5 months later...

So, me and blogging have been on a break for about the past five months. My relationship with blogging started fiery and passionate, but after about a week I realized that it takes some dedication and commitment to keep it going. So, in keeping with my natural male instincts, I ditched it.

But now I'm back. For those die-hard followers of this blog (e.g. Mom), this probably feels a lot like the last season of "Lost" when the writers strike caused it to be off the air for like half of a year. So let's do a recap of what has happened in the last five months.

Previously on James' life:

(Steve, if you're reading this, just insert "Time warp! Time warp! Time warp!" between each of these months).

September

I turned 22, and I got an accordion for my birthday. I also realized that the gap between 21 and 22 is bigger than any other birthday I have experienced thus far. If you're not there yet, it's very strange. It's the only age differential that I have not looked forward to. When people ask me how old I am, I want to say I am 21 - an age with lots of opportunities and seemingly few obligations. Instead I have to respond, "I am an adult who should probably have his life pretty much settled by now. No, I do not have a job lined up. No, I am not dating anyone. Yes, I do live an apartment that is referred to as 'The Hang Zone.' I am the downfall of this nation."

October

I don't remember much about this month, so I used my Gmail archives to see what I was up to. As far as email is concerned, October was defined by unopened messages from Joe Biden and tryouts for Cornerstone's Christmas production, "Esmerelda." More on that later. This was also the month of an epic Halloween party, where I dressed up as Matt Foley - motivational speaker.

November

This month started off with a bang, as my dad and I got to attend Iowa's huge upset over the then third-ranked Penn State Nittany Lions. If you did not know this already, I am a Hawk fan, born and raised - this does not mean that I hate the Cyclones, I just root against them when they play Iowa.

There was also a major non-upset that happened this month, with Obama winning the election. I am a journalist, so it's pretty much in my job description to freak out of my mind at the mention of his name, to squeal with delight whenever he goes to the gym, and to sit on the edge of my seat wondering what he's going to name his dog. I'm glad the election is over.

December

This month was defined by long and numerous rehearsals for "Esmerelda," in which I played the role of Pickory. I got to wear a very uncomfortable wig and costume and speak in a British accent for about a month. This was a great experience - the DVD is coming out soon. This was also the month when at one point my room looked like this:

The rest of the apartment wasn't much better. Go here for a detailed photo essay about how this was dealt with.

January

Last month, I started my last semester at Iowa State. I also found out that I will be going to South Asia for two months this summer on a Focus mission trip. Last month was also the beginning of a new musical collaboration in my life - Island Justice.

The existence of this video solidifies the fact that I will never be elected to a major political office.

So, there it is in a nutshell - it's fun to reminisce. Who knows how long this recommitment to blogging will last, but I don't foresee that I will be taking any more 5-month breaks.