What do you know, my next journal entry comes once again from Salem. A place I've spent only a week or so in the past year.

This past week I've been in Portland, helping my dad move my grandma's stuff out of her apartment because she recently was diagnosed with dementia, and is no longer able to live alone and take care of herself, so she's moved into a home. She has a difficult time remembering things, and knowing where she is. I spent some time with her before I left, and she seemed so quiet and frail from last time I saw her. She used to have such an intransigent personality, but now it's like the life has faded from her. I'm afraid she's not going to live too much longer...

Since I was in the area, Friday I came down to Salem, and have been spending time with my old friends, Jared, his girlfriend Caitlin and Curtis. Curtis, interestingly enough, is my brother in law Nick's cousin, making him my cousin in law? Small world. Tomorrow I'm planning to go hang out with my friend Noella in Corvallis. After hearing I was in Salem, she invited me to hang out with her in Corvallis and attend a Soccer game she's playing in. Apparently, I'll also get to meet this guy she's been seeing. Also after hearing I was in Salem, my sister Erin invited me down to visit her and my other brother in law, Tom. I guess there's a high demand for "Mac" these days.

Soon, Christmas shall be upon us. The holiday I find most depressing, but I can't simply wish people "Holidays" or "Christmas". Guess I'll just have to pretend to be optimistic for a while.

Happy Holidays, DeviantArt.