This post is going to cover the last week of my life. That means you chance getting bored by the end, so I’ll try to compartmentalize stuff so you can skip without worry of getting confused.
Break part 1:
I went up to TC for Christmas week. First night back, went out to a few bars w/ friends – mainly those associated with my brother, since few of mine are still around. Second night, went to a family gathering in Empire – acquired one new directv dish (score one for me). Third day (Sunday), parents got back from Florida, went to midnight mass with a belt that didn’t match my shoes.
Christmas day:
Put off gifting until 1pm or so, then opened stuff. My entire family isn’t huge into gifting, so this is not a particularly large event. I acquired a PSP for M4 and a 20″ flat LCD monitor for M3 on behalf of the parents. Both gifts were well received (not really surprises though). Note to all – a 12 year old, presented with a new PSP system and games – will be come completely reclusive for the rest of the week if allowed to do so. M2 and I got a nice tool chest (each, not to share). This was nice, and somewhat a surprise to me since I hadn’t asked for anything. I owe my Dad a cordless drill battery, but they’re very expensive in stores. Nice family dinner rounded things out.
Break part 2:
Tuesday, went into town and met up with Sean – talked about the current state of Rome (aka TCSF Church) and watched some Star Trek. I considered going to bar with Sean and friends – gave up on that. Wednesday through Saturday – didn’t do that much. Went to see Eragon with M3 and M4 – it was good, but intended for younger folks. Saturday Mark was going to have a bonfire so I stayed around. Went to dinner with parents and upon our return we found no fire, but instead a Mark sleeping soundly at 9:30 at night.
I did at various intervals in here finish about one and a half books of the Left Behind series. There was also a good amount of family socializing, which is good given that that’s why I go up North.
Yesterday:
Return to EL, went to the lab from about 3 – 11 pm to take data. Took data. Got home about 11:30 and tried to set up internet to figure out what station was showing the ball dropping. About 11:55 I gave up on that and just flipped through the low number channels until I found Dick. Watched the ball drop – whoopidy doo!. Heard firecrackers and revelry. Discovered that I had one homemade explosive left and took it outside. Lit it and threw it in the pond. Heard the thunderous boom and put all other firecrackers with in a mile radius to shame. Came back in satisfied, frittered about a bit and went to bed.
Today:
Didn’t feel too grand. Hopefully I’m not getting sick. Decided to clean up my room and the mess that I made of it unloading my jeep. (BTW – a tool chest, two bins of ski gear, two bags, two satellite dishes and a computer make for a full Jeep, with no rear view capabilities). Started doing laundry, and got sidetracked into cleaning the basement. Result – room still a shithole. Basement much cleaner. D and I took two Jeep loads of stuff to the trash. Its impressive!
Status of things:
My Jeep – my 4wd was apparently not working. This I discovered a few weeks ago. This week, I discovered that a seal had gone on my transfer case, leaving it without oil. This resulted in my transfer case biting the dust, so I currently have no 4wd. New transfer case will cost $350-$400. Junker Jeep: $500. We’re going for the whole Jeep – since 4wd is not an immediately critical concern. Maybe a whole Jeep for $1000 and then mine becomes the Junker. If anyone finds an older Jeep in decent condition for cheap, let me know!
My room – shithole, but we’ve covered that. I’m working on it, and with the basement cleaner some of the crap that I’ve accumulated in here will be moving. For now, let’s just say sitting on the futon is not really an option and navigation may be dangerous.
New years resolutions – made, but not posted here.
Me – maybe slightly sick… hoping I’m in the getting over it phase vs. the leading up to crap phase. We’ll see. Currently $1044 in debt, pending M2’s repayment for laptop purchase, then almost breaking even for the year. Speaking of which, new resolution – keep better track of finances – not that this has lead to problems in the past, but someone of my age and analytical ability should have a more exact grasp on his incoming and outgoing cash flow.
Laptop – touch pad going crazy. Not really cool.
Skiing – has not yet happened, despite 3 different plans to do so which have all been canceled due to lack of snow. This sucks, very very badly. I’m considering packing up and going to New Hampshire or Vermont. I’ll get somewhere cheap to stay and find a job once I’m there – except the point is to spend all my time skiing, so job hunting would probably be a wash.
Tha-tha-tha-that’s all folks. Goodnight.
