My Holiday

I will admit holidays are not my favorite thing. Everyone gets so crazy and out of sorts. My class has to be the worst about that. I am dreading the Christmas craze. Luckily our school does not allows costumes, everyone had to wear their usual uniform. In the afternoon we had a party with cookies and milk and the teacher gave us each a candy bar. A full-size one.

My neighborhood was having a block party that evening. Mr. Sullivan invited his girlfriend and most of her kids (Emily did not come; she was at a sleepover). Papa made me hang out with Jess and Ella. Ella is fun, but you know how Jess is. After the party we went trick-or-treating. Daddy let me keep half of my candy and gave me a quarter for each piece I did not keep. I made a couple of dollars.

The Sullivan's stopped by for some cider later. Ella had to show me her candy. Why does her sister have to be the opposite?

 

 Papa told me to take them up to my room so the grown-ups could have adult time. I think that meant they were going to make their cider 'hard cider.'

 

Jess and Ella did not dress up, but wore Halloween outfits. Their dad always makes them coordinate for parties. I was a princess. All in all it was a fun night. Free candy is always delightful.

*Angelica*

New Cat

You may have heard from Mac's blog that she was giving me her barn cat. Mac brought her over on Saturday. She is just precious! She is black and white and has really long whispers. I haven't decided what to call her yet. Any suggestions are appreciated. My other cat is Lavender Praline. Speaking of Lavender, she is doing well. She is more shy now and we are thinking she may have some neurological problems. She is going to the vet for a check-up this week.

We have one problem with the new cat, however. She wants to be an outside cat, and we--obviously--do not want her going outside. We hope once she is spayed that some of her escapee desire will go away.

While Mac was in town we got to go out for lunch. It was such fun! We even got to order dessert. I had apple pie and Mac had cheesecake.

Daddy has been keeping me busy with Halloween art projects. He likes me to try out the projects first before he does them with his art class. One thing I was not pleased about was his idea that Jess and Ella Sullivan should come over and help me. I said no, but they came over on Sunday anyway since Mr. Sullivan needed a babysitter.

Jess was reasonably nice since her little sister (who is adorable!) was around. But she wouldn't have anything to do with me at school on Monday. In her world--if we ever do become friends--it would be an at home only friendship. Her reputation is much too important to her. I think I might give up on trying to befriend her if that is the kind of friend she would be anyway. What do you think?

*Angelica*

Stuff About Me

I borrowed this survey from Lucy and Keisha. I figured it would be good for my readers to learn more about me. I will talk Mac into doing it also.

What is your name? Were you named after someone else? Do you like your name?
My name is Angelica Gracielle Murciano-Green. I was not named after anyone, although I get teased that I was named after the character from the 4th Pirates of the Caribbean movie since we look similar. I like my name, but I wish it had a cute nickname. Most of the time my nickname is Jelly!

Do you have any pets? If yes, what kinds, and what are their names? If not, why don’t you have any pets?
I have a gray cat named Lavender Praline. She was attacked by a dog and is very timid now.

Do you like to cook? What’s your favorite food? Are you good at cooking?
I sometimes help Daddy cook dinner and I like to make cookies. I have been enjoying it a lot more lately and it might become my new hobby. My favorite food is tacos.

Where do you live? Have you ever lived in another country from where you do currently?
I live in Montana. I have not lived in another country, but I did live in Manhattan and I was born in Miami. Papa was born in Cuba if that counts.

What do you do in your free time?
I like to play dolls and read. I usually spend my free time with Daddy and we do crafty stuff.

Do you like sports? What are your favorite sport?
I am not very athletic, but I play soccer and take swimming lessons. I hate swimming, I do not like water in general.

How old are you? Do you like being the age you are? 
I am eleven. It is okay, it was more fun being nine.

Do you have a religion? What is it?
I go to a Catholic school and enjoy the religion classes and going to church, but at home I do not really practice a religion. Since I have two fathers and most religions preach against that we keep a neutral opinion of formal religions, but we believe in God and my dads think it is important for me to have a religious background and be able to make my own decision.

How many languages do you speak? What are they? 
I speak English and Spanish.

Who do you live with?
I live with Papa, my biological father, and Daddy, my adopted father.

Are you a morning or night person?
I am a morning person. The day is still fresh and I am more awake and productive.

Would you want to be famous? Why or why not? 
No, I do not think so. I think simple things are better.

What are five things people don’t know about you?
1. I love unicorns
2. gummy bears are my favorite candy, but I cannot stand gummy worms
3. I have a stuffed pig named Penelope
4. the smell of coconut makes me gag
5. my name was almost Sarita

New Class

There has been some changes at my school. Since my teacher is pregnant, the school decided to cut down her class size and add those students to the other 6th* grade class. Jess and I were two of the kids chosen. I was not happy. It was bad enough starting school once, but to have to do it again? Daddy was on my side saying it was not fair that I, the new student, should be forced to join another new class. But parents did not really have a whole lot of say in the matter.

