Where​ did you begin​ 2008?​​
With Paul. And Nate. I believe they had to wake me up because I had fallen asleep watching a movie on the couch.

What was your statu​s by Valen​tine'​​s Day?
i was engaged to Paul!

Were you in schoo​l (​​anyti​me this year)​​?​​
all the stupid time.

Did you have to go to the hospi​tal?​​
I went to urgent care several times. 

Did you have any encou​nters​ with the polic​e?​​
Just when I saw that lady get mugged the day before Halloween. That was an effective use of taxpayers money let me tell you.

Where​ did you go on vacat​ion?​​
To my Grandma's house. I chronicled it.

Did you know anybo​dy who got marri​ed?​​
Nicole and Aaron. Ben and Nichole. Dani and Dustin. Those are the weddings I attended. Am I forgetting one?

Were you in any weddi​ngs?​​
I played piano in one.

Did you know anybo​dy who passe​d away?​​
KC.

Did you move anywh​ere?​​
yes! from a small house to a not as small house.

What conce​rts/​​shows​ did you go to?
Passion L.A. and I saw Steel Rod a couple of times.

Where​ do you live now?
Somewhere you don't.

Descr​ibe your birth​day?​​
Catalina with my brand-new fiance! It was GRRRRR-EAT!

What'​​s the one thing​ you thoug​ht you would​ never​ do but did in 2008?​​

Got engaged.

What has/​​have been your favor​ite momen​t(​​s)​​?​​
February 9, 2008 at Hulda Crooks Park. Getting to know my new family members better. Spending time with the kidlets. Hanging out with my favorite "employees."

What'​​s somet​hing you learn​ed about​ yours​elf?​​
I like being healthy!

Any new addit​ions to your famil​y?​​
Um...not yet!

What was your best month​?​​
Probably February.

What music​ will you remem​ber 2008 by?
God of This City.

Made new frien​ds?​​
I became better friends with people I already knew!

Favor​ite Night​[​​s]​​ out?

any nights I actually got to go OUT with Paul.

Any regre​ts?​​
nope.

Overa​ll,​​ how would​ you rate this year?​​
life changing.

What would​ you chang​e about​ 2008?​​
I would probably say I would make some changes to the month of March.

Other​ than home,​​ where​ did you spend​ most of your time?​​
church. or with Paul.

Have any life chang​es in 2008?​​
tons.

Chang​e your hairs​tyle?​​
yes...I'm blonder now!

Get a new job?
nope....same ol' same ol'

How old did you turn this year?​​
24

Did anyth​ing embar​rassi​ng?​​
all the time I'm sure... I just may not have realized people were laughing at me.

What was/​​were your favor​ite purch​ase[​​s]​​?​​
my wedding dress! (me too Nicool!)

Get marri​ed or divor​ced?​​

engaged!

Be hones​t - did you watch​ Ameri​can Idol?​​
Heck yes! And I was happy!

Did you get sick this year?​​

just the annual bronchitis/whooping cough.


Been snowb​oardi​ng?​​
no way. ewww...

Are you happy​ to see 2008 go?

yes. because it gets me that much closer to being a married woman!!

Drank​ Starb​ucks in 2008?​​

way too much.

Been naugh​ty or nice?​​
gonna go with both.

what are you hoping for in 2009?

that the wedding is the party of the year! and that Paul and I live through our master's degrees!!!!!! :)

I have 3 beautiful soon to be relatives that I would like to describe.

My soon to be niece is a precious young lady. She is brilliant, loving, kind, and wise beyond her years. She makes me smile just by being around me. I love that she wants to spend time with me all the time, and yet it frightens me. I hope that I can be half the example of what a godly woman is for her. I pray that she grows up to love God and that she knows how much she is loved.

The oldest of my future nephews is growing up to be such an awesome kid. Every time I see him, it seems that he has grown up in some remarkable way. I love that he can't wait to see his uncle and that he wants to share his accomplishments with us. I love that he loves his Grandma so much and that he is so compassionate. I love that he is starting to open up to me and that he feels comfortable enough to talk to me now. I am so proud of him and who and what he is becoming.

My littlest soon to be nephew is a little firecracker. I love that he loves his baby cousin so much that he can't not be in his face all the time. I love that he wants to be just like his brother and sister and do everything they do. I love that he loves his uncle Paul and is always trying to do what he does. I love that he gets embarrassed when I tease him about being a baby. I love that he refuses to believe the picture on Paul's refrigerator is him because "that's not me, I'm not white." I love that kid and I know he is going to be a joy to watch grow up.

