Still no word on whether or not my brother can leave the state. So my mom had to pay for a hotel over the weekend. Hopefully I get an answer today about that. I can tell that my brother hasn't gotten any better b/c he still grunts at the tv in anger and when he washes his hands, he looks as if he's going to kill someone.
**ETA: The judge agreed to hold the sentencing this Thursday instead of waiting until October!!! This is good news b/c the public defender was optimistic about the judge agreeing to just letting him go (since he's already done time). My sister and I are taking a personal day and we're going to talk to the judge that morning. I need prayers. To whomever you pray to. Please pray that the judge is merciful and that this is the path to helping my brother get well. Good Lord, I hope so.
Thank you for the support. Some of you know what I'm going through, some of you don't... but I am thankful for everyone's comments, regardless. Some of you have commented about the fact that I'm handling all of this instead of my parents. My sister and I have no choice in the matter. My mom struggles with her English and I'm afraid she's actually slipping into depression herself b/c of all of this. She's been acting very odd... to the point where I want to scream at her. And my dad... heh! Well, he's kind enough to offer his land in FL for my bro.... but that's the extent of his help. He's an unintelligent, selfish, lying and decetful man. So, that's why my sister and I don't allow him to help. He's tried in the past and lied to us about stuff and that just makes the situation worse.
Sometimes I just wish they would lock my brother up for good.
After writing that sentence I feel like a horribly disgusting person. But that's how I honestly feel. No good in sugar coating around here, right? I just want to give up and live my life. And I keep thinking, "what did I do to deserve this?" And right after that I think, "what did my brother do to deserve this?" If it were me who got fucked up, instead of him, I'd want him to fight for me. So, I have to carry this burden... b/c he deserves a chance. I just hope it's not at the cost of my sanity.
Hey, can ya'll do me a favor? If I start to sound really depressed or odd in the near future... can you just honestly say "go get help, Joy"? I need someone watching my back, ya know? Thanks.
I finally finished John Grisham's The Last Juror. It was eh. It was a little too drawn out and not too exciting. But I'm commited to books like that... I can't start something and not finish. Now I'm moving on to John Steinbeck's East of Eden. It's twice as long as the other book, so I'm guessing it'll take me quite a few more lunches to read it. It should be better at least.
On Friday, Mike and I ate at The Cheesecake Factory at the mall. Then I looked around for a purse (I need a new and bigger one) afterward and fell in love with a Coach. Of course. None of the cheap ones at Macy's appealed to me either. I almost bought it. Then Mike offered to get it for an Anniversary/Christmas/Birthday gift to me. So, I'll have to wait. And I told him that a gift certificate is good enough... he doesn't have to shell out the entire amount.
 I really liked this one, but it only comes in blue or pink.
 This is the one he's getting me.
The picture only shows it at this angle, so it doesn't do it justice. I promise it's really nice  .
Dance classes ended. We signed up for 2 private lessons, but have yet to hear back about scheduling them. So not cool. | 