My new teacher is Mr. Brooks and he seems nice enough. He has a mustache and wears tweed jackets. I think he thinks he is older than he is. Here is some of the girls in my class. Fridays are dress-down days which means no uniforms.

Kayla and Jess (back row), Kit and myself (front row)

I thought that since Jess and I were the new kids that maybe we would hang out together. No such luck. Jess hit it off right away with Kayla (KIE-luh). I stayed by Kit during recess and got the run down on how this class, and junior high in general, worked. Apparently there are four social levels among the girls. Kit informed me that I am a "DeeDee", which meant I was on the bottom rung and had the label of being "weird" and "different". Kit is a "Darla" which meant that no one really cared about her. She wouldn't get picked on like a DeeDee, but she wouldn't be allowed to join in the other girls games. Towards the top there are "Danielle's" (average pretty girls) and "Doc's" (popular mean group). Somehow Jess got herself in the latter group already.

 I was one of the first ones inside after recess and saw Kayla at the board writing my name.

The atrocious spelling of my name was bad enough, but Jess was there, too, whispering in Kayla's ear and giggling. Mr. Brooks came in then and Kayla had to erase what she had started. She seemed pleased to see that I had seen what she was trying to do.

I do not know what to make of this 6th grade class. Papa said I do not have much of a choice. It was hard enough for them to get me into this school, they do not want to make trouble by insisting I return to my previous class. I wish Jess was nicer. Kit says I can hang out with her, but we have absolutely nothing in common. I dread for Monday to come.

*Angelica*

*I'm 11 now and in 6th grade

School

Just a quick update about Lavender. She is doing much better, though she is still very nervous and a little swollen.

I now have a week of school under my belt. It has not been terrible, but I look forward to the weekend very much. Jess is in my class, but she will not speak to me. Daddy wants me to invite her over for another playdate, but I am not sure if I want to yet. I have enough stress from school as it is. My teacher is nice, but she will not be teaching much longer. She is pregnant and will be taking some time off around November. She says I have a good imagination and is encouraging me to write more. Maybe I will post one of my unicorn stories on my blog.

The food at the school is terrible, but Daddy said he would start packing my lunch. I am already tired of chicken nuggets and pizza rolls. We have to wear a uniform, but I think it is kind of cute. I like not having to find something to wear everyday.

Papa says school will get better as the year goes on, but I fear it will get worse since the kids found out I have two dads. I guess I need to have that playdate with Jess and become friends with her. We can band together against the bullies.

*Angelica*

Tragedy

I am still so shook up I do not even sure where to start. My kitty, Lavender, was attacked by a dog yesterday. I spent the whole time at Mac's just waiting for Rex to take a nip at her, but he never did and now she comes home and gets attacked in her own backyard.

Lavender is mainly an indoor kitty, but we let her out in the morning to get some sunshine. Papa, Daddy, and I were eating breakfast when we heard her start screaming. Daddy nearly broke our screen door in his haste to save the cat. We have a low fence and a dog had jumped it. Daddy had to use a shovel to get the dog away from Lavender. There was blood everywhere. It was just horrible.

Casey Sullivan, our neighbor, heard the commotion and came outside to help. He called animal control and said he would wait for them while he rushed Lavender to the vet. There was so much blood covering her it was hard to see where she was injured. She no longer howled in pain, but was limp wrapped in a blanket in Daddy's arms.

Papa called the vet as he drove and they were waiting when we got there. We were told we would be updated as soon as the vet knew what was wrong. It was an agonizing wait. I cried and prayed she would be alright.

At last a vet tech came and told us that Lavender had severe facial injuries. Her skull was cracked, she might be blind in one eye, and her nose was damaged. But he said he was certain she would pull through. I cried even more after that in relief.

We went home after that since there was not anything we could do just then. Animal control was still at our house and Papa talked to them for awhile. He said the dog had been found and would be taken to a shelter. Sadly it was probably going to be put down if not claimed and properly monitored.

We picked up Lavender in the afternoon. Daddy and I both started crying; she looked just awful. Her head was swollen and most of her fur had been shaved off. She had scratches all over and her right eye was bandaged. But she was alive! She even gave a pitiful purr when I pet her.

Lavender is not allowed to leave the house now, I do not think she will want to anyway. Daddy and I are keeping a close eye on her and making sure she is comfortable. That was the worst day of my life and I hope to never go through something like that again.

*Angelica*

Play Date

First off, some good news: My family is together again! My dads got back for good a few days ago and we are now at home. It feels very good to sleep in my own bed again. I do miss Mac; it was nice having a 'sister' for the summer. I may have to talk Papa into adopting. Daddy is already on board.

Since we are officially moved in, Daddy thought it would be a good idea to meet our neighbors: the Sullivan's. I really only know Emily through friends (she being Mac's cousin), but I know her mom is dating Mr. Sullivan. I am sure I will see a lot more of Emily due to that. Daddy set up a play date for Jess Sullivan and myself since we are the same age. She arrived 15 minutes late and in a terrible mood. How can you be late when all you have to do is walk next door?

