Pink's Life 12292005

[pfloyd]

Well, I said that I was going to do an update sometime or other while I was down here, so now is pretty much as good a time as any, right? Right...
So...



Colleen and I woke up at 0300 on Friday 23 December, and packed the car. We managed to get on the road around 0415, with Colleen driving the first half (or thereabouts) of the journey. I managed to snag some snooze time in the backseat with Marcus. Julius was in his carrier in the front seat, and wasn't a happy camper about it.
We arrived in Virginia around 1400. After dragging everything inside and getting Marcus comfortable, we had a bit of a rest before heading off to Foster's for dinner. (More on where we ate later or in a different post.)

Saturday 24 December
Waking up sort of bright and early in order to head off to Colleen's Mom's side of the family. This was a rather large gathering, and when the food was served, the group was split into two: the younger crowd (myself, Colleen, her two cousins and their girlfriends) were in the kitchen, while the adults and C's brother Johnny were in the dining room. Marcus went with the adults. (Sure... he's not even a year old and he's already sitting at the grown-up's table.)
That night, we started to attack the tree. I got some really neat stuff, as did Colleen and everyone else. Marcus was more interested in the wrapping paper and a couple of the boxes. Granted, he didn't get through everything that night.

Sunday 25 December
This time, it was hooking up with C's Dad's side of the family. As with the previous day, Marcus was a huge hit with everyone.
And Marcus still hadn't finished unwrapping his stuff.

Monday 26 December
Since I'm doing this update a few days after the fact, I don't quite remember what we did that day. I know it was a federal holiday, so not much was open. However, we went to Borders Cafe that evening for Johnny's birthday dinner. (His bday is 25 December, and we usually went to dinner on 24 December for it, but this was a different case this year.) Afterwards, we played a new game that we got for Christmas (Scene It! - TV version).

Tuesday 27 December
I think the biggest part of this day was going shopping. I used a Border's gift card to knock down the price of one of the GURPS Basic Set books, while C's mom got us a whole bunch of stuff, including calendars and a couple more games. We also hit Kohl's and Old Navy. A late lunch that preceded the shopping was held at Five Guys.

Wednesday 28 December
More shopping, with lunch at Speedo's Cafe with C's Dad. C got some new glasses (since her old ones were starting to give her headaches). We also hit McKay's, which is a nice used bookstore down here. I like the selection, but their organization is horrible. They make the attempt at sorting by genre then by author's name, but they only go as far as the first letter. Plus, I've been able to find the same book in three different genres at times. I didn't really find what I was looking for, but I picked up a few books nonetheless. Dinner was at Casa Chimayo's. (I ate more Mexican food this past week than I normally do in six months.)

Thursday 29 December
Most everyone stayed home. I drove myself out to Woodbridge to check a couple of comic shops. I managed to find Ultimate Iron Man #1, which I had been missing, but the small place just couldn't compare to That's Entertainment back home. Today, I'm kicking myself that I didn't look for the first two or three issues of the new Jon Sable: Freelance series that's out. I also hit the Game Parlor in Woodbridge, and snagged the second GURPS Basic Set book, as well as GURPS SWAT. I then drove to Centreville to hit Trader Joe's, and picked up some sundry items. Dinner was spent at home, with a nicely slow-cooked roast.

Friday 30 December
One of my favorite days. We went to the Smithsonian Air and Space Annex just outside of Dulles Airport. There I got to see my favorite plane -- the Lockheed SR71A Blackbird, almost up close and personal. Beautiful on the ground. Must be heavenly when in flight. I also got to see the new XF35 JSF (Joint Strike Fighter), wondering how in the Grand Name of F*** did they get one of those. (Pictures will be posted later... I know zonereyrie will get a real kick out of some of them.) I picked up some sundry Blackbird memorabilia at the gift shop, except for the really cool jacket that cost $115. Maybe someone will order it for me for my birthday in a month.
Afterwards, we hit the shops in Chantilly. I went to Game Parlor (tradition), and picked up GURPS Fantasy and GURPS Magic. Colleen bought some scrapbooking stuff to start a Marcus book, and then we hit the other used bookstore there. This one doesn't have the selection, but it's organized way better than McKay's. I still didn't find what I was looking for, but I found a few others that were on a list I had, and some others that weren't. Go me.
That evening, we went over to a family friend's place where Marcus met another baby that's close to his age, and they played together.

Saturday 31 December
We drove to Arlington to see Johnny's play. It was interesting to say the least. Everyone acted very well.
We also got Marcus another Schmuse Tuche toy -- this one's a doggie. That will go with his bunny and two bears.
The party was held at the Elk's Lodge. Potluck buffet. The only alcohol I drank was the champagne at midnight. Marcus was, as usual, a huge hit.

So here it is, 2006. Do I feel different? Slightly.
Resolutions? I just want to make this a better year than last year. I know what needs to be done, and I will do my best to do it.

End of update. More later, most likely after I get back.

Comments

[sfogliatella.livejournal.com]

That's great! I'm glad you guys had such a wonderful holiday! Gia is still going through Xmas presents too, I knwo she's getting more today....gah! :)

Isn't it funny, even after being in your 30s you still have to sit at the kid table? :)

Have a wonderful new year and please tell Colleen I said hello and give Marcus a squeeze for me! Let's get together again when things settle down!

[lawful-evil.livejournal.com]

Welcome back.

We have some gifts for the little guy and a bunch of cloths to return. We should get together sometime.