i'm standing on the edge of returning and just running away in 2013-2014

Well, it's probably time to give up on OD for good. I haven't been able to update in some time, and it's definitely not worth the hassle of will this save or how long will this take to load?

So!

I got an A in Russian. I am so very smug over this. Genitive plural, you are my bitch.

The Charlotte trip earlier this month was great. It was a lot of time in the car, but I did get some good studying in while Aaron drove. The ice stayed away, and while it was cold, we had an all-weather blanket and heavy jackets, and we just had a good time. We had a few hours to wander Uptown and take some goofy pictures, which is what I really wanted. The Bank of America tower flashed the team's colors for every touchdown. It was pretty special, but not nearly as special as the Duke fans behind us chanting "Let's stay within 30! Let's stay within 30!" There were some drunk idiot fans in front of us that we mocked a little bit. After the game, we were consistently thwarted in our search for a McDonalds and their hot chocolate, so we went back to the hotel and got some packets from the front desk. Then, part numb, we investigated that whirlpool tub. There were some... logistics problems. But the point where I was sitting in hot, churning water drinking a hot beverage was sublime. The bed was pretty awesome, too--honestly, we waved to all the FSU fans on our hall, walked into our suite, and the first thing I said was "I done gooood." Our checkout time was noon, so SLEEPS, ALL THE SLEEPS.

I had a really rough time leaving Charleston. In fact, I left about 90 minutes later than intended and was miserable about it. When I was gearing up to say goodbye and checking for any missed belongings, Aaron dragged me back to his room, threw me on the bed (learned this weekend: I can be a projectile), and cuddled up behind me to be miserably honest and pessimistic about his job situation. As in I'm-thinking-about-going-back-to-Afghanistan honest and pessimistic. So we had a Talk. And it was on that note that I left, pulled off a tight driving manuever to line up at a gas pump, and was solicited by a random guy who thought I was "fine" and begged me to take him home with me. Um. Okay. How about no. I called Aaron once I was on the road and not being followed and he was pretty amused/flattered. The rate at which I get hit on he finds absolutely hilarious.

My exam wasn't too bad. I was up late Monday and Tuesday studying for hours on end, and Wednesday morning I felt fairly competent, although I had to take a few deep breaths and calm my mind down when I looked at the test. Apparently, it turned out well enough; I got an A in the class overall. As high as my grades were, I probably could have gotten a B and still gotten an A. That did a lot for my peace of mind. I'm registered for the next class starting in January, and I've found the rock/metal Russian station on Last.fm. I'm having a good time there.

Um... my grandfather disowned me. I think. Or something. Regardless, if he thinks he's invited to the wedding, he's nuts. This happened on Dec. 12:

This was on my status about registering for fourth semester Russian:

Grandpa Поговори со мной. (translation: "talk to me." this construction is the informal command form, which we don't have in English. it's pretty much an order.
about an hour ago
Grandpa Это выглядеть DJ бить вам в принятии мне дедушка GT. Отказаться от спорта и выйти замуж и быть второй, чтобы сделать меня дедушка Гт. (Translation: "DJ beat you to making me a great grandfather. Stop your game and get married and be second, in making me a great grandfather.")
about an hour ago 
Rachel Нет, детей нет. ("No, no children.")
about an hour ago
Grandpa Верите ли вы в Библии?

Псалом 127:3-5
Вот, дети наследие от Господа, плода чрева вознаграждения. Как стрелы в руке воина являются детьми в молодые годы. Блажен человек, который заполняет свой колчан с ними! Он не должен быть посрамлен, когда он говорит со своими врагами в воротах.

Que Sera Sera

меня ("Don't you believe in the Bible? [Psalms 127:3-5, the verse about children being a blessing and blah blah blah.] What will be will be, me."
about an hour ago 
Rachel I'm not going to get into a religious debate with you, let alone in a third language. I'll get married and have kids in my own/God's/my husband's time, for my/our own reasons. But it won't be any time soon.
about an hour ago 
Grandpa Que sera sera

Then came this in a message:

2:50pm Grandpa

I wish I could say I feel sorry for you, but I don't. There is a difference between a brat and a disrespectful little shit. Brats want attention, disrespectful little shits are a product of their upbringing- a good majority anyway. There are always those kids that just can't be reached no matter how good or bad their up bringing. I give up and you will ultimately pay the price. You Mother has posted she completely disrespected me as a father and a man. In return I have completely disowned her as my daughter. I raised 9 children and the all have shown respect for me but you mother. I wished further communication with you but from your post, I assume that is impossible. You go your way and I will go my way.

Que sera sera

Me 2:57pm

I'm sorry you feel that way.

So that was fun. He's basically sent the same shit to my mom. I'm really not losing out on anything. He's never been a presence in my life. I'm actually kind of glad it's out in the open, so when I refuse to participate and invite him to things like weddings, I can just slap that up and be done with it. Aaron absolutely doesn't want him around as it is, and he hasn't even seen the full message. Neither has my dad, but I sent it to my mom.

I'm not going home for Christmas. I need to replace my front brakes. Welp. There goes my money for the next three months. I'm working the Christmas Eve service, anyway. My dad is coming up Christmas Eve for a few days, and then Aaron comes up on the 27th, so I'm happy. I'm sure my dad will nag and harass me about wedding stuff and when are we getting engaged. If I can scrounge up the guts, I'll let him know that later that week, I'm going to Zales to get Tita's rings appraised and see if I can use those diamonds like she asked me to. I am full of odd feelings and can't articulate any of them well enough. Mostly, I just wish my grandmother was here to see all of this.

I have two obstacle runs this spring, one 5K and one 7K. I'm going to start the third level of 30 Day Shred in January. I did three straight days of level 2 without many problems, beyond some neck spasms that might have been from sleeping funny. I would have done a fourth day, but for the aforementioned spasms and a sinus headache from hell. Day five had its motivation sucked out with the sinus headache, which is currently reprising. Stupid weather. At any rate, I love the workouts, I love my dance videos, and my body is so happy with it. While in Charlotte, I realized that my belt would tighten an extra notch! It's been at that notch for YEARS. I couldn't believe it. But it keeps recurring (less so right now, due to period). So... wow. I'm actually pulling this body transformation off.

I didn't want to do an actual hardcore diet and exercise because I didn't want to deal with loose skin. So it's been about a year of conscientious effort, trying to slim and tone down to college levels. Obnoxiously, I'm still hovering between 145 and 150, but I look and feel a lot better for it. Oh, stupidly dense muscle. Where would I be without you.

And that's your update for my latest absence.