September 11

Reflecting on the changes over the past year...

Family:
+ I now no longer live 2,000 miles away from my family. Now if something happens, there isn't that awful sense of helplessness at knowing I'm too far away to help out.
+ I'm closer to my brother.
+ I've see my family more in this past year than in the ~10 years I was in Colorado.

Friends:
+ While I don't talk to Gina and Claudia that often, I do think of them almost every day. I feel that they are still very much in my thoughts and heart. And I will get my butt back to Colorado for a visit.
+ The circle of friends I had out here before I moved welcomed me into the area. Through them, I've met many more people who have become friends, and more than that.
+ I live with one of the most compatible people I've found. Our quirky "gah, please don't do that" list lines up really well. Thank you, Intarweb (and Joe), for connecting us.
+ Dating. Dating is a lot more fun now than when I was in college.

Animals:
+ Katya moved to NYC with some wonderful people. That means I get to visit them all, and maybe see a show while I'm there.
- Ash, a sweet kitty, got much sicker and died rather suddenly. He's missed.
+ NSPy acquired us. He came over to meet us and let it be known that he was staying. He's such a personable cat that we were only too happy to give into his demands of love and affection. And food.

Weather:
- Not quite enough sunny days for my tastes, but after a year of this weather, I think I'll be fine here.
+ The leaves are starting to change and the days are clear and crisp.

Overall, a very good year.