perfection and bliss

The weekend was, in short, a complete success. There were no downsides, no off the grid moments, no stress, no anxiety, happy tears but they don’t count. Although I’m starting to get the feeling that next year is going to trump this one in spades, it was alluded to heavily that perhaps at this time next year, we will be doing something even more special. We shall see. It IS traditional, and all.

Friday night we went to bed relatively early – we made it until 11:30 which was impressive. We were both very disturbed to discover that all blockbusters everywhere seem to have disappeared overnight, the horror section in the Kiosks was seriously lacking, and cable tv did nothing to provide entertainment for Friday the 13th. Friday the 13th wasn’t even on, damnit. And the sci-fi channel was showing wrestling. WRESTLING. I realize that it’s fiction, but science fiction? Really? What is the world coming to with ordinary programing? We opted for a movie from my collection instead, and settled on “the reaping”, and watched…oh…I dunno…a third of it. When it was over, we headed for bed.

Saturday started off brilliantly, and sunny – Devon made me breakfast – french toast and bacon, which seriously I think was the best breakfast I ever had. We lounged around all day, and were very studious, even at one point accompanied by a thunderstorm which had fortuitous timing. Love it when that happened. Devon not only volunteered but suggested without any prompting at all that we watch the Phantom of the Opera – I was about ready to call the presses, she does not like Andrew Lloyd Weber, at ALL, and aside from snide remarks throughout the film from both of us (the film does the theatrical performance no justice whatsoever)It rained hard and fast for a few hours, then cleared up to a very nice, cool evening. At 7 we left to meet Leighann, James, Margo and John at Charley’s steakhouse – famous for their aged steaks. Devon had a Margarita – a $17 margarita. Seriously. We hadn’t eaten lunch, not wanting to spoil our dinner, and both of us were starving. Intense studying will do that. Something. The food was good, not sure if it was worth the price (it was a little pricey but not as bad as it could have been). I think the best thing on the table all night was the sourdough bread and creamed butter – oh and James’ drink – they had a tank behind the bar full of Gala Apples, over which they dumped Crown Royal. It was fantastic. I had a tension headache, from what I have no idea. I was pretty miserable but determined by the time I got home. I took some medicine, and we had a dark, quiet candle-lit bath, which was nice. And then stuff, which was nicer. I am finding myself agreeable to discovering things I didn’t know yet – and being able to say “I told you so” with a certain degree of certainty.

Sunday morning we woke up – it being officially beltane, and our anniversary, and lounged around in bed for a time talking and laughing and enjoying the sunlight before making our way to the diner for breakfast (which wasn’t nearly as good as I had hoped). After we got home, we settled in on the couch for a day of movies – we watched the first 3 Harry Potter’s since Devon admitted she had not seen them all, and the final installment is fast approaching. We shared the traumatic, yet strangely bonding experience of giving both of my cats medicine, as, without a single flea to be seen, they both developed worms. I think it was more traumatic for me than her – or either one of the cats. I cried. I really did. And got scratched pretty good. but the girl survived without a mark, and was a real trooper. I was definitely impressed. We discussed the move in more detail and have determined that once I’m in and settled (I’m aiming for the middle of June to be done) She’s going to gradually start bringing her stuff over – she’s going to be there all the time anyway – as she so eloquently stated later “what would I go home for, when all I need is at your/our house?” It really is the perfect location – closer to work for me (well, depending on traffic, usually), and about 10 minutes away from not only her school where she works, but her apartment as well. And a gradual move for her will be a lot less stressful in general, rather than having to do it all at once, and gives her the chance to sort through her things and get rid of the stuff she doesn’t need. I’ve been slowly but surely (but not too vigorously at least until today) weeding through my things, one room at a time – tossing things I no longer want or need. Late last night, it was time to take her home. The ride seemed shorter than usual, and our goodbyes longer. It happens. But I get to see her tonight anyway, so it’s not that big of a deal.

Today was definitely a Monday – work was crazy. The loudmouth is training a temp (and now I actually DO feel bad for calling her that, given certain circumstances in large part to a medical situation she’s going through, but it is true) and that means the balance of the way things work in our department is a little askew. It happens. Add to that the fact that I’m sore, tired and fighting off the packing stress, and it was a day. No more, no less. It’s going to be a much longer day for my dear girl who left work early today to attend a mandatory training class for the position she’s taking over in the fall. I’m picking her up at nine tonight to take her home and stay over there, which will somewhat throw my week out of whack, but it’s worth it – I’m hoping I can get her to eat something before she loses consciousness. Long days, and the nature of her job in general is very draining – and while our weekend WAS relaxing it was also intense and somewhat physically draining. But in a good way.

This also marks the official beginning of wedding madness – her best friend is getting married the first week of August, for which I will be dogsitting in their apartment, and since Devon is the Maid of Honor, a lot of the responsibility is falling on her, including planning, errand running and coordinating with other members of the bridal party. The cruise is fast approaching for them as well – first weekend in June, when I officially start to move in. I imagine the next couple of months, until August are going to be crazy busy for a number of reasons. But it’s all good – we’ll work something out, find a middle ground and take the time to just enjoy each other. It’s worth it. And as she says, I’m a natural stress reliever for her – being around me makes her calmer in general. I find that she has the same cathartic affect. It works out that way.

I officially started round one of packing today – I packed up or tossed everything in my bedroom that I do not use every day except for the stuff on my bedside table, which will require a smaller box. I threw out 90% of the junk that had accumulated in my bedroom closet, packed up my trunk, two boxes of books from the bedroom (smaller bookshelf) along with my video games/systems, and the entire hall bookshelf as well. I have more boxes in the car, and on Wed, I am tackling one of the two remaining closets. Probably the smaller one. The big one kind of scares me. I really want everything I can move by myself that I don’t need daily out of this place the first weekend of June. That only leaves furniture, clothing and the animals to take care of, and it shouldn’t be that big of a trip, really. I think I’m putting a lot more stress on this move, mainly because i hate moving so much, than is due. It should be a rather straightforward and simple process – of course, it never IS….but I’m hoping, all the same.

I’m going to do some more cleaning up, some more trash-tossing and put away my laundry that I never managed to do this weekend.

Peace.