Four years, a lot of emotional mileage, and a lot of bewilderment

Friends don't let friends post bewildered, of course.

But, I am still around, and still crappy at staying in touch with people.

But there have been some heavy changes since I killed the previous incarnation of the GWBench.

Dad passed away in the summer of 2010. It was a quick downhill slide for him between late April and Late August - pancreatic cancer. I would not wish that one anyone, even the people I have hated. (By contrast, I probably would wish upon people I hate something like... well, bedbugs in their urethras.)

Mom retired from working last year, and has to confront that her packrat tendencies have complicated her life. She's making changes, and generally, I think she is happier.

And since the fall of 2010, I have been dating a woman who still seems to like me. I just finished moving in with her a few weeks ago, and I am dealing with the constant challenges of NOT FUCKING THIS RELATIONSHIP UP.

But I am slightly smarter than I was 10 years ago. And I am more practiced at accepting that my immediate emotional response to anything probably should not guide my behavior.  And maybe we've got a good shot at a healthy relationship.

I will try to get back in touch with the people I care about.

Once more, until you hear from me, may peace and love and happiness fill your life to overflowing.