So, here's the deal. I'm going to be in Texas starting Monday next week. That would be the 25th for those of you who are counting on your fingers. I'll be there for quite a spell, or at least longer than I would like.
Amos is coming with me. Phil is staying home. He may or may not visit during a few days of my trip. So, for the most part, I am doing the solo parent thing. I will be helping to take care of my ailing parents. It is an ugly situation that I just don't want to deal with. My father is possibly the most frustrating, irresponsible man I have ever encountered in my life. He asks for my help, then he critiques me on how I apply that help. I could go on and on, but I will spare you my anger and shaking of fists in the air.
My goal while in Texas is to escape the homestead for a period of time everyday. I will try to go to coffeeshops or some such where I can get Internet access and some sense of sanity. Then, I will bombard you with my frustrations and/or silliness. Perhaps I'll throw out a few Utterz, some pics of the great state of Texas and proof that we have a small airplane. How fun for you!
If there is anyone in the San Antonio/ New Braunfels/ San Marcos/ Austin metroplex that would like to play with me one day, please let me know. I'll bring my blocks; you bring your sand bucket. I can't guarantee that I can meet you, but I'll try. If you lure me with wine, then I am more able to show up. Heheh.
Also, if anyone knows of free highspeed Internet locations in that general area, please let me know. I've learned my lesson when it comes to borrowing other people's computers.
I don't know how mobile I will be, as I will be borrowing my dad's truck (ugh). It would be really cool of all of you to yell out support, encouragement, pats on the back, and whatever else you can muster while I am wallowing in the misery of others. I can't stress enough how much I am NOT looking forward to this.
Also, the mighty Allison Scharf is possibly the greatest friend that ever existed for helping me during this trying time. You are exactly the kind of sister I want in my life, and lack of bloodlines between us does not change that. You rock, m'lady. You rock it hard.
Alrighty. That's all. Back to the regularly scheduled program.
Monday, February 18, 2008
Calling all troops
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29 beautiful people muttered something back:
I'm a bit far from the area you are going to be in, however Buffalo Wild Wings is always good for some FREE wireless internet. Free is good.
No wonder I can't remember the dates of your trip. Even when I take my socks off, I run out of digits before I hit 25.
And yes, your dad has officially become the most frustating person alive. Ugh, I says. Ugh.
You are so in my old stomping grounds!!!! I'm about 2 hours South of San Antonio. Hmmmmm.
BW3 is great for free internetz and awesome wings!!
So many awesome places in that area!!
Blessings and good luck to you. We'll be in that situation later this year. The good news is the ailing mother-in-law lives in town. The bad news is she is stubborn as all get out. While she appreciates the help, she resists and mourns the loss of control. I don't blame her at all, but it doesn't make caring for her any easier. I wish you the best. Hang in there.
I would love to get together if you wish. We could rondevous at my parents house in Marion. My house in Cedar Park may be too far for you. We can pick up wifi at my house from the neighbor, my parents do have internet if you needed to use a computer. Let me know and I can email you my number. There are lots of toys here and at my parents house.
Melody - Thanks for that! I looked at the website for Buffalo Wild Wings and think it's pretty nifty. There's one on the northeast side of San Antonio I can go to. I'm not a giant wing fan, but they lure me with wraps, salads, and booze. Not bad at'tall.
Phil "understands" - Yes. And yes.
Rachel - Two hours south is a stretch for me, but I can stick around San Antonio. That buffalo wing place just might be my new hangout. I'm also hoping to find neato independent coffee shops, pie shops, whatever, that do not involve the word "Star" and "Bucks."
Kathy - It's really just a nightmare to become the parent to my parents. I was told today to "cool it down" when it comes to giving the help that was asked for. Yeah. They can stick it, is what I think. My dad is a control freak who has spent his life managing other people. It's not a pretty situation for me to walk into. Argh...
Good luck to you.
Kim - That would be great! Maybe we can have a baby playdate at your folks' house or at one of my Internet stops. Let us exchange info...
You are doing a good thing--- a great thing! And you know what, it's just the way it is, so just bear with it and try to enjoy it. Hey, when its your turn, we can get ornery with Amos, or better yet, Amos' wife! :)
I meant, YOU can get ornery with Amos....
Rachel - Forgot to mention, I will be very close to the New Braunfels area and Seguin. Woohoo! I went to Marion High School, of all places.
Marysmom - Thank you for the kind words. It's just a tough situation. And well, I hope that I am never as cruel and angry as my father. AND I hope that I will be a SPECTACULAR mother-in-law to whoever Amos chooses to love.
