Just about a year and a half ago my great aunt passed away. My aunt left behind one hell of a legacy; one of manipulation and deceit, among other things. It was the legacy of this woman, along with new editions to my family, that caused me to start thinking about what family really is. I have always thought of "family" in a very Italian mob, Tony Soprano kind of way. But in the past few years, especially the last six months, I've realized that is a weird way to think of family. Family are the people who call you just to say hello. They are the ones who celebrate when things go your way, or comfort when things don't. They are the people who speak truth to you, out of love, when truth needs to be spoken. They are the ones who except truth with love and try to change from it. If my sister and I never followed those rules of family we wouldn't have the amazing relationship we have. When I think about those things that constitute family I think of my parents, my sister, and her family. I think of my boyfriend, of my close friends, my pastor, my sunday school class, my church. These people are my family. We share a bond that runs much deeper than blood, although most Italians would argue that nothing runs deeper than your blodd. We share the common understanding and faith in the blood of Christ. And that runs much deeper than anything I've ever known. There is a woman in my church who was very vital to both mine and my sisters lives. She taught both of us sunday school for years, she has the patience of a saint and a heart of gold. When I shared with her that my sister was having her first baby, her eyes filled with tears and she told me that hearing that made her feel like a grandma. She is my family. And I know that one day the legacy she leaves behind will be one of love and the sweetness of God's grace. Isn't that what family is? Shouldn't we leave, and expect to be left, a legacy that is sweet and not one that is bitter?

Belated Birthday Post

This is terribly belated. I turned 20 almost a month ago now. But I had a wonderful day and Stephen got me the most beautiful presents! He bought me something I will cerish forever. An old edition of "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald. He is by far my favorite author and Gatsby is my favorite novel by him. It is just one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen. I cried when I opened it. I was expecting it in a way since I had asked him for a copy but I had not expected something so beautiful. The condtion is almost perfect. It's just out of this world. I am a little afraid to read it but I want to eventually. I just have to work up the nerve.

I'm a Big Girl Now!

So I did it. I went to big girl school. I will admit I was terrified. But it really wasn't that bad. In fact I realized I'm a little smarter then the average bear. Math was... well.... ridiculous. Mostly because it's basic math and I don't know alot of it! English was amazing. My professor seems awesome so far. I'm so excited to really get into that class. I already had homework which I did most of already. And I'm just really excited to start learning again. Although the weirdest part of being in a classroom is that I'm used to being on the other side. And there are certain things I can't stand, like talking in class, and I can't stand them now that I'm a student again. It's just really odd to be a student after being a teacher these past two years.

Sick Day

I'm sick. Again. I was sick over Christmas and on Friday I sneezed and got sick again. I'm feeling better today then yesterday. Thankfully cause I thought I was going to rip my head off yesterday! I've been drinking lots of gypsy cold care tea and trying to get better for work tomorrow. Hopefully it passes soon enough.

I'm With the Band

My multi talented boyfriend is in a band by the name of MADELINE. I have taken on the role of "manager". It started when Stephen and Mitch (the bass player, co-founder, and best friend[pictured right]) couldn't find a drummer. They had been through a few but nothing stuck and it was starting to hold them back. So I just thought my little brain out until I thought of this kid I used to be friends with. Scott. I tracked him down gave him a call and he said yes! And he really completes the band. Makes their sound full. So now I call myself Big Al Powers and insist that I am their manager (not at all though). But at their latest show I did sell t-shirts and CD's for them. It was really fun actually I got to talk to some really neat people and had quite a few guys flirt with me (hey! it was for the band!). They actually have a management company interested in them and will most likely have a few more shows coming up. Oh! and the coolest part is they have an old friend who is an intern at Bennett Studios in NJ and recorded them free of charge! So they have a few new tunes on their myspace. Check them out! Tell your friends!

picture by Sarah Clark (shes amazing!)

The Legend of the Beard!

It was one fall day when young Stephen said "I shall grow a beard!" His girlfriend scoffed and said "Oh no! I don't like beards! Not at all" But the young Stephen grew one anyway despite her strong feelings. As time went on his girl grew accustomed to it. Even more time went by and she began to love The Beard. In fact she became so fond of it when young Stephen threatened to shave The Beard she strongly protested! He gave in and kept The Beard for a short while longer until one fateful night when young Stephen did away with The Beard. His girl was saddened but she did not weep for she knew one day The Beard would return to young Stephen and fill their lives with joy once again. But until that day the ghost of The Beard shall haunt her memory. Until that day...

Extreme Baking!

So I've finally become insane. I made Cinnamon Pecan rolls on Christmas morning (that's not the crazy part though). They were amazing! And really easy. I think I may have started a new tradition for my family. Ok now here's the crazy part. On New Years eve I went to a friends and didn't get back home till about 2:15am. Now most people would just undress and plop into bed. But not me. I got home and immediately opened my new cookbook and said "Oh! Scones!" So before even removing my coat I started making the mix so everyone could enjoy fresh baked scones the next morning. No actual baking was involved but I mixed the dry ingredients and left a note so someone could finish them in the morning.... I like being crazy like that.

New Traditions

My family has changed. I now have a neice and I am now more attached to my boyfriends family. Both are an adjustment but happy ones. This Christmas eve I spent with Stephens family. It was lovely. I was sort of dreading it since I'm not in favor of change but I put a smile on and hoped for the best. And the best I got! It was really fun. We (Stephen, his parents and his younger sister) all got in the car and headed over to church. The whole way there we sang Christmas carols and laughed as we forgot all the words. Once there we enjoyed a really nice candle service (which I'd never been to before). Afterwards we went out for chinese and then went back to Stephens and exchanged gifts. I recieived a gift card from Stephens parents and stationary and a beautiful jewlery box from his sister. And then after that we headed over to Stephens oldest brother and sister-in-laws apartment. It was over all a very happy and festive evening. I'm really looking foward to starting even more new traditions with Stephen in the coming years.

Fingerless Gloves

Here they are. The fingers are a little uneven and they don't match perfectly. But I think they are worthy of my good friend.

Scarf and Fingerless Gloves

I finally got around to learning how to cable! I made Stephen a scarf which I think came out really well. I followed a fantastic pattern and it came out just splendidly! Just like the picture. Stephen is very happy with it and it is oh so warm and cozy. But luckily for him I cannot wear it being that I made it from an acrylic and wool blend and I am super sensitive to wool. It is probably one of the nicest things I've made (not to boast too much!). I have also recently finished (still have to sew up a few fingers!) a pair of fingerless gloves for a friend of mine. Not my greatest work but not bad either. I will have pictures when I finally finish them completely. I really don't enjoy knitting at all. I would much rather make a nice banana cake. But there is something about having a nice pile of knitting in your lap on a cold winter night while your watching a movie. Although knitting has to be one of the most frustrating things I do for a hobby. Go figure!