Dear Diary, I love reading. I love how it can transform your dull, ordinary life into something beautiful. It brings the world to your attention, brings life into focus. Life is beautiful. It's hard, but it's beautiful if you just let yourself feel it. "Find something you're passionate about. The rest will follow." I loved that book. It's called the Pursuit of Happiness by Tara Altebrando. It's about this girl who's mother dies. That quote was the mother's last words to her, and the book is kind of about that... She falls in love, and also finds her passion in art. It's an amazing book. You know what I love about living in Hyde Park? You can go outside at 3:30 a.m. and look at the stars and not have to worry about anything... Anyway. Today was fun. I went shopping! I went to Ross and got a cute shirt (compliments of Teri Ann; she gave me a gift card), and later Border's to get that delightful book (compliments of Jessie). Border's was especially fun. I love the whole atmosphere of the place. And they gave us a free peach smoothie sample, and it was so delicious I went and bought one. Tee hee. So good! Cassie and I hung out a bit tonight. Well, really we just drove around and then walked around Walmart. But I drove my bro-in-law's car. I love his car. Powerful and a great sound system! Hahaha! Oh, my Aunt Betty and Uncle Jex came to visit today. Actually, they're my dad's aunt/uncle, but that's the only name I know them by. Anyway. I forgot the saddest thing in the world! Our internet is dead. It just stopped working one day. Stupid, stupid, stupid. I'm really sad. I'm writing this at home, but I'll have to wait until tomorrow to go to my dad's work and post it. Tomorrow (er... today) is Haleigh's party, and I've decided that I'm going to have tons of fun, and hopefully practice my flirting skills. Haleigh said that there would be cute boys there! Yes! And, Eric said he was going to help me. ha ha ha! That boy is awesome. He told me that I'm so adorable I should have no problem flirting with guys. Ah, flattery will get you everywhere, my friend. lol kidding! But he has no idea how much I needed that... Speaking of Eric... Morgan found out about him and Jessie. KJ was going to tell her (not sure how she found out) so I told her instead. I hope she's okay with it. I feel bad, but at the same time, IF Jessie and Eric have a chance, I want them to take it. Morgan is wonderful, and all she has to do is wait for the right guy. It's not easy, I know; I've been waiting a year and I still haven't found him. But he's out there, and we've just gotta stick it out through all the disappointments and heartaches. I decided I'd really like to try to go to Southern Virginia University. I know that seems kind of random. But it's supposed to be a great school. Small classes, great theater and english program, and it's been dubbed "mini-byu." Mormon standards and professers. It seems wonderful. Only problem is that it's WAY expensive: $10,000 per semester, not including room and board, books, and out-of-state tuition. Yikes. I don't know how I'll swing that. It's not like I'll be getting any scholorships or anything. I'm kind of scared for college though. I know I'm smart, but what if I can't do it? Adulthood is so close it's not even funny. I really want to do something amazing with my life. I want to... well I want to find my PASSION. I want to grow and accomplish things and be proud of myself. I've just got to figure out how... I'm going to work hard towards this SVU thing. I want it. It won't be easy, but I want it. Mmm... I wish I could keep this happy-book-feeling with me always. Love, Lisa Ann