I'm back from vacation, and it seems like getting away for a few days was exactly what I needed. I feel a lot more relaxed and refreshed, and as we head into the 4th quarter (the busiest time of the year for us folks in the game industry), I'm finding it easier to keep my focus on the tasks ahead.

Spending time with the family was great. I talk to my stepfather a few times a week, but Mom and I barely talk at all - she's just not really a phone person, so our conversations tend to be limited to a few oft-repeated phrases with no real substance. But in person, she's the complete opposite, chattering away and filling me in on all the latest family gossip. She kept asking when I was moving back, and I kept trying to explain to her that I didn't really have any intention of doing so, but I don't think she believes it. Oh well.

Dad and Jan seem to be doing just fine with their new living arrangement. Dad likes to pretend that he hates the new furniture and that Jan gets on his nerves, but he seemed to be in much better spirits than when he lived alone. He purchased the vacant lot next door to him, to prevent anyone else from moving in and pissing him off, and has busied himself clearing it out so that he can build a garage for all the "toys" they've accumulated. They're trying to get rid of the Camaro and one of the bikes, but that still leaves the RV, two other bikes, a boat, and I can't even remember what else.

I also had the opportunity to spend time with a lot of folks over the course of my stay. Some of them had made a point to stay in touch while I was gone, and others I hadn't spoken to very often since May, but it was still nice to see everyone and get caught up on things. Poker Night was particularly entertaining, with everyone playing one of the most ridiculous drinking games I've ever seen, and Bart and I singing a drunken "Rock Band" duet on the Chili Peppers' "Give It Away," pictures of which are terribly embarrassing and should not be seen...

I'm back from vacation, and it seems like getting away for a few days was exactly what I needed. I feel a lot more relaxed and refreshed, and as we head into the 4th quarter (the busiest time of the year for us folks in the game industry), I'm finding it easier to keep my focus on the tasks ahead.

Spending time with the family was great. I talk to my stepfather a few times a week, but Mom and I barely talk at all - she's just not really a phone person, so our conversations tend to be limited to a few oft-repeated phrases with no real substance. But in person, she's the complete opposite, chattering away and filling me in on all the latest family gossip. She kept asking when I was moving back, and I kept trying to explain to her that I didn't really have any intention of doing so, but I don't think she believes it. Oh well.

Dad and Jan seem to be doing just fine with their new living arrangement. Dad likes to pretend that he hates the new furniture and that Jan gets on his nerves, but he seemed to be in much better spirits than when he lived alone. He purchased the vacant lot next door to him, to prevent anyone else from moving in and pissing him off, and has busied himself clearing it out so that he can build a garage for all the "toys" they've accumulated. They're trying to get rid of the Camaro and one of the bikes, but that still leaves the RV, two other bikes, a boat, and I can't even remember what else.

I also had the opportunity to spend time with a lot of folks over the course of my stay. Some of them had made a point to stay in touch while I was gone, and others I hadn't spoken to very often since May, but it was still nice to see everyone and get caught up on things. Poker Night was particularly entertaining, with everyone playing one of the most ridiculous drinking games I've ever seen, and Bart and I singing a drunken "Rock Band" duet on the Chili Peppers' "Give It Away," pictures of which are terribly embarrassing and should not be seen by anyone.

All in all, I'm glad I had the opportunity to go back. No telling when I might get the next chance - the next few months should be pretty busy, and money is going to tighten up while I pay off a couple of outstanding bills and try to save up a bit of a nest egg. Maybe sometime in the spring. I also wouldn't be opposed to folks from back east coming out here to the desert for a few days to hang out. *hint*

In other news, it's time to stop slacking off and start getting back into the habit of eating better and hitting the gym more often. Starting today, I'm banning all fast food from my diet (except Subway), cutting my drinking back to Thursday nights ONLY, and exercising AT LEAST three days a week. I'm also going to use my blog as a means of charting my progress, since the last time I did that it helped me to maintain my focus and stay on the right path. So without further adieu, it's time for today's weigh-in.

October 1st. 236.8 pounds.

Are you fucking kidding me?! I've gained ten pounds since I moved out here. Unacceptable. I've got some work to do.