Driving Test

       Dear Readers, My apologies for the lack of post lately. I have been very busy with school and honestly this blog has been pushed to the back burner. I do have some exciting news though :I officially have a boyfriend (as of about 30 min ago)! Whoop whoop!
       I also passed my driving test on Thursday. My Advice On That:
1. Keep calm
2. Be familiar with the vehicle you will be testing in.
3. Practice what you have trouble with - you can practice parallel parking at the DMV
4. Know that you can do it- If you have ever seen License to Drive then you will be relived to know that your test will be as easy as Natalie's test.
      I promise it is not going to be bad at all.Good luck to those taking your driving tests soon and for those that my be facing other test I wish you the best luck in all your endeavors. Good Bless.
P.S. have a safe and sober Labor Day Weekend :)

Not Much Time

    I don't have much to say today and thats mostly because I'm more worried about the homework I received on THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL! Seriously teachers, I still need time to adjust to just going back to school, no need to throw homework into the mix. So even though I am running out of time here are a few of my strategies for time management and keeping up with your homework.

1. Write it Out
-write what you have to do, when it needs to be done by and how you plan on doing it.
A calendar or agenda are always helpful and keep deadlines in sight.

2. What is Really Important
- Get the stuff due tomorrow and before lunch done. If you are really running out of time lunch time is a great time to finish up those worksheets due in 8th period.  I don't suggest always doing your homework that day but for the days that seem a little short this can help you get that assignment done.

3.  Do it ALL at Once
- i have a bad habit of finishing an assignment and thinking " oh I'll just reward myself with one little episode of Criminal Minds" and then I watch 4 more episodes and don't get to my other assignments. If possible sit down in a quiet area and get all your work done, if you need to reward yourself avoid the TV and try a snack or even walking around the room.

Sorry for such a rushed post. Please excuse grammatical and spelling errors that i don't have time to go back and look for.  So get of the internet and go do your homework:)

School Tomorrow

        I don't know about anyone else but I am very ready for school to begin. I like the structure and the routine but thats just me. The only way to start the school year is on a good note and I've compiled a list of tips to help you start the year on fire!

1. Pre Plan your Outfit and Hair

-this minimizes stress the first morning of school and helps you get rolling. I never feel fully awake until I'm out of my PJ's and not having to choose an outfit while in a zombie like trance gets me out of my funk faster. 

2. Only Take the Basics

-the first day of school is really just a meet and great. Take an notebook to keep notes on teacher expectations, needed supplies, and whatever else you might need to remember. There is really no need to bring every pen, pencil, folder, binder, and notebook you own. A pen and a notebook, thats it.

3. Have a Plan

- to avoid any awkward standing around make a plan with your friends the night before and set up a meeting place.

4. Don't Be The Shy Awkward Kid.
- take to the people in your classes, get out there and meet new people. You will be spending all year with theses people so start out right and make a good impression.

5. Set Goals
-set goals for this year and if you are able to complete them reward yourself. Don't be unreasonable with your goals but its is always good to try and get a step up.

6. Be Yourself
- be confident in yourself and don't be afraid to get out there. This year is going to be what you make it, so go out and have a great year.


P.S. Don't forget your old friends while making new ones. Making new friends in new classes can be exciting but you have to remember the people that are true to you. Your lasting friends are the ones that will carry you through high school and help you when you need help the most.

Prince Charming

           Sorry for such a late post today. My soon to be boyfriend took me shopping, that's right,shopping. I am a lucky girl! And I say "soon to be" because he is waiting to officially ask my parents if he can formally date me. He is a gentleman and I am so thankful he is mine. Ever girl deserves to be appreciated and adored. My prayer for all the teen girls reading this is that you find someone that truly cares for you and that you understand that God has a plan for you. That plan will work itself out in His time not your's. I promise Prince Charming is out there.

P.S. please leave comments and/or questions. Also feel free to follow this blog.

Cody Story- No More Fear

          I often take Cody to church with me because we attend a small church and Cody loves visiting the children's ministry. Last Sunday after the service a young mom and her 5 year old daughter came to greet Cody. The little girl had a fresh scar over her left eye and the mother explained to me that she had recently been attacked by a dog. The woman wanted her daughter to overcome her fear of dogs and thought Cody would be the perfect dog to help her daughter do that. Unfortunately the little girl refused to have anything to do with Cody and left. I was very disappointed because I believe dogs are put on this earth to provide healing and comfort and this little girl only saw dogs as a creature of pain and fear. I don't think anyone should have to go through life fearing "Man's Best Friend".
        While Cody continued to delight the other children with his mild manner, interesting tricks, and overall fluffiness, I watched the little girl with the scar sitting across the room watching Cody. She eventually left her chair and slowly made her way across the room, stopping often to just stare at Cody. When she finally made it to me most of the other children had left with their parents and Cody was dozing on the floor. She softly asked if she could pet my dog and after many reassurances that Cody wouldn't move or hurt her she began petting my dog. By the time the little girl's mother found her she was laying on the floor hugging and talking to Cody.
         I was so proud of this little girl for overcoming her fears and for doing it all on her own. I had been very surprised when she approached Cody without her mother and was delighted to see the doubt and fear slip from her face. I am also very proud of my Cody for some how knowing that all this little girl need was for him to lay there and look as much like a teddybear as possible. I didn't have to direct him in any way, he knew that in order to help that little girl he needed to lay down and not move(he never moved the entire time, he didn't even turn his head to see who was touching and hugging him). I believe Cody was in church that day for one purpose only and that was to help began to heal that little girl and only God can plan a meeting like that.

First Post

        This being my first post I want to share a few thing with my readers. My name is Brookell, not Cody. Cody is my dog and you will probably hear a lot about him. Cody is a certified therapeutic service dog so I have lots of awesome heart warming stories. I also have a pet rat Picasso and am currently raising a goat for FFA. I very much enjoy reading, running and refashioning. Therefore this blog will be a mixture of Cody stories, book reviews, refashion projects, and how I survive my everyday life as an everyday teen:) I hope you enjoy this blog and that it offers some advice, a little humor, and a few heartwarming stories.Have a blessed day and please stay tuned for more posts.
 P.S. please feel free to follow this blog and post comments.