My Life, from A to V

I remember something a reader wrote around the time I started this blog, saying that he/she felt like they were a part of my life during the first few years of the site but during my years in college they didn't feel as included. The story of AnandTech and how this place came to be has been written about countless times, and I know I've recited the story from back in 1997 so many times that it feels like I'm not even telling my story. But one thing that does remain in my mind is that throughout the years I posted here on a regular basis and built this place as a community; not one person or a group of editors talking down to people, but as a bunch of people with similar interests talking shop. The Forums have become a place where the bond can be continued in a manner that isn't reserved to just talking shop, and I'm amazed at the community that has formed in the Off Topic forum alone (yes I read the threads on a regular basis) :)

Over the years I've received thousands of emails sharing bits and pieces of lives with me, whether it be thanks (or criticism) for an article or asking for advice, you've never stopped sharing with me. Tonight, a special night to me personally, I'd like to share a bit of my life with you all. Don't expect any hardware content in this post, so wait till tomorrow if you'd rather not read my ramblings.

I haven't shared much of my personal life in a while; I have two loving parents who have done everything for me, and who I am working very hard to take care of. They have given me so many of the opportunities that I have had in my life, and it is because of them that I am where I am today. My mom gave her life for me, she left dreams of getting her Masters and her career to take care of me and she has always put me and my well being ahead of herself. I've always seen it as my turn to take care of my parents, after them looking after me for so long, and that is one major thing that drives me on a regular basis.

There is another person who I would give my life for, and she is someone I've never really mentioned on the site before (other than a couple of times recently). I met her by chance and discovered her completely by accident, but my girlfriend is truly the most amazing person I have ever met in my personal or work lives.

I met her through mutual acquaintances; we never really talked until one night while studying for exams we exchanged a few messages. Those messages turned into one of the most amazing conversations I've ever had with anyone (the rest have also been with her). They blossomed into more conversations, some lasting until 6 or 7 in the morning, and at the same time they left me with a feeling that I'd never had before - one of true happiness.

Seeing and talking to her had me smiling in a way that the muscles in my face had never managed to put together before, I was happy - and I still am to this day. She is the most amazing person I've ever met, and I've met some down right incredible people. I look at her and I see someone who could do anything she wanted to, with her extreme dedication to her morals being the only thing that would ever limit her in her endeavors (not a bad thing by any means). She has the biggest heart of them all; I mentioned that she is a 1L at Yale Law, but not to become a lawyer in the conventional sense - but to practice public interest law, specializing in health care policy and access to education. She has dedicated herself and her life to helping others, and one thing that made me fall for her is that I firmly believe that she can accomplish anything - including her extremely high set goals. I look at her and I see someone who can honestly do anything, and it completely blows my mind.

She has no ulterior motives, she has no desire for fame or glory, she honestly, truly wants to help and she would give anything, even herself, to see it happen. To be in my position, and to have a place in her heart, is a feeling that is completely and utterly indescribable. I've heard people say that they feel great, but I never knew the feeling until her.

She truly cares about me and has shown me that since the day I met her. She has helped me see things about myself that I never would've seen had it not been for her. Without a doubt, she is the most understanding person I have ever known. You could put her in the most painful situation for her to be in, and she'll still emerge as clear headed and collected as possible and still give you the best advice ever. That's one of many traits that I truly admire about her; when it comes to helping someone, she does not tire.

I could go on for hours, days, weeks and years about her, but I don't think I could ever convey with words what she means to me.

Everyone always told me that you just know when you find the one, and as much of a cliche as that is, I can say without a doubt that it is true. She has proved what I've always heard and even given as advice - that in the end, everything does work out for the best. I've never actually believed that applied to me until she strolled into my life but now, without a doubt, I do. I love her to death and will always be by her side, for now and forever.

You've actually read her words before as she posted some news for AT over the summer - her name is Vinney. I've got more to say, but I'll leave it at that for now. I'm feeling a bit under the weather and I've got one more exam tomorrow before I'm off to see her.

Thank you for listening, I hope you don't mind me sharing.

Take care and have a wonderful night.