Although, there will be days when I am sure I will be ornery... Hahaha.
good luck on your trip i had a similar trip to TX 4 years ago except Mom was well somewhat reasonable for her.
I've found when I travel Panera Bread has WIFI and they are almost as plentiful as starbucks
they have a store locater here http://www.panerabread.com/ and I know when i drove out if Austin last week i saw plenty
sorry for a double post but KONA http://konagod.blogspot.com/ is in Austin as is Freida Bee http://freidabee.blogspot.com/
I did not get a chance to meet either while I was in Austin but feel like I know them both (they are very good people)
i wish you were coming to my stompin grounds :)
good luck with your folks!!
"ugh!" is right. I've been catching up.
I thought your siblings were kicking in with the parental issues also...so hopefully you aren't going to have to deal with all this on your own ?
It's a tough part of life to get through. I hope you'll find some bright light in the middle of all the "ugh".
I'll be thinking of you
I wish I was close enough that I could give you the mental health break you will surely need.
Ugh on the relations that choose not to take care of themselves.
Oh, I was at a Buffalo Wild Wings today. Not only do they have free wifi, the foods are good and this cool trivia game you can play against other people on their network. Pretty cool.
Phil, I have a sister in law that is very frustrating, too. Not as bad as Sarah's dad sounds, though. Bad enough that I want to move away from Florida because I am tired of the neediness.
I hope this link will work for you. It's a good resource:
http://www.wififreespot.com/tex.html
scroll down, look for Texas, click that link then scroll down and look for the locations. Hope you're able to get your geek on while you're out there! Good luck!
Just a quick note, all Hooters in Texas offering free wi-fi. I won't tell you how I know this.
And as previously mentioned, Buffalo Wild Wings has free wi-fi, and if I'm not mistaken, so do some Texas' rest areas. And if you like Bennigan's, I think some of their locations in Texas offer wi-fi.
Aaron and I will be in Austin on March 22nd-23rd, if you're still around then! :-)
Kids, I just want to say this before I go to bed. I'll post more comments tomorrow.
The fact that anyone wishes I would show up at their doorstep instead of where I am headed is a huge hug around my neck. I really appreciate that anyone feels that way about me.
It's a tough road ahead. Thanks for the thoughts. Time to snuggle up with my men.
try to enjoy it even though it will be frustrating.
you could try and ask how your dad wants it done (a pain, i know) but then at least he can't complain, because you'll be doing like he asks?
sorry! i wish i had a better answer, but here's support for you anyway.. rah rah rah!
All the best next week, I hope your Dad doesn't frustate you to much, just and not to let everything get to you.
My thoughts are with you (I don't prey, so my thoughts will have to do).
Hope your trip goes well, and you won't have to be there long. I really hope you find a close internet cafe, you're going to have serious withdrawal symptoms.
Pidomon - Thanks for the links! The Panera Bread in San Antonio is in an area I wanted to go to, so that's darn cool. Thanks for that!
Mojavi - Thank you, sincerely. That's really nice of you to say that. Aw, shucks...
Judy - The sibs have been helping a great deal. Now it is my turn to be the punching bag. Thank ya for the thoughts.
Suzanne - Thank you for your kind words. I'm hoping to have a bit of happiness and sanity by traveling around a bit. Hopefully the folks won't drive me too bonkers. Maybe I can just hold Amos up in front of my face whenever I feel I'm about to shout obscenities. His cuteness sure does cure a lot that ails me.
the macmommy - Thanks! I found that site earlier in the day. There are some interesting spots around that I can use.
Amanda - Thanks, Mander! Although, I doubt I will find out for myself whether or not Hooter's offers WiFi. Heheh.
Dear Binkster, I'm sorry. I can only be of help if you come to Illinois - which I don't recommend for a little while yet, given that it's colder that a well digger's hiney these days. I do have a cousin in New Braunfels, but she sold her bakery a few years ago so she wouldn't be of much help - she spends her winters in Belize, anyway. This is just to let you know I would be more than willing to help, if I could, but I can't, so I won't.
I love Panera! I am in San Antonio and live about 15 minutes from that area, closer to downtown. Unfortunately, I am at work most of the day. But if you ever need a get away, I am always up for a reason to pick up my boy and sneak away...
Ruta Maya is downtown and has wifi.
Well, I actually live here where you live, so hooking up there is remote. But I'd love to ply you with wine to celebrate your return. So let's hook it up sister friend! I'd say have fun, but sounds like fat chance, so come back real soon now! Ya hear?
good luck with the parents...and the siblings...dont forget to get enough "you" time too...take lots of pics!
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