Happy birthdays, happy holidays, and lots of (link) love

Hmm, I thought it was us Geminis that were supposed to be the writers, but in browsing through my blogroll, I've realized a bunch of my blog buddies have birthdays this week. Shouts out to Keith (today!), KB on the 30th, and Jill on the 31st! And since she didn't give away the date on her blog, I won't betray her here, but my girl Abby will be celebrating soon as well.

I had meant to write a post on December 1st, as that was the three-year anniversary of this blog. Last year I wrote that I hoped this would be the year to put some faces to names and actually meet many of the people that comment here, and I am thrilled to say I did! In fact, many of them have come to be good friends and I can't imagine my life in LA without them. I also said I'd hoped to improve my writing, which I think I did, although it has fallen off the wagon a bit as I've struggled for topics and inspiration these last few months. I guess if I have a goal for this year, it's - to put it frankly - either shit or get off the pot already. Meaning, I need to figure out how to make some money off this thing or at least parlay it into another, possibly professional, writing opportunity. I don't want to blog for a living, but if you should make a living doing what you love, I need to find a way to get recognized for work I am already doing.

There is something happening in March or April that will likely direct a lot of traffic this way. By that time, I hope to have an idea of how to make the most of it, and also have gotten my writing back up to par so I'm proud again of what's on here. Lately I've noticed some new readers on Sitemeter, and I'm always happier to see them searching through the archives than reading my more recent updates.

This has been a crazy week for me, but a good one. Monday and Wednesday were the only days I was able to hit the gym to hopefully stave off any holiday pounds that want to tag along for my trip back to Boston. Tuesday, I met Tracy and my newly engaged friend Laura (!!!) out for dinner and drinks. Laura got engaged on her six-month anniversary, and if that's not encouragement for my swiftly shriveling ovaries, I don't know what is. Last night I went out with work friends. Tonight I am breaking my 2007 dating embargo and going out with a guy I met at last Friday's party (not Vince Vaughn). And tomorrow I will run around town like a crazy person in preparation for my flight home tomorrow night, another red eye that will (hopefully) land me in Boston first thing on Sunday morning.

Sunday I have plans to see my friend Hilary. Monday I have plans to see my high school friends Heather, Andra, and Cheryl. Tuesday is the annual MacBlogger Family Christmas. Wednesday night I fly back here. Thursday I am back to work. And then it will be 2008 and I'm not quite ready to go there yet.

Happy birthdays, happy holidays, and lots of love!