The Soap Opera Continues

Here's a list of characters in this little episode:
Jennifer- friend of mine, friend of my ex's, mother of my god-daughter
Joe- ex, and may he forever stay that way
Trevares- friend of mine, co-worker of Joe's, someone who (in his words) I "got my tease on" with, someone who I talk to only a few times a year

Sunday I talked to Jennifer on my way back to school. She was talking about throwing a New Year's Eve party. I half jokingly informed her that if she was inviting me she'd also be inviting Kevin. She laughed and agreed. She asked if I was planning on stopping by her place on my way out of town, as she was expecting Joe to come over that afternoon. I wasn't so it wasn't an issue.

Last night (Monday), I got a phone call from Mr. Trevares. Mind you, I haven't talked to him since August, despite my attempts to call him. We don't really talk much. If we run into each other or if he commits the drunken dial we do, but otherwise, not really. So, he calls. The only thing he really wants to talk about is my new beau. Doesn't really care about much else, other than reminding me that I teased him and he still wants to finish what I supposedly started over a year ago (almost two now). "But, no really, what about your new boyfriend?"

Interesting that I haven't heard from him in months and the day after I talk to Jennifer and she sees Joe, Trevares' co-worker, he calls me up asking for information about this new dude.

I IMed Jennifer this morning and the conversation went something like this:
me: What did you tell Joe about Kevin?
Jen: yea....New Year's Eve party, remember?
Jen: I like your elk, he's cute (referring to my REINDEER buddy icon)
me: but what did you tell him about me and Kevin? and it's a reindeer
Jen: oh, lol, yeah I like your reindeer, he's cute
Jen: something else random that I ignored
Then I looked down and realized I was almost late for class and jetted off without another word. I called her after class to apologize for running off without saying anything, but she didn't answer her phone, real cute.

I'm really pissed that she's running her mouth and even more so because she's being so sketch about it. I mean really, if you weren't talking smack about me (and/or Kevin), why won't you tell me what you said. Now neither me nor Kevin want to go to this stupid party. I can't imagine why not.

I'm really over all this high school bullshit. I mean seriously, I'm the youngest of this whole group by several years and this is what I've got to put up with?!?!? Some friends I've got, huh?

::sigh:: back to the chaos

I had a wonderful Thanksgiving reprive, as I hope all did.

Kevin worked through lunch on Tues and Wed so that he would get off of work at the same time I got into town. It was SO nice to see him and get the hug I'd been waiting for. We hung out at my place while I took care of some chores (including FREE laundry facilities). Then my mom came home with groceries and we made dinner. It's so nice that he and my mom seem to be getting along so well. After dinner we scurried off to catch Harry Potter. I was impressed with this one. It was much easier to follow if you hadn't read the book (which I of course had, but it had been some time).

Thursday was turkey day. I wasn't paying attention when I was making the mashed potatoes and put entirely too much pepper in them. Oops! I had to make a bunch more potatoes and mix them with the grey, already cooked potatoes. They were still a bit strong, and plentiful to say the least. Oh well, I'll never make that mistake again. Dinner was crazy as ever and I realized I've grown further away from the "kids" my age. We have spent many Thanksgivings together and each year we're all a little bit more different. A few years ago, we graduated from the kids' table and I was excited to get to sit with "adults." This year, however, there was the little kids' table, the college kids' table, and the rest were in the formal dining room. I was a little offended by this and spent my dinner not talking as I had nothing to add to the immature antics being discussed. But, it was enjoyable still the same. I love that family and it wouldn't be Thanksgiving without them, but it was nice to have a QUIET escape awaiting me. I had my friend take me over to Kevin's house for the onslaught of introductions.

I was rather nervous as we approached, hoping that I would make a good impression. He answered the door and the first face I saw was his niece I'd met previously. Her face lit up and I realized I left the picture I'd promised her in my mom's car, which was at my friend's house. She didn't seem to mind; she was just glad I was there. The rest of his family said their hellos, but not much else. I chalked it up to the mellow that follows dinner and the kids getting more rambunctious as the event lengthened. Kevin was a little upset that his family hadn't been more welcoming. I just hope it was because they were tired and not because of me. I worked really hard at paying attention to who was talking to whom and using what names and who belonged to whom and so forth. I think I have it down, but with different clothes on, in a different situation, who knows.

