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Alisyn
One of two people I'm willing to wait for. Something about her voice, both written and vocalized, makes me feel so comfortable, so loved. She never ceases to make me smile, or to want to talk - or listen - for hours upon end. Despite what anyone says or thinks or does, I will do my best to give the connection I share with her a proper chance to meet its potential.
Alex Cohen
The best Professor I ever had, Rhetoric or not. Gave me the room and encouragement to finally hone my writing skills, and always left his door open for me to just come and talk. The reason I use a Macintosh, the reason I studied Rhetoric in the first place, and the reason that U.C. Berkeley wasn't such a bad choice after all.
Allen
The cousin that I feel the closest to. From long ago trips to Lake Tahoe, to incessant discussions about the latest album or movie, Allen has consistently been a kind, honest, and fun person to be around. My only regret is that we've always lived so far apart, but I guess that makes holidays and special trips all the more rewarding.
Amber M.
So maybe I did stare too much, and perhaps I didn't know how to take a hint. But just because I was awkward and shy and different from her, that doesn't mean I didn't love Amber any less. 8th grade is a long ago blur except for her, and I doubt she'll ever know how much of an impact she had, despite her understandable rejection of me. My only regret is that I was so blind to everyone but her, that I missed lots of opportunities for far more possible and real happiness. In any case, I'll never forget her eyes, her smile.
Anna
Ari
Aunt Gayle
Aunt Lucy
Aunt Sue
Becca
More fun than I deserve sometimes. Mistress of Party City, and capable of more non sequiturs and unique usages of English than anyone I'm aware of. Part of the grand SheelaBec team, and one of my best AOL buddies. A barrel full of monkeys plus water sprinkler twister.
Becky
In many ways, more enjoyable to be around than Yo La Tengo. Met her at a concert about a year ago and immediately was caught in her spell, and even though a lot less happened than I would have once hoped, lots of sincere and honest communication provided me with a great new friend. She loves music at least as much as I do, and knows how to collage up a storm. I still don't know her well enough for my tastes, but what I've been exposed to so far has been nothing but positive. Meeting her gave me faith that existence still has a few pleasant surprises awaiting me.
Brenda
One of the best choices I've ever made was to talk to her on the way back home from Portland. Brenda is an amazingly solid and great person, and for the past 2 years her friendship and correspondence has done nothing but add to my life. I treasure her well-chosen postcards and stickered letters, and am looking forward to the next time we can meet. She makes Kansas worth visiting.
Bronwyn
My best photographer-friend in El Cerrito, and that's saying a lot. We've known each other since high school, and although we didn't talk much then, now she's one of the few people I can rely on to listen to my joys and laments and never once yawn or get overly frustrated. She has an eye for the world that I can't help but envy, and knows how to tell the stupidest joke with the straightest face possible. I'll walk miles to eat one of her desserts, and I consider it a privilege to be her friend.
Carrie
My first antizine fan, and a lot of fun to correspond with. Made me appreciate glow-in-the-dark stars and NIN chat rooms, and always brought forth more than my fair share of smiles. I regret that we've haven't been in more regular contact as of late, and always look forward to her next message.
Carrie
Someone I cared for a whole lot, when all the doors were locked and the future opaque. As luck would have it she went to El Cerrito High for a few months, and then suddenly disappeared without a trace. She had the most beautiful hair in the world, and for a short while when I was 14 I wanted nothing more than to run my fingers through it. That never happened, and I'm sure she never knew that I felt that way, but a part of me wonders what the past 10 years have brought her. Maybe some day I'll be lucky enough to find out.
Cathy
The best prom date I never really danced with, and more dear to me than I allow myself to admit sometimes. She made the 11th grade worth coming to school for, and did more to fuel my muse than anyone before or since. The first person I ever held hands with, and the second person I ever threw up over. In her prom dress she looked like a princess, but to me she was more like a star fallen down to Earth, with a smile that made me risk my heart. My first real exercise in almost, and someone I will never stop loving.
Ceci
A rather special person, who's creative ability shames what I expressed at the same age. First met her at an incredible hot and humid zine fair in Oakland, and her work impressed me so much that I haven't ceased promoting it since. Despite our age difference, I feel I have a whole lot to learn from her through our correspondence and friendship, and I'm looking forward to what she comes up with next.
Chason
The first person who ever really interviewed me, and always a source of honest yet terribly supportive comments. I first met him during a Kid Dynamo set, and ever since his letters and postcards have been one of the highlights of my PO trips. I can't think of anyone who writes with more honesty, and his zine improves by leaps and bounds with every issue.
