family – Ava's Journal Entries!

August 18, 2009

Today I woke up and had to drive to the cabin to see the Phillips. On my way up I texted Eric asking if he knew the community service kid’s name. He didn’t. And as I was driving down the road before the Uhaul place I see him in a car next to me! I waved and he recognized me, and I just laughed. I called Rhonda and told her about him and a few other things. Then I was at the cabin and came home and went to work. I saw cute community service kid 😊 He asked me about when he saw me on the road and we laughed about it. Later he asked to use my phone, and I let him and when he came back, I asked him his name and he said Kyle. I ended up giving him my number and we talked for like 3 hours. He really wanted to hang out tonight but instead it’s going to be tomorrow. And after work he said he really likes me and wants to have a relationship with me, and I’d like that too. So, no more Derek. I was supposed to hang out with him tomorrow, but I won’t now. So, I’m going to have to tell him that I’ve found another man. So yeah, that’s about it. I have a feeling I will have a ton to write about tomorrow.

G’night!

<3 Ava Estelle

Present day me: this is a fun memory to revisit!

August 17, 2009

Monday

Had to drive up to the cabin and back to pick up the cats because The Phillips’ and their dog came up today. But I am staying in town all week because I have to work every night except Friday. So I think I’m going up there tomorrow during the day, dad will probably make me. So today at work I saw this cute community service worker. I didn’t find out his name, but he’s 17. I got to help in donations with Eric and him for about an hour and a half. And during that Shelby called me up to the registers to take her hanger boxes back and I told her I thought that kid was cute and she agreed. After I was done in donations I went out on the floor and found Craig and Brandon! They followed me around for a little while, which was fun. I told them about the cute kid and they saw him. I had to get my drawer counted down so they left and left me a note on my car saying they waited for half an hour and had to leave. So around 9 I went up to Shelby’s register and asked her if she knew community service’s name and she said, “no, bit he’s got a hickey.” I repeated it and he was behind me! But he left at that time. While in donations he told me he thought I was 20. But no, I’m 16, almost 17! Yay! My birthday party is in less than 2 weeks! Yay! I’m so excited! Well that’s about it for now.

G’night!

<3 Ava Estelle

Present day me: I remember this day and how I was being eyed by this guy and how I thought to myself wow, another good looking guy who’s also into me!

May 24, 2009

Sunday

I am in a state of happiness today. Eddie, Meryl and I came home from the cabin today and I hung out with Rhonda and Paula. We talked about the whole Hannah thing and then Brandon and me. After that a bunch of us went and played night games at Brandon’s. Paula, Delia, me, Ashley, Brandon, Brad, Devin, Harry, Garrett, Craig and Timmy. It was a good group. I got a sweatshirt to wear from Brandon and he gave me two hugs before I left and walked me to my car. 😊 and I think he was looking me over when I first got there and we were waiting in the street for everyone. I was wearing a tank top and shorts and I’m kind of tan. So, today was a pretty good day and tomorrow is pretty much going to suck. I’ll end up writing all about it in here. So yeah. I feel like Brandon and I are literally this close -> <- to going out. That’s about it for now.

<3 Ava Estelle

Present day me: I really miss having all of these friends to do things with! High school friends were many and I wish I could have kept in touch better with everyone over the years.

April 13, 2009

Monday

Today was a boring day. But I got a job at Goodwill!!! 😊 So that’s good! I have to get a work permit and there’s orientation/training on Thursday at 4. So, I’m excited! And both of my parents are happy. We went out to eat at Pizza Hut with Cathy. Last night I mainly prayed for two things 1) to get this job! 2) Ferrari to ask me out. He wasn’t at school today, and I haven’t talked to him since Thursday. So maybe tomorrow he’ll be at school and talk to me? I hope so. At least to tell me how he feels about me. Even though I’d really like it if he’d ask me out. If that happened, life would be sweet! And everything would have a sort of purpose. 😊 But anyway, this past weekend was easter. We saw mom’s side. It was okay. I helped get easter dinner ready. Drove to Sentry 3 times in one day. And played wii! Oma had me, Meryl, Eddie and mom get her a wii. So she could have it and we could play it. My am is sore today from it. But it was a good weekend. I stayed at Delia’s house on Thursday night. We talked a lot about the guys and she is encouraging me to go out with Brandon. Which is good. 😊 and the next time the guys have a “dude night” her and I are going to crash it because we couldn’t that night. So yeah. That’s it for now. Party on Friday! Unless I have to work!

<3 Ava Estelle

Present day me: Oh remembering before I got my first job, before so many responsibilities, before entering late teenage years and into adulthood….

January 9, 2009

Last day. Thank god.