I am so glad that Paul and I and the rest of the family are able to be there for all three of them. I pray for their safety and for them to understand how much we all love them. They are wonderful kids and they deserve all the best. I'm so glad I get to have them in my life.

As I write this episode of the Jess Tour '08 I'm travelling southward on an Amtrak train. I just left Grandma Sylvia at the train station and am finally headed home...to work tomorrow morning. Yuck. Anyway, here's what happened yesterday.

Recap of the previous episode: Home Town Buffet, complete with OJ spillage. Material shopping at Wal-Mart with one over eager Grandma and one begrudging one. "Lunch" with a cousin and his family, some of whom I did not know existed. Visiting with old family friends who basically talked about dead people. More weight related comments. My Cousin Vinny.

Yesterday morning we woke up and got ready to attend the Denair Landmark Missionary Baptist Church. I knew I was in for a treat. I got dressed, in a real dress, and went out ready to handle all of the snide comments I knew would be fired at me. First off, Grandma Sylvia decided we needed to leave at 9:00 to get to church on time. Church doesn't even start until 9:45. So we were there at 9:15 to gossip with all of the other old ladies that get there early for that purpose. Everyone was glad to see me, I look like my Mom, it's so nice I came to see my Grandmas, boy I'm really lucky, etc. We had devotions, about...I have no idea. We sang a hymn. We split up for our classes. I had to go downstairs with a long time friend and the rest of the "young adults." All 3 of them. Suddenly our 10 person Fuel gathering seemed humongous. We had our lesson on...I don't know. Then it was back upstairs for more hymns (from a real live hymnal) and preaching. And oh what fine preaching it was.

The pastor was speaking on humility. And (I'm not making this up, I couldn't make it up if I tried) the illustration he used to teach on humility was to tell all of us how he's learned to be humble and how humble he is. I had to think about something else so I wouldn't laugh out loud. But of course my Grandma's thought it was just swell and we all had a grand old time.

Sidebar: My Grandma S just recently started going to church regularly. Obviously, when my Grandpa was alive, she went because he was the pastor. But after he died and she remarried she really didn't stay involved in church. She never went completely haywire and started living in sin, but she has never really been a pillar of faith, in my opinion. Now that she's started back to church, everything is "The Lord will provide" and everything relates back to church. I'm really glad she's back in church and everything, but it's taking me a minute to get used to this new Grandma.

After church was over we went home to eat lunch and regroup before heading out to another Landmark Missionary Baptist Church. We ate, I read, I played on the laptop, Grandma Betty and I worked on the puzzle and then it was time to head out to Waterford. Grandma S insisted that we leave at 4 for church, which of course started at 5. But, again, we needed to be there in time for the gossip. Grandpa Brother Moore, Gary (his son) and his, I guess girlfriend Sis Hightower were behind us when we got there. Behind us. We got to church before the pastor of the church got to church. Ridiculous. We went in, and they had this gorgeous grand piano. I almost died. I absolutely had to play it. So I did. And everyone said I sounded just like my mommy. Which I've never heard before.  Everyone started filing in and Grandma Sylvia was quick to make herself (and me) the center of attention. Oh good. People started coming up and telling me "I think the last time I saw you, you were this tall..." And putting there hands really close to the floor. Or they would say, "We just really loved your Grandpa." Or they would ask about my Mommy. No one asked about my Dad. As per usual. The best one though was this lady, I have no idea who she is. She was talking to me and she said, "So where do you folks live now?" I told her I lived in Redlands. She said, "Oh so you go to church with Brother..." And tried to think of the name. I quickly said, "No I go to church in Colton." And she said, "Oh. Is there a Missionary Baptist Church in Colton?" I said, "No I don't believe so. I go to a "Baptist" church but it's not a Missionary Baptist." By the way, I am aware that we no longer belong to the Baptist denomination due to "denominational conflict" however, I knew this lady would probably have a coronary then and there if I told her such devastating news. I was right. But you know what she said to me? She said, "What? Your Grandpa would be so ashamed if he knew that. I still love you though."

I didn't know if I was going to punch her in the face, throw up, cry, or do all of the above. How dare this woman, who doesn't know me tell me that my Grandpa would be ashamed because I didn't belong to a certain breed of church? Furthermore, since when did one denomination become better than another? Where in the Bible does it say that we're supposed to be divided into this type of Baptist and this type of Baptist and this other thing over here that's not Baptist at all. I believe in the Lord Jesus Christ as my personal Lord and Savior and I've asked him into my heart to forgive me of my sins. I live my life daily in an effort to love and serve Him with everything that I have. If that's good enough for God then it should definitely be good enough for that cranky old lady.

