You may not remember me, but that's okay.  Let me reintroduce myself to you, so you know who you're dealing with.  LOLOLOL

My name is Philomena Rose Graves.  I am now fourteen and a half years old; I live in Sonora, California, with my family.  My family consists of my mom, my dad, and my younger brothers, Paul Seth (10), and eight-year-old Heath Mychael (they're brats!).  I'm the only girl, and the oldest child.

When you see me, you'll know right off I am disabled.  I have juvenile rheumatoid arthritis; I've had it since I was really small.  I have a lot of pain, and it makes it hard for me to get around.  I use crutches to help me walk better, plus I wear plastic AFO's to support my ankles (they're weak).

I take medication to help dull the pain; it really never goes away totally.  It's worse on days where it rains or if it's cold.  Then it takes me longer to get somewhere, get dressed, or do things with my hands, body.  Sometimes I have to take a shower to unlock my creaky, stiff joints.

I have had several surgeries on my hands and elbows, and later this year, I'm having my knees done.  Maybe I will get around better once I get this done; however, I am not looking forward to it.  I hate having to go into the hospital, especially for surgery!

I am still reading my mystery books, and yes, I am still into Hannah Montana.  I also love the Jonas Brothers; the youngest Jonas brother (I think that's Nicholas) is the bomb; he is soooo freakin' CUTE!!  *sighhh*  If I could meet them or go on a date with Nicholas, I'd just die!!  (Not really, but you know what I mean!  LOLOLOL)

Next month, they're coming here to Sonora for a concert, and I am tryin' to put a flea into mom's ear, to let me go.  So far, she hasn't said anything, but then again, I haven't relented in reminding her about it!  I would really love to go; it'd be a dream come true !  :)

Well, I am going to go; it's too freakin' early for me to be up (no school today, there was a water leak, and it flooded the school), so I am going to go back to sleep.  Looks like our Memorial Day weekend got extended; maybe school will open back up in a few days.  :)  Take care, and may God bless you always; I will write in here again!

~Luv, your friend in Cali, Philomena Rose Graves  (most of my friends or family members call me "Phillie" for short!).  :)