Life is a master of plot twists and surprises. In the past few months I have been promoted, left third shift and returned, I became single, and then attached again. Most of these things were unplanned, and most of them were welcome.

First, my promotion has been fantastic. I was nervous at first, but I’ve come to enjoy being a lead. I answer questions to the best of my ability, and when I don’t know the answers (you may gasp here) I have come to be even more resourceful in finding them. I also find myself taking a genuine interest in the performance of my team – a sense of responsibility I never really expected. I was originally moved to first shift, which was glorious, but I have since been moved back to third. Hopefully only briefly. I enjoyed my time amongst the living, but I will survive a few more months amongst the nocturnal.

I became single because I think we were simply going through the motions. I think we both realized it. However it happened, it was a positive step in my life. A change so drastic forces one to step back and look at things, and more importantly look at oneself. I learned a lot about myself, and what I want from life and love. I promised myself I’d be more honest, with myself and others, and that I’d be more open. And while the things I realized and the lessons I learned were valuable, I feel most fortunate that it lead me to meeting Mara.

From our very first conversation I was uncharacteristically comfortable speaking to her. In fact, I did so at length, and she not only listened and reciprocated – she seemed to enjoy it! We spoke daily until she eventually came out for a week to visit (she is from California). I had the most amazing time. We visited Sedona, the art museum, Zoolights, the Pasty Co., and sometimes just did nothing. No matter what we did, we had fun, and talked, and smiled. I’m fortunate to have found Mara, and don’t plan on letting her go. She’s been out once more, and now it’s my turn to visit her and meet her family. She’s arranged it as a birthday gift and I couldn’t ask for a better one. Life’s taken an interesting, and happy, turn. I’m thankful.