Catharsis
[Cross-posted from my MovableType Blog]
Yesterday hit me harder than it has in recent years. I ended up stepping out of the office and just bawling for while. This lead to a catharsis stronger than I have felt in a VERY long time.
It also posed a bit of a dilemma. I realized that sitting home in the dark, sipping Oban might be a perfect way to remember him, but it probably wasn't the best thing for my mental state at the moment. But at 4:50, I was going to have a hard time finding some way to avoid doing that. Especially without a vehicle in the South Bay.
Fortunately, Salim, Jim, & Dawn were going out to dinner to celebrate Jim's new job and they invited me along. Synchronicity was with me as I somehow managed to make every connection from VTA (I think the driver waited for me) to Caltrain to Muni to Muni. I wasn't sure if I'd mention my own reason for seeking social interaction, and as it turned out, it never really came up.
We went to Magnolia (Haight & Masonic) I'd been there for beer before, and always liked it. I don't know how I never looked at the menu! Everything looked fantastic!
In the end, I had a very nice evening out with good friends. I can think of few better way to remember the dearly departed.
Oh, and I got DRENCHED on my way back home.
Here's to my little brother. He's never far from my thoughts.
Update: I just got mail (sent yesterday) from Yojo (stealthymonkey) that said (among other things):
You forgot a really fucking bad date. Not a really fucking awesome person.
please remember that.
She always has had an uncanny ability to put things in perspective. Thanks, dear!