I went to Michael McGuffin's birthday party. I enjoy spending time
with him, his wife Alice, and their kids. There's just that sense of
reality, of being human, of making that connection. It's very
different from the high-energy tech or event-ish parties I sometimes
go to. It feels more intimate, more real. These are the friends in
front of whom you can be vulnerable, and because you can show them
your weaknesses, you also delight in sharing with them your joys.

Here's an excerpt from the letter I wrote him:

One of the things that helped me get through all the
culture shock and the loneliness was that unreserved openness with
which you welcomed me. You took me into your life and into your circle
of friends. You made me feel at home. And you gave me quite a bit of
advice about graduate school, too.

I wish all the best for them. Seeing them reminded me that I need to
visit them more often. Maybe I should take Alice out for hot chocolate
and another massage… And I should bring back one of those pop song
books for her guitar-playing, too. Hmm…

Random Emacs symbol: bbdb-display-message – Command: Do nothing and return nil.