I’ve had two weeks off from work, so I have given myself the 3rd grade assignment of reporting how my time off went. I would have to say that it was a very successful break. This, however, will be a poorly written blog post.
I kicked off my vacation by going to the drafthouse for Master Pancake Christmas with the Magnadoodles. Funny, but not as funny as a typical Master Pancake show, so I think I’ll stick to those from now on.
The next night was the Merge xmas party. I wore a funny hat, and saw lots of people.
The day after that, I started a week long trip to NY. I managed to get to Syracuse only an hour delayed, which, considering the weather, was fairly successful. We went straight to my step-sisters to start, and while I was in town, I also saw the rest of my sisters, all my nephews and niece, both sets of grandparents, my mom and stepdad, and probably 50% of my aunts/uncles/cousins. For the most part, I am glad to report that my family is doing well.
The weather, on the other hand, was horrible. It snowed, it rained, it was cold, and I was miserable dealing with it. Any thought of me ever moving to upstate NY was extinguished in that trip. I might still move to the city someday, but upstate is out of the question.
Christmas itself was a little shaky, but I got some pretty cool gifts. Mom got me some replacement yoga pants and a hair straightener I’ve wanted for awhile. My sister got me some shirts and a crank radio/light for blackouts etc. I also got some money/gift cards, which I used when I got home to buy a few pairs of new shoes and the Love Actually DVD. I think the gifts I got for people were well received also. I’m especially proud of the dress up costume kit I made for my niece.
Coming home went well… I actually got back to Austin on time and all that. I really couldn’t tell you much of what I did last weekend… I spent some time outside on Saturday, I think, but mostly I think I got myself unpacked and reorganized, and did some shopping. I made myself a big list of things I wanted to get done during my week home as well, and decided if I did five things a day I’d be done by the end of break. I mostly got that list done as well.
Monday I helped out a friend with his house, but I felt kinda tired. I kept yawning… and sneezing… well, it turns out I was getting sick. I basically had a cold all week. I didn’t let it slow me down much, though. I still went hiking a few times, and went out to a great new year’s party, and went to Ikea with some friends on New Year’s day. Friday night I even went out to Emo’s to watch free bands, which is something I haven’t done in awhile. If I have any resolution for 2009, it’s to go to more shows. I took a break for monetary reasons for too long, and if paying off my debt has any reward, that would be a nice one.
Anyway, yesterday may have been my most relaxing day. I slept in, chatted with Ben, found out the name of the new doctor for Doctor Who, and then drove down the botanical gardens. I took some books and a blanket and read. And then napped a bit. Then read some more. It was fantastic. I went home and worked on some laundry, and then got a cherry limeade and mozzarella sticks at sonic. I went to a coffeeshop and did some writing, and then bummed around at home. Even played a bit of age of empires. Called my mom too. I really can’t imagine a lower stress day, you know?
Overall it’s the best break I’ve had in awhile. I relaxed, but I also got stuff done. I saw a lot of friends, and a lot of family, but also got a lot of quiet time as well. I don’t think I’m *quite* ready to go back to work, but I won’t complain about it either.
And that’s how I spent my winter vacation.