Time for a recap of these past few weeks events...
C* and I did not work out in the romance realm. We had a pleasant date on a Sunday. I travelled a bit South to see her, bringing the requisite flowers and a glow-in-the-dark basketball that she had wanted that took me three sporting goods stores to locate, but ultimately was very much worth the searching. We went shopping together (tis the holiday season), had a quality dinner/lunch at TGIFriday's, and journeyed to the riverwalk in San Antonio. We were comfortable together, and I felt good about where we might go.
On Tuesday of that week, however, it became obvious we would be going on as friends - the ultimate reason being differences in our religious beliefs. Hers were very focused - she had found what she was looking for in her religion - mine is something of an anthropologist's view - and thus, she initiated the "break-up". After some communication, I believe we have stabilized a friendship; Rome wasn't built in a day, and a relationship can never immediately go from a potentially romantic one to that of friendship. I am thankful for her patience, and sorry that the burden of deciding to end the relationship fell on her. C* is a great girl, and she's going to make some guy very happy.
Saturday. What a day!
I tried chatting with my old friend Maria today, but it was not meant to be. A few rounds of phone tag, and a promise to catch up on Sunday or soon thereafter. She sounded well, and in good spirits, but we have not spoken in about a year, so I suspect much has changed.
Initially, it looked like a regular Saturday afternoon of running errands and watching some football, but that was not meant to be either. I was able to get to Mars Music Superstore as they are going out of business and had a nice sale going on, but instead of watching sports, I was outside throwing a frisbee around and just hanging out with my housemate and some folks I met through him at our housewarming party a few months ago. It was a good day to be outside, and it's almost unfortunate I had to cut it short in order to return home and change before heading to skating practice indoors. But then, I am training for a meet over Thanksgiving weekend and need to focus on that presently.
After skating, I planned to make a call, grab some dinner, and complete an assignment for my law course due on Monday evening. After a brief conversation with my friend Alice who's up in Rochester, I reattempted calling someone who I'd met online recently - let's call her "C*" for now, and who I've had some great conversations with electronically, but not yet voice. I left a message, but she called back soon after, and we spoke for about an hour. Mostly we talked about a recent passing in her family and how this has affected her, and I attempted, where I could, to be soothing and understanding. Ultimately, it will take time for her to heal, but if my words provide her any solace, then I am glad.
To cap the evening off proper, I decided last minute to put my assignment on hold and to go see my friend Nate's band at Momo's, a club that is right above Katz's, the best deli in Austin. His band is called Navin's Thermos, and their performance was lively and entertaining. None of the songs they play stick to a single genre. They are always some combination of rock, rap, swing, big band, ska, and even have a heavy metal influence at times. I think what I like most about them is that they are able to stay tight throughout the transitions inside a single song, even when moving to different time signatures - somewhat reminiscent of the band, "Rush". What's so impressive is that most bands can hardly stay tight (i.e. musically together) in a single song, within a single genre. Navin's Thermos keeps it all together.
Tonight I will sleep well, and when I arise, I will have speed skating practice at noon, and an assignment to complete. And I think C* and I will speak again soon. Yay! :)
Many, many updates to give. But I'll offer the skinny now.
Family:
My baby sister continues to grow up. She's into soccer and dancing, lessons that I've helped fund, and is doing quite well academically. I am proud of her. My other sister, only a few years younger than me, is gainfully employed in the field of social work, and is doing good things for the world. I am very proud of the person she has become. And I am glad our relationship is as good a relationship as I could ever have imagined, despite the difficulties we had growing up. And my folks are... well, my folks.
Fitness:
One of the big goals I had for the year 2002 was to greatly increase my fitness level. With a combination of biking early in 2002, and the rest of the year spent skating and training for speed skating, I can say that I have put myself on a great fitness trajectory. I lost weight, feel better about myself, and donated many articles of clothing that no longer fit me to goodwill. And to top it off, I am competing regularly in a sport that I thoroughly enjoy!
Career:
Despite friends and co-workers moving on, many not by choice, I remain gainfully employed at the company I joined about three and a half years ago. Many things have changed, but a lot remains the same. That said, I believe my career in software may only have a few more years left. I am not sure if this is due to the dissatisfaction with the current economic climate, or what, but I believe I am ready to pursue law school in a year or two. I am preparing for this presently by taking coursework at UT Austin through university extension. This semester I am finishing up a pre-law course, and next semester I am going to take a class in Justice and Legal Rules. If I still like thinking of myself in such a career path after this coursework, then I will likely be applying for the following year.
Love:
With my travels, it is sometimes hard to get out and meet folks. And I'm not big on the bar scene, so I figured I'd try out my typing skills in the online dating community. (Yes, I decided I am ready to commit to a relationship and what that entails.) It seems to have been a success, as there's a certain special someone who I met online, and who fills me with joy with each passing conversation. I think we have a great dynamic, and I am curious to see where this goes.
I think that covers the major areas. I'm sure more will be revealed in the ongoing updates I'll be providing.