I'm pretty sure no one reads this anymore, but I just wanted to let anyone who might see this know that I'm getting ready to start a new blog. I am so far behind on updates and I'm not really the same person I was when I began this blog three years ago, either. A lot more has happened in my life, and I'm also getting ready to go off to college. It will be much easier to start a new blog and go from there....so that's what I'm doing!

Thanks to all of you who read this one, and I look forward to seeing you guys in my new place, wherever that will be! =]

Much love & God bless, Jess
 

I hope everyone is having a wonderful holiday season! I know this is a lame blog, I just wanted to let you all know that you are in my thoughts and prayers and I will update VERY soon!

Much love & God bless, Jess
 

The last two weeks have somehow been both the best and worst weeks of my entire life. They have been a constant roller coaster of emotions....some nights I laugh myself to sleep, the others I cry until I physically cannot cry anymore. I have good news and bad news. The good news, I'm sure you guys will love to hear...but the bad news is taking a big toll on me and I really need you guys. I need you guys more than I've ever needed you before.

The first good thing happened to me last Friday. I got home from our school dodgeball tournament at about midnight and saw a letter on my bed. I was going to just brush it off when I saw the return address. It was from Cory. I was so happy I cried. I could not believe that he'd actually written me...I didn't even care that it had taken so long. Not only had he written me back, but he'd included an explanation (not excuse) of why it had taken so long and it was TWO pages! For a guy that doesn't write, that's a pretty long letter. In a later entry I'll try exactly what he said, but right now, I need to get everything else out while I have the time. He asked me to come visit him last weekend, but since I didn't get the letter until Friday, it was too late notice to plan anything. However, he's coming home Wednesday and I'm going to invite him to our Thanksgiving. I sent him a letter back as soon as I could, but I don't know if it'll get to him before he leaves to come home. And even if I don't see him over Thanksgiving break, a friend of mine and his social worker (who is a pretty good friend of mine as well) are going with me to his graduation ceremony in December...we're going to surprise him! I can't wait.

Now the bad news. I don't really know how to say this; there's no easy way to get it out there. My parents told us the day after I got Cory's letter that they were getting a divorce. I knew that they had been having some problems, but I figured they'd make it through everything like they always do. Therefore, even though I suspected something, it was a complete surprise to me and my sisters. People always think it's never going to happen to them, but my parents, they just have such God-filled lives and they are both amazing people...I just don't understand how this could have happened to them. There was no cheating involved, no drinking, no abuse, no conflicting beliefs....I guess they just don't love each other anymore. It's hard for me to understand. I guess they got the divorce awhlie back, but were waiting for the right time to tell us, and in the meantime someone at the lawyer's office spilled their guts, so they had to tell us before we found out from someone else. I think it was the hardest thing I ever heard my parents say. I cried and cried and cried like I have never cried before...until last night, anyway. I just couldn't believe it...part of me still doesn't. I did the only thing I could do, though...it seems like no matter what happens to me, I just smile. Grin and bear it. I pick up the pieces of my heart and move on. I'm still hurting, still grieving for the part of me that's never going to be the same again, but I can't stop living just because my parents have stopped living together. The good news is that my dad's only moving into our old house, which is about a mile away. He's been at our house every morning and every night, so it almost seems like nothing changed. Except everything has. Everything is different now.

Then, when I didn't know how I was going to make it through the week, I got some more good news. My ACT scores came in, and even though I thought I bombed it - like, I'd never had a worse feeling about the ACT- EVER!- I found out I got a 32! This majorly lifted me up...with a 32, hopefully I can not only get into Maryville's PT program, but almost definitely get a full ride...in fact, I could probably go to any college in the country for free. This was wonderful news, and I was sure between that and the letter from Cory, nothing could bring me down.

Wrong. Once again, God thinks that for whatever reason, I can handle every bad thing that could possibly be thrown at me.

Last night after mass, Nic and Garrett (the LifeTeen ministers) took me and Emily aside. I hadn't seen Nic for awhile, because he and Erin had just lost their first baby, but Garrett had told me that they were both doing good, so I wasn't worried. Then they dropped the bomb: They were moving, leaving- all three of them. Even Garrett. I was so shocked I didn't even know what to say. I just started crying quietly. I couldn't believe what they were telling me. Basically they said it was because they'd gone through a lot, and realized that Calhoun didn't have the support system they needed. My community just isn't one of faith. I knew that- they didn't need to tell us that. I just don't think that they understand that when they leave, we won't have anything. The one shot we had at building a faith-filled community will be gone. For so long I had been alone in my faith because the people around me were once-a-week Catholics. Lifeteen came, along with Nic and Erin and Garrett, and those three people were exactly what I needed. Now they're leaving, and once again, I'll be all alone. I know I can do it on my own- I had for years before that- but I don't want to. I need them. I need Garrett. I love him, I really do. I can't even describe it. As I've mentioned in other blog, what I feel for him isn't what I felt for Caleb or Gordon or Josh or any of the guys I've ever liked- the only one that can even barely compare to Garreet is Cory. I've waited so long to find a guy like him, and now that I have, he's leaving. I have looked forward to seeing him every Sunday and Wednesday for the past eight months. I have faithfully read his blogs and commented on them, and he has read mine. I would wake up early in the morning to check my email and see if I had one from him- which I usually did. He's been there for me each time something has brought me down. I've turned to him in all of my problems, and he's even turn to me with some of him. Just thinking about him makes me smile. He pushed me along spiritually, and I need someone like that. Once Nic and Erin and Garrett leave, there will be no one. All my friends will go back to being who they were before Lifeteen. I just don't know what to do. I know that nothing I say can convince them to stay, but I don't know how I can look at any of them-especially Garrett- without crying. Just when I've put my heart back together after the news from my parents, it's broken once again....only I don't know how I can mend it this time. I don't know how I can smile. There's no one I can turn to- they only told me and Emily because we have been the closest to them, and they don't want to tell anyone else just yet. Emily is being negative, and I can't be around her because it brings me down. They haven't even left yet, and already I feel completely isolated from everyone. I just don't know how things can get any better with them leaving. No, Lifeteen's going to continue - or so we're hoping- but it's not going to be the same. They're not even moving that far away...they'll live somewhere by Kaitlin, i think....but it won't be the same. I don't know who's going to do the band on Sundays anymore...me and Emily can't do it by ourselves- Garrett was the heart of our band. I just don't know who I'm going to laugh and joke with anymore...me and Garrett had the same wonderful sense of sarcasm. We even loved buttered-popcorn flavored jelly beans....really, who loves popcorn flavored jelly beans, for Gods' sake???

