A lot of people have someone around at all times, with never a moment to themselves, but they're more alone than you are, Mike. Unless you're saying friendships aren't what count most, which I'm not going to say is wrong. There've been times where I'd have traded every casual friend for a single non-casual relationship. It's a false choice, I'm sure you're thinking. But I wouldn't take it personally if you'd trade a dozen email friends for one special friend -- who wouldn't? Unfortunately for you, you're stuck with us. 8^)

Having moved to a new town several times, I know that impulse, know the pros and cons. Sometimes it pays off, sometimes not. Just making the move takes balls, whether or not that's its own reward. Are you wondering if you made a mistake? On most days, are you still happier than in Atlanta?

Thanks, VC. I know you're right. Really, I do and I really appreciate you guys more than you could imagine. It's something that I have a hard time putting a finger on and an even harder time explaining. I just really feel alone even though I don't allow myself pity or wallowing. Hell. That doesn't make any sense. Whatever...

As for the move, rarely do I think that I made a mistake. In fact almost never. On net I'm much, much happier here. Whether that's the locale or the loss of a crappy job and a crappier relationship could be debated. However, I can't imagine being anywhere else right now.

Well, I won't tell you its silly, because I've been there myself and it certainly doesn't feel silly.

But I will tell you a few things, having made the trasistion to the "other side". It ain't all bells and whistles over here. As much as it is great to not feel lonely in that way, not being lonely comes with a whole other set of baggage (and its a match set not easily checked at the curb, if you will pardon the pun). As much as I am happy and as much as I love my spouse, it can sometimes be a huge pain in the ass to live with someone else for the rest of your life.

I will also tell you that even though you don't think its true, things are, indeed, different for you now. Not to get all new-agey on you, but you have grown over the past 3 years. You've experienced new things and you have triumphed in this new adventure of yours (that isn't so new any longer). You have made a life for yourself that you are happy with. And that is a HUGE achievement.

So there...

If you are feeling up to it, lets get together for dinner next week. I know I could certainly use an excuse to get out of New Haven and visit you in either Norwich or Stamford.

Not allowing yourself (re; comment 2)? Brutha, rethink that emotional machismo. Nothing wrong with being in touch with the ebb and flow, outside and inside you. It all helps the balance, for staying afloat. Go ahead and wallow; there will be plenty of other days to shine it on.

(Did I just out-newage L-A?) Cha', what do you expect from me, living in sunny one-season-only-land...? (actually, it felt a bit more emo)

ps: your server's been slow ginsloe recently...

Again, thank you for all the nice words.

LA - Let's plan on dinner this week! I'm probably in NYC on Thursday and Friday.

Deano - Yes, I know. But emotionally machismo is so natural to me with the whole crip thing. With it, I'll argue, that I often have to be that way or I'd never get my ass out of bed.

As for my server, yeah! WTF? I've noticed that, too. Some weekdays it won't even load. I'll shout at the server monkeys and see what they say.