Chistmas Eve, Christmas Itself and Boxing Day

Hi there, folks! Whew, I haven't written since 12/21, eh? That's gotta be a record! I had a lovely Christmas, so I figured I should stop playing The Sims Unleashed, for God's sake, and tell you all about it! Oh, and by the way... I'M NO LONGER GROUNDED FROM THE COMPUTER! WOOOOOOO! *Flounces onto next paragraph*

Christmas Eve has always been the day that we spend at the grandparents Shoup's house with my mom's side of the family, which means we're in for a fun-filled day of presents, party-sized Blimpies subs and plent o' criticism from my judgemental cousins! Grandma has this awesome tradition where she fills out stockings full of apples, tangerines and nuts, like her family got in their stockings during The Depression. This year, while carrying presents into the house, I tripped over Carrie's shoes and went flying head first into the Christmas tree, surprisingly without getting injured. Then we sat down for subs and Zach entertained us by spilling six subs and a glass of pop on the floor. *Grins innocently* Zach and I just felt the need to bring some Zintel grace into the Shoup home. That night, I tagged along with Mom and Mike to my step grandma's house, and got yelled at for doing things like sitting on the piano bench and trying to sit on the couch without putting a towel down first. We sat and listened to Michelle sing opera before we could escape to church.

On Christmas morning, Zach came home from his 3rd shift job as a security guard, and woke Dad and I up at 7:15 frickin' A.M.! *Pats his head* I can forgive him for that because it was Christmas and he was excited. While we opened presents, I endured the sounds of my least-favorite movie, A Christmas Story since Zach and Dad love it so much. From Dad, I recieved the following: Michelle Branch--Spirit Room, Jennifer Love Hewitt--Barenaked, Faith Hill--Cry, Spider-Man, Someone Like You, Chocolat, Kate & Leopold, Charlie's Angels, The Sims Unleashed, Sim Coaster, three lovely new outfits, a might-ay comfortable desk chair and a Virgin cell phone. I found it rather humorous that my cell phone is Virgin brand because it's my first time having a cell phone. Zach gave me Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets for Gameboy, Shrek for Gameboy, the Daria--Is It College Yet? DVD and a stuffed Hedwig! She's luffly.

Christmas afternoon, we went to Aunt Barb and Uncle Don's house where we watched their digital cable--*pauses to drool*-- and ate Christmas dinner, then opened presents. Grandma & Grandpa Z. got me The Wedding Planner and Beauty and the Beast special edition DVD, and Aunt Barb made me a beautiful fleece blanket that I absolutely adore.

Aunt Barb, Uncle Don, Lindsay and Jennifer have this adorable 10-year-old Yorkie dog named Corky. He's from a puppy mill (remember, never buy a pet from a pet store!), so the poor little guy has a lot of problems. Right now, he's got a horrible skin irritation problem, and he's been chewing through his fur, and making himself bleed, trying to scratch his itches. Poor doggie.


I spent Christmas night at Mom's house, and in the morning, Zach and I exchanged gifts with Mom and Mike. From Mom, I got all sorts of fun Harry Potter merchandise--two calenders, a big gift-package of HP stuff including a Hagrid doll, Bertie Botts Every Flavor Beans, a Hermione toothbrush... I also got a beautiful, warm pink pair of pajamas. *Beams and pets fluffy new pajamas* Our pets, Chyna, Daria and Amy all had fun going through their stockings, and I think we all had a wondermous Christmas. I heart my family, and I also muchly heart soy nog. *Rubs stomach in a full-like fashion* I think Mommy and I are going to have to make a lunch date with my pals, Sarah and Samantha so I can give those two crazy kids their presents, and so I can go shopping with my new bunches of Christmas money! I just realized that, before Christmas break, I saw .:::ECHO EFFECT:::. Dave at school, and he gave me his E-mail address and told me we should get together and cook sometime, in all our vegetarian splendor! *Shrieks and throws Hedwig into the air in celebration*
*Hugs for all*
--Holly :-D

Awesome First Day

I went to my first college class today! It was super-fun. I had career exploration, which was taught by the counciler who helped me pick out my classes. She's really disorganized (like me!) but she's so nice, and very cool. When she said we were going to have to pick a partner, I panicked. The people in high school were always so mean to me, so my experiences with partners has not been good.

