Even though you won't.

Everyone has their own definition of friendship. It is relative. It is the reality that you make it. My definition may not mirror your definition, and that is to be expected.

These thoughts, this journal, it has been in my head for years. I do not recall mentioning it to anyone before, but with the many things that I have thought through and through, it is difficult to distinguish was has been mentioned before and what has not.

In the time I have been in Minnesota, I've come in contact with so many wonderful people. Some I have not met, others I have met quite frequently, if you know what I mean. Some I have talked to at great length about life's trials and tribulations. Others, a simple introduction or hug or exchanging of pleasantries. No matter where you fall in the spectrum. I consider you a friend. There are those that draw distinction between friends and acquaintances. I would say that all acquaintances are welcome to be friends. I have come to appreciate that the most valuable resource we have is time. Unfortunately, this resource is limited. To my 500 or so new friends, I have many panda hugs for you. I wish I were able to quit my job and be a full time panda, but that is not a valid option. I wish I could see the  redrivervallyfurs more often. We are so spread out and number so many and with such a great diversity of interests and schedules. Some have moved out of the area while others have recently appeared. It helps me get by to think of all the times we have had, and I'm sure we will continue to build upon them. It is difficult for pandas to remember furry names, IRL names, fursonas, fursuits, and IRL faces. Remembering more than one at the same time increases this difficulty. I still feel like I should know some of my fellow  mnfurs more, but here we are. In the last year, I've been meeting all sorts of new people at conventions. Some I just remember just sharing moments together then going our separate ways. Perhaps one day our paths shall cross again. Perhaps one day our paths shall cross for the first time.

To those that I have met out here, you have helped make living far from home suck less by several orders of magnitude. Before  pkmotors and I joined FA, My social life here was based around Magic. I still love magic, but over the first few years, after I left the game shop, I was ridin' solo. But every night, Vix was there to keep me sane. And maybe vice versa. Soon after joining FA, I caught the cuddle bug and now it's a full blown disease. Sorry to Vix for not being able to talk to you like we used to. You graduated and became a big wig down at the arcade. I got busier at work and busier on weekends. You also found a great group of folks down there. Remember not to give up on people no matter how much rabbit rage you have. And no matter how much time separates us, time cannot diminish the past. And you are still awesome. Please do not forget that.

I wish I could individually type out how much I appreciate everyone and revel in the nostalgia of every memory of us together for you, but as mentioned above, time is of the essence.
The current game plan is to go through life spreading the panda hugs. Each individual is a rich mosaic of talents, thoughts, and experiences. I am always learning something new about life be it a hobby, new music, seeing things different perspective, different thought processes. I have also learned that we are here today, but we may not be here tomorrow. Not to be morbid, but life is beautiful, in part, because it is fleeting. I'm sure we can all think of examples of this. Let's make the most of what we can together.

So... I guess the whole point of this is to say thank you. Also, sorry that I don't get to see you as often as either of us would like. Also, please don't get offended when I ask you who you are again or if I've told you the same story five times over