Cheryl
We've yet to meet in person, yet she's one of my best and truest friends. Oklahoma City with always be synonymous with her shine, and the conversations and letters we've shared have been one of the highlights of my life. Knowing her has helped me understand what love, honesty and friendship really means, and I will always be her biggest fan.
Christine W.
Made the El Cerrito High Fiction Magazine worthwhile, and never ceased to make my day with her laugh and insights. Yeah, I'm the first to admit that I had a thing for her I never adequately explored, present since the first time we met 8 years ago, but in the end it's our friendship over the years that I prioritize more than any unrequited feelings on my part. One of the few people that made going to U.C. Berkeley worthwhile, and one of the few people that I sincerely miss being in contact with.
Dawn
I'm still not sure what happened between she and I. For a time at the end of 11th grade, she was the only person on my mind, and I thought she felt the same way. She said she did, but in the end all I can remember is the last day of our Junior year, after we went to [Ghostbusters 2] in Berkeley, took BART back, and parted ways with her promise to call. She didn't when it counted, and when things openly changed, and Hong came into my life, the call that finally came was too late. I still have nothing but respect for her, even though I haven't seen her in years.
Deldelp
One of the few people that changed my life as soon as she entered the picture. Ever since 10th grade English I've never been sure if I'm totally crazy about her or totally crazed by her. Not that it really matters, because whatever the years have thrown our way, nothing has come in the way of our surprisingly solid friendship. One of the few truly individual people I know, who will fill any half-empty glass she comes across even if you're drinking from it at the time. Introduced me in one way or another to Hong, Veronika, Japanese and zine publishing, and no matter what she does I'll always end up forgiving her happily.
Demond
Probably the best friend I'll ever have, even though it's been years since we've really hung out. Ever since I can remember he's always been there across the street from my parent's house in Richmond, and despite all the differences and distance that we've acquired over the years, no one can crack me up more, or make me appreciate the intricacies of friendship. More of my childhood is inextricably tied to him than anyone else, and I wouldn't have it any other way.
Edwin
Had the biggest laugh in the world, and took a little bit of the sun away when he died around 7 years ago. I didn't know him that well, but when I was younger, whenever I saw Edwin coming down the street I knew I was in for a good time.
Elaine
Perhaps the smartest and sweetest person I've ever had the pleasure of meeting. Took over Deldelp's shift at the El Cerrito Library during my senior year, and always gave me a smile and a good conversation. I always liked her a lot, but never really considered exploring those feelings further, although to be honest I'm not sure why. She was always around during my years at U.C. Berkeley, and although we didn't really share any classes she always seemed to be floating around somewhere or another, working hard yet never seeming worse for the wear. I'm not sure what she's up to now, but I have no doubt she's doing an amazing job at it.
El Cerrito Librarians
Made the library my second home, ever since my mother first pushed me in the door. I've spent more time at the El Cerrito Library than anywhere else save for my parents' house and school, and I was truly honored to work there during the latter half of high school. All of the librarians were, and continue to be, some of the most helpful and friendly people I have ever worked with. I doubt I'll ever have a more satisfying job experience than shelving books and chatting with Elaine, Deldelp, or the endless stream of readers (some of them quite cute) - everyone made all the bar coding and endless busy work worthwhile. Whenever I go back to visit, I always make sure to say hello to Grace and Agnes and the few librarians that still remain. They never cease to welcome me back, ask about my latest projects, and comment on the new state of my hair.
Elizabeth
One of two people I'm willing to wait for. My Heidi, my Bethie, is beyond the sum-total of all the words I could use to describe her, or the way she makes me feel. 3000 miles might as well as be around the corner, for despite the different lives we lead there's always our glowing connection above and beyond it all. Yes, I am an incurable romantic, and no, I don't know what the future may bring, but I would love for her to be a big part of it.
Gabi
My first crush? Big sister to one of my preschool friends, I recall sleepless sleep overs where I was supposed to be playing with Michael but my heart was following her around the house. She was only a few years older than me, but when I was younger that distance seemed like an unjumpable line of cars. Now, I don't even know where the two of them are, but I wonder sometimes, especially when scanning over old photo albums.
Garth
One of my best friends in elementary school. I think most of my other friends were intimidated by his intelligence and brash manner, but to me he was a kindred spirit, who read the same books and understood the same issues. I remember going over to his father's house after school, or the summer trip to Lake Tahoe that he came along with my family. High school saw us drifting apart, but I'll always treasure his friendship and wit.