Unfortunately, I don't have any good news to coutneract that last bit, except that Cory's coming home in two days, even though I don't know if I'll even be able to see him. I know you guys aren't probably going to knew what to say to this, please just keep me in your prayers...I know not many of you read this anymore...i'm sorry I don't update as often as I should. I just don't have time. I have a million and one things I need to be doing right now, but I can't concentrate. I'd hoped that this would help get everything off my chest. I know in awhile everything will get better; with me, it always does. I just don't know how much one person can take without breaking down. I think I've almost reached my limit. I've never felt so broken in my life.


 

Okay, so I've been tagged so many times that it's not even funny and I forgot who all has tagged me......and as much as I'd love to participate, I am so busy that I don't think I could possibly find the time. Right now I have a million and one things I need to be doing, but I don't want to leave you guys with the impression that I've forgotten about y'all or that I don't care about you guys anymore...because that couldn't be farther from the truth! It's killing me to watch each black day go by...I haven't had a blue day in almost a MONTH! So sad!

School's going okay. Some of my grades are slipping below A's, but I'm working my butt off to keep them up. It's hard, because that means I have to sacrifice almost all of my computer time to study and do homework...and half the time I have so much homework that I don't even have time to study! My favorite class, surprisingly enough, seems to be my favorite class, quite a turnaroudn from Trig and Algebra II being the worst last year! The new teacher is really cool, though- young (22) and pretty darn good-lookin'! Physics is by far my least favorite class...it just frustrates me. All my other classes are okay. I have to post some of my stuff from my online creative writing class...I have a bunch of new things!

Things with LifeTeen are A-MAZ-ing!!!! I just got back from my first LifeTeen retreat last night, and let me tell you, this was probably the BEST weekend in my ENTIRE life!!!! I mean, right up there with NIU creative writing camp and my trip to Australia! I can't even hardly explain it! Our Lifeteen group went to the retreat with another group, and I met soooo many wonderful people!!! The good thing is, like Kaitlin, they all live close by, so future visits can definitely be arranged! IT was just so great to get to know other teens that are passionate about their faith. That's something we really lack in my community. All of the people at the retreat really inspired our branch of LifeTeen...last night once we got back, our mass was amazing...we just had so much positive energy! Not only did I make some great new friends, but I became a lot closer to old ones.

Social life is going good as well. Yearbook is okay, I'm still copy editor (in charge of text). We had the first half of our annual dodgeball tournament while I was on retreat, and we're having the last part this weekend. National Honor Society is a little overwhelming now because the other co-president isn't doing her job, and I'm having to pick up all the slack. Right now I'm preparing for Iniation, which is next Thursday, and I also have to organize Tech Nights, which are free sessions we are offering to the community to educate them on modern technology. Both of those things take up a lot of time.

For now, that's it...I'm running out of time! I will be back as soon as I can!

Hope all is going well for everyone else! Much love & God bless, ♥♥♥ Jess
 

Hey guys! I've been incredibly busy with school, Lifeteen, and work, and this weekend I'm staying with Kaitlin, but I wanted to share a poem I wrote for my creative online writing class with everyone. I hope you guys like it!

Smile.Just.Smile

Smile.
Just smile.

When it rains,
Look for the rainbow.
When it pours,
Open your umbrella.

Embrace everything in your life.

It’s not easy,

Happiness isn’t cheap.

But when it’s dark at night,
The sun is shining somewhere else.
And when people are talking about you,
They’re giving someone else a break.
It’s not always you who’s hurting.
And when it seems your life is falling apart,
Be glad you have a life.

Be self-less,
Not selfish.

And optimism is contagious,
A small flame with potential to become a forest fire.

So even when it seems there’s nothing to smile about,

Smile.
Just smile.

 

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The other day I had an eye doctor appointment. I only have one regular check-up each year, but when you have about ten different eye doctors, those once-a-year check-ups really add up.

Just like every appointment for the last six or so years, I wasted a whole day to go and sit in a doctor's office, and all so I could be informed of something I already knew. My vision is the same. Bad, but I'm not blind. Good, but I can't drive or function like most people. I always fall somewhere in between. I'm grateful it's not worse...I'm just slightly disappointed it's not better. "I'm sorry, there's nothing we can do." - My family and I hear that over and over and over again. Each time, you think it'd break us. make us give in to despair, quit hoping for an answer.

But it doesn't. Somehow, we stand taller, stronger, refuse to believe that's true. And it's not just by chance- I know how we're able to go on living life. Doctors may know how to set a broken arm, perform a kidney transplant, and fight cancer, but they don't seem to know the strongest healing of all: prayer. There is one thing I can do, and that is pray. Over the years, as I've prayed and prayed, things have changed. No, I can't see better, but I can FEEL better. And sometimes, that makes all the difference.

I have learned so much. Not just about myself or my eyes, but about others, too. The people I've surrounded myself with may not understand what it is that I'm going through, but they try. And in return, I try to show them that what happens to us in life is not as important as how we choose to deal with it.

Aside from prayer, humor seems to have been my escape from the harsh reality of losing something so important. I cried a lot when I was younger. Being told when you were eight that you'll probably go blind kind of sucks all the innocence right out of you. It was hard to do anything but cry at times. Sometimes I still cry now. But even though sometimes it's good to cry, it wasn't helping my eyes- all those tears just made my eyes red and puffy and sore.

It seems that the more I laugh about being visually impaired, the easier it is to deal with and the closer I come to being okay with what's wrong with me. And the more other people laugh with me, the more comfortable and at ease I become with being different and standing out.

I'm not sure exactly why God chose to give this burden to me. All I know is that I trust him. He has a plan for me, and knows me far better than I know myself. And while I would like to know the reason behind this crazy disease, for now, I'm content just being where I am.

And by the time I find out why what happened happened, I hope it doesn't matter anymore. I hope that by then I am completely at ease with who I am and why I'm the way I am. I guess that no matter what your cross to carry in life is, being comfortable with who you are and why you're the way you are is the most anyone can hope for.

 

Yup. I'm pretty sure I have it, and today's only the second day of school...I haven't even been to all my classes yet!

It's great to be back, though, if for nothing more than to see everyone. I hadn't realized it, but I know a lot of people! I'd never thoght of myself as being 'popular', but it seemed like I just didn't have enough time to talk to everyone! I'm really going to test my lung capacity this year, I believe!

