Tuesday, December 14, 2004

Christmas is coming, the goose is getting fat....

Hey All. So I'm all done with tests, which means that Christmas is getting closer and closer! I'm so excited to see my family and spend time with them :) This semester was most excellent, and i'm really happy that i'm done! Thanks for reading this semester! Its been real.

Happy Holidays everyone!!

<>< Bri

Thursday, December 02, 2004

Double Decades Prove to be Better

Hey Everyone! So on Monday i turned 20. I was actually just planning on not telling anyone and going through the motions. But somehow the word leaked out and EVERYONE new. But it was all good...it was nice to see everyone who i care about, care back. I do have a bigger issue to address in this blog though, i don't know about the analogy...but we'll see what comes out.

So right now it is snowing outside and i am looking out the window as i type because i'm an awesome typer like that. But the snow reminds me of the fact that every snow flake is different. Yes, i am going to use the old cliche, but its true. Every snow flake has its own personal touch made from the creator himself. He is making them all unique, but creating some that fit together. Something has happened this week that has changed my view on the world, and no, it isn't the fact that its snowing outside. Was it that i turned 20? Was it because i could actually be honest with someone that i haven't in a long time? Was it that we only have two weeks left, which means almost only one semester left in winona for me? I think its a combo of all those things.

For the first time in forever i feel like i know who i am! I feel like i can be completely myself and not think any differently! I can show emotion and admit that i am certainly not right, not even half the time. I can be comfortable with the fact that i don't do a lot of things that most college students do, and i am going to serve the Lord with my whole heart before i get anywhere. I worry a lot about finding someone and feeling complete. But i am complete within the Lord. No other. And this week i've realized that God has someone out there for me...he's preparing him as he is still preparing me. We will find each other someday, and then we'll know...but right now, who knows who tomorrow will bring to your door or what kinds of relationships evolve from your existing ones. Who knows?!

So yeah...thanks for listening and don't be alarmed if i don't write for a while...i have some other things to do. Signing out....

<>< Bri

Tuesday, November 30, 2004

Wow, wow and double wow!!

Hey everyone...this is more of a thank you blog than anything else. Yesterday was my birthday, and i was thinking that it was going to be any old "ho-hum" birthday because i had to work and i had to go to three meetings and i had lots of classes, but it turned out to be spectacular! I really didn't want many people to know about it either, not that i was trying to be pius or anything, but its just another day, and no need to make a big deal. But there were some people that really made my day! So to all those people that sent cards, hung pictures, gave presents, and just even said happy birthday...

THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!

<>< Brini

Thursday, November 25, 2004

Happy Thanksgiving

So its thanksgiving today and i would say that i am thankful for everything. Most importantly this thanksgiving i am thankful for the family that i have. My dad got a case of the kidney stones this thanksgiving eve. He is currently in the hospital and most likely not able to come home this fine holiday.

So i miss him, and feel bad that i am not with him right now...but i just woke up. But this whole thing makes me think how truly important our family is. Seeing him sick like that reminds me of the times when i was sick and he stayed home from school with me and took care of me. It also reminds me that i like coming home to see my family. Distance makes the heart grow fonder and i do miss my family when i'm away.

Anyway, i don't really have anything else to say, but be thankful for your family, even if they are dysfunctional and quirky. They love you all the more! Happy thanksgiving everyone!

<>< Bri

Monday, November 22, 2004

GET OUT OF HERE BEAR

I could write normally, or sound REALLY ANGRY and write in caps. Or i could type really L O N G letters to get the drawn out feel. Or i could write with "quotes" when things aren't meant to be in quotes because i want to emphasize the idea that i like "quotes."

What is my point in this? Email and internet are stupid, but i use them anyway...why not just call? yeah, it is expensive, but dont say important things over email...would ya? Ha ha, who am i to talk...i do it ALL THE TIME! :) I just think we need to become humans again, and not computer spitting machines!

AH! I NEED TO GET OUT OF HERE! WHERE ARE YOU BREAK?

<>< Bri

Friday, November 19, 2004

I don't mean to be mean...

So i don't know if any of you have to ride the bus...but i do. There are reasons for liking the bus, and reasons for hating it with my every fiber. Here are some of the wonderful examples of the bus.....

1. You are running about 1 minute late and you are literally running towards the bus to catch it, and the bus driver sees you, but that 1 minute is too little too late. He drives off without you. Cause you know...once he saves one he has to save them all.

2. You get to the bus on time, but you just made it...however, there is no sitting room and you must brace yourself and stand in the middle. There are a few problems with standing in the middle.

A. if the bus is really crowded, you are literally spooning the person in front of you.
B. If there is a new bus driver, they don't really know how to stop and start with ease...so you are ramming your face into the backpack in front of you because everyone is taller than you are, so you have to be careful and wear a mouth guard.
C. If you have the young bus driver, he either likes to take is sweet time on his cell phone and make everyone five minutes late for class, or he likes to smoke his cigarette as if he has all the time in the world.

3. Sometimes you get stuck next to a larger person...and this might sound mean, but its more just awkward. So you see that the only seat left open is the one next to the large and in charge man (we'll call him Ezra)... and you bring yourself to sit down to his nasty sweaty body. So you sit, but its awkward because half of their leg, is sitting on half of your seat (mainly because they can't fit). So your butt starts to fall asleep because you're hanging off the edge.

4. There are train tracks EVERYWHERE and the bus has to stop for them. Note to trains...SPEED UP!

5. When its cold and rainy all day...its no fun to sit out in the bitter cold and wet waiting for the loathed automobile. So you'd rather stab the pen (the only pen you have since you just ran late and had to catch the bus)...

