(Phaysis)

Preparing for my mother’s three-day visit for the holiday. It’s been two years since she came to Austin, and it’ll be good to have her here instead of me driving up there for the visit, which I’ve been doing for the past 9 years. It’s nice when family visits me for once.

Had an issue with the heater in my apartment. I get home from being out Saturday night to find the heater running. It’s colder than I wanted, so I turned up the thermostat. Well, a half-hour later, the temp is still the same. Put my hand up to the vent and it’s blowing unheated air. Huh! So, I turned it off and tried to bundle up for a cold night of sleep. Contacted the landlady the next day; she said she’d call the heater tech to come out, and if he couldn’t, she’d get me a portable heater. Of course, he didn’t come out on Sunday (because she’d have to pay him weekend rates), so she shows up with a heater. Thanks a million.

The tech dropped by Monday to take a look, and came by this morning with a rebuilt heater core. I finally have heat again. Luckily for me, the past two days have been warmer than usual (ironic, considering it’s officially “winter” now), so I’ve not really needed a heater. But the next three days, while my mother’s visiting, are predicted to be chilly.

Not sure what we’ll do while she’s here. Sitting at the coffeeshop is prescribed, of course, as is driving around to see the sights. I want to take her out to see “Avatar” in 3D, but I’m not sure what showing or venue we’ll attend. I’m sure any place will be fine. I also want to go see the city’s Trail of Lights; I know it’s been heavily scaled back this year due to budgetary constraints, but we can actually drive to the park and park there, and now that she’s more ambulatory than last time, she might get more enjoyment out of it. I’m thinking that’s an xmas day thing.

So what’s on the menu for xmas dinner? Pot roast, of course! We’ll be doing it up right with an oven and all the trimmings. I guarantee there’ll be leftovers; I’m feeling full already.

So I made it back from Texarkana. The visit was ok. The travel was ok. So I’m back. And I thank you kindly for not robbing my apartment in my absence.

Getting back into the swing of things, and I am dragging so much ass. I know I got some sleep last night, but the sleep was poor. All day I’ve been fighting the urge to take a nap. That’s no good. This should be like kindergarten where we’re guaranteed at least a 15-minute nap after recess. Didn’t get much good sleep this weekend, what with the couch and the pets and the TV on. It’s like camping but in reverse.

Spent all of my time with my family. Didn’t do much sightseeing (as is my habit when visiting, just to see what’s changed), and I visited none of my friends. So I had a lotta quality time. I do feel guilty for not at least calling up my old guard and seeing how they’re doing, but it’s been 9 years since we’ve hung out on a regular basis. Friendship is proximity. I feel pretty safe saying that because none of my old friends bother to read this anymore. Yep.

So anyway, yeah, the swing of things. Had to clean my bathroom when I got home; had the tub refinished just before I left, and the room was a wreck. The new finish certainly is glossy, but it ain’t great. Kind of a slop job, if you ask me. And then work today, which is a whole paradigm shift from my weekend, and then trying to stay awake on top of all that. :sigh:

Maybe this coffee will help.

Saw my sister’s place yesterday. Lives way out in the boonies. Lulz were had.

For what it’s worth, I’m heading to Texarkana for the Labor Day weekend. 3-ish days of living la vida familia. I plan to do a lot of distracted hanging out while a TV is on, do a bunch of drowsy driving around town feeling bummed because everything has changed so much and nothing has changed and I’ve changed and my friends haven’t changed and so on. Also on the agenda is sitting at IHOP for burnt coffee and journal time. Hard couch.

Actually, I’d like to spend actual time with the family, like at my sister’s house with her kids, and my mother, and some pick-a-nick happenings. Maybe I’ll cook something. Dunno.

What I do know is that I have a few days to get ready for the trip. Car’s up and running, got new tires, alignment, got the SRS light issue figured out. Picked up some new music for the road. Got the laptop jukebox problem hammered out. Looks like I’m all set. Hopefully the drive will be smooth and problem-free. That’s the worst part about visiting because I spend 12 hours round-trip behind the wheel. Driving used to be fun, now it’s just a transport that can’t legally go fast enough.