I’ve been posting lots of links and short entries — mostly in an attempt to ignore really writing something. So, instead, here we go.

I’ve been sick. I’ve been trying to ignore that too. Mostly because I’ve been really sick and in a highly unconventional way. I have MVP Syndrome (sometimes called dysautonomia).

It’s not fun… My day begins and ends with a rapid heart rate and odd arrhythmias (upon postural changes); interspersed with anxiety, panic attacks, a diabetic like hypoglycemic reaction to sugars, and a general lack-luster shine. Despite this sucking, it at least lends a hand at explaining my unexplained ailments during my teens.

I hate Paris Hilton. She’s a tramp. I mean, she did have me fooled. Really. All that money could fool anyone, though. But, when she started ripping on Lindsay Lohan, that just pissed us all off (at least it pissed me off). Did she even see Mean Girls? However, if Lindsay keeps this partying up, I’m gonna kick her ass.

So…

Web 2.oh.my.god.kill.me.now… Who in their right mind coined this term? I think I’m going to get business cards printed with “Noel 2.0″ on them. I’m just so sick of seeing “Top Web 2.0 Apps” lists on so many sites. It’s disgusting. End it, please.

Speaking of Web 2.0, I met Jeffrey Zeldman. For a kid who remembers reading “Taking Your Talent to the Web” I’ve had so much appreciation for this man. Jeffrey is the kindest guy I’ve ever met. After meeting him and being greeted with, not a handshake, but a great big bear hug, you realize why he’s so successful - he’s a sincere and extremely genuine man. I had a great time at An Event Apart - I highly suggest you go.

When you’re sick, you really appreciate the things you love and can’t live without. So much so that you make a list:

• Stephanie, my beautiful girlfriend of 5 years, you fill every day with beauty and hope and wonderful thoughts of the future. I will never be able to show you the kindness you’ve shown me.
• Mom, you show me kindness beyond comprehension.
• Dad, you’re everything I hope to be - thanks for saying “I love you.”
• Lee, you matter to me more than you’ll ever know.
• Erin, you really have cheered me up a lot lately.
• Daisy, Joy - thanks for licking me inappropriately at times… you care more than you should.
• Aunt Mim, Uncle Vince - far away, but never far from heart - thanks for calling and caring as much as you do.
• Aunt DeeDee, you are sweet like my Mom, thanks for being so caring - you don’t have to, but you do.
• Bri, Char, Marty, Brian, Rich, Lilly - Thanks for being so close and so fun, I love seeing you guys.
• Grandma, your vibrance and sheer happiness make me live my life that much more carefree.
• Emily, I’ve known you for 10 years - you’ve shown me just how wonderful life is.
• Tim, you’re always there and always insightful, you are a great friend.
• Dean, you’re insight has helped me out time and time again. You care too much for your own good.
• So many more people that I haven’t listed…

This is at which point I noticed - my list doesn’t involve anything but the ones I love around me… I’m so blessed. It’s sappy. I know. It is. But in this world of LCDs, angle brackets ,and PHP errors, you get lost. Appreciate the things you have - or more importantly the people you have.

What matters most to you?