Gen
One of my best friends when I was younger, and my first real exposure to Japanese culture. His family moved into the weird house up Shasta St., and it didn't take long for me and Demond to find ourselves surrounded by foreign toys and smells and Gen running around amongst it all. In his mother's eyes I was a "babysitter", which the age difference would have suggested, but we were peers in spirit - even though we couldn't always speak the same language, we shared the magic of hide and go seek and monster movies. Lead him to a church fountain and he would end up running around in it, half-naked and smiling; yearn for uncomplicated companionship, and all it took was a quick walk up the street for him to make it all OK. The day he and his family left back for Japan, and I gave him his pick of my GI-JOE and Star Wars figures, was the day my childhood's leaves started to fall.
Gen
My first and only post-familiar roommate, and one of my better male friends since El Cerrito High. When we first met through Kikue I was understandably more focused on her, but it didn't take long for me to come to appreciate his enthusiasm for all that "American", and his tendency to try anything twice. We both knew far too well that he was more of a life-artist than a exchange-student, and I think our varied experience and personalities went together rather well. The two years we spent together at Bonar St. were a real growth experience for me, and the time we shared exchanging Japanese and music and little moments of silliness and clarity are what I truly miss now that I'm living alone.
Grace
Grandma Honeycut
Grandma Prall
Grandpa Prall
Greg
Gretchen
My complement. See [NAF 2] for the whole story.
Holmes
Homeless in Berkeley
Hong
My first true and complete love. Words aren't adequate enough to convey what she meant to me, or how much the silence between us now hurts. I forgive her - and myself - for the way things ultimately turned out, but in the end I'd rather remember all of the magical moments we shared, than the distance, the tears, and the oppressive weight of fate and circumstance. I owe her more than I can ever repay, and I will never forget the way she made me feel.
Ian
Infoshoppers
Ingrid
The first girl I ever asked out, gave love notes to and threw up over. No one else seemed to understand what I saw in her, but to me she was so beautifully strong, and the best Biology partner I could hope for my Freshman year at El Cerrito High - she dissected while I cringed. She's so cool that she brought her horse to school for show and tell, and even though I spent most of the 10th grade totally depressed because she wouldn't talk to me, eventually we settled our differences and I can look back at things without wincing too much. I still keep the few letters I have from her at the bottom of my love-note shoe box, and every so often I take them out to remind myself of the effect she had on me 10 years ago. Now she's already married off and hopefully happy, and if I'm lucky we'll run into each other again, someday.
Jeanette
My secret agent super buddy that never ceases to amaze me or make me smile. She tolerates both my silliness and seriousness, and always makes me feel appreciated and special. I can't think of anyone who's been more consistently supportive of my creative work over the past year, and I always look forward to her next letter, or reaction to the next tape I send. Jeanelvis, the Great Bluedini Bee is a force to be reckoned with, and actually makes Hayward interesting.
Jenny
One of the best friends that I've made through AOL, and a strong reason for wanting to visit NYC again. I love her writing style and exuberance for all things Lookout, and know that she will find a whole lot of success and happiness in her future (not to mention the true punk rock boy of her dreams). I hope that I get a chance to meet her in person someday soon.
Julie
Extremely intelligent, beautiful and shiny person that I had a serious thing for ever since I was a Junior and she a Freshman at El Cerrito High. Owner of the longest hair in the world for a while, and possesses a certain laugh, a way of presenting herself, that never ceased to amaze me. I always carried a well-protected flame for her in my pocket, but pretty much gave up any hope for more than a passing friendship once she made it to U.C. Berkeley, and was quickly snapped up by some guy (who no doubt lucked out). I see her around town every so often, but lately she's been passing me by without noticing my presence. Oh well, at least she hasn't stopped shining.
Kathleen
A truly great person and friend. She has a certain glow, a way of presenting herself, that reflects both her kindness and strong spirit. While things between us didn't turn out like either of us first imagined, I'm still very glad that we gave our relationship a try, and that we're still in contact despite its change.
Kathy
Katie
Kikue
A truly great person, and someone dear to my heart. Arguably the best friend I made during my college and Wells Fargo years, and reason enough to study Japanese for all those 8AM sessions. Yeah, from the beginning I was more than attracted to her - for a few months in 1993 she was the only person on my mind - but it became apparent quickly that our friendship and mutual assistance were far more precious than any potential romance. There are simply too many unique moments for me to distill them into a few highlights, but sufficed to say that she has done nothing but add to my life. Even though we're in far less contact now than in the past, I still prioritize her well-being above that of many others in my life, and I have confidence that she will soon find the life-configuration that she desires and deserves.
Kimberly
One of my favorite Wells Fargo customers, and one of the few people I regret not getting to know better. She helped me appreciate my hair again, and never hesitated to give or accept a smile and conversation. Reason enough to become a bank teller.
