The Purposeful Vacation

This weekend, I made plans to head back to Austin for graduations; more specifically, the graduation of two female friends of mine whom I've known since freshman year at UT, and for one of my mentees.

It almost didn't happen. I initially was supposed to be down here Friday afternoon, since the mentee's graduation was first thing Saturday morning. I had my entire day planned out the night before: pick up my paycheck, get a haircut, then come back, grab my already packed bags, and head to the ATX.

It almost didn't happen. The last bus out to Austin would leave at 5:30 Friday evening. I had completed all my errands by 4:15-ish and simply needed to buy phone time before heading back home. I get a text message from my mother around this time asking where I am. She says she could give me a ride if I need one. I am of course very happy to oblige. She comes to pick me up, and then, on the way back home, says, "I don't think the weather's safe to travel." My baby sister's riding in the front seat with her; she, as well, turns to me and says, "[My nickname], what happens if the bus crashes? You should just stay here." We get home. I don't realize fully until it's 5:20 that my mother's serious about not bringing me to the bus station. I'm frustrated and angry. I'm so defeated that I almost don't even want to go anymore.

It almost didn't happen. I resolved to do what I've become accustomed to doing, and simply "handle my business myself." I made plans to catch the first bus Saturday morning to Austin at 7:30 AM. Initially, I intended to stay up all night to ensure I wouldn't miss the bus that would take me to the bus station. But... of course, I fell asleep. I woke up fully at about 11 AM, by which time, two buses to Austin were already gone, and a third would be heading out at exactly 11:30 AM. I did what I could to roll with the punches, get myself cleaned up and together, and repack my bags so I could make the 3:30 bus into the city. I'm not fully ready until about 2:15 (because, yes, I dilly-dallyed on facebook and twitter a little bit); but it just so happens that my stepfather gets home around this time. He offers to give me a ride to the bus stop I must take to the station. I get there just in time... reach the station just in time to catch the bus... and at 7 PM sharp, I'm in the city of Austin again.

It's a much needed vacation that almost didn't happen. I'll be here until Monday morning, at which point I have to head back to Houston to report for work. Hopefully, I'll get to make the Sunday graduations, catch up with my mentee, and maybe even handle certain business with a lady friend (along the lines of a confessional? hmm...). Along the way, I hope to see some familiar faces, UT students and such. Not too many, though. I admittedly fear that I'll run into some people who I really DO want to see, but whom I know if I see them, I'll feel horrible because I don't whether or not I'll be back in the Spring. This whole semester has taught me not to take things for granted or make assumptions. It's great to be back in Austin, but also bittersweet. It feels like a tease, but God willing, it's not. God willing, it's just a preview of what's to come in 2010.

A possible part two updating you all on what happened while I was in Austin, coming soon...