Aren't they the best

So I just wanted to type a quick blog this wonderful Sunday afternoon. I'm just hoping I can actually keep it quick. First, I finished reading Mockingjay in like record time- it was ridiculous, there's nothing to even blog about cause I don't want to give anything away. So just READ THEM. Second, 2010-2011 School Year is off to a great start. I think I'm going to be really busy, but that's good, maybe I will actually save money this year! Which brings me to three, I've moved in with Paula and Teresa and so far things are going pretty great! It's been a couple of weeks and there's been no bloody noses or slammed doors, so I'm optimistic. Next, this weekend was pretty fantastic. I LOVE BEING AN AUNT! I love that Aubrey, Andrew and Jakob are becoming their own little person with their own little personality. I was supposed to go see Eclipse with Cassi last night, before you judge- it's been out two whole months and I'm just now seeing it for the FIRST time. But things didn't work out, so I asked Aubrey if she wanted to come, we were all hanging out at "Grandma & Grandpa's" and she of course said yes, but then surprisingly, so did Jakob! So off to the movies for our birthday movie date. It was fun. Aubrey and I had fun dancing to my new album on the way to the theater (Justin Bieber....feel free to judge me for that, but the songs are catchy...) So now I'm about to head off to mom and dad's again. Then it's week 3 of school. This weekend one of my wonderful friends from Midland is getting married in Dallas and I can't wait to help her celebrate. Cool thing is that I will also get to be in Dallas to celebrate Aunt Lou Ann's Birthday!! Then hopefully between school, student council, public relations, workshops, weddings, homecoming, football games and birthdays....I'll get to do something else that will inspire me to write a blog. Until then!
Thanks for Reading!
Also I don't feel like proofreading this so sorry for any mistakes....

What I learned in Alaska...

This list is in no particular order, just typing as they come to mind, which may be random since I've been back for almost 2 weeks...

1. There are a few ideal situations for maximizing your cruise enjoyment, that does not include a single 26 year old going with a 13 year old brother and parents that go to bed at 9 o'clock...
2. ...it could include going with a group of friends, family reunion, or honeymoon/couple. (HINT! HINT! FAMILY....)
3. If your dad says he will pay for you to go fishing in Ketchikan, THEN GO FISHING IN KETCHIKAN!!! No matter who goes with you!!
4. Don't pack sweaters or jackets cause you'll end up buying three of them that say Alaska and then won't have room to pack them in your suitcase.
5. Bring along plenty of games that your group can play together. Things that include cards, dice, etc.
6. Sign up for at least ONE WHALE WATCHING excursion, hearing someone tell about thier  experience just isn't quite the same.
7. Make sure the camera gets turned off every time it's used, unless you want to spend 25 minutes in Juneau finding a spare battery and/or charger.
8. There is no "Redneck Night" on the ship...no matter how much your dad wants there to be...
9. Head to the bow of the ship early for the glacier stop, unless you just want to remember what the back of every one's head looks like after you get home.
10. Go to the gym on the FIRST DAY you're on the ship, otherwise, you never will....
11. Participating in the trivia with your cruise director Anthony and making a group with other single people will win you prizes, especially if one of you shouts "I want a coffee mug!" :)
12. Have someone in your group that can act as a moderator for at least MOST of the trip...no one can be THAT patient for 11 days...
13. Listen for people shouting "OOooh!" pretty much anytime you're on the ship, it means there's probably a whale or other sea life outside the ship
14. UNDER PACK! I know that sounds crazy but the ship has a washing machine, and you'll wear the clothes you buy.
15. If you're shoving things in a bag, buy a $20 carry-on so you don't end up having to pay $50 for the 5 extra pounds you "shoved"...
16. If someone in your group likes to go to bed early, make them stay up at least ONE night on the ship for a program or activity. Even if they act like they don't want to, you will all end up having a blast!
17. Order the milk & cookies every night for room service. Holland has the BEST DAMN chocolate chip cookies I've ever had, EVER!
18. Send the postcards you buy as soon as you buy them, otherwise half of them will end up coming home with you...
19. Go to every dining room (the free ones at least) and try all the different kinds of foods they have to offer...
20. If someone is offering a food you REALLY want to try, don't pass it up, there aren't repeats on a cruise ship's menu.
21. Convince as many people as you can that they need to go back with you on your next cruise.
22. Have someone in your group that knows how to work cameras and other electronics...
23. .....And make sure they're willing to help you figure out how to work them.
24. Keep your phone OFF until you are on land
25. ALASKA IS AWESOME!!!

Yesterday was my first day of school, and I've spent a whole week at my new place now, so hopefully in the next few weeks I will have an opportunity to upload all of the pictures and videos on the computer so that you can all see what a blast we had...at least most of the time :)
Thanks for reading!