There were 11 people in the class, so I figured I'd be the odd one out. That was the way it usually happened in high school, unless I had a really good friend in the class. In career exploration, I was the only one sitting in the very back row, so I figured no one was going to come to me either. I was about to get up and search for someone who looked like they might be a nice person when this super-cute sk8er boi-type sat down next to me and asked if I wanted to be his partner. I was thinking, "Well, let me see, am I in my right mind? Yeah, I think I want to!"

This guy's name turned out to be Trevor, which is one of my favorite names. We were instructed to partner up with someone to learn more about each other. Trevor had a really quiet voice, but he was really friendly and talkative. He said he's 19, and works at Little Caeser's in Davison, has two dogs, a cat and a bird, and loves playing the guitar, though he's not very good at it. I told him I like to write, and he was like, "So you would rather be going to Stanford like that guy in Orange County?" Heh. I told him no, but I love that movie! He said it was his favorite. *Shrieks in excitement*

So yeah, I think I'm going to like that class very well! And everyone in there turned out to be nice! Good Lord, does college ever beat the crap outta high school! And tomorrow I'm going to theater practice! Hurray!

Oh, dude! I went for a walk with my dog, Chyna, my mom and my step dad, Mike last night. We were almost home when we saw this stray cat that we thought had finally been given a home! We asked the little girl who had said that she was going to keep the cat, but she told us her mom had said she couldn't have her! So, I scooped up Chloe (my mom named her) and handed the dog leash over to Mom as we all headed home. They said I couldn't bring Chloe in the house, for fear that she might have fleas, but I held her and we gave her some food and water while she was on our porch, anyway.

I wish I could keep her at my dad's house, where we don't have any pets, but for some reason, my dad won't let me have a cat! I don't know why. I mean, we had my first cat, Tinsel, at this house! Maybe he's still torn up about her death... So, I don't know what we're going to do about cute, calico Chloe. We'll probably try to take her to the Humane Society, and visit often to make sure she gets adopted by a good family. *Sigh* Later!

--Holly Rachael :-D

Holly Rants

What in blue blazes is a fresh-pickled toad?

"Deeply" is a brilliantly sad, underappreciated movie starring Kirsten Dunst.

My dog sleeps with a pink mouse. In the daytime, she attempts to kill it.

Cledus T. Judd's cell-mate thinks he's sexy. I beg to differ.

Ken West is an old man who goes to my church. One day, when church was just ending, Ken stood up from his pew, and took maybe 3 steps before his pants fell down to his ankles.

Why do people live in Bay City, Michigan? Don't they know they can move?

Obsessive-compulsive disorder is one of the many things that are wrong with me. Thanks to OCD, I feel the need to do everything from right to left, pity inanimate objects, and make sure I do everything (walk, talk, chew, breathe) an even amount of times. I also have a constant prayer running through my mind, exhale when I think about something gross, and inhale when I think about something pleasant. Fun, huh?

Prom dresses are preeeeeetty.

I need money. Lots of it. But I don't want to get a job. What to do...?

Harry Potter should not crush upon Cho Chang. He should set his sights, instead, on his gal pal, Hermione Granger.

And they say that a hero can save us. I think I'll just stand here and wait.

--Holly Rachael :-D

I'll Hold Onto the Wings of the Eagles...

Time: 3:44 P.M.
I'm Wearing: Pink and white checkered shirt and jeans.
I Last Ate: Peanut butter and jelly w/ soy milk.
Holly's Song Pick of the Day: "Theme From Spiderman" by Aerosmith.
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Attention! ATTENTION, I SAY! I officially have a new obsession: Spider-man. Yuuuup. I went to see it again with my father yesterday afternoon, and it was even more rockin' the second time around! I wish to see it again now.

I chatted with my dad at dinner last night about the G.E.D. I must get. Well... actually, he lectured, I listened. He told me I had to call around today and see if anyone gave G.E.D. tests during the summer. Dad says I'm only on his insurance until fall, and then I'm off unless I'm going to school... which means I'd have to be enrolled in college by then. So... uh-oh.

*Shrieks* The Harry Potter DVD is coming out soon! *Happy dance*.

I have a tendency to get my stories very, very wrong. For instance, if I heard my brother say, "I have to break a date with my girlfriend," I might tell my mom, "Zach has to bake a cake with his squirrel, Ben. Did you know Zach had a squirrel?"

