I woke up at 10:00am; Eric around 11:00am. The first thing I have to say about New Year's Day was how fabulous it was to be in the warmth. New Year’s Eve was nice and warm, too. People at the party last night were complaining about how cold it was, but I just smiled. It was so nice and warm in South Carolina the entire week, and when we got back to San Diego yesterday, it was even warmer. You can’t imagine how much it means to me, how happy it makes me. It really makes life a lot better for me.
I was feeling very lazy and there was a MONK marathon on TV today, so I knew I wouldn’t be going out, or getting much done. I unpacked and put everything back. Having done the laundry in SC made it a lot easier, since most of the clothes just went back in the drawers and closet. I also had to blog for yesterday, which was a real challenge, since it was probably the longest day we’ve had in a LONG time.
Eric watched an episode of MONK with me, then went out to work on the RV and the PT. While I watched more MONK, worked on the computer and took a nap, he washed and vacuumed the PT, started the generator and engine of the RV and flushed the tank. You know Eric – Mr. Maintenance. It is very important to do keep the RV in good shape, because things start to deteriorate when you’re not using it. Since it doesn’t get cold here, he doesn’t need to winterize the RV, which means he has to periodically start everything up to keep it working well.
When I woke up from my nap it was dark outside, and Eric returned a few minutes later. I had a pretty bad headache, which is very unusual for me. I took a few Advils and turned on more MONK. I love these marathons, because I can’t get enough of that show!
I forgot to mention one more thing about the fine people of Columbia, South Carolina: They love to eat out! It was something that Eric and I noticed, because all the restaurants were really busy all the time. The Japanese place, Yamato, was packed on Christmas Eve. I mentioned that we had to wait to get a seat at Denny’s on Christmas Day. The Cracker Barrel was crazy the two times we were there, and we went by once and it was so busy we just went someplace else.
FATZ was crazy busy and CARRABBA’S was, too. I even mentioned to a hostess at one of the restaurants that we were so surprised at the crowds. I asked if it was always like this. She said that it was, but it was even worse because it was a holiday week.
I don’t really remember restaurants in NY being especially crowded around the holidays, but maybe they were and I just didn’t notice. I always thought the holidays were more about staying home with your family. Not in Irmo and Columbia! Eric said, “I thought everyone here stayed home and cooked that good, Southern cookin’!” I said, “You’d think so, yet we have seen in the last week that we definitely have something in common with them. We love to eat out, too!”
We didn’t eat out today on New Year’s Day. We had breakfast (grits for Eric; cereal for me), and I just snacked for lunch. I had done the food shopping yesterday, so I made a big salad for dinner. I bought some garlic vinaigrette dressing and was very excited to try it. It doesn’t take much to make me happy! I used black beans with the mixed greens, which is the newest addition to my salads. They’re healthy and add protein! I also added shelled edamame, which is so delicious. I had some gorgonzola cheese, so we crumbled a little in there, too.
After dinner we watched an episode of MONK co-starring his real-life wife, Brooke Adams. This is the first episode she was in; there was another in a later season. I thought Eric would particularly enjoy this one, because it is about Monk solving a murder while he’s on his first plane trip. He’s REALLY nervous about flying, which Eric can relate to. It was very funny. Garry Marshall co-starred in it, too, as well as Tim Daly, who played himself. Great episode!
By 9:00pm Eric was ready for bed. I wasn't surprised as he worked hard today and didn't take a nap. I paid some bills and organized my desk.
I’m excited and scared about the agency calling me for work. I really want to go back to work – to be a productive member of society – but I’ve gotten into a very bad habit of waking late, being on my own schedule, and spending my days with Eric. I want to work. I really do. I just hope they don’t call tomorrow!