Two Breaks Too Quickly

This year is the first year that I've had the fourth of July off since I entered the work force. Not only did I have the fourth off, I had the third as well. So the bf and I embarked on a quest to Maine. This was the first meeting of his mother.

The best way to describe the experience was surreal. I enjoyed myself... we chased the ducks, went strawberry picking and I finally learned how to play poker. His mom is nice, but I'm glad I was warned about some of her... quirks. One of the first things I heard out of her mouth was whining. Actual whining, like a child. The night before we left, she came downstairs and told us we had to go to bed. And to complete the paradox, the next morning she asked why we weren't living together. It was as if she cannot assign a role to her son; first he's a position where he is whined at, like a friend or even a parent, then a young child to be scolded for stay up past midnight, to an adult son who can provide grandchildren.

Her behavior to us wasn't the only strange behavior either. On the surface her relationship with her husband, bf's step-father, seems fine. They seemed almost happy... as if it was put on for my benefit. Although, it could be more for their's. The feeling in the whole place was one part content and one part dreary. There's more there that I have yet to identify. Seeing this, however, I think was good for our relationship though. My will to make him happy is further strengthened. He deserves it, more than anyone I know. That is not to say that his mother and stepfather don't, but they seem to have accepted their lives as is. I want more for him than that.

Closely followed by this event was my move two days later. My co-worker and his friend helped me move. It was really funny tying my mattress, bed and box spring all to the roof of the friend's car. Though all my things got moved, I didn't get a chance to thank them for their help, due to my his grandfather's sudden death. He seemed to not be bothered by it, but I still didn't know how to respond. Er, thanks for helping me move, sorry for your loss? I believe he's still north of the border, but I'll see him tomorrow.

I discovered upon moving that I have another roommate. A guy from Belfast. I have no idea what his name is. He talked a lot, but his name wasn't something he mentioned. Nice enough guy, but really strange. I'm sure there will be a lot of stories about him to follow.

The few days I spent at work were actually good. My drawer has been good enough that they aren't going to make me count my drawer... I think I will anyways. After counting it a few times, there were A LOT of clerical errors that made the drawer off, but after some digging the reasons were discovered. I don't think anyone took anything any more... I think it was just human error, and not my own. I'm not entirely sure I want to leave, now that I'm about to qualify for my insurance and other benefits. While I don't want to stay there for a long time, I think sticking this out for a while will help me with my I-feel-like-I'm-running-away-from-everything issue.

After this decent less-than-a-week at work, I had my RTO. We were supposed to go to NYC, but plans fell through. It was kind of funny that this was also The Weekly Dig's "Staycation" issue. Bf knew that I was kind of bummed, but made up for it on Friday (the first day of my staycation). I babysat for his friend's 10 month old in the am... and he surprised me with a visit during this. He completely blew off work and we spent the whole day walking around the parks in the area, the Boston suburbs, found a farm and got some yummy cherries, visited a cemetery (yes, a weird hobby of mine... it has to do with history), got some ice cream and just had a really pleasant day. It really meant a lot to me. He has so much work to do, that it was actually a big deal for him to take the whole day off to spend with me. I'd say that day was on par with the day I walked the Great Wall.

The second day of my staycation was spent doing convention related things. It was a general meeting and then dinner with a bunch of great people who I haven't seen in a couple months. I'm really grateful for the chance to have worked with these folks (esp. where a few of them helped me completely change my life) and I've now got a chance to do more for the con.

The last day was spent with my grandma and mom. I brought them to the south end and the Cathedral of the Holy Cross. I believe this is the first time I've been to mass in 3 years. It was nice though, the church was gorgeous (architecture and graveyards are actually RELATED hobbies). Then I got to spend the rest of my break with the bf.

All in all, I had a great time and all within the confines of the greater Boston area. Eventually I'll get a weekend in NYC, but I had a good time right here at home. After getting two mini vacations in a row, I'm well-rested and ready to take on work in a couple hours. I actually have a positive out-look right now. I hope it lasts a while.