By Hello Sputnik

On Friday, I skipped the normal pizza and beer night at work. Instead, I left a little early and drove myself to John Wayne Airport in Orange County for a weekend getaway. My destination: Seattle. Read on »

Today I’m driving to Louisiana to visit my grandma for a little while before I run off to California. I believe the last time I saw her was when I became editor of the newspaper, almost two years ago. It’ll be good to see her, even if just for a short while. I’m coming back Tuesday afternoon because I’ve still got so much to do before I leave, including a dry run of packing my car. After doing some organizing last night, I’m a little worried that I might not have enough room for everything.

I felt a great disturbance in the Force, as if millions of voices suddenly cried out in terror and were suddenly silenced. -Obi Wan Kenobi

After my dad kicked my butt in tennis this morning, he put me to work. There were lots of errands to run today. First, we loaded up all the recyclables from the house, including yesterday’s grass clippings. On the way to the recycling center, we stopped by this house where the Loveland Public Library stores books for its annual booksale. We loaded several bags full of books into the car. To my horror, I learned they were also going to the recycling center. It was like a knife to the heart. My dad explained that they are either in bad condition or they just have too many copies already. Well, most of them looked fine to me. I really wanted to see what was in the bags, but I resisted.

At the recycling center, I was given the job of emptying the bags into the giant bin. My heart was heavy as I dumped probably a hundred books out. I couldn’t help reaching inside to pick up novels with interesting covers, or spreading them out a bit to see what was getting thrown away. A bright orange cover caught my attention. I knew it instantly. Zorba the Greek. Easily one of the best books I’ve read in years. I picked it up and showed it to my dad. He asked if it was one I’d been looking for. I said no, I already own it, but it is one of my favorites. He sympathized. I admitted to myself that there was not much I could do with the book except give it away, which I’ve already done a couple times. I tossed it back in the bin. My dad tried to comfort me by saying that all the paper goods get recycled and made into a new kind of home insulation that’s more eco-friendly. I had hoped they’d be recycled and used to make paper for new books. Oh well.

I walked over to the car, never looking back.

Guess he’d rather work out where
The only thing you earn is what you spend
In the end I’m in his office
In the end a quiet cough is all he has to show
He lives in New York City
- John Denver

I’m in Colorado visiting Dad and Jody this week. Harry and Kathleen are supposed to be getting here sometime on Wednesday.

Today is Labor Day, which means I spent the afternoon helping my dad mow the lawn at Jody’s aunt and uncle’s place. We also fixed a leaky pipe in their sprinkler system. I ran a couple miles this morning, but other than that, it’s been a fairly lazy day. I get to watch the U.S. Open while I’m off work this week, so I’m happy about that. A little while ago, I saw Agassi win his match. Makes me want to play. (Dan, you up for a game sometime when I get back?)

I’m just so sleepy right now. I realize I’ve had an active day, but I think something to do with the thinner air up here makes me want to take a nap all the time. I’m off to find a pillow!

Last night I saw Open Water at the dollar-fifty theater with my friend Jason. It was a nice distraction and actually pretty good. Freaky, though. Let’s just say I’m not itching to go diving anytime soon.

On Saturday, I’m flying off to Colorado for a week’s vacation. I’m looking forward to the cooler weather. Though it’s only about 70 degrees in Houston today, we all know that won’t last.

When I return on Oct. 23, I’m gonna go see Damien Jurado, whose music I have enjoyed since, what? 1997? Should be cool. The next night, my brother, James, will be swinging into town with Dillinger Escape Plan, with whom he’s currently touring as a replacement guitarist. They’re one of his favorite bands and he’s having a great time on the tour so far. Plus, he found out he’ll be touring Europe with them in November as well. Must be rough.

Anyway, I think I’m gonna try to knock out some work now.