Merry Christmas!!

So, another Christmas is upon us all. I can hardly believe it! Is it just me, or does this day come faster each year? Every year, I'm reminded of the Christmases spent with my family when I was a little girl. I was always the first one up, usually at about 6:30 or so in the morning. I'd usually wake my dad up first, since he was the most willing! Then, I'd wake up my poor mom, who unbeknownst to me was usually up until about 2 or 3 in the morning wrapping presents and putting them under the tree! After I woke her up, I'd wake up my very cranky siblings, which usually involved some colorful language and pillows being thrown at me! Dad would make some coffee for him and Mom, and then we'd turn on the fireplace, and start the unwrapping. We always had such a good time. I miss those Christmases a lot. I still love spending Christmas with my family now, but it's different now that Dad's gone...it's lost some of its joy, I guess. Celebrating Jesus' birth is the most important part of Christmas for me, now. Anyway, to anyone who may read this, I wish you all (and your families) a very Merry Christmas and a Happy 2009!

Why Today SUCKS!

With the world in the condition its in, you may be asking yourself, "Why does today, in particular suck?" Well, sixteen years ago today, my dad passed away after a 9-month battle with lung cancer. I was 12 years old. To me, my dad was my hero...indestructable, and (since I was 12 at the time), the man in my life. I'll never forget the moment I found out he died. The night before, I had gone to my 7th grade band concert, instead of visiting my dad in the hospital, something that I still have not forgiven myself for....

I spoke to him for the last time that night. I didn't understand the levity of one of the last things he said to me, "I would come to your concert, but I've got things to do.." The next morning at 2:30, my older sister woke me up to deliver the heart-breaking news. I thought it was a dream...no...a NIGHTMARE, but once I realized it was true, I ran across the hallway to see my mom sitting up on her side of the bed, with her head in her hands, sobbing. I sat next to her, and we cried together.

It's been 16 years, and I STILL cry every year on this day. I always tell myself I wont, but I fail. I don't know what else to say other than I miss him terribly, and the only solace I have is knowing that he is in Heaven now, with his parents, his older brother (my favorite uncle, Myles), and his best friend, Stan. I'm sure they are enjoying the reunion, and the arguing (Dad was a master arguer!)

I miss you, Daddy...I miss you so much!

Note to self

DON'T WAIT TIL THE LAST MINUTE TO STUDY FOR FINALS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Not Quite What I Had Planned...

So, today, I got some bittersweet news. I was planning on visiting the VA Hospital on Christmas Day, but was told that I wouldn't be able to because I have to go through orientation and background checks, and the next Orientation isn't until April. The reason? There are actually SO MANY people signing up to volunteer that they had to make a waiting list...go figure! So, it wasn't what I had planned, but I'm no stranger to having to change my plans. Instead, I think I will work on gathering up things that are often requested by hospitalized vets, and donate them. Tis' the season for giving to those who give all year round!

Lightning is AWESOME!

So, last night, I decided to do something good and productive this coming Christmas. With Kevin working, I figured I would stay at home and wallow, but then last night, I decided to try and visit our local VA Hospital that day. As I was filling out the online volunteer applicatin, something hit me like a bolt of lightning. See, I've been struggling with what to do in school ever since a counselor let me know that I can't do the Nursing Program because of my bad back. To add insult to injury, I had a 4.0 curricular GPA at the time, and I would've been a shoo-in to get into the program. Anyway, first, I thought I wanted to be a Social Worker, then I thought about Journalism, then I thought about teaching Honor's English to high schoolers. However, today, I figured it out...I want to work for a non-profit organization!!! I've always liked charity and volunteering, so I really think that I've found my niche. I'm not saying that I've figured out the meaning of life, but, for now, this bolt of lightning is enough.

Let the Journey Begin...

So, here I am. I've been meaning to set up a blog for ages, something other than the one I used with Myspace, but I just never got around to it. Anyway, I'm here now, and I promise to do my best to post here often. I hope whoever reads this here blog will get inspired, or will just be able to deviate from the craziness that is our world for a little bit, hence the title of my blog. Comments are ALWAYS welcome, but rude language and other inappropriate comments will NOT be tolerated. After all, if you don't like what I have to say, DON'T READ IT!! So, have fun, kids! This should be interesting..