As I sit here writing, there is a load of laundry in the washer and another in the dryer. I have my bed sheets ready to wash. Half of my clothes are packed in my bags. I’ve started gathering my stuff to leave my apartment in Austin to head back to Mission, Texas. In case you are just jumping into this blog, I am currently working as a Legislative Aide at the Texas State Capitol. I’ve been here since January while the Texas Legislature is in session. I started to document my work here at another blog, Session 80. Some concerns were raised, so I decided to mention as little about my work as possible since then. On Tuesday night at midnight, it will all be over and I can go home to my family.
There are just today and tomorrow remaining in the session. Today, the House will meet around 2 PM. Tomorrow, whenever they meet, the House will go until midnight. I expect that there may be some drama on the House floor. If not, I’ll not lose any sleep over it. After that, there will be Sine Die parties all over Austin. I will be attending maybe one or two of those and try to be home around 2 AM. I exorcised my party demon recently, so I’m not really in the mood for too much revelry.
In order not to waste any food, I’ve run out my groceries at the apartment. I just have some beans and rice remaining. I’ve been collecting change in little Glad containers since January; that change will go towards buying me fast food over the next couple days. Most employees at the Capitol get paid at the beginning of the month. I usually get paid two or three days in advance (I don’t know why my direct deposit does that), so I should be fully cashed up for my trip home on Tuesday.
Today, I have been reflecting over everything that has happened in these past months. I’ve wondered if I have changed much through this experience. I suppose I have; but there is only so much that you can expect from a geek. Social things are still awkward for me. Yet, I seem to have gained a confidence about my future, despite not knowing what lies ahead. I’ve come to the realization that if things don’t work for me back home, I’ve got to move to where things work. I suppose I’m more proactive in that sense.
I have plans for my future. I have plans for when I get home. There are things I have to finish that have been on hold. There are people with whom I need to catch up. There are some things in which phone conversations do not compare with face-to-face interaction. I expect that my family, my wife and children, may be a bit different too. Will things be a little awkward or will we pick up where we left off? Because of some commitments I made here in Austin, I was not able to enjoy traveling home on the weekends like other staffers. My last physical encounter with my family was back in Easter.
I am glad that this is all over now. I can go back to a normal life of challenges and aspirations. Laundry is done; time to hang my shirts.
