virginia beach

Over Memorial weekend, Chris and I went to VA Beach. We visited his family, walked around the boardwalk and beach one night, swam a lot in the pool, relaxed, and had a graduation party for Chris. It was a great time (other than the fact that I got sick at the end of the trip and am still getting over it). Chris' family is great. I always feel like I can be myself around them. And they seem to love me just fine. =)

Now that we're back, Chris says I need to keep a VA Beach attitude. You know, happy. It's a little difficult still being sick and tired, but we're both trying really hard and so far it's working well.

This weekend Mom and Dad are driving out here for the weekend on their way to Oklahoma. Then they'll be back again over Father's Day weekend on their way back home. I'm making my "I need these things" list because Mom really wants to buy me stuff (no, really, she does, and if there's nothing for her to buy she'll feel useless). You know, bathroom rug and trash can, food processor, a house. Just kidding about the house. But I really do need the food processor. I tried making hummus last night and it was a disaster. The mini-prep processor (is it a food processor or not? I've decided not) didn't work with more than 3 ounces of chickpeas, and the blender didn't work with the hummus at all. So for now I have lumpy hummus in the fridge awaiting food processing. Then it will be glorious.

last night's dream

I had a dream last night that I got my Boston Terrier puppy. Not only that, but I had nothing for a puppy. No food, no crate, no toys. And I was freaking out. I made Chris go with me to a huge pet store, I'm guessing PetSmart (I don't know if there are even any out here) and I ran around all frantic-like looking for puppy food, which for some strange reason I hadn't researched, toys, and a crate, which I also didn't know anything about.

Good thing I've started researching how to train puppies. And, of course, I've researched breeds. I've even looked at photos and read about spay/neuter surgeries. Whew.

relationship budgeting blog

Some stats from this blog, Committed Unlimited:

• The median household income for a family of four in the US is around $45,000; it’s been stagnant for several years.
• About 43% of Americans spend more than they earn in a year.
• The average U.S. household has over $8,000 in credit card debt.
• Credit card debt in the U.S. has increased by 1/3 in the last five years.
• On average, Americans spend $1.22 for every dollar they earn.
• Americans now have a 1-in-6 chance of losing half or more of the family income in any given year, a huge increase from previous decades.
• Personal bankruptcies have more than doubled in the last 10 years.
• 78% of Americans have a major negative life event at least every 10 years.
• A majority of Americans now have net worths lower than most people in the poorest African nations.
• In Georgia, the state where I live, 1 in 422 homeowners is somewhere in the process of foreclosure. Foreclosures nationwide have skyrocketed in the last five years.

today

Is my ex-roommate's birthday. Or would be? I'm not sure of the proper verb tense. I guess if someone was born on a certain day, even when they are gone it is still their birthday.

I will never understand why some people take their own lives. But I do know that it severely impacts the lives of those close to them.

I hope I can make Stephen proud of me. He always knew what I was capable of and would hold me accountable when I fell short while still encouraging me. I hope at some point in my life I can be that for someone else.

photos from grant

One of my aunt's (Aunt Frankie's and Papa's sister). And a photo of Papa, his dog Hank, and Grant.

My family is awesome.

hard core folds fans

A fight broke out at a Boston Symphony concert. Ben Folds was the main artist. Crap. That really reduces my chances of getting him here.

my baby!

Not to be confused with my bebe.

My MacBook came in the mail! Chris helped me set it up. I'm SO HAPPY with it. The only problem currently is there's no sidebar when I open folders despite the settings showing they're supposed to be in folders.

It's quieter, lighter, faster, just plain nicer than my PowerBook G4 (5 years old and still running, though!).

I'm in love!!!