Here's to 2008

I have never really made much of any kind of New Year’s resolution; after all, I am still pretty young. However, considering I will be turning eighteen and all in just a little over a week, I decided it might be time to really think about what I want to make out of 2008.

• Have just as much walk as talk
• Not to be a hermit. Going out with people, because I will probably will a good time once I get myself there
• Do something that is generally out of my comfort zone.
• Get healthier
• Actually scrapbook- not just getting all of the supplies and stop because I do not know where to start
• Read more books
• Visit more friends and family
• Savor the moments with the people I love, and let them know how important they are to me
  
  That’s what I came up with for now. It is not a lot, but it sure is a good start. These are my resolutions that I will strive to accomplish in 2008. Welcome 2008!

Korrine

While enjoying the start of the brand new year, I could not help thinking about my dear friend Korrine. Korrine went to the doctor about two weeks ago with a stomachache; only to find out that she has a rapid form of cancer. She a very sweet 13 year old, whom I got to spend all my time with in Phoenix, Arizona. She has an incredibly sweet spirit and it devastates me that she is so sick. Korrine’s family has a blog to update everyone one of her progress TEAM KC. Korrine needs all the wonderful thoughts anyone can give her.

Missing Christmas

This Christmas was different than any other in previous years. I longed for the hectic Christmas Eve at my grandma’s house. I wanted to sit in the extremely crowded room, rip open my gifts, and reminisce with my cousins about previous holidays. Walking into that house you could tell Christmas was something she planned for all year. In fact, she liked to call me in September to ask what I wanted to for Christmas. When my grandpa got too sick to get a tree and help decorate, my family and I got the honors of helping her. She was always so impressed with the trees we picked out. While decorating the tree, she told us the stories that went along with the ornaments. I loved to help her at Christmas time.
Last year, we all knew she needed more help than she asked for. One day she called me and asked me to come and help her bake and get ready for the day she waited for all year long. Although she very confused, it was a time I am incredibly thankful for. It was a special time for me to be with her.
This year there was no helping, no crowded room, and no cousins. Instead my family and I had a quiet evening of going to church, having Strings for dinner, and watching Elf. It was weird. I did not like it. I missed my hectic Christmas Eve and especially my grandma.

Not ready

I apologize that it has been so long since an update. I have been crazy busy with college applications, babysitting, schoolwork, being sick, and having a ton of make up work to do. Considering this has consumed my life for the past month or so, Christmas has really snuck up on me. I started my shopping last Sunday (December 16th). Not good. On Monday, I found my self frazzled at the mall trying to get some shopping. When I finally found something, I realized at the counter that I forgot my ATM card at home. I searched my wallet trying to see if I could find enough money for the gift; I did!
The only gift I was really certain I was going to but was something online for my little sister. It was perfect! I knew what I wanted and even agreed to pay the two-day shipping price so that it would arrive in plenty of time. This was over a week ago and there is still no present. However, I did receive an email from the company for 30% off my next order because of any inconvenience (it expires Jan 31, 2008).
Last night it finally felt somewhat like a normal Christmas year for me. Rachel and I had our special little gift exchange, had dinner with my family, made some yummy treats, and watched “Friends.” I felt somewhat relaxed and ready for the coming days.
I hope everyone has all their shopping done and is ready for Christmas. If I do not blog, see, or talk to you in the next few days, have a wonderful Christmas!
Oh, just thought everyone shold know that Target already had bathing suits out...CRAZY!

A Little Chuckle

A kid in my English class was talking with this girl and me about how every couple of months he gets a really bad migraine. As I was listening he looked over and said “Do you ever get headaches?” I just laughed. He -expecting that meant no- continued on. Interrupting, I said, “actually, yea I do.” Questioning my statement he challenged me by asking when the last time I had a headache was. I politely stated that, “well, I currently have a headache that I’ve had for over 3 ½ years. The pain is unreal and it has drastically changed my life.” He looked like a deer caught in the headlights. Still shocked, he and the girl started to ask many questions.

College Applications

College applications are due at the end of the month. I have started but my school will not give me a transcript, which is putting me farther behind for the deadline. I have thought about my essays but cannot come up with how I am so different for everyone else or how I make my community better. I also need to find someone good to proof read it for me. Needless to say, this is a very stressful time in my life.

Homecoming

Saturday was my school’s homecoming dance-the first high school dance I had ever gone to. It was my turn to get all dressed up. I started the search for the perfect dress, and soon enough found it. I knew when I tried it on that it was the one. It was dark brown, floor length, swooped to the side, and was gathered by a rhinestone broach (I love rhinestones!). To go along with my dress I got some pretty rhinestone flip flops (totally me), a necklace, some earrings, and my grandma’s hand beaded clutch. I was honored that I was allowed to take it. As I got my hair done and got all ready I felt so special. I clean up pretty dang well! I couldn’t wait till I started the evening with my good friend Sjadae. We soon enough had Macaroni Grill with some other friends and headed off to the dance. I had such an awesome time and before I knew it, the dance was over. Sjadae and I soon headed to our after party, consisting of ice cream and “Knocked Up.” My evening was so much fun; I loved feeling beautiful!