Introduction

       So, I've been grounded for almost 4 weeks (this coming Friday, it will have been 4 weeks), meaning no Facebook, no cellphone, no friends.  At work I can still communicate to a certain extent, making being grounded more bearable.  Once the 4 weeks are up, I will have access to Facebook once more, but I will still be without a cellphone and will still be grounded from hanging out with school friends in town.  But, I have noticed the past three weeks without distractions such as the latest juicy gossip or contact with boys, I have read 3 books!  Holy crap.  Also, I have discovered a new interest in my Bible and the plans God has for me.
       Out of the three books, one had a very interesting and relatable topic; I Kissed Dating Goodbye by Joshua Harris.  I guess you could say that I am (or was) boy crazy.  I would wake up in the morning and get ready and find the perfect outfit or do my makeup as perfect as possible all in the hopes of catching a boy's attention.  Not only that, but wherever I went I searched for a 'potential boyfriend'.  At school, at church, at the mall.  Also, I was addicted to communicating with my friends and boys at school.  My phone allowed me to not only text (unlimited plan), but it also had a Facebook application.  So, yes, if a boy wanted to contact me, he could.  That's how available (and desperate) I was.  But, a week after my "sentence", my older sister suggested that I read I Kissed Dating Goodbye.  Seeing as I suddenly had all this time on my hands, I thought what the heck? and gave Joshua Harris a try.
       Throughout the next few blogs I will elaborate on my experience reading his wonderful and compelling read and explain how one simple book changed my viewpoint not only on dating, but on how I will live my high school life.
-Janelle Standcumbe