And I’m back. Day three in my own house, waking up in my own bed, sitting at my own desk. Finally backing up my computer and pictures.

It’s weird?

It feels a little surreal being back. Nothing has changed and yet. A lot has. I have a new roommate for one thing (Margie, she’s great). It’s cold outside (it was AUGUST when I left my house). Driving through the streets there are businesses that have changed, construction that’s happened, new paths to hike on the trails. There’s snow on the mountains.

But of course, really, most things are the same. My friends are still here (mostly), living in the same places, dating the same people, working the same jobs. The coffee shop is right where I left it, selling the same coffee. Trader Joe’s still has flowers outside its door and a parking lot that is equally convenient and annoying.

So I’m back. Now what? Where did five months on the road get me, other than on the road? I dunno. I may have job, I may go back to work as early as Monday. I have a billion plans for the weekend with friends I haven’t seen in months. I want to see lots of people. I have food in my fridge to cook and coffee at my desk to drink.

I have a lot of plans for this year. I’ve already put out feelers for a few ideas, am looking forward to getting moving on a couple of others. I have a very clear idea of where I’d like to be and what I’d like to accomplish by the end of 2011. This isn’t usual! I’m not normally one for planning. As evidenced by my trip I think. You know, the one that just happened. The one that was supposed to only last through October. The one where I frequently had no idea where I’d be more than a couple of days in advance.

That’s really much more my style.

But when you want to think big, make big things happen, sometimes a little foresight and planning is required.

So here’s this. I will do cool things in 2011. And I’m going to start working on them now.

(One of those cool things may involve me learning how to play guitar. We’ll see how long that one lasts.)

Wish me luck?