So after I recovered from the horror of that ladies comment and stopped myself from crying church started. We sang some hymns (made me realllllly wish I was at Remix) and had class. Again. This time I got to stay inside with my Grandmas. The man that preached talked about the end times and how there would be an army of people wearing white robes that come in with Jesus. Some other man asked if that was the Bride of Christ. The Bride of Christ (according to Missionary Baptists) consists of them. Just people that are true, born again, Missionary Baptists. Do not ask me how they are any different from the rest of Christians, I've never quite gotten it. And it was all I could do to not raise my hand and state that fact. But out of respect for my Grandma's and the fact that I really just didn't care anymore, I kept my mouth shut.

Then Grandpa Brother Moore preached. As soon as he started talking I felt like I was a little kid. He is 80ish years old and he can still bring the gospel just as good as a younger preacher. He really does love the Lord with all he has, he's just stubborn about some of his doctrine.

After church was over more people wanted to talk to me and tell me how much I look like my Mom and how they miss my Grandpa. I do too. I never knew him really, he died when I was 6 months old. But I sure wish he was here to tell me what he really thinks about everything my brother and I have done.

Today, we got up and left Grandma Betty's and headed back to Fresno. We got to have lunch with one of my Mom's cousins that wasn't around when I was in Fresno before. Uncle Carl and Aunt Docia came too. Then Granmda Sylvia and I went to Uncle Carol and Aunt Docia's until time to leave for the train. Now I'm on the train headed home. It was a good trip. And I learned a lot. But that's for another time.

Last time on the Jess Tour '08...I travelled to Turlock to see Gma Betty with a stop in Chowchilla to see Ms. Helen. My Uncle Paul and Aunt Debby and Uncle Matt and Aunt Leanna came over for KFC. Gma Sylvia called and harassed Grandpa Brother Moore and arranged to meet for breakfast. These are the details of what entailed after that.

We woke up and went to the Home Town Buffet. My Grandma Sylvia has what my Dad refers to has "Bratcher Time." This means that wherever she goes, she thinks she will be late. So instead of being late, she leaves WAAAAAAYYY too early. The Home Town didn't even open until 8. We left my Gma Betty's, a block or so away from the restaurant at 7:15. But wouldn't you know it, Grandpa Brother Moore and Gary (his son) were already there. So we stood in the parking lot until the Home Town opened. I've become paranoid about what my Grandma's think of my eating habits. As such, I am starving at the moment. But I digress. So I had a little baby waffle with strawberries on top and some cottage cheese. Then I had some fresh fruit and one biscuit and a tiny bit of gravy. I also had orange juice. Which I promptly spilled all over my pants. Not fun. The worst part, though, was that one of my Grandma's said "That's something Gary would do." Gary is a special needs adult. I was appalled.

In the process of the conversation Grandpa Brother Moore asked about me, my brother, and my Mom. I told him. I also volunteered that my Dad is doing fine too, even though he didn't ask. When my Dad stopped pastoring, Grandpa Brother Moore apparently told my Dad that he was making a huge mistake and that leaving the denomination was a sin. Literally. So no one really talks about my Dad anymore. It's kind of awkward. I also included that I am very involved in the church that I attend, that my parents go there too, and that the pastor is a God-fearing man. Then I went and got more orange juice. I also needed to take a deep breath. As I was telling Paul last night, Grandpa Brother Moore is a dear man and I love him to pieces, but he's old and stuck in his ways. And there's nothing I can do about it.

While we were eating, Grandpa Brother Moore's daughter called. He gave the phone willingly to my Grandma Sylvia who immediately began making this poor woman guess who she was. Saying things like, "You want to see me, I'm very beautiful, etc." I was again appalled. I also kept thinking that Karilee would love this. Eventually, Brenda (the daughter) figured out who my Grandma was and Grandma Sylvia invited these people to come over to my Grandma Betty's house. Grandma Betty knows these people too, but still...you don't invite people over to someone else's house. I took a deep breath again.

Also while we were at the Home Town it was discovered that a lot of the people that attend the church that Grandpa Brother Moore pastors were members at the church that my Grandpa pastored. Which is shocking when you consider the fact that my Grandpa has been dead for 24 years. So they're old. But apparently my Grandma Sylvia thinks that they would love to see me and that we should go. So it was decided that we would attend Waterford Missionary Baptist Church tomorrow night. Oh good. There will be a diatribe regarding Missionary Baptist Churches and all that they include tomorrow I am sure.

