I've been a free man for the same amount of time as I was locked up. Double time has now passed. In the interim I've managed to come to the conclusion that, with the total number of curveballs thrown at you by life, you have to approach the plate with the mentality that this at-bat is your last. Make the most of it.

What has changed since that morning when Jacob dropped me off after finally discovering a 24-hour Starbucks in Los Angeles? Well, for one thing, I know far more bouncers, snitches, dealers and whores than last year. And that's just from the Vegas trip! (I'm kidding.) (Or am I?) (I am.) (Is he?) (Seriously, I am. Stop now.)

I remember telling my boss years ago (he's now vice president) that I always wanted to a condo overlooking the ballpark in downtown San Diego. This was back when Petco had just barely broken ground. I was thinking pretty far in advance. And so me, as fickle as I am, have, at the moment, relegated Pasadena and Downtown as alternatives. I'm sure my mind will change later today. But it's a pleasant and comforting thought to finally make up your mind, even if momentarily (which in my case, means both in a moment and for a moment).

Now if I could only figure out how to pay for the $500-a-month HOA dues.