greetings. i've pretty much been avoiding the internet since my grandma died. it's not due to any type of depression - at least, not anymore; being online just feels secondary to my incessant reading, and terciary to actually going out and doing things with friends. i haven't much energy for the computer, which sounds selfish...and, really, it is. i'm lazy. needless to say, the past few months have been quite busy. the holidays were bustling as usual, and we've only just got our decorations down at the weekend before last. the flat is chaotic debris at the present, though it's much easier to clean without a humongous tree in the way and snow villages to dust. work has been pretty uneventful. (i should be there now, but i'm having some pretty huge vertigo spells which make driving out of the question. strange, yeh?) it's the same ol' same for the most part, though i've taken to keeping primarily to myself. the thing about working with all females is that it sucks. girls just shouldn't talk to each other. ever. seriously. there's a strong smell of popcorn and incense out in the hall for two days now, and it's so potent that there's even a faint bit of scent in the flat. what a disgusting combination; every time i get near the door, i want to vomit. i'm not quite sure where it's coming from, though the air-wick scent-sprayer things on the hall corners haven't done well to cover it up. blegh. updates, then... since i've wrote last, mike's got a new job. it's perfect for him, really: he works the day through, so we're both home at night; and there are great opportunities for advancement. his employers treat him rather well and i can tell he's quite happy there. on a sadder note, the dog i grew up with at my parents' house just died two weeks ago. i found a photo of her from the day we'd brought her home; it's amazing how fast twelve years pass. my parents already have a new dog picked out, which they'll be taking home in a fortnight or so. they weren't sure whether to jump in and get another, but of course i knew they'd be right on it. the new one sounds like she'll be a nice dog; and as she's a puppy, they'll be able to train her well. finally, as i can't recall anything else that might be new, mike and i have a wedding reception date slotted. we are able to have the wedding same-day, but we're not sure yet whether we want to go through the trouble; either we have the whole lot present, or we do a small court-house wedding with few witnesses in advance and have the party later. i'm still not sure, though there's certainly enough time; my brother is being deployed again, which puts the reception (& wedding?) in november, when he's due to return. he's my only brother and i really want him to take part. i guess i'll go take some rest; this dizzy feeling is getting on my nerves. currently reading: the doors of perception / heaven & hell by aldous huxley (i'm reading the latter now; both essays are in the same volume. and i looooove aldous huxley.) _____ monday, 2 february 2009 1148 CST 23.9ºF / -5ºC and clear