Hello! =]

I have really enjoyed reading everyone's blogs and learning more about each one of you individually. Quick family background from me: My parents are still happily married and have been together since they were 17 & 16. It amazes me to see them still so much in love and growing everyday. Yes, they have had their difficulties in their marriage but they have everlasting love for each other and find a way to make things work. They are my role models for what I want in a relationship, which at times seems impossible to find.
I have a older sister who lives in Austin, Texas. My sister and I are COMPLETE opposites. We don't have the best relationship but I am forever trying, partly to please my mom. My sister is very sensitive and takes everything seriously. She is very emotional and always down. Me on the other hand can be sensitive but I am one to just let things slide off my back if its not worth the trouble.
As we were talking about strong family characteristics it made me think about my family. 2 major characteristics that stuck out where affection/appreciation and positive communication. My mother is the most affectionate person and she lets my dad, sister and I know that she loves us and is proud of us. It's great to know that you are loved and always have someone on your team. My dad is not so affectionate and like another class member asked about changing it when its been that way for 45 years...That screamed my dad. His parents were never affectionate with each other or his siblings and him. I think my mom has changed that a little bit but he still has trouble at times. When it comes to communication, I go to my mom for everything. My mom knows more about me then some of my best friends. I know my mom tells my dad a lot, and that is ok with me. My sister is one to always put me down, I think that is why it is so hard for us to get along. She does it in a humorous way but its still not funny to me. She is always picking out the littlest things to bring me down about and it really isn't funny. Although my dad isn't affectionate he is definetly the funny man in the family. He is always making us laugh and that is how he shows he cares.
I can't wait to dig deeper into other topics and learn more about myself and my family. This course will be a great asset.