Dear Diary,

Okay, so this past weekend (Sunday to be exact) my Dad gave me a box full of some belongings of mine. In this box were all kinds of things, mostly old photos and Christmas decorations. Things of that nature. There was also an old Bible that my friend, Crystal Butler gave me and an Old Diary of mine. I looked at the Bible first. I was surprised at some of the things I found in it. Mostly old church bulletins. Most dated back to the year 1999. There were a few writings on each. Mostly between me and my best friend Amy. We were preparing to go on a youth trip from what I could tell. There were also some silly notes wrote back and forth. One went a little something like this...
"Busta, when we get out of here do you want to go and grab a bite to eat?" Or my personal fav. "Umm you stink, I can seriously smell you all the way back here" I also found a few notes from an old boyfriend, Jason. Some, I had to laugh at reading. I also came across an old booklet that belonged to Jason. It was from our youth mission trip taken to Orlando, FL. The conference was called Kingdom 1999. There were some conversational pieces written in there from one of the worship leaders, Dana Russell. I was immediatley taken back. I remember her ladies only sessions and will never forget the following words "Sex is great in the bonds of Holy Matrimony" if you were there, then I am sure you will recall those words. My younger sister, Michelle and I literally said this at the same time and bust out laughing. It is funny the things you can remember in a blink of an eye and how easily you can forget others. Looking at the booklet I also came across names that my bestfriend was trying to decide on for her child. Some listed were Brittany Elizabeth and Brandon Micheal. I suppose those names were a no go, as she decided on Bailey.
Next I picked up the old diary. I opened it and had to laugh...who knew what this was going to say. The first page simply states my name, the year and what my interests/hobbies are. Wow how quickly things have changed in 12 years! The diary is dated from May of 2000 to May of 2001. Things were about to get interesting. I turn the page and come to the offical first entry. Mind you I was 17 going on 18 at the time.
Dear Diary, today is May 10th, 2000. I go on to talk about school (Vance High) and I am praying that I will pass my math test. May 12th...It's a Friday night and it's Midnight. I should be asleep, but unfortunatley my stomach is killing me b/c I ate way too much pizza! I am trying to decide what I should purchase my bestfriend, Amy for her 18th birthday. Tomorrow I have an interview with Barbizon Modeling. I also talked with Jennifer Klemp and she asked that I join her at the YMCA to work out, but I don't have a membership yet. I am in the process of getting this.
May 14th, 2000-it's Mother's Day and Michelle and I have bought my Mom some new glasses. (Big spenders) The following night was Amy's birthday party. This was held at her older sisters apartment. We ate pizza, sang karoke, played card games and then went bowling. May 17th-I am worried about upcoming exams, but happy that I have Jason to help me study. I also find out I need to have my wisdom teeth yanked.
June 8th, 2000-It's 11:49 PM and I am laying in my bed wide awake. I have finally graduated school and I am hoping all  my friends will keep in touch. I just got home from the beach on Sunday, after my older sister took me and Amy. I am happy that my ex, David is now dating my good friend, Katie, even though others seem to disagree. June 11th-I just got home from Katie and Ashley Nance house . Some of the youth were over and we watched Blue Streak. I apparently find this movie halarious. I am disappointed in myself for not attending my older sisters Bachlorette party. I am praying she will not be upset with me. I didn't go b/c I felt out of place. June 13th-I am happy b/c Jason came over on his lunch break and I made him pizza. Wishing we could spend some more time together. I also went off with my cousin, Kristin and her boyfriend, Jeremy Ferris at the time. I am shocked that they are dating.
June 18th-it's Father's Day and my older sister got married the day before. I am upset b/c I think I will never get to see and spend time with her again. I can't believe it is now 1:00 in the morning. I just got home from watching the Green Mile with the youth group at David Teagues house. July 4th, 2000-I slept in until 11:00 and when I finally got up, I made a batch of brownies for the 4th of July gathering at Barbara and Arthur Wilson's house. I also have a terrible headache and keep telling Jason that I feel like I am going to be sick. I suck it up, b/c I am excited to go on a boat ride. While on the lake it starts pouring. This will be a 4th of July I will never forget. July 7th-Kristin stayed the night with me b/c she didn't have to be at work until late. We were up all night talking and laughing our heads off. We also went to dinner with Jason at Macado's.
July 14th- I didn't really do much, but clean all day. Michelle is excited to get her permit. She will be leaving for Jamaica soon, so I drop her off at Ashley's house so they can prepare for their trip.
July 16th-I am boasting about how long Jason and I have dated. It has been 1 year and 9 months. No one thought we would make it this long. (I really laughed reading this-how cheesy was I?)
July 27th-I am preparing to take college courses at CPCC's north campus. I am not excited about taking placement tests esp. in math. I am also worried about my dog, Oscar. He has not been doing so good here lately.
August 6th-I just got back from a youth mission trip to centrifuge. It was so awesome. The whole theme was face to face and it means having encounters with God. Some of the subjects were risk takers, integrity, perserverance and teachability. Ashley Nance rededicated her life. Oscar is waiting patiently for me to hit the sack.
August 19th-I got home from Jason's house about 30 minutes ago. We had friends over and grilled out hamburgers and hotdogs. Jesse and Jeremy Welch never made it and we are wondering where they are at. Someone left the grill on and burnt the burgers down to a crisp.
Oct. 10th-I went off with Amy and Bailey to the mall. I finally bought Jason something for our two year anniversary. I am happy that I got to spend some time with my bestie. I know it most be hard being a single mother at 18.
