I know it’s been way too long since I’ve put anything up, especially with all of the stuff that’s been happening in my life, but I haven’t had the time, energy or drive lately. One of my many New Year’s Resolutions is to write here more regularly, along with regular exercise and possibly giving up pop. Before I start the regular postings, let me catch you up. Sadly, Uncle Don passed away late Christmas Eve. I was in Corpus Christi for Christmas with the Parkers (Kathryn’s family) when it happened. To get home we couldn’t find plane tickets even remotely reasonably priced even with a bereavement discount so we ended up on a massive day and a half travel marathon, starting at five in the morning on our way to the airport and ending with three hours of driving 40 mph through the snow. It’s a unique experience to be on the beach in shorts and a t-shirt one day then in Michigan winter the next.

The funeral was nice and I got some much-needed closure acting as a pallbearer. The act of placing Don’s casket into the hearse was surprisingly hard for me, yet offered exactly what I needed. I would/should write more about Don and his life, but I feel like there is nothing I can say here that won’t come off sounding melodramatic. However, I will say this: Don did a lot of good things with his life and touched many people; I will miss him.

Aside from the sad reason for coming home, the trip was actually quite nice as I got to see my family and friends. Not to mention all of the glorious snow and obligatory trip to Joe’s, or hearing any of the many, many good stories told over the long weekend. Kathryn is still teasing me about a certain story she heard in which yours truly making a peanut butter and ketchup sandwich.

Coming home we experienced snow in various amounts all the way into Kentucky. The thing about driving in snow is that it requires heightened concentration. I’m not afraid to do it, I don’t mind doing it, but after hours of snow driving, you tend to be quite worn out. I’m not saying this to complain, just to clarify; even though I had half a day of recovery time yesterday, I’m still exhausted and look forward to the weekend. I also woke up this morning with a headache behind my right eye. It’s finally fading after a couple of pills and half a cup of coffee, but it wasn’t a fun way to get back to work. This is my first at work after a twelve-day Christmas vacation and I’m ready for the weekend. Such is life.

Like I said, I plan on writing here more often this year, so stay tuned and good luck with your resolutions.