Friday night Dave came over. We hung out for a bit, and then went to my sister Deborah’s “holiday” party.

I had a great time! Dave and I stood in the kitchen most of the time, telling stories and socializing. But alas, Dave had to be home by 1am. We left just after 11:30pm.

I drove Dave’s truck up the hill towards my house. As I pulled up I noticed a small gathering of neighbors, huddled around my truck.

Just minutes earlier someone had come roaring over the hill. They slammed on the brakes, sliding for a good 50 feet before colliding with my poor little truck.

My poor truck. It was just sitting there, parked on the street in front of my house, minding its own business. And some jackass plows into it.

Not only that, but the driver ran. And he got away. Fucker…

A few hours later the police showed up to take a quick report. He told me not to hold my breath–they wouldn’t find the person who did this.

Click here to see pics of the damage

On Saturday 5 December 2000, I loaded up the U-haul and left Long Beach for good. It was a bittersweet trip, to say the least. I was both happy to moving on, getting on with my life and oh so very sad to be leaving such good friends and memories behind.

And now five years have passed. My life has changed in so many ways. I’ve accomplished things and experienced things I would have NEVER done chained to my desk doing 9 to 5 to life in L.A.

I have no regrets. I know I made the right decision, and I know it was the best thing for me to do. But still I can’t help wondering what if I’d stayed? Where would I be? Who would I be? I imagine I’d be quite different from who I am now.

Ah well, enough babbling.