October 25th-I am sitting in bed. I just got done writing a thesis statement for my English class. I was told my Math teacher, Mr. Tran had a stroke. I am praying he is okay. I have never had anyone teach me like he did. Jason is considering taking a counsleing job in Sailsbury and I am worried he will meet some older girl and forget all about me. I convince myself I am just being silly.
Nov. 6th-Today has been a pretty good day. I had a presentation to do in English, but it was not hard. Jason came over for lunch and then my Aunt Sue called and asked if I could watch my cousin Dylon. I don't mind.
Nov. 16th-I cannot believe that Thanksgiving is just around the corner. I need to drop some film off at Wally World for my photography class and I seriously need to get my nails did.
Nov. 26th-I am worried about something. I don't know who to turn to and I am afraid to talk to Jason b/c I am scared he won't understand. (Wishing I had wrote was it is that was bothering me)
Dec. 12th-I got to sleep in b/c I had my English exam. I am thinking about Jason and his grandmother. I know that he misses her. Tomorrow I am going to Amy's house to prepare for the songs we will be singing at church. I am happy to spend the day with her.
Dec. 15th-Tomorrow, Michelle and I have hair appointment and I super excited about this. I am thinking of going with a new look. (Haha)
Dec. 20th-Five days until Christmas and I cannot wait. We had our youth Christmas party and Jason and I got into an argument. Later we apologized to one another. I am still trying to find the perfect Christmas gifts for Dad and Jason. Men are so much harder to buy for, I say.
Dec. 28th-I am sitting in bed with Oscar, the day has gone by slow, but I got to spend some time with Mom. Michelle spent the night at the Nance house and Mom and I went to Max and Ermas. Michelle thinks we had leftover turkey sandwiches. Little does she know.
Jan. 13th, 2001-I am finding it hard to believe that it's already the start of a new year. Praying it will be a great one! Jason, Michelle and Danny Kennedy all went to the movies together to see Family Guy. I think we all had a really great time. Tomorrow I have to teach Sunday School for the 4&5 year old's-I better get some sleep now.
Jan. 25th-I have to babysit for Kim Yandle. I am praying the kiddos will all be good. Wishing I could spend some time with Jason, but he is now working 3rd shift and starting to act strange. I have music appreciation and psychology tomorrow morning, I better get some sleep.
Feb. 1st 2001-I ran into my cousin, Jimmy and his girlfriend, Laura. I am happy to finally meet her. Jimmy was registering for classes at CPCC. When I got home from school I really didn't do much, but clean.
Feb. 4th-Last night Ashley Nance stayed over. We were up until 2 in the morning chatting about all kinds of things. I plan to go to the YMCA tomorrow to work out...trying to get into that bikini for the summer. I barely got to talk with Jason. I am thinking something is up.
Feb. 12th-I looked all day to find Jason goodies for Valentines Day. I finally went to Wally World and racked up. I ran into Gary Nance and he and I chatted for a little while. I am praying Jason will like all his gifts. I wonder what he has for me? Jason finally called tonight, but we only talked for maybe two minutes. I feel like he is always busy with something. I love him so much and it would kill me if something ever happened to him. Ready for Valentines Day.
Feb. 14th-Yay Valentines Day is here! I love this day! I honestly don't know if Jason particuarlly cared for all his gifts. He didn't say much and kind of blew me off. He says he was just tired. He got me a dozen red roses and a candle. I think the candle stinks, but suppose it will do. Hoping the flowers will last awhile, but they already appear to be dried up. I am hoping Jason will take me ice skating like he promised. I love ice skating!
Feb. 15th-Today has been okay. I woke up with a headache. After going to class, I came home and let Oscar out, talked to Jason for a few minutes and then cleaned. Let's just say all the laundry is done. Jason is starting to really upset me. I don't feel right about something. Praying all will be okay.
Feb. 17th-I am babysitting again tonight. I am happy to earn the money, but wishing I was with Jason instead. Praying the night goes by fast. I get scared after everyone goes to bed. I called Jason again, but he was over at the Nances house playing guitar. I miss not getting to talk with him. I am wondering if he likes someone else?
May 14th of the year 2001-Boy it sure is funny how fast time goes by. It has been nearly 3 months since I last wrote. A million things have happened. To start, Jason and I officially broke up on Feb. 19th. I feel like I can't trust anyone with my feelings. I have been struggling to keep a smile on my face. I wouldn't wish this pain on anyone, not even my worse enemy.
May 15th 2001-Today is Amy's birthday. I have been gone all day trying to find her the perfect gift. I don't feel like myself and praying this pain will go away. I don't want to hear the name Jason, but then again I do.
May 16th-I don't think anyone understands the pain I am going through. Praying God will bring me through this. It takes forever for me to fall asleep. All I do is cry. Praying for happiness and peace.

That was my last entry. It's hard to believe that this is the year 2012. 12 years have passed since I wrote in that little white book. I was brought back to time of innocence and youth. I again was reminded how much God works. It was fun going back in time and recalling all that happened. It brought back many good memories and many sad. Happy to know that I survived what I thought was the end of my life! Some might find it cheesy that I being 17/18 years of age had a diary, but I am actually happy that I did this. Now I have something to remember and from time to time I can open it and recall all those memories made. So happy for where God has brought me and where he will continue to take me. Who knows what's in store for the next 12? Praising God he brought me through all those hardships and I look forward to him molding me even more.

Dear Diary,
Today is September 12th of the year 2012...