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I've been absent from Gaia, for the most part, for five years! My how time flies. I've been through some major trials and tribulations since then but I will report more on them as I continue to journal here.

I did check in periodically to look at Gaia in the intermittent years but didn't make it a regular practice. I did see that the economy went completely crazy, giving millions of gold away in the Daily Chance and things costing tens to hundreds of millions in the marketplace. There were always some items that cost a few million and thousands to tens of thousands was the norm in the marketplace when I left.

I just HAPPENED to revisit old memories on the day that Gaia switched over to Platinum currency. This change fascinated me and so I've stuck around. The ready availability of most premium items is pretty awesome if you ask me. However I wonder what people who paid hard currency for these same premium items feel about how Gaia now distributes them pretty much like confetti?

The Guild I was previously involved in went completely inactive the year after my departure. Thus if you have a guild that active and/or growing guild which covers, even in part, any of my interests drop me a PM as I'd love to join you!

In other news...

My living situation has changed dramatically since my presence here on Gaia essentially ended. My mother has passed beyond the veil and my father is now a permanent resident at an assisted living facility with compounded health problems that will likely prevent him from ever moving home again. I now reside in a beautiful leased property in a lovely rural community in the upper mid-west, which apparently, was built and landscaped by "old believers." Everything from the color palette to the layout of specific types of trees to the shape of the driveway indicates Nordic faith practices. There is even a Sauna room in the basement. Not that we need it with the weather as of late! ^_^

My relationship has gone from "married" to "complicated." I remain married ... it's just gotten complicated. I won't go into further detail from there!

My occupation remains that of "freelance writer," though admittedly I have only been working on projects for one publication - sporadically at that. I think it would be more accurate to depict me as being in semi-retirement. lol

In terms of personal lifestyle there have been myriad of changes. My social life has changed in the so-called "real" in that someone important to me which I met by complete coincidence here on Gaia has moved to the very same rural community in which I live.

My health took a drastic turn last year in receiving a diagnosis of diabetes, which came at me out of NOWHERE. I had just been tested the year prior, as it can be considered hereditary, but had been cleared even following a three month panel. I do not know what caused it to finally kick into gear but I've completely changed my diet, portion sizes and am now working towards improving my physical activity level.

I have noticed, and let this be a warning to my fellow (younger) Gaians; Beware of prepackaged, processed and genetically modified food sources as these will cause your' pancreas to pump out oodles of insulin to counter these unnatural substances thereby developing an insulin resistance! With monitoring my blood glucose levels routinely I can firmly state that organic and straight from the farm produce and especially non-genetically modified products are far better for you both in the short term and long run. Take notes children, this WILL be on the "final!" mrgreen In short; Pack a homemade lunch.

Suffice it to say, I am fighting this health condition tooth and nail. Thus far I have been winning the fight with no signs of damage incurred to my circulation, eyesight or any sign of diabetic neuropathy.

I have two children, one whom is of adult age, both of which still reside at home. Not that I'm in any hurry to experience the dreaded "empty nest syndrome" that any respectable parent goes through.

Finally, I am still active in my myriad of studies and try to learn more each and every day. I will be updating this journal on a semi-regular basis to both keep track of my own personal life, personal views and as a way to sort out my thoughts. It will be kept PG13 in accordance with Gaia's terms of service and will omit specific details such as names and places.