So what have learned about the autobus...? That we hate it, but must plan life around it or walk for thirty minutes....hmmmm

<>< Brini

Crappy Days = Crappier Nights

Yeah...so the crappy day turned into a crappy night....THANK GOD FOR THANKSGIVING BREAK! That's all i have to say...

<>< Bri

Wednesday, November 17, 2004

Why?

Have you ever had one of those day where everything and anything drives you mad?! I mean, the bus driver slams on the brakes at 7:45 AM, then your professor talks a mile a minute so your hand starts to get cramps, then you have to sit in the cold because the bus driver decides its his time to talk on his gosh darn cell phone! Then you get back and realize that you have to do something today, you can't just lay down. So you go to your computer and there are about ten different signs you have to hang up, and you have your keys right under your arm while you're typing. GOSH!

I understand the notion to throw things off porches today...i finally get it.

And yes, its because break is coming up and the motivation level is at a big fat (which is also how i feel) ZERO! So you just dont want to do anything, and the only person who understands, probably makes you upset too. Stupid break and stupid rainy weather...GO AWAY! Hope ya'll have a better day than i am :( !

<>< Brini

Sunday, November 14, 2004

Life likes to use a 2x4 to smack you....

Hey ya'll. So tonight was a good night, kind of a cap off the ol' weekend. I know there's still tomorrow, but that is already planned out and in the works...I've been on this earth for 19 years now. And God still amazes me! Tonight i was just thinking how blessed i am to have this opportunity to be in Winona, and be here with all the people i hold dear up here, but i got this note from Jaime...which made me want to see her. And then made me want to be home. It could be that i haven't been home since October and i am feeling the pull, or the fact that i got to talk about my smart friend Jake from back home and how he is the deepest thinker i know, or how i'm so proud of jenna for what she's done in her life, or how mark always makes me feel at ease and like i'm worth something, or how Cora never ceases to amaze me with her randomness, or how Megan can make my whole month just by an email. But mostly, how jaime can send a note, just a few sentences across cyber space, and make me feel like i'm at home and loved again. *family, i'm not talking about you...i love you always and i miss you always...* But friends from back home...there's nothing like 'em, and sometimes you are glad to meet new ones, but then you look back at the old ones, and think...heck...those were the people that helped me grow up, and grew up with me...and they were the ones who i loved...


<>< Brini (thanks Jaime :) )

Thursday, November 11, 2004

Long weekend = Long weekend

Some of you may be looking at the title of this blog and thinking, "Um, dur, isn't that the same thing?" Well, it is, but it should be "long weekend = fun." but its not. Shall i exlpain? Here we go...

Today is the last day of the week. So we have Friday off and then the rest of the weekend. To preview Sunday, i unknowingly signed up to play guitar in church on sunday (okay so i knew it, but i think someone or something was speaking for me when i said it). So tonight (the beginning of the weekend) i have to take a test, practice guitar and work. I'll get to bed around the crappy usual time of 1 AM. And then wake up at a decent time tomorrow to get some homework and stuff done, since i have a lot of it seeming as semester is almost over. Then after i do that, i am going to practice guitar for like 3 hours straight. Then i'm going shopping. This might be fun, but i'm spending money that i don't have, and i'm not very good about that! I'd like to watch a movie in MY room, but no one likes to come over here, So then i'll just be sitting in my room like a blob. Then on Saturday i am getting up at a decent time again to practice guitar again. That day i'm doing more homework and creating a darn bulletin board because RA's have to do things like that. Then eventually i will have to go to work at Rock Solid (which is cool), but its until 11:30, so nothing else going on that night. Then on Sunday i have to get up and practice for a little bit, then go and play. Which i'm DREADING. Then i come back and watch the packer vs. vikings game, which being a packer fan is like death on a stick here in Minnesota because unlike packer fans, viking fans get PSYCHO! And then its more homework, a group meeting, and then sleep. Then i start another week! YES!

I know i signed up for most of these things, and i should be grateful to God for the long weekend to get all that done. But i could have gone home this weekend. But i'm here. And i hate that. I just wish i could leave at my leisure and not have to be "in the *gosh darn* building!" But it will be fine, i know it...Hey, its almost Thanksgiving, and what can be better than that? i know! Christmas Break! Which is getting closer! Hooray! Okay, well that's all for now...peace out home fries.

<>< Brini

Wednesday, November 10, 2004

You say its your birthday?

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JAIME BODDEN! This goes out to ma gur...Jaime! Happy birthday, you are the most amazing girl ever, and i hope you have an awesome birthday! You rock my world! I love ya sweetheart!!!!!!!

<>< Brini

Sunday, November 07, 2004

lonely mc lonerson....

So i don't know if any of you have heard me refer to a "chemistry boy" but i just found out this weekend that he is dating someone that we'll name Lubby. Lubby and Chemistry are quite the pair...but it just goes to show that everyone is dating someone!

I can only hope that someday i'll be named something like mystery girl, or "van girl." But you know, i most likely won't because at a school with 70% girls and 30% boys (which most of them are taken or just plain weird)...you don't get too many oppotunities. And this whole chemistry boy thing, its just disheartening...when you see your fantasy get taken, not that you really had the right to claim him anyway, but you thought that he'd one day learn your name before he was taken up by a man eater!! I'm going to be one of those lonely old cat ladies doing math problems all day in my apartment in the city. And the kids are all going to point! Oh man! I just described Mrs. Gershon!!! YIKES!

Anyway, i'd like to dedicate this blog to those named for stupid reasons...aka namegivingforfun-itis on my part! This blog goes out to "chemistry boy," "missing marquette man," "hot bod," "mystery girl," and "red shirt boy." DARN ALL OF YOU!!!

Hope i made you all think about being lonely, cause i am...! Have a good week!

Friday, November 05, 2004

Blogger!

