31 Dec 2008  ::  New Year's Resolution
As some know, I just recently had my hand forced and I'm broken up with my facsimile girlfriend. It was hard work, as a lot of things were unfairly laid at my feet and rather than respond to them and increase the level of bitterness, I tried my best to stay level and ration through the whole proceedings. I was miserable and missing most of my sleep for two or three weeks.

Strange thing happened though; previously the bad ending to our relationship left me in a tailspin for months, but this time I encountered several healthy relationships that helped me see that regardless of what I was willing to sacrifice, for what I wanted to actually succeed would require at least a little work by the other half. Our relationship had a "one way" sign throughout, while I gave, she took and never looked back.

I miss her, but going into 2009 I am going to take more time to appreciate the friends I do have and the complexity of what they give to me to make my life rich and worth living. I think I have probably spent the last few years a little more self oriented than I should have, but reflection has helped me to see how great my friends really are. Thanks for being a constant source of encouragement.

I appreciate your sincerity. I am trying to be less cynical this year.

Comment added on 31 Dec 2008 by -erick

I really hate women sometimes. In the profound words of the contemporary philosopher Snoop Doggy Dog, "Bitches ain't shit but hoes and tricks." That is not a personal rule, but I'm seriously thinking of adding it as number twenty-one on the list.

I'm glad to hear you invoked rule number four: "I'm goin' monk." Monk is one of the most important weapons in the arsenal of life. Going monk can put everything into perspective. It's kind of like the American Express of rules--never leave home without it.

Then there are the Trinity Rules (numbers seven through nine):

7) There are no coincidences.
8) Everything happens for a reason.
9) Everything works out in the end.

I know it must have sucked balls when the relationship--which sounds like it was more bullshit than relationship--went all to shit. That said, it happened for a reason, and it worked out for the better.

Paul, you just found a giant pile of win. Happy New Year and I'll see you on the flip side.

Comment added on 31 Dec 2008 by Patrick

i don't do new year's resolutions... but i will say you rock and i'm always thankful for your encouragement and how you helped me on my journey to find God.

thank you

Comment added on 31 Dec 2008 by kev kev

In all serious, I raise a glass to you trying to remain human through one of the most difficult things in the world (speaking from experience). God knows I wouldn't be the person I am today having not walked similar roads too many times to count.
That being said, though, I find it much easier to let one's bitterness simmer down in the back of one's heart until any trace of human emotion has been pickled and spoiled, becoming a warm, lumpy mass of antipathy and misanthropy. Personally, I find it much easier to do sudoku, eat puppies and deal with the general Hot Mess that is humanity without the burden of empathy, sympathy or respect for others.
Stick by your guns and don't give up hope in humanity!

Comment added on 4 Jan 2009 by Fox, AKA Your Friendly Neighbo