And after year 26...

Well I realize I haven't posted much recently, I've been a busy busy bee. Today, at least for the next 8 minutes, is my birthday. I am now 27 fingers old. My birthday celebrations have been three wonderful meals with family and friends over the past three nights and an IOU for going to the local gay club, Backstreet. This is the first year in many that I haven't been at Backstreet for my birthday, and I'm actually ok with that :-)

The whole day I was looking forward to dinner with my mom, because we went to one of my fav restaurants, Tsunami. Our meal was delightful. I enjoy spending time, just my mom and I. I like her new husband, but its nice just the two of us. We had great food, enjoyed a bottle of Le Crema Pinot Nior, and talked about work, friends, and my dad. Toward the end of the meal, the waiter brought out a platter of cupcakes with candles and a note: Happy Birthday! from Nic and Charlie -- I was really happy and surprised! This was the high point of my birthday! And that's what I think about most when I think of the last year of my life: friends and relationships.

My last year has been unique in that I have gained a whole slew of friends on twitter and in the blogging world. I am not a particularly anti-social person, but I am a busy person, and missed having more personal relationships with people. Twitter is interesting in this way, because it allows us to -- across the planet -- interact with others on a very personal level on our own schedule. I *truly* value each and every person that I interact with there, and its nice to meet people from different countries. Not to mention its nice to feel some sort of companionship-- albeit a bit disconnected.

I also have some great memories with real life friends from this last year. My time in Chicago and Atlanta with Nathan, Jeremiah, etc. are memories that I will treasure forever. Our trip to Nashville for Imogen Heap was a great time as well. My brief (failed) relationship in Feb with a guy I had had a crush on for a long time was exciting, interesting, depressing, frustrating, and instructive-- even though it didn't work out the way I had hoped.

Lastly, my relationship with my mother has changed permanently, since I came out to her. She hasn't really brought it up again except in "code", but clearly she is adapting to some degree. Hopefully, its at least primed her enough for when I actually do have someone for her to meet ;-)

So this year has been about relationships for me. Hopefully, the next year will be about finishing the first part of my graduate school (masters degree) and successful acceptance into the PhD program!

I know that I have a lot to be thankful for in my life. I have been given the right opportunities to allow my efforts in school and work to be recognized and encouraged-- and Im thankful for that. I have a good mother-- despite her flaws and lack of understanding of other people's perspective. I have a nice home, a good job doing something that I love. I have a very fulfilling life at the moment, and that's something for which I know I am lucky--and extremely grateful. And most of all I have *great* friends-- and that includes all of you! Especially Nic, Charlie, Torchy, Lunty, Tyler, Peter, Robert, and certainly some others I'm forgetting.

So thanks! for making my year 26 a special one! *massive hugs*

Much Love,
Steve