"Do you like to bake cookies?" I asked her. "I thought we could make chocolate chip."
"No," Jess said.
I forced a smile and asked what she liked to do. Her answer was that she wanted to go home.
"Maybe we can make cookies anyway," I suggested. "I have everything ready."
It was like pulling teeth to get her to do anything. She never once smiled. I am going to have my work cut out being her friend. Luckily I like a challenge.

Jess barely stayed an hour. She was more excited to go back to her nanny. I am intrigued by Jess. I cannot wait to find out more about her. I know she will open up to me eventually.

*Angelica*

Pompey's Pillar

My parents came for a visit this weekend. It was so great to see them again. Papa said we will be together before I start school whether everything is taken care of in NYC or not. I was very glad to here that. The first say of school is always hard for me and this year it will be a new school in a new state. Plus I do not want to have to ride the bus for an hour with Mac. I get car sick and I do not even want to think how miserable it would be on a bus.

While my dads were here we visited Pompey's Pillar. William Clark signed his name on the rock and it is the only remaining physical evidence of his and Lewis' journey. The rock was named after Sacagawea's son whose nickname was Pomp. Clark's signature was covered with a glass case and it did not show to well in a picture. It was really neat to see.

 

It was a short hike to the rock. This is me at the top. The sky is always so blue. The rails were awkwardly spaced for a short person, like myself, and it was hard to get a good view picture.

 

 

I am excited to learn more about Lewis, Clark, and Sacagawea. Daddy loves history and art and he is going to help me find some good books.

Mac's Birthday

Yesterday was Mac's 13th birthday. I find birthdays to always be bittersweet, whether it is my own or someone else. Mac was excited, I do not think she shares my feelings. Her party was a lot of fun. Her cousins were there and the food was delicious. Except Mac made the mistake of saying "who doesn't love hamburgers?". Daddy is a vegetarian and Mac's dad had to get in a snide comment about that fact. Not to be stereotypical, but her dad is one of those closed-minded, silent cowboy types. I am quite sure Brokeback Mountain is not his favorite movie.

Mac's brothers and sisters made the birthday cake. It was a chocolate pudding cake and oh so rich and moist. The Scarlatti siblings are talented in the baking department. That is something I have loved while staying with them. I also love to bake and it has been a lot of fun to try new recipes for cupcakes and cookies.

After cake and pictures Mac opened her presents. I must be spoiled. I usually get a fair number of presents. Usually one expensive gift and several smaller ones. Mac received a saddle and a bag with "Nicki", the name of her mare, printed on the front. But she did not seem to want for anything else. I do not think I could have picked a family more opposite than my own to stay with.

I was tired by the time the party was over and feeling a little sad. I helped with some of the ranch chores and then went to see Mac. She knew instantly that I was down and let me snuggle in bed with her and Rex. I think she is the most caring out of the Scarlatti family. She has always had a lot of responsibility for her younger siblings and the many baby animals on the ranch.

I was glad she let me sleep in her room that night. To be honest, Cameron's room scares me. He is very into bones and hunting.

*Angelica*

Life on the Ranch

I must confess I am not entirely cut out for living on a ranch. Papa needs to rescue me very soon and get me back to the city. Plus I miss him.

But Mac's family is very lovely even if her father has an occasional negative opinion about my family. I love being part of such a big family. There are six Scarlatti children (you will meet them soon when Mac starts her own blog) and so many animals. I have only been around cats and dogs before.

Every morning I help the siblings with farm chores. Well, some of the chores. I enjoy feeding the chickens and collecting eggs. But mucking stalls is too hard for me and their Angus cattle scare me a little. Those things are enormous!

Living with the Scarlatti's is a little bit like going to summer camp. I get to try new things and live in a different environment. The best part is that it doesn't last forever and soon I will be back in my own bed. And poor Lavender will stop being teased by the dogs!

*Angelica*

My First Post

I never had a blog before and I might be a little rusty at first. I suppose the first place I should begin is, naturally, at the beginning.

My name is Angelica Gracielle Murciano-Green. I am nine-years-old and an only child. I do have a cat. Her name is Lavender Praline and she is just a little bit over a year old. Sometimes she is very moody, but most of the time she is sweet and likes to snuggle.

 I am originally from Miami, Florida but moved to New York City when I was three. I do not mind it here, but I do miss my friends. Papa is still in NYC getting all the paperwork finished and all that stuff I do not yet understand about selling a house. Too much paperwork for me! I am more like Daddy in that aspect. We would both rather create than go completely by the books. That is why Daddy is an art teacher and Papa is a lawyer. Right now I am staying with a family friend who also just moved here from NYC. Papa worked for her in the city and she got him a job here as well. They live on a ranch and I have been having fun letting the oldest girl, Mac, show me how to be a farm girl. I will be glad to get back to my new room, though. It is very pink, which is my favorite color. I already had it decorated before my parents had to go back to the city.

One last thing you should know about me is I like to figure out how things work and I always have to have a project to work on. And I already figured out what my first project is. My new neighbor is also nine. Her name is Jess Sullivan and I know we are going to be best friends.

*Angelica*