Jenn is a freshman. It's been three years since we've been in the same school together...things have changed a little bit. She still seems to 'hate' me 95% of the time, but I just have to deal with that. I'm sure things will get better when I move out. However, a lot of her friends are pretty good friends of mine, too, so I've been helping a bunch of the freshmen out. I've almost been late to every class cause I've been opening lockers, walking freshmen to their rooms, and answering other typical fresh meat questions. I have enjoyed it, though. Because when I started high school, I didn't really have any friends, and I wasn't lucky enough to have an older sibling to show me the way, and I don't want any freshmen feeling as alone or lost as I did.

Oooh, and classes. This year is going to be FUUUUNNNNNN! haha...Just kidding! But don't feel sorry for me...cause I asked for everything I got. Psychology, College Prep English, Physics, Anatomy & Physiology, Spanish VI, Calculus, and online creative writing. I think I'm going to like Spanish VI and College Prep (even though the English teacher is not very intelligent...lol), I know I'm going to like Psychology and A&P, but I'm positively dreading calc and physics. Yuck! I like creative writing so far, but I entered the class a week late due to a very disorganized guidance counselor, so now I have to finish two weeks' worth of assignments in less than 7 days. It is going to be fun and hopefully it'll get me into the habit of writing more again! Because of our ignorant math teacher last year, we are VERY behind already in Calc, and we haven't even started! We have a new teacher, and it's his first year, but he really seems like he knows what he's talking about. He's only 23, and pretty good-looking...lol...

Things between me and Caleb are interesting. We have no classes together, and only lunch together on certain days, which is good. I'm totally over him, and he's having a hard time accepting that. I know the macho guy in him was terribly fond of the fact that he was liked even while being in another relationship. But I can't give him that satisfaction this year, even if I wanted to. And trust me, it's eating him up and I've only talked to him twice since school started! The good thing is, though, that we're still friends. Sort of.

Everything else is going good so far, though. I just thought I'd give you guys a quick update...I already finished my homework for the rest of the week and weekend, so I should be able to relax for a bit...except for the online class. I just really have to stay on top of things this year...so WDC might take the backseat sometimes. But I will try to keep you all updated!

Much love & God bless, JESS

 

         With only two days left before my senior year starts, I have been sitting around wondering, where did those 80 or so days of summer go? Here I am, thinking, what a waste. But really, it has not been a waste at all. The summer of '07 has been, without a doubt, one of the most amazing summers of my life. Just to get everything off my chest and start anew here before I go back to school, I'm going to try to recap everything memorable from this summer.

         At the beginning of summer, I had a long to-do list. If you were a person that lived by to-do lists, looking at mine, you would be mortified. A check here, and check there...and that's about it. One or two checks out of an entire page of planning. But I made the list to prove a point: the things I did this summer that were unexpected, unplanned, were so much more meaningful to me than the things I'd thought long and hard about.

         I've spent most of my hours working. You wouldn't know it from looking at my checking account balance, though. I've spent a lot of time buying, too. This being the year before college, I should have been saving up more. But a lot of the things this summer that I've bought have turned out to be good investments. With work, I've handled a lot of little crises and one very big one. I've learned from it. I know I'm responsible and mature enough to handle things in a real work environment. I've had several confrontations with my boss. I've tried to change the way things are done around here, stand up for the adults that are too worried about job security to do it themselves. And I can't say I blame them. Risking your job when you lack a college education and have a family to support is dangerous. For some people, standing up for what is right doesn't seem to be easier than being pushed around and mistreated. So I've definitely shaken things up in our banking system this summer....and I'm proud of myself for that.

         This summer seemed to be about friendship for me. I made a lot of new friends, but I lost a lot of old ones, too. I've learned that some people I thought I needed to get by in life, I don't really need after all. Some people I met this summer, I don't know how I've lived without. And even though I've prided myself in how well I can manage long-distance friendships, with time comes aging. And as the years go by, I find that there is more than distance separating me from these friends. In some cases, it's death...in others, college. But no matter how you look at it, people in my life are coming and leaving, and I have no control over who stays and who goes. The only thing I have control over is how I handle it.

         This summer, I didn't get to see my friend Erin, the one I'd met from writing camp last year. In fact, I haven't seen her since camp. I value her friendship, and I swear we are almost twins, but it seems to me that we are friends on a need-only basis. We don't keep in real good touch, but when something goes wrong in my life and I need to talk to someone, I can count on her to stop whatever she is doing and help me. And she knows she can count on me, too. Now she's even farther away, at Northern Illinois. So my chances of seeing her ever again are minimal. Not seeing her meant I didn't get to meet Corey this summer, either. And he's starting college as well. I was really looking forward to meeting him. I still think he's a great guy. We keep in touch...I haven't called him in awhile, but when I do. I know we'll be able to talk for hours. I didn't get to see my cousin Nicole, either. She graduated and is now at Mizzou...which is actually two hours closer to us than from where she used to live. So that's great. I'm sad I didn't get to see her and Paige this summer, though. Normally on Labor Day we get together, but now that Nic's in college, everything changes. She means the world to me, and I'm not sure I mean that much to her, but hopefully this fall I will be able to visit her at Mizzou. Gordon hasn't been up here at all this summer. He took college classes and spent most of his summer at Ole Miss. He's now just a casual friend...we don't email like we used to. He doesn't play that big of a role in my life anymore. I've survived six months without seeing him- imagine that! However, I know that when I do get to see him again, I'll have a great time. Because he's a great guy. I also didn't get to see Laura Beth. This hurt me the most of all. She is one of my favorite people in the entire world. And it just seems like her dad was the only thing that connected her family and ours. Once Brian died, we stopped calling, stopped writing, stopped visiting. I really want to see her again. We've made a lot of plans this summer, and they always fell through. Deep down, I think that seeing me again would be too painful for her, and dealing with that this summer has been an ongoing struggle for me.