We then went to Walmart to see about some fabric for the centerpieces that I mistakenly mentioned to my Grandma's. Both of them are good seamstresses and my Mom actually suggested that they would love to help out with the centerpieces. Wrong. Grandma Betty flat told me she couldn't take on such a project. Which is to be expected. She is 84 after all. But Grandma Sylvia was all about it. In fact she knew exactly what I wanted. Even though I hadn't actually told her. So we looked at fabric, mainly to humor her. I think I may just pretend it never happened and go a completely different route.

After we got home, I thought (hoped) that the rest of the afternoon would be quiet. Not so. Grandma Sylvia remembered that her nephews live in the area and that they would see us. That's really how this whole thing has worked. She calls some random person up that she wants to see and announces to them that we will see them. Whether it's making them meet at random locations or showing up on their front porch, we will see them. This makes me very uncomfortable. I just want to sit with my Grandma's and work a crossword or a jigsaw. I'm supposed to be vacationing! So Grandma called both nephews (they're twins) and only got one on the phone. It just so happened that Kevin and his family were headed this direction so we met up with them at Togos. That was actually kind of neat. I hadn't seen Kevin in I have no idea how long. And the last time I saw his kids he only had one. And that one was approximately 4 months old. Now, Kevin has two kids. Ages 12 and 9. Been awhile. So that was neat.

We then went home to find that Brenda (the daughter of Gpa Bro Moore), her husband, their daughter, and their two grandsons were waiting for us. I thought that perhaps when I saw them I would have some kind of memory jog. However, I have no idea who they are. They commented that I looked like my Mom, wanted to see pictures of J, and then Grandma Sylvia and Beau (the husband of Brenda) started in about all the people they know that are dead. It was a very morbid conversation. Stephanie (the daughter of Brenda and Beau) was very nice. She remembered all kinds of things about my Mom. Her two kids were sleeping on the couch. One was 16 and the other was like 9 or something. I was jealous. I wanted to sleep too. But I thought that might ruin the Tour.

They finally left and we decided we needed to eat. I finished my pancakes from the Rail where Gma Sylvia and I ate with Uncle Carl and Aunt Docia (episode 2) A fact which I'm sure appalled my Grandma's and they discussed at length later. Then Grandma Betty and I busted out a jigsaw puzzle of a Thomas Kinkade painting. It's really hard. A little later I went to change my clothes and get on the treadmill. However, I got stuck on the phone with a certain someone (love you!) and didn't get on the treadmill until after I had watched My Cousin Vinny with my Grandma's. Grandma Sylvia was already nervous about getting up and getting out of here for church the next day. She was very concerned that the movie was not going to end until 10. But it ended and she laid down to go to bed. Which meant that everyone else had to go to bed because she is sleeping on the couch in the living room. So that was the end.

Oh also, getting old is gross. Both Grandma's were sharing stories of various physical ailments that I'd rather not think or know about. Think Preparation H. Ew.

Next on the Jess Tour '08:

The Landmark Missionary Baptist Reunion (gulp!)

I have decided that I will call this trip the Jess Tour '08. By the end of these blogs the 2 people that actually read this will understand what I mean. So...

Last time on the Jess Tour '08....

I arrived safely in Fresno. Went to a TOPS meeting with Gma S. Had an ironic dinner. Turned in for the night.

Yesterday Gma S and I got up to have breakfast with my Great Uncle C and my Great Aunt D. First, though I had to teach Gma S how to delete e-mails because she has every single e-mail she has ever received on her computer still. No lie. She has an ancient dinosaur desktop and dial-up AOL. Awesome. So I taught her how to do that and helped her find her filing cabinet on her e-mail where she had been saving pictures and chain letters. Chain letters. Nice.

So after that, Gma S and I piled into the car and went down to the Train Depot formerly known as the Iron Rail for some GOOD food. I got my usual chocolate chip pancake short stack. And, as usual, could only eat one pancake before I thought I would explode.

