Hiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (does that look weird?) About cousins and Iron Men (and women)!

Hi melloni nin! NOTE: Longer post today, have to give you a lot before you go!
Well, I'm here enjoying the beautiful Coeur d'Alene weather (upper 80's, lower 90's) after a great afternoon of kayaking and swimming with my cousin! It was sooooo fun!
I envy you so much, Eowyn, MJ. You are so close with your cousins. I seriously haven't seen this on since Mother's Day. And Christmas before that. Seriously, I like never see my cousins, and because of that we aren't very close. It's like, you know your parents' friends' kids, that you're only friends with 'cause your parents are friends? It's kind of like that, only closer because we've known each other our whole lives. Sometimes I wonder if I'd be friends with them if they weren't my cousins. I don't know. I mean, they're really good kids and all (mostly anyway :P ), but I just don't know if we'd be friends in general. We all get along though. I sometimes see other people with cousins (esp. Eowyn and MJ) and wish it could be that way, but I know it can't because we all live so far apart and just hardly ever see each other. The only nice thing is that we NEVER fight. It's really weird though. I'm so glad I get to spend time with my cousin this week, because we have a little more in common (we used to live closer, then she moved, but she's still in the country, so she's like not girly, but not all tomboy, kinda like me :) I hope that makes sense lol)! We're really getting to know a little more about each other already, and it's easier to talk to each other than it used to be. It's se weird being all of us together, because 8 of us grew up together, and have known each other forever. Then there are like 6 more who are results of second marraiges of my aunts (like step-cousins, sort of), and it's not that I don't like them or anything, it's just that I hardly know them at all, so they're not even like cousins to me. Just barely aquaintances. I don't know...does anybody know how I feel? *shouts to the world* "is anybody listening?!? Can you offer me advice?!? Hellooooooooooo!"
So, on to happier topics. Today is the Iron Man festival here in Coeur d'Alene. It's so crazy, 'cause like everyone from Spokane is here too! For those who don't know what the Iron Man festival is (like me 'til today) let me enlighten you...
"The Iron Man triathlon festival is an annual event that takes place in the heart of the beautiful, peaceful city of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. More than 2,400 contestants usually enter, at least 100 from the city itself. There are three events: swimming, cycling and running. Contestants start the day bright and early at 7:00 AM in the chilly lake Coeur d'Alene, but they aren't chilly for long! 2.4 miles of swimming across the lake warms them up in a hurry! If the contestants finish the swimming event within 2 hours, they are allowed to continue onto the cycling event. The cyclers ride up and down the streets of Coeur d'Alene and in surrounding areas - 112 miles altogether! After that you can imagine that they would be in prime shape for a 26.2 mile jog around town. Dozens of people line each street (several of whom are family members or friends), cheering contestants on through each part of the triathlon. The first 80 contestants to finish qualify to compete in Iron Man Hawaii, while the first place contestant wins the big prize - $50,000! It is a great family day in the town and a wonderful heart-warming experience."
Believe it or not, I made that up. I learned all about it today from my aunt and an article she let me read about it...and I'm still trying to figure out what kind of sick person (pardon me...idiot) thought this up! I get worn out just watching them all, but it was really cool to watch them for a little bit.
So, I'm in the kitchen on Mom's laptop. My aunt and my Dad are making enchiladas for dinner (yes, we eat late here) and I'm trying to figure out if I should sleep inside or in the teepee tonight. My cousin won't sleep outside, and I don't really want to sleep with the boys, I don't think my Dad would go out with me, but I really want to sleep out there. See, my great grandpa made the teepee like forever ago, from a book that taught how to make teepees the way the Native Americans really made them! It's been in the family for a long time, and my aunt and uncle have it now, they set it up in the summer and sleep in it like every night. I'm still debating if it's worth it...any suggestions?
So, Dad and I are going to go throw the ball soon. If any of you didn't know yet, I'm like a baseball fanatic, and I like to play a little softball, though I'm not very good. If you don't like the Mariners, don't say anything if you value your life! Seriously though, please don't say anything, 'cause I'll defend them to death, and I don't want to fight with any of you.
What else was I gonna say? Oh well, I can't remember. I'm gonna go now, so...talk to you all soon!
Namarie!
P.S.
I remembered! Ok, so here's the deal: I want to be able to write my lessons down like Legolas is doing, so I can remember it better because you always learn better when you teach. Problem is, the only people who would go there is you guys, and you already go to Lego's. I don't want to "steal Lego's business" lol, but I don't know what I should do. Should I just write it down anyway, even if nobody looks at it? I'm way open to suggestions...what do you guys think?
P.P.S.
I'm still going to post while you guys are at Camp Hope, because Vani will still be here, and I just want to keep writing, since this is kind of like my journal. Vani you can email me too...
So yeah, that's it. You guys can all post and comment when you get back...and tell me all about camp too!!! Please post before you go - I'm gonna miss you all!!!

