I think a lot of the world has been reintroduced to my life in the past few days. Today we went to visit my cousin, who got a day pass from drug and alcohol rehab. He's a lot braver than I am, I think... and I have a lot of respect for him now- he had a problem, and he admitted he coudln't fix it on his own. I hope he makes it when he really gets out.

Also, there's the whole school issue still. It's been brought to my attention that perhaps the parents are a bit concerned with money right now... I don't know how they've been affoarding things over the past year and a half, and I think I've taken that for granted. Most of my direct family is broke right now, but we don't talk about things like that. It makes it rather hard for me to have a good concept of money- and of how far you can really go before you really don't have anything.

Spending so much time around my aunt in the past few days has made me very thankful to know her and have the oppertunity to get to know her better. She's a wonderful person, and she's a lot of fun. Plus, my mother is a million miles away- my aunt is family and feels like family. And that's a feeling I've really missed since I've been in Washington. (Not that I'm replacing my mother- that will *never* happen. I'm just saying I'm glad to have someone around to look upto and ask advice from.)

I'm really scared about the next few months... especially the next week, as it will probably confirm what's happening with school this fall. But at the same time I'm excited. I love this city, I like the idea of being a chef, and I am excited about where things could be leading for me. I hope I find a way to pull it all together.

Anyway, I'm feeling a bit sick. I was dizzy earlier... it's looking like sleep might be a good possiblity soon if I'm going to get any sleep at all tonight.

Peace out friends, and world. Tonight I'm going to be alright.