When I arrived Uncle C was sitting at his "smoking secion" aka a picnic table that the restaurant set up outside specifically for him to smoke. Now, to describe Uncle C is quite a task but I'll try. He always wears a cowboy hat, he's approximately 70 years old. He has a large belly. Large is an understatement actually. He has a voice like gravel and a wit as sharp as a tack. And he has one tooth. Literally one tooth. On the bottom gum. So it's hard to understand him, but when he talks it's hysterical. Anywho, when we got there Uncle C got to the booth after he finished in the smoking section. And he immediately sat down and said "Jessca.." (he never adds the i) "you got somethin' I can hawk? I need to get some money...you got anythin' fah me?" I hid my hand and said "nope, not a thing" and he laughed the gravel laugh. Aunt D had already commented that Uncle C was going to have to do better because her ring was smaller than mine. They'll be married for 50 years in September. We talked about all kinds of things, my mom's cousins, their kids, my mom, my brother, and what our plans were. Gma S let them know that she and I would be going to church with Gma B in Denair and then going to church at night in Fresno. I about choked because I was not aware I would be taken to two churches of the past. Before I had a chance to regain myself and control my facial expression to not reveal a look of shock, Uncle C said, in that gravelly voice, "Well...if you go to church...be sure and ask God why he hates Florida so much." I was already coughing up my water, and I thought I really would die when my Gma said "what are you talking about?" Of course Uncle C was talking about the hurricane hitting 3 times and how that'd never happened before. It was hilarious! So we finished breakfast and Uncle C went out to the smoking section again. He smokes a lot. Which accounts for the gravelly voice, and the cough that sounds like he's spitting up marbles. And probably has something to do with why he only has one tooth. We went out and took some photos and Uncle C and Aunt D told me to be sure and brag to my brother that I got to eat chocolate chip pancakes at the Rail. I already have.

Then Gma and I went home to pack up and move out. We headed to Chowchilla to visit an old family friend. Ms. H and her husband have known my mom since she was born so it was good to see her. Her husband passed away several years ago. Of course, in the course of the conversation, my Grandpa Bratcher came up and Ms. H and Gma S talked about how proud he would be and how much I look like my Mom. Again. We "skedaddled" (Gma S) out of there and headed to Gma B. I thought things would calm down and I would be able to think straight. I love both my Gma's but sometimes Gma S gets so excited that I just get tense. I just want to breathe! Anyway, we arrived in Turlock with no problems. Oh, Gma S complained about traffic. I believe there were 4 cars at the time. On a two lane freeway. And we were going approximately 45 mph. Not because we had to. Because that's how she drives. Oh Grandma.

When we got to Gma B's we got all settled and Gma S began detailing all of our adventures thus far. She immediately called up this old old old family friend to see about getting together with he and his special needs adult son. Now, I used to call this old man and his late wife Grandpa Brother M and Grandma Sister M.

See, in Missionary Baptist Churches (and others), everybody is Bro and Sis so-and-so. I didn't know any better and they (the M's) were always telling me to call them Grandpa and Grandma. But I was confused. So I put them together. Grandma Sister M is the lady that gave me these china dolls every year for my birthday with the correct ages. All the way from 1-18. My Grandpa on my Mom's side died when I was 6 months old and Grandpa Brother M did the funeral. They (the M's) sort of became surrogate grandparents. When I was about 13, Grandma Sister M apparently went and purchased the rest of the dolls and made sure that her daughter and husband knew that I was to get these dolls should something happen to her. When I was about 16, she had a stroke and was very sick in the hospital. She stayed sick for about a year and a half or even 2 years. I got the rest of my dolls. Grandma Sister M passed away a few months after my 18th birthday, after I had received my last doll. It may be stupid, but those dolls will always be precious to me.

Anyway, Gma S got on the phone with Grandpa Brother M and arranged to have breakfast with he and his special needs son. At the Home Town Buffet. Good grief. So we talked about how excited we were for that.

Then my Uncle M and Aunt L and my Uncle P and Aunt D came up. Uncle P brought KFC. Uncle M and Aunt L brought their dogs. And one of them immediately pee'd on my Gma's carpet. Oh joy. Aunt L was embarrassed and started crying. But she recovered. So we ate dinner and chatted. My Aunts wanted to see pictures of the wedding dress, etc. So I did that. My Aunt D chatted my ear off (love her!) And even Uncle P talked with me a little while. Uncle M works for a winery and it's "the crush" right now so he was really tired. He and Aunt L left pretty quickly after dinner but not before he informed me that he refused to believe that I was getting married and it seems like I should still be a little kid running around in my Gma B's house in my underwear. How's THAT for a mental image!?  

After they left, I went to the treadmill because, after all, as one of my Gma's mentioned, now that I have the dress "you shouldn't be putting on any weight." I definitely had hurt feelings after that. So I got on the treadmill, took a shower, and we started talking about going to bed.

