So, the debate tournament is over, and it was a resounding success. In one way I am happy, and in another I am sad. I am happy because I will no longer have to spend sleepless nights worrying about who's going to judge for me 4th round, or whatever. I'm somewhat sad because it was really fun running it, and I got to meet some really great people doing it. The Canadians in particular are wonderful people (if you hadn't gotten this from my gushy posts on APDAweb already), and there is nobody I would have been happier giving our championship champagne flutes to.

Meeting good people is a real joy for me, and I feel I don't get to do it often enough. I never feel more alive than when making new friends or when making friendships stronger. A good friendship is one of those things that never leaves you, like a good thing you did for someone once or a wonderful memory. No matter how far removed from those people you are you'll always remember the things you shared and what you meant to one another. I've been getting excited lately about meeting new nice people, because I just came to that realization, that in those people is the possibility of a good friendship that never leaves you. For some reason I think I forget this sometimes, and it doesn't lead me anywhere good. Here's hoping this is a more permanent change of attitude.