A Special Post for Some Special Fans

When I was home last month, some of my cousins, though not "identical cousins," who loyally and lovingly read all of my blog posts, asked for some shout-outs. So, today I'm going to "Scream and Shout" about the recent happenings of some of my crazy cousins and I.

I'll start with my cousin Samantha. She lives in my kind of town, "Chicago" is. Ok, so I've only been to Chicago once in high school, but she always talks about how great it is! Especially since she and her boyfriend Robbie got a little puppy, Albert. When I first heard that they named a dog Albert, I immediately thought, what the heck kind of a name for a dog is Albert? Then I found out that they named it after their alma mater's mascot, University of Florida's Albert the Alligator. Makes more sense. And then you see his sweet little face and you just think "how much is that doggie in the window" and you become gluttonous for the cuteness. Sami sends me pictures of Albert's versatility: Albert as Simba, with Robbie holding him up like at Pride Rock; Albert as a chameleon, blending into her North Face or the TV unit; Albert as a model, showing off his new bandana. His adorableness just makes you want to take him home with you. In fact, I wish I could take them both home with me since I rarely get to see Sami. The upside of that is it just makes the times that we do get to see each other much more special.

Next is Jessica. While I have resigned to the fact that unfortunately "Lecia" will never be in a song, her name really is in a song. You remember, "Mambo Number 5!" I loved it, she hated it. But for her birthday last week, Jess did something that she did love. Rather than read through the rudimentary, prosaic "happy birthday" or "happy bday" messages on Facebook that make people so jaded, Jess asked everyone to write "Memor[ies]," misty water-colored memories, of "The Way We Were" on her wall. Most were more fun than misty water-colored, but you get the idea. And I loved the idea; the request wasn't futile at all. Not only was it something unique, but it gave those of us who also experienced a memory that someone else posted a chance to reminisce with her. Sometimes you just need an excuse to look back on the good ol' days. Thanks, Jess; and happy birthday!

Last but not least is my cousin Kayla. She's the reason for my extravagant, and maybe exorbitant amount of vocabulary throughout this post. For the past month or so, I have been helping her prepare for her ACT. In addition to taking practice tests, we focused on expanding her vocabulary and because it's not her favorite thing to do, I made her a deal. I would use at least half of the words she practiced with me in this blog post. Guess what, Kayla? I did it! And so did you. You didn't give up until you got what's yours. Today was Kayla's ACT and she's done! I extoll her for her unyielding preparation, even when she didn't really want to work. You went the distance! Congrats!

Whether it's a new puppy, a birthday or a test, my cousins are always keeping me on my toes, and I love them for that. Miss you all; I hope you three enjoyed your post!