Has it really been that long??

Who would have thought time would go so fast? It's officially been 10 years since I graduated high school. So much has changed in 10 years, friendships, relationships, addresses, appearances, job titles, etc but funny thing is I can remember so many details about high school its almost scary. It must've been because I had such an enjoyable senior year! Not counting the whole having to learn part (which lets face it I barely made it through) but the just everyday things. 

Yeah, I am about to ramble on about memories. If you aren't really looking to relive my senior year then I suggest you stop reading right about here.

Lets see, its senior year. As some of you may know the summer before my senior year I had a major surgery. Best decision of my life and I was feeling better about myself already! My best friend was Amy Fegaro and we did everything together! We have so many crazy funny stories we could write a book. We had a group that stuck together but we didn't just hang out with our group. 

Half of my senior year could be summed up spending my weekends on Lake Judson. Man, those were the days! Most everyone that went to Holt knows about some Lake Judson and has some kind of memory there. If not there, then Keene's Mill or whatever the designated "well pad" was for that weekend. Looking back I would say we were a wild bunch. Can't believe all that we've been through dodging police and getting stuck in national forests lol. 

Our whole group went to the beach for spring break which we considered our senior trip too. Yeah we were poor but we had a freaking blast. We rented a house and all stayed together! (We found ways around the being 25 to rent a house thing without getting caught too!) That was a trip. Like I don't even know where to start, alcohol in the washing machine, Amy flooding the dishwasher, Laura (ohhhh sweet Laura) counting, the "movies" we watched, our precious little ball of fire Jessica with her saran wrap dress, Brandy being my fellow shopper, and Stacy just being, you know, Stacy!

Back to the whole school part, since this is about my senior year, I remember the best class being Government/Economics class which was taught by our Principal Mr. Booth! We had fun in that class and I can honestly say he was a good teacher because I learned a little too! I also loved Medical Professions because Dr. Perkins always made it interesting and who can forget a rousing game of medical bingo! Plus getting to leave to 

go to clinicals was pretty cool too but it also taught me I was not cut out for the medical field. It takes a special person to be a nurse or doctor and I'm greatful there are those out there cut out for that profession! 

 Can't forget about Prom! I didn't really have a date but my friend Steven did walk me out for leadout so I wouldn't be that girl walking by herself hahaha. Thanks Steven! But I got to spend a fun filled night with my friends even though they made me eat at the Olive Garden (Ughh I am not a fan) and we made my jeep our own limo hahaha. We went to Trent's house afterward where we all spent the night with the plans of going to Waffle House the next morning. I'm pretty sure I don't remember that happening lol. Either way we had fun as we always did!

Another big part of not just senior year, but my entire high school career was softball. Anyone who knows me knows I played softball since I was 6. It was the Russell lifestyle! Me and my sis both grew up at the ballpark and its what we loved to do. I didn't see myself going to play in college even though when I was a kid that was my dream so I knew that my senior year was it. I knew I had to enjoy every game and know this is almost over. Its like ending a chapter of your life. I hated to see it go and yes I cried like a little kid after my official last game. I still, to this day, think back to the days of playing and just wish I could go back out there and do it again. Wonder if I could still pitch? I'd like to think I could! Maybe one day we will find out :) until then I will just have to cherish all the memories!

On to graduation. I remember it had rained and at graduation practice the day before they told us that it was going to be a last minute decision on whether it was on the field at the school or at a church. If it was at the church there was limited seating available which meant you could only invite 6 people. That would leave some of my family members out so we were all hoping that it wouldn't rain. We kept our 

fingers crossed. That afternoon me and Amy were bored so we drove to the school and they were setting up the chairs outside and we got so excited! It was going to be outside! We went home and got ready and came back at our time to be there and parked in my reserved parking place one last time for good measure :). During the whole ceremony none of us behind the speakers could hear what anyone was saying and you know how we get, some of the teachers had to tell us to be quiet lol. Go figure we would get in trouble for talking at our own graduation. All in all it was a great night! I couldn't believe I was finally a graduate. Later that night of course we celebrated, but I ended up leaving the party and going to hang out with Josh and Chelsea where we literally sat outside laughing and talking until the next morning when Tammi left for work hahaha. I miss those days! 

I know this has been a pretty long post but I just needed to let out some memories :) I hope ya'll enjoyed taking a little stroll down memory lane. There is so much that I didn't put in here. I could write for days about all the great times I had back then. Back when we didn't have to worry about much. No bills, no full time job, no mortgage, no big responsibilities. Now look at us. Half of my classmates are married with children. Growing up is tough but I think we've all done a pretty good job at it! I'm proud to be a Holt High School alumnus! I will always remember my friends from the Class of 2004! Can't wait to see ya'll at the reunion!

