Good family life is never an accident but always an achievement by those who share it.

A nice quote by James H. Bossard. I figured a quote about family for the title was appropriate, since this entire post became about family. Before I go on...

WARNING: This will be long.

Now that that's out of the way...it's been a while since I last updated, so I figured it was about time.

These past couple of weeks have been great...I love being home, spending time with friends and family that I don't get to see in Jacksonville. Last Saturday, I had a Christmas party with a bunch of friends from high school, and I had so much fun catching up with them. I'm hoping that it will always be a Christmas tradition here in Apopka. I took a lot of pictures, but left my camera cord at home, so it'll be another week or so before I can get some pictures up.

Granddaddy came down Sunday and just left this morning. I love having him here and being able to sit and talk with him about anything and everything. He just left this morning, and while I wish he could stay longer, I know he likes being home. But who doesn't?

Christmas Eve was quiet...after dinner at my house, Ross and I went to his house for Part 2 of Christmas-Eve-Dinner and present opening at his house. His mom's side of the family was all there, and it was nice to see them all. I love being home because I love getting to spend time with my family AND Ross' family...well, I guess I should say my extended family! They always make me feel at home and a part of the family...just one of the reasons I love them!

Christmas, of course, was the highlight of the week. Not because of the presents or the food (although those were both awesome!), but because of the time I got to spend with my family and with Ross' family. Late Christmas morning, Aunt Phyl, Uncle Clyde, and Kathleen came, and then a little later, Melissa, Brittany, Jason, Uncle George, Aunt Marsha, and Grammie came over. This time of year always makes me remember how important family is, and no matter how much I fight with my sister and disagree with my parents (which is actually very rare now that I'm older), they're still my family and I can't imagine my life without them. Friends may come and go, but family is forever. (And as I say this, I'd like to also say how lucky and thankful I am that I have friends that ARE my family...I<3 you guys!)

Christmas night, Ross and I went to his Grandma's house for dinner and presents with his dad's side of the family. That's the side that is really big...present opening took practically two hours (of course, they DO open presents one at a time, one person at a time.) I'm sure it didn't help that in the the middle of the festivities, the boys on one side of the room and the girls on the other got into a paper-ball fight...I think the girls won :-D

Uncle Clyde, Aunt Phyl, and Kathleen spent the night on Christmas, and then the next morning we woke up and did some shopping. It was about that time that I began to feel pretty weak and sick...and then the past day or so I've spent in bed, drinking cold syrup and crocheting my tail off. I love being able to take something my Grammie taught me and use it.

Having three generations in one house made me realize how precious time spent with family is. It was also interesting to watch everyone and know that no matter how many years go by, Granddaddy with always be my mom and Aunt Phyl's dad, just like my mom and Aunt Phyl will always be moms. Granddaddy would sit and give my mom advice, who would turn around and give me advice. No matter how old you get, you're never too old to listen to someone older. I love spending with people like my grandfather, my aunt and uncle, and my parents, because they treat me like the adult I am (or am becoming), and at the same time, will not hesitate to give me advice on areas they have already encountered and on lessons they have already learned. While I may not always take what they give me (because we all have to learn lessons the hard way once in a while), I will always appreciate their words of wisdom....no matter how outdated it may be :-]

Saturday...which I guess is tomorrow...Aunt Phyl and Uncle Clyde are attending the funeral of a close family friend. After that, they're coming here for a couple of days, which I'm really happy about. I know they'll be in need of some comfort, and they're in luck because we have a whole lot of that around here. I love spending time with them, and I hope that Ross and I will get to spend more time with them in St. Augustine this next semester..

To sort of conclude this long post, I'd like to say one more thing about family, going back to what I said about the Hobson family and how hospitable they are. Not long after Ross and I started dating, when it was clear how we felt for each other and when we saw our future together, we were each welcomed into the others' family. We each gained another mom and dad, another family, and we both realized how important it was and always will be that we make time for each family. The holidays always remind me of this, of how important it is to spend time with everyone. Because this season is not about presents, it's about family and friends. It's about looking past differences, getting over little problems, and spending time with the people you love.

So I hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas and, if I don't talk to you before then, a Happy New Year!

