Together.

I went to the grocery store yesterday. We go quite often but this time we were only there so my mom could pick up some medication. We stood in line at the pharmacy. The adorable man in front of us, who must have been in his late 80's or 90's, was cracking jokes with the cashier. He reminded me of my grandfather; still trying to grasp those last few moments of independence.

The lady behind us tapped one foot repetitively, clearly in a hurry, muttering words to herself under her breath. I started casually conversing with my mom, discussing our current health care situation. Although completely serious, I said in a joking tone that I'd better get a check-up in with my doctor before we no longer have health care in a few months. My mom made some remark about my father but what struck me is the response that the woman standing behind us had. She chimed in instantly saying, "I'm in the same boat. My daughter doesn't have health insurance. I just lost my job. I'm back in school. I feel like such a let down." She then went on to tell us about how her daughter was graduating that night.

For a moment, I didn't feel so sad. That may seem weird considering this complete stranger had just shared a glimpse of her struggles. But the truth is, I suddenly no longer felt alone. I realized that it is not just me and my family enduring hard times. We are among millions suffering, but it's easy to forget that until you hear it straight from a stranger at the grocery store. So thank you, stranger, for reminding me that we're all in this together and that we must focus on the joys in life because that's what life is all about.

“Nobody has it easy, everybody has problems. You don’t know what they go through. Nobody is perfect, nobody deserves to be perfect. So before you start judging, criticizing, or mocking, remember everybody is fighting their own war.”— Unknown

Happy Mother's Day, Mama.

5786 days ago you brought me into this world. That's perhaps the greatest gift you've given me; life. Of course I appreciate all of the material goods you've provided me with over the years but I think what I'll remember most when I'm on my deathbed is the amount of love that your big heart has shared with me. You're my rock, that place where I go to when I'm feeling sad or have a big secret to tell or I just feel like getting some lovin'. I have this deep, unwavering bond with your soul that I'll never have with another being. I thank you for all you have done and I love you with all my heart. Happy Mother's Day, Sweet Mama!

A Happy Start to the Week.

VIA

Last Friday was a snow day. I love snow days. They make me so happy. Jess came over for some ramen, tater tots, pizza and chocolate milk. (We eat sooo healthily.) We watched The Notebook. Then we napped. Then we chatted. Then we went to bed. Ideal snow day activities? I think so.

VIA

Saturday, my mom and I did some spring, wait, no...winter cleaning. Felt good. Then we forced ourselves to go to the gym. I got an hour or so of much needed exercise in. Also felt good. Saturday night I was at my dad's. We watched The Kids Are All Right which was a great movie, IF YOU'RE NOT WATCHING IT WITH YOUR FATHER AND STEP MOM. I'm telling you, these movies really need a warning on the cover that goes something like this: "This movie contains multiple sex scenes, including some lesbian sex and quite a bit of foul language. Don't watch with parents." The story was cute though and the acting was good.

Sunday was relaxing. I cleaned my room at my dad's. My room there never really gets messy since I don't have many of my belongings there but it does get DUSTY which is just nasty. A little of this did the trick. In the afternoon, Jess and our friend Helena and I went to see No Strings Attached.



Quite honestly, the trailed doesn't do the movie justice. The only reason I wanted to see it was because I realized (after seeing Black Swan) just how great of an actress Natalie Portman is and I was curious to see how things would go with Ashton Kutcher who, despite his hotness, is not someone you would expect to see acting right alongside Portman. It turned out to be one of the best chick flicks I've seen in a long time! It's funny, flirty and cute! It was interesting to see Portman play such a light role after Black Swan, but she definitely rocked it. Kutcher was just adorable. Go see it. You'll agree.

Today I didn't have to be at school until 9:30 to take my last exam which, lucky for me, was just my art final. It is SO incredibly cold here. We're talkin' negatives. Made for a numbing walk home from school. Luckily I had four amigos to join me on the journey. Then I got to cook lunch for them. Then we had a tea party. Then they all left for track practice and since skiing was canceled (see the second and third sentence of this paragraph), I'm in for the night. Something about this cold weather makes me want to never leave the house and I'm okay with that.

I'm ready for things to get back to normal. Now that Henry and Lucy are gone, my mom and I feel like empty nesters but at the same time, we're realizing that it's time return to our usual routines. Plus, exams are over and a new semester is beginning. This will be good.

[Regarding my original fun weekend plans: Things changed. (They always seem to!) But, on the bright side, that little get-together will be rescheduled. And, I've already made plans for this coming weekend. I'm suddenly planning things in advance...oh my! What fun!]

Have a happy week. And don't freeze your tush off...because then that would make two frozen tushes, mine being the first.

Sorry, blog.

I'm sorry for neglecting you, bloggy. Life has been hectic.

So, where did I leave off? Oh yeah, it was Thanksgiving Eve. My siblings were home. And I was happy. Thanksgiving was absolutely wonderful. This year it was small--only my mom, siblings and our grandparents. Just the way I like it. This year I truly realized the meaning of Thanksgiving. Of course, we all realize the original meaning of Thanksgiving...being thankful for the "bountiful harvest" but we don't stop right there. This year I had so much to be grateful--it ranged from a sweet dog who loves to snuggle to the awesome job that I scored this past year to a warm house to finding a million reasons to smile each day. But, as Kelle Hampton so nicely put it, "that's not the heart of it. That's not the meaty core of Thanksgiving...the kind [she wants her] kids to grasp and feel." The thankfulness that I felt this holiday came right around the time that my mother was frantically trying to heat up all the food (that we had already cooked the day before), Henry and my grandfather were talkin' football talk in front of the tv, the fire was blazing, Lucy was working on a puzzle, the dog sprawled out beneath her feet, my grandmother was telling my mom old stories and I was roaming amongst them all, drinking in the happiness and the warmth that I have in my family and in my life. This holiday was everything I had envisioned and more--It was as peaceful as ever, I was surrounded by those I love and we had delicious food.

The family fun came on Saturday night. Henry, Lucy, my mom and I drove to my grandparents, where my mom's brother Bruce and his girlfriend Sherry were. We laughed SO many times that night. I wish I wrote down every word that was said. I absolutely adore the openness of my family and our ability to be sarcastic and funny with each other one minute and then move to a more serious topic when appropriate...and then go right back to laughing after.

See what I mean? Silly to serious in a second.

Sunday was sad. Saying goodbye to my favorite (and only!) siblings in the whole wide world was hard! It was one of the best visits we've ever had...each time we get closer and closer. The distance is suddenly killing me. At first it didn't bother me that Lucy and Henry were a couple hundred miles away from me. When they left after this visit, it really sunk in. My heart felt so full and happy while they were home and now there's a large void.

Anyway, this just means that I'm extra excited for Christmas break. And speaking of Christmas...I'm starting to get in the mood more. At first I couldn't decide if I would like this holiday this year...but I think I've decided that I do. I go through this every year. I love Christmas. No matter what.

I'm aiming towards a hand-made Christmas (aka all hand-made gifts) which I know will not happen, but I'm going to do my best. No time to blog...I gotta get craftin', folks. More to come.

Thankful for....you ruining my day. (NOT.)

Dear Mom,

Thanks for ruining my day. My day today AND my day yesterday. Last night I actually went to bed angry...and going to bed angry is a big no-no for me. And this is a letter, not for you, but for me, to get all this anger out. Because god knows...if I sent this letter to you you'd probably kill me in my sleep tonight. So, it will stay right here on this blog and you will never have to see it.

Let's get the facts straight. Last night, you BEGGED me to watch the Biggest Loser with you. So, I came into the living room, and pulled up the big brown chair next to you. You were sitting in the green chair, right next to the fire. About halfway through the two hour show, you got up. I stole your chair. It's a usual routine for us. Either I steal the green chair by the fire from you or you steal it from me. We're both kind people so usually we just accept it because it's only fair...You get it for one half and I get it for the other. Last night was different I guess. I stole the chair and you went ballistic. Being the stubborn curmudgeon that I supposedly am, I didn't budge. Why would I? You got it for half the night, I got it for the other half. I thought the whole situation was funny, that you were getting so worked about me stealing your chair. You did not. You were being immature and selfish. I suggested that maybe you could have the green chair if I could have the brown one by the fire. No. Not an option apparently. Eventually, after a little arguing, you yelled "Fuck you, Sophie. You're so selfish. Enjoy the fire." And you stomped up the stairs and SLAMMED your door. Wow. That's really all I have to say.

Around 9:30, while I was thoroughly enjoying the fire and the television, I got really sleepy. I moved onto the floor with a pillow and a blanket, curled up, and fell asleep. I went into a deep sleep. Like so deep, that I didn't even notice when you mom came downstairs and shut off all the lights except for the ones in the living room. I woke up at 12:30am, SO confused. What was I doing asleep on the living room floor at 12:30am? Would it have been THAT hard to wake me up? Did you really not have the courtesy to simply tell me to move upstairs? Thanks a lot. I woke up and was really tired and I contemplated staying down there, but ended up going upstairs. It was so late and I was so tired that I didn't have much time to process the night, thus, I went to bed feeling angry.

This morning I prayed that you had forgotten about last night and that maybe we could completely forgive and forget. I guess not. We put it aside for most of the morning until we started arguing about my buying a new camera (honestly?) and you completely lost it...and then I did. We had a good fight....and by good, I mean....you won't talk to me now. And I'm feeling mad and upset that my day is already ruined.

I'm really hoping that you will chill out before we have to get Lucy. Sure would suck to come home to this.

Happy Thanksgiving Day Eve...I hope yours is better than mine.