All I want for Christmas is...

I have been a serious slacker when it comes to blogging. What has it been, over a month now?

With the new job, holiday parties and facebook addictions who has the time for blogging?

Anyway, this time of year brings back a lot of memories. Some are good, some are bad but it always gets me thinking. My Grandma passed away when I was only 17 and my Mom never really kept up the relationship with her side of the family. For years I was not able to celebrate Christmas with our family because I chose not to keep in contact with them either. It was never a conscious decision on my part or my Mom's we are both just horrible at keeping in touch with people.

After my Mom passed away I really started thinking about her side of the family and it occurred to me that if I don't start keeping in touch with my cousins now, I am not going to have much family left once I get older. I don't have any grandparents left, my dad is already getting up there in age, and my siblings are all much older than me. To make a long story short- er... for the last couple years it has once again become a tradition to enjoy the holidays with my family.

Growing up Jewish (my Dad is Jewish and my Mom converted) I was always torn between what I should believe and what I do believe so I chose not to believe at all. To me the holidays are about celebrating with family, enjoying what life has to offer, being happy and sharing with others. However, when my Dad found out that I was getting into the spirit of Christmas by stringing up lights in my bedroom a few years ago....he flipped out!!!

Now that I have been living on my own for a while, I have been contemplating about putting up a Christmas tree but I feel guilty because I know it would upset my dad. I am all for mixed relationships, and I have always said I want to meet a guy who makes me happy regardless of his religion but I don't want to feel the guilt that goes along with having a family that my father does not approve of.

My parents chose this life for me so why should I feel bad for trying to enjoy the best of the "cards that they dealt me"?

The Imperfect Storm

I just wanted to say to all my friends and family in California

I hope those fires stay FAR, far away from you and please stay safe!!! My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you and keep in touch if you can!

Insomnia...Gotta love it!

I can't sleep so I thought I would give you all an update.It has been quite a while since I have posted but I have been busy working sporadically, while trying to find either another full-time job or a full-time case with this company. I love the work but it is a bit frustrating that they have all these cases but none of them are anywhere near where I live. Anyway, enough complaining... On the 11th of this month my cousin got married. The wedding was absolutely fabulous. The centerpieces were gorgeous, and she had the most spectacular wedding planner I have ever met. My Aunt and Uncle live in commerce on a lake, and my cousin decided to have both the ceremony and the reception at their house. They rented a huge tent, hired a caterer and the wedding planner...and left it in the hands of professionals to make this a night they would never forget. I'm sure all of us will never forget it either! That's all for now. Enjoy the pictures! As you can see, my hair chose not to cooperate at all that night but I'm sure the professional pics will be much better. Hopefully!