Family Traditions

Most families have their own traditions as far as the holidays go. My family is no exception to this, hence the title of this post. With Thanksgiving coming up I was thinking about what I am most thankful for - and that is my family. My dad's side of the family is quite large. I am the youngest of 13 grandchildren, from the 6 children of my grandparents (who each came from families of 13 kids each). Before I was born Thanksgiving was always held at my grandparent's house. It was a chance for everyone to catch up and all of the cousins to get to play together. But, by the time I came along, all of the individual families had started doing their own dinners on thanksgiving (I am the youngest by 10 years).

In 2004 my cousin Jeff had a wonderful idea to start having a big family meal again. It was planned that the Sunday before Thanksgiving we would have an early Thanksgiving for the whole family to get together. Our new tradition was that we would make a main course as our great grandmother would have. We each bring a dish, but cook something (this year it was chicken pot pie) in kettles over an open fire outside. We have made chicken corn soup, apple butter, and the traditional turkey. It has been so great for all of the family to get to pitch in and spend the day together. This is what I am thankful for. It is also great that the great grandchildren and the great-great grandchildren have an opportunity to get to know one another as some of them live a few hours away.

My grandfather just had his 90th birthday in September and God willing we will have him for years to come, but it is wonderful to see his joy at having the whole family together. Here is the family photo from this year (minus about 18 people):



This represents my dad and his brothers and sisters and their families. This gives you an idea of how large our family is. The extended family is huge! I'm constantly finding out about more cousins ;0). So, I hope everyone has a safe and happy Thanksgiving! Eat lots of turkey, spend time with loved ones, and then take a nap! :0)

Just where have you been young lady?

Well, let me explain. I still don't have internet access at home. I've been meaning to get a card for my laptop, but have yet to actually do it. I'm not home much, so there didn't seem to be a good reason to spend the money. And, I've been cut back to part time at work, so I don't have much time to spend on here. That's my story and I'm sticking to it ;0).

So, as far as what has been happening in the last two months, I'll fill you in. I am pretty settled in my new digs...even though I want to strangle my roommate sometimes. It bothers me that even though she is home most of the day...she doesn't do anything. We have had a box of cleaning supplies and other things that she took out of the cabinets under the sink for the purpose of scrubbing the inside of the cabinet....that was a month and a half ago, and the box is still in the kitchen. I would do it, but it's the principle of it...you started it, you finish it.

Work has been extremely lacking for us, and I've been laid off for a few weeks...not to worry though, everything has been ok. I sold my Mazda and got what I wanted for it, so I had some extra cash after paying off the loan...bonus! I've been able to collect UC benefits, and had hoped that things would pick up, but I've started scouting for jobs.

It is funny that while with Tony I was quite the home body and that when I left I became quite the social butterfly so to speak. There is a little bar that I was in quite a bit with my dad when I was younger where I like to go and shoot pool. I used to be pretty good...and I still am ;0). I reconnected with people that I hadn't seen in years and made some new friends. I have been dating someone special too. He approached me one night to shoot a game of pool...and I beat him. OK, no big deal...right? Yeah, no. He wanted a rematch. I won again. Then he won. I think you know where this is going....I don't know how many games we actually played, but I know I won more games. So he decided he would call me Shark ;0). Every time I'd see him that is what my nickname was. So, he asked me out, we had a great time, and are still having a great time.

That is about everything in a nutshell. I'm doing well. I have lost a bunch of weight though because of stress and not eating, but honestly it's kind of nice because I'm back down to what I weighed in school. I will try to get a picture up in flickr, but I don't know when that will be. I will also try to get around and catch up on everyone as soon as I can. And, just in case I don't before the holiday....Happy Thanksgiving to everybody!

Changes

Change is something that I think is difficult (to some degree) for everyone. I have always struggled with change. I am a creature of habit and/or routine, if you will. The bigger the change, the harder it is for me to adjust. As you all know, I've had quite a bit of big changes going on in a short period of time. That is part of the reason that I haven't been around much lately. I needed some time to take stock of the situation and deal with it.

Most of my stuff is finally out of Tony's house, so that is good I guess. My new roomie and I haven't killed each other yet, so that is also good. I'm finally starting to get settled. I really really really miss my dog, which as you have probably guessed is one of the hardest things for me to deal with right now. I miss Tony too, but we talk often so that is nice. I'm thankful that we are able to be friends.

As of right now, I don't have internet access at home, and I don't know when I might get it. We live in the boonies so I either have to pay a small fortune for a card for my laptop, or settle for dial up. I really don't want dial up. So, the only time I have to check in is at work and I've been crazy busy lately. So, don't think that I've completely disappeared...I'm still reading, I just don't have time to comment like I would like to.

