Mi Famillia! (I think I spelled that correct)

So...I went on vacation January 29 thru February 4, 2006.

While I was at home, my cousin called and made mention of holding a family reunion in May of this year. Immediately I knew that I would not be able to make due to such short notice. Furthermore because most of my family is still recovering from Hurricane Katrina. In my book, family reunions take time, communication, and careful planning...that was the first time I'd heard anything about it so I knew that it was a neg for me.
However, that situation rekindled an urge that has been resting deep inside my soul for the longest time...coordinating a family reunion. I like to think that I am a well-put together human being, I might be a little to the left but for the most part, I am an organizer. 4 years ago I wanted to plan a family reunion, however with my job interfering, I knew it would be barerly impossible due to the fact that I was always moving. In May 2004, I finally settled in Norfolk, VA...for the next 3 years, my plan would be to go to school, save money, and build a solid network. To add to that now, I will be planning my family reunion for 2007 with the help of a few other family members.

It's no secret, my family is somewhat distant. I have spoken to a few family members on the regular since the hurricane but the rest of them are still floating around in other states. For those of you that know me...you probably don't have to look too close to notice that although I am friendly, loud, crazy whatever...sometimes, I can be a come & go person. Growing up I had my mother and two brothers, occasionally my cousins & aunts would come in the picture and dip out but that was it. To date, my soul is really heavy with uniting my family. I spoke to quite a few family members last night, some of which I've never spoke with...funny they all know who I am. I found out quite a few interesting facts about my family, I'll disclose those at a later date. At any rate, I've quickly come to see that I play the neutral role in the family. Everyone I spoke with has a "Ms. Jenkins" story about another family member, it was funny to me though because this is my family, we love each other even though at times we can't stand each other. I am really looking forward to having everyone together, placing all the differences aside, and just being happy to see each other.

One of my cousins is a comedian, she's hella funny, I saw her for the first and last time (of my knowledge) about 9 years ago and when we talked it feels like we never skipped a beat. My other cousin, well her and I are like peas in a pot. She's always been the closest to me...we always have great convo. I spoke with 5 or 6 other family members and I have a long way to go but I am ready for it. I think that's an element of my life that might be missing, I want to understand my family so I can understand more about myself.

Speaking of which, I talked to my aunt last night who now lives in Washington...she's been doing research on the family for quite some years, her efforts had to take the back burner due to unforeseen reasons. At any rate, we found out that my grandfather (one my mother's side) is from England...how dope. Also, most of my family is comprised of women...all very talented and powerful, that explains ME. :o> I love these new findings, family is so important to me...~sigh~ I am happy.

Peace