I went to Portland and met a good friend, and I traveled with him to San Francisco, which was my first significant trip to California. I had lots of fun, and I can't wait to travel with him in Germany. I also can't wait to make it back to both Portland and San Francisco.

I went to Burning Man. Friends were made. Dust-stormy weather was had. Alcohol was drunk. The Man was burnt. I left with a desire for the playa next year.

My subscription expired, so no more fancy journals with thumbnails. I've hardly been using dA since July, actually, so it doesn't pain me much. In the interest of saving money, I won't be buying a new one for a long while.

I cast my first ever vote for president of one of the greatest nations on Earth, and the guy who won is actually decent. And the rest of the world actually likes him, a key asset for international affairs. Not to mention the history-making fact that he will be the first African American president, and he won the former Confederate states of Virginia and North Carolina to boot. I'm hoping for the best these next four to eight years.

At the same time, voters in California, the state with the unhealthy infatuation with electing Hollywood stars as governors, robbed gays and lesbians of their incumbent right to marry. This has been bothering me very much, but as they say, this too shall pass.

I have to forgo a trip away from this dump in December because I really ought to save money. I will have to wait until summer to be able to travel somewhere. I'm a little annoyed.

I've been feeling very down lately. There are various reasons. This too shall pass, I suppose.

I watched Donnie Darko. This is part of my effort to see more movies and not feel like such a sheltered fuck whenever people talk about movies they've seen. Soon I will see Pulp Fiction and Fargo. I want to see You Don't Mess with the Zohan and Zach and Miri Make a Porno. I'm taking suggestions for other movies.

I'm up way past my bedtime. Later.

— Rick