My favorite Dr. Suess book is The Lorax. When I was in junior high, I wrote "Holly Zintel--Your Friendly Neighborgood Lorax... I speak for the trees!" on all my papers for some reason.

My nose is always cold and I'm always up for food and lots of attention. My dog and I have quite similar personalities.

Did you know Snapple bottles can dance? They never do it for me, though. Maybe the Snapple company is falsely advertising on their commercials. Perhaps I'll sue.

If I could go back in time, I would go to Israel, right after Jesus was born so I could ask Mary if it hurt when she gave birth to Him. He's perfect, so I figure it didn't. Then I'd give Jesus a hug, an Amy Grant CD, and a stero that runs on batteries.

The person I most identify with is the Insomniac Music Theatre guy on VH1.

Okay... g'bye.

--Holly Rachael :-D

My Dog Can Talk. Can YOURS?

Time: 3:42 P.M.
I'm wearing: Mismatched pajamas. I need to get dressed.
I last ate: Instant maple oatmeal and toast.
Song that's in my head: "Blessed" by Mandy Moore.
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It's true, my dog can say "I love you." She sounds like Scooby Doo. Anyway, I stole this survey from one of Moobabe's old entries.

1. Would you rather freeze or burn?: I'd rather have freezer burn.

2. You've just finished your ice pop and you're throwing the wrapper in the bin when you find a picture of you cut up into pieces. What do you do?: Think, "Thank God, I hated that picture."

[hey, wheres number three??] Moron.

4. You go back in time to any year that you haven't lived before. What year?: 1973, so I could hang out with my mom at high school. That'd be creepy and cool at the same time.

5. You've just died, and you're given the choice of reincarnation, being a spirit or going to heaven/hell, wherever you belong. You don't find out whether you're going to heaven/hell until you've picked, and you get to choose what you're reincarnated into. What would you choose?: I'd come back as a butterfly. 'Cause nobody ever suspects the BUTTERFLY! Muahahahaha!

6. You're stuck on a desert island. You take three things with you. What are they? They can't be anything used to escape the island, you're trapped there FOREVER: Wow, that sucks. I guess I'll take my house, the Olive Garden and the Harry Potter books.

7. Would you rather be stuck in a dull job but getting loads and loads of money or in a super duper dream job but getting hardly any money?: A super duper dream job where I don't make hardly any money. But it does seem like any super duper dream job would dish out the cash.

8. If you found out the world was gonna end in seven days what would you do?: I'd probably spend a couple of days running around, screaming "AAAAAAAH! THE WORLD'S GONNA END!" But then I'd get tired and hang out with my family and friends in Vegas. Then, for the last few days, I'd try to find a way to keep the world from ending.

9. You find out there is life on Mars. Do you go?: Nah, I'm set, thanks.

10. You're one of those super duper scientists and you find signals from some ickle aliens. They say, come to Neptune. If it's not that cold, would you go there?: No. Ickle aliens creep me out.

11. A little green monster thing asks you for a hug, would you hug it?: Only after it put a garbage bag on.

12. You're in prison. Would you think about trying to escape and running away?: Yeah, but then I'd get tired and take a nap. Thinking about running tires me out.

13. Your life sucks. Would you consider running away and joining the circus?: Nah, I'm good, thanks.

14. There's a pencil floating in the air. What's the first thing you think of?: "Holy crap! Better get off those sleeping pills."

15. They've decided to cancel all TV programmes apart from one, and they ask you which one they should keep. What do you choose?: Port Charles, since my Daria is already gone... *sob*.

16. They've decided to take away all food apart from one meal and you get to decide, which meal would you pick? Stuffed pumpkin shells. Then I'd cry.

17. You have to meet one TV star. Who do you choose? Jonathan Jackson, the dude who used to play Lucky on General Hospital. He will be mine... oh yes. He will be mine.

18. What is the most frequent dream you've had, or a subject of a dream, like being chased or something?: Zach and I are always in a time machine for some ridiculous reason. And I'm at prom quite often, too.

19. If your family were really poor and you had no food or money, would you consider prostitution?: Heavens, no! I'd never stoop so low! I'd just apply at Hooters.

Hey, look! I'm a "So Lazy" slacker.



Take the What Kind of Slacker are you? Quiz

Petfinder.com

Oh man, I've gotta cut this out. I've been sitting here going to sites like the one for the Humane Society, the Michigan Animal Rescue and just now, Pet Finder. Every time I go to those sites, I get all sad and start thinking about how much I want a pet at my dad's house, and how some of those animals aren't going to get adopted, and they'll be put to sleep, or they'll place them in bad homes. *Sniff*.

