2025 Semester Ends

Saturday was warm and full of labor. I had a backyard I didn’t want to clean up. Damn acorns and leaves. I was not happy about the work, but damn if it wasn’t necessary. Five bags later—damn filthy mess.

That evening it was Yvette, Alaya, and me, so I decided to do some real cooking. Some date-night shit Yvette had been craving: chimichurri steak and shrimp. It was a fun evening, and I enjoyed the cooking. It felt very leisurely, and Alaya is a doll to babysit.

I wondered while sitting with her if this is maybe how my grandparents felt when they had me. Was it just an unexplainable amount of joy? Was I as good with them as she is with us? It’s things like that I never knew I needed in my life. Love this little girl.

Sunday, I cooked breakfast and asked my friend Samuel if I could borrow his truck to go pick up a pre-assembled Blackstone grill from Academy. He said sure and left me the keys. Free assembly—why not? All I needed was a truck, and I was in luck.

When I got to Academy and pulled into the pickup location, I clicked the link to inform them that I was ready, only to be told that my order had already been picked up. Well, this wasn’t true. Clearly.

Stepping out into the cold—and it was cold (38 degrees)—I walked into the store to find out what the hell the deal was. What I discovered was a little incompetence and confusion within the store. The manager seemed concerned, and no one seemed to have the slightest idea what happened to my grill. They offered me one that was packaged, or I could wait around for an hour or so for someone to assemble it. I just accepted the packaged grill. I’m sure I can figure it out.

What struck me as odd was that they never once asked me for proof of purchase or ID. Not once. They even asked me what size grill I had purchased. I told them the 28″. Could I have told them the larger model and they would have given me that? I kind of think so. They told me to pull around and they would load me up. The guys, once again, never asked for proof of purchase when loading me up. I could have been anybody. Crazy.

So, what happened to the grill that was assembled? What a question. I guess I don’t care. Assembling the grill should give me something to do when I’m off work, and Lord knows I will need something to do for two weeks.

It was lunchtime by the time I was done with Academy. Yvette, Alaya, and I braved the cold to head to her parents’ for some warm food. I’m not exactly sure what the meal was, but it was delicious—almost like a ground beef guiso.

Eventually Lola came for the girl and departed before Alaya even woke up to eat and play with her cousin Niles. I think everyone was a little irritated by this. It was very clear. I get it—they like to see the little ones and didn’t get their time with her.

The remainder of the day was spent running Sunday errands as usual. I had some chicken and dumplings in the slow cooker, so dinner was a breeze. Where did the damn weekend go? Fuck, if they don’t just fly right on by.

Our last Monday before winter break was a dreadfully slow, cold, gloomy day. I woke up feeling kind of icky and took meds that left me a bit foggy, so I zoned out often. I had more coffee than a man needs to function, and yet I was still like a goddamn zombie.

The last staff senate meeting was that afternoon, and it was short and sweet. It’s really not that bad. I know I bitch about it. I think some of the enforced attendance rules are a little much, that my fellow senators take their duties way too seriously and should just have fun, and that it doesn’t seem to accomplish a damn thing. But it gets me out of the office at times, and I do get to visit with people I mostly like. I also get some inside info before the rest of the campus hears announcements. Maybe I’ve been doing it for too long. I fear that might be it. Maybe I should take a break and decline the next time I’m asked to join.

Tuesday was rather steady. That morning, I went and got Yvette and myself some breakfast tacos. I had some good coupons that allowed one free with purchase. It was a nice start to the day, and I sure needed it after our long evening. You see, we had the baby again. It’s hard being a parent—ha ha.

Throughout the day, I had four cups of coffee. I somehow managed to outdrink the amount I had the day prior. I was a little wired mess, but it worked out well. It helped get the damn day done.

After work, I ran more errands, and that evening we headed to Yvette’s parents’ for dinner. They made some caldo—damn good on another cold day.

While over at her parents’ I couldn’t help but think how I would never like those kinds of gatherings with my ex-wife. I really like Yvette’s family, and I look forward to the moments we spend together. It’s a great feeling.

Wednesday was basically a damn repeat, but with less coffee and fewer people.

Thursday I started wearing my Santa hat and passing out candy canes across the campus. I learned from last year to start the day before our last day before break because so many people take that day off. Like we really need an extra day off when we are being given two full weeks holiday leave.

It’s funny to me how excited people get when I hand out a candy cane. Maybe it’s the act alone that makes people happy and not the cane itself. I don’t know. It’s a tradition that I plan to keep because everyone needs a little holiday cheer. It’s a simple thing, really, but it makes people smile.

Retirement parties—two in one day. It’s that time of year. One of the guys who happened to be on my side of campus was retiring, and they had a little party for him. It was strange to me because he had only been there for eight years. Old Randy “Long Wind” Young. I felt like he had always been on campus, and it really hit me that I’ve been around six years longer than he has. How in the fuck is that even possible? Dear Lord, have I made this a profession? Maybe it’s time I jumped ship?

Again, I digress. Randy was a guy I did like, and I will miss his presence. He could also be a monumental pain in the ass. The guy had the nickname “Long Wind” for a reason. He could talk and talk and talk about the most ridiculous bullshit. Your ears would hurt. God forbid you ever got stuck in a vehicle with the man. If you wanted to hear Trump praise and conspiracy theories, you’d be in luck. That’s a real hell right there.

In spite of all that, he was a good guy. A damn good heart. A rather jolly fat man who now has enough gray in his beard to probably pass as Santa this time of year. I’ve had a good time working with him over the years and am sad to see him go. He was always there for a good laugh, no matter how ridiculous it might be.

After work, Yvette and I ran a few errands and prepared for dinner. We didn’t really have anything planned, but Noah was going to come over and eat because Nadia was at a Christmas party. This meant we picked up some random food for the boys while Yvette and I just made whatever. It was good seeing him and little Niles.

Friday, Yvette and I snagged a free beanie early in the cold. It was National Ugly Sweater Day, and if you showed up in a sweater—or at least looking holiday festive—you got a campus beanie. Limited supplies, hence getting there early in the cold. After that, she was sent home, and I spent the rest of the day handing out more candy canes across campus to the few stragglers. It was a very uneventful day.

Happy Friday!!!