family

We spent this weekend with my sister and her family in Raleigh. Family is such an odd phenomenon. I don't know if I can explain what I mean, this curious feeling. You're automatically special to them, and they to you, regardless of what you do. You don't always get along. You don't have to do anything special. But there it is, this bond. Renae and I have a history. We often clash. But we're sisters and that trumps everything else. Man, can she *talk*. Extraverts are weird. I'm glad she married an introvert, but her kids are extraverts too. They got her husband's blonde hair and blue eyes and her tannable skin and love of people. They actually cry when visitors leave.

I'm glad to be back at home with the cats. It's blessedly quiet here. I love my sister, but I spent a whole day shopping with her, listening to her talk and contributing some as well. Too much conversation! We shopped for a wedding dress for me and a bridesmaid dress for her. I figured out what I want for her pretty much, but it's $130, and she was hoping (understandably) for something under $100. So it's kind of floating right now. I found 2 dresses that are fine, both made by Venus, but neither were on sale so I'm going to wait. Their normal price is within budget (or close), but there's no reason to get the dress this early unless I find a super sale. I'll be watching ebay.