I already have three pets at my mom's house, and I always visit my grandparents' cat at their house. But I think a person can never have too many pets. And I don't know what the deal is, but ever since our cat, Tinsel died, my dad is like, "No, we can't get any more animals, ever!" Argh! Does he not realize that having a pet can prolong your life? Plus they're just nice to have around. And doesn't he understand that a bunch of animals at the Humane Society are being put to sleep because nobody wants to adopt them? Blargh! I want a pet at my dad's house! I won't even get three this time, I'll only get one!

But *sigh*, it's never going to happen. My dad is just too darned stubborn. You know what would be really great, though? If all the people without pets just went out and adopted at least one? That would make things a lot easier for me. I mean, think about it anyway!

Bye!

--Holly :-D

100 Entries! Huzzah!

How fascinating! This is my hundredth entry. I'll bet at least half of those entries are surveys, heheheh.

Today was Grandpa Z.'s birthday, so we went to Bill Knapps. Wednesday is going to be Allison's birthday, so we're going to Bill Knapps. Next Sunday is Lindsay's birthday party, so we're probably going to Bill Knapps. Hmm. Do you think my family might be in a rut?

A couple weeks ago, Sarah brought home a cat and named her Angel. Her dad didn't want the cat in the house, so she had to get rid of it. Well, the other night, Sarah spent the night at my mom's house, and in the morning, we had to get up and get rid of the cat. We called the Humane Society, but they were full, so they said to take her to Animal Control. We had to put Angel in a cage out in the heat with another cat who had a broken leg. It was so sad! Sarah burst into tears, and had to go right back to the car. I started crying immediately, too, and I must've cried for about an hour and a half. I was like, hysterical because the cat was so sweet and precious, and we had to leave her in a cage out in the hot, sticky weather, after she'd just been at home with us. Poor baby... I really hope they're taking good care of her...

Alright, my dad got me a school-type book to do work out of for the summer, so I've gotta get to work. Later!

--Holly Rachael ;-D

My Fur Babies

Well, since I'm in such a confusing state of depression, I'm going to write a theme entry.

When I was a little girl, all I really wanted out of life was a husband, and a cat. When I didn't get either one, I cried to my mom about it. One year for Christmas, I got a feisty tiger cat named, and I named her Tinsel Blitzen Zintel. Tinsel didn't like to be held, but she was fun to play with, and she was a gorgeous cat. She even won a beauty contest we entered her in at the grocery store! Tinsel wasn't very affectionate most of the time, but when my parents were going through their divorce, Tinsie slept on my legs, and purred herself to sleep, and I loved that. One night, I was over at my grandma Shoup's house (my mom was living there at the time) and my brother was online while I was doing my homework. Zach got an IM from my dad, who informed him that Tinsel had been killed. She'd gotten hit by a car. Although I felt bad, for some reason, I didn't even cry. My mom and my brother cried all the time, and I expected myself to do the same... I didn't. I still don't understand that.

After my mom moved into her own house, and got married to my now ex-step-dad, we went to the Humane Society to pick out a cat. Everyone wanted the tiny gray tiger cat that was making all kinds of trouble in his cage. But I had my eye on a brownish-colored tiger cat who kissed my hands through her cage. Since my brother was allowed to pick out a dog, he didn't care too much that I was allowed to get the cat I wanted. I named her Stacy, because she looked like she was crying all the time, like one of my favorite Daria characters, Stacy. Stacy was only around for two weeks. My stupid step-dad, Chuck, crushed her in the couch by accident. I cried *a lot* the day Stacy died... she'd always been so sweet to me... she never got sick of being held.

At the same time I got Stacy, my brother got a really hyper black and white dog. She liked the wrestle with everyone, and she looked like a guy dog, so he named her Chyna, after the manish wrestler. Chyna's settle down quite a bit now, and she's a real sweetie. She comforts me when I'm sad, and I do the same for her.

