Say Cheese... Now Smile!

I just came back from a really nice dinner with Carlene, Angel, Jr, and his gf Marissa. :) I love them so... After dinner, it was 3 hours of gossiping, catching up and steaming up windows in Angel's sweet new ride.

Theres a point in everyone's life when they realize that they're OLD. I have definitely surpassed that point and I've pretty much accepted it. But its a weird feeling when you realize that those younger than you are also growing up... "Well, Duh Nicole... whats the big deal. Everyone grows up!"

But its an interesting moment when you realize that "child" in your eyes has crossed that line into adulthood and you start seeing them as an actual adult. My cousin Angel is 5 years younger than me. She's graduating high school this year and she probably has more sense and drive than I had 5 years ago.

Maybe its because during the last couple of years, we haven't seen each other as much, but when I do see her, I'm always amazed by her accomplishments. Its like "Woah! I didn't know you can sew!" Or "Wow! You got a new car!" Even when she talks about college, I'm in awe.

Tonight, Carlene, Angel and I were sitting in that car talking about the family and our futures. I don't think we've ever been as candid about the family stuff before... it was different to hear her perspective on the whole situation and it was certainly refreshing to be able to talk about it so. We also talked about marriage. I think that was when Angel got freaked out at the idea of her older cousins getting married. Actually, not me. Well, not in the near future. Maybe when I'm in the retirement home or something. :)

Oh my gosh, I'm have a dramatic revelation and this is only with my younger cousin. I think I'm going to be a basketcase when I actually do become a parent (in the far far far future).

Anyways, speaking off marriage and kids... Crystal sent me this little email that made me laugh and go "awww how cute!" What good timing she has! :)

KIDS ADVICE ON MARRIAGE

HOW DO YOU DECIDE WHOM TO MARRY?
You got to find somebody who likes the same stuff. Like, if you like sports, she should like it that you like sports, and she should keep the chips and dip coming.
* Alan, age 10

No person really decides before they grow up who they're going to marry. God decides it all way before, and you get to find out later who you're stuck with.
* Kirsten, age 10

WHAT IS THE RIGHT AGE TO GET MARRIED?
Twenty-three is the best age because you know the person FOREVER by then.
* Camille, age 10

No age is good to get married at. You got to be a fool to get married.
* Freddie, age 6

HOW CAN A STRANGER TELL IF TWO PEOPLE ARE MARRIED?
You might have to guess, based on whether they seem to be yelling at the same kids.
* Derrick, age 8

WHAT DO YOU THINK YOUR MOM AND DAD HAVE IN COMMON?
Both don't want any more kids.
* Lori, age 8

WHAT DO MOST PEOPLE DO ON A DATE?
Dates are for having fun, and people should! d use them to get to know each other. Even boys have something to say if you listen long enough.
* Lynnette, age 8

On the first date, they just tell each other lies, and that usually gets them interested enough to go for a second date.
* Martin, age 10

WHAT WOULD YOU DO ON A FIRST DATE THAT WAS TURNING SOUR?
I'd run home and play dead. The next day I would call all the newspapers and make sure they wrote about me in all the dead columns.
* Craig, age 9

WHEN IS IT OKAY TO KISS SOMEONE?
When they're rich.
* Pam, age 7

The law says you have to be eighteen, so I wouldn't want to mess with that.
* Curt, age 7

The rule goes like this: If you kiss someone, then you should marry them and have kids with them. It's the right thing to do.
* Howard, age 8

IS IT BETTER TO BE SINGLE OR MARRIED?
I don't know which is better, but I'll tell you one thing. I'm never going to have sex with my wife. I don't want to be all grossed out!
* Theodore, age 8

It's better for girls to be single but not for boys. Boys need someone to clean up after them.
* Anita, age 9

HOW WOULD THE WORLD BE DIFFERENT IF PEOPLE DIDN'T GET MARRIED?
There sure would be a lot of kids to explain, wouldn't there?
*Kelvin, age 8

And the #1 Favorite is........
HOW WOULD YOU MAKE A MARRIAGE WORK?
Tell your wife that she looks pretty, even if she looks like a truck.
*Ricky, age 10

:)