The Seat

Almost 6 years to the day I was just getting situated in my first apartment in one of the coolest cities in New England, beginning one of the most daunting educational experiences of my life, sitting in the back of the 1L room on orientation day trying to scope out what I thought would be the most important part of law school - choosing my permanent seat in the windowless 1L room.

After doing a little research on my classmates (our school published this lame pamphlet before school started listing everyone's undergradute school, degree, likes/dislikes, etc.) and scanning the room, I knew I had to get a seat next to the blonde who went to Yale. Absolutely, unequivocally, without a doubt right next to her. There was no short list, no alternates, no 'Plan B' - she was the one. Surprisingly, I had the foresight at the time to realize that the only way in hell I would make it through law school is if I sat next to someone smarter than me, which wouldn't have been hard to do, but I needed to make the perfect choice. And I did.

Who would have known that by choosing the seat I did I got the best study partner for 3 years (many sessions were held at what was probably my most favorite breakfast spot in Portland), the best listener when I had my I'm-never-going-to-make-it-through-this-hell-they-call-law-school days, and a true friend in every sense of the word. So when graduation day came the pride I felt watching my friend accept her award for graduating #1 in our class was secondary to only one other thought: I did pick the right seat. Absolutely, unequivocally, without a doubt.

Thus, today's entry is dedicated to a dear friend, who not only helped me through law school but also happens to be the person who got me on to the idea of starting up my own blog after following hers for many weeks.

Thanks again, friend.

Comments

[Jason Gantt]

GOING POSTAL

RJH,

I have read your first four Blog entries a couple of times now, and I'd like to offer my opening statement (lawyer jargon): You're the Bravest Man in the World. It takes huge onions to stand on the steps with your heart in your hand. I feel a certain sense of pride being the first to place a Comment on your Blog page, and I look forward to reading it again in 18 years when my now 16-month old son Christopher is pancakeing Richard III in the Shrine Bowl. Oddly enough, I imagine that the World Wide Web we know of today will be the equivalent of Microfiche in the 2020's.

I'm truly happy for you that you experienced Coventry... you sound like a changed man. I only wish I could have been there with you! I'm sensing that there is a kinder, gentler Richard in the world today simply because of Trey Anastasio. You discussed living a life of highs and lows... I witnessed days in the past where you were literally your nickname "Dick," and other days where you were the Pope. I have undoubtedly been the same way. You have always been and always will be one of my best friends. I totally support you in your quest to become a happier person!

In countless ways, you were my equivalent at OWU of the student you described in "The Seat." 317 Smith West was a blessing for me. The only other room on campus I could have enjoyed as much was the Stuy Basement. Just wanted to say Thanks for helping me out from time to time with studies and becoming a productive adult. I wonder if I'd be where I am today if I hadn't crossed paths in the universe with you. There is no question that you were Jekyll & Hyde sometimes... the anal beer bottle dusting Yin to the noise violation Yang. I can remember giving it right back to you. Life's too short..! I do find it to be a very compelling story that the three of us went to different Frats Frosh year, and that we were reunited Senior year as honorary SAE's. What a great family we all were over there at the Lions. Phi Alpha Rich.

Two outstanding things you bring to your friendships: Loyalty & Humor. What follows is some free association of Homz-isms that make me smile: Frolf, Austin Powers & Rounders quotes, Weird Guy on Commuter Rail, Fist-Pumping to Mt. Sunapee on the jet ski, Marmor book in the dop kit, fresh brews from the home office, integrating the Clearly's, Boston cab rides, $ for $ seminar, the 98 yard run, getting a proper fit, the full 9-foot, well I don't get it, gravities at Breck Ave, JB quotes such as Obi's Da Man, ordering Big-A, hangin' with Tony at Jumbo's games (one hell of a kickoff for TD run by B), more hours at the airport, your own personal nudist camp in Cancun, the random photos of you with my cousins at my wedding, Dee's purse, returning the PKP portfolio, ugly nights and even uglier Scorpion Bowls, Damon's, Sportscenter, your bachelor party, my bachelor party, various versions of YOCN... just to name a hundred !!!

After all that and more, I can't believe we've only been friends for 10 years. Here's hoping for another 50! Best of luck with everything Rich, including your Blog. I hope more of your circle joins the party. Thank you for sharing it with me.

Dude, hurry up and have a kid.

"Faithful Friends are Gifts From Heaven. Whoever Finds one has Found a Treasure." - source unknown

JOG