On this day one year ago my cat Simpson and I boarded a plane in central Pennsylvania, and 8 hours later arrived in northern California to begin a new, better, freer, chapter of my life. A couple days after that we finally stepped foot in Los Angeles and, though I can’t speak on behalf of Simpy, overall my experience thus far is light-years ahead of anything I have done before. I’ve been trying all evening to put my thoughts down in text, but it’s all so personal and complicated- a little too much so for my casual audience. Truly, this has been one long “you really had to be there” and much of the appreciation is lost on a lot of you, but I’m not grudging. However, I really want to say something before today is over, and I could always tack on more later if I feel the need.
Since arriving that fateful day in early summer I have made many connections and worked alongside several talented people. I’m not exactly earning a paycheck in the industry yet, but I have completed two major animation projects (I’ll be sure to post when they’re released) and have another one or two on the back burner. I’ve also been compiling random and observational humor bites that I’ve been thinking of making into a web comic. As is typical I’ve gotten some practical/not so practical advice on a variety of topics relating to the industry to help me on my way. A couple years short of being 30, I finally acquired my first vehicle, thanks to one very helpful friend I’ve made out here. Slowly but surely, the gnarled mess that was my psyche when I arrived, is untangling and I am among folks who want me to be who I really am, and capable of being. Overall things are going pretty well for me. Not as great as I’d like, but honestly I’m off to a really good start. I’ve been told a lot of people don’t last a whole year, and it’s taken a lot of planning and good fortune for me to be where I am now. Here’s hoping the coming year will be even more amazing.
Finally, special thanks to my parents for always being supportive, especially in matters of art (that did not appear on walls or under coffee tables 
) and most especially during this period of personal discovery and renewal. One big Mulligan, as it were. I love you and miss you (holidays, as always, are poo when we aren’t together)
And now, a picture of my stalwart feline companion:
