So I decided to start a blog...

Yes I am crazy and need mental help (for starting a blog...among other things), but bring it up with my boyfriend. I figured, why not? Its like a journal, but i can type so its half the work, right? WRONG! Oh well...

Part of the reason is, I'm lonely and bored. Don't get me wrong, I'm not some teenager who sits on her butt all day contemplating how terrible her life is! No, not me, truly. I have a wonderful family, not to mention, you know that perfect one-of-a-kind guy? You know the knight in shining armour? The one you've been waiting for... Well that's my boyfriend! :) Yes, be jealous, he's mine. All mine. No take backs. Oh yeah, and I'm a sophomore in high school with the busiest schedule since the lawyers who had to clean up watergate. Hahahahahahahahahaha, no.

But that's the way I like it. In fact, I think if I wasn't that busy I'd go crazy. ....oh......crap.

Ok, so back to why I'm lonely and bored? (by the way, if you haven't figured out this is merely a place for me to whine about my problems where no one could get on my case about it because, hey they were the ones who chose to read it, well....nevermind, no point telling you now) I'm bored because yes, I do like to work hard, but I do also want some down time.

My boyfriend is about to enlist in the army (~2 weeks), -OK! OK! MARINES, excuse me-. Either way, can you spell, m-i-s-s YOU? but I know its something that he really really wants to do and I can't tell you how head-over-heels proud I am of him for that. What is there in life if you can't chase your own dreams, right? He's a good guy, and the Marines are lucky to have him. Not to mention, my Best Friend (and me too way....way...way deep down inside) always knew somehow that I'd hook up with someone in the service. Its in my blood...sort of. My dad was in the Navy, both Uncles on my mom's side, a few on my dad's, grandparents, etc. But he's doing what he wants, and he's protecting our country in ways thousands of people can't imagine. He's always been my protector, but soon he'll be yours too.

Do any of you go to church? Its still so weird to think that this time last year I could honestly say without regret (or pride) that I'd been to church less than ten times in my life. Now, I can say that I have gone. Want to know something? Going and then continuing to go was by far one of the best decisions I have ever or will ever make in my life time. Letting myself be more involved with God has truly changed me, and it has changed my outlook on people. Whether I truly understand God's message, or the path he has chosen for me is not important yet. My point is that he has brought me to this place, and I will stay there as long as I can. The people I see every Sunday are honest to goodness some of the nicest, all around fun people I've ever met. Reverend Todd and lovely wife Joelene have adopted me as there surrogate daughter and I am glad and grateful have that honor - not to mention how unbelievably COOL my surrogate sister is!! :) No matter what happens going forward, I know the experiences I've had, friendships I've made, and lessons I've learned in the last eight months in Christ Church in Sheridan will stay with me throughout my life. Thanks so much everyone, for sharing this unbelievable occasion wiht me. :')

Cece isn't the only sister I adopted this year. Last summer, I convinced my parents that hosting a foreign exchange student for the next year would be an exciting experience! We really had no idea... Luise Haag joined our family August 2009, and I speak for everyone when we say that though she's leaving in a few weeks *cry*, she will always be a part of our family and our hearts. Sharing a room with another teenage girl was a bit of a challenge for both of us, but if we both look back over the past school year I don't think that we have any regrets.... (except maybe the bathroom XD lol). I truly have found another part of me in Luise. To this day, I introduce her as my sister. And then of course when I get the "and why don't you look like a model too???" look, I tell whoever it is, that this is my German sister. ("Oohhhhhh....") Go figure. :) Anyways, Luise and I will miss eachother terribly when she leaves: the late night talks, chick flik movie parties, bad jokes, -tell me everything- walks in the park, --jeez we sound like a couple. EW! :D Ok, well either way, not a single member of our family-no, not even you Sporkie-will be dry-eyed next month when she has to back to her home in Germany.

Do you think maybe I should talk about my own family now? You know the ones I've actually lived with all my life? :) lol. First, lets start with my mom. She's got a heart as big as the rocky mountains. Five years ago she packed the family up and moved us back to Montana, my home state. Why? Because she wanted to spend more time with us kids before we were out of the house. Did I mention how great she is? Though we all loved California, there are experiences I would never dream of not having if we hadn't come up here. Yes, I had a rough time at first, but I got over it. I still want to go back to CA for college, but thats another two years away.

My mom graduated from University of California at Berekeley (Go BEARS!!) and now runs Tobbacco Root Graphics. I think her favorite part about Montana (along with most people's) is its beauty. She loves to garden, go hiking, take pictures, go fishing - you name it. But that doesn't keep her from spending time with her little girls, my sister, Beth, and I. In the winter (all 9 months of it) we all hang out and watch movies, play board games, go skiing!!, go sledding, etc. Though she works, my mom always does above and beyond to make sure she can spend time with us girls and I tell you, thats the best gift a daughter can have.

I think I'll give you the low down on the rest of my family (surrogate and otherwise :)) next time... Right now my book, school work, and dirty clothes hamper is calling to me, so until next time,

Darlin