MIA?

Hey everyone! School is finally done and I'm home (Texas) for the holidays. A lot has been happening...to catch everyone up I'll start with school. This quarter was the hardest yet, but I made the best grades I've ever made. The business class I was taking was my least favorite, however I probably made the best grade. The final business plan was presented by my team and I was commended for going the extra mile, by the "business people" of the university. My favorite class was a hands on splinting class. Many occupational therapists go on to get their physical agent modalities (PAM) certification. This is so that they can go on to further their education in hand therapy. In this class I learned how to use materials and different types of fabric to splint hand deformities.

I spent a lot of time with one of my best friends, Joy. She has been living at home this quarter in
Glendale, CA. Her boyfriend came down from Michigan to visit and her little cousin was here also. So here's some pictures of us at the beach :)



As far as running goes the Loma Linda Lopers asked me to be in a commercial for them to promote the running club. Even though I am not an "official" member of the club this year they still let me run with them on occasion and be in commercials. ha! Although I don't run with the club all the time, Art and I are always meeting up to run. I did the 15K (9.3 miles) Holiday Classic race at an 8:40min/mile running pace. Finished in just over an hour! It was a great race :)

My parents bought a new Shar Pei puppy for my younger sister just before Thanksgiving. As you all know we had to put our last one down this summer. My sister wanted one so bad, so I guess her Christmas present came a little early. It took us 4 weeks to agree on an name, but we've decided Hoover.


Now that I'm home I don't know what to do with myself. I'm so used to going at a fast pace, it's like I don't know how to slow down. I've kept busy learning to cook and bake different types of foods/desserts. It's been a lot of fun. I've baked sweet desserts for neighbors and friends. Also, my sister and I have been making cards. Breanne (sister) is very good and has been teaching me how to do different things to make the cards look good. Sean and Barbara have inspired me to broaden my art scope. Thanks guys! I've also dusted off my old Saxophone. I'm playing at church on sabbath...should be really fun.



Christmas will be spend with my two aunts, uncles, and grandparents in East Texas. I pray that all you have a wonderful Christmas too! May God Bless you in the New year with peace, good health, and lasting friendships.

Bible verses

Hey guys...I'm struggling right now and I just need you to post your favorite "pick-me-up" Bible verse.

I want God to give me wisdom to do what's best for me. The reason I ask you to give me your favorite verse is because so many times I feel like I run to other people for advice. Or should I say other sinners. None of us are perfect and yet I tend to take advice from "unperfect people." God promises that He will always be there...and the best part is, HE'S PERFECT. He can't give "unperfect" advice.

Soo, please pray for me and send yo verse ;)

Thank guys!

blurb...blurb....blurb

Here are a few of Britni's mind blurbs at 9pm on Tuesday night-
1. I can't see the end of the tunnel even though I'm reminded.
I sit in class. My professors going on and on about how I'm more than half way done with academic work. My brain is buzzing with words...pictures...people...lots of useless information. I sarcastically think "woop di doo"...one more year left.

2. "I thought teaching kindergarten took it out of me some days. Autistic kids are WAY worse (even when it's 1 on 1 treatment). God help me the rest of the week."

3. "My traffic ticket was how much?!!??! $420!!!"

4. "There was 1 autistic kid that told me I was thin and made me princess aurora from sleeping beauty. He came to save me in the "castle" and instead of waking me up with a pretend kiss...he really did kiss me. HA!" (ok, so there was the highlight of my day)

5. "Dang, I wish I was playing volleyball...or getting some form of exercise this week"

6. "I hope Ron has a break to call me tonight. That would complete me =)"

7. "I have a craving to buy a new ...something...anything"

8. "A shower sounds great right now"

9. "I've made up my mind...going to shower"


Peace out ya'll

update

Here is the updated stats on the race last week--
I ran a 10:55 pace... finished at 2hours 23 min. ...slower than I thought, but I was totally fine with that :) High Alt. and Hills I thought I was a lot slower.

Anyways- the best part is that I came in 4th of females ages 21-16. There was 14 of us total.

I can't wait to beat my time next year =)
Still working on the pictures

Another 13.2 miles on record

BIG BEAR HALF- ran it in 2 hrs. 12 min. at 4500+ feet and LOTS of hills...steep hills.

I'll post pics as soon as I get some. It was such a challenge but I was up for it. I love a runners challenge.

Life's always greener on the otherside

I'm such a "life complainer." I mean, like "the grass is always greener on the other side. All the time." I wish I was a better student, Christian, girlfriend, daughter, prettier, athletic, just EVERYTHING..and then I look at other girls and they've "got it all." Ya know!? Maybe if I had "their" life I wouldn't have to live mine.
If I put it all into a realistic perspective my life isn't so bad. It's actually pretty good...so here's what I do when these negative thoughts creep into my mind. I turn to the book that makes me feel so incredibly confident and beautiful, the Bible.

