I am a huge fan of the group text. I like to take a funny pic or a witty quip and send it to my different little groups. Whether it be my cousins group, my girlfriends group, my guyfriends group, my triangle, or my DPSers. It's important that we all stay connected. And it's nice to have a convo without actually having to talk. Cause ain't nobody got time for that. There are people in my life that wouldn't still be a part of my life if it weren't for texting. There…

It's always nice to go away, but even nicer to come home. That's what my grandma used to always say. It's now obvious to me that she had never been to Hilton Head, South Carolina. I know her and my grandpa went back to Ireland once and she tripped over a cow and broke both of her arms. She had casts on both arms up to her shoulders. So I guess that's why she liked that saying, because who the hell wouldn't want to come home after that? Jaysus! She also…

There is nothing I love more than hanging out and drinking with my family. It is my favorite thing. But drinking with my family on vacation takes it to a whole new level. There are twenty-seven of us here right now. All the main players. Beau and I. Juan and Molleen. Dat and Meggy. Quint and Shelly. Our other cousin Big Tranny and his parents, Uncle Tank and Aunt Laughy. Eleven adults. The rest are kids. It's unfortunate for the other people who are also at this resort. I imagine they…

There are so many myths about unemployment. People seem to think it's not a big deal, until it happens to them. And I get that because you don't know the hell of it until you have lived it. A few years ago Beau lost his job. It was tough, but I didn't understand the psychological effects it had on him. He was depressed and I didn't understand why. He lost his job through no fault of  his own, so what was the big deal? It's not like he wasn't preforming…

This summer we are tackling the road trip. For the first time. I'm really excited about it. We no longer have a baby, so I think everyone will really enjoy it. I would be lying if I said that I wasn't a little nervous. Trapped in my car with four kids for seventeen hours? Sounds like a nightmare. But all of my friends who have done it before said it's no big deal. Pretty sure these same friends said the same thing about childbirth. I'm thinking it's going to be…

Another holiday is upon us. Father's day. It rolls around every year at the same time. Just as summer is off and running. Normally a gorgeous day spent poolside, grilling awesome food. The drinks are usually flowing. It has the makings for the perfect Sunday, except for one minor detail. My dad is dead. Now for me, Father's Day isn't as big a deal as Mother's Day. It was always way more laid back. Just hanging out with dad. I'm assuming it's like this for most people because I have…

This is the absolute greatest time of the year as a teacher. I'm sure everyone's heard the dumb joke, "What are the three greatest things about teaching? June, July, and August!". Hardy- har-har. But seriously, a huge perk of becoming a teacher is having your summers off. You count down that last month with more enthusiasm than the students. Way more. Students are like, woohoo, we get to sleep in! No homework! Teachers are like, thank the dear Lord. I didn't think I was going to live if I had…

A few years ago, well about nine years ago to be exact, I took a trip out east to watch my brother Juan play football. Because that's what good sisters do. Especially when your parents are dead. I felt an obligation to be there for Juan and cheer him on. Because no one else would. Dat was busy back home planning his wedding to Meggy. Now I know Juan's version of these events may differ from mine, but Juan doesn't have a blog or know how to use a computer. So I'm…

Sometimes I wish it were possible to send out an Amber Alert for Oprah Winfrey. I just want her to come back to me. Where is she and what does she do everyday, now that she's not spending her time with me? Does she think about me as much as I think about her? There are just so many unanswered questions since May 25, 2011. It was only three years ago, but in some ways it seems like a lifetime. I still remember where I was when I heard the horrific news.…

Nothing makes me happier than a good, not that there is a bad one, episode of 16 and Pregnant. And I know I'm not alone on this one because they're on like their twentieth season. I think one of the gals this year was one of the original babies born in season one. Nothing has changed. Every season has pretty much been the same. Even though I know what to expect, I still can't believe my eyes. I just can't stop watching. It's a shame it's only middle-aged women that watch this show. Too bad…