Yeah, that's right, i'm a blogger. I have something to say...or at least i like to pretend and write it on a blog :)

So yeah, i don't know about anyone else, but Fridays are quite possibly the best day of the week. They are for a few reasons actually...and yes, as you guessed it, im going to write why...

1. Fridays are they last days of the school week. There are no more torturous classes until Monday, which is a whole two days away!

2. There is always something fun to do on Friday nights...(well actually, not tonight, i'm on duty, but usually there is!)

3. You get to sleep in on Saturdays, which you might be thinking...well that's not Friday, but you know you can stay up late on Friday night because you have this time in the AM.

4. You are usually in a good mood on Friday, since it is the last day of the week...which puts other people in good moods and then it just feels good....

5. Last but not least, you get to use the phrase...TGIF! (for those who don't know...like Paul...it means "thank goodness its friday")

So there you have it folks, if you aren't sitting in front of your TV, working at a desk or movie theater, or just doing something inside...GET OUT! Enjoy these blessings we receive every week that i like to call FRIDAYS!

<>< Brini

Tuesday, November 02, 2004

VOTE!

VOTE! For the love of God and your country....VOTE!

Monday, November 01, 2004

ITS NOVEMBER!!

So i just thought i'd let you all in on a little secret...its November today. Well actually for the whole rest of the month! Which means that Jaime's birthday is coming, another school break, Thanksgiving (which means i get to see my family again), and TONS more! I'm soo stoked.

So we watched this video tape of women giving birth this morning. Normally i'm like, cool, that's awesome...but this morning i was like, holy heck! That is going to hurt like a mother! Hahaha, no pun intended there! But i give moms credit...they put up a lot when they had us! Holy cow...

Anyway i'm off to another terrible Monday...sometimes i just wish mondays didn't exist...Hope you all have a good day...!!!

<>< Brini

Sunday, October 31, 2004

Sadie Hawkins Dance, anyone?

So i went to see Relient K this weekend...can i just say they rocked my socks off! They were absolutely awesome! My favorite part was when he brought out an old school keyboard and started playing i love the 80's....i mean, HECK YES! It was sooooo great! And i got to hang with Mere and get squished by all the sweaty clowns around us! It was great times!

Not to mention that it is Halloween today and i got to hand out candy to the CUTEST little trick or treaters! They were sooo adorable. And its November, so what can be better?

Hope everyone has a great week...oh, and you CAN comment, i actually kind of like it when people write back :)

<>< Brini

Wednesday, October 27, 2004

Duty!

Hokay, so....i was on duty last night. Can i just say...who needs sleep anyway? CERTAINLY NOT ME! That's all for now.

<>< Brini

Tuesday, October 26, 2004

Do whatcha gotta do...!

So here's the thing. I don' t know if you've noticed or not, but there is this thing i'd like to call the presidential election coming up. I would like to think that everyone has been following the headlines and watching the debate and doing a little research on this topic. I'm not going to tell you who to vote for....no worries on that one. I just want to say a few things, so here we go.

Recently i received an email from a friend that said, "Please don't waste this very important decision on something like religion." Its not a direct quote, and i aplogize for that. But this is the just of what was said. I have to admit, this made me somewhat mad (actually pretty darn mad). I don't think that by voting for a certain candidate that someone is voting for a religion or not. If you are a Christian and you are voting for Kerry you are not going to Hell for it. I also think that you have the God given right to vote for whoever the heck you want.

I am simply asking people to really decide before they vote. Whoever is president next will have a lot of things on their plate. Electing new supreme court judges, dealing/finishing the war, a mob of angry pro-lifers/pro-choicers coming at them, the economic decline of our country. It will be a lot for whomever comes next.

Yes, Bush has taken us to war. Yes, John Kerry supports partial-birth abortions. Yes, they both like to rip each other's necks everytime they are given the chance. But these things are not the only things these men represent! To the untrained eye, they represent the morals of our country. And for someone to say that by voting for (now this is a direct quote) "republicans (religion) or democrats," we are chosing based on a religion. This is not true nor a reason to vote one way or the other. You should not vote for Kerry simply because you are Catholic or Buddist or what have you, and you think Bush is dumb. You really have to examine what you hold highest in regards to your values and morals and see who best represents our country in that aspect. You also have to look at what has happened in the past and what could happen in the future. This war isn't going to end anytime soon, so have to look to someone who will handle that situation with great care. You just have to think about things like this!

So i am not going to try to squash anyone's views, but rather ask you to please...PLEASE! vote for the person who you truly think would lead this country and bring back the morale of our nation. Thanks.

<>< Brini

Sunday, October 24, 2004

New Week!

Hey All! How's it going? i just wanted to wish you all a very good start to the week! Its going to be a great one! My mom is coming on Thursday, and i CANNOT WAIT to see her again!!! I'm going to leave you with some thoughts...i'll write a better one during the week, i promise!

"Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love." - Ephesians 4:2

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways ackknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. " Proverbs 3:5,6

Okay, so i wasn't going to write anything, but changed my mind...i can do that! God is so amazing. He never foresakes us. How and why do we think we have the right to do it to him then? We can spend our whole lives trying to balance our own things...problems, praises, our every thought, and yet, with that...we are not filled. God is there for us. He will take us on our own path, not John, Billy or Harry's.

Its strange, but this week, i was broken. Not in a bad sense either, nor a colosal change, just broken in my thinking. God has been trying to reach me for the past 2 years. Why now am i just starting to listen? I always thought i was ready and willing to follow, but i was fooling only myself. The Lord has given me so much, who am i to try and mold that? We need to trust that the Lord will take care of us, and he will. He is a God of love....not turning his back. God has a plan...and i am listening now...i'm ready for him to take control. I'll take the journey, only because i know he is by my side.

That's it i guess...it seems so simple to say...may God bless you all this week like he has to me.

