So, I’m sitting here thinking, and I realize I only have about 32 more hours before I’m off on a flight, leaving the U.S.A. to go be in warm, 85 degree weather during some of the most brutal snow storms Chicago’s had in quite a while.  The family and I (yes, all automaticable bloggers) are taking a GLORIOUS trip down to Jamaica for my parent’s 25th wedding anniversary.  This is a trip that has been in the makings for about six months now, and I’m as gitty as a school girl.  With a brand new camera, and skin as white as the snow we’re leaving behind, I’m fully prepared for a 7 day, all expenses paid vacation in the Caribbean.  Our resort includes a poolside bar, sailboats at our leisure, a beach, and endless amount of sunshine.  I don’t want to brag or anything, but it’s supposed to be 85 degrees EVERY day that we’re there.

Now, being it the holiday season, we were torn at first, at what to do about “The Big C” (Christmas), but in the end, we decided…..we’re skipping Christmas.  Yes, I know, shocking, because every year we have Christmas Eve at our place, and 45 people will all be disappointed this year because Santa will be coming down the stairs this year, instead of the elevator.  The fact that we’re skipping Christmas this year, is kind of difficult.  All my friends are asking me what I want for Christmas, and the only good answer I have come up with is “A Tan.”  I’m saving a bunch of money for not having to buy any gifts this year, but I can’t seem to put a close to 2008, even with New Years on its way.  Without Christmas, my year just doesn’t seem to be complete.  Oh well, Jamaica will still be fun, and I’ll be tan for my arrival in Orlando.

So here’s the deal, starting January 7th, I’m leaving the cold once again to live in Orlando, Florida for 5 months.  I have been offered (and I graciously accepted) an internship at Walt Disney World.  I will be working in Quick Service Food and Beverage, but I won’t know which exact park or where IN the park until I arrive down there.  The new tab I was talking about is for the Coop-Internship side of things, where I have to keep in contact with a faculty member at my college so they know I’m actually doing something down there instead of just enjoying the warm weather.  I’ll try to post ATLEAST once a week, and there will also be pictures to support my posts.  This is an exciting thing for me, because it’s an opportunity of a life time, and will give me direction and motivation on what I really want my future to hold.  With that being said, it’s now close to midnight on Saturday and I only have 30 more hours, before my flight leaves for Jamaica.

A Bon Voyage to you all, as well as a Happy Chrismahanukwanzakah with a Jolly good New Year!

• The Princess Stole My Identity
• Wishes Do Come True

After I got home I decided to do a bit of reading.  The first thing I ran across was this:

Astrapophobia-

Astraphobia, also known as Brontophobia, Keraunophobia, or Tonitrophobia, is an abnormal fear of thunder and lightning, a type of a specific phobia. -wikipedia

Thanks for all of the insight, wikipedia.  There is no detail, explanation, history…nothing.  And that is the same for almost every search on the term.  But what I have to think about is if my fear is “abnormal.”  I guess at this point I would say yes, since nobody else seemed to become stupified by streaks of light.  But I wouldn’t say my fear is extreme in any way, and probably wouldn’t even be considered a phobia.

What I find funny is that although I may have a slight obsession with lightning, I am in no way fearful of the rain, or driving through it for that matter.  Drainage is surprisingly terrible along Atlanta’s roads, so if you drive in the right lane you are inevitably forced to drive through massive flowing rivers of water that have no place to escape.  Most people choose to go around those.  I drive through them.  Yes, it is dangerous.  I know this.  But it is FUN.  It is absolutely illogical to combine dangerous driving conditions, an expensive piece of metal, and high speeds, but I just cannot help it.  I may fear lightning, but I thrive on watching the water shoot up around both sides of my car.  I consider it the ultimate goal if I can spray so much up that my entier windshield is covered with water.  Just writing this makes me think I might have a few screws loose.

Revel in the glory of a car fanning its water wings like a liquid peacock.

• Blown Away: Tornadoes in Atlanta
• Paper Clips