I am Kyle's self-indulgence

I have been on the road for over a week now, and thus unable to maintain a steady stream of commentary within this blog. I finally have access to the Internet now, though, so here is a summary of what has happened in the past 9 days.

12/20: Watched all Lord of the Rings Extended DVDs. Was slightly disappointed in added scenes in the third film. Loved seeing Legolas kill Peter Jackson. Couldn't believe wasted entire day on couch watching movies.

12/21: Drove to St. Louis. Gave prescription drugs to dogs to prevent carsickness. Best trip with dogs EVER. Watched stoned dogs while listening to Jimi Hendrix. Laughed a lot.

12/22: Sat around at father-in-law's house while Erika perused reception sites for friend's wedding. Tried to prepare lesson plans for first month of teaching. Still felt utterly unprepared for having own class.

12/24: Visited wife's family in Peoria, IL. Met distant family for first time. Dressed as Santa and distributed gifts to young cousins.

12/25: Christmas at mother-in-law's house. 'Nuff said.

12/26: Used Christmas money and gift cards at mall. Bought Johnny Cash's Murder and Life compilations, among other things. Wondered why didn't start listening to Cash earlier.

12/27: Flew to San Diego to visit sister. Learned rain forecast all week. Finished Soul Survivor on plane.

12/28: Raining. Visited aquarium at UCSD. When rain quit, visited La Jolla downtown area. Spent evening with family, celebrating belated Christmas.