Spears drama...only this time it ISN'T Britney.

http://omg.yahoo.com/jamie-lynn-spears-says-shes-pregnant/news/4928

This is ridiculous. When will Britney Spears realize what a horrible role model she is? Quite possibly never, but maybe now that her little sister is pregnant at the same time as her, she'll take a step back and analyze her own life. I can't even grasp this. RIDICULOUS. I want someone to publicly call the Spears' out and say what horrible people they are. WHY won't someone do it??? We all know it, and until someone steps up and announces it, Britney and her family will live in a bubble, thinking that they're perfect, that they can do whatever the hell they please, and that they aren't responsible for any of their problems....I'm preeeetty sure their mom is the root of all the trouble, but I'm absolutely sure that she isn't the sole cause. Maybe if she had taught them to keep their legs closed, or at LEAST to be safe and not stupid, we'd have a lot less idiocracy. But now they're adding two more to their clan...maybe these will be mildly intelligent.

On a more positive note, I got all A's this semester. :-]

And here are some happy pictures of actual intelligent people (unlike the Spears)...my family!

These are actually from last...february, I think. But I just found them on the home computer, so I thought I'd post them. Yayyyy...

Anyways, just thought I'd share all this information with whoever actually reads my blog. I know it started off pretty ugly, but I hope the pictures at the end wrapped the whole post up on a positive note (-:

Much love <3

Do not pass Go, do not collect $200.

After playing about a million games of computer Monopoly, I finally won! I think it's because I used the dog instead of the wheelbarrow. Yep. That's probably why.

Anyways, so Allyson, Melissa, and I made cheese fondue tonight with sliced apples, carrots, and bread as dippers. It was deliciously amazing. Then we went Christmas-light-looking for a little, but there weren't any really impressive houses. Just a lot of houses with blow-up Santa's and snowglobes. I hate those things.

I'm so glad this semester is over. One week of exams and then Christmas. I have an exam every day next week, except on Friday. I plan on leaving Thursday to go home. Preeettty excited :-)

Ok, picture time:

Ross, probably 2005. Playing guitar with Johnny and the Moondogs, a local band. He might be upset that I put this up here, but I just found it and I think it's cute. :-)

I am only available between 8:30 and 9 in the morning because I have a life.

I just watched Raising Helen. I'm such a sucker for happy endings :-]

http://www.jacksonpollock.org/

I do not like Pollock's work, for what I hope are obvious reasons. I understand why he and his paintings are famous, but that still does not change the fact that I do not like it. I just wish that I could paint like a five year old and become famous and rich...only I want the famous and rich part to happen while I'm alive. Anyways, that being said, here is a fun website (and a great way to waste time) that I just stumbled upon. I was looking for a fun website to put up and this one is the first I found. Click to change colors...and have fun!

Thanksgiving? No, Abby!

This was going a Thanksgiving-picture-post...but I decided to make it into an Abby-post with a little bit of chocolate at the end :]

Abby lays in some pretty strange places and positions sometimes.

A box of Zephyrhills water? Oh, I thought you said a box of Zephyrhills kitty!

My bed is verrrry comfy. According to Abby.
Allyson hates cats. Abby loves Allyson, though.
This is right before she tried to eat the very large spider at Grammie's. Goood cat :]
And these were my attempt at making Pecan Turtles. They came out pretty good and very delicious.

When you think happiness :]

Two classes tomorrow and then I'm off! I'm looking forward to a little break, but I know I have so much I have to get done over the Thanksgiving holiday that I'm afraid there won't be much relaxing. So much reading and writing and crap to do...

This past weekend was a lot of fun. Allyson and I went to Gainesville and to the game. Always fun :] On the way home Sunday, we stopped by the Waldo Flea Market, and I am now in love. With a Flea Market. It was so cool! I bought two Christmas presents for people, accidentally bought a bootlegged CD for $5, and a knock-off Coach wallet for $10. Sweeeet! I'm hoping we'll all go on Saturday morning...sound good?

I made Pecan Turtles tonight to bring tomorrow for the Hobson's. They weren't very hard, and I think they'll turn out ok. The chocolate turned out a little melty, but I think it'll harden overnight. Or at least I hope so. They look pretty at least!

