I am so happy. And I'm not even really sure why. I really do believe that this no school thing is a good idea, at least for now. I feel less stressed out in all other aspects of my life and it is just good. Work is really great, I've been so much peppier and happy... I don't find myself getting annoyed with customers like I used to and I am genuinely glad to be there. It's just making me feel so damn good, I can't even begin to explain it.

This weekend was good, on Friday Ryan, Shannon, Amber, Dustin and I went to Leaning Tower for Shan's birthday and it was a good time, as usual. Thing is, we definitely need to go on Saturdays from now on because any other day is EXPENSIVE. I say long live 2 for 1's, lol.

Amber stopped by last night for a bit before I had to get to bed (had to open this morning so it was early to bed last night). We had a good talk and it was fun, I miss that girl like crazy. I definitely wish that we could hang out more and I know I keep saying that D and I are going to come to LaCrosse for a weekend. Hopefully we'll be able to do that now that we're both working and not in school. I'm sure that weekend will be super psycho, lol.

I also had a good talk with my mom today, of all people. I have to say that I am really happy with the relationship Mom and I have because we're actually starting to become friends. I called her up for some cooking tips and we just sort of caught up on things and it was nice. I do wish that my dad and I could somehow have a better relationship but I'm unsure of that ever happening. It does make me sad but I just feel like we have different opinions about how I should handle my life... our similarities sort of end at our bad tempers and that makes me sad. I guess I haven't really tried to make things better but isn't he supposed to be the one with more life experience and shouldn't he be the one to be acting like a grown up? Maybe that still sounds childish on my part. And maybe that's why our relationship is still the way it is. I don't know.

Grandma's move out date from the rehab place keeps getting pushed back. She was supposed to be getting out this Wednesday but it got pushed back to the 28th because her knee is bad and she's having trouble walking on it. She does sound good otherwise, no coughing since she quit smoking and that makes me SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO happy! I really hope that once she comes home she stays off cigarettes. Grandpa's not doing as well but it seems like it's because he missing Grandma and he's bored by himself. In a way that makes me feel good because both of them seem more affectionate and appreciative towards each other. I think this experience actually helped a lot more than it hurt and that just makes me feel great. I worry a lot about them so it's good to know that they still rely on each other.

My trip with Dustin to Chicago is now set for February 24th - 26th. I am SO SO SO SO SO SO SOOOOOOOOOOOOO excited for him to meet my family and vise versa. I know they're going to love him.... I mean, who doesn't think he's awesome? I just really hope by then that Grandma and Grandpa are settled. I'm also worried because Aunt Robyn's dog Dakota could seriously go at any time and I'm scared of it happening right before or during our trip. Maybe that sounds selfish but I'm more worried about Aunt Robyn than us. Dakota is Aunt Robyn's baby, her kid, and I know it is just going to kill her when she's gone. She's had that dog since before she married Uncle Bill and Dakota's been with her through so much. Hopefully she'll understand that Dakota's going onto a better place and that she won't be in pain anymore. But I know how much that kind of loss can hurt and I really hope she let's me be there for her when it finally happens.

Everything else is good and calm. Dustin's coming out here tonight after he's done with work so I'm happy. Our 6th month anniversary is Tuesday and I'm psyched even though I have to work 8 hours till close. We're settling into each other and it just feels really good to have him as part of my support system. He's one of my best friends (and I'm saying one of because Amber and Shannon are just as important) and I am so absolutely lucky to have such a wonderful and special person in my life.

Man. I'm still a sap, lol.

Anyway I have to PEE so more soon! Love and kisses!