God gave me a promise in Psalm this morning, "If you'll hold on to me for dear life, I'll get you out of any trouble. I'll give you the best of care if you'll only get to know and trust me. Call me and I'll answer, be at your side in bad times, I'll rescue you, then throw you a party. I'll give you a long life, give you a long drink of salvation."

What a beautiful promise right? It's times when I feel like my life is so complicated and too much that I can't handle, the Bible throws a verse in my face and says, "YES, you're life is a complicated mess. You don't know how to control your emotions and you complain about e-v-e-r-ything, but let ME take them. I'm the only one that can make you happy and fill the gaps in your life."

Then there was another verse that was thrown at me. It was highlighted in my Bible and perhaps that's why I saw it. Who knows...maybe it was God trying to say something...but here it is...

"Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life."

Awesome!

So first He promises to rescue me, protect me, and give me eternal life. THEN He commands me to give Him my worries. Lastly, He ends promising me internal peace.

Our God is amazing. I tend to forget often how great it feels to give Him all worries.

I hope this helped someone who has thoughts similar to mine...I can't be the only one. Right?! I guess try to let God displace those thoughts through His word.

Have a great day ya'll

Fun times waitin' for the laundry to cyle through

1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE?
Yup, my middle name is Danette. It's suppose to be the feminine form of "Daniel" my fathers name.

2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED?
Holy cow- I think I cried last week...umm..Thursday maybe. I cry all the time. It's a usually healthy thing for me.

3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING?
Nope- It's aweful

4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT?
You mean veggie meat? haha..I like turkey-

5. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU?
Of course, I'm friend with most everyone that's friendly- I think I'm friendly.

6. DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT?
yup yup...all the time.

7. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS?
I think.

8. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP?
nope, I'm to afraid I'd hurt my back. I'd definitely do a free fall though.

9. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL?
I love homemade granola AND if you consider grits cereal (which anyone from the South should) I'd have to put that at the top of the list.

10. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF?
Sometimes...if their tight.

11. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG?
Duh- I'm like Zena warrior princess.

12. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM?
Chocolate

13. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE?
Kind eyes and inviting personality.

14. RED or PINK?
Can I say both. Red when I wanna be "sexy" (haha...yea) and pink when I wanna be cute :)

15. WHAT IS THE THING THAT YOU LIKE LEAST ABOUT YOURSELF?
I'm a people pleaser in every sense of the word. I love people and try to do what I can to help---it gets me in trouble sometimes.

16. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST?
My kiddos in Saipan

17. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO SEND THIS BACK TO YOU?
I'm a little confused. lol

18. WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING?
blue shorts and no shoes- Is that close enough?

19. Early riser or hit the snooze button?
Snooze as many times as the day allows. I heart my sleep---maybe it's because I don't get enough.

20. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW?
The AC is going and the sound of my little fingers typing.

21. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, What color would you be?
Green

22. FAVORITE SMELLS?
Ron's after shower smell, my minty toothpaste, Coach store, sweet bakery things, and clean clothes.

23. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE?
Ron-- we had supper at the hospital during his break.

24. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU?
Of course

25. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH?
Basketball, Volleyball, and Swimming

26. HAIR COLOR?
Brown-- w/ hints of golden when the sun shines on it.

27. EYE COLOR?
hazel- (sometimes green, grey, brown, etc..)

28. CONTACTS?
nope

29. FAVORITE FOOD?
Anything Thai or Ron creates

30. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS?
Most definitely scary movies- but I like both.

31. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED?
One scary sick one we (Ron and I) rented ...it was terrible. I won't bother with a narrative, because it was that bad.

32. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING?
brown

33. HUGS OR KISSES?
Both....the real question is who are you getting these from? (that changes the answer)

34. FAVORITE DESSERT?
oh man, that's a lot of things. I can't narrow that down. Sorry- Oreos and white cake.

35. MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND?
Probably no one.

36. LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND?
Everyone

37. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW?
Anything the OT dept tells me to. I wish I had more time to read.

38. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD?
Nothing because I don't have one

39. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON T.V. LAST NIGHT?
I don’t have T.V.

40. FAVORITE Sound?
Thunder, my text message alert, silence, jazz piano/sax

41. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES?
Either

42. WHAT IS THE FURTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME?
Saipan

43. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT?
Don't think so

44. WHERE WERE YOU BORN?
Wichita Falls, Texas (YeeHawww)

45. WHOSE ANSWERS ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO GETTING BACK?
Everyone!

just for fun :)

Words of the day-

1. Traffic Tourette's
The uncontrollable urge to scream obscenities at other drivers who infringe on your space (whether real or imagined).

