So, slowly but surely this is maybe becoming a blog focused on the Nephew. But he’s adorable enough, it works.

Hope y’all had a wonderful Pan-Universal Be Who You Are day! I’m off to kiss the Nephew some more.

So, apparently there’s some Japanese gardens near where I live?

It’s a pretty nice place.

We’ve had an interesting time of it over here at Chez Brauer for the last few months. My mother, being her usual wonderful self, decided to take two of her daughters out and about town. It helps that the Nephew came, because my mother is so sublimely in love with her grandson, it’s not even funny.

The Nephew, meanwhile, is in love with putting ALL THE THINGS in his mouth.

So who knew there were such lovely places near me? And not only that, this park is actually on top of a freeway. Literally. There’s a tunnel beneath it, but you can’t even hear the cars rushing by, it is that tranquil. Ah, if only it weren’t 30+ minutes away, I’d go and read/write/tan. Plus, I got to brush up on my latent Japanese a little, wander around in the sunlight and warmth (woo! is it winter? I don’t believe you), and then at the end, my mother treated my sister and I to some deeeeelicious Japanese food. Hakata ramen! Tofu Sukiyaki! Gyoza! ALL THE SAKE.

My family, they are good to me.

Also, the Nephew is adorable.

SOOOOOOOO. It’s been awhile! Any random happenstances for my minions? Discovered any new places nearby you’re just dying to talk about? Also, if you would like to gush with me about the amazing cuteness of my Nephew, that is acceptable.

Hope everyone is doing fabulously!

Miss you. <3

Sorry, guys, for neglecting this blog so much. And, honestly, the amount of posting I do here will probably decrease until I start being more productive with my writing/travel more. In the meantime, if you miss me lots, you can visit Contemporary Sailor, though the focus is definitely the Navy.

In any case.

2013 is gonna be a big year of change for me. I’m shipping out for the Navy (that’s a big one), but even bigger than that–the Navy is gonna be the start of my actual, like, adult life. I’ll have a job I can make a career, rather than just faff about for four years. I’ll meet all sorts of people I’d have never interacted with before. And I’m going to buy my parents’ house so, gasp, I’ll have a mortgage. This is crazy talk.

Around all that, I’m still going to keep writing. I think my focus is going to have to be discipline. Words come out when I type, but I don’t often sit down. So I suppose if I make any resolutions this year (I failed miserably at all of mine last year), It’ll be to give at least a little time every day to writing. Just writing. Not perusing twitter and tumblr. Swearsies.

With the Navy adventures, however, I think I may have to reschedule Crits for Water 2013. My guess right now? It’ll start in September. But that’s subject to change. I’ll try to keep you guys as updated as possible…especially once I know when I’m actually shipping out to boot camp!

Finally, Kat-Crits are officially closed. If you’ve been wanting one, you may have to wait until Crits for Water Thanks to everyone who supported me in that adventure, and I hope I’ve helped the folks who got one!

So that’s all with me for now.

How’re my minions? I MISS YOU.

Hope you have a great one, minions! See you in the New Year.

My new blog/vlog chronicling my life in the Navy and offering what little advice I have on the subject to hopefuls. Also check it out for extra patriotism and me acting like the silly kid I am. If I’m not here, I’m hopefully there. Or on twitter.

Hooyah!