Birthday walk to remember

Today was special for several reasons. First, it was my 26th birthday (wow! 26!) Second, the high-speed internet *finally* got setup at the house. Still waiting on the wireless router (for full mobility in the house) and the microphone/headset (to use skype), but I checked email from the comfort of my sofa in the living room! Third, Carolina beat N.C. State in football, even though they were a 10-point underdog and the game was in Raleigh. Go Tar Heels!

Fourth, I went to the supermarket. Yes, that is special. According to the supermarket staff and signage, they have a free shuttle that takes its customers back to their homes. Last week, and the week before last, I took the Supercentre shuttle home with no problem. For some reason, though, today it decided to cease running one hour early. So Kevin and I arrived at 6:15, shopped until 7:05, and then rolled the "trolley" ("buggey", or simply shopping cart) outside to await the shuttle's return. At 7:50, after it had rained twice, we decided we would give up and walk home. Not too bad, except (1) it is a 35-min, uphill walk home, and (2) I bought a 5kg / 11lb bag of sugar that we had to carry in addition to everything else!

Needless to say, my arms and hands were pretty tired when we made it back home! Lesson learned: get to the store EARLY and do not count on the shuttle running its full schedule!