Larry
One of my best friends from my "youth", and someone whom I regret not being in better contact with. I can't think of a nicer person or someone I'd rather share my comic book acquisition with (even though now it's been reduced to the occasional browsing), and even though our paths don't cross that often anymore, I sincerely hope that we never loose contact.
Laura
One of by better AOL correspondents who writes with a clarity, brevity and honesty that even I have trouble matching sometimes. I respect her opinions and work, and appreciate her support and consistent letters. A friend that I'm looking forward to knowing better as time progresses.
Laura P.
Linh
Lovie
Madeline
Maricela
Even since we first met, I've had nothing but respect and warm feelings for her and her sister. Although I haven't adequately conveyed to either of them yet how much I treasure their friendship and presence in my life, I hope that my feelings still come through. One of the few people I sincerely miss and hope to see again soon.
Mark
Mark R.
Marla
Martin
May
Michael M.
Michael P.
Michele
Minna
Such a great person. See [NAF 3] for more.
Missy
I'm proud to be her muse, and for the priviledge of looking into her eyes, virtual or not. Someone I always look forward to corresponding with, and someone I hope I have the priviledge of meeting someday soon.
Molly
Sometimes I wonder if I made the right choice by pushing her away. I can't think of a finer person, nor someone that I miss being in contact more. She was one of the few people that I truly looked forward to seeing at lunch during the latter half of High School, and I'm afraid that I just didn't recognize her greatness until far too late. Nevertheless, I'm still proud that she's the second person I ever kissed, and I hope someday she will consider writing back.
Mr. Becker
Mrs. Paulsen
My Father
My Mother
Patricia
Arguably one of my first loves. She had a way of floating my heart above the clouds every time I saw her, and I never could stomach fully relating this to her, although I'm sure she was aware of the effect she had on me from the 3rd grade on. In retrospect I wish I wasn't so terminally shy; one time she actually followed me home across San Pablo Ave., and I tried to capture her shine with my mother's camera as she struck a pose on our front lawn. I never developed the pictures for fear of my parents (or anyone else for that matter) discovering my feelings, and thus I never took the film out of that camera, and it still sits there, unrewound and undeveloped after more than a decade of darkness. I can't think of a more beautiful or kind person, and I often wonder about what happened to her after High School. See [NAF 3] for more.
Patricia M.
Randi
Reason enough for riding Amtrak, and someone I look forward to getting to know better. Very "impressive" in more ways than many.
Samantha
The second person I ever really kissed, ever allowed myself to love after Hong, and one of the shiniest people I have ever met. Despite the fact that things didn't turn out at all like I expected or hoped, I truly treasure the time that I have known Samantha - a little over a year, yet it seems like forever plus - and I can't wait until she comes back to Berkeley. A-Bell has nothing on her.
Sara
Will always be my Kidlet, no matter what happens hence. One of my first online friends, and one of the few people I truly miss being in contact with. Full of energy, intelligence and kindness, she is destined for greatness.
Sarah
Sarah W.
Seani
Sheela
The equally important other half of the SheelaBec (ph)enomenon, and one of the few people I wish wrote to me far more often. Knows exactly how to push my smile buttons, and will no doubt shine brightly upon everyone she encounters.
Sky
More amazing than she realizes, and more important to me than I understand as of yet. I learned more about myself from being in contact with her for just a few months, than I figured out during years of incessant experience and analysis. Although I might have regretted once that our relationship could only go so far, right now I'm simply eager to explore our connection and friendship further, and I'm looking forward to witness her ultimate unveiling.
Spencer
Stacia
Students at King
Thanh
More important to me than I allow myself to admit sometimes. Ever since 10th grade Chemistry, Thanh was one of the few people I always looked forward to seeing next. From borrowing her scarf at El Cerrito High, to tolerating Physics 7A with her at U.C. Berkeley, she's always been so kind and wise and wonderful, and I regret that we are barely in contact now. I still owe her my first novel, and thanks for being such a good friend.
Tish
Uncle Dave
Valerie
Veronika
Everyone seems to know how much I care about her, except her. This is not the forum for ultimate confessions, but sufficed to say that ever since the night I first met her, she has occupied a very special place in my life and heart. Her talent and vision never ceases to amaze me, and I know that someday soon she will find the recognition and comfort that she deserves.
Wendy
York
One of the few people I truly respect and treasure as a friend. Such an amazing artist and tennis player, and such a strong and kind spirit - knowing York made El Cerrito High all the more tolerable. I can't say that I ever expected him to go into law, but I guess it fits his personality in the end. My only regret is that over the past few years we haven't kept in as good touch as I would like, but now it's my responsibility to rectify that.
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