If you scroll all the way down to the bottom of the archives list and click on November 2003 link, you’ll see that Uncle Crappy was born exactly four years ago today.
Actually, don’t do that. It was pretty awful back then.
I’m having a hard time recalling what my goals were for Uncle Crappy back then. I don’t think it occurred to me that this might continue for a year or two, much less four. I didn’t really have an agenda, a lack of focus that I’ve successfully carried with me to today.
There is one thing I am certain about — and I’m certain because I didn’t bother to tell anyone but The Wife that I even had a blog for about a year and a half — I was writing for me. I write everyday, as part of my job. Sometimes I have the pleasure of working on a story that wants to be presented in an unconventional manner, and those stories are fun to write. Others, though, are pretty straightforward, and they’re usually written that way. That’s not necessarily bad, but it can be boring.
I needed a place to write about things I care about, and this seemed like a good place to go.
That focus has changed some over the years, especially after I sent out the terrifying — at least to me — email announcing Uncle Crappy to my friends. Since that time, it’s become a vehicle to keep in touch with people I don’t get to see often enough. It’s also brought me friendships with people I may never meet and — recently, with the help of Podcamp — a whole new group of friends right here in town. I don’t think Uncle Crappy has solved any of the world’s problems — not that I haven’t tried — but the relationships I’ve gained and maintained just because I write on the internet once in a while have made the effort worth it to me.
—
OK. Because I know you’re going to look at that post anyway, ever after I told you not to, here’s a look at what that introductory paragraph might look like today:
I’m 41, and I quit smoking more than a year ago — although I still rely on an occasional nicotine crutch on rough days. I’m still married, and we have the same cat, who sleeps a little more than he used to. I’m still a card-carrying member of the liberal media. Musically, I’m still a hippie, although other influences and bands pop up on my radar more frequently than they used to. I love cooking and hate doing the dishes; when The Wife and I buy a house, a dishwasher will be requirement, as far as I’m concerned. My sense of outrage has recovered a bit. All other sports are things to watch when there’s no football — except skiing. I like my coffee with cream and sugar, and maybe a shot of espresso if I really need a lift. I’m still enjoying my subscription to Sports Illustrated. And I’m waiting for Rhino and GD to finally release something — anything — for me to buy.
Thanks for reading, y’all.
Uncle Crappy 
As much shite as I may give you I’m glad to know ya. Podcamp was very productive this year. Don’t sell yourself short, if it wasn’t for you the world’s (pittsburgh’s) problem on if Sonic was worthy would not have been solved.
Oh yeah and you have a good taste in beer :)
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Thank heavens for PodCamp.
Glad I started reading. :)
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Spoon: Sonic-related problems I can handle.
Rachel: I got lots of great stuff from Podcamp. Thatnight.net is one of them.
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I, for one, am glad to have found you. Your well-written posts and undying fandom of all things Cleveland and Ohio have my utmost respect.
Oh, and what Spoon said.
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Happy birthday to your blog! and kudos to you for making it the joy that it is.
Thank goodness you found an outlet for your thoughts and your writing, and thank goodness the internet has made it possible for all of us to discover each other.
Or maybe I mean, thank Al Gore?
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Happy #4 Uncle Crappy! I’m glad I found you through a random Google search for Grandview Pallets.
I remember reading and thinking some events in your life sounded familiar. Then I read the posts about Ground Hog and I knew! I knew it was you!! My heart was racing, I got goose bumps, I kinda started freaking out.
No, rephrase that, I started freaking out. I had been lurking on your blog only to find that I’d been looking into the life of one of my dear friends. And even more freaky, I was looking and you didn’t know I was watching.
Very creepy in a way, but very cool all at the same time.
Here’s to more fun, funny, insightful posts. And here’s to many, many more OSU football posts.
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Woy: This weekend, I’m an even bigger Oklahoma fan.
Cindy: You’re right about Al Gore, the Exalted Lord and Master of the Internet. If I had lived in Florida in 2000, I would have voted for him twice.
HP: You’re apparently the smartest person I know, because you were the first to figure out what was going on here. That, or you were just spending way too much time screwing around on the internet.
Everyone: Thanks. Seriously.
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UC-
I’d like to say how much I appreciate your time and effort it takes to write and operate the blog (maybe we can outsource it to India, or something – I have contacts with Infosys and Wipro – I also know a thing or two on negotiating the contracts / deals) –
In as much as the world has become flat, your entries have also lessened the distance between old friends – and for that, I salute you!
Cheers and tallyho!
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