Still in existence.

I've been a non-blogger for the last few months. I think I've popped in here and there with a one-line promise to return soon, but that promised return never really came to fruition. I'm not going to make that promise this time, but I'll promise to try harder.

There's been a lot going on in ol' West Philly. Lou & I had a giant home repair to contend with this summer, and are now undertaking a second repair (this one DIY and far less expensive, but far more time-consuming and probably equally stressful.) I've been plagued with a weird, painful, and embarrassing health issue, and am having surgery on Thursday. I've been having problems since mid-July, and after several attempts at medical treatment, surgery is the only option. I'm terrified of needles, of doctors, of anesthesia... needless to say, I'm freaking the hell out over here. Even worse? It involves my butt. Yarg. My BUTT!

Aside from that, I've been ok. I've been running since June. My illness has curtailed this a bit (I have good days and bad days), but I haven't quit. I HAVE quit wearing shoes, though. Instead, I've been swept up into the barefoot running philosophy. After years of trying to run in fancy sneakers and having shin splints, knee pain, and lower back pain, I talked to some friends, did some research, read Born to Run, and decided to buy myself some funny foot gloves.



Because of my illness (I've had a low-grade fever this whole time and felt generally run-down because of the persistent infection, as well as having some pain on and off) I've been sidetracked and have only been managing a few miles here and there, but still, I'm running. Hopefully after my surgery, I'll be able to pick it up and add distance and frequency. In fact, I know I will, because I'll be feeling well.

I also started therapy this week, which was... interesting. I'm iffy about therapy. I've had some pretty bad experiences in the past, but I'm going to give it a try. It would be nice to combat my anxiety, deal with some of my weird compulsive behaviors (like collecting hundreds of lip balms and pens--What? Why am I a freak?), and generally feel more confident.

But anyhow, all 18 of you who read this... I'm still out here. I can't promise to blog all the time, but I'll promise to try harder. I think I need the outlet.

Oh, and KITTY!



Bella is a recently-adopted shelter kitten who has the genetic mutation of an American Curl. Barf-ily cute.

I'll write again soon. I think.