Bullshit

Through the art of sophisticated animation-and Microsoft Paint-we are able to observe an accurate topographical representation of Trevor's "mostly flat" course

Hymn for the Exiled

Part 1: The Way We Were

As you know, I was home for Thanksgiving, and during this time I had the absolute pleasure of seeing 2 of my best friends and to do the simple activity which brought us together in the first place. I didn't know how long we were going to run, what the course was like or really how I would fare, as my ankle was still recovering from my marathon. It turned out though, to be one of the funnest runs I've been on. First: new blood. Tom: you're a cool dude, keep it up.
The mud and rain was almost exilharating, and the hills certainly added a bit of flavor to the run. And for whatever reason, I really enjoyed the ride up and back. Maybe it was the music, or the heated seats, or the lively conversation. Anthony, thank you so much for picking me up. I can't wait to get home to run with you all again.

Part 2: The Good Left Undone

I also had the chance on my short break to see some ladies socially. I had been dying to see Cassie since I was last home, but 9 months is a long time and things change. I suppose my hopes were too high to start with, maybe it was another case of hope clouding perception, and things not being how you imagined. There was no joy in Mudville that night.

However, I had been talking to a high school friend -Erin- off and on since my marathon. She wanted to get a drink if I had time when I was home and I was more than happy to oblige. I first met her sophomore year, and I was as in love as a high schooler can be with a girl who doesn't know he exists. I got over it, but she was always kind of my dream girl. So, for the last 8 years I continued with life, and she was always on the fringes of my mind. So imagine my surprise when she asks me to hang out. We got a drink at a very expensive restaurant in North Andover(the beer was at the end of the food menu, the wine had a menu unto itself.) and we were going to go bowling(on a whim) but the alleys were closing, so she suggested we watch a movie at her place. Fast forward through 12 magic hats, a decent Will Ferrell movie, and the first half of "The Notebook" and we're not even watching the TV anymore. I slept there that night(nothing happened) and came back the next day.
I felt a little guilty that I didn't spend my last night with my family, but they just kind of hang around and it's awkward. They want to be around me, but have nothing specific to do and it makes me uncomfortable. So I went back to Erin's. We had a bottle of wine (or 2) watched some movies, and then I serenaded her. No joke, Eagle Eye Cherry's "Save Tonight" was the perfect choice. And I slept there that night as well(lots more happened that night)
This short account is not to pat myself on the back, ask for kudos or add notches to my belt. Its to say that yes, good things really do come to those who wait.
It reminds me (though vaguely) of the Oresteia, or the tragedy of Orestes.
Orestes was the son of King Agammemnon, and was faced with the terrible task of revenging his father's murder by killing the murderer: his own mother. Orestes was far from his country, and did not jump hastily into his task. He debated his actions. How can one kill his mother to revenge his father? But ultimately revenge is the law of the gods, and after 12 years of waiting, Orestes killed Clytemnestra his mother, and her new husband. In a similar way, I waited 8 years for this girl, and when it seemed farthest from thought, the good came forth.