Well, yesterday we hung out here at the hotel. I sat up in the balcony and did my homework because my sunburn was killing me. And then I painted a bowl and frog. We all went to Habanero’s last night for dinner. It was pretty good. Today mom, Meryl, Oma, and I went into town in the morning to do a little bit of shopping. Then we all went to a really nice beach, we went swimming and I tanned, but didn’t get much. Then we went to the sea glass beach. We came back to the hotel and had dinner. We sat by the fire and had a cake to celebrate Susie’s birthday next week and Uncle Pat graduating. Um, not for me for getting my license because it’s not as important as those things. What the fuck ever. I was pretty pissed tonight along with Eddie and Meryl. We sat in our room complaining about the family and how Phoebe is turning into a really big bitch. But whatever. I’m so fucking glad we’re going home tomorrow!

Ava Estelle

Present day me: This was the year when these family vacations started to become less enjoyable. I do remember feeling unappreciated by my grandparents and aunts and uncles on this side of the family. Maybe I should have spoken up for myself, in hindsight, but I was very shy back then. When it came to standing up for myself, I didn’t know how to do so, especially with family members who were older than me. In my mind they knew best. I just vented to my siblings about any frustrations.

January 7, 2009

Wednesday

Beach/in the city day

This morning Meryl, Phoebe, Aunt Blanche, Uncle Pat, Meredith, Susie, and I went to a public beach. It was really nice, we could go swimming, but I didn’t because there were stingrays flopping around and jumping out of the water. I found a ton of sea glass. Mostly little pieces but they’re so pretty. Then we went into town to pick up everyone else from fishing. They had caught marlin and derado. We ate them for lunch. The dorado was better. We walked through the harbor and then changed into different clothes. We walked to Sammy Hagar’s bar – Cabo Wabo. And took some pictures. Then walked back to the car. And went back to the beach from this morning. So, Oma could go shelling. I found a ton more sea glass. We came back and went to bed.

G’night.

<3 Ava Estelle

Present day me: I remember feeling the absolute coolest going to Cabo Wabo. It was empty when we visited so we just took some cool pictures and relished the place. I was so excited to show others where I’d visited.

January 5, 2009

Monday

We all went into town today and ate at the Baja Brewery Co. it was pretty good food. And we went shopping. I got yellow flip flops and a black with white flowers dress that I’m going to wear in Hawaii!!! Yeah. It’s like 4pm and we all just got back. It was still overcast today. And at the moment it’s raining in Ecuador so that’s good. I’m so excited! I hung out with Meredith and Susie most of the day. They’re pretty fun. Meredith kept coming up to me and singing, “sitting on tiki man’s hand” yeah. We took pictures with one of the tiki men last night and took videos of us singing that. I hope the sun comes out tomorrow. I need to tan. Badly. Meryl, Eddie and I got these really good popsicles. I’m guess they were strawberry. And I don’t know what else to write so g’bye.

<3 Ava Estelle

Present day me: the tiki man we were referring to was a statue in an area of the hotel we were staying at. This wasn’t an actual person we interacted with. It’s a fun memory and a cute thing to sing when it’s cousins who only got to see each other once a year, during these family trips.

November 29, 2008

Saturday

These past few days were Thanksgiving break. It was alright. We went down to Oma and Opa’s on Wednesday. We just arrived and hung out and went to bed. The next day was thanksgiving. Meryl, Eddie and I went swimming and we had dinner. It was really good. There was only 8 of us. We went for a walk and hung out again. Mom, dad and Eddie went to the Phillips that night. Meryl and I stayed because Opa was taking us to the mall and Oma picked us up. So, we went to the mall on Black Friday. Wasn’t very busy. I got a new sweatshirt from Aeropostale, we got a twilight shirt and Queen shirt. Colorful mascara, aviators! Yeah, Oma took us to the Phillips, and we just hung out there. Us four girls were there most of the day together and we all got along, and it was good.

Then we left this morning, got home, unpacked, and went to rent a movie.

<3 Ava Estelle

Present day me: I was so lucky to have grandparents with a house that had an indoor pool. It was great to be able to go swimming to get away from all of the adults. I also find it so crazy that a mall on black Friday in 2008 wasn’t that busy….

September 19, 2008

Friday 9:48pm

So today was the football game against both of the high schools, and I couldn’t go. Aunt Bea, Uncle Gill and Preston came to the cabin this weekend. Grr, I was so mad, mom was lenient on it, but dad wasn’t at all.

So yesterday after school right at 3 o’clock I had an interview at Michael’s for a job as a cashier. It lasted an hour, it went really well, I think. I had to fill out a personal survey and that took me like 20 minutes. So, after that I just interviewed by a really nice, laid back lady. Everyone there was really nice and chill. I told her about how much I love scrapbooking and everything in the store. I also shared about the upcoming vacations in January and March. I was planning on going to Wal-Mart to pick up my pictures, but dad said he’d take me today. Did he? No. Another reason why I was pissed at him today.

Anyway, dad picked me up from school today. Took me home and I packed up. Eddie got home and I got to drive to the motel Aunt Bea and Uncle Gill are staying at. We met them there then showed them the way here.

Basically, all we’ve done is give them the tour, talked, ate dinner and Meryl and I went for a walk. Oh! And Eddie took me for a ride on Aaron’s trail. Yeah, pretty much boring here. I wish I could have gone to the game.