Kiddos...

Ok so today we are talking about kids. Yep thats right KIDS. Most of you have them. Not me. I am 27 years old and have never really had the urge to have children. I don't know if it makes me selfish or what but it seems like everyone has them. I still haven't decided if I will go down that road someday but as they say my window of opportunity is getting smaller lol.

I guess I need to find the guy first. And I am in no rush for that one thats for sure. Sometimes I don't really know if I am meant to be with someone. I actually like being alone. I can do whatever I want, sleep late, cook for one, lay around all day in my pjs. I mean the possibilities are ENDLESS! Again I think that makes me selfish but whatever. 

So out of the 6 kids in my generation on both sides of family I am actually the only one who doesn't have a child. Thanks to my cousin Kevin for changing that one with sweet baby Russ just a few months ago! 

To be honest, babies scare the ever living mess out of me! They are so small and fragile I just don't know if I could handle it. I remember watching Ryken for like 2 hours a day and I was terrified! I basically sat and stared at him sitting in his bouncy seat and hoped nothing happened. I finally got used to him and was better but I was still scared I was going to do something wrong. What if I don't heat the formula up right, what if I can't get him to burp, what if I put his diaper on wrong, what if he spits up. There's so much going on all the time when a baby is around and I just don't know if I am cut out for it. I mean I just sit there and think its up to me to keep this tiny human alive? Thats a big dang deal. And to all of those people out there doing just that BRAVO! I salute anyone who has enough patience.

I sometimes think how great it would be to know that I helped create something. That I am able to raise a child and teach it right from wrong. To know I have brought something in the world to be proud of. It would also be nice to feel needed occasionally. Everyone has a need to feel that someone in the world depends on them and who better to express that feeling than a child. But then I start thinking what if I screw up? What if the kid turns out horrible because I failed them somehow? I know my parents had a rough time with me bc I was a mean kid and I have a feeling I would get repaid 10 times over for that! I know my sister is getting her end of it from her kiddos but sometimes it makes me laugh (I know that is wrong but I can't help it! its almost like secretly paying her back for those times she was mean to me too) LOVE YOU SIS :) but for real I know being and Aunt is wonderful but is that where I want to draw the line? 

I gotta remember this lol

Such a touch decision. Until that day comes when I really have to decide then I will enjoy my quiet house by myself :) and save me some money because my goodness kids are expensive but thats a whole nother can of worms right there! 

Don't get me wrong I love kids. I really do enjoy them but I like them when they can walk and do activities and hold a conversation lol. I mean I'm great with kids 4 and up! Ryken and Adyson are awesome because they are old enough to know whats up!

On that note hopefully the rain will stay away so I can see Ryken play baseball tonight!! I just love watching them play. Go Twins!

I love my kitties....

Today for some reason I have been thinking about all the helpless animals out there. I guess looking through my facebook feed there are so many precious animals looking for homes. It breaks my heart into pieces seeing the looks of fear on their faces! They don't understand what they have done wrong.

Some were given up by former owners for reasons they don't understand as well. They love unconditionally and then suddenly they are disposed of because someone got bored with them. They don't know what they have done wrong and it hurts that I can't help them.

Most people don't understand how much it hurts me. Sometimes I feel bad that animals sometimes mean more than humans to me. I guess its because of their innocence. And the fact that they are always there for you no matter what. They love always, and forget easy. 

One thing I look forward to every single day is going to my house and seeing all of my cats run to the kitchen when I walk in the door to greet me. Living alone and not having children it is good to feel that someone out there counts on you and they let me know they need me. Even if to just feed them or clean up after them they need me. But I also realize how much I need them. 

Some people think cats are standoffish and not as caring as dogs. I disagree. I think a cat chooses one or two people to attach emotionally to and anyone else is just in the way. My cats are always there. When I am sad or upset its like they know and they will be right there nudging my hand and purring to let me know its going to be ok. They listen and don't give unsolicited advise. They are like my children. If that makes me crazy cat lady then so be it.

 I have truly been blessed with 7 of the sweetest babies ever and I am thankful for them coming into my life everyday. I can't imagine my life without a single one. Even though they have their own quirks or personalities they are all special to me. I just wish there was some kind of way I could save 7 more but I know I have to make myself stop because I don't want to end up on hoarders lol. Those people on hoarders have such big hearts they just don't know when to stop and luckily right now I do. 