On vacation!

Hey everyone,
I have to make this quick, 'cause I'm on my Mom's laptop at my aunt and uncle's house, but I just wanted to see how you're all doing. When does everyone leave for camp hope? Just wanted to let you know that I'll be able to check email and blog while I'm here.
Coeur d'Alene is beautiful, my aunt and uncle live right on a lake, and we may go kayaking in a bit!
See ya all later!
Namarie

Going Away

Hey everyone,
I just wanted to let you all know that I'm leaving early tomorrow morning for 9 days, and I'll be going to Cour d'Alene for a week to stay with my aunt as part of our history course. I'm not sure if I'll be able to check my blog at all (NOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!) but will definitely try my best. Don't let that stop you all from posting, though! Just wanted to let you all know. I will be back, I promise!!!
What did everyone do today? Eowyn, how's everything going? How is MJ? Lego, what's up with you? How are you Vani, now that you're out of school?
Today I did some math with my new curriculum (that is working very well), and worked on some last-minute packing, and other things that I have to do like for Fair and stuff. Just two more weeks until PotCII comes out!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yipeeee!!!!!!!! I'm so excited (in case you couldn't tell)!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Currently I am eating fried rice with my fingers (Indian-style is the way I always eat rice). And listening to Enya Watermark which finally came in at the library! Sail away, sail away, sail away...
Well, I'm really sorry I haven't posted in a while. I've been kept really busy with just about everything in the world. I'm getting ready for Fair, of course, and just all the little things that aren't really like "Oh, I'm busy with this", just it all adds up you know? Well, I'm not complaining or anything. It's just good to be back!
Work went well yesterday. I just did filing and had to babysit a printer (take out paper jams every 15 seconds, seriously. I'm not kidding). But hey, I got paid, and it wasn't hard or anything.
Oh my gosh I'm listening to Evening Falls, and I'm sure it will be my favorite Enya song! It's really good!!! Anybody agree with me?
Oops. A piece of rice just fell in my keyboard :( *cringes* Oh well, it was little. I'm typing alright, lol!
Hey is Vani back around yet? Vani! I haven't heard from you in like forever!
Don't you hate being hyper and exhausted at the same time? That's what I am now. I'm writing hyperly, (or is it hyperish?) but I'm really tired, and I know that's coming through too.
When the evening falls and the daylight is fading/from within me calls - could it be I am sleeping?/For a moment I stray, then it holds me completely/Close to home - I cannot say/Close to home feeling so far away...
Well, that's about it. I'll see you all (not really see, but you know what I mean lol) in a week! Have a great time at camp!!!
Namarie

Well, hi everybody! (Random stuff)

P.S. - I love this picture...It makes me want to cry. :'( Ya so that's kind of confusing, but I'm a big fan of chic flicks...so ya.

Hello everybody...It's been a pretty satisfying day...but you know those days when like it's just one thing after another and you can never seem to do quite enough? Ya, like it's been one of those days. I did finally finish most of it though, and got some good reading in too. Now I'm just looking at everyone's blogs...and there's nothing else to see! You people need to start posting more things. or I'll start crying *sniffs* :'( Boohooooooooo! *starts feeling really depressed.*
ok, that's over now. sorry everyone.
Ughhhhh, my punctuation is bugging me! Sorry everyone, it's just me. Oh well, good training on Mom's part I guess.
So how is everyone? I'm doing pretty well. Wait, I already talked about that. Sorry! I'm listening to Adventures in Odyssey right now. The newest one. It's really good! Anyone like AiO? WEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ok. *hyperness sets in once again* Like, I have nothing to write about right now except one thing. (And I can't think up any good songs to post.)
Camp Hope: So I might go next year! I really hope I can. I need to talk to my mom some more about it, but hey, we have a year. If you all want to give me some input about like why you like to go, that'd be really cool!
Hey I started reading the Lay of the Children of Hurin today. It's kinda weird...with no real rhyme or reason...but it's pretty good. Good story anyway.
These thousand hills/Role ever on/The footprints of/A mighty God/They bring me to/My knees in praise/Amazing love/Amazing grace...
I love that song. I love Third Day!
Well, that's about it. I hope to hear from you all soon!
Love you all!
Namarie

