As July comes close to its end, with August following up right behind it, it seems that this year is going by in such a blur.

Much of it has to do with how busy I have been this past year with the O365 migration and also with me breaking it up with the small trips that I had taken so far. Iceland in February, Dat’s wedding, Katy’s Wedding, my little small Walkabout, then with my Atlanta trip this past week and now with Uncle’s memorial. It had been a busy first six-and-a-half months already.

The rest of the year doesn’t seem no different with the rest of the regions and with the buildout of Chicago. I still haven’t decided if I am going to drive home this year or not. Most likely not, given how late it is in the year and I still want to make a trip out to South Carolina to visit the Carters. This year is going by fast. 36, zooming me by. 2015, more than halfway gone.

I think the best thing to do, the years that seem to past me by are the years that I break it up with little trips and adventures and trying to keep busy with work. Speaking of which, I still have a few projects that I need to get off my ass and get to. Just do it.

It’s just ridiculous how fast this year is going.

Now, it just comes time to figure out what to do over Christmas break? Should I fly back? Or should I stay in town. I forget the last time I stayed in town and for some reason, I really want to just stay in town this year. Maybe I’ll just do that and just chill or do a small road trip somewhere with Pickles.

I haven’t really decided, but I’m sure I will soon. It just seems like this year is a year of being on my own while last year was a year of family.

* * *

The cow story lingers in my mind. Hints of the heart of the story lingers in my mind even though I haven’t worked on it in a few weeks. Soon I will need to get back on it and just finish it. It’s taking way too long.

Way too long.

* * *

Closed off.

I’m so closed off from the world. It’s all my doing.

I’m guarded and my not so sunny disposition doesn’t help, but that’s me.

I know it’s not impossible to get through me. It’s a facade as some would say.

Many that knows me would tell you that I’m very approachable and easy going, which is true, but I’m a tinge socially awkward.

It’s not easy for me to make friends and most people really don’t know me that well since I don’t really interact with that many people or have conversations with that many people because I’m closed off.

Catch 22.

* * *

A little funny interaction happened with Pretty Yellow happened a few days ago during our company happy hour. We ran into each other in the courtyard and I can only manage Hi with her and what seems like with most girls and she told me that she saw my pictures. I was a little confused at first, but then I caught up as she explained to me about my pictures in the shuttle.

She really liked my pictures and didn’t know that I was into that – photography/art/creative. Then I responded, What do you mean? I carry my camera 24/7., then it hit her, yes, I’m always with my camera. I asked if she’s going to submit and she said she was going to put in illustrations. For the most part, that was it.

I kept thinking in my head of course you wouldn’t have known that I was into photography because we don’t know each other. We’ve only had one small conversation and that was it. Every other time that we see each other or talk to each other is to exchange formalities of Hellos and Hi’s.

Maybe if we get to know each other better, have more conversations, then it’ll be different. But then again, I’m not the type of guy that approaches girls and do that, especially since we barely talk.

Ugh, my fickle heart and my social deficiencies.

* * *

Uncle’s memorial is just days away. I’ll be driving up on Monday to meet up with Hien and Mom. I wonder who else would be there. I guess I’ll find out then.

It’ll be a week full of family.