In a former life, I was a cartoonist. Honestly. While a freshman at the University of Georgia, the Red & Black (the student-run newspaper) held a contest for an original editorial cartoon to run every Friday. Having a somewhat decent sense of humor, as well as an original character that I had created in high school but never fully used, I decided it was worth my while to whip up a few sample cartoons and give it a shot.

I won.

Thus, Stick-Boy was introduced to thousands of people. It was received rather well. I think my first fan letter had three words that could be printed: "That [edited for language] cartoon [edited for language...and still some more editing for language] stinks."

The cartoon ran for a pretty decent while, at least until I ran out of ideas. I still have the first one to ever see print hanging above my desk in my office.

For some reason, I got the urge to re-introduce Stick-Boy today. For the record, he's the one on the right. I have no name for the character on the left, but am willing to take suggestions. He's a composite sketch of guys I used to know (seeing as how every guy I know now is a stand-up sort who would never give his significant other a bad gift).

Anyway, hope you and yours have a happy Valentine's day tomorrow.

And I hope that none of you ladies get a waffle iron.