Let’s bring you up to date

Well, I should update this journal more often than once in a blue moon. So, here goes nothing.

1. The SGATLiens party was rather fun, especially the parts that I can remember. I got to see most of the old school crowd, such as Llona, Sue, Spaghetti, Boychucker, Jem, and Bossanova. (A little aside – I really miss hanging out with all of you. I cannot wait to move in closer to Atlanta.) The night was going fine. Between spending time seeing old friends, meeting new people, enjoying interesting conversations about music, life, and football, and drinking a lot of alcohol, I was a wonderful time. Honest. I even ended in a bathroom with Oryon, Geckogirl, and a few other people. (Another aside – Oryon, you are hilarious, when you are tanked.) There are photographs. Really. Anyhow, sometime after 1am, my ability to recall what happened went straight to hell. All I remember is getting a little sick, Sue helping me to a couch so that I can crash, a bright flash, Geckogirl looking over me to see if I was alive, and awaking at 7am to see the end of Fight Club. The time between those moments are completely blank. So, if I did anything to offend, harass, or sicken anyone, I apologize.

2. I used to love Christmas. The sights, the sounds, the smells kept me feeling a like a child, even when I was in law school. Now, Christmas is not so joyous for me. Two years ago, my grandmother passed away on Christmas day. She had spend the last 7 years of her life fighting diabetes, heart problems, strokes, and possibly Alzheimer’s. I watched her go from the kind, gentle, and energetic woman of my childhood to a living, soul-less shell of a human being. After her passing, I did not think that Christmas would be a joyous time for me. My opinion changed when my baby niece, Madison was born on May 14, 2003. I loved holding Madison. Hell, I loved holding Mike and Kaylee, my other niece and nephew, when they were infants. Madison had spunk. At three months, she wanted to stand up. She wanted to look at people. Yet, Madison did not get to see Christmas. She and Kim, her mother were killed on September 13, 2003. Since then, I enjoy Christmas for the sake of Mike and Kaylee.

3. On a related note, I did not get along well with Kim, especially during the last two years of her life. It is too long of a story, but suffice it too say, she and I did not get along. However, I was trying to change and accept Kim. Yet, I never had the chance to tell her that I was sorry for being an ass and treating her like crap. It still bothers me to this very day.

4. I have changed jobs within my chosen profession. I am no longer a public defender. The decision to quit was in part due to burnout, low pay, long hours, but the real reason that I left was because of Madison’s and Kim’s death.

5. Now, for something completely different. My team, my school, my alma mater (twice over) will engage in righteous battle against the heathens of Wisconsin on New Year’s Day. Just as it was on January 1, 1998, so shall it be on January 1, 2005, Georgia will prevail and take the Badgers behind the woodshed and pour a cup of whupass all over them.

6. Lastly, while I have my issue with the Christmas holiday, I want to wish each and everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.