Author: Andrea

Well, today is Friday. I have been swamped at work. But just wanted you to know that I spent 4 GREAT days with the Barnson clan in Utah. I got to know my nieces and nephews again and became reaquianted with my brother and sister-in-laws. And in that process, I think we all became closer. It is honestly the best experience that I could have gone through. It is wonderful to have a family that cares so much for you even though you have divorced their brother. Everyone was warm and welcoming. Genna and I were extremely tired when we got home and I think she is still on Utah time. As for me, I had to get over the jet lag quick if I was going to make it into work on time.

I just wanted to thank everyone for a awesome time!!! I told Genna last night, we might try and make it next year, money permitting.

Love you all!!!

I talked with my mother in law last night (well, ex MIL but she will always be my MIL). Anyway, it seems that they have a ton of things planned for mine and Genna’s arrival in 11 days.

Shirley <The x-MIL> is sooo excited.

I am glad that she can’t wait to see us. It has been almost 4 years I think. My daughter is 6, almost 7 and I believe the last time we were there was in April of 2000. So it has been awhile. I am not thrilled with the fly aspect. I will probably be white-knuckled the whole way and will kiss the ground upon arrival. I have a tons of things for Genna to play with on the airplane.

I hope they have a good movie at least!

EDIT by matthew: fixed formatting, tpyos, info.

Ok, I rarely post anything here but I read it all the time. I wanted to put my two cents in about things going on this summer.

After being upset that the orignal concert was cancelled because I paid a fortune for tickets. David Bowie rescheduled it for last night. Let me tell you for a man that is 57 years old, he still has it.

I used to be a huge fan in high school but then stopped listening for one reason or another. So when I heard he was having a concert, I thought what the heck. I had an opportunity to purchase tickets BEFORE they went on sale. I paid alot for them and had floor seats. He canceled his orignial concert in December because he had the flu. Good thing, I think I had it the same time he did.

Stereophonics opened for him and they were pretty good. Sang for about 30 minutes and then the set had to be changed. By 8pm, David was on stage, the place was PACKED. He was incredible. He sang until 11:30 last night. I don’t think anyone who went will be able to talk today…everybody was screaming and dancing.

Just thought I would share how I am starting my summer….not too shabby I do say so myself!!!

For those who have seen the horrible picture of me in my graduation gown, it is official. I didn’t attend what would have been my graduation day yesterday. I would have been one of 196 graduates of Columba Union College. I have never been a person who has patted themselves on the back but I am putting this out there for anyone who has even thought about going back. If you think it, do it. There is nothing that should hold you back.

On a personal note, at the beginning I worked two jobs to make ends meet (at the time I was going through a divorce), going to school, and a full time mother of a beautiful little girl. If it wasn’t for her and my mother, I probably would never have made it through. Now I can look back and say that I did it. Not only did I do it, but I graduated with honors. Something that was difficult for me to do with everything else I had going on. Genna was my backbone and my cheerleader. If she saw me watching tv or doing the dishes, whe would ask me if I had finished my homework. If the answer was no, she would make me stop..march me upstairs and explain to me that homework was very important if I wanted to get all O’s (for those without kids, O are the same as getting an A).

Thank you Genna for being there for me when the going got tough!!!

I just wanted to wish everyone a happy and safe New Year’s Eve because remember tomorrow is the day you start your resolutions. Mine this year is to get over the flu. That is right, even though I had a flu shot, I am sick with the flu. I spent Friday night with my neighbor and her 3 year old son at the hospital because his fever was 105.4. Thanks Marshall for making me sick!!!!

Anyway, please be safe and talk to you next year!!