Why can't I own a Canadian?

There's been a man preaching on the green for the past week or so. He's pretty radical. Allyson said she heard him talking about how his wife submits to him, because that's what the bible says. Then today, Ross and I were walking to his dorm and preacher-man starts yelling about how all lesbians hate God. That's a pretty bold statement to make...so, in light of this, I've decided to post this site that I Stumbled upon a few months ago.

http://www.humanistsofutah.org/2002/WhyCantIOwnACanadian_10-02.html

Too cute.

http://www.cuteaddict.com/2007/02/index.html

Cutest pictures ever. That link goes to pictures from February of this year...it's one of the cuter months :] Actually...I take that back...they're all cute. But start there. Oh, and whoever runs the site also puts up random pictures of desserts, mainly cupcakes...which is a delicious bonus. If only I could have one...Yum.

:]

Last week was way too long and stressful. I had two tests back to back on Friday, and I study my tail off all week. Friday morning, I woke up feeling sick to my stomach, a feeling that went away soon after taking my tests :-/ Unfortunately, I don't think I did very well on either. We will see, though.

Wednesday I was pretty frustrated because I bought a lot of awesome candy to give to trick-or-treaters, and NOT ONE came to my door. I was very upset. I still am very upset. I do not like small children anymore. Unless they are on toast....which brings me to another frustrating part of Halloween - no Hocus Pocus! I couldn't find it anywhere. This Halloween sucked. Next year, I plan on being in Apopka and going trick-or-treating myself. Forget being an adult and giving out candy. Forgettttt it.

This weekend Melissa and I went to Gainesville for the game. Friday night, Kira and I went to Gator Growl, which was fun, but very inappropriate and offensive at times. If Lynyrd Skynyrd hadn't been playing at the very end, I think I would have left. Not cool, Gators, not cool. But the game on Saturday was pretty awesome. Winning, in general, is pretty awesome :]

Go Gators!

A break from studying...

To say that I hate stupid girls. Especially the ones who come to class and talk throughout the entire lecture. My badddd, I thought we were all here to learn....Today, this girl in one of my classes, who ALWAYS talks and NEVER pays attention, actually tried to take notes. But, she's a moron, and couldn't keep up with the lecture, so she yelled out, "Can you go slower??" Everyone looked at her like, are you serious? And the teacher said, basically, no, the notes are on Blackboard, and she could get them off of there. Then the girl looks down and mutters something like, "Well, I'm just trying to do good on the test..." What! Are you kidding me? Maybe if you didn't talk throughout every class, you WOULD do well on the test. But, as previously stated, she's a moron, and about 15 minutes after this incident, she started talking to her freaking BFF Jill (who, of course, is also a moron).

I'm so aggravated. Why even come to class if you aren't going to pay attention? You aren't learning anything! Stop wasting everyone's time and distracting the people who are actually there to learn. I've got to say, also, that every stupid girl that has annoyed me in the past few weeks has been a sorority girl. Which makes me hate sororities. I'm sure there are plenty of decent, intelligent girls in sororities who I could possibly be friends with. But so far, I haven't exactly met one.

Edit: By in sororities, I mean currently in sororities. And no one in my family...they are immune to the stupidity. :]

Whhhyyy!

Yesterday was my birthday, and despite the fact that around 3pm I started feeling sick, it was a pretty decent day. Nothing really went on during the day. Ross and I went to Carraba's for dinner, and that was really nice. He got me a birthday present, too, even though I told him not to. A cute new Vera purse :]

Today I woke up feeling horrible so I didn't go to my classes. Which I feel pretty guilty about, but then I remember how much everything hurts when I move, and I get over it. Ross brought me Gatorade and Green Tea this afternoon and then just hung out with me for a while. That made me feel better. I took a nap after he left, and now I'm back to feeling bad. I wish there was an instant way to get rid of colds. I can't be sick, I want to be able to go home this weekend. Nooo fair.

I realized today that I have a Sociology test next Wednesday, and a History test next Friday, and now I'm starting to stress out a little. I know, I have a week...but this is just how I work, I suppose. The more I freak out, the better I do. Whatever works, right?

