the joys (and pains) of family

Well, I finally have a quiet moment and there’s no worry someone will try to be calling on the phone line, so here I am.

Long day, but I think now that the service is over we can all relax a little. The service was a good. Grandpa, his love for his family and his strong faith in God were honored today. I learned new things and have a new respect for a man that these last few years had me struggling to understand. He was a good man. And a feisty stubborn one, but that’s a trait that’s been passed on to most of us, so we can’t complain.

Most importantly, I got to say goodbye. (By the way, my nervousness about the open-casket style of funeral was unfounded. He looked good and spiffed up in his suit and so peaceful… it was a great memory for me to take with me, rather than memories of how sick he’s been the last few years. My nervousness about singing was a bit founded… I struggled through the first verse, but sang it strong the second time through, thank God for repeats).

It’s been awesome being with my cousins this past few days, especially the ones I grew up with when I lived down here. Whenever I’m visiting, it’s like I have an older brother (David, 30 last week) who torments me (sneaking up on me, tickling my feet, smacking me for no reason, and teasing me mercilessly) and two little sisters who want to be just like me. I don’t have any cousins close to home, so when we’re together, we really have a good time. We’re still laughing at Beavis and Butthead impressions that Kevin and David had me busting up over three years ago. It’s just nice to fit. To have a broader circle of people who, when they walk out the door, call out a “love you,” as they’re leaving. When I look at all these different pieces of my family, I see pieces of myself in them… not just resemblance-wise, but in personality, expressions, laughter, all of it. It really is home.

What’s been really bad is that I’ve picked the Southern back up into my accent. It only takes a day for me, and I’m saying things like “Let me grab that for ya right quick,” and “Howdy, whatcha know?” I felt even more at home when Dave and I busted out some lemon juice, mixed it with salt, and sipped it down. (Normally, i like eating a real lemon, but you make due with what you’ve got). When you’re with family, the weird becomes normal.

It’s been so meaningful just to have everyone be there for each other. (There are a few, like in any family, that have been pains in the #58, but for the most part everyone has really pulled together.) These are the situations where you realize just how good you have it, to be part of a family like this. It’s going to be hard to come home so quickly. Somehow, I’m looking forward to my own bed rather than this couch…
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In other news, due to recent events, I think I’m going to enter into a new phase of my life soon. Relationship? Nah. Well, sort of.

When I return home, househunting begins. Yes, I am sick of throwing away money on rent and am, barring some major craziness, going to start the process of buying my very first house. I’ve been thinking about it for a while, hating burning money on rent, but never thought it was a possibility for a young unmarried type. However, my aunt, a real estate lender, pre-qualified me tonight (apparently I’m not as hopeless as I thought) and we talked about my options. It sounds crazy, but I’ll actually be paying less than I do in rent, for more space. And a backyard. And, eventually, once I’m settled, a big ol’ dog. (YES!) So we’ll see what happens. This is pretty exciting. The thought of moving for the 13th time in six years is a bit daunting (and this will finally involve the long-awaited move of my piano from the folks house to mine), but the thought of being settled for a while and painting and decorating is awful nice too. Kevin is excited too… he’ll rent from me. All the benefits of a house without him being tied down. No worries for him.

Anyhow, that’s my day. Peace out boy scout. (I’m a bit tired, can you tell??)

Countdown to BoiseBash: T minus two days…