Due to certain miscalculations, some of the content of the following post has been altered.

It seems only fitting that Wordsmoker’s 2000^th 2005^th post would be the feature that celebrates its writers and commenters: The Smokies. I realize that it is no coincidence that those with author privileges refrained from posting over the past few days to allow me to make these Smokie Awards the featured piece for the 2000 2005 post milestone. While I’m aware that writing the 2000^th 2005^th post is not a personal achievement, my heart swells with pride that I am the one who you all chose to author a piece for this esteemed slot.

It may have been a Monday or a Tuesday when I walked into briefing, looked out over the collection of clean, shiny faces and began shouting profanities at them about every small thing that came to mind. A call we were on together, a wrinkle in their uniform, their report writing, etc. When I could think of nothing else, I noticed several open mouths and more than a few tearful eyes. I realized that I had never raised my voice to them before.

“I’ve got to go,” is all that I could think to say.