I've grown up, can't you just leave me alone?

my maternal grandmother is not the person who says "I've done my best" when it comes to raising her children. No, she's the opposite.

she can be controlling, give you guilt trips and my own mother has been fed up with it. I don't blame her. She doesn't call her mom to have a regular chat once in a while because my grandma will start nagging her saying she doesn't visit her often. Why do you suppose that is? Sure, you praise Jesus that your granddaughter is pregnant but you act completely different when someone else is in the same situation. What if it were me who was pregnant at such a young age that I am? You wouldn't be jumping for joy.

as for me and my relationship between the only grandmother I have left alive, I still respect her and show her kindness but there's a point where I've reached with her and it's quite upsetting. I stopped being so close to her when I found out she still has a grudge against my uncle's boyfriend. That's your own son you're discrimating against Grandma. Can't you just be happy that he found someone that makes him happy?

I know even I've reached a age where I don't regularly keep contact with my extended family. I still think of them and there may be strains on our relationships and there's probably a reason that caused it.

a newfound interest in the anime community

I found a few new interests in the anime community. I have been to four conventions and the latest was this past Saturday at Anime Boston '11. I plan on attending ConnectiCon '11 as well.

I decided to collect buttons/pins, mostly are cute and things that are expressive. So far I have about 10 buttons. I bought a purse that I stick them all on to. I also love the Japanese soda they sell there. My flavor of choice is cherry or strawberry. There are others but those are on the top of my mind right now. I also enjoyed my first rave and I felt happy dancing to the loud music. The only thing I dislike is the bright and flashy lights. I bought and use my flashy pacifer. I may look immature but nobody knows me when I attend so I don't really care XD I don't feel the pressure of my high school peers humiliating me and that brings me back to the days where I would get teased, not a pleasant memory in my book ):

This has brought my partner and I closer in a way because I found my niche in the anime community. I even found a anime series I might be interested in it features a paranormal aspect and I'm a fan of that too. (and no, this isn't 'Ghost Stories' )

Overall, this has been a great few experiences. I reckon that if and when my partner and I start living togehter, we can put some money aside in our budget for these fun times! I have a few friends who share the interest of anime as well and it'll give me a chance to bond with them in some ways or others

one of the first steps in becoming independent

so the past few days I have been staying by myself at home. My parents and sister have gone down to visit my cousin's family leaving me to become a little more independent. I had my transportation lined up to take me and bring me home from classes. The first night was okay, the second I slept over David's and it was a relief in a way knowing that I wouldn't be sleeping alone. There would be other people in the house at night. I know I can be a big girl and prove to myself and my parents that I can rough it out. I know I can do it too. I've stayed by myself for weekends but not this long before.

avoided the government shutdown

I guess we should consider ourselves lucky to avoid this government shutdown. After all, we didn't do anything to cause it. It's just the stupid federal officials who got ourselves into this deep of a hole we're in.

what really got me upset was that the republicans wanted to make cuts to education, planned parenthood and the troops that keep us safe. Um excuse me, but the only thing that will help us avoid getting into another roadblock like this is if we educate ourselves. How the hell are we giving us a advantage if we cut that out of the  budget? Wrong move by the people who are supposed to be representing us.

planned parenthood, this organization that first started out as a 'non-profit' was meant to give helpful health services for not only its target audience, women but men too. Who am I supposed to expect help pay for my child raising costs if they ban abortion, cut costs to test for STDs, or the like? The feds? Sure, I'll get right on that "dear Mr. Congressmen, thank you ever so much for cutting the only thing that makes sense to be the only healthy reproductive resource for me, you wouldn't mind helping pay for what I need don't you?"

the U.S. troops, what kind of nerve do you have to turn your back on the people who keep us safe? You say you're going to continue supporting the war but won't pay for the people who fight in it? What kind of drug are you on? You won't be recieving any more support from me for you representatives, because you officially are not my vote. Thanks for screwing up our (or my) chance of living a stable financial life.

I read from a friend's status about the potential shutdown and it reads: "Dear Congress, Last year I mismanaged my funds and this year I cannot decide on a budget. Until I have come to a unified decision that fits all of my needs and interests, I will have to shut down my checkbook and will no longer be able to pay my taxes. I'm sure you'll understand. Thank you very much for setting an example we can all follow." I couldn't have said it better.

oh the joys of pregnancy

I found out yesterday (while the rest of my family found out a week ago) that my cousin is pregnant. I should be happy right? Well I am don't get me wrong, after my inital shock of course. Pregnancy is a wonderful time for a woman to endure. The mood swings, morning sickness all that exciting stuff.

now I'm going into the field of early education and childcare. You would think I have a respected opinion and that others would take into consideration that I know what I'm talking about when it comes to this? That depends on who you ask. Of course, I'm not a mother yet to my own child (and I don't plan on having children until I'm good and ready) but it doesn't have to take a mother to know everything when you're raising a child. Yes I'm still learning and taking classes but by now I think my educated inferences should be valued.

I wasn't close to my other cousin when she gave birth to her daughter but I have a little closer of a relationship to this cousin who recently found out she's expecting. This gives me a chance to be involved in her child's life and I don't want to ruin that chance. This also would give me even more experience to know what I would come to interact with.