Baxter is making a very slow trip back to reality. For some reason … today … I feel like I’ve started to gradually regain a piece of myself. I’ve felt more motivated today, I’ve gotten so much done – I have a will today, more so than I have in a long time. I’m feeling myself grow stronger. I didn’t have class this afternoon, so I stopped by work (Daycare) to see if Dakota was there (disguised it as picking up some books I’d left for Kathleen). But Dakota wasn’t there – which meant either Shannon had the day off, or they were at her grandparents'. Now, I like Shannon’s parents. Dakota’s got some kick-ass grandparents there – they dote on her all the fucking time. She’d spoiled beyond recognition. I don’t know what I’m going to get her for Christmas. I know! Diapers! Lots of diapers! *laughs* Anyway, I stopped by David and Shannon’s, and sure enough, there she was, with Dakota in the bouncy seat, balancing the checkbook. She was happy to see me. I think she was bored. So we watched Shrek 2 and talked for a bit. She told me, outright told me, that she felt she was getting the old Seth back, that there was something different about me. She said she hadn’t SEEN me, seen me, since about this time last year. Said she missed me and was glad I was coming back. And … the amazing part is I knew exactly what she meant. Though I couldn’t explain why or what had happened to cause me to lose myself, it was now coming back – and I’m happy that it’s coming back. I think that by the time Thanksgiving is over, I’ll be able to take on the world again. I saw Brad on my way to the computer lab, and I just smiled at him and snatched his hat as I passed him. He shouted “HEY!” because he hadn’t even seen me coming – so I turned around and tossed it back at him. And he caught it and was like “Whoa … hello, stranger.” I just waved and kept on walking, smiling. I think I’ve been secluding myself too much lately. It’s time for me to get back out, to mingle with friends and family … time to get back into the habit. I’m going to Madrigal Dinner. Trying to con Meredith into coming with me. I don’t really feel comfortable going there on my own – plus I think it will be kind of different, not being on the stage, but being in the audience for once. I’ve … run out of thoughts … and I still have an hour and half before class. What the hell am I supposed to do with myself? *glances around frantically* I think I’ll write for a while. I’m sure there will be a more elaborate entry later. … … it’s good to be me again.