Hey Dan

I got one of those email tonight that set me off. Two weeks ago this really nice girl invited me to the movies by email. Well it was the day before I went out of town, and I did not get back to her. This is one of those things I have been meaning to do but have not found the time. I know I am a cade. Tonight I got an 'I wasn't asking for your hand in marriage' email and it set me off. It was list of name calling (including putz and pussy) and ended with a way to redeem myself. Now this person is a friend, but we have never spent time social together. So it set off one of my responses..

Jane Doe

Yes I am a putz. That is not nor as far as I know has ever been in debate. As far as people who are or can be pissed about me not returning email, sit down and take a number. You can join the distinguished list of people who are on my 'I need to call, write or be social with' them list. This list currently includes My Father who has not gotten a call or email in several months and does not know Leslie has even moved out. My Mother who has gotten a two line email about a while ago that prompted a 2 page 'honey I worried about you' email that I am still working though. My best friend Beth who has just given up and is now IM'ing me. Kelly Hart a world-class friend, who I have owed dinner for 5 months, finally scheduled next week. Novie who been suggesting we go out and do a multitude of things for a year. Bert who I have a great need to rebuild a friendship with that I am currently putting lots of stress on. Bill and Kathleen who I have been meaning to invite to dinner since the faire ended. Jessica who wants me to come to dinner at her and Jason's new place that I have not made time to do. An old high school friend who sent me the nicest email in March and I have not responded. And then you who sent me a really nice email and I have been trying honestly to figure out when we can get together.

As you may or may not see I am not trying to 'brush you off.' It is just that I have had a lot on my plate mentally and emotionally in the last six months and my time and energy to deal with everyone has been limited. For my part I am really and truly sorry for not getting back with you. Your choices are two... understand and deal, or not and go away. You have always seemed like a really cool person and I sure I will regret saying this at some point but right now I really do not care what you decide.

Dan

OK am I going over board here?

Posted by Dan at 07:15 PM | Permalink

Step into the way back in time with me now. July 8th, 1991 a white Mazda RX7 with Oregon plates crossed the Texas boarder the driver had not idea where he was going… wait lets back up a couple of days. The morning of the fourth, 9 a.m. a young Dan 22 soon to be 34 packs soon to be everything I will own in to a very small car. With $400 in gas money and a large Mountain Dew and only the vague idea of how far he is headed away from where he was standing. If you need a hint it is 1400 plus miles. As I drove over Lake Shasta I got to see the fireworks. Spent a couple of days in LA and went to a party with Roxanne and a friend who has moved to San Diego. The next morning I headed to Texas. Twelve hours latter I passed though El Paso with a broken battery cable and sleep deprivation. Just eleven more hours of driving too go.

That was over ten years ago. I was not intending on staying in Texas for this long. I really do not remember what the plan was, but it was not this. Now I not saying it has been bad, it has had its moments. The people I have met have been some of the most amazing experiences of my life. I have fallen in love, made people laugh, and had dreams. I have also cried, hurt people and been farther down then I thought possible. These things would have happened anywhere. For me they happened here. In Texas…

Posted by Dan at 07:14 PM | Permalink