         Some of my very best friends slipped away from me this summer as well. I'm not sure exactly where I stand with them, but the bottom line is, all those freshmen (now sophomores) that I took under my wing? I love them all, but their priorities are in quite a different order than mine. I'm not at the top of their lists anymore. They've all changed like I have, and my friendship has been replaced by boys and sports and partying. I still try to be there for them when they need me, but it's hard to talk to people who have pushed you aside for something 'better', whether it was done intentionally or unintentionally. Also, because I haven't seen Caleb really at all this summer, we have grown farther apart. But that's okay with me. He confuses me, and I like to avoid the kind of confusion that he caused. I also have learned that I don't need Emily's approval. I can deal with her hurtful remarks and her insecurity. I just look past it and focus on the times she's nice to me. I still value her friendship, but I can get by without her. I haven't seen much of my best friend Jill this summer, either. That kind of bothered me, just because, without a doubt, she is my best friend in the ENTIRE world. But we've both been busy with work and life and boys, and when school starts, I know we'll start talking daily again.

         But the new friends that I have made this summer were ones that I wish I would have from childhood. Kaitlin was the main one. I finally met her -in REAL life! - and we went to a writing camp at Northern Illinois University. That was one of the highlights of my summer! Camp was great. Once again, I was tested with standing on my own and meeting new people. I was very independent, even though I went with Kaitlin. She is a very amazing young girl, and I'm blessed that our friendship has continued to grow since returning from camp. She is a TRUE friend! (((HUGS))) to my Kaitlinspiration!

         There have been two people that have impacted my life greatly this summer. One was Cory. The other was Garrett. I can guarantee that I have never felt more strongly for anyone in my entire life. I'm pretty sure that's shown through in my obsessive blogs. Helping Cory, as you all know, not only taught me a lot about friendship and making a difference, but it taught me a lot about me. It showed what I could handle emotionally. It showed that I was capable of pushing romantic feelings aside- pushing all of my feelings aside- to help someone else. And I learned how to let someone go and yet still hold on to them at the same time. I let go of our long summer talks and the hours spent together, and any romantic notions I may have had, but held onto the hope that when he comes back, he will be different, better.

         And I'm pretty sure you guys have heard enough about Garrett to last you a lifetime, too. Meeting him was like meeting my soul mate. I liked Caleb, I loved Cory, but Garrett??? I honestly feel like he's the person I could end up marrying. He is such a great role model, and so much like me it's scary- right down to being afraid of roller coasters and our favorite jelly bean being the buttered popcorn-flavored one. I know there aren't too many people in this world that embrace popcorn jelly beans! He's also taught me a lot about life and myself. For most of my life, I've been alone in my faith, because I've had no friends I could turn and talk to. Now, not only do I have Garrett, but I also have Nic & Erin. And even though I'm 5-7 years younger than these guys, I really connect with them. And it's a wonderful feeling, to not feel alone anymore.

         I've always been close with God. Going to church almost every weekend since you're born, and attending a Catholic school for nine years can do that to you. I've tried to maintain that relationship throughout high school, but sometimes, even the most religious people get swept up in life. Participating fully in Lifeteen has really helped me keep that close bond with God, and I'm very lucky for that. I've started reading the Bible nightly again, praying more, and putting myself first less and less. And I believe that tightening my relationship with God is the reason I've made it through this summer just fine, in spite of all I've been faced with.

         I didn't do as much volunteering at the physical therapy department this summer. I got mroe than enough hours to apply for Maryville, but a lot of things have gotten in the way of volunteering there this summer, it seems. However, I have enjoyed the days I've spent there. I learned a lot more than last year, and after one more summer of volunteering, I think I will be more than ready to start school next fall- provided I get accepted. I also spent one day at the Shriner's Hospital (even though I'd planned on spending three) and after I graduate, I really think I'd like to work there. I really like working with kids. And just the other day, some kids in our Lifeteen group went to the homeless pregnant women's shelter that Erin works at and spent the day cleaning, sorting donations, and playing with the kids. It was wonderful. That's definitely right up my alley, but I don't ever want to have to worry about not being able to support my family. So I think I'll focus on physical therapy and then volunteer at a shelter of some sort on the side. I'm like my dad in that I have so many things I want to do with my life...but I know there's not time enough to do them all.

         Then there's you guys. I know I've grown apart from my WDC family this summer. That really saddens me. For the past few years -in fact, almost ever since joining this site- you guys have been all I've had. And readers have come, readers have gone, just like people in my life this summer have done. Some of you I wish still read this blog. What you guys had to say meant the world to me. Why you don't read anymore, I'm not sure. But in case any of you old readers happen upon this entry, I want you to know that you have helped shape me into the person I'm proud to call myself. I've learned so many things from you all. I still stop by your blogs, I just don't always have time to comment. I'm sure that's much the case with you guys. And most of you have so many dedicated readers, anyway, the by the time I get around to reading your entries, there's so many comments that I feel like what I have to say isn't worth anything. But I still enjoy seeing how you all are doing. And to my newer readers, I hope you enjoy my blog. I know I'm not the most dedicated blogger, but I used to be. Things change. Things are changing all the time...and who knows? Maybe someday soon, things will change again, and I'll find myself writing more regularly. Until then, know that I still value what you all have to say. I wouldn't blog if I didn't want feedback from others. I'd just write in my journal.

         So summer's pretty much over. I've learned a lot, loved a lot, lost a lot. Next summer I'm sure I'll be faced with even bigger problems. I'll lose more friends, make new ones, and next fall, I'll be starting a new chapter of my life. But since this is my last year in high school, I will try my best -make it one of my number one priorities, in fact- to keep you guys informed of everything that happens this year. Because after all you guys have done for me, that's the least I can do for you.

         I love you all!

So long, summer-oh-seven!
 

Hey guys! I have several new entries to post, but I wanted to let you guys know that I'm feeling much better. I've been writing again, I'm not so blah, and I feel like I need to get back to business!

Sanibel Island, where we stayed, was beautiful. The water was clear, the shells all over were wonderful, and the skies were sunny and blue. It was the perfect vacation, it seemed. Except that my family was at each other's throats the whole time- except at mealtimes. We got along fine, then...too busy stuffing our faces to fight... One day it was me and Jenn against Steph, the next day it was me and Steph against Jenn, but mostly, it was the littler two against big bad Jess. And Mom and Dad wanted to kill all of us...luckily, they didn't.

The only other glitch in our vacation, it seemed, was when we took a tour of the Everglades. It was a bus service that took you around to the best tourist attractions in the Glades. Well, in the middle of an all-day tour (and when I say all day, I mean 7 in the morning til 7 at night! ) our air-conditioner broke down. I thought I was going to suffocate, literally. I aws trapped on that bus for hours with 15 other people, 9 of which were not my family and didn't have pleasant body odor. The tour was wonderful, except for the not-being-able-to-breath part. Luckily, though, we were out of the bus more often than not!

