Believe.

Gary and Keith host a game night at least once a month. Last night, it was Harry Potter Trivia.

After a dinner of Fritos, Broccoli, and alcohol (If you’re late just be thankful there’s food left), I discovered I’m no Harry Potter expert. Gary is. Our friend Kim (No pic. Sorry.) is a close second.

It wrapped up when the gang left, then Gary, Keith, and I settled down to watch “Bridge to Terabithia” Wow. This is a beautiful show. I wouldn’t suggest it to your six-year-old, but I think my (almost) 13-year-old nephew would love it.

I came home, spoke with Jason (Getting the latest on “Charm School“) and then called Tai.

Tai? Yes. Tai. He’s a fashion student in Orlando, and God knows I could use some help in THAT area. “Armani” sounds like a fruit-filled pastry to me, but Tai believes otherwise. He’s a very bright, energetic, motivated former cheerleader and sword-fighting instructor. In other words: don’t mess with him, or he’ll “cut you” with a smile on his face— and then explain his technique.

He’s the type of guy who cleans the house while he talks on the phone . . Very active. Strangely enough, I don’t annoy him.

He’s okay, but I’m not sure . . . We’ll see.
Josh

I’ve been down. There, I said it.

The disease feeds depression, and depression feeds the disease. It’s complicated by the fact I visited a new doctor just a week ago. He isn’t convinced I have hemochromatosis. So, I’m going to a lab on Monday to have blood taken for DNA, liver, hepatitis, cancer, etc screenings, and seven weeks from now, we’ll have a clearer picture.

Many days, I feel like I could die from being tired. I was not prepared for this level of weakness.

Last night, Noah called and invited me to Village Inn. I hadn’t been out of the house in weeks (except for my Doctor excursion) and didn’t really feel like going out, but I agreed. They were closing soon, so I rushed to get ready and headed out the door to find my car had a flat tire.

I called Noah and asked if he could pick me up. My knight in shining convertible.

It doesn’t SEEM like much, but to me last night was everything. I’ve always wanted to ride in a convertible . . It’s something I promised my Grandma I’d do for her. . . Granted it wasn’t pink, and I wasn’t on the Las Vegas Strip . . . . It was still a convertible and it was amazing.

We rushed back to VI with Ska playing loudly and stayed until they turned out the lights. Noah then took me to Dunkin’ Dounuts so I could get a sugar free hazlenut iced coffee. Yum.

We stayed there for a few minutes talking with Reese, a fellow web geek, and drove to Circle Park (the pier) . . sat out by the lake and talked for a couple hours listening to music and talking about almost everything. I didn’t realize how much I missed kindness.

I’m Josh. Of course I’m kind. Of course I’m giving . . . That’s just . . who I am. It’s selfish in a way, because I feel happiness when I’m able to do good for others . . but . .

Last night- Looking at Lake Jackson and the stars, feeling the wind on my face in that shiny convertible- I realized. . . I need kindness too.

A good friend, simple car ride, coffee, music, and a gorgeous Florida night came together last night, and I realized how far away from “home” I’ve strayed. Enchanted nights used to be my “thing” . . but I allowed depression to force me away from home.

David doesn’t miss me. Most Sebring friends don’t either. I can continue to be bitter about it, but why? I know who I am. I know I’m a great guy and just because THEY stopped seeing it doesn’t mean I should too.

My knight in shining convertible reminded me of that. He swept me off my feet. Not in a romantic kissy kissy way . . but . . In a . .”Hey, you’re standing in a place you don’t want to be” way. Perhaps he knocked me off my feet, huh?

Thank God.