Hanging out with my Sisters and my Niece!!!

I was soooooo psyched to see Jody, to hang out late at night and giggle and tell secrets. It's what I really go to Bennington College for. ; ) To think, I used to sneak into her bedroom in Burbank, California and steal her lunch money to go buy things at the neighbor's yard sale. But that was the same year I tried making glamorous high-heels by gluing Lincoln Logs to the bottom of my sneakers, so what did I know?

My sister Jody is so creative and clever and dynamic. Always in the midst of a new project that would easily overwhelm other people. Not to mention she's just funny and real and cool and one of my favorite people on earth to talk for hours and hours with. And one of the only people I can tell everything to. Everything! And that's a lot. Thank you, Jody.



Every time I see Kiva, she has grown into more of a hip, gorgeous, self-confident young lady, and what a dancer! She reminds me of Chelsea with her smart, self-assured attitude and her hip-hop moves. Every time we get together I try out some of her moves - oh god - if you're over 30 and you ever want proof that you're hopelessly uncool, despite vague memories of once having been the shiznit, just try keeping up with your younger sister on the dance floor.
; )

I love that my Dad always gets our names confused, even though I've lived on different continents for over a decade now. It's an amazing compliment because it means that I'm always on my Dad's mind, and also it means that he sees a little bit of me in her fiery, goddess-like temperament. I like that!

Speaking of being confused with other people in the family, I also love it (and have always loved it) that Jody used to get Chelsea's name and my name mixed up. I'm sure it came naturally, since I'm younger than Jody, so she was often in an authoritative role with me - and Chelsea was the only other person that fit that role. So it makes sense that she would switch our names. But I also like to think that Chelsea, in some way, reminds her of me, and vice-versa. Chelsea, oh my goodness, I love you. And the mama you came from.