video: flames, on the side of my… place

I didn’t really intend to have a blogging break, but it was probably a good thing for the holiday. Even so, it wasn’t meant to be such a long time away from writing. Once you’re out of the habit, it’s hard to get back into the swing of things. I do have a few posts brewing, but I’ve definitely got a blogjam going on. I did have a great Thanksgiving and I’ve gotten some new furniture in to make the new place feel more like home. In fact the items have less of a modern and more mid-century modern feel to them. So, inspired by a friend, the pad’s new nickname is the Swanktuary.

And as today would be the second day at work within a week that someone decided it would be professional to lose their cool and yell at me, I am very glad to come home and enjoy a little peace and quiet, no matter how artificially generated it may be:

[flv:swank_fire.flv 500 376]

With the new TV stand I bought–and assembled all by myself, thank you very much–the TV sits much lower than I’m used to and it seemed a lot better suited to “ambient” DVDs such as fireplace or aquarium. Last year, I had a pretty decent video, but I found a better one that has “real” crackling noises and not holiday music. And really, fake as it is, it’s still very comforting. Being as high up as I am, warmth in the apartment isn’t really a problem, so it’s easy to immerse myself in the illusion… and it’ll look nifty for a holiday/winter cocktail party.

I’m not usually one for big holiday decoration or music, but this year I’ve been enjoying the retro, lounge and ambient style albums. My current fave is The Mistletoe Lounge. My usual problem with Christmas tunes is that everyone seems to cover the same ol’ songs, and any more modern songs are either about God or spending it with the one you love. And let me say, as a single person around the holidays? That feels SO good. 🙄

So while I doubt anyone “missed” me*, but I hope everyone’s taking care of themselves!