Its always funny thinking about how much $ I actually spend on these cats! They have it made! They have their own room and bathroom in my 2 bedroom home. They have 10 cardboard boxes, a cat tree, a futon, two tables, and a ladder for them to play on. They also get to sleep on my gel memory foam bed whenever they please and have 2 couches to sleep on. They have a big window they can watch the neighborhood all day through. They are 7 little spoiled babies! 

Sorry this post was basically me ranting and raving but I had to get it out and what better way! 

Its gone rain....

Guess what? I am back. Yes, you are reading this correctly two days of posts back to back! I don't know what has gotten into me! I told you I was going to do better :)

So in case you didn't know there are some storms coming to Tuscaloosa later tonight and early in the morning. Really? Storms in Alabama? Who would have ever guessed!! 

You would think that some of these people that have called us today have never experienced rain yet alone a storm. They like to remind us that they are special and believe that theirs and only their trash should be picked up immediately because as we have already established there's a storm coming.....Now lets think about this for a minute. If you are that worried about the "storm" blowing your trash away then maybe don't leave it out there. I'm sorry we can't make special pick ups just for those of you who are aware of the approaching storm but its just not feasible

This is how I picture everyone that calls and mentions a storm coming.

Its still pretty funny though because there is always an excuse that it needs to be picked up ASAP. And most of them just make me laugh! 

My favorite one is when they get upset and say they have company coming over. I guess that means we should drop what we are doing and get it. I am sorry but whatever company you have coming over are a bunch of pricks if they are judging you because of something that really isn't your fault. I always think if someone is going to think bad about me because I put trash out and it wasn't picked up then they don't need to be at my house in the first place. 

We have some people that call because their neighbors have trash out and "it looks bad". Look lady I may not like something in my neighbors yard but it really shouldn't affect me. I mean if that were the case I guess I need to report the guy down the street because I don't like the car thats in their driveway. Come on people its not the end of the world.

One day hopefully they will figure out that I am not out to get them, we don't hate them, we don't intentionally miss them or get behind. These things happen and I personally just do as I am told so cursing at me and getting angry over something so small really won't solve much. But until then I will just try to laugh at the angry crazy people :)  

But hey you never know. Alabama weather is unpredictable so yall stay safe and be prepared. And if you see Mr. Spann then get ready! 

Clear all the jelly.....

Yes I am still alive. I have been wanting to come back but just didn't know what to blog about. Guess thats what happens when you live such an uneventful life. 

I'm gonna try to do this more often and talk about random stuff that pops in my head so bare with me.

Today's topic........freakin Candy Crush!

Who else is hooked on this game like Lindsey Lohan on drugs?  I mean its beginning to get a little out of control. But I can't stop playing! I have been stuck on Level 65 for a few weeks now and my level of determination has become like that of an athlete training for the olympics lol. Well maybe not that intense but you get the idea.

So I found some pictures that I thought were hilarious and pretty much sums it up.

NOBODY WANTS TO SEE THIS!

I mean really? Stupid jelly!

Well there ya go thats my randomness for today. I have some candy to crush so I must go. I will leave you with one last picture :)

I think that makes 15.....

Well time for another installment of Allison's boring life. Sad thing about it, whats it say about you if you are bored enough to read about my boring life? Ha, I got you on that one :) Anywho, lets get a recap going.

There was that thing we call Christmas that went down December 25th. Yeah, it was a blast! My favorite part? Ohh, I would have to say being able to be there when my niece and nephew got up Christmas morning to see what Santa brought. That's when we found out Adyson is truly a Russell child. Ryken wanted to run into the living room but was told he couldn't go until Adyson was ready too. Turns out she didn't wanna get out of bed. She wanted to go back to sleep. Ha, she must take after her Aunt Alsie :) We finally dragged her out of bed and got her in there to open presents but she was pretty much out of it for the first few she opened. There were some she just tore the paper and guess she forgot to finish opening the box. Poor child was sleeeeepy! Ryken exclaimed that he got everything that he asked Santa for even the items that he added at the last minute (my sister had to send a last minute request to Santa because he remembered he wanted an Etch-A-Sketch)

I got some pretty cool stuff myself including my new 40" flat screen! That sucker was promptly installed in my bedroom that afternoon! Thanks Mom and Pop! Overall it was another great Christmas with my family. Thankful for getting to spend it with them for another year!