2. Textspectation
The anticipation one feels when waiting for a response to a text message.

3. Combat Nap
That 5 - 10 minute nap that you have to take when your body is completely exhausted and your mind is over stressed. Happens if you want it or not, and you usually wake up feeling like you've had a full night's rest.

August update

Phew- the week is done!
Who knew that TGIF would really be an acronym I would use. I may be using more often.

So this week was a treat. Mai and the Saipan crew ate out on Monday evening. Super fun! I was reminded of how much Mai I need in my life. To be honest with you all I thought it might be a hard 'visit' with everyone. Only because it's hard to remember times spent together when I wasn't in Saipan a second year. No matter how hard I wish I could've been there, I wasn't. The visit ended up being so much fun and I got to hear a lot from Mai. I even got to drive her.=) When I said bye it was hard....tears welled up, but somehow we know we'll see each other again.

Mai- I'm always praying for you and miss you so much!

Mid-term week is finally over. Art and I are training for big bear half...I've finally decided that I better get running again. Something about Art is so inspiring. It isn't that he runs a lot, but I think that he has nothing to do with school- or LLU. Even though we run here, he's just a breath of fresh air. I love the guy! We will be hitting a 10 miler Saturday morning. WOOOHOOO! (I'm psyching myself out..can you tell?)

I've got these crazy back muscle pains in the past two days- O boy, I hope they go away. They're pretty intense at times. I decided I wasn't going to work out today because of that. I'm entitled to a day off right?!

Ron's been working night shifts- poor guy. I know that's gotta be hard on his bio clock. This may sound "princess-like" but I miss hanging with him in the evenings. I haven't seen him almost 3 days just because we're busy....the adjustments hard.

This morning I decided to get my car washed. That was MUCH needed. Found a coupon for full service at student services for $8. What a deal! The ole' caddy looks amazing. Thank you hospitality car wash!
Then I ran to the hair place and got my hair cut. EEKK...it's short- not used to it yet, but I'm sure it will be fine.
And well, now I'm going to volunteer at the hospital. I heart those people like crazy :)

Hope everyone's doing great! It was awesome to hear Sean's voice on the phone :) Miss you!

Our Precious Zues

I arrived in Dallas on Friday evening. After the plan landed the pilot announced we were 20 minutes early and had to wait for a gate to open. We finally docked at the gate and there's always someone who decides to unbuckle and stand up before the belt lights extingished. You know what I mean? This guy happened to be in front of me. He stood up and I knew we would have to wait another 10 minutes , so in my head I'm thinking, "What in the world do you think you're doing? It's not going to speed your journey by getting up." He started drumming his fingers....a little faster....faster...While he's annoying everyone within 5 ailes of him he looks down at me and smiles. I smile back and realize that most people don't realize what they are doing is annoying. People have feelings that are naturally self-centered. Poor guy didn't see the faces being made around him. Maybe a calm smile from the girl sitting just behind him was what he needed to realize everything would be okay.
ha
So, I got home around 9pm. Everyone super excited and food on the table..yum yum! If there's anything my family knows how to do that's eat. I ate while everyone watched. We stayed up pretty late and visited. It felt surreal to sleep in a familiar, yet unfamiliar bed, in my old room. It was comfy and definately reminded me of jr. high and high school.
Sabbath morning came early with dad knocking on my bedroom door saying "I'm leaving in an hr." Mom had gotten called into work. She is a perfusionist and sometimes takes call. Most often she get's called in early on saturday mornings. So it was just me, Breanne, and ole'dad. Good sabbath- I heard a joke from a little kid at church who was acting silly. He said, "I'm like a pizza. I'm sooo white and cheesy." haha
After church we drove home to find my Aunt waiting for me. She's a lot of fun everytime she's here. We go shopping, see movies, laugh, tell stories, etc...She's everything a aunt should be :)
We swam and watched movies, ate ice cream that evening.
Sunday morning we slept in late- maybe until 11. We must've been tired. I love waking up to the smell of stripples and pancakes (yes, that would be sunday mornings in an Adventist home). I walked down the hall to find a plate already made for me. yum yum...like I said, we know how to eat good :) While trying to decide what the day should entale I sat down on the floor next to our dog, Zues. He's so cute. (I've posted a picture of him before) I was there for about 5 min. when he started to walk off. I reached for his torso and he turned real fast to bite me. I flipped my body over and he got my right arm. I could feel my human instinct to flee, but I could not. He only listens to my sister. As if his grip wasn't tight enough he bit harder. My sister ran into the room in response to my screams for help and grabbed the dog. My arm was bloody. My aunt applied pressure, while my dad got towels. I could feel the blood draining from my face. I knew I was going to puke. I did. Waited a few seconds and went for another round. My aunt fainted and my sister grabbed a rolling chair to sit me down. My dad holding my aunt and my mom wheeling me to a couch...it was actually quite humerous. I could see my family was going to laugh about this later...I mean, the fainting and rolling- of course.
I was propped on the couch, feet up, and breathing heavy. My aunt woke up and we all gathered in the living room. Everyone was crying (cept dad) trying to figure out what to do with Zues.
The verdict was to put Zues down this morning. He was good companion to my sister...possibly her best friend after Ben and I left for school. He had snapped at people before and been unpredictable, but never had anything like this happened. A responsible pet owner can't keep a dog that is unpredictable. I'm confident that my family made the right decision. Opinions from all sides were stated. It's been a very sad day for the Gleason's. Please pray for my little sister. It's hard to make a decision like this one. And thank God for the safety from what could've happened.
RIP Zues

