Back for More Abuse

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.

Going Home to Labor

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.

Red Whine

So, remember last week when I was waxing intoxicated about being happy? Well, that one drink of wine was enough to disturb the oh-so-delicate balance of bacteria in my mouth and throat, and suddenly I got sick. I should know better than to drink so little. Why drink once when I could drink twice? That’ll kill everything! Spent the rest of the weekend feeling rather ill, some kind of respiratory virus, doc says. Sadly, it ruined my weekend plans.

Finally on the mend, I was ready to attack life again and jump back into my work and projects…and then 5 A.M. this morning happened. Woke up feeling a gut cramp, and then a gurgle, and then OMG. Let’s just say that I was a blackwater generator today. Called in sick, and my coworker was like, “Yeah, you just hang back and take care of that…we’ll be fine today.” So I feel like hell right now. Trying to eat something, but my stomach is still revolting against the idea. I need water, carbs, electrolytes. If only I could hold it down.

I’m a lot better after the 4 hour nap this afternoon, but the dehydration headache sucks. Feels like a hangover, which kinda is what hangover is…dehydration. I think I’ve lost four pounds of water over the past day. Nice. So today is chillout day at the homestead.

Ah, thunderstorms moving in. That rumbling is a humbling sound.