Off to a shoddy start

The fact that I couldn't even remember my password information to log in and post a new blog is a pretty clear indicator that I have not been doing a good job with this whole blogging thing so far. It's been more than a month since my first post....yep, that's about in line with how often my journal entries usually occur, too (I don't know when I went from writing 14 page sagas to barely managing to squeeze in a couple of pages a month)! But I will strive to be better. Have patience, dear readers, and I promise to include more frequent posts on interesting subject matter (well, I can't promise the subject matter will be interesting to everyone, but I'll try). My new West coast friend Mary recently added me to her "blogosphere" so I better shape up and prove my worth!

So much has happened over the past month that an attempt to discuss it all in one sitting would be arduous, if not impossible. And anyway, I'm suffering from brain drain after a long day attending/leading a CRRC lab training (what's CRRC, you ask? Check it out: www.coolroofs.org; who knew the roofing industry was so exciting!). I will eventually get around to discussing my trip back East (for those of you who don't know, I was in Maine and Connecticut for the better part of the month of August), but I think that tonight will not be the night I chronicle that trip. I want to put some real effort into uploading all of the pictures of the loveliest place on earth--a.k.a. Port Clyde, ME--and detailing my experiences back at my two "homes". In the meantime, I will pick up with my past couple of weeks back in the EB.

A whole lot of my life is in flux right now, and I'm usually prone to extreme anxiety and stress in situations of variability. I'm trying to give my future some direction, trying to research new jobs, thinking about grad school, trying to revamp my extracurricular activities, and trying to find a new studio (I want my own place!). Oh yeah, and did I mention I'm trying to figure out my purpose in life?! I wish I had it together like some of friends seem to. I wish I had a five-year plan--heck, a one year plan would satisfy me. I've been doing a lot of contemplating and soul-searching these past several months (my present location seems to encourage this), and I haven't come to any concrete conclusions yet, but the wheels have been set in motion. I'm doing my best to keep cool under all of the changing variables. I've finally realized that worrying incessantly over things never really does me any good. However, taking steps toward a goal gives me a sense of satisfaction and purpose. Right now, my steps consist mainly of hunting on Craigslist for viable housing and career opportunities.

My 24th birthday came and went on Sunday...I awoke and was greeted by my sweet boy. As if it was Christmas, Matt thrust his gifts in front of me as soon as I emerged from slumber. I didn't even have time to eat before I was unwrapping my presents--I'm not complaining, though. After gift-unwrapping, Matt and I headed to Julies Coffee & Tea in Alameda. This place has become my most recent addiction. Look, they have a website: http://www.juliestea.com/. Julie's is a small cafe located off of Park Street with a cute garden patio off the back of their building. Their decor includes vibrant colors (always a plus with me!) and all sorts of neat tea pots & cup sets. My favorite item on the menu is their scone-of-the-day (served with Devonshire cream, of course!) and a pot of Earl Grey tea. Tea is always served in a unique pot with a dainty cup/saucer and pretty silverware. I look forward to Sundays just so I can go to Julie's.

The rest of the day was spent doing a hodgepodge of things, including stopping by Matt's parents' for a visit and scrutinizing potential studios. The evening was spent at La Taza de Cafe, another East Bay gem, located on Grand Avenue. For those of you west coasters who haven't been, this is another place I recommend: http://latazadecafe.com/. Cuban tapas--need I say more? Dinner was delicious, and birthday girl and guest received free flutes of champagne with guava cheesecake (after Matt clued them in that it was my birthday).

Overall my birthday was very nice, but I must admit that part of it was spent feeling a little bit down. This year I really felt the absence of loved ones. Last year, Emily came out from the east coast to celebrate my birthday in Muir woods with Matt and me. This year, there was no east coast presence. I couldn't help but feel a slight sadness. Maybe a little more than slight. I do realize that if I stay here long enough I will no doubt develop the sorts of solid friendships I have back east. It's the wait that is a bit difficult.

Pizza's here. Enough for now.