Happy ChrisHannaKwanzika
After receiving my approved leave papers around 0930 Wednesday, I checked out of my barracks and headed home. I started off with good time (I made it to I-64 around 1000) and got stuck in the usual horrible-Virginia traffic. I was really dreading the drive through Pennsylvania from past experiences, but I must say the drive through the mountains was much more relaxing than Virginia. Since there are no tolls throughout Virginia, it caught me a bit off-guard when I had to shell-out $10 when I got off of Pennsylvania’s turnpike, which I had to use nickles and dimes (who the hell doesn’t take credit cards these days???) thankfully the ticket booth employee was not only in good spirits but had a swell sense of humor. The rest of the drive was quite splendid, even surprisingly smooth throughout Ohio.
The get-together at the pop’s was pretty laid back and simple. He made some chronic Coquito (which I might have to bring a bottle or two back with me), and got me a 6pack of Guiness and a neat little bottle of Jameson. Someone also managed to pull off a really nice car-kit by Armour All (apparently they were unaware of how anal I am about the cleanliness of my car, so it was by far an awesome gift). The old-people’s gathering was nice and relaxed as well, got to see the little cousins (they’re an absolute fucking trip. Should’ve heard him going “He’s Alex the Sailor Man, toot toot!”, it was too fucking adorable), poor sammy couldn’t wear his athletic shorts on account of his over-metabolism (the kids a blessed stick) and joey just could not manage to do anything without his robotic claw.
After watching the game up at Ziggy’s and having a few pints I managed to pull off getting horribly flu-like sick on the way back to my pop’s. Was completely knocked out in excruciating pain all night, but I oddly bounced-back this morning with just a minor ear-ache. Was in well enough shape to make the trip out to my ma’s in Willard (even in the blizzard) to spend one last night and enjoy the little siblings before I have to take the long-trek back to VA Beach (ugh).