So other than those two things, it was a great trip. Our island was literally covered in shells. And when I say covered, I mean that in some place you could hardly walk barefoot or you would cut your feet up. (Trust me on this- I found out the hard way! ) But the bright side of that was we found many beautiful shells and took them all home as souvenirs! I spent the least amount of money on that vacation cause shells were perfect souvenirs...and there were so many neat ones!

We went out to eat at a lot of nice places down there. I think my favorite was a place called Cheeburger Cheeburger. (I've not a clue why the 'se''s were missing...it's hard to believe that someone misspelled 'cheeseburger' twice! lol) That's one of my favorite parts of vacation...going out to eat at new places!

The condo we stayed in was nice. I thought it was set up a little weird (the condos all together made c shapes and were hard to navigate around) but it was nice nonetheless. I got to sleep on the foldout couch, seeing as how my sisters had claimed the two beds in the extra bedroom. It wasn't so bad, though- plus I had my own big TV, being it was the living room and all that!

Other than hanging out on the beach, we didn't really do much. We had that tour of the Everglades, went to a shell museum, visited a historic village, and went shopping, but mostly it was jus tgood old R&R. Which I desperately needed.

My next entry will be about the temporary conclusino to the Cory Story...I did a LOT of thinking on my vacation!

Hope you all are doing well and sorry for neglecting everyone's lives for this long absence! I hope you can all forgive me!

All About Me
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Emmyloo

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Yup, that's where I am right now!

Sorry it's been forever....I've had a lot of.....issues. And I just haven't felt like logging on or blogging.

I'm having a good time in Florida...we're staying at a place called Sanibel Island. It's pretty enough...lots of shells. Missing everyone back home.

Oh, and Cory's gone. He left without saying good-bye. We didn't leave on good terms at all. And five and a half months is a LONG time.

And that's all I have to say for now.


 

Hey guys!

I've been just about everywhere since the week I got back...I can't even list all the things I've done! I've been doing A LOT of writing, which has got me very excited, and I've been busy working and running around with friends!

Today, even though it's the 7th, our small town is celebrating the 4th of July....how unpatriotic, I know! lol...as most of you know, my father normally does the fireworks and I help, but this year, the insurance was too high for him to shoot the show, so we're not... instead of being down at the river, setting up, some lame-O company that buys cheap Chinese shells is doing it. I'm not going to lie, I'm kinda bummed about that. And then, instead, I find myself sitting inside the bank on one of the busiest days of the year. (Everyone is getting money for the 7th of July celebration in town...and it seems that they're all coming through the drive-thru...lucky me! )

Not to mention I'm exhausted. Last night was Erica and Beca's 16th birthday. I was the oldest one there, but I'm pretty good friends with the younger crowd, so I had a lot of fun...and I think I've got a guy to add to the infamous 'Guy List'... Maybe I'll save him for later, though...I'm sure you all don't want to hear about ANOTHER guy! (This one is a good kid, though, through and through- I promise! ...plus he's cute! ) Anyway, we mostly just hung out and ate and played basketball andvery then when it started raining we went downstairs in the basement and cranked an iPOD and started dancing. I didn't do too much dancing, though, because I was having these weird stomach pains. I though it might have been another cyst, but it wasn't hurting bad enough for me to go the hospital, so I just sat down and basically looked like a bum.

I spent most of the night talking to Hayden, the guy I mentioned above. He's a lot younger than me...still only 14, I think, but he goes to the same church as me and is part of our Lifeteen youth group and also one of my favorite ping-pong partners. He's such a sweet kid, and really into his faith, and I find that VERY attractive and admirable in a guy. He was really worried about Erica, who's his cousin, because she's gorgeous and funny and very smart, and a bunch of guys were all over her. It was so cute because Hayden was getting so upset and I thought he was gonna kill some of the guys, most of which were 2 years older than he was. I felt sorry for him, because I was kind of worried about her, too. I mean, she's a strong girl with a good head on her shoulders, but we all know that sometimes, decisions are made for us. (But I'm pretty sure that theese guys are all talk, no action...for the most part, anyway! ) But I love this girl to death like Hayden does and I could understand why he was worried, and still it was so funny, because he kept watching her like a hawk, and anytime she went anywhere with any of the guys, and even when she was dancing, Hayden was there. So I was trying to tell him jokes and stories and distract him, cause he was bothering Erica.

Then all the guys started making fun of Hayden, cause I was laying on a bed in the basement next to him, and they're like, "Hayden, who's watching out for you?" and I laughed because they all know he had Mother Mary next to him... And then all the guys piled on top of me because they're guys and I just about died....I may be strudy, but I can not support the weight of five high-school guys... Most of the boys are gonna be juniors, and they're all really retarded and immature, so they were irritating me, but I dealt with it as best as I could. When they weren't hanging on Erica, they were hanging on me, and let me tell you, it was a waste of their time, because they got absolutely NOTHING from me! haha (except a hug and a little dancing...lol)

So anyway, I stayed up til like 3 in the morning, and I woke up at 7 cause I had to work. Erica drove me to the bank...I'm so happy she can drive now! We've already got a bunch of plans for this summer...I can't wait!

I guess that's all that's going on right now. I saw Cory Thursday (I'd been really worried about him since I hadn't seen him in two weeks! AHH!) and I thought he was leaving this Tuesday, but he told me that he was leaving next Friday, which is the 13th, which is the same day my family and I are flying to Florida. And my sister Jenna turns 14 the day after that, on the 14th. Now, I'm normally not superstitious, but I'm hopng all of these things are purely coincidental!

And I guess, good news for him, that all of his charges got dropped! He's been staying out of trouble and doing his community service, and I'm SO incredibly happy for him...I'm gonna have to think of a way to celebrate before he leaves. Unfortunately, he wasn't by himself...he was with some kid I didn't know...(I just call him Larry-Jerry..lol...I'm not sure which one is his name! haha) So we didn't get a serious conversation going, but we had a bit of small talk. I was flirting with him trying to get some response and he was flirting back, but like I said, no serious conversation...so it was basically a waste of my time. I'll admit, I like flirting just as much as the next person, but I like meaningful flirting...if that even makes any sense. And when I told him I had to go, he said, "No you don't. Stay here and talk to me." but I really did have to go. So I just went up to him and wrapped my arm around his waist, pulling him really close to me, and I looked up at him, and I said, "See ya on the 4th?" And he nodded. I wanted to have to his word, so I said, "Promise?" And he squeezed me into a hug and looked down at me and replied, "Promise." So I'm hoping I get to see him today. And as I was walking away, he's like, "Actually, the fourth was yesterday." I rolled my eyes even though he couldn't see me, and said, "Whatever, Cory Ruyle.", only casting a quick glance over my shoulder.

