I wasn't too thrilled when my cell phone alarm clock went off in the middle of church during prayer, but at least it was playing "California" by Phantom Planet and not "Sexy Back" by Justin Timberlake.

Note to self: buy more church-appropriate ringtones next time, stupidface!

We were walking around the campus loop late one night, passing the small white chapel building just as several upright students were leaving a prayer gathering. You were playing the Mission Impossible theme song on your cell phone, and we were ducking behind lamp posts and rolling on the ground with our finger guns and our darting eyes. They thought we were crazy, but what did they know?

I miss my friends.

Many people trim down their budgets during tough economic times by going out less — cutting down on trips to restaurants, movie theaters, the mall, Starbucks, etc. But what of the poor hermit? He doesn't leave the house as is, so what should he forfeit? Food? What if he is already anorexic?

These are the thoughts I chewed on while walking from my bedroom to the kitchen and back. I need to get out more. But wait . . .