Catch up.

I picked up the "15 random things" post from Jenn's blog, but I realize I have a lot of things I should summarize here. It won't be terribly pretty because it's mostly notes for myself. An abbreviated journal entry, we'll call it:


1. After Dad passed away, Kristy, David, Nathan, Micah and I drove down to Texas in Mama Anne's van. Viewing Sunday night. Funeral Monday morning. Driving home again Tuesday morning. It was good to be with family and go through the grieving process together. I also enjoyed seeing so many  people from my past. Golly, I know a lot of people in McKinney. Good people, too. I have no desire to live in Texas again, but I'll always be happy to visit. The funeral was very nice, and surprisingly religious. I guess I shouldn't be surprised by that, but it was... surprising. Also surprising was how emotional I was at the viewing. Honestly, I wasn't sure I could go in. It was more than my feeble mind felt ready for. Nevertheless, I went in. I certainly didn't want any regrets. How surreal to see your own father in a casket. I was (and am) terribly concerned for Kathryn who couldn't join us. I can't imagine processing this level of loss alone.


2. I went to China to see Kathryn and her fam. NEVER FLY AIR CHINA. My bags were delayed two days getting to China and two days getting home. I missed a flight and they were a pain to reschedule with. It was a nightmare.  The trip overall was fantastic. Mostly, I just sat around with Kathryn and her two babies. It was exactly what I needed in a vacation. I hope it was exactly what they needed too. I'm sad that they are so far away. I hope I get to go visit again soon. (See pictures on Kathryn's blog.)


3. I BOUGHT A HOUSE. Monster House in Spanish Fork. We're so happy to finally be in a place of our own. Honestly, I thought it would feel different. It's not that different, yet. You sign a contract, just like renting. You pay a huge chunk up front, just like renting. You have to move all your boxes and unpack all your belongings, just like renting. Moving is a pain in the butt, just like renting.  Someday, I'm sure it will feel different.  Perhaps when something breaks and I have to pay to fix it, or when we paint a room just because we can, or when we finally  pick the furniture we want to own instead of using the hand-me-downs we got for wedding presents. I'm not holding my breath. I'm just glad we have a place to call home and that home is so close to so much family.


4. I should get it in writing now that I don't want Kara's job. I work as a Legal Assistant for the General Counsel of one of the largest home automation companies in the country. Kara is his Executive Assistant.  Following my two-week trip to China, Kara is in Europe for two weeks. I am taking over Kara's responsibilities, and I do not love it. In case Kara leaves and Nathan needs a replacement... I do not want Kara's job.


I think that's it for now. Did I miss anything?