Wow, it's May

This is my birth-month. My party plans included me spending an evening at home. Alone (well, Vladimir is always around). Sounds boring and lame, but that was exactly what I wanted. More on this later.
To say my 40th year was tumultuous is an incredible understatement. It started with a big blow-out party, thrown by my sweetie. She had gathered a bunch of friends and family together and I had my first surprise birthday party. It was grand! It showed me that people actually care for me. Maybe a strange thing to say, but my eyes weren't open for many years.

There were some un-fun things that happened. Leah moved to Denver for the summer, working as a travel nurse. I came down with a case of shingles in February (it was actually the same day that Dax started his trip to Asia and India).
But there were mostly good times and good things happening. Family is doing well, my new niece and grand-niece are growing quickly. I have good friends and am making new ones. My business was increasing exponentially at the end of 2007, but now is declining somewhat due to economy and very determined competition. If things go as planned, we should be moving into a new building in a couple months. We outgrew our current office two years ago. I'm excited and frightened all at the same time by this.

I got to see some new cities around the country, and even took a vacation in Europe with L. We had some fantastic adventures, saw beautiful cities and sampled some very good food. I'm doing a write-up of our little trip in another posting. It ain't great journalism, but it might not turn out so badly.

In late December, L officially moved in with me. This is a whole new chapter in my life! I've thoroughly enjoyed it, but I probably get on Leah's nerves. We're all weird people in our own little ways, and sharing an environment brings 'em all out. Makes life interesting!

Speaking of chapters, one is closing for me. I've sold my motorcycle recently. I hadn't really ridden it seriously for many months. I don't know, it doesn't seem as important or appealing to me now. I've owned several bikes, this one was my favorite. Doubt I'll ever own one again. I guess my interests are changing. They seem to be pointed more towards photography these days. I bought a Canon D-SLR earlier this year in preparation for our trip. I've always liked taking photos, and even seem to have an eye for composition (from time to time). Only owning point-and-shoot cameras up to this point has made this upgrade quite the challenge. Soon after purchasing it, I attended a mid-level photography class to learn how to use it. Reading many books, magazines and online information has helped with the technical side of it. I just need experience now. Wasn't terribly happy with the results of the Europe pictures. I will get better with time, I hope. Maybe I do need that new lens...

The end of my 40th year held great change again. Coming back from Europe, I caught a strange cold. At least I was healthy during the trip! Leah has moved to San Francisco for the summer, travel nursing again. I hope this hospital treats its staff better than the Denver assignment. My 41st birthday party? It was just me and my cat, Vladimir. After so much traveling, getting over a cold, and L leaving town, I really wasn't in a mood to celebrate. I just wanted some time to relax and reflect. It was a good night. I picked up my guitar for the first time in a few months. It's time for me to reconnect with my wire-and-wood friend.

I've always known how important friends and family is, but this year made this more apparent. With very few exceptions, we can't do it on our own. We need encouragement and support from those we love and trust to push us forward. I guess I'm saying that I am doing okay. I am happy with where I am, an am looking forward to seeing my plans come together.