Yes, I'm still here . . .
I know . . . it's been a long time. I'm still alive.
My trip to Seattle was just what I wanted and expected - I will be fighting to keep it in my annual plans, if only for a break away from all the other insanity that surrounds me.
That idea of me moving I talked about as a goal for the end of the year? Not so sure that'll happen. Housing prices aren't in my favor and I ended up having to move again (and unexpectedly) a couple months ago. I cannot express how much I really want to be done packing up and moving my stuff, period. I'm seriously considering settling in for a year or two at the current place - it's a house and I'm good friends with the owner, who wants and is very comfortable with me continuing as a housemate.
The commute to work leaves something to be desired, but it might just be the thing to help me get in better physical shape - I've invested in a good-quality bike and am determined to use it as an option, where feasible, in place of my car. There's enough places nearby - restaurants, shopping, bike trails - that the only reason I'd have to use my car is because I'm hauling stuff or people that I can't do on a bike. Mostly, it boils down to that old Nike slogan: Just do it. (Let's not talk about how well I can procrastinate on things.)
Work continues to be a source of major stresss - being told by supervisors that you're expected to fake happiness/positivity/enthusiasm until you truly are a happy/positive/enthusiastic person is . . . I don't think words can adequately describe my thoughts about it. I'm certainly trying, and partially succeeding, but getting it to a point of complete success? I have my doubts. (Yes, the informal job hunt has begun as well, though I'm not crossing my fingers on that, either.)
On to summer. Bring on the triple-digit temps - I have good working A/C. Mr. Bright Sunshine at 5am and 10pm can stay behind my blackout curtains - I like darkness. And take a vacation? *shrugs . . . maybe a night or two in a hotel somewhere, but my vacation is already on the calendar for 2017.