So I’ve clearly failed in trying to get at least one post on here every month but September was such a whirlwind month that here we are already in early October.

Maybe I’ll do five posts in October! That’s ambitious.

It’s a bit sad that I titled this post the way I did because a week ago I was on vacation with my cousins in New York. I didn’t think about work or my usual day-to-day responsibilities at home – I was just glad to be AWAY. On the other side of the country. Just, not here.

And while I don’t live in an area of the continent (or the western hemisphere for that matter) that had been ravaged by a hurricane or earthquake, I headed towards the primary site of the September 11 attacks, not long after its 16th anniversary, and I was planning on visiting Ground Zero again. As a result, in the days leading up to the start of my trip, I started feeling emotionally and mentally drained from trying to keep up with everything that had been going on. Go to work, clean my apartment, do laundry, donate money because natural disasters are a thing now, keep up with current events, pay the bills, prepare for a plague of locusts, stay in shape, eat right, keep up with the Braves, spend time with family, don’t forget my friends…..sleep….

I just needed a break. While it had been five years since my first visit to New York and I always knew I wanted to come back, New York wouldn’t have been my first choice for a getaway. But I was invited by my cousins and decided to just seize the opportunity to tag along. It was a huge relief to feel anonymous, in a sense, in a different city that has both the same and different hustle-bustle from home. I only really had to worry about what time we should get up to be at certain places, which outfit to wear each day since it was beastly hotter than we expected and the articles of clothing I packed were limited, what to eat and when. I think overall the trip was a success – if that’s how you look at trips – and quite honestly I felt like I was gone for more than a week. It was great and I’m glad I went. And I’m truly thankful.

Then the trip coming back was ominous. Halfway through my flight home, I started sniffling. By the time I dragged myself, suitcase in tow, into my apartment at midnight, I was full-on sick: nose dripping and throat itchy. Fan-freakin-tastic. I went to work every day this week except for one day. That probably wasn’t the best idea but I didn’t want to be away from work for two straight weeks, especially if the second week was not part of my vacation. As I write this, I’d like to think that I’m coming off the tail end of this cold-turned-cough, and hopefully by Monday it’ll be gone completely.

So, my dear tumbleweeds and crickets, I’m just posting this to let you know that this blog thing is still breathing. I have a lot going through my mind as a lot has happened this past month, and everything is fighting to get out at once. Let’s hope I can churn them out coherently.

Oh look, finished just in time to switch out my laundry loads.

Here are probably the only pictures from the trip that I didn’t tweet. For more, check out my Twitter. Sorry, you’ll have to scroll when you’re there.