...mixing absinthe with three parts water might be a little too diluted

I think I'd try just two parts water next time.

It was a fun experiment though! I had never had absinthe before, and Mom and Dad bought it as a new thing to try during my birthday picnic there. It didn't overly impress me, but I think mixing it with less water would help bring out the anise flavor a little more. I love sambuca and drambuie, so I think I'd love absinthe too, I just need that flavor to come out.

...I miss my brother quite a lot

Each time I hang out with Austin, I realize how much I miss that kid. It may be true that most of our comradery is based on video games, but that doesn't dilute the comradery itself. We love playing video games together. Period. And we laugh and laugh... I miss the days of non-stop laughing, but I also value our occasional day visits and slumber parties even more now.

I think it's time to schedule another video game night. :)

...the name on your driver's license has to match the name on your Social Security card in Michigan

Yeah. That's a new thing since last year.

But at least it forced me to finally change my name on my Social Security card. I got married 1.5 years ago... it's probably about time.

...feeling and acting confident can get you places.

Confidence is inspired by confidence. When I need to do any kind of persuasion, stating my position with confidence (not arrogance!) is so much more likely to prompt the audience's own confidence in me, even if I feel like I don't entirely know what I'm talking about.

It seems to be a very fine line to tread. I've seen people make very bold statements without having a clue about what they're saying and be regarded as dummies. I've also seen people who do know what they're talking about but cross far over the arrogance line, at which point they once again lost their audience. But I've also seen (too often) very good, sharp, intelligent people be disregarded due to not speaking with enough confidence. It makes me want to beg them not to be nervous, because everyone around them isn't worth being nervous about.

Maybe it's all a part of enjoying your work.