Jabruary

This was actually a gigantic double rainbow but you can't see the second, I'm serious. And it was so vivid, the most I've ever seen
Kurt at Fort Worden with Brighton, the golden retriever I've been watching

I-Kwoan, she's 8 months!

January and February are usually the toughest months of the year for me. This year, they haven't disappointed in their toughness however, they're moving along a lot more quickly than they seem to have in years past. But perhaps I shouldn't speak too soon since there are still three weeks left in February. I suppose I should only speak for January. That month was mostly spent on my trip back east and then readjusting back this way. I had my first pangs of homesickness or maybe peoplesickness and coming back was tough. But I didn't waste anytime when I got back and launched into a week of housesitting and working working working. I then went home for a few days (I think I only lived there 7 days in January) and geared up for another housesitting gig, this one is 14 days and I have a 1 to go. I'm really anxious to get out of this house and go back to my house. The dog has been higher maintenance than most and really stinks (literally), the house is dark and can be quite chilly. I haven't slept well here either. But January flew by for me, which is great. I started using a light box which has probably helped. I'm keeping up with my swimming as well.

The past 5 days Kurt from Pennsylvania has been here to visit. He emailed last week to say he was coming, surprise! This is my first visitor since moving out here. We went to to Tacoma where I went to a baby shower when he went to museums and then spent a day in Fort Worden, seeing the beaches, marine science center and socializing with friends. Drove to the Olympic National Park today and hiked 7miles to Lake Angeles and today left on the 6am bus bound to Seattle. I'm pretty tired and have a lot of work to do so he'll be meeting up with his brothers friend for sightseeing. I had an all day Microsoft Access training on Friday, which was his first day here and I had friends from out of town who came in, unexpectantly. Plus the whole taking care of a dog at the same time. I think I may have driven close to 500-600 miles in the past 5 days which usually is the amount of miles I drive in three or more months! I forsee some R&R and possibly a massage in my near future...

Highlights in the past few weeks have been an awesome birthday party for my friend Jesse, my first masters swim meet, hiking again in the Olympics, continued potlucks, spending quality time with I-Kwoan before baby Oliver is here, and many other things as well. Seeing friends of course and meeting new people and having my core group at masters swimming are other things I'm really glad to always have to look forward too. I need to have a sit down with myself soon and fiture out plans for the future. Onward and upward to spring which will be here pretty soon.