We've already had some adventures today, but I'll need to process everything.Some things I've realized though are the following. I wish that my Grandpa Bratcher was alive to see me get married. And I wish that my Gma B was younger. And I hope that my Gma's are around long enough to see my kids and be a part of their lives. That's enough nostalgia...

Next time on the Jess Tour '08...

The Home Town Buffet Saga

The Great OJ Debacle

Material Girls

Getting Old is Gross, Apparently

So I'm sitting in Turlock at my paternal Grandma's house. The room is full of things that have been in this room since I was a tiny kid, or "knee high to a grasshopper" as I've heard approximately 47 times in the last 24 hours. Let me rewind....

I come from a family that has known each other since before we were actually family members. Both my maternal and paternal Grandmas were long time friends since before either of my parents were born. My parents grew up in church together, then my Mom's family moved away, then my parents started dating and have been married for almost 27 years. So it's a little odd, but my Grandma S (maternal) remembers my uncles from when they were "knee high to a grasshopper" and both Grandmas reminisce about mutual friends that have since passed away. As a kid, I figured this was perfectly normal and everybody's Grandmas were great friends and loved to be around each other. I now realize that I have a very unique situation here.

The following is a depiction of what I mean. I warned you now, it's gonna be a doozy. Get your popcorn ready and hang on....

First I'll detail my travel experience of yesterday. I arrived at the train station in SB (almost didn't thanks to a miscommunication on my end) and waited for the Amtrak bus to arrive. It was supposed to arrive at 8:35. 8:35 came and went and this older lady standing next to me said, "I guess the bus is running late." I couldn't think of anything to say so I just said "yep" and left it at that. It was a Foxworthy moment to say the least. The bus pulled up a few minutes later and I got on without incident. I double checked that my enormous suitcase made it onto the bus and was not left sitting at the ghetto SB train station. I settled in for my approximately 4 hr drive to Bakersfield where I would board a train to make the rest of the trip to Fresno. I started reading my John Grisham book and time started flying. Before I knew it we were making the last pickup before Bakersfield. And I had to go to the bathroom. Now, this may be a little TMI and for that I apologize. However, it's kind of humorous. For some reason, I have never been able to "tinkle" (another Grandma S-ism) on a bus. Plane, no problem. Train, no problem. There was a bus ride with my mother that I was literally in tears because I had to go so bad and could not do it. So I decided I had to try. Let's just say I felt better after. :) I was so happy about that, that I decided to bust out my computer and see if this "doohickey" (Gma S) really did work anywhere. It did, and I e-mailed my mother to inform her of my latest feat. Then I broke the cardinal rule of BEST and worked on my vacation. But I had to finish schedules. So I worked on that until my computer died. Alas, there is no eletrical outlet on the Amtrak bus. They should look into that. Anyway, before long I was in Bakersfield (aka the armpit of California). I went into the train station with my enormous suitcase, my duffle bag, my laptop, and my purse. And proceeded to squeeze all of that into a stall. I quickly decided that would not work. So I tried to hurry as much as I could and hope no one stole anything. They didn't and I went out to sit in the HOT and wait for the train to be opened up. At last, the conductor called "all aboard" and I got on. Of course, the downstairs is reserved for "those that are less fortunate and cannot travel upwards" as the conductor so eloquently stated. So I lugged all of that aforementioned stuff up those stairs. By myself. Even though some man was standing there and said, "that looks heavy." Feel free to help out, old man. So I get up there and realize that my humongous suitcase is not going to fit in the luggage rack, mainly because there is someone's GUITAR squeezed in there. So I had to traipse back DOWNstairs to the larger luggage area and put my suitcase there. I got seated and waited for the eloquent conductor to come and rip my ticket and label me so they would know when to kick me off the train. Once he did that, I could finally go stand in the dining car to get something unhealthy for lunch. I stood in line behind a man that looked like he was going to fall over every time the train lurched, which was a lot, and in front of a teenage girl that kept talking to herself saying things like "they have nachos?" and "I can't really see the menu." She was seriously talking to herself. I opted to stay closer to the man that would fall over. I finally got up there, got myself a hot dog and some chips and a drink and went back to my seat. I ate, checked in with Paul, and finished up my schedules. I read my book some more and suddenly the eloquent conductor came by and informed me that Fresno would be the next stop. When I went down to collect my luggage, the same non-gentleman was down there to take a smoking break at the Fresno station. I lugged the suitcase out and he said "that looks heavy" again. I said, "yep. It still is." And he had no idea what I was talking about. So that was funny.