LotR Luthien stuff

Ahhh...
Such lissom limbs no more shall run/on the green earth beneath the sun/so fair a maid no more shall be/from dawn to dusk from sun to sea/Her robe was blue as summer skies/but gray as evening were her eyes/'twas sewn with golden lilies fair/but dark as shadow was her hair/Her feet were light as bird on wing/her laughter lighter than the spring/the slender willow the bowing reed/the fragrance of a flowering mead/the light upon the leaves of trees/the voice of water more than these/her beauty was and blissfulness/her glory and her loveliness/and her the king more dear did prize/than hand or heart or light of eyes...
So beautiful!
Hey guess what everyone? I put about 5 Enya CDs on hold at the library today! I hope to get them on Tuesday. And I don't want to be dissappointed...
I'm sorry Lego but I just can't agree. If you watched mmore chick-flicks then you would like Beren and Luthien better than Idril and Tuor. Mortal half-mortal weird stuff.
Well, gotta go, ttyl!
Tomorrow!
Namarie

*British accent* Hello

Hi again everybody! How is everyone today?
Guess what? In half an hour, I'm going rock climbing!!! I'm going to like a beginner orientation thingy for a little while, then we get to climb! I'm so excited!!!
*looks back over, decides she was too exclamation point happy* *shruggs, "Oh well"*
Well, yesterday Mom and I went to this home-school convention thingamy and bought a lot of stuff. Oh yeah, does anyone know who Jim Weiss is? He's my my and my mom's favorite narrator. He's sooooooooo good, and he's a Christian too! He was doing two workshops yesterday, and we got to see both. Also, we brought a book he's narrated, and he signed it for us! He was so nice, we're so glad we got to meet him!
We bought a new curriculum too. Algebra. Ugh. I know Vani, you think I must be sick for not liking math, but I really hate algebra. I've been doing so badly this year, though, and we think it's the curriculum, so we bought a new one yesterday, and I'm excited. Well, as excited as one can be about algebra. :( I think it's gonna help alot. See, I want to start chemistry in the fall through our co-op, but I have to be through Algebra 1 first, so I'm working over the summer to get that done. The curriculum teaches more concept than formula. It tells you why you do things in math rather than just how you do it. I hope it helps...I think it will...
These are the things we go through/Let's take control and be ourselves/Let's not waste time wondering about?How we're gonna make it out.
Yeah, I'm really happy today.
Last night we went to a memorial service for a friend of my mom's aunt that just passed away. Mom knew him a little, but I never met him. You know, in all my life, I don't think I've ever been to a funeral or memorial service for someone I've actually met. My dads family is so huge, that I've been to several funerals, but all for people I've never met. Hearing the things they said last night though, makes me want to have known him. It makes me wonder (services like that) what people will say about me when I'm dead. Makes me want to live my life well and make a difference, but at the same time it's kinda depressing. I don't know.
U.S. Open started on Thursday, and would you believe it - Tiger Woods didn't make the cut!!!
My dad and I and a couple of his friends have this thing every year where they pick their top 5 players, and at the end they average their scores, and the one with the best score gets taken to a round of golf by the others. My top 5 were: Phil Mickelson, Tiger (out), Vijay Singh, Jim Furyk, and Stewart Cink. I'm doin' alright. Not so great, but we all picked Tiger so we're all down one man. It's really fun.
What else...let's see...Oh yes! Which is bigger, Captain Bigger or Mrs. Bigger? Mrs. Bigger, because she became Bigger! Get it? Yeah I know it's dumb, but it is funny. No I didn't make it up myself:)
I need you to love me/And I/I won't keep my heart from you/This time...
What else is there? *concentrating* Well, I guess that's about it. I need to go put my hair up before we leave...Write more later! Everyone post comments!
Namarie, melloni nin!

