long time, no post...

Wow, it's been a while since I've posted anything. So here's a quick update. Got to see a bunch of the fam a few weeks ago when we took a little trip to AZ. It was so great to see everyone and get some quality time with nana and gramps, aunt vicki, caleb and crystal. Then it was back to school and trying to catch up on the missed week of school. Then break for Thanksgiving. I had to stay in Chico for a few days to work so I only got to go home for Wednesday, Thursday and Friday morning. Not really a break...and it didn't feel much like Thanksgiving either. Maybe because I didn't have the whole week to relax and spend time with the fam and all that. It felt more like a weekend at home, and an AMAZING meal. Good food and good company, could you ask for anything better? So then it was back up to Chico for Black Friday night shift, and it was so slow! BORING!! Whatev...easy money! Today, I set up some Christmas decorations and listened to Christmas music for a while. Then I realized how much school work has to get done in the next 3 weeks, so I'm kinda freaking out right now :)

I love this time of year! I love shopping for my friends and family and I can't wait to see their faces when they open gifts Christmas morning. I love the spirit of this time of year. There is so much to be thankful for...the cooler weather that reminds me that Christmas is coming soon, the time spent with friends and family, the wonderful Christmaas music, the warm and nostalgic feeling I get when I see Christmas lights and trees all decorated. It reminds me of better days when we were all together for the holidays. This year is going to be very different. For one, Heather will not be home this year. She and Adam are going to spend the holidays with her new inlaws. She will be missed more than she knows! I probably won't be able to come home for long because of work, so that is going to make a difference too. Also Mom is in Redding so we have to split our time wisely so we can see everyone :) I want to wish everyone Happy Holidays and I hope they are just like the ones you remember from your childhood (those always seem to be the best ones :)!) I love you all and wish you the best of holidays!

I just got back from Arizona. My great Uncle Joe passed away, so we took a little family trip over to Arizona for the funeral. It wasn't a happy moment, or event, but we had a great trip. We got to see some family that we haven't seen in about 13 years so it was nice to catch up. It was great to see Aunt Anita again! She looked great. The last time I saw her, I was probably 7 or 8. My dad got to catch up with some of his cousins too. We got to spend some good time with Nana and Gramps which was amazing, as always! We got to see my Aunt Vicki, my cousin Caleb and his new wife Crystal. It was nice to see the fam again and to get the opportunity to spend some quality time together. And of course, there was a tractor ride involved! That was a good moment. It just makes me feel like a kid again :)

Now its back to the daily grind of school and work, but I'll manage. Only a few weeks left til Christmas break, and I cannot wait! I'm trying to get everything squared away for next year and apply to Sac State. I probably won't be in Chico (or as Caleb calls it, CA-HICO) next semester. I'll move home and work and save up my money for grad school. It will be nice to be home again and reap all the benefits of living at home...home cooked meals, a warm house, no bills, rent- free! I am so lucky that I have a family that will support me and care for me! I love them all deeply and am so grateful for all that they do for me! :)