More of what IT entails...

So, we finished up our round, but not before Alton had to depart our company to pick up a couple of things for the missus. Jeremy and I actually hit quite a few shots, but couldn't quite finish the round before daylight left our company.

We boogied to Alton's house and kinda of chille dout for a bit. Anton [sic] was there, and I got to meet him, get acquainted with Danielle and Cade, and change before departing for another friend's house.

22st Later PM - So we ventured further north of Austin (I don't know exactly where, so don't ask right now) to Tony's house. A nice neighborhood, as we got out of the vehicles, a few house down, James (who I would meet later) beckoned us over. We never quite left his garage, where a heated game of Beer Pong would ensue throughout the cold night. While I could go on and on about all the crazy things inebrieated people do (or don't...), let's just leave it at a couple of choice keywords: projectile, "That's done", peanut oil, spillage, smoke, Legend, Romo, Jeremy & Spoken for Women, Environmentalists, Tasers (no joke, safetly counts!), and hospitality of friends.

23nd - Left Alton's early, hopped onto MoPac and south to big bro's house. Wasn't nearly as far as I thought and very easy to find. Stayed for few minutes, then departed. Interesting, saw a CSI van down by the park, probably investigating a death of some sorts. Sad nonetheless. Stopped to get a bite at Mickey D's, but had to run back because Nelson forgot his wallet. Made good time and mileage to Waco. Mom was receptive, as was Chris and Tayari. Alex was stone cold out from a wedding and Stacy was with her dad. It was nice cathcing up with them. I don't get to see my mom nearly enough, but when I do , it's always nice. The kids are growing up and seem big and strong. Perhaps most telling in this visit was how receptive all the kids were to each other. Often times, I feel like an outsider looking in when I visit with them. I don't blame them, but this time it felt a bit different, a more warm feeling, just more receptive. Nice. I got to play Rock Band, and OMG! Freakin' awesome. When you have four people just going at it, the fun and hilarity of it all just forms this whole ball of fun that rivals almost anything else out there. If you haven't, get out there and try it. Just once at least. You won't be let down. I don't divulge too much about the visit. It was nice all in all. Memories to stay with me.

24th - Onward to home! Had to leave Nelson in Austin, but always, visiting with him is nice. Long and lonely trip home, but keeping the kids in mind gave me motivation to drive safe to see them. Over 500 miles in four days will tire anyone out, and it took a few days to catch up on it, but it was definitely worth it (braggin rights alone is nice...). Christmas Eve was nice; Dylan made an excellent king and the presents weren't too shabby either. Hope you and yours have a wonderful holiday and upcoming new year.

Cheers from South TX,

The Mert

The Holidays and All that IT Entails

I'm damn near speechless, but hey, what fun would that be to you right?

It's been hectic few days, but I think in the end it's been worth it. I've been able to touch base with a number of people, many of whom I have seen or spoken with in over a DECADE. Ten years. Wow. More on that in a bit.

Started on the last day of work. Get out early on the 20th. Short nine hole practice (Thanks Cy!). Played decent, but the guys are slowly getting better. That night, mandatory coaches training in S.A. Not bad, but just peeved as the commish in town didn't see fit to call me when it was held locally, less than two miles from my house. Sign in, take an ugly pic, and sit on a hard assed bench for 90 minutes. I did pick up a few pointers, but all in all, I'm still amazed at the things parents do for thier kids.

21st - Off to Grandma's. 135-ish miles through backwoods (not really, but kinda sorta) and small towns. I took my pal Pope's (or is that Frost?) advice and take a different route. That truly made all the difference that day. My mind stayed more alert, I saw things I hadn't seen before, and discovered a new way to Granny's. Good thing is I'll be back that way soon enough. Visit was good. Caught up on things granny's and grandkids catch up on. Lisa and Ron came on down after work and we went to this awesome seafood joint that rocked (The shrimp was better that Schobel's, according to Lisa).

22nd AM - Off to Austin. Another 135-ish miles, stuck on 71N. All good. Passed up Pope on the way it. I ended up meeting an elementary buddy, Kris. Such a nice boy. He'll make you some tea, bring you a blanket, and even tell you what time is it (I had to get that out of the way, boy). He took me to a local joint, Austin Java. Really good eats and coffee. A bit pricey for this small town boy, but the city boy picked up the tab. That's a genorous guy for you! We mainly reminisced about times passed and moments lost, but for the most part, reestablished what has always been a strong friendship with the affirmation that we won't let it degrade to what it was. Worst part of the visit? Seeing a lady crunch an SUV whilest attempting to park her car. That totally sucks. Second best part? Seeing and being demolished by the ever so loving Kimberly. Maybe I'm not as affectionate as I used to be, but she really knows how to hug. Seeing my Denby couterparts was absolutely awesome and they are now permanently part of the Austin Visit Circuit.

22nd PM - This is where the day get's really long. Had a tee time at Riverside Golf Course at 2:00. Pushing it really close, but hey, I figured, can hit 290 and bogey down, no problems. --WRONG-O!!!--- Apparently, I don't know Austin traffic that well. Traffic was jamming at the intersection with procrastinating shoppers at this shopping center and it really held up traffic. I barely missed my tee time (pulled in at 1:58), but Jeremy was really late, so it wasn't my fault anyways :) . Alton was sipping on some pale ale and smiling as I pulled up. Long story short here: I whipped their ass while playing like caca in the 40+ mph winds. Man, it was windy. Did have a bird though. Alton and Jeremy held their own. Had we set up our wagers to begin with, they would have taken the front side. They would have gotten two strokes a hole. I only beat them by 17. Ouch! I still enjoyed it, and I'd like to believe that amongst all the laughing, cussing, lost ball searches, and prodding to play ready golf, they both had an excellent time.

Next entry: What happened that night. Wow, was that a party. And the adventures northward!

It's been a while, I know...

So at this point, I'm curious how many devoted people have continued to fight the power to quit and continued to stay with this blog.

Yeah, I'm back. Maybe with some more to talk about. It's been a wild year, but even more, things have really changed.

Yeah, okay. You see I'm back. Let me know what you think. And Dad, in case you're wondering, I'm trying to get it squared away.

Cheers,

Mert