Northern Exposure

My Chicago trip is slowly approaching. My grandpa is turning 89 (i think) {correction: he's 90}. I will meet my 'grandmother' Betty. I've never met her before. I've seen her in pictures, but thats it. It's been 5 years since Ive seen my moms side of the family. A lot has happened since then. Obviously since I am just now meeting my grandpas 3rd wife. Im not close to any of my 27 cousins. I use to be, but life happens and we all lost touch over the years. I have 2nd cousins that I've never even met. I feel bad for my mother. All the other cousins are close and know one another. But not our family. We live so far, so its not like we can just drop by for holidays or birthdays. I've never know what its like to have relatives close by. Most of my family lives up north so they all get together for holidays. My immediate family is the only family here in Texas. When I was younger (WAY younger) my Aunt lived in Prosper and we lived in Longview. It was still a 4 hour drive. They moved back up north eventually. Take for example my friend Alicia, she has family that has lived on the same street as her since she can remember. Me, even being friends with her and growing up with her, walking down to her Aunts house for dinners, cook outs, holidays, birthdays, wedding showers...etc. Having family near by is not normal for me. My parents are not social. They never had dinner parties or had friends over. It was just us. My mom has one close friend that I've known since I was like 10, but thats about it. My dad doesn't have friends. Not once in my life have I seen him have a friend. I surround myself with friends. So for them to be so isolated from the social life is weird to me. I'm glad I have friends that I have. My parents have each other and that seems to be fine with them. Not me. I have to have the support of my friends. My friends fill the void that I have with my parents. Normally a daughter would lean on her mother for support, but my mother and I are complete opposites it's hard to be on the same page as her. I guess thats why I value my friendships so much. My friends are my extended family. Growing up with my mother was difficult. We fought ALL the time! Constantly butting heads. My sister is five years younger than I and my brother and I are six years apart. There was such a huge gap in our ages. I wanted nothing to do with them when I was in middle/high school. They are so close in age, they had each other. The very first time I moved out of my parents house I was 18. My brother was 11 and my sister was 12. I lost touch with my family for almost 2 years. I missed most of my little sister and brothers middle school years. I came back around when they were in high school. Being older I realized that they are the only family I have. As my siblings and I have gotten older we have gotten closer. We still fight and have our disagreements, but I love them with all my heart and only want the best for both of them. I am VERY protective over them. I will go down kicking and screaming before anything happens to either of them!

On a not so serious note, but a good note! I got a callback from Gaylord! FINALLY!! I hope everything works out! Cross your fingers! I have another interview (with another company) and it seems promising. I just hope Gaylord offers me something first. But I'll have to choose by who offers first. I can't risk not taking an offer! I know so many people that are unemployed and looking for work! I know friends that have been with a company for years that are getting laid off. We're all in the rat race to find a job! It's really sad. I consider myself to be lucky. (not that lucky)  The only person that I have to support is myself (and my puppy!). I am so grateful that I don't have a family to support. I'm still young and still 'hirable'.

Urgh, today Lola took food off the counter. She ended up getting scared and threw everything up under my bed! It was the most disgusting thing I've ever had to clean up! I ended up throwing up myself! I've never had to worry about her taking food. She's been going through a phase. I just really hope she doesn't start chewing on things. Maybe its because she's in a new place?! I dont know, but I really hope it doesn't become a habit with her. I really lucked out with her. Lola has been the best experience I've ever had training a dog. When I worked at the animal hospital I saw some really terrible Labs. And I always use to think to myself, " Im so glad Lola isnt like that"...

My sister is back in Lubbock and I miss her already. I thought she was going to be here longer, but she has work and taking summer classes. So Im here alone. She claims she'll be back to visit. But I highly doubt that. Oh well. I have plenty of things to keep myself busy! School start soon, so I'm glad I'll have that to keep me occupied. As for now, I'll keep pushing forward! Ill see her in Chicago in a few weeks anways! (at least I hope!)

ABOUT THEM MAVS! AWESOME GAME TONIGHT!!! Dirks got this!! So exciting to see the Mavs this far!!! Lets win this MAVS!!

My sleep pattern is getting better. I should have already been asleep like yesterday. I have a big tomorrow! Day dates are always fun! uuhh?? ;-)

My new luggage set came in!! Four peice set all under $150.00! I did good! 

And yes, Pink it my FAVORITE color!!