Day 14 of San Diego

I feel more stable today than I was last night... Things were pushing me to the limit. Nothing major occurred. Only some minor miscommunication between Mason and I. Mason thought I didn't want him to come home because of how upset I became over him watching recent PewDiePie videos. I was upset over that because I wanted him to save those for me to show him later when he came home. I enjoy introducing him new material that I think is either funny or worth watching. Personally, it makes me feel special if he doesn't know something, but I do.

Anyway, for some heart-wrenching reason, Mason thought I didn't want him to come home for the holidays. Which is an ungodly thing to think about! That's all I EVER want! Is him being home! I'm empty without his presence... I feel like a vessel with no soul!

I turned depressed in a matter of minutes. I was absolutely hating myself for making Mason believe I didn't want him home for the holidays... For a couple of hours, I told Mason how I felt about his Leaves and about my depression worsening and how I want him home for every second of every day of my life.

I assume for some of you who know me in real life wonder why I don't get instantly excited for Mason's arrivals. Yet I AM excited. It's buried under this dark heap called Depression. My depression looks at the facts. It realizes that I'll only have Mason for a few days... Nonetheless, I want him home forever. I don't like being "teased." I don't like this back-and-forth cavort. I never even wanted him to join the Corps. But it was a smart route. It'll brighten our future! It'll give us a stable lifestyle.

In the mean time, I'm chatting with Mason over IMVU while relaxing beside a fire. My parents are at a runners meeting. It's quiet. Peaceful. Just the way I like it.

Eastern Screech Owlets

Eastern screech owls like to take over woodpecker nests that have been dug out over the years in pine trees, which are the main species of tree at this swamp. The Fish and Wildlife Service also paints a white ring around the base of a tree that has active nests so they will be avoided when conducting controlled burns. Screech owls can range in height anywhere from eight to ten inches, so you have to have a sharp eye to find these little birds of prey.

I spent the first few weeks of April this year photographing the gray morph screech owl that was living in the nest and had no idea there were three owlets inside. (By: Graham McGeorge)