Happy solstice, everyone. What a crazy year 2006 has been for me.

Last year on this day, I went outside and washed my hands and face in the snow, trying to wipe away the remains of relationship wrecks, horrific living situations, and a slew of bad choices on my part and that of others.

Tonight, my life is in a completely different place — different city, different lifestyle, different relationships. I’ve been presented with new challenges (health issues, lack of direction), and new blessings (new friends, being able to pay the bills).

As I look back, this has probably been the most significant year in my life so far. Over the next week or so, I need to do a lot of introspective work, just to take in and digest everything that has happened.

Unfortunately, I’m so exhausted due to some health issues that I’ve been having, that I don’t think I’m going to be able to stay up and greet the dawn this year. But I’m more glad than I can say that the Sun will start lingering longer again.