Aug 10, 2026: all apologies

So here's today's thing: I haven't been a good friend to derek these past few months. First, a few missed text responses, then a few more, and before I know it, I've ghosted my all-time best friend for months. I ignored his birthday wishes to me, and I didn't take the time to give him his. Y'all get to see me try to make it up to him.

I'm sorry dude. I'm not sure what exactly it is other than when I get overwhelmed it's easy for me to turtle. Work stress, home stress, family stress, and all of a sudden I leave you high and dry. That's not so much excuse making as it is me realizing when I've fallen into some well worn ruts and calling myself out for it. Now when I call myself out, I guess it's on the internet for maybe as many as four people to read it. I saw your comments yesterday and it warmed my heart to know that you may be one of those four.

I'll also finally respond to a text. I love you, friend.

From me to you: all apologies.

For the rest of you, please understand that if there's anyone on this planet that will give me grace for being a turd stain, it's my best ol' pal. All-time great good guy. A huge portion of my trades this year are soley due to his kindness.

A good egg.

I bet I watched nirvana on Total Request Live, or whatever it was called at the time, with derek a hundred times. At least that's how my old man brain remembers it.