Thursday night we were planning that Kevin and I would take a nap before trucking out to Best Buy to get in line for a computer. My mom doesn't have a computer at home and they were adveristing one for $150 instantly. However, after seeing OUR Best Buy grace the 11 O'clock news with a formidable line already in place, we dashed out to get in line. There were some kids a few years younger than me in line in front of us. They brought their 19" TV and portable DVD player and set up. We watched War of the Worlds and a couple episodes of the Simpsons, made a few runs to the 24 hour CVS in the same plaza, and did a lot of talking. The time passed rather quickly and around 4:30am they passed out the vouchers for the computers. We BARELY got one of the last ones. My mom was so excited. The computer is really nice and she's happy, so that's all that matters. Then Kevin and I ran to Wal-mart before going back to his place to take a much deserved nap.

Then it was off to see RENT with a friend from high school. I was thoroughly impressed with the film version. It's not easy to capture the essence of a Broadway musical on film, but I think they did a pretty good job. I'm pretty sure Jonathon Larson would be pleased. It's funny how my friend and I used to be BEST FRIENDS all through middle and high school. We've stayed in contact through college, but as we're both finishing....we've grown so different. Kinda sad. But, we had a good time.

Friday night Kevin came over for dinner again and we watched How the Grinch Stole Christmas (which I'd purchased for $5 at Best Buy that morning) and set up my mom's new computer. We had a nice, chill evening as we were all VERY tired.

Saturday was Kevin's birthday!! We went out to breakfast, then to a lake to feed the duckies.

Then we rented Ladder 49 as Kevin has been talking about persuing a career in firefighting. It was a really good movie, but REALLY sad. I would recommend it to anyone who doesn't know any firefighters or anyone who wants to be one. I would not recommend it to anyone who cares about someone in the business. After it was over we were cuddling and Kevin felt the need to inform me that he was not crying. Rather, his eyes were merely watery. I'm not ashamed, I was crying.

The movie ran a bit longer than I had anticipated and we scurried to change and head to the beach for the sunset. I took him to my favorite beach, Sunset Point. There's a picture of us together on my camera, but it's that old film thing, so I'll have to wait to post it.

What FL in Nov looks like

Then we went to dinner at Maggiano's, a nice Italian restruant. He loves Italian food and I was banking on him never having been to this place. As we got closer, he thought he'd figured out where we were going to eat because I've been saying that I want to take him to PF Changs
(where I used to work) and there's a Changs right next to Maggianos. He loved it!!

The whole day was terrific!! "The best birthday ever" to be exact.

Now it's a week of pure hell, a day or two of rest, two exams, a final presentation, then home. Forgive me if I'm not around much for a spell. Hope everyone's week goes well!!

Thanksgiving!!!

Well, this intense week is finally over. I'm certain they're hell bent on killing us before the end of this semester.

I joined my church this past Saturday. I was pretty excited and proud. I've never actually been a member of a church before. My mom and my brother were very proud of me and Kevin was glad I was so happy.

The three days that followed that were a nightmare. Assignments due, no time, nothing going right, STRESS out the wazoo!!!

Last night I could feel the excitement of the mini break set in as I e-mailed my last assignment due before the break to my professor. I couldn't sleep. I think I fell asleep well past 1am, waking up at least 3 times before 4:30am. After 4:30 I was awake. I stayed in bed thinking I would go back to sleep, no such luck. I have to go to one class this morning, then I hit the road. I'm heading home to see my mom and the wonderful man I have the pleasure of calling mine. I had planned on getting to his house and hanging out with my best friend until he got home from work, today. However, I didn't tell him this plan. Instead, he opted out of taking a lunch yesterday and today so that he could leave 2 hours early today, getting out of work right about the time I'll roll into town.

We have a date tonight. Then Turkey day. I'll be spending it with my mom and the same friends of the family where we always spend the day. He'll be spending it with ALL of his family. At some point in the day, I'm supposed to make my way over to his place and meet the entire entourage at once. He's one of 6 children, plus all of their partners, a few children, two parents....I'm a wee bit nervous.

Friday my mom volunteered Kevin and I to sit out at Best Buy all night to get a computer for her--meaning we'll finally have one at home, again. Then we're going Christmas shopping together. The afternoon I'm going to see RENT with my best friend from high school. We always went to see the play together when it came into town, so it's only natural that we're seeing the movie together. Friday evening my mom, Kevin, and I are having a nice dinner so they can get to know each other.

Saturday is his birthday. Since I don't know if he'll check my blog between now and then, I'm going to have to leave out the details. I promise, my plans are awesome and it'll be a great day.

Sunday, dreadful Sunday. I'll be back for one more week and a half of pure and undeniable HELL. Yay!!!

Anyway, sorry I haven't been around much lately. I hope everyone has a terrific holiday, stay safe and eat lots of TURKEY!!!!

