Referral logs and the grand wonder

I long ago accepted that Rapid Eye Reality would not turn into one of those blogs that get quoted in news stories or become part of of the in crowd. As it started off as a personal diary in 2001, I never really had any hope of blog stardom. Still, I do keep an eye on my referral logs and enjoy modest traffic. One of my daily time killers is checking in on how people run end up here. Further, it's been fun to find that Google has been a source for some old friends to find me.

To wit: Back in the old days, I played in a garage band called The Flaming Puppies. Never a band with any chance at success, it was more a great opportunity for like-minded musicians to gather in basements and make fun music. I recall one instrumental titled Bucking Fackwards that always sounded pretty tight. Alas, as happens with bands good and bad, the trio was more a band of geographical convenience than it was a homogeneous pursuit of a sound. I remember one night in Dan's basement in which I suggested we try to work up a Cracker tune. My fellow musicians snickered, "Crackers." Eventually, for a variety of reasons, most of them of my own stupid doing, the boys found a more talented guitarist and more talented lead singer. And by more talented, I mean they had some talent where I had, well, none. I went to college in a mini-huff, and lost touch with the boys. About six months ago, Dave, the talented bass player, found me by way of this blog and e-mailed me. I'd hoped to see him over the holidays, but for a variety of reasons, was unable to. Nonetheless, it was nice to hear from him and see that he and his wife are doing well.

In another reunion tale, I learned some time ago that a high school girlfriend had been lurking here for a while and eventually started her own blog. Though we'd been good friends in our teens and even communicated some once we both went off to college, we'd completely lost touch over the years. Again, it made me happy to see she'd found her way to an ideal little family life. Even more fun, now that my wife is blogging, my old girlfriend and my wife are now commenting on each other's blogs and sharing advice on motherhood. While some people might find that a little odd, I think it's a pretty good sign that we're pretty balanced people. Or something like that.

I find that many people reach this blog by searching for my name. It used to be something I hid, but since I got out of the "must lead a respectable and moral life" job, I've made little secret of my secret identity. Unfortunately, most of those people who come searching for me rarely let me know they've been here. So, if you do find your way here and we're long lost friends, let me know about it, okay?

Google is a fine little tool. I use it for everything. Dr. Google, for instance, told me just today that I have somehow tweaked my ulnar nerve. I also use it to go in search of people I used to know but have somehow lost in the shuffle of life. Most times, I'm unsuccessful. So, in a half-hearted attempt to find some old friends, here's a list of people who used to be a big part of my life and have now disappeared. On the off-chance they Google themselves (aka, egosurf), maybe they'll find their way here.

Dan Enos from Willard, Missouri
Dan Martin from Willard, MO
Kendra Chappell of Willard High School
Mary Louise Igert of Willard High School
Chris Church of Willard High School
Marcie (Marcy) Welsh from Willard, MO
Damon Swain of Willard High School
Martin Gugel of Willard, MO
Susan Fanter of University of Missouri
Jenny Wiebrand of Willard, MO (Jenny, where did you go?)
Nate Bell, Nixa, MO
Lisa Hoffman, University of MO
Attitude from Laws Hall, Mizzou
Marty Wyatt, Mizzou
John Wright (Wrighteous), Mizzou
Oh, and since I've been a bad friend and lost contact for a year, Brad D., where the hell are you?

Also, if anybody else from the old days is around, shoot me an e-mail or leave a comment here. I get nostalgic sometimes and Google doesn't cut it.