I moved into the house for the most part this last weekend. While there’s a few things I’ve forgotten, I’m ready to open up the house to my friends. What better day than Sunday, the 4th of July? I’ll be around all day long. There will be some kind of food for people (hot dogs is the current thinking, but I’m open to suggestions. I’ll make sure to have something veggie-based for my non-meat-eater friends, too). I’ll also have the Rock Band set up in the basement and an assortment of board games available if anyone wants to throw down.

I’ll also go ahead and let you know that I’m not expecting anyone to bring me anything. Except beer, if you want to drink some. I don’t drink myself, so my supplies are limited at best. If you want to come and want to drink, make sure you bring something to drink.

I know many people already have plans for the 4th. It’s one of those holidays where most have plans months in advance. So if you can’t make it out on Sunday, I won’t think anything of it. If you can only stop by for a little bit, that’s cool, too. I’d just love to welcome people into my new home if they want to come see it. I’m also not going to buy any fireworks, so I’ll be winding down the party around sunset to give everyone a chance to go to a show somewhere else around town.

If you want to come, track me down on the Twitter or the Flickr and I’ll get you the address.

Though it started with the January of Laze, this year is turning out to be one of the bigger ones in my time. Between my professional, personal, and social lives, I may hardly resemble my previous self by the time the calendar resets again.

Professionally, I started a new job back in February. It’s a smaller job compared to the one I left last year, but it still has its challenges. Mostly in the people I have to deal with, of course, though the work itself occasionally throws a curve ball. But, with less stress, less responsibility, and fewer constraints, my feelings have improved. I can see the impact my work is having on those around me, and everyone seems better for it. This makes it far more rewarding than the endless grind of patch jobs and hacks that only quieted demanding customers (rather than satisfy them).

Personally, I’m continuing to improve my body. The long road to fitness has brought me to where I’m somewhat active, eating better, and happy to be outside. I’ve also removed much of the clutter that filled my personal space. But the biggest change is that I’m in the process of buying a house. For the first time, I will live in MY house. This will show me exactly which habits belonged to me alone, and which were brought out only under the influence of others. Having seen the best and worst from myself in my previous living arrangements, I’m greatly looking forward to how I’ll be under my own control.

Socially, I’ve started to take on a full identity. Before, I was just a guy with a hat and a camera who would show up at events, looking for anyone. Now, I’ve taken on my own voice, figuring out what I really stand for and how to speak up for myself in a crowd. I’ve also begun several acquaintances, which I hope I can grow into full friendships. Of course, only time will tell, but I generally like the people I’m around now and they seem to like me.

At this rate, 2010 may end up being my most important year thus far. I’m looking forward to to the second half and what it will bring.