And that's it. I have some new poems I've written that I'd love to get soem feedback on. Most, as you'll notice, are about Cory, but that's because writing is my pyschiatrist. When something's on my mind, I write about it. I write and write and write and write until there's nothing left. And then, what do you know? I end up with some decent stuff. Not to mention I feel so much better afterwards...some call it obsession, I call it therapy!

So here they are...I'm shamelessly plugging...I know it's my blog, but I feel bad doing this...I just really want some feedback! Tomorrow I'll post some excellent poems that I've seen in the past couple days...I'm getting back in the reviewing game!

Enjoy and everyone have a safe and great weekend!

ID: 1285794   (Rated: ASR) Title: Expressionless  Description: I just want to know that my feelings for you are mutual... By: jess♥THANK YOU RAOK! =]

(And I'd like to thank the lovely Dana, Black Willow , for this amazing awardicon! )

ID: 1284817   (Rated: ASR) Title: Torn  Description: Loving more than one person... By: jess♥THANK YOU RAOK! =]

ID: 1284791   (Rated: ASR) Title: What the Scientists Say  Description: Not everything can be explained by science.... By: jess♥THANK YOU RAOK! =]

 

         Don't even act like you didn't miss me!

         Just kidding...I'm sure my absence was traumatizing, but I'm back now, no worries! haha...Writing camp was GREAT! Some parts were better than last year, some a whole lot worse. However, I would have to say, overall I had a blast, and it was mostly due to my roommate, VB is catching up . I cannot even begin to tell you how much fun we had. Kaitlin and I are so alike, it's scary. As I mentioned in my entry about meeting her, we have so much in common, and we can both talk for hours without stopping. Seriously, the whole 5 hours to DeKalb with my mother, we barely stopped to breathe. We talked about pretty much everything- and I mean everything! (We've both decided that 'we talked about absolutely everything' is my most overused phrase, and an excuse to get out of describing conversations! lol ) I know you guys are thinking, Oh my goodness, five hours? Her poor mother!...and you're right...she forgot her earplugs, and I don't know how she made it there alive and sane! She probably just kept thinking about the long, quiet drive back!

         Anyway, at first, like last year, I was a little wary of camp. There were some nice people there, but there were a few snobs, too. Our big group of 21 campers kind of split into two groups- the 'cool' kids and the 'not cool' kids. I was kind of sad, because that never happened last year...we all just did everything together. However, I'm proud to say that Kaitlin and I were definitely the 'chill' group- that is, we were neutral and got along with everyone! (Kaitlin's St. Louis vocabulary is rubbing off on me, even though I only live an hour and a half away! haha- hence the word 'chill')

         As far as writing, I got quite a bit of that done. I'm still trying to edit and perfect a few things, but the one completely finished piece that I am proud of beyond belief is this:

ID: 1284350   (Rated: E) Title: creative existence  Description: "Change you, change me, change the world." By: jess♥THANK YOU RAOK! =]

         I recommend that you guys check it out! I'd love to know what you think of the new style, which is more modern and called 'concrete'...it deals with using formatting to enhance the meaning of the poem. So if you get a chance and want to read something different, please check it out!

         I also have the beginning of a story that I dubbed 'The Cory Story'....about -who else?- my little felon! lol Everyone at camp was like amazed with it! Two of the guys there that were kind of Gothic-looking...you know, sort of different but still REALLY wonderful people- both loved it and said it was very relatable! And all the counselors were really impressed. So hopefully I'll get it finished soon, and if it doesn't look like I'll get it finished before the end of the week, I'll just post what I have on here. One of the counselors, an amazing wirter named Brittany, said that I needed to be careful with the story and not rush it...she said it's something that she'd like to see developed over the rest of the year...imagine dedicating a YEAR to a story...wow! Hopefully I'll get it finished before the end of the year, but if I don't, at least I know that it will be moving along smoothly...

         I have more to say, but right now I'm really tired and running on very few hours of sleep! I'll post more about camp and my birthday party tomorrow! Nite, all! (((HUGS)))

Jess

♥ best friends for life. ♥

         First of all, I'd like to wish happy birthday to three other very special people, who share a birthday with me today.

H A P P Y B I R T H D A Y !!!

AL
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         I tell you, June 23rd is one helluva day, to have birthed so many awesome people, huh? lol...just kidding! I would just like to thank everyone for their wonderful brithday wishes: the merit badges, the c-notes, the GPs, EVERYTHING! I may have received a digital camera and an i-POD for my birthday (more on that below) but nothing could compare to the kind words I have received from my family here at Writing.com. And that's the best way I can come up with to express my thanks.

         Yesterday the ladies at the bank ordered out for me and we all had some DELICIOUS pizza for lunch! Then they brought me a cake and cards and presents and all kinds of stuff. It was wonderful! I know I gripe about all the old coots, but they really are great people and I'm so happy that they thought to do that for my birthday! It was also kind of to make up for scheduling me to work on my birthday... I had to wake up at 6 AM to go to work this morning...yuck! ...however, I am really excited about my party tonight!!!

         You know, I swear tno one has more communication problems than my parents. One Christmas, Dad went out and bought us girls a BUNCH of presents, and Mom's the one that always does that, so she just followed her yearly routine, without knowing that Dad had already taken care of it. And of course, being a man and all (lol..sorry, guys! ) it never occured to him that she would buy our presents like she does EVERY year! So a few Christmases ago, we ended up with the motherlode of good tidings! haha...and to make it even funnier, my younger sisters, who still believed in Santa, just thought they'd been extra good that year!

         So anyway, I had told Mom that I wanted an i-POD nano for my birthday, and I wante dto buy a new digital camera for myself. She started complaining about how expensive they were, and about how I'd just received a digital camera and an MP3 player just three years ago. I explained to her that three years, in all actuality, was a long time to have these electronics. You guys know how technology advances these days...I didn't want the expensive, cream-of-the-crop stuff, I just wanted things that would be worth the money spent to get them. And I was angry because my little sisters Steph and Jenn both had digital cameras- and more expensive ones than mine had been! (and they were 3 and 5 years younger than me, as well!) Not only that, but Jenna had been through FIVE MP3 players in the past two years....and here Mom was complaining about how what I'd requested for my birthday - and even what I'd told her I was going to buy on my own- was too expensive.

