Why the hell I'm doing this.

I swore that I would never own a cell phone.

I have a cell phone now.

I also swore that I would never "blog."

You're now reading this.

A few hours ago, I received an e-mail from my friend Jay, and it mentioned his blog, where he had written about me. I went and read it, and it made me painfully aware of how much of his life I miss out on, because we don't live near each other. So, just in case there are people out there who really want to be able to hear my inner thoughts the way I've now been able to catch up on some of Jay's, I thought, maybe I should do this too.

Jay has been my longest and most loyal friend, no matter how irresponsible I am with his friendship. He's forgiven me more neglect and mistrust than I can even describe, and for 18 years now, he remains my best friend. I only hope he knows that. Maybe now he will.

I have a lot of "best friends." I don't make any apologies for several people receiving that title. Jay has the singular distinction of being the oldest of those who share that position. The fact that there is more than one "best friend" in no way diminishes the role--particularly where Jay is concerned. But no one has been my best friend for longer than he has, and that will not change. Since we were 11 years old, Jay has been by my side, at my back and in my bidness. For that, I am eternally grateful.

Jay, your Transformers led you to transform my life. Your Mask toys helped me start unmasking myself. If ever you believe that you have had no purpose or direction in life, remember what started with a shared love of action figures. For without your friendship, I would never have had the strength to live my life the way I have. Any success or happiness I have, I owe to you. Just because you aren't the only influence in my life should never take away from the fact that you were an essential one. The first stone in the foundation is always the most important. Now you know. And knowing is half the battle.