My family is in Gainesville to visit me this weekend, and that includes mom, dad, Kenneth (my almost 17-year old brother, his birthday is June 19), and my grandparents. When I think about it, all of us have the last name “Gleason.” That’s pretty funny. They all came to town yesterday afternoon and it has been my job to figure out what to do with them since then! I really love my family and it is great to see them. I still get homesick for my family even after spending almost two years in an out-of-town college. I miss shopping with my mom, talking with my dad, lounging around the house I grew up in, and driving around Tallahassee (the town where I was born and raised). Going home every once in awhile is good for me because Tallahassee is the only other home I’ve ever had and it was hard to leave at first. Now I consider Gainesville more “home” because I spend more time here than anywhere else. Anyway, back to the story at hand.

Last night we all went to dinner at this great Italian restaurant in the mall called Rigatelli’s. They have the best food. I invited Stuart to come and meet my family for the first time. Let me just say that I met his whole family (mom, dad, older sister, and two younger brothers) awhile ago. I think I got the seal of approval from them, so that makes me happy. Now it was time for Stuart to be scrutinized by my family. I have talked about Stuart so much to my mom that she calls him “Mr. Wonderful,” which is a pretty good description. I knew everyone was going to like him, and I was right. Both of my parents and my grandparents commented on what a “nice young man” he was. You didn’t have to tell me!

Stuart left to go home for the weekend as soon as dinner was over. I’m not exactly sure of his schedule, but I know that he was planning to go to a big party tonight. Crazy boy. He won’t be back until Monday evening and I already miss him! Am I pitiful or what?

I just got back from a trip to the mall with my mom and grandmother. We spent a lot of time there, but we didn’t buy much. I actually bought at toering at Afterthoughts, but as soon as I tried it on it was too big for my toe! I felt kinda dumb taking it back as soon as I bought it, but the salesgirl said that wasn’t strange at all. In the process of trying on my new toering, my old one broke!! You don’t know how angry that made me. I bought it on Wednesday at Old Navy and I have only worn it twice. I can only hope that I will get my money back for that piece of junk. I am on a little jewelry kick right now. I looked at earcuffs at Afterthoughts too, but I didn’t buy one. Something to think about. And another thing: where can you buy silver hoop earrings in this town? Sorry, just thought I’d get everything out.

Dinner plans are probably on the horizon. I eat way too much with my family around. Having to buy and prepare your own meals significantly reduces them to plain, cheap, and simple dishes. I am used to cereal for breakfast, a peanut butter and jelly sandwich for lunch, and either pasta or rice for dinner. I don’t deviate from that pattern too often. This weekend I am getting delicious meals that happen to be huge and quite filling. Doughnuts for breakfast is a nice change, but I do love cereal – I crave it. Food is a lot of fun when you think about it. I’ll just leave you with that thought.