Also--I received another book to go along with the cards called Angel Therapy. The author has messages from the archangels in it, and it is a very interesting read. One of the questions she asked the angels was, "Why don't some of our prayers get answered?" and the angels replied, something like, "Because you are blocking whatever it is with fear. You think you are unlovable, and though you may think you can hide those feelings, they are actually broadcast to the world. But you should not think that way. You are all children of God; you are all worthy. You are all lovable. When one believes they are lovable, others see that and are thus attracted to that person." I realized then that I must take that advice into consideration when thinking about my oracle card reading that I mentioned earlier. I need time to change my outlook, and then I know I will be happier.

But also in the book was a section for each of the archangels: Michael, Raphael, Uriel, and Gabriel. The author asked each angel to tell her what they want humanity to know. I only read Raphael's and Uriel's so far as I am closer to them than with the others. Raphael's was predictable: very, very loving, in a warm, cozy sort of way. But Uriel's astounded me. I had not realized that he was considered the angel of forgiveness, and yet I have been praying to him to help me with forgiving someone. Uriel says it is so easy to want revenge, to be angry, but we need to move beyond those feelings. He is beautiful. All of them are.

But, aside from that, I got my senior pictures taken today. That was really fun. I love getting my picture taken. I hope they turn out alright. I get to see them in two weeks, I believe.

Also, my cousin Andrea's birthday party was today, so my family went. While my brothers swam in their pool, my parents and I sat at an umbrella-covered table and practiced with my oracle cards. We then talked for a little while and read some of the angel book together. A short while later, Andrea came outside to tell everyone to come inside to watch her open presents. My dad asked me to stay outside to make sure my brothers were alright in the pool, and I agreed.

I am always frightened for Kenny's safety in pools. Not so much Ian's, though. Ian has taken swimming lessons in the past, and he is so tall that he can almost sit at the bottom of the pool and still have his head above water (he's about six feet tall now. Jeesh. He's four years younger than me, but eight inches taller!).

I left my book and my cards on the table and walked over to the pool to be closer to them. I put my arms in the water and played with Kenny a bit, and then he began saying things like, "Swim?" and "Go in?" and then I realized that I really did want to get in with them. Water calls to me, even if it's chlorine-infused water. I took off my sandals and my jewelry and began climbing the pool's ladder, all the while Ian shouting, "You're so going to get in trouble!" I did not care. Fully dressed in an ankle-length jean skirt and flowery renaissance-style top, I sunk shamelessly into the warm water. It was liberating.

Anyway, it was great. My Aunt Kris gave me a big piece of plastic to sit on in the car so I would not get the seats all wet. And now we are home, and my hair, which was really nice for the picture, is now all messy. See?

Aren't I the cutest? :P

Anyway, I am going to see the Tomb Raider movie tonight. I hear it is pretty good. If not, I will be content with the eye candy.

My dad said that we would get a car next week. He just received our inheritance from my great grandmother today, and that will more than pay for a car for me.

I started reading Wuthering Heights last night, and it was not as bad as I thought it would be. My mother has the movie version of it, so I am going to watch that once I am finished reading.

Tomorrow, I am going to go to Best Buy and purchase a Tegan and Sara CD if there are any. I really love them. I have heard several of their songs online, and I like them very much.

Ack--my dad says we have to leave to go see the movie now. Since I am not finished writing, I will continue later...

...Okay, back now. That was very nice. Much eye candy. I snorted in amusement when several women couples gasped when Lara was hit across the face by what's-his-name near the end of the movie. But that whole situation just goes to show you that some men are manipulative bastards. Oh, and Lara is one sexy woman.