<>< Brini

Wednesday, October 20, 2004

Analogy Time!

Hey Everyone...i know you've been missing the analogies, so here we go with another one! yesssss!

You know when you were a kid and it snowed during the school day? You couldn't wait to get back home to go sledding with your brother and sister. You were so excited that you couldn't sit still and your teacher was so annoyed with you because you were "squirmy." So you finally got to go home. Only to get there you had to walk home. This wouldn't normally have been a problem because your siblings were at your side, but today it had snowed -- obviously. But you didn't know it was going to snow that glorious 6 and a quarter inches (which for some spelled out $6.25 in cash! Yay for shoveling), so you didn't bring your cool snow boots. But you don't care as long as you get home and grab the sleds. So you're walking and your brother and sister are making fun of you as normal but then you realize that your shoes are now sopping wet because the snow has turned to slush in the streets from the salt and cars. Darn county workers! But you keep walking and trucking through. So you're walking down Dewey St towards home, when you slip! SMACK! right on the pavement you go. There's ice from the night before that has been covered up by the snow! Ouch! That hurt! Man, if only you'd have seen it! But your brother picks you up and you keep walking. Then you run into your friends from down the street. They are already home and getting their sleds out. How come they got home so fast! i wish i could have! Gosh! But you're almost home free, so you start running! The houses wizzing by you by the speed of light (you're young...you can actually still run fast)! Then you hit, dun dun duhN! WATER ST! The busiest street in your small small town. But its where you need to be...just cross it and you're home. So instead of trying it one by one because then its easier to get lost and or hit by a semi. So you grab each other's hands and walk together...as a group...to make it across. You dodge a car and run like the wind! WHEW! you're finally home. Time to go sledding! You change clothes and head out into the white abyss. Sledding on vinyl and stopping at the ditch. You sled for hours with your brother and sister and can't imagine going back inside. Right before you go in...you all lay there, looking at the pink sky. What a day! You remember the trek you took on the way home. And just smile. You made it through and got to sled. It may have taken awhile, but you're there. And now you're happy.

So, i'm not sure if any of you could relate to this, but this is me. I have recently changed my major and and now looking at options for next year. I'm so excited to start my new career path, but i'm aprehensive about the steps and choices i have to make before i get there. What if an icy patch comes up? I can slip and fall, but still be okay. What if the neighbor's dog attacks me when i get to it? I can get a band aid and stitches, but i'm still okay. The point of this analogy and blog is that i'm not sure what kinds of things i'll have to weather before i get to where i want to go. Nor do i know where i'll be when i finally get there. And some might get there before me...but i have to be patient and stick it through. But someday i will and whatever happens, i will always have my family and friends there to cross that last line and get me through.

Stupid analogy? Let me know, but think about it...sometimes it snows.

<>< Brini

Tuesday, October 19, 2004

Um what?

So here's a little blog about marriage. Not that i'm thinking about it or even NEAR it...but some people i know are! CRAZY!

"Marriage, a dream within a dream" - Princess Bride (just say it without the r's)

So i just think its awesome when people get married. Congrats to all those that do! You all rock!

Jaime...yeah, thanks for the message! I KNOW!!! ITS CRAZY!!!!!!!!!!!! anyway, i don't have your phone number, so email it to me sometime! I miss ya! Have a good weekend at home :)

<>< Brini

Sunday, October 17, 2004

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JAIME!!!!

Okay, so i just want to give a shout out to Jaime tonight...for her birthday!

Happy birthday to jaime on this october day
It may not be real, but i'll say it either way.
You make me laugh and make me smile,
My friends are really dense and and should be thrown on a pile.
Its October 17th today of all days,
only 24 more days until somebody says...
HAPPY BIRTHDAY for real!
And makes it a not fakerson deal!
I miss you so much these past few weeks
i just want to see you and pinch your little cheeks!
Have a good monday, its a stupid stupid day...
that's all i've got, and all i have to say.

LOVE YOU JAIME!

What a night...!

When your toes are frozen, it feels like someone has put little frozen sausage links in your shoes and made you walk with them.

Okay, so i went to this haunted house thing last night. Here's how the night went down: We went to LaCrosse to Meredith's sister's house. Her name is Ashley and she is a sweetheart. Anyway, we talked and she said that we could meet some cool people from her bible study...i was like score on that! I'd love to meet new people! So we grab some erbs and gerbs and go to the meeting place. Turns out that only two people from her bible study were there and then a whole bunch of kids from the youth group. So i was like, cool, kids, could be fun. But we ended up sitting four grown women and a 6 foot 5 man in a dodge Neon. Hmmm...interesting. I was trying to eat my sandwich with no arm movement and most definatly no way to drink anything. Not to mention that there was an odor coming from one of the two new individuals in the car....sickening really....So then we drove two hours to Marshfield, WI, to go to the haunted house. FYI, Marshfield is in the middle of nowhere. So then we got there, and there was a huge mother of a line... we decided...hmmm, it shouldn't take that long...people will be going in and out of the building every 10 minutes or so. So we waited...and waited...AND WAITED...until two hours later...we were frozen from the 15 degree windchill and couldn't feel our toes. So we, like chickens, decided to just go back home. So then we left and drove two hours back home. This was interesting too because we were one passenger short, but we seemed to have taken the weird one home with us...can you say freaked me out?! Anyway, we got back to LaCrosse and instead of going back to Winona first, we talked about stupid guys and and pizza breath.

I have come to find out today that we would have been there, in line, outside, until 3 AM, and then would have gotten home at 5 AM. So i just want to say...thanks to Meredith and Ashley for being wimps with me and taking us home!

But i hope to go to a haunted house sometime soon...i mean...i want to get scared!

<>< Brini

Friday, October 15, 2004

Small Towns Rule!