So since I'm sick, we'll throw this website out there...
http://www.lacetoleather.com/safnatcur.html
It's Safe Natural Cures for pretty much whatever you have. I'm going to browse it now and maybe find something to help me feel better.

Mr. Rogers, a Weasely, and a Crybaby in my apartment.

This was a greaaaat birthday weekend! I'm so happy that everyone got to come to Jacksonville to help me celebrate my birthday. Thank you to everyone I saw this weekend - you made it awesome!

Friday night we went to TGIFridays. Two words - deliciously amazing. Saturday we toured UNF, and then that night I had my birthday party which was so much fun. Then today was all about relaxing.

Anniversary

Today is Ross and my two year anniversary. <3 Yayyy. We celebrated this past weekend, and it was awesommmee. On Friday while I was in class, Ross got the key from Melissa and left flowers for me. Friday night we went out to dinner with Melissa and Jason, and Saturday Ross took me on a picnic with subs and cheesecake. He gave me a promise ring - it was all very sweet and romantic. Saturday night we grilled a pork tenderloin and just hung out. It was the best weekend, relaxing and happy. He makes me very happy :]

Tonight I cooked him dinner, chicken fettucini alfredo, which was delicious. I should have taken a picture, it looked so good. Ross and I have a test tomorrow, so we did some studying. I'm about to do more.

This is probably my favorite SNL Celebrity Jeopardy:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QhWfMNN0pNw

The end.

Photo Post!

Homecoming, 10th grade.

The Honk cast party - still with stage make-up.

Prom, 12th grade.

Me, my mom, and my Grandaddy - Thanksgiving 2006

Ross, Grandaddy, and my dad - Thanksgiving 2006

My sister and I at the mall :]

Kind of a random collage of photos, I know. I decided to put up some of my favorites, maybe one or two that most people don't see. And a couple from Thanksgiving last year, because I'm pretty excited for November and Thanksgiving...even though it's still October and there's a lot more to look forward to in this month. I can't wait for turkey, sweet potatoes, dessert...and there's ALWAYS room for dessert, haha. I hope I'll be able to see Ross' family on Thanksgiving, but I'll probably be in Gainesville. As long as I get turkey and turkey sandwiches, I'm fine with whatever happens.

Updaaate...

Ross and I went home to Apopka last weekend. We brought Ally down, too, to visit her family. It seemed like the whole weekend was packed with things to do, even though thinking about it now, we didn't really do that much. Friday we hung out at the Hobson house for a little while, then at my house. Saturday, Ross did some work at his grandparents house, getting it ready for them to come back to. My mom and I got up Saturday morning to go hit up some garage sales, but she got stuck working up at the church for an hour or so, so I ended up going alone. I just drove by a few, and finally stopped at one which happened to be the one that Jenni and her mom were at. Ended up picking up my mom and the four of us did some shopping. We had lunch and got caught up, which I guess was nice. I miss her, I really do. I'm just trying not to get my hopes up, because being disappointed has been a constant theme in our friendship. I'd like to avoid it if possible.

Anyways, Saturday night Ross and I went to Gators to watch the game with my family, the Welsh's, and Cherie. It was fun...that is, until the Gators lost. I'm verrrry glad that I got to spend time with Cherie, especially since I don't see her that often. I didn't get to spend much time with Ellen this weekend, and that was not cool. But it was homecoming weekend, so I understand :]

Sunday we came home, and Sunday night, Ross and I went to the Sean Kingston, Shop Boys, and Fabolous concert at UNF. It was pretty lame, to be honest. Sean Kingston was pretty good in person, but it didn't seem like he was out for very long. The Shop Boys were bad - the only song anyone knew was Party Like a Rockstar, which was horrible in person. We waited around for the Shop Boys to come out, and then waited after that for Sean Kingston to come out, and then Ross and I got tired of listening to the DJ's while we waited for Fabolous, so we just left. We were not impressed.

I'm pretty excited for this weekend. I have no idea what Ross and I are doing, no idea what he has planned or even IF he has anything planned. I'm also excited for next weekend, my birthday weekend.