A not so sad day

Five years ago today God called a very special little girl home. While we were only related by love, I was still her big sissy and she my little sissy. Her life was short and well lived. She, nor any of us, took a single day of her life for granted. In years past, this was a hard day for me, filled with tears and sadness. While I've been thinking about her more lately, dreaming too, I find that today is more nostalgic bordering on bittersweet. I will always love her and eventually will be able to hold her in my arms again. But for now, I trust that God will craddle her until the rest of us arrive. I would say Rest In Peace to my dearest little sissy, but I know that's not what she's doing. Her earthly life confined her in so many ways. I know she's spending her days dancing and singing and running and playing. So, live on in peace and joy my sweet angel.

She was put here for a reason, to touch lives, to change people, to affect things we'll never understand. She did what she was put here to accomplish and God called her home where she could be free from her aliments, a reward for her hard work on earth...

Katelyn Joyce Harper 2/14/1990-11/16/2000
Sisters Forever

Cheesy Song Time

Okay, I'm going to commit the cheesy song lyrics crime. I've just been really stressed out lately and Kevin's really helped me stay focused and calm. It's nice to have someone on my side instead of against me for once! I cut out most of the lyrics, so it wouldn't be so horrible. . .

Because You Live
by Jesse McCartney

Staring out at the rain with a heavy heart
It's the end of the world in my mind
Then your voice pulls me back
Like a wake-up call

Because you live, there's a reason why
I carry on when I lose the fight
I want to give what you've given me
Always

Because you live and breathe
Because you make me believe in myself
When nobody else can help
Because you live
My world has everything I need to survive
Because you live, I live, I live

Jesus Freak

I spent the day yesterday at Boonadducious, an event for Christian music artists both local and big time to take the stage and perform. The last song of the night is an old one, but important to remember. This one goes out to Breazy!

Separated I cut myself clean
From a past that comes back in my darkest of dreams
Been apprehended by a spiritual force
And a grace that replaced all the me I've divorced

I saw a man with a tattoo on his big fat belly
It wiggled around like marmalade jelly
It took me a while to catch what it said
Cause I had to match the rhythm of his belly with my head
Jesus Saves is what it raved in a typical tattoo green
He stood on a box in the middle of the city
And claimed he had a dream

What will people think when they hear that I'm a Jesus freak
What will people do when they find that it's true
I don't really care if they label me a Jesus freak
Cause there ain't no disguising the truth

Kamikaze my death is gain
I've been marked by my maker a peculiar display
The high and lofty they see me as weak
Cause I won't live and die for the power they seek

There was a man from the desert with naps in his head
The sand that he walked was also his bed
The words that he spoke made the people assume
There wasn't too much left in the upper room
With skins on his back and hair on his face
they thought he was strange by the locusts he ate
The Pharisee's tripped when they heard him speak
Until the king took the head of this Jesus freak

People say I'm strange does it make me a stranger
That my best friend was born in a manger
People say I'm strange does it make me a stranger
That my best friend was born in a manger

What will people think
(What will people think)
What will people do
(What will people do)
I don't really care
(What else can I say)
There ain't no disguising the truth
(Jesus is the way)

~DC Talk

YAY for flowers!!!

So, today around 3pm a special delivery showed up for me. My wonderful new beau sent me gorgeous flowers...just because!! They're beautiful!! It's no fair, him making me cry from the other side of the state. The card simply said, "You Rock!!! Kevin." He didn't know my address, so he asked my friend for it. She didn't have it either, so she called my mom and got it. I'm just dumbstruck by his sweetness!!! In case you can't really tell....I'm beaming from ear to ear, as I have been all afternoon!! I've never been sent flowers before!

I borrowed a friend's digital camera to get these shots. They aren't great, but then I don't really know how to use his really fancy camera.

I'm Back!!!

Well, that long weekend turned into a week, then a week & a half, then two weeks. My computer at home decided to die in the middle of all of that and I had limited access to the library computers. I actually went one day to relate a lot of what I'm going to put here, but the browser screwed up as I was trying to post it and I lost a long post. I'll start with a few pictures of the campus post Wilma.

Branches from the tree on the other side of the building

The courtyard with debris everywhere and benches moved around

Poor, poor tree

So, like I said, I went home. The first night I was home my mom had dinner plans so I called up a friend of mine who I haven't been very "friendly" to lately. We never really talk unless I'm in town, but I haven't been in town much, so she was getting a tiny bit frustrated with me. Rightly so. I went to her house for dinner with her, her fiancé, and his brother. We made an urban bonfire and had a blast just sitting around and talking.

