unforgotten realms

today i celebrate exactly ten years since my world got turned upside down and inside out - when my eyes were opened not only inwards, but outwards as i saw the essential beauty of humanity freed from the burdens of societal misery.

ten years ago today, i started down the fantastic path that has led me to realize possibilities that would otherwise have been totally inaccessible. i have worked hard and sacrificed both sanity and most of the things that most normal people enjoy - some of which i *really* enjoy, and have brought myself to a place where i am proud even of the failings that have been along the way.

i pray that the next decade will be at least as successful, and will include triumphs based on the products of the last.

i pray, too, that i will enjoy it more - and i think i'm off to a good start already ^_^