First Paycheque!!!

Hey everybody, guess what?
I got my first paycheque today!!! That's right, I'm now as a 14 year old making the maximum amount I legally can (80% of min. wage) working for my dad once or twice a week filing and cleaning, and I got my first ever paycheque today!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
WARNING: I'm feeling very random and hyper. You have been warned. This blog and the one following tomorrow are not for the squeamish or faint of heart. We take no responsibility for any of your actions concerning the reading of this blog. yrch (except you eowyn) jk none of you are yrch please don't take offense.
I'm rambling aren't I?
"Well, I'm no expert, but it could be that the hydrothermic properties of this region produce hurricane-force ice storms that cause the oceans to freeze, and then melt and then refreeze, resulting in a semi-solid migrating land mass, that could land a ship right around here."
Yeah, random hyperish, make-up-words sorta day.
I can't type long, but I'll definitely fill you all in tomorrow.
Hey guys how is Enya? Are her songs like clean and all that? Cause my parents said it's alright if I listen to her, but I wanted to get all you guys' opinions.
Also, met Jim Weiss today...anyone know who he is?
Which is bigger? Captain Bigger or Mrs. Bigger?
You guys guess, then I'll tell you the answers tomorrow.
I'm at my grandparents....high-speed heaven!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
May it be an evening star shines down upon you/May it be as darkness falls your heart will be true/You walk a lonely road/Oh how far you are from home!
I love elvish, don't you all?
*checks time* I really gotta go before my grandparents get mad for me keeping them up late. I'm rock climbing tomorrow at a camp place!!!
Bye y'all!

Oops!

Oops I just swallowed a cherry pit! Eowyn, you need to scroung up some dirt for me to swallow, then Lego, you can water me every day. When I'm all grown then we can all share the cherries. You too, Vani!

I'm at my dad's office today...high-speed internet (also known as heaven). Like, I'm supposed to be filing, but I'm taking a lunch break for a bit.

Hey have you guys been to Google Earth (middle earth, yes; google earth, no precioussssss). *regains control of herself* "sorry." You can zoom way in on like everywhere. I think the photographs were taken about 3 years ago, judging from stuff that's in my neighborhood now that wasn't there before. It's really cool, but I think you have to download it or something. No prob for all you high-speed peoples.

My elvish grammar is getting better! -uva for future, -o for participle, u- for not... *runs off to get Languages of Tolkien's Middle Earth* let's see... -a for present, -e for past and imperative. -ai for subjunctive, -r for plural of each tense. Compound words: describing element (like and adjective) before main element (like a noun). Add -i for plurals ending in consonants, and -r for words ending in vowels. Possesive: drop final vowel (if there is one) and add -o.

That's it for now...later!

Sorry!

Sorry about that some of my post got lost! Here it is and one more I'm thinking about entering:

Twilight

The black outlines of trees and hills are barely visible, silhouetted against the pale sky, slowly fading as evening turns to night. The first few stars peep out of their blanker of darkness, slowly emerging and waiting for their fellows to join them. Some chase each other in a joyful frolic of star-showers to help pass the long night. But it is not long—not with so much to observe!

Out of the stillness nighttime noises creep. The rustle of grass as heaven's breath flows through it. The stir of nocturnal animals waking, just beginning their 'day.' Crickets chirp cheerily, frogs sing their melancholy dirges. The trees whisper softly to one another, wondering if this is the night It will happen. They are not sure What, but It will be exciting whatever It is. Leaves sigh together as the wind passes through them. Everything in nature is thinking it's own ancient thoughts, reserved for this time of pondering alone. What if…but they dare not think it.
A silver crescent presents herself in the midnight blue sky, weeping rays of light and mingled shadows down upon the earth. The ground is damp, the grass wet. Everything seems mournful, yet nobly regal as well. Shadows darken…it is no longer evening, but not yet night. It is Twilight.

Imagine…

Imagine…
To drink only the fresh clear water of a mountain stream.
To dance on a lawn all night with elves and centaurs, only the moon and stars above watching, and to never grow tired.
To bathe in the snow in winter, and to bask in the sun in summer.
To walk down a lane kicking the autumn leaves, and to lay hidden amidst spring wildflowers.

