On Sunday night, I arrived home with the Siren and the kids from the beach. Our trial team finished examining the last of the witnesses on Thursday, August 25; the Siren drove the kids out on her own earlier in the week, and I was going to fly out to meet them on Friday.
Irene. What a bitch.
The beach town issued a mandatory evacuation order — not that the Siren needed to be ordered away from a hurricane — and we spent the first three days of our postponed and reduced vacation in a Philadelphia hotel, then had just four and a half days instead of our usual two weeks.
Even though I spent at least half of each day at the beach working — the evidence is in, but we have closing briefs to write before the closing arguments, now scheduled for the end of the month — at least we had a few days together before school started up again. We got home Sunday night, and it was the first time since May 10 that I was coming home and not turning right around again to fly back out west. The kids started school the day after Labor Day, and I spent my first full day at the office in four months. To say I’m disoriented would be an understatement. I assume I will loosen up a bit in the next few weeks, but for now I’m still very tightly wound.
You see, I still haven’t unpacked. I’m not sure I remember how.
The Unfocused Life 
I slept for 8 hours straight last night for the first time in I can’t remember how long. A month? Longer? Anyway, I just re-read this post from last night, and can barely remember writing it.
Before I get too much distance, I’m going to try to jot down some thoughts about the trial, extended business travel, and the miracle and glory of a blank whiteboard (I do love a whiteboard). I’ll probably post them here.
I’m glad you’re back at home…and here!
Thanks. So am I. Still fumbling around with what I’m supposed to DO, but I’ll get there.