When I got off the train my Grandma S was there waiting for me. She hugged me and slapped my back in her Grandma S way. Then we went to her car, which she informed me was new and that she had parked in the shade. And she wanted to show me all of the new changes to the train station. I wouldn't have known if it was new or not, I don't really remember the train station. We got in the car and she told me "the plans." The plans were that we were to attend her TOPS meeting. TOPS stands for Taking Off Pounds Sensibly. It's basically a ghetto version of Weight Watchers. I don't mean ghetto in a bad way, I just mean it's different than Weight Watchers. Of course, all the old ladies in the group were just thrilled to meet me and they all were quite saucy. One of them told another one that she had a big butt. So that was funny. They start out with this chant about not using food as an emotional crutch and that they will "Take Off Pounds Sensibly." And they hold hands while they do it. And my Grandma made me do it with them. So that was not funny. In fact, there have been a couple of weight related remarks made in my direction by both of my Grandmas which I am not sure how to respond to. A little disheartening. I'm trying to lose weight. Why on earth would I go to the gym all the flipping time?? But that's "neither here nor there" (Gma S).

One of my Grandmas friends is this sweet little old lady that my brother calls Bernard. Her name is obviously not Bernard but I'll call her that to protect her identity. Apparently she has been not well recently and her kids have hired a caretaker to live with her and take care of her. Well, this man is apparently a long time family friend and considers Bernard his Grandma. MY Grandma introduced him to all of the ladies at TOPS and said "He cooks, he cleans, he's just wonderful, etc." Then these two "dingbats" as my Gma called them, who apparently "aren't really members, they just show up every 6 months or so" tried to give Bernard's caregiver their phone numbers and get his because they needed some help too. You'd have thought someone tried to steal me away the way my Gma went off. She told them they were out of their mind and that he was not available for hire. She has rehashed this story 4 times now and it has gotten more heated each time she tells it. After TOPS, a weight loss meeting, we naturally went OUT TO EAT AT AN ITALIAN RESTAURANT. The irony was not lost on me, to say the least. Gma S and I shared a pizza and some salad. It was somebody's birthday. I chatted with Bernard and she wanted to hear all about Josephine (my brother's nickname from her). Then Gma S let loose about me getting married and the conversation focused to that. What color? How many bridesmaids? Where is it? Do you have your dress? When is it? How many guests? And everybody had an opinion. These old ladies I had never met, all wanted to have a say in my wedding. Gotta love it!

Gma S and I returned home and she opened her birthday gifts. She had told me at dinner that she wanted Paul and I to have our picture taken and give that to her for Christmas. Well, I had done that for her birthday so she was "tickled to death" (Gma S) about that particular present. Shortly thereafter, we both went to bed exhausted.

That seems like that's about enough for now. There are plenty of adventures to be detailed regarding today's travels and visits. Including a comment regarding God hating Florida from my Great Uncle C. That same Uncle trying to hawk my engagement ring. My Great Aunt D telling her husband of almost 50 years that he needs to do better with her wedding ring because mine is bigger. Enormous chocolate chip pancakes. Seeing an old family friend. Being told 270 times that I look like Kathy (my Mom). Making it to Turlock. Working a crossword with Gma B. My 2 uncles and 2 aunts coming over. Answering 5,000,000 questions about the wedding. Showing my aunts (and my uncles) the pictures of the place we're getting married, and my dress. Eating KFC. Working out on the treadmill. And the plans for tomorrow. Stay tuned for more "Musings of the Gma Traveler." Oh, and especially stay tuned for my return to my religious roots. For I will be attending not one but two Sunday services at two separate Landmark Missionary Baptist Churches this week. Two. I shudder at the thought. I hope I survive.

For the record, I love my Gmas and my family to death. I'm having a great time. This stuff it just too good to pass up.

Ok so the title could be a little misleading. This isn't really breaking news, but it's something I think is worth talking about. And since, after all, this is my blog...I'm going to talk about it.

I've been taking these ABA classes to get my BCABA certification in November. And I finally learned something of value on Thursday. (OK I may be lying about not having learned ANYTHING. But I'm speaking truth when I say that the only things I've really learned have been from application in my day to day activities. But I digress.)

We were watching YouTube videos yesterday in class (which I think is a superb use of my tuition money) about autism, treatment etc. Apparently there was a Dateline a while back that stated at the end that vaccines for children under the age of 2 have had mercury and thimerasol removed from them. That's awesome. If it's true. I'm not 100% sure that this info is accurate. Perhaps one of my autism savvy counterparts could clue me in (hint, hint)? The astonishing part was later though when it stated that when you vaccinate a child over the age of 2, you have to ASK SPECIFICALLY for the vaccines that are mercury and thimerasol free. I think that's preposterous. Now, half of you may be lost as to what the devil I'm talking about. Here it is in a nutshell. A very simple nutshell.

