So as I sit here during a very quiet Christmas Day, I find myself getting very reflective on this year just past. Yeah, this is probably the sort of thing better suited to a journal on New Year's Eve, but I want to write about it all now while it's still fresh in my head.

On a personal level, it's been a veritable rollercoaster. I've had my low points after I spent an unwise amount of money, something which will take me a while to recover from if I can even get a source of income from somewhere. I'm coping best as I can in my home situation; it could be a hell of a lot worse, but there are times when it's a test of the sanity.

The high points came from finally finding a job that I can see myself doing, one which I enjoy a great deal and with fantastic co-workers to boot, and for that I'll be eternally grateful. However, I'm now panicking at the thought of what I'm going to do once my contract is finished; I know what I want to do but I don't know how to go about doing it, and all avenues of advice that have been suggested to me have turned out to be massive let-downs. This is a really bad area for work so it's not like I can even take on any old guff to fill the time, and frankly after being in this job then anything less would be intolerable.

I dunno... I guess the only thing I can do at this point is try what I can, but ultimately I'll just have to cross that bridge when I come to it.

In terms of furry stuff, it's been a terrific year, all things considered. I made some new friends and acquaintances, and gotten to know better some people I've been meaning to speak to for a long time. I've made new characters and explored new concepts, all of which I've enjoyed immensely. On the flipside though, at various points I've pissed off some people I really like and consider friends, and probably given others the worst impressions of me, and for that I'm truly sorry (though the chances of them reading this are slim to none, I thought it best to say it anyway). To all those I count as friends new and old, I love all of you.

ConFuzzled 2013 was absolutely fantastic, and I'm all set to attend next year. It will be particularly noteworthy as the early arrival happens to coincide with my birthday, and it's a landmark, so I'm going all-out for it. Even more significantly, with any luck I'll have a fursuit of my own by the time it comes around. It's something I've wanted ever since I became a part of this fandom, and experiences I've had this year only reinforced the idea. A couple of friends were kind enough to let me try on their fursuits, and I enjoyed my time suited up, bringing these characters to life, immensely. It reminded me of what a buzz I get out of performing and playing a character. So next year furry-wise should be very interesting indeed as I try to get to grips with bringing one of my own characters to life.

For next year, I've got to try and be not so damn nervous and paranoid all the time. I find myself thinking and assuming the worst about everything, and it's got to stop for my own health and for the sanity of those around me. I've also got to stop letting the trivial bullshit in life get to me so much, as I'm sure that's what caused aforementioned irritation from others.

So that's the end of my end-of-year ramblings and reflections. Hope you guys are having a fantastic Christmas, and I'll see you all in the New Year. :)