Song of the week :) Check it out

For the Moment I Feel Faint
by Reliant K


Am I at the point of no improvement?
What of the death I still dwell in?
I try to excel, but I feel no movement.
Can I be free of this unreleasable sin?

Chorus:
Never underestimate my Jesus.
You're telling me that there's no hope.
I'm telling you you're wrong.

Never underestimate my Jesus
When the world around you crumbles
He will be strong, He will be strong

I throw up my hands
"Oh, the impossibilities"
Frustrated and tired
Where do I go from here?
Now I'm searching for the confidence I've lost so willingly
Overcoming these obstacles is overcoming my fear

(Chorus)

I think I can't, I think I can't
But I think you can, I think you can
I think I can't, I think I can't
But I think you can, I think you can
Gather my insufficiencies and
place them in your hands, place them in your hands, place them in your hands

Grant tried to teach me this song while I was in Saipan. Who knew I'd really need it now :) Thanks Grant!

Summer update

THE UPDATE-
OT school- I've found out that I passed my first year :) I'm on week 4 of the 6 weeks of summer vacation I've been granted :)

Week 1- The first week I headed out the "family ranch"...which is also known as "Lazy Valley Ranch." My sister and her two friends go out every summer to pick blueberries on my grandma's farm. On my visit to Grass Valley I picked blueberries, did a little cow chasing, and revisited my childhood memory of the Yuba River. It was a wonderful trip.


The next 2 weeks- I came back for two more weeks of Loma Linda boredom- My days consist of reading, more reading, volunteering, working out, swimming, catching up with friends, Ron, and well, more reading. It's okay though, because I know when school starts it's back to the grind. I'm enjoying the freedom. I've applied to teach an aerobics class at the gym in the evenings when I school starts. I figure I'm already there why not teach? Should be fun. I hope they hire me :)

Week 4- July 4th was spent with Ron and friends on Hermosa beach. We stayed late to watch the fire works, which were beautiful. It was mucho cold cold cold on the beach that night. On the way back we got a little lost which put a set back in our time. We didn't get home til' 1 AM... I was tired...went to bed right away. Sabbath morning Ron and I attended Crosswalk. The pastors have been doing a series on prayer. She talked about Daniel's prayer in Daniel 9. It was good. That evening Ron took me to meet some of his childhood friends. Very fun and sweet people. We also had great mediterrainian food in Corona. The next day the Pierson's came from Saipan :)!!! yay! I had a good time visit with them, Bev, and two of the missionaries that just came back from Saipan. We did a little jog down memory lane, ate some good chinese food, got a call from Sean :), and the download on everyone's lives. It was fun, relaxing, and a beautiful time spent. Thank you Ken and Crystal for inviting us out.

On my way home 7/11 for week 5 :)

My Super Grad

This weekend was big for all graduates of Loma Linda. Families travelled from all around to celebrate huge accomplishments. I was fortunate enough to celebrate with Ron and his family. What a great day! As pomp and circumstance was played I could imagine the day when I walk down that long aisle to receive my diploma.

Weekend was crazy busy, fun, and I'm so proud of Ron. Here's a picture of him and I :)

Welcome back BeveCaba

BEV IS BACK!!!

I called her as soon as I finished my last final exam:) I don't know how well I did this week, but I finished 6 exams in 3 days. It feels good to be done.
Bev and I had a fun lunch date at Panera Bread. We talked for 2 hours!! It was wonderful to hear about Saipan and friends. We agreed that God has a special time and place where He wants us. We happened to be in Saipan during the right time when HE wanted us there. It was a beautifully spiritual and eye-opening experience :)

I'm glad you're back Bev!

my 1 request

I need you to hug me

that's all.

mondays

This is Monday
Can you tell?
It's gloomy outside
It's gloomy in here

It's definitely Monday.


