My fiancée and I enjoy going to quiet coffee shops to read nowadays. Chuck is my most common companion on these outings. Wanderers and The Staircase in the Woods (purchased from Ryan at Gibson's!) are up next.

Realized this week my... attempts in college are almost old enough to legally drink. The thoughts have been with me for so long. They don't rule my brain any longer though. I've fought really hard to make that true.

Something to be proud of, at a time when I'm not proud of as much as I used to be.

This year has been a true rollercoaster. I've hit some of my biggest emotional highs and lows to date. And yet, I'm still here. That mindset did not return.

Thank you. We're enjoying the time as much as one can. It's hard to not be able to share the exciting parts with your family. I want to brag about making our own wedding bands!

I could maybe forgive it if our relationship was new or felt rushed. It's been nearly 8 years. They've had time to "come to terms" with our relationship.

Hearing religious and life choice excuses are beyond old at this point. Stop using Jesus as a crutch to hate on other people's happiness.

She's had reps this whole time?!

The best wife guy I know. Congrats, friends.

Update: my work life is no longer excellent. My position at work was terminated the day after I made this post.

Hopefully, my new job is nice. We'll see.

I'm even more proud of outgrowing the mess. Letting drugs go, not needing alcohol to be social or hold a conversation, not requiring a high before I could sit behind a drum kit.

I'm proud of growing up. I'll always miss the music, the people, the shows and venues. I'll never miss the chaos or pain.

I'm proud of what I made back then.

Maybe not the sniff I try to hide in conversation and personal interactions. Maybe not the occasional haze trying to recall. Maybe not the throwing up behind venues and sneaking off for a hit.

When I let myself be there, be present, I made great things.