Just think…
What it would be like to live fully with all the beauties of nature, never once worrying about the troubles of life, but having full open contact with nature and it's Maker.
Learning life's simple lessons, and gaining wisdom and insight into its more complicated sides.
To make music at the beginning of the world, only two voices—yours, and the Maker's, singing together for the very joy of being.
A clear rushing river made of silver glass, untouched by anything foul, beside a forest of green, where the deer do not fear the hunter, home of paradise.

Dream…
A bright fire in a small clearing. Two weary travelers resting beside it; laying side-by-side telling great stories of the past, reminiscing, and thinking toward the future with hopes, dares and dreams.

Believe, trust and enjoy but never take for granted the beauty of nature.

The sky is dark, but the stars are bright, and the moon shines on a circle below, of humans, elves, centaurs, dryads, and anyone who would join the dance, who would enjoy their wonderful Earth, and who would dare to believe.

Will you join the dance?


Thanks everyone.

Poems

Hi everyone,
These are some poems I'm looking to enter at Fair. I'm posting them for feedback, and I'm way open to criticism. Let me know what you think:

The Moon

A vast sea or darkness flooded with pinpoints of light stretches before me, and a great silver globe suspended perfectly, a sphere observing the black silhouettes of night. She hangs there by herself, though amongst the stars she is alone, a great white-silver orb on a canvas of black. She is alone in the heavens and I am alone on the earth.

I am drenched in a clear, cool spring water not of this world on a crisp autumn night. The great sphere is far above me as I bask in the silver rays of her light. She surpasses the beauty of all. Tranquility lays about her, in the form of an empty sea adorning her surface, and of a garment of soft peaceful light.

She is hidden in a shroud of silver, veiled in a soft, translucent light, clear as a spring morning. She is not like the sun, shedding garish light wherever he chooses to leave it, instead she wears a mantle of gentleness. Under her light the first elves sang of their awakening. She leaves beauty on everything she touches, and knows no evil or impurity. She scorns the sun, and he would scorch her but he cannot look upon the beauty. He is helpless to mar her.

Beams of her light fall softly, gently to the world below, and all who look upon her in her hour are changed, and ever afterwards love the night. Silence is here and my unspoken thoughts move noiselessly up to the listening heavens. Dark shapes trees line the horizon where earth meets endless void, stretching their towering heights up to her brilliance. She is a circle filled to her brim with light that shines out from her every surface, a Light in the Darkness, piercing the shadows and purging the soul.

Twilight

The black outlines of trees and hills are barely visible, silhouetted against the pale sky, slowly fading as evening turns to night. The first few stars peep out of their blanker of darkness, slowly emerging and waiting for their fellows to join them. Some chase each other in a joyful frolic of star-showers to help pass the long night. But it is not long—not with so much to observe!

Out of th

Just one more!!!

Sorry but had to do one more!

Trying pic

I'm trying to post a picture with my post. Let's see if this works...

Yay it did! I love this pic. I think it is my favorite LotR pic. Along with others of Arwen and Gilraen.

See ya later!

Random day!