That's my thought for today-

I've accomplished nothing today. I studied at Rons last night and fell asleep on his couch while he watched his cartoons. He woke me up and sent me home to sleep. What a good man :)
I went home, slept, and didn't wake up until 10. Then I got up watched a movie as I ate my home-made granola my mom sends me. I feel weak today- I think it's because I gave blood for the first time on saturday. Travis says I need iron...red meat...I hate eating moo moo.
Anyways- I figure I better get out of my room, so I got my toes painted next to Fox coffee and am sitting here now passing time.
I have a group meeting at four. We are finishing a project to present at our cognitive fair. It's actually really interesting. We've done some research on the topics of abstraction and mental flexibility. We found ways to help individuals that struggle in these areas be successful. An example would be a child who cannot switch from topic to topic in a conversation does not have very good mental flexibility. I believe the child may just need some practice, so I'll give him some practice games such as, Bop it or Slap Jack. These games will help the child practice mentally switching from one task to another slowly then quickly as he/she progresses.
okay, so maybe ya'll didn't want to know all that, but I was bored. Thanks for reading.

Have an amazing day. I'll go get some iron.

Peace out-

O Hum BUG!

Books!
I'm so sick of reading and studying books today.
Thank God for blogging-this will be my short break. :P

My friend has just about talked me into running Redlands half marathon on Sunday. I haven't been training so this could be really bad. I've spent to much time analyzing the situation and have decided to do what I want to do. That is run ....i guess. Gosh, I hate being a girl. So indecisive.

I just finished a book for a religion class called The Sunflower. I would recommend to anyone who's interested. It's about a Jewish man who is asked by a Nazi for forgiveness. The Jewish man doesn't know what to say and walks out. The question asked to me, the student, is what would I do? Honestly, I would do 2 things. First, tell the Nazi to ask for God's forgiveness, because I don't know if I can. Second, I would pray that God forgive me and my feelings towards him.
If you get a chance read the book. It's very thought provoking and captures your being to that time and place.

Okay- sorry guys. I just finished my paper, so that's on my mind.

Happy Sabbath! I'm so glad it's Friday :)

Birthday Weekend!

About a month ago I wanted to do something for my birthday, but for anyone who knows me I won't plan anything for myself. I'm basically a bunch of talk- Sad. I know.

So a week before my birthday Ron plans Friday night dinner. He says invite your friends, pick a place, and time. He's perfect for giving me that nudge to make my birthday great. Funny thing is I needed a "reason" to do it....thanks Ron.

My birthday is actually today, but Friday night I got my friends together and made dinner reservations at PF Changs in Victoria Gardens. BUT before all this Ruth, my roomie, took me shopping and we saw a good movie. We decided to see 88 minutes. Super good thriller...that's all I'll say tho, bc I've already made the mistake of ruining it for others. Ruth and I had a blast laughing to the point of tears in the changing room at Express. We tried on the most hideously $$$ clothes. I would never wear ...but I'll show you pics ;)

Ruth and I having

That evening was really fun and one of the most special birthdays I've ever had. Ruth and I met, Ron, Travis, Amanda...and well, 12 other people for dinner. Good company, good food, and a blessing of another healthy year made it perfect. After that Ron, Travis, Amanda, Geoff, and I headed to Cheesecake Factory for some yummy dessert. The rest of the night was filled with games and laughter at Ron's.

Bottom left: Ruth, Miguel, Amy, Christina, Beth, Michelle, Andy
Bottom right: Hannah, Me, ron, Christian, Amanda, Travis

Top- Hannah, Amy, Beth, Ruth, Christina, Michelle, Andy, and Christian
Bottom- That's for you Miss Mai and Maycock :)

Sabbath morning I met Art (my runnin coach) for breakfast. He so funny. He bought me $25 worth of scratch lotto tickets bc he knows I wanna be "accidently" rich one day. He payed for my yummy breakfast burrito at MiMis :)

That afternoon my brother invited Ron and I to eat lunch with him and his friend. Yes, more food- I felt like a pig all weekend. That evening was spent watching Harold and Kumar at Ron's and a yummy Mexican meal. Thanks Ron!

