During the summer, Kaitlyn and I would literally spend each day with each other. Now that we're in school, we almost never see each other and it's depressing! So, whenever we get together the talking keeps flowing like no tomorrow! After leaving lunch, my grandparents' flight got in and they were visiting for the weekend! I love my grandparents, so it was bound to be a fun weekend! At night, I headed over to Suzanne's for a little bit to catch up with some girl friends and just hang out :)

Today was the most food-filled fay of the year, Thanksgiving! We had a few family friends, the Cassanis and the Bairs, come over for some delicious dinner and some fabulous football! I've gotta say, the best part of today was my double football win. First game was the Saints, who played the family favorite, the Cowboys. I of course rooted for my Saints, who wound up winning 30-27! Definitely a good start to "Saintsgiving"! Afterwards, we watched the famous A&M vs. t.u. game that always falls on Thanksgiving. Whoever won the game would be the team to go to a bowl, so the Aggies definitely needed to win! I'd like to say it was a tough fight, but who would I be kidding? The Aggies swept the Longhorns away 24-14! It was definitely an awesome game, and everyone in the house was definitely screaming with joy! Thanksgiving was a GREAT day for football, family, friends, and food! What else could you ever want?