Today I met Kristen. It was a first, and it was nice. She looks just like her picture, but just think of her about a foot taller than what you imagine. It’s weird how you know someone’s theological position on all the hot topics, but you don’t know that she doesn’t like pulp in her juice. It’s just so…backward.

Today was my first time alone on a long drive down the beautiful California coast. I can barely describe the breathtaking view: the Pacific on my right with a pirate ship* on the far horizon and purple covered mountains on my left, topped with eerie Scottish-looking fog. It was like a movie set. I almost forgot where I was. You Californians can have a moment here to beam with pride… and then you can fall off your proverbial high horse and go pay your CRV taxes.

Today was my first time meeting an online personality. And except for a few tiny details—

it was a good day. She may have had a few axes to grind, but at least she didn’t do it behind my back. I’m easy to impress.

Kristen loves the Lord in real life just like she does on her site, so full of life and fun. She’s a breath of fresh air. A welcome first breath of real fresh air since L.A. got within breathing distance.

Another first worth mentioning: I got my first ever traffic violation. I was in a hurry to meet my new friend, and I didn’t pay close attention to a worn-out paint job twenty feet down the curb that said, 15 minute parking. Can’t see it? Well, neither could I. Thirty-five bucks to Uncle Sam for parking in the wrong spot. Yeah, it rots.

Nevertheless, it was the first time I conceded that throwing away my hard-earned money to the government was worth what I got in return.
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*I was just informed that my “pirate ship” was an oilrig. Sometimes ignorance is bliss…
**Go see Kristen’s side of the story.