January - entered my paper on English Medieval/Renaissance hunting practices at an SCA arts and sciences event. (I'm currently trying to get it published by said organization.)

February - my selection as a member of the Order of the Laurel was announced. This is the highest honor an artisan in the SCA can receive. It's an honor that carries with it a great deal of responsibility. It was also a very pleasant surprise.

March - went to Gulf Wars, a week-long SCA camping event. Muddy, fun, wet. A bunch of us went to New Orleans for the day before the event started. On our way home, I got a call from my soup-ervisor telling me that I had been a victim of a rather large lay-off. Quite a way to cap off a vacation. However, they rehired me two days later; the then-current webmaster had resigned, so I got her gig AND my old one back. I had to learn Dreamweaver on the fly, which wasn't too bad as I know lots of graphics programs and had been at least introduced to the concept of html via this blog.

May - My actual elevation to the Order of the Laurel took place, with a nice ceremony in court and a party to celebrate. Lots of my friends came together to make it extra special. I am a lucky person.

During the summer I made more friends over at Live Journal; I also tried a new therapist but decided that therapy and anti-depressants just weren't doing anything for me. I have a weird brain chemistry, that much is true, and I decided that I just need to deal with that some other way.

Also lost my great aunt, who was the last relative in Ohio that I had any contact with, and an old co-worker friend.

Late August/September - After a major depressive episode, reached the rather sudden conclusion that I need to make some big changes involving my 40 hour work week, and decided to pursue graduate school in English. Lots of research on how to get into school ensued.

October - right after a big work seminar (Engineerfest 2003), I took the GRE and did pretty well considering I have major math anxiety. Also went to Guavaween for the first time (Tampa's adult-oriented drunken Halloween celebration).

November - took a short trip to south Ohio. Fun! Cold! Weird fruit! Also celebrated Thanksgiving at Mum's place.

December - lots of parties and fun, though I had a hard time getting into the holiday spirit.

In 2003 I also refinanced my car and paid off two credit cards. And had lots of fun with my friends.