I haven't posted a new website yet, so here we go:
http://www.ferryhalim.com/orisinal/
It has really cool/cute games on it. My favorite is the bumble-bee game.

October

I love October. Tons of happy things happens in this month - Ross and my anniversary, my birthday, Halloween, the Florida-Georgia game in Jax...and then good things in general just happen. This weekend Ross, Allyson, and I are going home. I'm pretty excited, I haven't been home since I moved up here. Then on Sunday, Ross and I are going to the Sean Kingston concert at UNF, which should hopefully be pretty fun.

This past weekend was awesome. Johnny and Drew came up for the FSU-Alabama game. Friday night, we all went down to The Landing and it was ridiculous. There were old drunk people everywhere. We came back to this side of town and went to a party where there were a bunch of people I haven't seen in a while. Saturday, the boys went to the game and we went to Sonic's with Melissa and Jason, where if you ask for cheese fries with the cheese on the side, they give you cold shredded cheese in a cup. That's a little hard to dip my fries in, don't you think? Saturday night we watched the Florida-Auburn game and sat next to a very obnoxious and stupid FSU fan at Beef O' Brady's. He thought that since USF beat Auburn, and Auburn beat UF (and the cocky jerk said this before they had even won), that meant that USF beat UF. Logic a little off there, or maybe just one too many beers?

Anyways, it's been a good few days. I'll hopefully find out the grade for my History test that I took Friday sometime this week. I think I at least got a B. We shall see.

Lysistrata - fun to read, boring to write about.

I'm about 3/4 of the way through my history paper, and I don't want to write anymore. It's only my first paper this year. There are just so many other things I want to be doing right now. Like, sleeping. Finishing personal projects. Organizing my closet. (I like organizing things)

I definitely thought I had more to write about. I guess not. Sorry, apparently my blog is going to be pretty lame.

I decided that every week I'm going to post the link to a cool website I found. Maybe not every week. Maybe just whenever I feel like it. Liiiike...now: http://musicovery.com/

Enjoy!

In pain..

Allyson and I went to a Spinning and Abs workout class yesterday, and I almost died. I always think that I'm in better shape than I am, and then I go do some sort of physical activity and it kicks my butt. I think this is how little kids feel when they first learn how to walk. But, despite the pain I'm in, it felt good. I felt like I accomplished something and really got something done, even though I was riding a stationary bike so I really didn't go anywhere.

On Tuesday, Ross and I had a quiz/test in our Race, Class, and Gender class. It wasn't that bad, although I probably didn't do as well as I'm hoping. We both got really frustrated with the people around us, because after they were done with their tests (which they finished in like 10 minutes, so they probably failed), they started talking. Half of the class was still taking the test, and the other half decided to be rude and talk. Finally, after attempts by the class to shut everyone up, the teacher said that she would give anyone she saw talking a zero on the test. Too bad we were already done taking it.

The past few days have been very rainy and gross. It's been a lot cooler and windier, though, and that makes me happy. But I don't like the ridiculous humidity that makes me feel like I'm constantly soaked. Hopefully it'll clear up or something before this weekend. It really doesn't matter if it does or not, since I'll be inside studying all weekend. I hate reading :-[

And now a tribute to Abby, who was the most annoying cat in the world this morning. She decided that today was not a good day for me to sleep well for the last hour before I had to get up. Thank you, Abby, I always enjoy it when you put your butt in my face and eat my hair.

Next time I will not delay in pushing her off the bed.

Procrastination

I should definitely be studying right now. But instead, I decided to create a blog and customize it. I'm sure I'll have tons of fun and waste a whole bunch of time figuring out how to use it.

This weekend we went to Gainesville. We being Melissa, Allyson, and I. It was fun, as always. Ally and I got to see Abbey and Greg and their apartments, we went shopping, Ally got to meet my family and see Gainesville, and I had a wonderful breakfast with Kira. And of course, we watched the game - which was amazing. Go Gators! Ross went home this weekend and got his new truck - 2008 Toyota Tacoma Pre-Runner Double Cab with an extended bed. It's silver. He loves it, I love it, we're all very happy.

So now we're all back in Jacksonville. Home again.