California dreamin' ...

So I went to visit my family in California for a week. It was over all a pretty fun time, and I'll just start from the beginning, really.

First of all, can I just say that I adore traveling? I think it's the whole mystique of not knowing anyone else that I like (needless to say, running into a friend totally ruins this mystique... luckily, this time around, I didn't see anyone I knew at the airport). I guess I get it in my head that everyone and his mother sitting on the plane could be a spy, and, considering my dad is still trying to convince me that he's actually a CIA operative (the scary thing is that I don't know if he's actually kidding or not...), I like to think other people think I'm a spy, too! And considering I took twelve years of ballet, am a Drum Major, and like to think I'm a bit graceful on my feet, I'd also like to think I sorta look the part.

HAH! Or not. But it's fun.

So I stayed at my cousin's house. My Aunt and Uncle are quite close to us, considering my mom is only a year apart from my aunt; they are close, therefore we are. Their two children are adopted from Russia, which is always a tear-jerker of a story to tell. It's a bit sad, really... the boy, Wayne, was adopted from a hospital, where the nurses took secret care of him; he was in perfect health. However, the girl, Ashley, wasn't in such good condition, and now suffers from numerous disabilities, namely severe ADD and mild autism. Despite this, she's on meds and fairly normal, though it's sad, because her medication inhibits her from being... excited? Happy? I don't know.

And before you call me glib and start jumping on couch, back off; I believe the meds are helping. And I don't believe in aliens. Kay? :D

Anywho... GAH, too tired to continue. More later.

<3

A bit of self-patting on the back

Okay, so I'm finally back.

Just so you know, this is going to be a longish post. Be warned.

So, two weeks ago, I went to Drum Major camp. YES. Drum Major camp. And as I've seen some dissension in the ranks when I mentioned I was a Drum Major, let me reiterate that I am a cool Drum Major. I'm not too big of a nerd, and my band is pretty tight, with over three hundred people in it. That's, like, one out of every five students at my highschool. So shutty.

Anywho, camp was at Western Oregon University (WOU; or, to spell it phonetically, "WOOOOOOO!"). We stayed in the dorms, la dee da. It was pretty fun, and needless to say, here comes the self-patting on the back portion of this post.

USA, United Spirit Association, is a pretty big deal. They put on these camps, and so to be given awards by them is sort of an honor. Wanna hear what I got? Too bad. I'm gonna tell you.

• A Superior plaque, which means I was of the top Drum Majors at Camp
• A 'Most Distinguished' medal, meaning I was the top marcher at camp.
• A 'Best Leader' medal, meaning, well... you get it.
• I was named one of ten all-stars, and invited to march in the New Year's parade in London.
• I was offered a job to staff next year

Excuse my... bragging? Is that what this is?... I don't know. It's just that I'm never really looked at as the best at much, so being the best at something is lovely. Needless to say Lily, my female Co-Drum Major was very happy for my, while Kyle and Gary, by male C0-Drum Majors were a bit bitter.

Male thing? I dunno.

More coming in another post. I need to go replenish my caffeine supply.