At first thought when considering this last month I felt it was uneventful, which is far from the truth. Most likely it was my first response as the time has been positive, the events mostly happy; life has been amazingly rewarding.

Ashleigh has kept me extremely busy but happy. I can’t get over how exhilarating yet how exhausting she can be. The last months have been emotional as she knew she’d be leaving after Christmas, but we jammed as much fun and excitement into each day that we could.

For weeks Ashleigh talked of celebrating her birthday at Hooters, and while I explained to her a party there wouldn’t be a hit with most kids’ mothers, we did make it there ourselves. It was hard to take pictures because I was laughing so hard but the best part was when they had her get on the stool and do the Chicken Dance (a short video can be found on my MySpace profile). That’s what being a parent is all about!

We made it the zoo the two days before Christmas (two days only because the first “day” didn’t start until 4PM because I got a little distracted). Mostly we watched the gorillas and rode the Skyfari but I really didn’t care because Ashleigh was having fun. (more zoo pictures)

Christmas came and went in a flurry of wrapping paper and twist-tied toy packaging. Ash received plenty of Barbie goodies, and my room is still covered in glitter from her make-up set. We spent some time at her uncle’s but the toughest part was when she left the day after. She’ll be in Texas with her dad until late May or early June, something which will take a bit to get used to. I don’t doubt I’ll fill my time with work and the gym, maybe even a hint of a social life, but damn, this place sure is quiet without her around. That, and I’ve found myself seeking out conversation with others, no longer discussing and debating daily life with Ash. Now, if I can stay out of trouble, all should go well.

And now, me. I am determined to enjoy my days, and do what pleases me for a bit. Of course, I started out with a bang and splurged on a nice hair style and color at a local studio. To top it off, I found picked me up a new pair of glasses, long overdue. Not that I’ll wear them everyday, but now I’m not required to deal with contacts on the lazy days. So here’s me with a new look, but definitely still the same fiery me.

For more pictures of December, check out the gallery.

The roommates are already blowing the noisemakers downstairs and the new year is still five hours away. With all the alcohol I gave for Christmas presents in this household we should be good to go. Since I’m running a little late on well wishes, may everyone have damn fine new year. Another year, another year to explore and enjoy!

I could stand around the kitchen, leaning against the white tile, teeter tottering back and from counter to counter, discussing anthropology with my newest roommate for hours. Focusing on a summary of a Kathy Reichs books is not so entertaining. My mind is busy, body worn out and exhausted, yet my toes tap endlessly, continually fidgeting. The last week or so has been exciting, boring, frustrating and exhilarating all wrapped into the same time frame. It’s enough to leave me wrapped tight in a comforter on the couch, huddled while watching the twinkling Christmas lights, attempting to hide from the full moon sneaking upon me, brightening the sky as if in warning.

Of the nifty, nasty and dreadful I am thrilled to report the long lost Jay I was looking for a few years ago (and oddly enough a couple weeks ago), has been found. Actually, he found me and soon as I sent my number we’ve been talking on the phone regularly. I can’t even begin to describe how comforting it is to talk to a friend like it’s only be a couple days since that last conversation, not eleven years. Most amazing is how little Jay has changed and that we can be as honest and real with each other as in prior years. Sure, now we’re talking of children, college, but the friendship is still kicking ass and that well, it rocks.

Classify it as you wish, but my actions this last week have been quite sporadic, and pretty much nonsensical. I have been extremely forward in my dealing with others, saying exactly what I want, no hesitation (ok, a teeny bit). Perhaps it is my impatience, my desire for results now, not next week or next month. Possibly, I’m simply tired of sitting around wondering what others think, pondering possibilities and considering when I get to breathe a little bit of enjoyment into my chaotic life. No matter, I’ve been left questioning if this boldness is really me or mania talking. The unknown always shakes my stance momentarily, but I’ll continue with what seems to be the appropriate actions until some form of a conscience says otherwise.

My life never ceases to be interesting and I am grateful for the constant change; a stagnant existence would not be an existence.

“I’ve done the vilest things - the foulest things - but I’ve done them… superbly.” -June Miller, Henry & June