nyyki

A good time was had by all, though the "all" in question was a small group.

The Angry Dog really does have the best chilidog on earth. It was a bummer that the Ace Pear was out, so we couldn't get a pitcher. But the Woodchuck Apple was good, even though they no longer sell it on draught, and the sip I had of Cuts_Inside's raspberry cider was not bad either.

We then visited the Voodoo Chile Slight Return shop and did some browsing. The quality of their vinyl is outstanding, and the copy of Innagaddadavida was pristine.

So, it's over. My thirties. They are now a note in my personal history book. They started with a Bang. While I was thirty I worked for American Express. Starting as a TRavel AGent, I got promoted to a CSR and got to do what I do best -- Implement. The CSRR team was just getting started, and I managed to do a lot of things thanks to my skills at computer stuff.

But that didn't last, and soon after I was gone from there, and soon after that the big crisis hit. Before 1997, I didn't spend a second in a hospital as a patient. Now I spent three months, and almost died twice. Since then, my health has not been anywhere near as stable as when I was in my twenties, but that's normal I guess. In my thirties I've been in the hospital five times, and also had some outpatient things done. It's been an interesting decade.

I went into my thirties married for three years. I leave them divorced for almost six. It's been a different place, and it challenges me to keep positive in the face of what many would see as crushing lonliness. I have friends that get panicky if they're out of a relationship for a month. I've been relationshipless for four years now.

I was also in a successful career then. Now, I'm disabled and back in school. However, I plan to finally finish my degree in my forties, so that will finally be done.

I can say this -- My perspective is broader than it was then. I've learned and mastered several very important things in dealing with my issues and getting my needs met in my life. though my physical condition is less stable, and my emotional needs aren't getting met, I feel spiritually and mentally far more experienced and stable.

Now, there is more to do, and more life to live. Reflection time is over. Time to go out and live again.