What It's Like to Be 'Britney'.

And Blast Off...

So it'd been a while. I'd been busy finishing those exams and finalising the album, getting ready for the whole preparation of the release and what will really happen and how I'll have to promote it and what not.

Fast forward to October 23rd, 1998... I was shocked. Extremely shocked. Excited too actually. The time had gone so quick. It had been so hard for me to keep up with the last few months as these months, were actually a pretty big deal for me... I couldn't wait any longer though ('Lord Have Mercy!'). It was pretty crazy to process through my mind actually, the day was finally here. The release date of my first ever single '...Baby One More Time'. I had a song which was out to buy in stores. Nobody could even understand what was going through my mind at this time. My head was all over the place, but of course in a good way. After living a life in such a small town and thinking I would never be able to do what I love to do as I get older... it's so relieving that I can now think different. As anybody didn't know me, I could still go out living a normal life. I lived in the same old Kentwood so it was nothing to get excited over/ about. Me and my family popped out to get some groceries from the nearest Walmart which was about half an hour away... it was so chaotic and complicated having such a long car journey just for a supermarket. It may sound short, but it was not with my sister crying how she left her porcelain doll in the backyard down my ear constantly every time we went.

But you'd never guess what I heard on the radio on the way up there? Yes. My song. ...Baby One More Time. This was an insane moment for me and my family, we were all screaming. The thought of having my own solo song on the radio where loads of people can tune in and listen to, is mind blowing and just doesn't seem real. I couldn't take it all in. Then my sister finally shut up and questioned, "So is this what happens to Mariah Carey?". Oh Jamie-Lynn can be so funny at times - but that one definitely left us all in hysterics. It was just so random. I love her so much. My brother Bryan repetitively said, "I knew you were going to do me proud one day sis, and I think today's that day." I burst into tears of joy. This was the best way to celebrate hearing your own song on the radio for the first time ever. I was left speechless for the rest of the day. I was buzzed up.

...January 12th, 1999 - this was the release date of my debut album. I could not be more thrilled. Everything was so perfect for me at the moment. I was officially loving life as a young, 17 year old. I went into my local music store and as soon as I saw my CD, I grabbed a copy and bought it. And yes, with no hesitation. I was then shouted by the other customers, "Hey, is that Britney Spears?!" I nervously but courageously said, "Yes it is. I see my CD in your hands guys. How sweet of you? Aw! Thank you. I will sign it for you guys if you want? Would you like that?" With no time to think about this moment myself, they all confidently screamed "Yes!". I exited the shop as humble as can be with my new lifestyle just at its beginning. My family waited nervously in the car as soon as they saw that I had to handle that situation like a professional. "Guys, I think I managed that situation pretty well, I'm so proud. I'm so happy!?"

How could this be? I'd never been in such a positive mood/ atmosphere in my whole entire life if I'm being completely honest.

2 weeks later, and ...Baby One More Time was at the top of the charts still. And yes, both album and single - I am so lucky! Wow... surely this couldn't of happened to anybody else, I mean... could it? From this point and onwards, I felt like this was the legitimate start of my career. My goal/ motive was 'Upwards And Onwards'.