Dear journal,

I did this piece a few weeks ago but never got around to scanning it until now since I was in the process of packing and cleaning to get ready to move back home from college after two straight semesters there. It was very hard, but I can't believe all I learned. I also learned that I'm capable of taking care of myself, which takes a bit of a toll on my family life since I now need to develop a new type of bond with my family now that I no longer have that "I need you for survival!" bond with them. I still need them emotionally, but I still want to need them more than that. They're my treasure in this life.

I can't believe my goldfish Ferocious survived while I was gone! My sweet parents tried to keep the tank clean and my youngest siblings Toby and Sarah (ages 10 and 8) fed him every day and now he's the size of my hand. He's going to need a bigger tank, he looks so cramped in there.

My family is renovating the kitchen, it's looking beautiful so far. It was sad to come home to a half-destroyed house, with everything torn down and the stove and counters outside on the balcony but they're working so hard and fast that it's probably going to be finished this week, it's amazing! It sucks not being able to cook and eating instant food when I was looking forward so much to having some of my mommy's homemade meals again after 8 months of eating college food. I guess I can wait another week. *cries*

I saw my nephew Hyrum two days ago. He learned to crawl without me, I can't believe it! I'm the saddest aunty in the world. Ah well, I get to babysit him for two straight weeks soon while my brother and sister-in-law try to catch up on their work at their jobs. He's the most sensitive little guy, he'll cry if you look at him wrong (like baby Trunks from DBZ!!). He also laughs easily though. If you hold him and gently bend your knees he'll giggle and giggle. He also loves to cuddle and be held. When you pick him up he instantly puts his arms around your neck, I love it!!

A big thanks to my old roomy and my ART 117 Design and Color teacher (Sister Grover) for enabling me to learn how to use colored pencils. I've always wanted to use them but never quite got the hang of it. I hope to do commissions soon with them. Currently working on my art trade with in colored pencils, it's coming along great!

Reference: cuteoverload.com