44 Lines About 22 People

I’ve lived in the Bay Area for 12 years and in that time I’ve met a few people who have, for good or bad, changed me significantly. For the most part, the lessons learned have strengthened me in ways that would have been impossible without their participation. As I get ready to head into a new adventure, I’d like to formally acknowledge their participation in forming the person I am today.

Xav Lelong – Xav is one of the few people I have ever met who was clearly MUCH smarter than I am. He taught me a variety of things but the most important lesson dealt with accepting the fact that some people won’t understand you. Despite the fact that his girlfriend made it impossible for us to be friends, I still consider him to be among the most influental friends I have ever had.

Brian M – The second roommate I had in the apartment I have lived in for the last 10 years, Brian taught me about excess and the dangers of remaining a child in a world of grownups. He also taught me how to snowboard.

Meghan G – For years after moving to the Bay Area I refused to date. I worked, slept and hung out with platonic friends because relationships were scary after what I had been through in San Diego. She taught me that loving and losing was better than not loving at all.

Stacy M – Sometimes getting what you wish for turns out to be the worst thing that can happen to you. The epitome of the girl next door with the centerfold’s body, Stacy taught me that beauty is worthless without personality and intelligence.

Mars – A crazy motherfucker whose loyalty knows no bounds. Mars taught me to let loose and have fun even as deadlines loomed overhead like thunderclouds. Few people can party like Mars.

Greg G – Gunda, as he is affectionately known, still teaches me things almost every time I have the opportunity to hang out with him. His selflessness continues to impress me and his adventurous spirit has made me a better person. He, above all others, was the inspiration for my move to Hawaii.

Molly S – One of my favorite people on the planet, we’ve had our differences but the fact that we’re still friends is a testament to her ability to adapt. She taught also taught me how to forgive and I’m the better for it.

Alisha K – A fun factory who makes every adventure memorable. She taught me that if you can have fun with two or three people together, a mob of twenty would elicit peals of laughter until you pee your pants.

Rose R – The “raptor” was another member of the Shockwave team that made my life so much more fun. Not a weekend went by that Rose didn’t have a plan of attack against boredom and complacency.