Hey everybody,
Do you ever have those days when you'r just like "I don't know what I'm gonna do with life," and you're only thinking of everything you have to do and not what you've gotten done, and you just don't know what to do because you haven't got your whole life planned out? Well yesterday was kinda like that. It's been off and on for the last week. I guess we all have times like that. I'm kinda getting over it, but I can't stop thinking about India. If anyone didn't know, I went to India on a three-week mission trip in January, and I think about something from India every day. I don't want to forget, but it's sad to remember too, because I know I can't go back for at least two years because of a busy schedule. God put India on my heart when I was eight, and I'm having a hard time with America now since I love India so much. America is so messed up. Well, all countries are, but I think America is the most. My personal unbiased view. On to happier things...
Guess what came in the mail today? "Literary Lessons Through LotR"!!! It's this awesome curriculum Mom ordered where you read through the books and then like fill in blanks and look up vocab words and dig into LotR history etc. like Beowulf, Arthurian Romance, etc. and three new LotR books to replace my old ones that are literally falling apart! I'm so excited to get into them!!! I'm really trying to make time for my LotR passion. I'm glad I have Lego and Eowyn for friends because for so long I've been without support in that area. It's so refreshing to find people who love LotR as much as I do! I was beginning to give up hope that they existed lol! It's so awesome that we all have blogs to connect to each other through, since we don't see each other regularily.
I had a really hyper-random day. It was awesome! Which brings me to the question: "Which is bigger? Captain Bigger or Mrs. Bigger?" Any guesses? It was a P.G. Wodehouse day.
I had a 4-H meeting. I wish I brought my cat (Comet). It would have been much more fun, but we just talked about Fair (stuff I already know) and made signs to go on top of our cages. Can anyone come to the Fair? E-mail me if you want more info. It would be so cool! I don't want to say what fair or anything online, if you know what I mean.
O mor henion i dhu/ely siriar el sila/ai! Aniron Undomiel
I have 10 books on my bed right now. 9 are LotR related. Does that qualify as being sick? Most of my friends think so. Am I sick? If I am, I love it. My parents support me at least, and since we're unschooling next year I'll have all the time in the world to pursue all my desires. I hope to speak Quenya and Sindarin a lot more fluently by this time next year, but right now I hardly have enough time for Sindarin grammar, much less my Quenya Course. Maybe as summer goes on...
Onen i estel Edain. U-chebin, estel anim. -Gilraen, Aragorn's mother. In movie Elrond and Aragorn
I love Hawk Nelson!!! They will be at Creation and we are going to see them. I'm so excited!!! I listen to them everyday while I'm weeding for my neighbors.
Does anyone watch foreign movies (and not foreign as in M.E., I mean a real place.) (But middle earth is real precioussss....) (To us, precioussss....but not to them, Gollum).
Sorry about that. I watch Hindi movies sometimes, I've seen Lagaan (really awesome story, I own it now!) and Mohabbatein(beautiful romantic love story, but for a Hindi film they speak a lot of English! I want to own it soon...)
Has anyone ever watched a chic-flic while eating ice cream straight out of a pint (it comes in pints?) with a spoon? I haven't. I guess it's what people do when they break up or get really depressed or something, and that's never happened to me so I guess I'm glad. Had mud pie ice cream tonight though.
I love summer nights...I get to stay up late and sleep in late! What could be better? LotR and blog - here I come!
Eowyn you never e-mailed me back :( Come on girl...I miss seeing you every week, at least talk to me! jk.
Well, had a piano lesson today, and guess what my teacher told me? "You play very mechanically." That's not a good thing everybody. And my first teacher told me the exact thing in exactly the same words. But she said it can be improved so we can work on it! Good thing.
Ohhh to be Arwen. How sad. Arwen and Aragorn's love story has got to be the saddest I've ever read. I mean, it's worse than Titanic. He dies by his own will, then she goes and lays herself down where they were engaged on Cerin Amroth, and she dies too. I bawled the first time I read it. And the second, and the third...
Oh well, I guess that's life. I'm such a sucker for romance. It bugs my Mom because she doesn't want me to expect that in real life. Can't say I blame her. Oh well...
I seriously need to post pics of my room on here! Lego, you have to see it. After I add some LotR touches, it will be perfect!
Can you hear me?/ Does anyone around me/ feel the way that I feel now?
I need Your loving hand to guide me/Through the maze of all the things inside me/Then I’ll know that I’m alright...
Ever feel like that?
I should probably go to bed. In the morning I'll feel better.
I love blogging; it's the only way I can keep a journal, and my friends can share with me too!
Well, goodnight everyone! See you tomorrow!

Three more minutes...

I just have three more minutes before I have to go to bed, but I just wanted everyone to take a look at all the stuff I did today. I added my Obsession score and pic, and I did a lot on my profile, and now I'm making one last post. My day was pretty good. I'm having a ton of fun with my blog!!! I'm rather hyper and not at all tired. I hope you have seen my blog Legolas! Eowyn, Leggy, what do you guys think? Post comments. I will have lots of trouble sleeping tonight.
Gotta go, Namarie!
Will write tomorrow!
Namarie!

First Post

Okay...so this is my first post, and I won't bore you with all the stuff they all say about this being "so cool and all that" but I am really excited to finally have a blog!!!