Hey Everyone, so i went home this weekend for a night and brought back some of my friends, Meredith and Ashley, from school. They were introduced to small towns in southwestern Wisconsin, and i must say that i think they enjoyed it. We got to see the Big M and all its glory and then took a trek down to the Amish house...dont worry...i didnt talk to them...for fear of being killed. So We just saw their cows and fence and left! Then we hung out at the Otte house, which everyone knows is one of the most enjoyable activities known to man. We had some chili and some soup, played some cards (which i discovered that i am the best at egyptian...sorry to ruin all your fantasies, but i am). It was all around a good time! But i love being home...its great fun and i miss my family (cats included).

So now its back to my lovely life in Winona. Being an RA to the hilt and studying like einstein until my eyes fall out. Hmmm, what bliss!! But in a way, its good to be back, since i have a lot to do.

Anyway, hope you all have a marvelous weekend! Thanks for reading this. Jake rocks my face and always will. Have a good one!

<>< Brini

Wednesday, October 13, 2004

Enough already!

Okay, so i know i've published a post everyday for the past few days...here's why:

1. I don't want to study and whenever i need a break...i blog.

2. I feel like expressing myself... gosh!

3. Jaime reads this, and you know...jaime is the best, so i try to keep her updated since i have no more minutes on my phone card and don't know her phone number.

4. I can't help feeling like someone reads this and is like, heck yes, she is awesome. But Sadly, that this is not true at all.

5. Well, i have college ADD as well, only mine has become ADHD. Not that there is really any difference in those two diseases, but i feel like i have them both.

6. I'm still searching for halloween costume ideas, so hopefully someone on here can help me out with that.

Okay, i could keep going on...but then i think i'd be an darn blogger addict, and who wants that? Anyway, hope you all have a good fall day...its finally fall! and cold! Happy sweater weather!! (as Jaime would say!)

<>< Brini

Tuesday, October 12, 2004

I just don't even know...

So here's the thing. I haven't done an analogy in a while. So we're going to try it again. This one goes out to all the musicians out there!

Strum...strum...strum...goes my fingers on the guitar. I am playing the instrument that i love! It is my outlet and my joy. I love every facet of this instrument. Its ability to compose music, to create a surreality and a sense of soul that only comes from being connected to God and the guitar. I love every beat it makes, its ability to keep the steps of my path, the way it can sound so different than anything ever heard before. As i move up and down the strings, i go to the G chord. Its my chord of choice. One that i have loved since i have begun playing. As i keep going back to that chord, i begin to form caluses. Caluses so thick i can't feel a thing. I don't see that maybe playing this chord so much has began to make my fingers bleed. But i can't feel it. I'm numb. Then i decide to learn a new chord, its an open chord, so as not to hurt myself. The caluses go away or peel off. I can feel again. Then i start to miss that old G chord and start to play it again. The caluses return, only this time they are harder and hurt more. I am now starting to realize that maybe the G chord isnt the best chord, and maybe i should learn a new one. So i keep up this cycle of playing and hurting, until i finally learn that new chord -- the open one with no possible threats. The caluses disappear for good and i'm healed.

Where does that leave me now? Without caluses and always having that G chord missing. Sometimes i wonder what would have happened had i stayed with the G chord? Would the hurting eventually go away? I guess i'll never know. Maybe this one part of the guitar was not meant to be the ruler of all the other parts.

So you may again ask what the heck is she talking about? Here's what i can say: There is something or someone in my past that i never quite finished with. I never got to the point where i felt like i can have closure. I never felt like i could just up and leave and just stop. What if i should have still followed my heart that way? And even now, can i really be over this point in my life? *sigh* i'm going back home this weekend...for one night, and i just don't want to bring back that confusion in my life, but its already back i guess...i'm thinking about it already and its only tuesday.

This has nothing to do with Winona, and mostly to do with Platteville. Those who read this, mostly Brandon, Jaime and Renata, you'll understand...but for others...just take it as life is hard to get over, and sometimes caluses are good...but when they are gone...it is most times better. So be thankful i guess that your caluses are gone.

Hope you all have a good rest of the week!

<>< Brini

NEWS FLASH!!

This just in:

As communicated in Winona, MN, and across the greater midwest area there has been reported a shortage of males! This shortage has been reported and confirmed by more than one female on the WSU campus. According to the latest survey, performed by countless hours of looking and searching, there are now only a few reported cases of single, honest, and smart men in the region. Brianne Otte a student at Winona State University claims that, "There is an aweful epidemic sweeping the campus! Every other guy is taken! Or Disinterested! Or gay! Well, more so gay in the Milwaukee area." What has caused this strange new standing? It is said to be caused by the ratio of girls to guys - that being seven girls to one guy. Can this be stopped? Meredith O'Neal, another student at WSU explains, "There is no cure. There are no guys out there. Its never going to end, and Brianne and myself are going to end up lonely old maids." Well, there you have it folks...two testimonies of the wretched condition taking over Winona. Good luck and God speed to all those single women out there...God will provide...SOMEHOW!



So as you can see...I'm having one of those weeks. The lonely ones where you just wish that God would reward your patience! But it seems that guys here...are taken. Just assume it. Or if they aren't taken and you show an interest...the interest isn't shown back. Unfortunatly for me, i'm too shy to ever say anything, so by just hoping and praying i feel useless. But i know God will provide, and he will bless me some day with someone...If only it was soon...

Have a good night, and to all my ladies: Hang in there...

<>< Brini

P.S. Um, FYI to all freshmen/sophomore students staying the dorms...nalgene bottles are NOT good places to store alcohol! WE KNOW!

