Nothing much

Last night, I dreamt I was pregnant. I'm wondering whether the dream is significant.

I keep meaning to post an update but life keeps getting in the way...

Anyway, first of all I just wanted to say happy new year to my flist: I hope 2009 brings everything you hope for and more.

Thus far, 2009 hasn't been too shabby for Lisa and I. We began the year in the UK with my parents. A nice, chilled out evening was just what we needed - I always dread New Year's Eve and am usually in bed before midnight!

We flew back to the States on January 5th. What I have omitted to mention thus far is that, at the end of November, we bought an apartment here in Brooklyn. Home ownership is a strange feeling, really. On the one hand it's easy to get overwhelmed by the financial aspects (especially in the current climate), yet on the other hand there's so much excitement and anticipation. The place we bought is in pretty good condition, but we have a long list of upgrades and improvements. A couple of weeks ago we painted the guest room and this last week Lisa has removed the sheetrock and plaster from one of the bedroom walls to reveal the original brick (which must be almost 100 years old, given that the building dates from 1910). Our contractor is in the process of constructing two sets of built-in bookcases for the fireplace alcoves, and we've just had the living room painted a beautiful grey-green colour.

There's more to say, but Lisa and I are watching Meryl Streep sing her little heart out in "Mamma Mia", so I'll save the rest for later...

Obama's speech writer deserves a medal. What an incredible speech. It even warmed this big ol' cynic's heart...

Congratulations America! This is the best decision you've made since I've lived here. Long may it continue.

Why I am so caught up in my past when my present is so good? Why is it impossible for me to walk away from anything without having endless regrets? Why do I remember everything about my past love affairs (real and imagined) when my current love story is ongoing? Why, after a year of therapy, am I no closer to answering any of these questions?

So I'm back from a month's "home leave" in the  UK and Switzerland. It was great to get away from NY and really breathe for a while, although looking back it wasn't much of a "vacation" in the traditional sense, as I had only 4 days free! Seeing all my friends, especially those with kids, was wonderful, of course, and it was also good to spend some quality time with my parents. 

Of course, now I'm back I feel as though I've never been away. That's both a good and a bad thing, I think. Unfortunately, Lisa got laid off on Wednesday. It was expected, at least, and has nothing to do with her abilities. To be honest, the whole situation at her job had become totally toxic, and in the long run this will be a good thing, but of course a layoff is never particularly pleasant.

While we're on the subject of employment, I have a new job, at least temporarily. I've been a little restless for a while, so I finally decided to quit complaining and act! It'll be a totally new role, almost completely unrelated to what I currently do, and I'm excited. A little scared, because I've never done anything other than what I do now, but excited nonetheless. My first day in my new digs will be Thursday....

L and I had a technology/entertainment-filled weekend: we splurged and treated ourselves to new iPhones and a Wii :-)

How exciting! Lisa and I will be watching the traditional July 4th fireworks from a double kayak on the Hudson river! Can't wait!

What are your plans for July 4th, friends?

I first wrote the list below on 26 January 2003. Let's see how I'm doing:

- San Francisco
- Las Vegas
- LA
- Chicago (especially the ER set!)
- New Orleans
- Washington D.C.
- Florida
- a baseball game
- Niagara Falls
- Cape Cod
- Brighton Beach (Russian quarter of NYC)
- The Hamptons
- The Rockies

Hmm. Just under half the list completed (although technically I've "been" to San Fran, it was only very briefly, so I'm not counting it). Not too shabby, I guess.

Stolen from weered1 (amongst others):

Spring cleaning this weekend - both inside and out. Yay!

Have a great weekend, everyone!