When Vacations End

I finally took down a tree I’d been eyeballing for years — a hackberry. Nothing but a big weed, really. I just didn’t think we needed it anymore. It was messy and ugly. Sure, it once provided a bit of shade, but now everything else around it has grown enough to cover that.

The removal started with the smaller branches. I hacked them off and bagged them up. The main trunk — the beast — needed the chainsaw to come out of retirement. It got the job done, but just barely. I really need to get the blade sharpened — maybe it’s time to finally invest in a gas-powered one. I’ve held off because this little guy’s always managed to pull through, but I’ve got some bigger projects coming up, and he just isn’t up for it.

After dumping the larger portions of the tree, I took Yvette’s car to get vacuumed — lots of sand in there from the trip. I did what I could, but damn, those sand grains really settle in. Still, I think it looks good now. Definitely better than it did.

After a quick stop at the store, I made lunch for us. Yvette had already made something, but I didn’t want the pork to go to waste, so I whipped up some nachos for Teegan and me. We were both hungry, and the meal hit the spot.

That evening, everyone had something different for dinner. I don’t know what was going on — it was a busy night, and I was extremely tired.

Sunday we went over to my in-laws’ house for lunch — ribs, sausage, and mac salad. Roger and I ended up watching a Spanish grilling show that I found really entertaining. I can understand some Spanish, but what really helped was that I could still follow what was going on, even if I didn’t catch every word. I think we watched four episodes. The rattlesnake one was the best. Just ask Yvette.

The rest of the day was pretty lazy. We picked up some printed photos from the trip, and I made more nachos for the kids and Yvette — Lola and Yvette didn’t have any on Saturday. I just had leftovers; we had plenty. The day flew by, and before I knew it, it was time for bed.

I woke up actually ready to go to work — I was really surprised. I guess I felt reinvigorated. I was the first one up, made breakfast and coffee, and even had time to just chill before work. I like that. Too often, my mornings feel rushed. I don’t think the rest of the household shared the same sentiment — it was pretty clear once people started to stir.

Work started off okay. The morning was slow, so I had time to catch up. When things finally picked up, I had to adapt — it seemed someone had misplaced the equipment I needed to make the day go smoothly. It was fine though; what can you do?

Yvette worked through lunch, so I joined her at the office. I ate a smorgasbord of leftovers and made her a carb-loaded sandwich — a yummy one. I’m used to eating on my own schedule, so I was really hungry by then.

I got through the afternoon by staying busy. That wasn’t hard — this is a busy time of year when things actually happen. I ended up talking a lot. Not sure why. Maybe people just wanted to hear about our vacation.

by the time evening came around, I was exhausted. I prepped dinner — made sauce and rice — then went out for gas. After that, I finished making dinner, and that was about it for the day. Long day, especially right after vacation.

Until Dawn. The boys watched this movie on vacation, but I only caught bits and pieces. Still, it was enough to pique my interest. I finally sat down to watch it, and it turned out to be a pretty enjoyable horror film. The premise: if the characters don’t survive until dawn, they’re doomed to relive the same night over and over, each time being hunted by a different “thing.” It’s a slasher with a cool gimmick — and sometimes, that’s all I need. Nothing deep. Just fun. I’d recommend it for anyone looking for a quick, straightforward horror flick.

We got a last-minute invitation to a family birthday party Tuesday. Yvette and Lola went, but with such short notice, I decided to pass. Honestly, I didn’t want to spend the money — especially since I didn’t really have any after our vacation. The bills were milking my account dry.

I was planning to stop by my mom’s anyway, so I asked about her dinner plans. She said she was going to make an egg roll stir-fry. Perfect. It was too much food for just her, and the perfect amount for two. We had a nice dinner together — I think I stayed for about two hours.

Wednesday morning pissed me off. I had to do a job that normally requires at least two people. It’s just way more efficient, less time-consuming, and frankly, easier with help.

Anyway, right from the start, things that shouldn’t have gone wrong started going wrong. Typical. Let’s just say that after about an hour on a task that should’ve taken 20 minutes, I was definitely not a happy camper.

So, I took a sabbatical in the restroom and caught up on my social media. I honestly couldn’t care less what my coworkers were doing in my paid absence. Fuck them.

That evening in ran by Sonic. I was craving a cherry limeade. I was tired, irritated and really needed to clear my thoughts so I went to a park and sat on a swing for a little while. It was quiet and what I needed. Relaxation. Yvette was cooking so I had some time. I enjoyed the breeze through the trees. The sound of children enjoying what’s left of summer. I enjoyed watching a dragonfly dance around me looking for its dinner. I just enjoyed the spot I found immensely at that moment. I found a little peace. I needed that peace.

That evening, after dinner, I sat down in the living room and put on The Other Guys — a great cop comedy from 15 years ago. I can’t believe it’s been that long. Sometimes it feels like my life has passed by in the blink of an eye. Where have the days gone? Where has my life gone?

Fifteen years ago, my life was so much different. Not better. Not worse. Simply different. I was only twenty-nine times around the sun. Fifteen years ago, I helped move my grandmother from her home in Ballinger, TX. Fifteen years ago, I was at my brother’s bachelor party, quickly followed by my diabetes diagnosis and a stay in the hospital. I was not yet married to my first wife, Bekah, nor was I employed at the college. My dog Riley was still my best friend. My father had yet to hit his head, an injury that accelerated his dementia. I was living a different life from the one I am now. Not better. Not worse.

Anyway, what a damn good movie — it really brought back some nostalgic memories. I’ve lived a good life, and I love where I am now. I love every new door when it opens. I love Yvette and this family. What a life.

I started using THC gummies medically for my neuropathy. Buy howdy does it seem to help. I still have numbness in my left foot but the shocking pain is almost nonexistent. Hell, it might be nonexistent. I swear cannabis is a miracle plant. I’ve been dealing with this pain for 3 years trying various bullshit and only a week into taking THC I’m better off. I really wonder what my initial hesitation was. Not only does my pain seem to have alleviated, I’ve also been in a better mood and just enjoyed my days much more. What a deal.

The end of the week was finally upon us. I have to say, the morning started out great. I woke up and watered the grass — it was relaxing and productive around the house. Then came work. Work was okay. It took me a little while to coordinate with Athletics about what I was trying to do. Eventually, after tracking them down, I explained my plan and had a few “meatheads” help me accomplish the task. The rest of the morning was just slow.

That day for lunch we hit up a traveling food truck that we missed that last go round, On The Hook. Fish & chips. Alaskan cod. Damn good. Two plates ended up feeding Yvette, Teegan and myself. It was a very happy lunch for us all. It actually made my day.