anna's given me a little nudge for an update, so here goes...

i guess i haven't updated because i don't have much to say. it's not because nothing's been going on. in fact, it's been a ridiculously busy summer. lots of things are changing. plus, i feel like i am always doing something or have plans with someone. the problem is i just haven't had time to sort through everything that's been going on and process it all. so let me try to start now...

i can feel the end of summer approaching (though you couldn't tell from the weather today). it is strange how different i feel and where my head's at now and what all is going on in my life now compared to less than a year ago. my last birthday feels like eons ago, and my next is just around the corner. my last birthday found me very angsty and brooding. i think this next one will find me in a thoughtful mood, and i think i will have a lot to reflect on. two big changes in particular - a new home and a new boyfriend.

the new home is great. i love the new apartment. it feels very homey and i think it was a great find. my roommate is awesome and despite my secret irrational fear that it'd be a disaster and ruin our friendship (which totally has nothing to do with my roommate and everything to do with previous roommate situations), i think it is going to be just fine. better than fine -- great. we get along and communicate well, we can handle the occasional moment of spazziness/bitchiness/neuroticism/etc, we're respectful and considerate towards one another, and we both know how to compromise. our neighbors are also awesome -- super friendly and enjoyable to chat with. plus, the management is pretty great too -- they seem to really care about their building and tenants.

i am feeling a little spazzy lately about the rate at which i am unpacking, and wanting to hurry up and be 100% settled. i am having to get used to the fact that it is nearly impossible to do an intense, complete deep clean as often as i used to be able to in my teeny little studio. so these things have gotten under my skin and made me a little anxious or overwhelmed, but i'm dealing. we've also had a weeks long battle with RCN (where it appears the major qualification for hire is being a complete and utter useless douchebag) over a really unprofessional and completely crappy and improper installation fiasco. after HOURS of being on the phone on multiple occasions over the last 2 weeks, it is very nearly resolved. ish. resolved-ish. *sigh*

then there's the new boyfriend. and yes, i've moved beyond my cautious "i'm kinda dating someone" thing to being comfortable saying "yes, he's my boyfriend". i think i was caught really off guard with the whole dating thing. it just kind of happened, and i don't think i knew for sure whether or not i was ready. so i just needed to sort of ease my way into it, feel it out, and see if it fit. and it turns out, i am totally ready. he is a really nice guy, which i think i was wary of before because i've been in situations with really nice people who put me on a pedestal before and it didn't turn out well. the difference here is that he doesn't treat me any differently than he does everyone else... this is just the way he is with people. i've seen him be super kind, considerate, and nice to homeless people, people who are lost, wait staff, and my friends. it's not something he does just to look good or because he is mooning over me. half the time i've completely not noticed what was going on and been confused until i realize that while i was being completely oblivious, he'd found an opportunity to be nice or helpful to someone and took it... because that's just what he does.

we have a lot in common. we like the same kind of music, movies, and tv shows, tho we don't *always* agree. he gets some of my quirks and issues, because he has similar ones (especially when it comes to weird family stuff, and falling prey to guilty feelings). he's generous and thoughtful. he's smart and has plans for himself. i feel really comfortable around him and enjoy spending time with him. plus, he is the best kisser ever. every other guy i've ever kissed has needed at least a little guidance in this area. not this time :)

i think that while i am less spazzy about the whole dating thing, there is still a part of me that is kind of waiting for it to blow up in my face. so i'm working on that. you know, trying to enjoy what's going on now without worrying about what could happen later. i'm also adjusting to the not being single thing. you know, taking someone else into account when i make plans, those kinds of things.

anyway, those are kind of the major things that have been going on. other fun stuff i've been busy with: helping a-dawg and her mom pick out a new dog, spending time with friends and family, jury duty, seeing BJ Novak do stand up, visiting anna's home town and going to the State Fair... just to name a few.