Monday, October 11, 2004

Wireless Rocks My Face

So right now i'm sitting class listening to some guy with a buzz cut talk about being physically fit. But yeah i'm on the internet just chillin because i have a wireless laptop. So yeah, just thought i'd rub that in a bit :). Have a good day!

<>< Brin-dawg

Sunday, October 10, 2004

My life in a nut shell

Well, my life in a nut shell is no good.
Its small and cramped and smells like wood.
Its here in Winona, MN of all places!
I don't get out much to see the many faces...
My friends all live inside of a melon
i'm just stuck here in my shell, just gellin'
So there's my life in a nut shell
I know you're jealous, i can tell!

Hey everyone! this weekend was good, had a lot to do, and this week is only four days long! Hooray for fall break! Anyway i'm heading back to pville this weekend for a day and then its back the winona, for some fun with my residents' parents! YESSSSSSSS! Anyway, have a good week! Its going to be great!

P.S. If you want to see a really funny picture of Mark...let me know...(jaime this means you!)

Thursday, October 07, 2004

INVASION!

THIS JUST IN:

ASIAN BEETLES BACK. STOP. ATTACKING WINDOWS IN FULL FORCE. STOP. THEY BROUGHT ANOTHER SPECIES THIS YEAR. STOP. CALLED BOX ELDER BUGS. STOP. JUST AS DANGEROUS. STOP. MAYBE EVEN MAN EATING. STOP. THERE HAS ALSO BEEN AN OUTBREAK OF SPIDERS IN WINONA MINNESOTA. STOP. CITIZENS SHOULD FEAR FOR THEIR LIVES. STOP. STAY INDOORS. STOP. WEAR HAZ MAT SUITS IF AVAILABLE. STOP. GO TO WISCONSIN FOR SAFETY OR IF YOU WANT TO BE COOL. STOP. OVER AND OUT. STOP.

Okay, so i don't know if anyone esle has noticed but the stupid bugs are back! Grrr, maybe its just a stupid Minnesota thing, which if it is that case, then i would understand, because Minnesota is dumb. But i thought i'd warn you if you haven't heard yet!

Also, i just want to say for the record that clipping a carabeaner to one's eye is painful YET wicked cool. You should try it! ;) Anyway, jaime...you rock, and so does John! Fo sheezy my neezy!

<>< Brini

Wednesday, October 06, 2004

Um, derrrrrr......

Note to Self:

When eating applesauce and studying...highlighter is not the same as a spoon, and should not be put in mouth. Pay Attention next time!

Yeah, go ahead and laugh it up...just wait until you're studying with a sucker! HA!

<>< Brini

Sunday, October 03, 2004

Feels Like Home to Me...

Hey Everyone! So i just went home for the first time in 6 weeks. It was GREAT and amazing and i'm so happy that i had that opportunity! I missed my family like crazy, and we were ALL there. It was awesome! Here's some random thoughts on home though:

You know when you go home and you walk in the doors and you smell that house/home smell? you know, the one that smells like laundry and apple crisp and soap and cat pee and home! Oh, i just love that smell, well not the cat pee, but you get used to it...hahahaha only kidding! I got to smell it all weekend and i came back to school today and i smelled it on me. It was one of the greatest feelings...smelling like home again!

Or you know when you just can't stand it when you lose at Mario Kart for the 16th time, but you love it when you and your siblings are hanging out. Even if your brother keeps reminding you that you suck at this game...and that you are the only one that hasn't won a game yet. Thanks Brandon...i love you anyway!

Or when you are about to get ready to get into your car, and you give everyone a hug, but you don't want to let go because you love your family so much! That feeling like i know i'll see you again, but i can't speak because i'm on the verge of tears from saying goodbye.

Ahhhh, home. What could be better (oh i know...seeing my best friend at home too, but she wasn't there this weekend)? Thank you Lord for blessing me with such an amazing family and friends!!

Tuesday, September 28, 2004

Sharpening my saw....?

Hey Everyone! So my hall director tells us we need to sharpen our saws. We have saws? i don't know about you, but i'm pretty sure that i don't....but just sit tight, and we'll figure this out together!

When i first arrived back at WSU this fall, people were speaking of "sharpening their saws." I was like, what the heck? Am i going to get killed this year by my co-workers? Are they going to saw me in half while i sleep? Do i need to always carry a set of spoons too, so we can start a hick band? I was quite confused. So i decided to look up this concept on the internet. Here's what i found:

- Pride Saw Supply --> Sharpen prices..."Mention you 'saw' us on the internet and get 10% off your next blade."
- Log Home links --> Chainsaw tips...??
- Wellgrounded --> How to maintain your chainsaw

I have to admit, after reading these, i feared for my life. I was definatly going to be cut into pieces while i was asleep. Better call the funeral home right now to reserve a closed casket for the fact that i'll be IN PIECES!!!

So while our training continued earlier this fall, i was scared. None of the other RA's seemed to afraid, or maybe they were just prepared. Or maybe they had chainsaws too!! So one day, we had a talk...about...dun dun DUN! "Sharpening our Saws." Now, i was scared, but came back seemingly relaxed, and well adjusted. This concept isn't really about saws at all. Its about time matinenance and relaxation. Silly me...just took the lexical meaning of the phrase.

So what's with the saw?? Well, this weekend i'm going home, and i must say that i'm going to sharpen my saw like mad! i need time to just chill with the fam and sit with my cats and be at peace. Even if it is just a weekend...i'm looking forward to it so much!! Plus, i'll be near the world's largest M again. I was having withdrawl. Yes, i said the world's largest M...as in the LETTER "M" -- don't dis it until you see it!

So i just wanted to warn my family that i'm not going to cut them up this weekend, but rather relax and live the good life when i'm home. As for the rest of you...maybe you should think about sharpening your proverbial saw!

<>< Brini

Saturday, September 25, 2004

Yo G-ma, i can knit too!