There are some who believe that autism is caused by an overage of certain chemicals in the body. Those chemicals include mercury and thimerasol. There are some who believe that their child was not affected with autism prior to a certain point. After that certain point, a switch was flipped and their child was suddenly lost. That certain point *just happened* to coincide with certain vaccines. There is not enough of a proven link between vaccines and autism. There is still something to be said for a genetic component involved in the presence of autism. However, as one who experiences autism (albeit from a fairly removed distance) and the effects of autism, isn't the idea of a link between vaccines and autism enough to suggest that every precaution be taken to prevent even more children and their families from working so hard to live with autism??? I realize I'm kind of jeopardizing my job by suggesting that autism be eradicated. But I'd rather be able to see the potential that I know is locked up inside my kidlets unleashed so everyone can experience their awesome-ness.

So the point of this rant is to say a couple of things. First, parents of little ones, future parents of little ones, friends of parents with little ones, if you know someone that knows someone that has a little one, pretty much everybody should DO YOUR RESEARCH. Don't just inject stuff into your kid because somebody told you to. Make sure you've looked it up, you've consulted with people that know what's up, etc. And for the record, I am not someone to consult with. I know very little when it comes to the vaccines and the specifics of the vaccines. What I can say is this. Apparently we (CDC or whoever handles vaccines), don't feel that it's necessary to eliminate the very possibility of their being a problem with a vaccine. So ask for any and all vaccines that you choose to give your child to be mercury and thimerasol free. I can't get over the fact that you have to go out of your way to ask for such a thing. That's just absurd.

Caveat: I'm not trying to sound like a crazy that thinks all vaccines are bad. I just think that if the medical community is not going to be forthcoming with what is really going on, then the general public needs to become educated.

One more thing. Autism does suck in many ways. But I know I can speak for at least 2 other people reading this when I say that autism and the people that have it have enhanced my life more than I could ever express. Please learn what you can. Please treat these individuals with the love and respect they deserve. If you don't, I'll put you on extinction. And you don't want that. Just ask my kiddos.

This is a blog that Dr. Laura posted a while ago on her website. This is just one of the reasons I admire Dr. Laura. Although this is a little bit harsher than I would be, it is still the same basic sentiment. Feel free to comment as you wish...

I got an e-mail recently which just about made me throw up. I don't throw up easily. I like to keep what's inside of me there, unless it's supposed to leave, but this pretty much almost put me over the edge, because my baby's over there.This is from Kathleen. She says:I hope you inform your listeners about the anti-war protestors in Portland who burned in effigy a United States soldier. I can't even find the words that would be printable to describe how I feel. Well, I have the words, but let me finish her letter:

So I got a blog comment regarding my most recent blog, which I posted before I finished school. In March. So....yeah a little bit has changed/happened since then.

I finished my undergrad courses at UC Riverside, which makes me a full-fledged psycho(logist).  I then immediately jumped into working 40 hours a week with my kidlets. That was fun, but reaaaally stressful. Then, in April/May or something I got promoted!!! So...now I'm an advising tutor which is a step above what I was before. There are assorted benefits that go with that including, but not limited to, better pay, gas compensation, and just overall more interesting activities. Of course there are assorted downfalls, namely, CONSTANTLY changing schedules (not good for someone as schedule crazed as myself), and overall more stress. But I'm getting into the swing of things and I love love love seeing all kinds of new kids. I'm also LUCKY enough to get to stay working direct (for now) with one of my kidlets! Love it! I get to hear "I want...snackos, snackos, snackos" everyday. Can it GET much better than that!?

As far as schooling, I'm still debating about what to do with that. Turns out, my original plan did not quite pan out as expected (surprise surprise), so I'm having to revamp that. Currently, I'm thinking I'll be starting a BCABA certification program at National soon (September?) Then there's a couple of options as far as what I'll do after that. One option I'm entertaining is doing a Psy D. in clinical psychology. I kind of like the sound of "Dr. Jess!"

Life in general is pretty good. I'm loving my new place in Loma Linda, I'm staying super busy with stuff with the Journey, and of course doing stuff with Paul.  We went on a couple of fun adventures, which were photographed and posted on here. Hmmmm...I guess that's it!