At the end of the day, some real sunshine

I finally got in touch with my friend Melanie when I was out with the dogs. She's my very bestest friend ever, who I've known for over 10 years, I think, and who outside of my family is the person from Columbus I miss the most. I swear, talking with her brightened my whole day incredibly, put a smile on my face for the first time today, and made me feel like myself again, at least for the time being. Nine hours ago I was having a depression-fueled panic attack while curled up in a fetal position in my bed, and now I actually feel somewhat happy again. I'm going to make it a point to call her often, as well as other friends of mine if I can--Bob & Connie, Adam and Jason from Frollywog, Todd from Floorian (I'd call John too, but no phone number...maybe email would be just as good), maybe others. I've realized just how important it is to have friends and to stay in contact with them, because when you're otherwise free-floating through this hostile, uncaring world like an amoeba, they are the lifelines that keep you from drifting down the maw of oblivion.

Gotta be in at 6:30 tomorrow morning, so I'd better shower, shave, and sleep.