So I was doing a little reading about Layne Staley. Who (in case you don't know) is the now deceased former lead singer for Alice in Chains. I think I'm going to buy the book about him. His story is so tragic and unnecessary. I came across this quote from him… "Why do people keep taking drugs? Don't they hear my music? Don't they understand the words?" Really pretty interesting. He knew the ravages of the drugs and couldn't stop. Being a complete optimist I often wonder what would happen in a situation like this, were I to be involved in it. Could I have been a good enough friend to step in and stop something like this (not saying that Layne didn't have friends who tried). It's just such a waste for the world to lose someone so talented, so good and to have them pass in such a way.

One more quote and I'll stop (can't be TOO introspective)… Jerry Cantrell talking about how the band dealt with Layne addiction…

"Very frustrating, but we stuck it out. We rode the good times together, and we stuck together through the hard times. We never stabbed each other in the back and spilled our guts and do that kind of bullshit that you see happen a lot"

Oh, and one more little quick update – I'm running again. Shhhhh!