G’night.

<3 Ava Estelle

Present day me: This entry is cathartic as a glimpse of my life when I had to do what my parents wanted me to do, to make the family happy rather than spend time with my friends at the high school football game.

July 27, 2008

Sunday 9:43pm

So today dad woke me up by kicking at my leg at 7:30 in the morning. We had to go over to Uncle Charlie and Aunt Ivy’s house for the after-the-golf-outing-breakfast. We talked about the outing and how everything went and then drove home.

Thursday, July 24, 2008

Woke up at Uncle Charlie and Aunt Ivy’s house. Mom, Aunt Ivy and Meryl and I went to the new Cabela’s store. Mom wanted to buy some chocolate covered espresso beans. We went out for lunch at cousins subs. Then went back to their house. Dad, Uncle Charlie and I played a few games of cribbage. Then we left to go to the Phillips’. I got to drive Aunt Ivy over there, because the kids and moms were going to the fair. So, we get there and Meryl and I just walk around the fair and people watch. We don’t know anyone there. So, I text Topanga and tell her we’re at the fair and she should come and hang out with us. So, she shows up and I walk around the park with her and she tells me pretty much all about her life. We probably walked a total of three miles. Then we met up with mom and everyone and went on some rides. That was really fun! We went on a giant swing and then a ride like the screaming eagle at MOA. Then the tilt o whirl. It was really cool to hang out with Topanga again. We walk over by the stage and listen to the band play a few songs then walk around some more and leave. When we were in the van on the way home, I let Meryl listen to a voicemail I got the night before, it sounded like Gayle left it. But it was a private number. Linda asked me what we were listening to, and I told her someone had prank called me last night and I couldn’t understand what they were saying. I looked at Gayle as I said that and she was smiling really big, so I’m pretty sure it was her. So, we get back to the Phillips’ and have some food. We talked for a little while and then went to bed. Meryl and I slept on the floor in Linda’s room. Neither Gayle or Linda slept in the same room as us.

Friday July 25, 2008

Pretty much watched movies all day. After the parents went to the fair to see COLLECTIVE SOUL! Gayle asked us three girls if we’d want to bike into town to go to the coffee corner. Another girl from the neighborhood came with too. So, we bike into town and on the way in Gayle and this girl bike over to Bailey’s house to have her come too. So, me, Linda, and Meryl just go straight to the coffee place. They show up and all order smoothies. And Meryl and I didn’t order anything. I wanted to bike over to our old neighborhood where we used to live. So, the three of us went and biked over the hill to the park and hung out there for a while. Then biked to a gas station to get some band aids because Meryl cut her foot while we were there. Dad called me and let me listen to SHINE by Collective Soul. It was really awesome. It was wavy and tinny sounding. But still cool to listen to them live. So, we bike back to their house and want to go swimming. So, we all get our suits on except Gayle. And we’re standing in the kitchen, Gayle tells us her grandma said we can’t go swimming because we’ll get overheated or a leg cramp. What kind of bullshit is that? Just Gayle being in control. So, we change into our pjs and decide to run around outside. But Gayle escapes to the neighbor girl’s house right after she said we’ll all play night games. We go over there and try to get them to come out, but they come back to Gayle’s house and sit inside, so us kids are like, messing with them through the window.

Well, we just end up watching Fool’s Gold. The neighbor girl never said one word while I was around her. And every time I looked at her she looked like she was about to cry. So, we watch the movie and go to bed. Linda ended up sleeping in her room with us so that was good.

Saturday, July 26, 2008

Golf Outing Day!

Got up at 6am, way too early for me! I almost fell asleep while I was taking a shower. Got ready and dad took us three kids to burger king for breakfast. We got to the golf course and basically Meryl and I hung out together and took some pictures. My camera broke again so we had to use Meryl’s which only held about 15 photos. So, after everyone golfed and ate dinner/lunch and did the raffle prizes. I won a free 18 hole for 4 players certificate and traded for a bag ball game. After the raffle prizes were done dad drove us three back to the Phillips. Linda and their grandma were the only one’s there. So, I pretty much watched tv for the rest of the night, I was so tired. At about 11 I decided to go to bed, so I laid down and took my phone out to check for any new stuff. And there was a new voicemail from a private number. They said their name was Michael and they saw my myspace picture and thought we should go out. He gave me his number, so I texted it. Found out that he’s the guy Gayle likes – and I’m pretty sure she set him up to it. Even though when she got home, she told me she didn’t do it. But whatever. If I get another “private” call again I’m calling the police or I’m going to make Tabitha send her a mean text message. G’night!

Ava Estelle

Present day me: This was definitely a buried memory until I read this entry again. Wow. Getting creepy voicemails from a private number was how people pranked each other back then! Also, it was really cool to read about hanging out with Topanga. My family lived in this town where Gayle and Linda live. We moved a few hours away and would come back and visit a few times a year. Topanga was one of my first friends of my life.