Sunday was a day of studies and to my surprise I got a call from Mai on Monday at lunch. It was right after my Stats midterm and just what I needed. It's amazing that God knows what your feeling and sends "hope" (many times in the form of friends like Mai) to cheer me up :)
Thanks Mai! She sent me chocolate all the way from Saipan! It's yum yum good :) I assume that everyone that reads this knows me well enough by now to see that I miss my kiddos with all my heart. I <3 my kids like I've never loved anyone in my life. Mai told me a cute story of Alvin reminding her of what I taught him about the body. From my understanding he says, Ms. Britni doesn't need to go to school bc she knows everything already. ... I hope your smiling by now. It's only bc I don't know everything, but I love the way Alvin thinks so ;)

My beautiful friend Mai Rhea

God is so incredible for giving me another year of life, health, and experience. He's been teaching me constantly this year and you'd think I'd be worn out, but I'm not :) I love learning from the Master!

Thanks guys for being with me every day this year. It was a good one!

TONSILS in or out?

Sorry guys,
I've been a blogging slacker=/

I went home for two weeks of my first practicum at Huguley Medical Center. I had a blast and learn so much. It was so much better to see the things I've studied in real life ;) The week after that Ron flew to Texas and spent a good 5 days with me. It was a relaxing time...I showed him the Dallas zoo and we went out to eat. His first time at sonic and my first time having Giolitti....played cards, watched movies, went shopping :) It was wonderful. Ron flew back to CA and so did I to start another quarter. It is Ron's last quarter at LLU, my 4th quarter. Exciting! I'm almost done with my first year =) The first weekend I was back we went to the beach, which was absolutely beautiful. Ate some more Giolitti, which might be my favorite dessert now...next to cake-

Sadly this week has been terrible. I have gotten a bad case of strep. Today's been the worst day yet. I woke up having trouble breathing and definately afraid to swallow. My tonsils are huge, red, and puss filled. I can't believe that I let it get this bad. My good friend Travis, who is a PA at llumc prepscribed me some ammoxicillin. I hope this helps...crossing fingers.

That's all for now

My excitement...

WOO HOOO!!!

Today is a good day!
First, it was my first day of clinical rotation. I <3 old sick people. I saw a man who played with Sachet Page (famous baseball man) in 1939. He was offered a position with the yankees before they were the yankees. He quit playing because he tore his rotator cuff badly....he was such a sweet pt.

BUT the best news is that my favorite and only boss ever, Barbara Maycock is having her FIRST baby!!! Congrats Sean and Barbara. You're going to make beautiful parents. May God bless you on this fun and new journey :)

the random thoughts in Britni's head...right now

This is what's on Britni's mind...

I'm headed home in less than 24 hours. WOW-I like flying in the sky :)
I saw Juno with Ron...good movie (but that may have been because I was with good company).
Sitting on a couch next to Ron, using his computer, kinda tired, but not really...
The puppies outback (ALL 8 ..two were taken today :( cry me a river)
My first clinical starts Monday morning at 7AM.
I'm a little nervous. It's only because I don't have all my paper work ready...the weekends coming and everything closes..eekk!
O, how I still have to pack
My new geriatric peeps at Adult Day. I love em-
Ms. B (a geriatric) told me I was beautiful today.
She even made me spin and dance with her. It was rewarding...and brought kudo's in my life =)
Ron makes me smile....

O yea, did I say Ron makes me smile.

I talked to my best friend today. Christine...she's so sweet to let me stay in her room while I'm in Texas doing clinicals. Thanks girl!
I wish I was on the beach right now
My second home is Drayson Center...MAN, what I would give to run, lift, or hit a ball right now.
I hoping I can use the gym at Huguley (that's where my clinicals are)...I can keep running
O yea, I'm thinking about doing a marathon up North in the redwoods.

that's it for now.

Peace out!

Marathon results!!

The marathon is done!! WOOOHOO...
My goal was to finish the race in 5hrs or less.
I finished in 5:00:53 (it was something like 6400 out of 22, 000 people)
Perfect weather, sunny and clear. There was a little wind towards the end.
It was so much fun! I met lots of new people and discovered a lot about myself.
When you want something bad enough pain doesn't matter...when I was at mile 23, 24, 25 I was in so much pain. I can't even describe the blister on my right toe.
Anyways- here's some pics before and after the race. Enjoy guys!


Oh yea and I want to thank Dr. Ken for being the biggest inspiration to me :), Art for spending hours listening to me talk while running, Cathy for running with me all the way last minute, Troy for fixing my muscles when I was hurt, Ron for getting me home early on Saturday nights, Sandy for being a pace leader, and lastly, my parents- they never stopped encouraging me. They were the first I'd call whenever I'd finish a long run on Sunday mornings.

There ya have it ;)

We won!!!!

That's the way we felt after the race. (blah!)
I'm your woman ;)

Ready or not, LA here I !

