This was originally written on December 21. Some of my passwords didn't get correctly transferred over to the new computer, so I had to reset this one. Anyway, here you go:
Well, I'm back among the land of the bloggers.
I'm actually pretty excited because I'm writing to you on a new computer. My friend, Pony, built it for me, and it's beyond sweet. Dual core processor with a gig of RAM, to begin with. Everything is so much faster, including typing with my new installation of Dragon, which was a Christmas present because I lost the other one. (Long story, but just don't purchase a digital download of something without also buying a CD backup copy. Sigh.) Thank you so much, Pony!
The other good news is that the Social Security mess finally got cleared up. They cut me a check for one month on the spot. They still owe me two months backpay, but at least I was able to pay some rent in time for them to have money for Christmas presents for their kids and a Christmas dinner.
Actually, something kind of weird came out of it. I found out that the reason they were jerking me around was because I was giving them the "wrong" maiden name for my mother. Once they figured out that I was adopted, they told me that they had the original name on file and that I needed to find out what it was in order for them to legally access my account. You'd think they'd make some kind of notation or exception for adopted people, but apparently not always. See, although I was born on American soil because it was a military base, I was born in another country, Japan. So maybe that's why.
Anyway, I had to call my dad and ask him for the information, and he was not a happy camper, to put it very mildly. But eventually it came out that my birth mom has the same first name as the adopted one, which is why they were confused. So now I know a name. My dad is terrified that I will use the information to look up my birth mom someday.
Which, of course, I will. Eventually. But I don't like hurting people, so I will do it quietly without any family knowing.
My dad came up this last weekend for his Christmas visit with me, since everyone else is going home for Christmas. That wasn't quite as bad as I thought it was going to be, but it was empty at best. It's hard for me not to be lonely this time of year. Everyone has a loving family and/or partner to share things with. Oh well. Welcome to the real life of your 30s, right?
Happy solstice. It is the winter solstice today, the shortest daylight day of the year. Now the days will start getting longer and toward summer again. Yay for that. May the circle of life always continue; and may the circle of love always be unbroken. I love you, Syri.
And a late happy Hanukkah for my Jewish friends. I hope it was a good season this year.
And in case I don't write before it again, Merry Christmas to all whom the holiday is important to. I hope it brings you every joy you wish for, and if it doesn't, know that I love you anyway, and love is the best gift that this time of year offers to anyone.
That's all for now.