The sadness passed, and came again, and passed again, etc. etc. It's life. I try not to get too hung up about it these days, make it into a bigger thing than it is. As a whole, this last year has been thoroughly satisfying.

Today, I put my futon in the sun and read for hours. There were workmen outside doing something to the street with a jackhammer and a dump truck, but I tuned them out.I made a huge pot of curry, easily enough to get me through to next weekend. I found new little sprouts on my houseplants, and I ate a spatula-full of brown sugar. I didn't go outside except to hang my laundry, and I didn't see another person except on my computer screen. And I don't mind that.

I made plans to hike in the national park tomorrow, possibly with an officer from a kind-of nearby Navy base. I found a contact in the Navy's 'family,' and they've done a good job of reassuring me that I'm qualified, English degree notwithstanding, and that being gay in the Navy really isn't the big thing it once was. Once I submit my application package next week, I could potentially know if they want me or not before I come back to the States in April.

I'm coming back to the States in April. Leaving is going to be like waxing my life. Pain so bad it'll make me squeak, but probably for the best.

If you were here,we'd go for a walk. As it is, I'm staying in where it's warm.