I returned from my trip to Japan, unemployed.... but motivated to look for work. It was also time to take advantage of the time I had to wrap up loose ends and work on my creativity.

Mat turned 30 this month. I went forth to get a Macintosh computer. I was back in Downey. It was difficult returning to what I was hoping to leave once and for all. I don't mean that in a truly offensive sense: for a long time I have been trying to find myself while being independent. But I couldn't (and still can't) afford to live on my own. So I am home.

One afternoon, a week prior to my ex-girlfriend's (Linda's) birthday, she dropped me an email asking me if I had any plans for that afternoon - apparently it was going to be the longest day of summer.

We ended up going to Huntington Beach. Just an hour before we met up, I decided to buy her a dozen red roses.

We ate at Ruby's at the end of the boardwalk, had a good conversation and left quite pleased with the day.

Linda is an exception to the stereotype of an ex girlfriend. We have been through quite a bit in our time together but still manage to keep in touch on an almost daily basis. Although we have our differences and have moved on with our lives, we are still quite close.

I take comfort in knowing that we love each other, not so much relationship-wise, but as two people who have known each other for quite some time, working through even the toughest of personal times.

These are the sort of friendships or relationships that I will always cherish: those that survive the weather and struggles of life and time.

Happy Birthday, Linda.