Well, I've packed up my game and I'm going out... east, actually! x3
I have a special someone who deserves some attention from me for a few days before I head out to Carlsbad. But beginning today, I am finally getting my show on the road.

I'm really looking forward to the next several days.

Everyone who knows me in person: Those of you I got a chance to see, I'm glad. I really appreciated the opportunity to get together with you, and I'll be in touch.

If I didn't get a chance to see you, I'm totally sorry about it, but this isn't a permanent arrangement; I'm leaving behind far too many roots to stay gone for too, too long.

Either way, I'll miss you guys.

Look forward to seeing new work from me as soon as I'm settled in >=3

As a special note, I had an opportunity with a few of my closest friends I'd like to share.

On Tuesday night, I prepared a meal: http://www.furaffinity.net/view/6201818
It's a classic little concoction of mine, with some variations suggested by my friend,  mitsozuka
We finished off with a desert of toll house chocolate chip cookies; an excellent time all around.

Following this meal, the six of us that gathered cracked open a bottle of 2005 Robert Mondavi Private Selection Cabernet Sauvignon. This is of special significance; 2005 was a particularly good year for me and the rest of my friends, and we bought the bottle in 2007 to set aside until another really good year came along. It's been in a drawer in my room, aging, to an excellent six years. I decided that we should open it up, and everyone agreed, so I brought it along. We also had a celebratory smoke, in the form of a Djarum Black for those who wanted one.

It was exquisite, and perfectly deserving of the toast I made with it, my first ever. I can't recall it verbatim, I'm afraid, but I'll try:
" Gentlemen. We've fallen on tough times lately. I don't have to tell you things have been rough; it goes without saying. When we purchased this bottle, we agreed to set it aside for a good year, but a good year just hasn't come along. So, why open it now?
You see, I'm tired of waiting for a good year to just happen. I've decided to make this one good, and I hope you'll all do the same. From now, until this time next year, I hope you all enjoy more success in your endeavors, and more happiness, than in all the years this wine has been aging. To a good year!"

As a sentimental aside, even though you couldn't enjoy the wine with me, I offer everyone who reads this the same blessing; may you have better times in the next year than you have in all the last six combined, and think of me the next time you have a drink. You can be damned sure I will be thinking of you all, and even more sure that I'm making this the best year of my life.