Reflecting 2004

2004 was a better year. Mr. and Mrs. Nabbalicious (Bello’s sister) got married, and then Bello’s two step-brothers got married. Not to mention, Bello’s step-sister has been married for a while already. The only ones left are Fat Mike and Bello. Considering Fat Mike doesn’t have a girlfriend but Bello has (for five years) one, I can logically see the excuse that Fat Mike has but, WHAT THE HELL IS YOUR PROBLEM, BELLO???? We know the date that we want to get married on; I have picked out the gowns, the bridesmaid dresses, the maid of honor dress, the hall, etc. etc., yet he still hasn’t OFFICIALLY POPPED THE QUESTION. This isn’t sounding better, is it? Okay, okay, okay. Nevermind.

Moving on…… Looking back on 2004, I realized that I am getting closer to my goal and that makes me very happy. I am one year closer to an Associates Degree, closer to buying a home, closer to all my debts being paid off (with the exception of my mom, Layla. I am so sorry, mom, but I promise I will pay back my debt from 50 years ago) and in general, closer to happiness everyday. So here goes:

What I Remember In 2004

• Bello finally found a steady job. That was a major turning factor in our lives because for almost two years, we were struggling so hard to make ends meet. We were positively miserable.
• We got the Camaro fixed and sold the Toyota. The guy we sold it to is making payments to us and in return, we give it to Bello’s mom and step-dad because we owe them from when we bought the Toyota. In January, this will be paid off though. Yayyyyy!
• Belle has become so good with her horse riding lessons. She started training for jumping events during the latter part of the year. Good luck, Belle!
• Belle won First, Second, Third, Fourth & Fifth place in her Horse Trot & Cantor events. Boy was that a big day. The excitement was awesome. The look on Belle’s face was priceless. She was and is so proud of herself, as we all are and rightfully so.
• Belle turned eleven and is turning out to be quite a beauty. It’s scary. Of course this is the bias mother typing.
• Belle graduated from the fifth grade and leaves behind elementary to take on middle school. She is having a ball! Of course now, the phone is glued to her ear and she cannot refrain from gossip.
• My great-grandfather died. I think I speak for all my family when I say that it was best. He missed my Nana so much and he was old, couldn’t walk, could hardly talk, couldn’t eat…… I miss him though and I do think of him as a happy man who loved pizza and beer, Reno, his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, Keno & Hawaii. I love you, Pop.
• Chicago! Chicago was fun – Da Bears. Mr. and Mrs. Nabbalicious got married in a little town in Illinois. I recall the first night we all arrived. We had dinner at Mr. N’s mom’s boyfriend’s house. It was beautiful. I am standing outside with Bello and Fat Mike and we suddenly realized that “Holy shit, we’re like in Illinois.” I swear we thought we were in another country.
• Bubba Gumps – while visiting Illinois, Bello and I bought our collector glasses from Bubba Gumps. Wherever we go on vacation, we try to hit the Gumps if there is one. Now we have one for San Francisco, Monterey, Maui and Chicago.
• I fell in love with the Lord of the Rings Trilogy and decided that I am an elf. Not that I really am but I think I am. Nutty, ain’t it?
• I FAILED ALGEBRA. Shut up about it, I’m saying no more.
• I had two cats run away from me! My lovable kitty, Dojia has yet to come home while my hateful, hissy, pissy, brat kitty, TC, is found.
• Bush is re-elected. I cannot comment on this. I’ll get into too much trouble.
• Giants DID NOT make it to the World Series but we did catch them in Chicago at the Cubs game.
• My step-mom had a liver transplant.
• My mom had surgery also. She had little inside problems and was hangin’. So, her doctor built her a sling our of pig skin to pick those hangin’ organs up. Yuck! Sorry, Layla.
• My grandmother broke her shoulder. The Gods only know how the hell she done that one. It was pretty bizarre though, trust me.
• Anna Nicole Smith made a complete ass outta herself at the Music Awards. Holy Cow (oh, wait. I can’t refer her to that anymore, huh?) Holy Anorexia! That chick is DUMB!
• I started writing my book. I wrote the first paragraph of the first chapter but haven’t gotten beyond that. Could it be cuz I spent three months developing the characters?!?!?!?!?!
• My cousin-in-law is pregnant! Yayyyyy!