It's finally here! Can you believe it?? Art and I took the train up to LA today (which I'm proud to say it was my first time on a train and subway). We walked around the EXPO for a few hours- I'm pumped now. I bought my gu and got an awesome masseage :) I can't believe I'm running 26.2 miles!! AHH!

Here's some blurry pics of today. Enjoy =)

this is Art, my top dog coach

This is me and a big bear

Catch up time #2

Hi guys!
Every quarter of school seems to fly by ever so quickly. I never even realize the last two weeks because I feel like I'm in my books or running around trying to get projects done. L.A. marathon is coming up in 5 days. I should be excited, but I haven't really thought much about it. My homework is taking over my life....ha!
This last weekend I spent sabbath morning at the park by myself. It was WONDERFUL! Everyone needs time for reflection. I was due- I'm reading this book by Max Lucado called "A love worth giving." He says that mercy is the deepest gesture of kindness. AND we all know "Love is kind" (1 cor. 13:4) It's easy to be kind and have mercy for everyone around me. The hard part is having kindness and mercy on myself. God knows and understands my heart. He's the only one that does :) He doesn't hold back his love, so why should I? He is kind to us, so let us be kind to ourselves. It's hard....at least for me it is.
Okay, so when I was done studying, I went and ate with Ron and T-Rex (Travis) and then headed up to the mountains for a hike. The guys didn't go- they were sick. BUT I went and had a good time meeting new people and being out in nature. It's so peaceful up there.
That night I went to bed early knowing that I had to wake up SUPER early for my last 10 mile run.
Art and I ate bagels instead of running =) We love those bagels and we're so ready for that marathon...lol

That's about it for now...O yea...and Ron had PUPPIES!
just playing- He didn't have pups- his roomie brought 10 of them home with their mother. All I have to say is they're going to have one stinky backyard. GOOD LUCK Ronald ;)

Please send some prayers up for my upcoming test and a safe run this weekend
God Bless!

I'm still alive-

Sorry guys for not posting. Life has been SUPER busy and I'm trying to slow down (but that's obviously not working)...

Recap-
I was running two weeks ago with my friend Ron outside on the dark streets of the Loma talking Ron's ear off when all of a sudden I trip over a rock not even the size of my fist. SAD STORY- I sprained my ankle. What's more sad is that I was suppose to run the Highland Half marathon that weekend. I didn't run it....my coach, Art, said he wouldn't let me. :( It broke my heart for a week not to be able to run. Now that I'm running it's 4 weeks til' marathon time....Wish me luck guys! I do 22 miles on Sunday. It will be the farthest I've ever gone.

School's going okay. I enjoy the classes that are interactive...otherwise research sucks!

Guess what!?!? My parents are coming out here in less then 2 weeks. I'm very excited about that because I miss them and just wanna chill with family.

I ate at the Soup farm or whatever it's called this last week. VERY TASTY! I like soup and salad a lot so Ron picked a good place to eat.

Oh yea and I went to one of my favorite places on earth...an aquarium! Specifically, Aquarium of the Pacific. It's was super fun and it was the closest thing to diving since Saipan. There was actually a diver cleaning a tank and I gave him the "okay" sign. He took out his regulator and smiled with the "okay" sign. DIVERS UNITE!!! okay, that was cheesey...but you divers probably now how I feel.

Anyways- That's it for now. I have to get back to studying, but I wanted to let you all know I'm still alive...just not posting right now.

Peace out--

My first Caramel Apple

My first caramel apple with nuts!Amy and I

Amy, Beth and I

I have a new friend that has touched my heart. Her name is Beth. One Friday afternoon she took Amy and I to a place called Oak Glen. I didn't know what to expect. It was a "surprise," she told us. All we knew was it was sorta like an apple farm. Whatever that's suppose to mean?! Beth drove us way out to the country side where the roads get curvy. Rows and rows of apple trees swarmed the fields. Finally we parked the car in front of an old general store and country cooking resteraunt. I felt as if I had gone back in time 80 years. There was large sign that said, "Welcome to Oak Glen" and a path that led up to a little town with dirt roads. There was a petting zoo with animals to feed and even fishing! In the town was several old stores with candy, hand-made crafts, jewelry, and guns. It was wonderful! A sight to behold!!! Petting zoos, old general stores, ducks, gun shows, lama's, sheep, candy, CHOCOLATE and best of all, yummy chocolate covered caramel apples with nuts! The first and best caramel apple I've ever had. If you're ever in Southern California call me. I'll take you :)

Marathon update...

