Regular Life

When I wrote the first in this series, I was tired and didn’t feel like getting up to dig around in closets, and pulling book titles from thin air is not easy for me.
During my time earning an English degree, I was handed syllabi with a wide variety of literature — some old, some new. [...]

(Note: Readers of “Apartment Life Returns” may now read Part Nine, which takes us very near the end of the story)
I’ve made casual remarks about movies, books, music, and television series here and there. Although there are several of each that appeal to most people, choices can be intensely personal. Two people who get along [...]

Monday was not kind.
I’ve decided a quick recap with minimum commentary would be best. Come along, won’t you? (all times Central):
Report to work at 1:00 a.m. (after napping for about two hours) for planned cut-over to new servers for one of our products.
All’s well on the workfront. Leave at 4:30 a.m. to go home and [...]

There’s something liberating about posting in the middle of the day instead of after midnight. And timely.
Lately, Ben’s obsession has been babies. He told us a few weeks ago that he has a baby sister named Sarah. At first he pretended that his blankie was Sarah, but just this morning he cast his small bean-bag [...]

I first noticed the cup on the right back in June, 2006. It didn’t surprise me that it could hang on during one of the worse droughts north Texas has seen in decades. Since then, however, we’ve seen many heavy rains of significant duration. Gulley-washers, even. No, better make that toad-stranglers.
I’m reminded of a line [...]

(NOTE: Readers of “Apartment Life Returns” get a new chapter that ramps up the action)
Alvis brought his son A over on Saturday night while his wife and mine went to see a local high school’s stage production of “Footloose.” Shannon said it was one of the best shows she’s seen, and it was only $7.
At [...]

(Note: Things are tightening up in “Apartment Life Returns,” with Part Seven now ready)
A couple weeks ago, the doomsday clock got moved up two minutes. Scientists who study Armageddon (not that ridiculous movie) say that we have 120 fewer seconds to live on this planet.
I choose to look at it as a glass half-full scenario. [...]

I hate to post things that already have made the rounds, but this seemed to fit the theme some of us are batting around the comments areas lately. Plus, if you haven’t seen it, you might enjoy it.
25 SIGNS YOU HAVE GROWN UP
25. Your houseplants are alive, and you can’t smoke any of them.
24. Having [...]

I resisted posting possible slogans for this store. Any suggestions?
The picture above is a perfect example of having the camera handy at all times.
Ben and I were on our way back from the in-laws’ house. He had napped there while I met with folks about our upcoming but still nascent Lone Star Shindig — the [...]

(Note: Readers of “Apartment Life Returns” may now click here to read Part Six.)

Friday I got a call from Alvis, letting me know that an old friend of ours, herein called “B,” was visiting family nearby. B is the one who knew Alvis and me before we knew each other, and for the first few [...]