         Finally, however, I convinced her to at least get me a refurbished i-POD nana...theyr'e supposedly just as good as the new ones, and $100 cheaper. So I settled for that, and then told my dad that I wanted him to pick up a digital camera for me, and that I'd pay him when I got home. Dad, once again not knowing that Mom had already purchased me a present, just planned on buying it for me for my birthday.So he calls me at work and says, "Jess, I found the camera! I also got a carrying case, a mini-tripod, an extra memory card, some batteries, a battery recharger, and a digital camera starting kit..."

         While he's reeling off his list of pruchases, all I can think is, Good God, I am have to pay for this! And payday was just last week! So I interrupt him and ask, "Dad, how much is this going to cost? I have to PAY for all this!" And he says, "No, it's your birthday present." I started laughing, knowing what was coming next. "So, I guess you didn't know that Mom just got me a $100 i-POD nano, huh?" There was a long pause. "No, I guess I didn't..." he says finally. I started laughing uncontrollably...so did all the ladies at the bank, who were listening to my conversation as well. "Well, I really appreciate that," I told him. "Can't wait to see it tonight."

         So once again, miscommunication between my parenst leads to a gift surplus for me. That's nothing most people would complain about, but regardless, sometimes I feel bad. Then again, I don't get spoiled like most kids do these days... So it was kind of nice! And now I have the i-POD and the digital camera in my possession, and I'm lovin' both of them! They were both pretty cheap, but they work excellent! And they came just in time for my birthday party tonight and for camp next week!

         I guess that's all I have to say right now...this will porbably be my last blog for a week or so, because my party's tonight and then I have to pack and I'm leaving for camp tomorrow mornign with Kaitlin! YAY! I can't wait! I'm so excited...we are gonna have a blast! I even got her a little 'room-warming' present because the dorms at NIU, quite frankly, suck! lol

         I hope you all have a wonderful vacation from me! lol...

All About Me
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BlackAngel

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Okay, so obviously I can't stay away from this place for more than a day......have some good news to share!!!

One, today I got a 101.25% on my chem test! I was so psyched because the class average was a C and also because I worked SUPER-hard to get that grade.

If I'd worked that hard during the musical, I'd probably be getting an A in that class right now.

I'm pissed because I'm getting a 91.2 in there and an A is a 91.5. It's not that Bs are that bad, it's just that I'm more than capable of getting not just an A, but a high A. So unless I can pull off a 98% on my final (which is NOT gonna happen-this is CHEMISTRY, people!) I'll get my first-ever B for the semester....

But there's a slight chance she might round my grade up to an A...she says that she knows I've been working hard and that I deserve an A. She'll probably give everyone like 5 extra credit points....which would be LOVELY!

Also, I was named copy manager of the yearbook! That means I'm also technically an editor, but also in charge of everything grammatical in the yearbook

....captions, write-ups, indexes

-if writing's involved, so am I- which is just fine with me! There are three other editors besides myself- it's the first year we've EVER had more than 2 editors...so it should be very interesting! I also got the"Caption Queen" award....I've been told I should go into journalism! Maybe after PT...lol

And I guess that's it...I'll be spending my Memorial Day weekend preparing for finals...which I think is crap, but only three more days after tomorrow!!!! Then I'm home-free! And I have TONS of summer plans...which I'll have to update you guys on later!

Also I'm probably going to the movies this weekend...the DRIVE-IN movie theater....I drive-ins...lol...can't wait! I wanna see the 3rd Pirates of the Carribbean movie! The ending to the last one was SO incredibly crappy! lol Plus this weekend I have a Lifeteen party to help welcome the 8th grade graduates into our group...it's gonna be a blast...food, bands, games, and God!!!

Anyway, now I'm done! Later and hope you all have a great weekend! (((HUGS)))

Muchos amor! Jess

(so much for tiny, huh? )
 

         Last night I attended Jenna's graduation. It was so sad. It's hard to believe that next year, she'll be in high school with me. This is both scary and exciting. I really hope that we'll grow a lot closer than we are now. She's going through this stage in her life where she's just downright mean and hateful...to me, the most. It's really hard for me, as her older sister, to bear. I mean, I know I cause a lot of problems too, but even when I'm being nice, she's so incredibly mean it's not even funny. I wrote so many nice things on her card, got her a present, let her wear my $80 dress, shoes, and jewelry. And not only did she not thank me, but last night she wouldn't let me give her a hug, didn't even want a PICTURE with me....I mean, at your graduation, you are supposed to be happy...for God's sake, it's a CELEBRATION!

         So anyway, things between us are a little rough...I'm hoping she'll grow up very, very soon! But the reason I was upset was not because she was graduating, but because that means that next year, she will be a freshman, which means that I will be a senior, which means that I only have ONE year left before I graduate. before I graduate, leave Calhoun, and start my own life.

         God, that's frightening. I mean, I can't wait to escape the confines of my small town, but at the same time, I don't want to leave. I'm sure all of you are familiar with this feeling. It's not exactly a new one... And I'm sure no matter how many times you start over, it never gets any easier....not even teh fourth or fifth or sixth time.

         I know next year will fly by even faster than this one...I only officially have 8 school days left...finals included...that's a pretty scary thought, too...especially considering that I haven't even started studying yet... This summer and next year will be filled with scholarship applications, college applications, and writing essays. I will have incredibly hard classes, but I'm hoping that since i'm not playing volleyball next year I'll have more time. Time, time, time..as Scarlett said in her blog...if only we could bottle time and sell it! {e:insert wistful emoticon here}

         My summer plans for this year are pretty big. I believe that in the beginning of June I am flying down to Mississippi to see Laura Beth and go to a concert of one of our favorite bands. My parents don't want to go down because they don't really know Terrie, her mom, too well. They were mostly friends with Brian, and now that he's gone, I guess they see no reason to go down there... It's really sad. But I also know it would be terribly hard on my dad. I don't think I'm going to realize how hard it's going to be on me until I get down there. I still can't even think of him without bawling. However, that's a chance I'm going to take, because I know that just because Laura Beth's dad left their lives doesn't mean I have to.

         I'm also going to the NIU writing camp again, also with another WDC friend, VB is catching up ! I've never met her, but she sounds awesome, and I'm totally psyched about getting to meet her. Not to mention reunite with some old camp friends and make some new ones.