When I joined the LL Lopers at mile 4 I was huffin' and puffin' up Mountain View Pkwy. Mountain View Pkwy is a gradual incline, not very steep, basically a "woosi" hill. When I mastered that we moved on to 6 miles and we hit Woodier. The thought went through my head, "please cut my legs off and give them to someone who knows how to use them." I wanted to cry, in fact, I probably did. Art, my coach, cheered me up that hill every week. At mile 15 I wanted to hurt myself on purpose so I couldn't run....dumb idea. I know!? Last week I completed 20 miles. This week I ran 13.2 in 'hilly highlands"....trust me, it was very hilly.

It's simple. I have a goal and I'm going to reach it. Yes, it will be painful and at times dangerous, but I will train to reach it.

Why don't we train to reach the goal of heaven? I was thinking this morning at 6am , "why I get up soOOO early to run? When I know I'm NOT a morning person." That sounds so dumb! It's because it feels good to know I'm getting one step closer to my marathon goal. I'm falling in love with running! I feel healthy, have lost 20 lbs, and have so much energy.

I used to get up at 5 am, once a week, to hear what God had to say to me when I lived in Saipan. I found a place I could be alone with HIM. God has given me peace, health, and a spiritual drive. Ultimately, I'm training to be a disciple of Christ. Aren't we all?

I've been tagged =)

Alright guys, I've been tagged.
Sean Maycock has tagged me to write down 20 things I remember about Saipan. O boy, this gonna be really fun!

1. I remember signing up to move to Saipan and then thinking, "wait, I don't even know where that's at!?" lol

2. I remember people, who I didn't know at the time, picking me up from the airport in the middle of the night. Driving through the jungle was super scary. I had no idea what to think of this place. "Was I going to have to sleep in a hut?!"

3. I remember staying at the Pastors house the first night I was there and getting up to find out there was no water. I had to take a shower with a ladle and bucket of water. (I was thankful I had that!)

4. I remember millions of tank swims with the SMs. I always wanted to stay by Grant, because I thought he could protect me from the eagle rays and stuff that could eat me. =) thanks Grant!

5. I remember the awesome feeling of the cool breeze and Jesus speaking to my heart when I'd spend time with Him on Bonzai Cliff on Sabbath mornings.

6. I remember Alvin's sweet smile and little hand. After a long day he'd come to me and put a hand on my arm and say, "I love you Ms. Britni." It'd make my heart melt.

7. I remember renting movie after movie at Blockbuster ...actually OC seasons.

8. I remember Taste of India and the cool tea trick the owner would do to get us to clap and cheer.

9. I remember Aunt Judy, Uncle Dennis, Aunt Tammy, and Uncle Mark teaching me to dive. I dove almost every site on island that year.

10. I remember going to coffee care after a long week at school. We'd get out computers and surf the net while we drank some yummy coffee. Oh yea, and the cute waiter who wanted to date.

11. I remember playing capture the flag at Managaha with our students. I hid in the jungle for 2 hours in the same place. It started raining and it was then I felt like a true missionary hiding from something...great feeling. We lost btw. SAD :(

12. I remember finding out that I could pay someone to wash and fold my laundry for only $3 while I sat in the coffee shop. Saipan is amazing!

13. I remember the first time I spotted a sea turtle 5 yards from me under water. I was diving with Ken, Crystal, Layla, and Gregory. It was a big day for me :)

14. I remember taking my kinder class to the zoo and showing the zoo keeper how much they knew about all the animals classes. :) proud moment.

16. I remember Mai and I sneaking away to the Mandi for our last relaxing moment before I left island. :)

17. I remember new years. It sounded like the island was being bombed. LITERALLY. Jesco wouldn't get out of our house. Thank God for Jerry...he got em out.

18. I remember sitting on the beach watching the sun go down as Grant played my favorite songs on his guitar (now Mai's)

19. I remember the friends I made and how they knew exactly what I needed when I needed it. Sean always new when I needed an encouraging word. Grant knew when I needed a hug, no words. There was a specific time when I felt like my heart had been broken by someone and the girls took me to the beach and just sat. We watched the sun go down...it was beautiful. If God can do something like that than He can surely help me. Dr. Ken and Crystal treating Layla and I to breakfast Sunday mornings before diving, after runs. Our dive buddies and lawyer friends inspired me to go back to the states and be the best I can be. These friends helped my heart grow. They nourished it and showed me what I need to do to love others. Thanks guys!

20. Lastly, I remember when those high school kids died at Forbidden. It was very sad for me...I didn't know them, but my heart broke for those parents and families dealing with the unfortunate events life throws.

There are lots of other memories I wish I could write down, but I just jotted down the ones off the top of my head. This was fun! Thanks Sean!

I tag- Ken&Crystal, Bev, and Rosana :)

Have fun guys!