We were so upset about Stacy's death, and my mom thought I'd probably like another cat right away, so we went to the Humane Society. I wanted a little gray tiger cat who didn't mind being held, and she was really shaky. My mom said she shook like Daria did when Trent took her to get her belly button pierced, so I named her Daria, and wanted to get her. But Mom liked a bigger gray tiger who seemed really sweet. I wasn't about to give up Daria, though. And she wasn't about to give up that cat. So, we got both cats. Mom named her cat Amy. Amy's not exactly as sweet as she seemed that first day... she's actually pretty mean! But she's gorgeous, and she looks just like Tinsel. We love Amy, Daria, and Chyna. They're our cute little fur babies.

What Makes Humans So Cool?

You know, I was watching my pets yesterday. My cats, Amy and Daria, were bathing with my dog, Chyna, and they were all hanging out, having nothing against each other. They were so cute. The next minute, they were at each other's throats.

Humans are that way, too. We watched a movie in U.S. History today about World War I. It was Christmas Day, and a few Germans came out saying, "Don't shoot! We don't want to fight today! We'll send you over some beer!" Some of the French agreed with them, and everyone was contentedly singing "Silent Night," in their own languages, but together. But just as soon as midnight came, a shot was fired, and the derned people were at each others' throats.

We say that humans are the masters of the world, and that we're so much cooler than animals. People go on killing animals, with that foolish belief in their heads. It's selfish. They think that humans are the best animal just because they, for some reason, want to eat the other animals' flesh?

Liberty and justice for all, eh? What about the animals?! Don't they freaking count?! They're our equals. Talk about discrimination. *Shakes head* Selfish humans.

MILPOOL! NOOOO!

*Sigh*. My fish died. Skittlebrow is okay, but Milpool died. I'm terribly upset about it. *Sighs again*. My dad said he never wants to hear me say anything about him being mean to animals when I let my own fish die. I didn't want him to die, though! I don't even know what I did wrong...

Well... I'm sick. I don't know what's wrong with me. I've been sick for two weeks, for God's sake! It seems like I'd be better by now. I was even throwing up blood the other night. My doctor said it was because I have scratches in my throat from coughing too much, and when I swallow the mucus, it makes me nauseated, and then I throw up the blood. Tell me *that*'s not gross. *Shudders*.

I tell ya, Zach's got to stop accusing Sarah of stuff. On Saturday, Bobby, Zach, Sarah, and I went to Mom's house to hang out with her and her new boyfriend, Ron. Zach and I went to pick Sarah up, and the minute she got in the car, he kissed her and said, "Your breath smells like smoke! Have you been smoking?!" She gave him her word that she hadn't been, but that wasn't good enough for him! He kept saying stuff like, "Sarah's been smoking, she's probably got a pack of ciggaretts in her pocket right now!" So she ignored him, and just sat there, fuming. But pretty soon, Zach was like, "Either Sarah stops ignoring me, or she's not going to have a boyfriend much longer." Then he started swearing at her, using every filthy word he could think of, and he even called my mom a whore! Mom kicked him out of the house, but he came back right after getting a Slurpee and gas. Well, geez. That boy needs to get some self control. I don't know why Sarah's put up with him for that long. Even Bobby was glad to see him gone when he left.

Well... I hope Ron's finally going to be the one for my mom this time. All these guys keep breaking her heart. She falls in love way too easily. But, dude... they say they love her, they want to marry her, and that they want to see other people. Geez. My mom can't afford another heartbreak. She really can't, so I hope so much that this guy is going to stick around, and not let her down. I like this guy, too. He actually has good taste in music! He listens to Creed and Matchbox Twenty instead of Kenny Rogers and Reba McIntyre. Amd he likes Tommy Boy. He must be cool. Welp... *crosses fingers* good luck to my mom.

Okay, I s'pose I'll go, do some mad libs now. See ya.

--"Holy" Holly Zintel

FISH RULE!!! WOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yo! Guess what I did today?! Not a whole lot... I'm still sick, and a chick at the doctor's office who wasn't my doctor said I have bronchitis. So, that sucks. Anyway, me, Zach, and Sarah went to Wal-Mart and got some fish for me. Two fish. So they can have sex so I don't have to pay for more fish. Their names are Milpool and Skittlebrow. They're cool.

Show of the day: Port Charles.
Song of the day: "Can't Lose What You Never Had" by Westlife.
Movie of the Day: Office Space.
Person who sucks of the day: Tom Sloane from Daria.
Cartoon Character of the Day: Franklin Sherman from The Critic.

Yup. How 'bout that. Bye.

--New Fish Owner,
Holly the "Holy" Zintel ():-)