Also, being someone that has had a close friend kill themselves, I will say that there are a LOT of warning signs before it actually happens and family members should not only be ashamed of themselves, they should be held accountable – in the very least for neglect, especially when it’s concerning a minor. Having said that, my friend was on the worst end of the mental illness spectrum. My entire life I had been staunchly against suicide as the weak way out…until I met Andrew. Then I realized that we have made great strides in science, but we haven’t conquered everything – and for some people, unfortunately, suicide is the only way to permanently get the pain to stop. That’s not to say that I don’t hurt from what Andrew did – it’s just that I understand…and least of all I don’t demonize him.

Something that helps me is pretending I’m all that. I’ll say things about myself to myself and to other people (mostly just my friends) about how awesome I am, even if I don’t actually mean it or believe it.

My goals have changed from not having any to have a specific goal that I have attained (with the new position) and how I’m making a goal list and checking it twice. LOL Just haven’t decided yet if I’m going to be naughty or nice.

I’m being crabby. I recently remembered how there was a point in time when me and my political cohorts had to seek extra security on campus because of death threats that were sent to The Parthenon. And while this was going on, the 20-somethings were not showing up for events, but could most often be found at The Stonewall getting their grind on. It really made you question why the hell am I doing this in the first place.