all before my 25th birthday

P asked, "What happened since Ling went away that isn't work-related?"  He was planning to call her to catch up, and was mentally compiling lists of our news to tell her. 
 
I had to think about that for a bit.  I eventually said, "I can't think of anything that isn't work-related."
 
This thing people refer to as work doesn't really lend itself to extra-curricular activities.  Or if it does, I haven't found the right balance yet.  Much as I would like to, we can't exactly tell Ling that since she saw us last that P and I are now ballroom dance champions - I haven't progressed any further than the fan and I keep stepping on P's feet. 
 
So, the external furniture that I referred to is very much work-related.  Here it is, in bite-sized sentences (without elaboration), a summary of the past six months. 

• A week after the completion of Summer School, I started work in a museum on a six month contract. 
• Denning graduated from his first degree and began on his second.
• I graduated from B. Teaching (Secondary), my third degree in seven years. 
• I don't know what Jason is doing (and I live with him!).
• P's PhD candidature was confirmed in June, and health-wise, he's getting better. 
• Three weeks ago, I resigned from the museum.  Yesterday was my last day. 
• On Monday, I start a new job at a water authority, managing their education program and a staff of ten. 

That last point is the one that is stopping me in my tracks a little.  As of Monday, I will be in a management position, and in a role that I was aiming for but only after at least five years of teaching in the classroom.   It's a little earlier than expected but I'm looking forward to it. 

pressed against the shop window

Shall I say "Behold, I've returned"?

Perhaps not. I am still a little hesistant with this format of sharing, and I am unwilling to commit to such a statement as, "I have returned". It seems so binding on a person. Suffice to say I'm thinking to return, and this is me thinking aloud.

What have changed in the last six months? What news have I to share? What have I to tell you? Who have I become?

Well, my dears, I am still the intensely private person as before, though P indicated that I am making progress in "opening up". But that's P, and it's only to P that I do any serious "opening up". I still retreat behind the walls whenever someone ventures too close for comfort. But that's the internal furniture.

The external furniture - the outdoor rooms of my life - well! Things have progressed very nicely in the last six months. Remind me to tell you about them.

Who have you become?

a mouse at the door

Cheep.