Hi everyone. What a long crazy year!

[caulfield]

So long since I have been here. On and off I miss you freaks and the bouts of induced lunacy you recklessly spin into, inspired by varying degrees of existential suffering, spiritual starvation, or plain old chemical decadence. Though most times I an glad for the semblance of stability I have crafted of my existence of late, I do admit to short bursts of memory (as I sit in my cubicle, drinking my coffee, and logging support tickets) of times when I nearly had flung myself off the brink of utter insanity, of moments when I thought I had come into contact with and realized a connection to something beyond the scope of human perception, and even of those horrible horrible eternities when I had to ask myself "Why did I want to come back here... Why did I have to fly so high...?" while my brain sank ever deeper into a swirling misama of endless confusion.

Oh the memories!

ANYway... I did feel the desire to touch base really quick considering all that has happened. The easiest thing to do would be to compose a quick list, so here we go.

- I went back to school, but for professional training rather than for any sort of degree.
- I finally obtained my Microsoft certifications, just as they had revamped the whole process. (I'm an MCITP!)
- I moved (again). This time to Orange County. (which ties in with the next)
- I bought a HOUSE! In California no less... I have little hope however in the housing market recovering anytime soon. I didn't buy it alone though. (which ties in with the next)
- I am ENGAGED! Some of you might be proud to hear that I proposed at Joshua Tree National park, which is a really beautiful and spiritual place. Immediately afterward, we bought a house and suddenly we are kind of glad we did because somethign came up. (this also, ties in with the next)
- I'm gonna be a FATHER! Boy... Life doesn't ever let up, does it? It's just one thing after the other! I just found out this week actually and I was shocked at how pleasantly surprised I reacted.

Having just finished my Cisco training last week, I should be on track to take the exams in January for my certifications. I honestly have no idea what I am doing 80% of the time that this whole process has been unfolding, but somehow it all always seems to turn out just fine so I learned to stop worrying (and love the bomb?). I still work for the same organization doing the same gig, but with my new set of certs, I am hoping I at least get some professional leverage in this rapidly evolving industry.

I hope you all have a happy holiday season. California just about flooded with rain over the last week and many of us are still drying off.

[judih]

good great news. all the best to you and your beloved/s in this unfolding phase of life.

[Syd]

I'm traveling to PA tomorrow with hopes I can enjoy the same storm you just did. The one that dropped 2 feet of rain on you has plans to drop 2 feet of snow up north. I'm chasin it! Glad yer still alive and I'm happy for you!

[JRL]

Caulfield!!!!!!!

Been wondering how about what had become of you. Sounds like your taking life by the horns---good for you!!!!!

Live long and prosper!!!!!!

J

[laughingwillow]

Congrats, caulfield.

Glad to see you come around to let us know what's up with you and yours. Sounds like your life is rolling right along.

lw

[caulfield]

I can never forget you guys, I hope you all know that; And anyone who has been to the edge of the universe should be able to appreciate the significance in that... I was packing the stuff in my studio back in September and when I came across my copy of Siddhartha I had to stop and think about all the things which led up to me reading that book and so many of you were prominently figured amid that montage.

I gotta admit, marriage scares me, buying a house freaks me out, and the mere though of parenthood blows my mind. In spite of all that though, I think I might have found a way to be happy, and I can't imagine how foolish a tragedy it would seem not to at least give it a shot due to what might amount to plain old fear and anxiety.

[judih]

A lot of steps - all at once when you put it down on the page
but in reality, each one will make you stronger for the next

can't advise you much about marriage or house buying, but parenthood unfolds slowly.
you go from huge belly to birth - i can recommend that your partner dance through pregnancy, exercise, read everything possible to get ready
(do not surrender to doctors' convenience - and i'm around if you want to talk about that when the time comes)

when the little one arrives, i strongly recommend keeping your family unit to just you. For at least 3 weeks. Bond, figure it out - create your own dynamic

listening to others can confuse and interrupt your unique search for how it all works.

Your instincts and chemistry as a couple will show you the way

[camel]

caulfield!  good to hear from you man!

these boards have dried up considerably in your absence (would you blush if i said "because of your absence?").  admittedly i post here very infrequently these days, damn life always getting in the way...

either way good to hear from you man, and that you're doing well.  congrats on getting shit together like you have, we should all be so fortunate!

best wishes man
~c

[caulfield]

judih - Everything is a blur with us right now, but I will definitely keep your advice in mind. Unfortunately, our household is already a very active community. I am sure we will figure something out.

Syd - Hope you caught some mad powder. Thanks for the well-wishes.

JRL - Hey jazzman. Not sure if I am really "taking life by the horns" or if I am just getting swept up in the forces of nature, but everything feels right so I just follow the beat and play along.

laughingwillow - Thanks. Yeah, it's rolling alright - like a bowling ball. I just hope I am the bowler and not one of the pins.

camel - Heheh, I doubt my absence takes much of anything away from this delightful community at the core of things. Thanks anyway though. I have plenty more shit to get together in my life, but I appreciate the sentiment.

You all are awesome and I hope you have a great new year. Some bonus facts to include too. If my kid is a girl, my future wife agreed with the name "Satori". I am very pleased about that. If it is a boy, she selected "Milo", which I am okay with as well because it reminds me of my favorite comic strip Bloom County.