Feeling a Bit Nostalgic today...

I hope I spelt nostalgic right.  If I didn't, I blame it on my cold.  I go from seeing clearly, to blurry because my eyes don't seem to want to focus properly.

Anyway, I am feeling a bit nostalgic today.  It is a blizzard outside, I think I'm driving my husband crazy because I have no verbal filter when I am sick, and it is coming up to the end of the year.

But today I am especially thinking about my 2000 trip out East for my sister's wedding.  It was the second time that I remember almost the whole family gathered together.  I had just gotten back to the United States after a two week trip to Spain with my high school.  Before that, I had graduated from high school.  The day after I got back, I hopped on a plane to Boston and from there rode up to New Hampshire with my parents and brother.  I just remember being cranky and exhausted.  After a good nights sleep I was still tired and a little less cranky, but more able to be around people.

The wedding was beautiful and I was asked to read a passage during the ceremony, which was such an honor.  The reception was fun with good food and dancing. 

Then all the relatives headed down to my Uncle Mark and Aunt Lois's house, where, from what I remember, we all stayed for the next few days.  We happened to be there over the 4th of July.  While the rest of my family went and watched the fireworks, my cousins Eyleen and Jen took me to my first rave.  I was 18 and it was an experience I will never forget.  What I remember most about it was that Eyleen didn't give it a second thought about my going.  She asked me if I wanted to go to a party with her and Jen and I said yes.  Being shy and feeling awkward I wanted to hang out with my older cousins because it made me feel cool.  It was a great decision. 

I got offers from people to buy me drinks, which I did not accept begrudgingly.  My cousin Jen was hit up to buy marajuana by some kid and while Jen and I mostly stood by the wall watching the people at the rave, Eyleen danced.  She danced all night and at one point got me to go and dance with her as well and Jen came too.  It was my first rave, my first major party and it was awesome!

I have always loved the east coast, but that was the trip I fell in love with the Northeast part of the country.  It completely changed my life, for everytime I am there now, I feel like I can breath easier, like I am home.  It was also the first time I felt truly accepted by and accepted my new family.  See just the March before, 1999, my mom and step-dad Ted were married.  I had met Ted's family before, but due to my history with extended family members, which without going into the gory details, was not good, I was leery of allowing Ted's family into my life, with the exception of my step-sister Steph and of course Ted. 

This trip changed it all, I felt welcomed always and began to open up to my new family and never looked back.  It took my sister's wedding and a rave to accomplish it and I could not ask for a more loving and wonderful extended family.  I am sorry I do not keep in better touch.  I get that from my dad Ted I suppose. ;)  I love you all and God bless!!!