So, all in all I'm not doing so bad. It could be worse and it could be better. I'm just taking everything one day at a time. It always amazes me how things work out. It may not seem like it at the moment, but I am sure that something good will come out of all of this. It better! ;0)

Bring on the waterworks

As of today, most of my worldly possessions have been packed into boxes and moved to my new place. I still have a little bit left to pack, but the majority is out. I had a much more difficult time dealing with it than I had thought I would. Saturday I was fine, because I was still "coming home" that night. Sunday was a whole other story. I pretty much cried the whole day. I was glad that Tony and Lora were helping me to pack stuff up, because I really don't know how much luck I would've had doing it alone.

When it came time to leave to take our load over to Lora's place...I completely lost my shit. Saying goodbye to Buddy was a disaster. Watching Tony leave from Lora's was even worse. I know things always get worse before they get better, but that doesn't make me feel any better at this moment.

My parents are bringing my furniture today, so at least I'll be able to sleep on a bed tonight as opposed to the couch, so that's good. I am extremely hopeful that I will be able to bring Buddy over at some point, but I'm trying not to get my hopes up. I just don't know how he's going to do with another dog and a kitty. The last thing I want is to stress the animals.

So, it looks like I will be unpacking until Christmas, but I guess that is the norm when you move. I am trying to be as strong as possible, but not very successful thus far......*thinking happy thoughts*

I hate moving

I seriously think that moving should be considered a form of torture. I have not yet actually started moving and barely have anything packed, but I'm fed up already. How can one person really have this much shit? I'm talking non necessary stuff that isn't junk that basically just takes up space. Anyone who has had to move knows exactly what I'm talking about.

I'm going to be moving in with a friend of mine. I figure splitting the bills is a good thing...as long as I don't kill her. She and I have been friends for about 16 years and I love her dearly, but she can get on my nerves. I'm sure that I get on her nerves sometimes too, but I'm much more laid back than she is.

Buddy will probably be staying with Tony...at least for a while. L has a golden retriever and I don't know how well Buddy will do with George. George is a sweet boy and loves everyone, but Buddy is very protective and jealous when it comes to me, so we will have to test the waters a bit before I decide weather he will be able to come with me (I hope so).

I've been going out quite a bit lately and shooting pool to get out of the house. I used to be pretty good so I am getting better now that I've been shooting. The bar that I frequent is my parents' old haunt and the owner jokes that now that they've moved that I'm taking dad's place. The only thing is I don't drink nearly the amount of beer that he does...usually ;0)

So, wish me luck trying to get motivated to pack...I'm going to need it. I hope to get some things moved this weekend, but we shall see how that works out.

Parents

Don't get me wrong, I love my parents more than anything. But, they are not really helping me keep my composure right now. My mom called my crying the other morning because she felt bad that they just moved 2.5 hours away. I assured her that everything was fine and that it was perhaps a good thing for me to work out by myself. My dad on the other hand has me stressed out because I just know that at some point he'll have a few too many Miller Lites and want to call and harass Tony. Well, it's possible anyway. Tony is usually smart enough not to answer the phone.

So, not only am I stressing and being mopey, but throw two caring parents into the mix who are trying to help in there own way and we have ourselves a mess. Or I do should I say. But it too shall pass.

My boss's rental that I told you about....not a chance I'm staying there. I know my boss is trying to help me out, but it is just a tiny little.....shack? That might not be the right word, but lets just say it's not in the best condition....not horrible (maybe I'm being a bit snotty) but it's certainly not great. I've been looking through the paper for apartments and I've come to the conclusion that I may just have to leave Buddy behind. I obviously don't want to, but there are many places that don't allow big dogs and I don't know how fair it would be to force him from a big house into a small apartment. I don't want him to be uncomfortable and not have enough space. So, we shall see what happens there. I know that Tony would take excellent care of him for me, so that's not an issue.

I have a job interview tonight for an evening position, part time. So, I should finish getting ready. I will let you know how I make out ;0)

Almost

Well, I know that I posted that Tony and I were trying to work on things, BUT at this time I'm afraid it's in vain. We have decided that it would be best for me to move out. I have gotten an offer from my boss to rent out his old house. This works out because he is fine with me having Buddy. See, I told you I have uncanny luck. While I am definitely heartbroken, as is Tony, our main goal is to preserve the friendship. We hope that this may bring us back together one day, but I am honestly not getting my hopes up as I don't want to get let down.

I haven't really finalized anything with my boss yet and I don't know when this may occur, but I am kind of relieved that everything is out in the open. So, I just wanted to let you know what was happening. I am going to try to keep posting, but we shall see.

In other news, the weekend was fantastic (except for the moving thing). The cancer benefit was awesome.....it was very hot out but everyone had a great time. After the benefit, I went home, showered and went to a local club to see another band play....totally awesome!!! I made some new friends and got to hear some great music.

I will be sure to let you know what's happening, but for now I need to go sit somewhere quiet.....