Some events of the last couple of days have been so eye opening. Truth. What is truth anyways? Is truth merely perception as they say? What does truth, forthrightness, and honesty get you? Well, usually, screwed.

Case in point, the Frangelico and Freshman Year Debacle of 1989. It was my first year at Oswego State, and we were headed home for Thanksgiving Break. We were informed that our rooms could be entered, and not searched, but certainly scanned, in our absence. People ferreted away all outward signs of booze, and probably other varied paraphenalia. Underwear drawers were your best friend.

As I considered that notification, I made a conscious choice, to live out loud, and not hide. I had an empty Finlandia Vodka bottle and a FULL, yet cordial sized, bottle of Franjelico liquor that sat on my windowsill. The Frangelico had been part of a graduation gift from my Aunt Mary, and was displayed due to how cute the bottle was. It was certainly nothing one would get "loaded" on, and being that it hadn't been drunk as of yet, well, let's just say I drank pretty much everything else those first few months, so this bottle was, for sure, and in every way, just for "fun." I left it out, and left for home.

When I returned to campus I had a letter in my mailbox. I had to report to our RA, and then to the Dorm Supervisor, to answer for my brazen display of alcohol posession. Nothing ever came of it, in a disciplinary manner, but I was certainly told, don't do it again, alcohol is not allowed in a minor's room. And I "got it," but still.

Living out loud...being who I am...being truthful and not hiding. Got me in trouble back in 1989, doesn't serve me well now, but that's me, take it or leave it, I say.

Warning, I am going to be telling the truth right now! After school today I poured a little Frangelico in my iced coffee, which, interestingly, triggered this trip down memory lane. Then I went outside, and sipped, as I read a magazine in the sunshine, and it made all the difference. Even though it may take you down the road of debauchery with naughty 'ol me, I'd recommend it to each and every one of you.

Cheers!