Hey! So i just learned how to knit. Simple knitting of course, so no afgan orders yet, thanks! But i'm learning from my very skilled teacher Bjorn. He's quite the knitter! It was fun to learn...but here's some advice...don't get a teacher that laughs at you because there's a hole in your "masterpiece." But its cool, so if you need a scarf...ask me in like 10 years...then maybe i'd be able to hook you up...but just bracelets for now!

Oh, also, everyone be safe this weekend...its homecoming here, and i imagine its going to be the same at others' schools shortly...just be careful...i worry, and i care about you all!

<>< Brini

Tuesday, September 21, 2004

Ah...life in the bluffs...where you can't see anything

Hey Everyone...just reminding you that this weekend is Homecoming (at least at the amazing WSU campus!). We all go out to watch a parade that lasts half an hour. This by the way is the highlight of the weekend! Then after this we all tend to tailgate at local fenders as if they were a feat so huge that no one could find it anywhere else besides in a football stadium parking lot. Then we all head over to the football game. We watch our beloved WSU football studs whomp the living crap out of each other. Which by the way would explain the sort of academic state these kids are in...6 foot 5 and 280 lbs...and nothing but empty muscle...kind of like walking steaks...Then a large majority go out to party hardy while i'm on house arrest in my beloved dormatory. I like to think of it as a non-paid babysitting job where the kids never go to sleep and throw up all over the place. Only, this "house" is haunted! So as you can see, i have quite the weekend planned...yeah, you better believe it.

On another "lighter" note...sometimes i just don't feel cool. I don't know if i ever really am considered cool, but sometimes i even just look at myself and think, man, what a dork. But then i realize that i really like dorks, therefore i'm okay with it. But i'm reminded of the movie school of rock...the tall and remarkably talented asian kid says, "i'm not coo(l) enough." That is me...a big ole kid who can't talk and calls herself "not coo(l)."

Have a good rest of the week...i know i w....(i'll let you guess what i'll say there!)

<>< Brini

Saturday, September 18, 2004

Mac and Cheese

Hey Everyone...this one's a little deep now...so watch out and get your waders on! So i have another stupid analogy. I feel i can relate my life to things like finding nemo, kayaking and now mac and cheese better than any other sort of communication...

So you know when you make mac and cheese, you can't wait until you get to eat it? Because mac and cheese is supposed to be the greatest meal ever (and don't get me wrong...i'm a big fan...just go with me here). Well, imagine if when you reached the time with you add all the other ingredients...the milk, the butter, the cheese. You are stirring it and can see the masterpiece before you and you think, i'm going to eat this forever because i love mac and cheese so much! So you take a big bite and can hardly stand how good of a cook you are. Well, let's say in this batch there is a hard noodle. You know, the ones that hurt your teeth and you can hardly stand to chew anymore. But you think to yourself, self, its okay...its mac and cheese, it will get better. So you keep on chomping away, but all of a sudden, you bite into a hot dog. You're older brother slipped a cold nasty cheese-filled hot dog in your one and only mac and cheese. Major speed bump on the road to finishing the greatest invention ever made...but you keep eating. Next you are thinking...hmm, its not bed time yet, why am i flossing? And you realize its a piece of hair in your delicacy. I don't know about you, but at this point this meal has lost all hope of ever being good again. And due to a strange psychology term called conditioning, you are now unable to eat mac and cheese ever again because there has been so many nasty obstacles that you'd rather eat spam than finish this.

Why did i go on and on about mac and cheese? No, not to make you vomit but for this reason: Sometimes in life when we think we have something as reliable as this noodle and dairy mixture we just tend to think that it will always be there forever. However, when things come, and people enter the picture it changes. No more calls, no more thoughts of going back to the old days when there was just the two of you. There are other people that interupt. And you know, sometimes hot dogs can be good in mac and cheese, and so can other people in our lives. Its just hard when its not the same as it was before, and you realize that you've been replaced. Its hard to handle.

However, day by day, you learn to appreciate a new meal, a new appetite such as Chef Boyardee or Ramen. As do we with the new things in our lives...never really going back to that same old place but always remembering how delicious and yummy that was. This is for someone, so i hope they hear it, and understand where i'm coming from. To everyone else...go get some mac and cheese while you still like it!

Bounce. <>< Brini

Thursday, September 16, 2004

Tests are for wusses

Hey Everyone...i've decided that we should bring back the boycott, and that we should boycott tests. DOWN WITH TESTS!! Yes, they can measure how well you can fill in a scantron square, bubble thing, but certainly cannot measure the knowledge of a person. I mean, yeah, maybe a skills test that you show what you learned, but nothing like...hey read this chapter and we'll test your reading skills because we're back in the second grade! NO! I've got a test for test givers:

What does it mean when i bang both my fists together twice in a row? Huh? HUH?

Sorry if this offends anyone, but in real life, there are all sorts of tests, but none that require you to fill in A,B,C,D or E of a green scantron sheet. The tests in life are like, my friend is cheating on her green scantron and she wants me to pipe down about it...what should i do? Fill in A. NO! It will work itself out, and if you get it wrong it doesn't add a little pink slash mark next to the number you got wrong...it just makes you more prepared for the next time by making you realize.

Anyway, the boycott starts Sept 2012 when i am done with med school and have taken my Med Boards tests, then i'll stop...but i'm a wuss, and here i go to study for my stupid tests tomorrow. Boo tests....boooooooooooooooo....

<>< Brini

Tuesday, September 14, 2004

Sidewalks and Raindrops

Sidewalks and raindrops are one of my favorite things. You know when you watch it rain and the raindrops look like little people running away from what can only be described as a horrific accident or giant gorilla coming after them. But no, these are neither little people nor huge gorillas, alas, they are only raindrops pitter pattering on the sidewalks, but what a story you can create!

