Grocery Shopping Stress

Grocery shopping is not fun for me. If I have to go grocery shopping I prefer to go early in the morning or late at night. The reason why, there are less people during these times and I don't feel rushed.

As you guys may know grandmother Pearl is staying for a couple of weeks at my house so I thought it would be fun to go grocery shopping with her as I usually go alone. I always ask Diana what our budget is so I am aware of what to get; it keeps me organize. I quickly made a list of the essentials we needed and discussed to Pearl what our budget was.

Once we get to the store, Pearl is getting things that are neither on the list nor essentials. She said she needed to grab this because she was craving it the other day, had to get this because her grandson Drew might like them, had to take these because there are her daughter Diana's favorite etc. Bottom line I was freaking out because we were not staying on budget. And as I guessed it we indeed went over our budget but for Pearl and Diana it wasn't a big deal.

Why give me a budget if it doesn't make a difference?

She Cannot Wait to Leave

So these past two weeks have been Drew's spring break. Sadly my college did not give us a spring break so I have been attending class as usual; Diana has work and my father is always on the road working as well. Bottom line, there wasn't anyone to take care of Drew during this time so Diana invited her mother over; introducing to you all grandmother Pearl.

Pearl enjoys staying weekends at our house because she sees her favorite grandson Drew and helps us cook. But after staying here for the past two weeks, she is counting the days to go back home. I don't blame her; it can get boring at times. But I try to make her stays fun by talking to her; I ask her about Mexico and how she grew up.

What is your grandmother like?         

Nails and Lunch

Getting pampered is always a treat. Recently Diana and I went to the nail salon because she needed an emergency manicure. Her nail polish was chipping badly; not a cute look.

As I waited for Diana, she asked me to get us both something from Juice it Up. I got us the same combo as last time; a regular size smoothie with a pretzel. A great lunch on a hot day!

What kind of smoothies do you like? 

Getting Creative

Yesterday the whole family went to the store to grab a few things. I needed goggles for my swimming class and Diana wanted to get a new blouse.

Drew has been in the hunt for a funny movie and found the movies Despicable Me and The Lorax. Diana told him he could only get one so he picked Despicable Me. For those that are not familiar with the this movie Despicable Me is about "a criminal mastermind [who] uses a trio of orphan girls as pawns for a grand scheme, he finds their love is profoundly changing him for the better", according to the IMDb website. It is a really funny kids movie.

Once we arrived home, Drew found a few plastic wrappers that came with the movie. The plastic wrappers were for egg decorations for Easter. I thought they were pretty funny.

What is your favorite funny movie?

Our Car Rides

This morning on our way to Diana's work, Diana and I were listening to Ryan Seacrest on the radio. Janel Parrish from Pretty Little Liars was on. According to ABC Family, "Pretty Little Liars is an American teen drama mystery-thriller television series loosely based on the popular series of novels written by Sara Shepard."

Pretty Little Liars has been one of my favorite shows to watch and from time to time Diana and Conrad have had the chance to see it, and trust me they get hooked on the show. Each episode keeps you on the edge of your seat. I think that's why my parents like it as well.

What is your favorite television show?

Even on Bad Days

Although times are tough, my family came together for dinner. Because our schedules are all different it is hard getting everyone together but this Monday we managed to do so and it was great. We had Chinese Food! Diana and I picked kung pao chicken, Drew picked fried rice and orange chicken and well Conrad likes anything. During dinner we had healthy conversation.

I have been having so many problems with my car lately. After so many attempts, my family has came to the conclusion of selling the car and buying me a new one. This made me happy but not so much for Conrad. These past couple of days he has been stressing out about the car, trying to figure out the problem but the car is so old I think that should be the answer. Diana said we should take it to the mechanic one last time, sell it, and then buy me a new car.

What kind of problems have you experienced with your car?

Sunday Bond Day

This Sunday was so  much fun! Drew spent the day with my father Conrad and I spent the day with Diana.

Drew and Conrad enjoy going to the Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World store. The store is huge and carries everything you can imagine one would need for hunting, fishing, camping, boating etc. Drew says they played in the arcade section practicing on their shooting and ate McDonald's later.

Diana and I went to Juice It Up and tried a new combo they have which is a regular size smoothie and a pretzel. I then wanted to get my nails done, so Diana and I headed to our nail place. I got a gel manicure while Diana got her eyebrows waxed. Diana was also really excited that the new movie OZ The Great and Powerful in 3D had come out so we went to see it. The movie was amazing!

What activities do you do with your family?

Dealing With An Attitude

So recently I have been having problems with my car. I need my car to go to school so it's a big necessity for me. While my car is being fixed at the shop, for the past two weeks, I drive Diana's car.

On weekdays our schedule looks like this: I drop off Diana at work, drop off Drew at school and finally drive myself to school. Once I get out of my last class I drive to our aunt's house where Drew walks to after school and pick him up from there. Then I go back to Diana's work to pick her up. By the time we get home it is usually 6 p.m.

Just yesterday after picking up Drew from our aunt's house, I asked him "what did you do at school today?" and his response was, "what does it matter to you." Now keep in mind he is 12 years old. I felt disrespected but Diana says it is just a phase.

How long do phases last?

The Pilot

Family can sometimes be embarrassing, loud, dysfunctional as well as loving, respectful, and loyal. Each family has their own qualities, but for the purpose of this blog I would like to share with you my family. I live at home with my father Conrad, my stepmother Diana, and stepbrother Drew who will be turning 13 years old very soon.

Because I am fairly close to my family and get along with my stepmother so well, I thought of focusing this blog around my family and our relationship. Throughout the years, I have noticed people get shocked when they see my stepmother and me get along so well. My stepmother is my best friend and a wonderful mother figure. This blog will show you what my everyday life looks like living with a stepmother and stepbrother. I will share the good times, bad times, and fun times!