I have a pass to Busch Gardens and I had two free tickets, so I figured we could all chip in and buy an extra ticket. The four of us went the first Saturday I was home and just really had a great time. We're all pretty similar in the right ways and different enough to keep everyone laughing and entertained. After BG we made dinner, made a fire, carved pumpkins, and watched "Batman Begins." I reluctantly left their place at 2am.

Our pathetic pumpkin we lovingly named Der

Upon finding out that I had more time out of school, I realized I was going to be home for Halloween. I invited my little posse over for handing out candy and dinner. We all had a great time. The next night I had a birthday dinner to go to and I didn't really want to do alone. I asked my friend if she thought her future brother-in-law, Kevin, would want to go with me. She wasn't sure and asked his brother. I got an overwhelming, "Don't ask!" from the brother. However, Kevin and I were flirting more than ever and he was stalling when it was time for them to leave. I went out on a limb and asked him to come along anyway. After a couple Cheshire cat grins and minimal conversation, I had myself a date. I wasn't going to call it that, though; we were just friends going out to my friend's dinner. Still I couldn't help be a bit hopeful that the night would run smoothly and present and opportunity for future evenings together.

The evening turned into pick on Tina night, which was all in good fun and to be expected. We all laughed and had a TERRIFIC time. Kevin had said he didn't want to stay all that late, so I begged out around 10:30 knowing we had an hour drive home. Once we were about 15 minutes from home, I asked him if he wanted to just say goodnight or go for a walk. We detoured. We went for a walk around a local park. Now, there are about three paths, each one slightly longer than the one before. We took the longest route. Since we had gone out of town, I had driven. We finally headed back to his place, although neither one of us really wanted to. We pulled up and he took his seatbelt off and I reached for mine. Stupid, you're not getting out! You don't need to take your seatbelt off!! We gave each other timid looks and he bid a pathetic goodnight, hesitated, then leaned over for a kiss. OMG!!!!!! (in a good way) Keep in mind we pulled up to his house around 12:00. It was 2am before we finally said goodnight. We sat and talked and kissed and talked and just enjoyed each other's company.

Since I didn't have a whole lot of time left in town, we wasted no time in setting up another date. So, the next night we went out again. We were going to go bowling. But, the first place we went was small and had no lanes available. The second place was REALLY crowded, but apparently had lanes open. We both decided that many people didn't appeal to us. We went to dinner and decided to figure out something at that point. When we were done I suggested going to the beach. He'd never been to the beach at night!!! Hello, we live in FL minutes away from the beach and he'd never been at night?!?!? We walked and talked and watched the million birds that were out there (felt like we were in a Hitchcock film). It was INCREDIBLE!!! We got back to his place a bit earlier this time, around 10:30-11:00 I think. I didn't leave until 2am...same story.

The next night my friend wanted me to come over and hang out, all four of us. So, I figured, why not? We ate dinner, played Scattegories, watched TV and who knows what else. I had to take my GRE the next day, so I was determined to leave earlier. I made it home around 1am. Good thing my test was in the afternoon!!

Friday was my GRE, it went okay. Not spectacular, but not bad. I'm not happy, but okay with my scores. After my test I'd planned to take one of my friends who'd just turned 21 out for drinks. Why not bring along Kevin? So he came with us. When I stopped by his house to pick him up, he had a present waiting for me. Just because. I hugged my new Stitch stuffed animal, then realized I should probably hug the benefactor as well. After we went out, we wound up outside his house again...I left at 2am.

Us at Applebee's, taken with his camera phone, he likes this pic a lot more than I do

Since Saturday was my last day in town, he wanted to do something with me. We went to the aquarium and out to a late lunch. Then my friend really wanted to see Jarhead, so the four of us went to see it that evening. I promised to stop by and say good-bye on my way out of town, but that didn't keep me from staying until 2am again.

Sunday I stopped by to say good-bye and cried. I didn't expect to cry. He didn't seem all that excited to see me go, either. But, I had to. So after awhile, I left.

Now we're talking, a lot. I feel really guilty because I have to keep limiting when and how long we can talk because I'm so overly stressed, once again. Now that I'm back, we're all going crazy. We have 6 weeks of curriculum to cover and only 4 weeks left in the semester. All the professors are giving us out of class make-up assignments and papers and all sorts of craziness. But he's a great guy and seems to understand all I have to deal with. We're both pathetically missing each other, but as of today, it's only 2 weeks until I'm home for Thanksgiving and his birthday. Then I'll have a week and a half before I'm home for Christmas break.

The sweetie holding his niece so she wouldn't get too near the fire.

I probably won't be around much until then. I really shouldn't be on now. I have a paper due at 6:30 that isn't started. I should technically have a prospectus for a final project done by then, too...we'll see about that though. Anyway, hope everyone has a terrific day!!