So today i started my job at Beno's. No, not a mexican restaurant or villa, its a small hometown deli that plays classical music. Its a great job because i work at the cash register for two hours, and then get to make myself a wonderfully delictable sandwich for free. I get free glass bottled root beer. I also get to work for only 4 hours a week. What can be better? And no, i don't think working at the avalon qualifies as better. But Jaime sounds like she's got a sweet deal in Mil-town...but we'll hash it out to see who wins! I kid, i kid...

Speaking of root beer....Isn't glass bottled root beer the best? Sure, getting the can is good too, but nothing beats a good ol' bottle of rum, er, root beer. I kid, i kid, but in all seriousness, i do enjoy the old beer flavored root. I have yet to try it in a keg, so sorry to pass judgements so fast!

Well, i hope you all enjoyed the rain like i did, and if you didn't look for the little men in the rain while drinking glass bottled root beer today, then i suggest visiting weather.com and seeing when it will rain next and enjoy this amazing yet timeless spectacle of life!

<>< Brini

Sunday, September 12, 2004

Kayaking = I like

Picture this:

The rushing river flowing beside me. Waves of cold, hard water passing between my toes. My ship is about ready to set sail, but i am apprehensive to get aboard. What if the current is too swift and i can't keep myself up right? What if i fall out and get carried away by the water? Even so, i get aboard, and shove off. At first its a little shaky, but nevertheless, it is an adventure! Rushing waters pass by me, but i'm safe in my lifeboat. I feel the splashes from the paddle on my face, but it is a refreshing feeling of cool safe water. The water carries me along the river, and i just trust that it will take me to where i need to go. I have faith...

So i went kayaking yesterday, and it was an amazing experience. We went on the mighty mississippi and it was GORGEOUS! The bluffs surrounded us in their majestic way. It was nice to have a kayak to myself because then i could have some alone time with God and nature. The river is a great place to sort things out...to have God speak to you, because its quiet and he is just speaking to you, no homework, jobs, people to distract you from the goal you are setting out on. He is like the river, he's safe and takes you where you are supposed to end up. It may be rough waters at times, but you can't depend on your own strength to get you through. You have to use the strength of the boat, and the pull of the water to carry you through. Even if you fall out, you can get back up again, he doesnt take you down river to never return, he pulls you back up and lets you "empty" out your kayak and start over. See, isn't God great?

Anyway, i hope you all get to experience a trip like this sometime...i know i enjoyed myself...and God's company too! Peace out!

<>< Brini

Friday, September 10, 2004

Duty....hahahahahaha

So i met someone named Bjorn. He's a talll tall man who likes the band Pedro the Lion. I like this Bjorn for that mere fact. He is tall. He wears glasses and doesn't remember my name...even though i've told him about 50 times. That's all, i bet none of you know someone named Bjorn! HA! BA!

<>< Brini

Wednesday, September 08, 2004

Hmmmm, smells phishy....

Ode to a Phish:

Oh, if i were a fish...
i'd be a dish
and all other fish
could only hope and wish
that they were this fish
the one that's a dish.
I'd name myself Phish
and make my tail go swish, swish, swish...
Oh, if i were a Phish...

O o . <><

Tuesday, September 07, 2004

God is good all the time, and all the time, God is good!

Hey Everyone, i just wanted to wish you a B-E-A-U-tiful Tuesday. God has shown me so many amazing things this year...today i got a job, well two to be exact. I'm working at a sk-ater place, and then at a deli...kind of random, but i love it! I'm so excited too...so i just wanted to say that God rocks my face, and so do all of you! Hope ya'll have a good day!

<>< Brini

Monday, September 06, 2004

Laboring, Laboring, Laboring...

Hey Ya'll Ya'll...I just wanted to say Happy Labor Day to all. May you labor away as your fathers and Grandfathers did like their fathers and grandfathers...(?) May each of you labor away on homework and studying as I am on Anatomy and Phisiology, which is a labor of love, but a labor none the less. Go Labor Day!

<>< Brini

Saturday, September 04, 2004

Ho Hum

Well this is my first ever blog entry. I have to admit that i'm a little anxious to start this blog deal-e-o. I mean, I get anxious for anything and everything under the sun, but this is a little ridonkulous. And yes ridonkulous is a made up word. So here we go. I may not be as elequent as my dear brother Brandon, nor as random as my best friend Jaime, however, i will try my best.

This is the start of my second year of college. Sometimes i feel as if i'm a little kid in swimming lessons. They are so afraid of the water, but act brave because mom and aunt joan are sitting on the side watching me get myself wet in order to stay afloat when i'm drowning like a huge chunk of cement torn from a sidewalk. I have to get in because mom is paying for this so called teaching experience, but i'm terrified of this huge blue abyss. Just do this and you'll float. Just let the water take you, it will be fine. Its easier said than done. All these other kids are thrown in with me, but some are natural born swimmers and some are worse off than yours truly. i would catagorize myself as an arm flapper...doing whatever because that's what ya gotta do.

Anyway, what's with the water? Well, you'd think being thrown in for the second time would be different, you'd know how to float and to kick to the surface so you don't die a cold and wet death. But sometimes it takes a while to get used to the water that you've left. Its colder than before, deeper and harder to stay afloat. Yet, we are forced to make the most of the chlorinated liquid and just go. This year is going to be great, but it takes a while to get started, is what i'm trying to say. And this year, i feel as if i'm the kid who broke his leg and now is afraid to put the leg that was broken in the water.

If this made any sense to you, kudos...at least someone can leap into my random brain. But i'll let you all go this time. Good luck with school, and the new year...and as the turtle says in Finding Nemo...Koo Koo Ka Choo, back to the big blue. Peace Out


<>< Brini