I certainly enjoyed my 4 day weekend and as any other weekend I spent most of it sleeping. Yep, now you see where Adyson gets her fondness of sleep from! Fun part was I got another 4 day weekend the following week thanks to The City of Northport for two days for New Years! We certainly appreciated that! The residents in Northport, not so much! Ohh well I think most of them survived!

We also got together with my Mom's side of the family over the New Years weekend but were missing some of our family due to sickness :( boooo! Maybe next time we will be able to get everyone there together at one time!

Nothing much eventful happened from New Years break up until about January 7th. Never thought I would be excited for a Monday but man I was! Finally the National Championship game! Alabama, playing what we all thought was overrated, Notre Dame for the title! It was being hyped up as one of the biggest games in a long time and we were ready. Luckily Bama came out playing dang good and showing them little Irish kids how the SEC does football! Turns out they really were overrated! And once again Alabama took home the Crystal! Thats the 3rd one in 4 years which is very impressive! It makes me proud to be from Tuscaloosa and proud to be raised a true Alabama fan! I've been there during the ups and downs and I think we should just stick with the ups!

Loving that look on Lacy's face! Roll Tide! 

The domination that Alabama has had in football is now being called a Dynasty and for dang good reason! But I better not say too much, I know as Saban says only celebrate for 48 hours and then the PROCESS continues and its time to focus on the next step! The road to 16 starts now!

It's that time of year.....

Well I guess its time to do another entry. I think this is just mainly me wanting to get stuff out of my head and onto here. I am sorry but I may ramble. You have officially been warned :)

So, Christmas is almost here. It seems to get here faster every year. I don't know about yall but I wish it would slow down a bit so we actually have time to celebrate Christmas. Seems everyone gets so wrapped up in what they are buying for everyone else we forget the real reason. I know we all know the real reason but just seems like material things are taking over.

My favorite part of the holidays are being able to slow down and relax a bit. I get to see family. I have the best family a girl could every ask for. I get to sit around and joke and talk about random stuff with them for hours. I wish we would do that more often. I wish it didn't take a holiday to bring us all together for no other reason then to just sit and talk and be together. I don't know why but recent events have to make us all stop and think. There may not be a tomorrow. There may not be a Christmas. We haven't made it there yet so enjoy every minute we get here and remember the reason we are here. Its not to see who can buy the best presents or most expensive things its about spending time with the ones that you love. Just think of those who don't have that luxury. Think of those 27 families who will never get to sit and and have those memories with their loved ones. If you can sit and complain because you don't get what you want after thinking about that then may god have mercy on you because that just hits you like being punched in the stomach.

One thing that has kind of hit me in the past few days is realizing that Christmas will never be the same. Ever. My grandmother passed away in June but I guess it wasn't until I started doing my Christmas shopping that I realized all the things that will not be the same this year. My dad will spend his first Christmas without both of his parents. My heart hurts so bad for him. He will always be a mamma's boy no matter what. I know shes happy that she will get to spend Christmas with my grandfather. I bet they got each other some awesome presents. I know they are going to have to best one EVER. Yeah so I am bawling while I am typing this please excuse me.

So for the past 6 or 7 years I always bought my grandmother an amaryllis plant.
She always had a collection of them on her table in her living room lined up. She watched them everyday and when they bloomed she was so proud. I always looked forward to buying it every year because I knew no matter what she was going to like my gift! I haven't bought an amaryllis this year. I want to try to find an artificial one and maybe put them on her grave so she will know I didn't forget her present!




I am sorry this whole post has been somewhat depressing. That was not my intention at all but I just think about these things when the holidays arrive as I am sure anyone with loved ones that have passed do. I know they are going to have the biggest celebration up there so we should all let that make us feel better!

In more exciting news! My sister will have the kids this Christmas morning! I think we are all going to sneak over there Christmas morning before they get up and watch them see what Santa brings. I know I've said before its not about presents, but being able to see the faces of my two favorite kids light up is enough to make my day! I was so excited when my mom told me about it! I can't wait to just get to spend time with my sister and the kiddos and my parents! I mean look at these kids! How can you not have a blast when they are around (except when they are trying to make each other mad hahaha)


I'm sorry this post went all over the place, just had to get a lot of these thoughts written down and out of my head! This is my therapy :)

I hope everyone that reads this and their families have an amazing Christmas and a Happy New Year! Don't forget to cherish every minute you have with your loved ones. Forget the presents, they are nice, but they can be replaced. Family can not!

I leave you with a quote from one of my favorite Christmas movies!

"The most enjoying traditions of the season are best enjoyed in the warm embrace of kith and kin. Thith tree is a thymbol of the thpirit of the Griswold family Chrithmath."