Ice Jasmine Esquival here.

Sorry if I haven't written; just haven't really felt like it since papi lost his job.  He's now getting unemployment.  He's looking for a new job, but so far, nothing's come up.

I've also been depressed.  Don't know if it's the weather or what, but I am sick of the snow and cold.  I want spring: I want sunshine and flowers.  I want warmer temperatures and the opportunity to go outside. 

We had a fairly good Christmas, but Bronson (my nine-year-old brother who is autistic) ruined it for us when he knocked over the Christmas tree and ripped the packages to shreds before we even had a chance to open the gifts.  It was very embarrassing, especially since he tore off all of his clothes ... and our cousins who live in Avalon, happened to be visiting us at the time.

Then Fawnie, my thirteen-year-old sister who has brain damage, had a major seizure and had to spend a day in the hospital.  It was not a good Christmas, as you can see.  I was so glad when it was over!!

Now we have Valentine's Day staring at us in the face, and I still don't have a date for the Valentine's Day dance at our school.  I have been waiting to se eif anyone will ask me for a date, but so far, nothing.  It also doesn't help that I still don't have a best friend to call my own.  I spend most of my time holed up at home with my family, and at times I get sick of seeing them day in and day out!

Mami has been my rock.  She has really tried hard to be more understanding of me and my problems, and she's supported me.  I don't know what I would do without her.  I love my mami so much!!  I love papi, too, but he's been a bear lately; it's best to stay out of his way until he calms down or until he finds a job (whichever comes first).

I have a new cousin.  My tia, my Tia Rosalia, had a baby boy last month.  His name is Angel Maurice, and he's the cutest little thing ever!!  He weighed nearly 13 pounds when he was born, so he's a rather big baby.  He has the fattest cheeks, and he has a headful of thick, black hair that sticks up all over like he stuck one chubby baby finger into a light socket.  He's absolutely adorable!!  I just love him!!

I will be glad when spring comes.  I'm tired of being trapped in my house by the cold and snow (or ice).  I hate cold weather; always have, always will.  I'm more of a warm weather person.  Bring me spring or summer any day of the week, and I'll be a happy camper!

Well, I gotta go.  I'm in school as I write this; I am getting ready to go to my next class, which is American History (GAG!!).  I will write in here again; hopefully I won't wait several months to do so!  I have really been bad at not writing in my journal on a regular basis!  Until later, this is Ice saying so long; hasta la vista!

~Love, your friend in New Jersey, Ice Jasmine.  :)