Update on winter Break

Sorry for not posting in awhile; I promise to do this more often.

This Christmas was a great one! We had a good time at grandma's house. Anthony has gotten a lefty guitar, so hopefully he'll start learning the skill as well! I got a 2011 refill for my dad's old Franklin Planner, and I've been looking through it's pages and have been attempting to make sense of it all. I'm SO excited for this next year; I think I'll be able to accomplish a lot of things if I just remember my purpose and my duty to God. Must NOT GET DISTRACTED!

There are so many things to do, so many commitments I've made. I really was feeling in despair today because of everything on my plate; I felt like I wouldn't be able to follow through with everything. I came to realize that I won't be able to do this alone. I must be a person who is able to invite the Spirit into my life and keep Him in my life or else none of this will work out. I know that if I trust in God, I can do anything. But I must FIND that trust, and strengthen my convictions. And keep myself reminded...

Today Gretel decided to do a little letter exchance with me. Naomi and Faidra sent letters from my room to her in the living room, and it was pretty fun! I think I will do it often; I feel like note writing is a fantastic way to express yourself and share what you really think. Plus, it's easier for many to communicate and analyze this way than face-to-face. Gretel is such a sweetheart; I want to get to know her better!

I'm excited for New Years! My grandparents have allowed me to come with them to California to spend the good ol' time with the Lipmans, the Cullens, and "all of our crazy Italian relatives". I'm so excited to see Aunt Heather's family again: Uncle Reg, Autumn, Spring, Ben, Ephraim. I am eternally greatful for them and the amazing example they are to me. The summer before last summer I got to spend a month at their house while rehearsing for Bugsy Malone (a corny, musical 1920's gangster comedy). It was a play that Aunt Heather was pulling of herself; she was pioneering the Children's Community Theater in Windsor, CA. She is a superb leader; I can't wait to come back and participate in the fun again while learning from such a hero. It will be great to see her again at New Years.

Ha this night before Christmas reminded me of a Christmas memory from last year...

Okay, so every year on Christmas Eve, our parents all cram the children into one room to sleep in. They do this so that when we all wake up, we come into the living room from the same angle so mom can get all of our reactions on tape. Last year, as we waited up, too tired to sleep, Sabrina decided to have some fun. It was her room we were all sleeping in, you see, and on the desk was some nail polish. She asked me,

"Hey Keenan, let me paint your big toenail red!"

"Well, it's just one toe, and it's Christmas! Why not?" was my reasoning. And so my toe was painted red that Christmas eve.

Many days later, I went off to the dojo to do some martial arts training with all of my friends, mentors, and role models there. As I took off my socks, I realized that I had not gotten rid of the red nail polish on my toe from Christmas Eve! It was a humiliating experience, but I did go and train just like any other day, as other karatekas (karate students) snickered behind my back. Even a couple of the black belts pointed out the terrible shame found on my left foot. It was the kind of experience you didn't find very pleasant as it was happening, but found hilarious looking back. I learned my lesson the hard way, but you don't have to! The moral of the story, dear children, is to not let your sister paint your toenails if you want to be a MAN. No, not even one.