         I think our big family vacation this year is going to a small island off the coast of Florida, or somewhere like that. We went to Florida a few years ago, to a beautiful place called Destin, and we love it down there, at the quieter, little known places. We're not much for tourist attractions. It should be a blast...gotta lose a couple pounds, though, for that new swimsuit..I'm getting love handles....EEEK!!! I need to start watching what goes in my mouth!

         I guess that's it for now....work is kinda slow this morning, which is good, because I'm all tired out from the graduation celebration last night. Tonight I think I'm goign to the movies with Erica and Beca...it should be a blast. We're planning on seeing Shrek 3. Anyway, hope everyone has a good weekend and I'll be back soon!

All About Me
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         This is a quick little sneak peek of how I looked for prom...I have a bunch more pictures and of course a lot of explaining to do, but I have so much homework it's not even funny!

 

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Once again, I got home late, but I'm making time to type. Writing is now a priority in my life- even if it's only a blog entry!

Today I got my stae and federal income taxes back! I was so excited, because I seriously needed the money to pay for a mani/pedi. It was worth it, though. Right after school I left for the mall with Erica, Beca, adn their mom. We got there, picked out prom purses and shoes, some clothes and other essentials, and then went to get our nails done...they are SO pretty! I will probably never do it again (until NEXT year, anyway!) but I can see how people might get addicted to it...I got French tips, and one each big toe I had a little painted on flower design- not a sticker, but actually IN nail polish...and it looks amazing! I'm almost tempted to post a picture, but I'm not going to!

So it was a blast. And I just got home. And I still have TONS of homework...but it's prom weekend...and tomorrow, becaues I'm a junior, we get the day off to set up for prom...it's gonna be LOADS of fun! I can't wait!

Off to bed! I need some good night's sleep for this weekend!!!!

Jessie
 

Even though I STILL have loads of homework to do, I'm taking the time to write this blog because getting back into this blue-day routine has really done wonders on my stress. The past few months have been so busy that I've lost something very important to me: the love of writing. I didn't really lose, it actually- more like just pushed it aside for things I thought were more important. But then I realized that writing does wonders for me...it calms me down, improves my writing abilities, and hopefully brings joy or laughter into the lives of my readers.

Tonight I attended a Catholic youth group meeting called LifeTeen...it's a pretty widespread program, but in my small community, we've never had a youth group. I've always wanted to be part of one, but even though we have a strong Catholic community, I'm pretty sure I was the only one interested. Our branch of LifeTeen just began in January, but I was so busy with the musical and school that on Wednesday nights (big rehearsal nights) I couldn't find time to go. Now, however, that the musical's over, I can.

However, something else was holding me back. One of my best friends -I love her dearly- acts like she is the reason LifeTeen got started. It is quite the opposite. I'll admit she is partly responsible for the success of the program, because of her popularity, but other than that, she doesn't play a very important role. In fact, I was the one who was first approached by the priest who asked me how students would react to a youth group. I told him if he found the right people to run the show, it could work, but explained that with all I was doing, I wouldn't be able to help in the beginning.

So I told one of my friends and she took on the responsibility. Now she acts as if the whole thing revolves around her. My dramatic teenage side is going to show through this entry, and I'm sorry, but this is something I can't be mature about. It really bugs me, so I'm going to blog it.

I really did enjoy going tonight. I went with two of my freshmen friends, the twins Erica & Beca. Those girls are awesome, and so much like me it's amazing. I love hanging out with them...and this gave me an opportunity to see them more, which I was all for. There are three youth ministers....Garrett, Nick, and Erin. They are all really great, especially Garrett. I guess he recognized me right off from the musical. (They went, I guess! ) And said, "Nice to meet you- you have an amazing voice!" I was kinda surprised that he remembered me, but that was one of the nicest compliments I've ever received.

The one thing that bugged me, and has also played a big role in holding me back from LifeTeen until now, is my friend Emily. It infuriates me how she acts like she knows everything, but really, knows very little about the Bible or her Catholic religion. She doesn't go to church often, and always complains about everything. I know me complaining about her complaining doesn't make me a better Christian, but it makes me mad because I go to church sometimes even twice a week, sing in the choir, and read at Mass, and she still acts like she knows more than me.

Basically, she makes me feel inferior when there is no reason to. And I absolutely hate it! She is one of the biggest hypocrites I know, condemning everyone else for doing things she does herself, and I hate it. She is one of those people that puts on a show for others, but what she does behind closed doors is worse than some ot the things that the people she looks down upon do.

And I think I'm going to stop before I really get started... Prom is this weekend, rain is in the forecast, and I have a scrapbook and speech to present next week. I need to get things together and not let Emily bother me at LifeTeen, because I had a great time and can't wait to go back!

Tomorrow I'm going to get a manicure and pedicure! I can't wait- I haven't had one in forever!

Good night all!

{e;heart}Jessie

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I don't really have time to blog, but I've been doing so good on this blog-a-day thing that I can't just quit...this is my 6th straight day of blogging! *snaps for Jess*

And it is Mayday! For those of you wondering what Mayday is, it actually came to be because of several things...here are some of them, in case you're interested or just curious:

In many pagan cultures, May 1st is technically the beginning of summer. June 21st, what we consider the first day of summer, is the summer solstice, which actually makes it midsummer. Therefore, May 1st is the beginning of summer using the pagan calendar.

For Catholics such as myself, May is the month of Mary. We celebrate her purity and acknowledge her as the mother of Jesus. In Catholic schools, children make arts and crafts to show their appreciation, and most often adorn the statue of Mary with flowers. I took part in many Mayday celebrations.

May 1st is also the optional Feast of St. Joseph the Worker. The feast was established by Pope Pius XII in 1955 in order to give all workers a model and a protector. Almost like Christianizing labor.

Mayday is associated with various socialist and labor movements, especially the Haymarket Riot of 1886 in Chicago. It commemorates the execution of the Haymarket martyrs, and is known in some societies as International Workers' Day.

However, most of us are familiar with the MAyday where you leave a basket of goodies on a neighbor's doorstep, knock, and leave. This is to be done anonymously. I've never done it, but I swear next year I'm going to. It sounds fun...except for that fact that my nearest neighbor is miles away!

And that's it for now...that homework I mentioned last night?

Yeah---still on my desk---untouched.

And it's beginning to get dusty!!!

Much love, all!

Jess

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