As I watched my friend Kristen walk down the aisle Saturday I started thinking about the different things that make us happy. Kristen was postively glowing and it was obvious to all of us in the church, she was happy. More than happy in fact. Content. She had found the one thing in her life to make her an even happier person than she already was.

Then I snuck a peek at my friend John, who finally came out of the closet about two years ago. He wasn't happy with himself, his job or anything until that point. I've never seen him more relaxed and comfortable in his own skin. For him, getting to the point where he was happy with himself was what did it.

For me, I'm not sure. I've been trying to figure it out for the past 28 almost 29 years ( Ahem. The birthday is only 56 days away). At one point I thought it was the partying that would do it. Spending late nights drinking my problems away. But that doesn't do anything for me anymore. At another point in my life I thought if I just lost some weight, I'd be happier. And I was. For a little bit at least. But the old problems didn't go away. Haven't gone away. Oh, I still need to drop some weight, I just know now that doing that won't end all of my problems.

Life comes rushing at you at warp speed. Things happen. It's how you deal with them that makes you the person you are. I'm still working on the me part and heck, that may take all of my life, but even if it does I'll know that I've enjoyed every minute of what I've done and the only regrets I may have are the things I haven't done.

Tomorrow marks the 8th anniversary of the death of my friend Kevin. I still miss him like it was yesterday. October 5 is never an easy day for me anymore. I'll make time to go to his grave, put down some flowers and at least say hello. Then I'll be heading to Thurmont, Md. for a college fair. All the time I'll be thinking of him though. Like I do everyday. And will for the rest of my life. If you see me tomorrow a hug would be well appreciated. In his honor you could also do me a favor and please, please, please get out there an vote next month. Kev was big time into politics and in his honor I would love to have everyone that is registered (and there is no excuse for you not to be) to pull the lever. It takes 5 minutes of your time.