Skepticologist

Oh, I very much want to participate because it's at least mildly interesting, but you're making it difficult. You sent me a string of 5 PM's in 6 minutes, but you've chosen not to receive PM's. So I guess I have no choice but to respond with a P(ublic) M(essage).

Some very simple research informed me that you're a manic depressive, which I envy you for because my bouts with depression have been devoid of anything even remotely manic.

It also informed me that you're less than two months younger than my son and eldest child, who seems about equally conflicted and unhappy, albeit from a religious vs. a quasi-religious perspective. That's OK, though, because you've obviously thought more deeply than an inch or so beneath the surface about the complexities of life while he continues to gloss over everything as being either black or white with shades of gray outside the realm of consideration. I'd adopt you as a third daughter, but I already have two who don't look at the world quite so simplistically.

So, I've got about 24 years on you in terms of grappling with life and trying to make sense of it. And I'll guarantee you, it doesn't get any easier with the passage of time.

I really don't want to be your enemy. I'd much rather be your friend because I sense we're fellow sojourners in search of an elusive commodity blighthly referred to as "truth", but much less blighthly conceived as an essential element in the meaning of life.

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"I am an agnostic; I do not pretend to know what many ignorant men are sure of."

Clarence Darrow

Geshtinnanna

This thread is for the question du jour. Not your incessant need for my attention. If you are unfamiliar with what question we are one, let me remind you:
I would enjoy your participation.

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Geshtinnanna

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Skepticologist

OK. At this risk of being told how immature and ignorant I am, I'll play along. Just be forewarned that you can't hurt my feelings because I have no self-esteem.

An old army buddy from Vietnam. We were so close back then (1971) that we could finish each other's sentences. We've been intermittently in touch over the years, but it seems the gut-level conversations of that period have given way to newfound manliness and political correctness.

On a good day, I'm convinced that living for 60 years has resulted in my pretty much having it all figured out. On a bad day, I'm not sure of anything.

I quit smoking after 16 years in 1983. I did it with the help of a consulting psychologist employed by my company. Twelve years later, I fell in with the wrong crowd (jazz musicians) and took it back up like I'd never stopped for a minute. And I continue to enjoy it immensely.

I'm allowing myself to enjoy the fruits of my labors of 31 years with the same corporation. I rarely aligned with the company's beliefs and fundamental values, but I can't argue with its retirement program.

This is a bit trite, but it's time to let go when the juice is no longer worth the squeeze.

There's nothing I really retreat into. I just call it a day and figure I'll take up where I left off tomorrow. Or not.

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"I am an agnostic; I do not pretend to know what many ignorant men are sure of."

Clarence Darrow

Geshtinnanna

Thank you for participating. They are just questions to spark debate. No one is trying to hurt your feelings. It's really just to get to know each other a little bit more.

as for me......

When I need time for myself I usually just cut off all forms of communication. Example. I love my boyfriend Lecter. I talk to him every day except for two..my days off. On those two days it's strictly me time. I can see him online and I just wont talk to him. I have learned that I need to make time for me an important part of my week. This helps to get my mind balanced, something that a person who lives with bi polar must regulate. I used to feel very guilty because I don't really have to do much on that time alone. Nap and veg is as good for me as going to the movies or art museum.

Naps. The best thing on the face of the earth. Kids got it right in that aspect. I am 36 and I try to take naps on my days off or when I get home from work. Just works wonders. In fact I just woke up from a nap. Ok, so I finally answered one of my own questions.

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Vinterland

There's usually a good reason why one loses touch with someone else. I tend to think that anyone important in my life will keep close contact throughout our lives, but then again, I'm still in HS. To make an example, say when I graduate HS and I got to college and never see a friend again. Since it was both our fault it happened, it must mean someone didn't really care enough, right? If so, then why waste time thinking of them?

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And on we walked. Suddenly we heard a voice crying, "This is the sea. This is the deep sea. This is the vast and mighty sea." And when we reached the voice it was a man whose back was turned to the sea, and at his ear he held a shell, listening to its murmur.
And my soul said, "Let us pass on. He is the realist, who turns his back on the whole he cannot grasp, and busies himself with a fragment."
—Gibran Khalil Gibran, “The Greater Sea.”

Geshtinnanna

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bobleplask

What is truth, asked to the something that knows the answer. God perhaps?

I would be content with that one.

And I suppose what's next weeks lottery numbers or something like that

pseudonous

Very interesting question. Honestly, I found it very hard to think of anything that I would really want to ask anyone. In the end, if I could ask three questions and get a perfectly honest answer I would probably use it for something practical, say when buying a house I would ask them about any problem with the house that might cost me alot of money. This way I could avoid a lot of hassle. I guess I don't have any specific questions in mind; I could just as well as a car dealer, what is the least amount he could sell a particular car for? This assumes I could ask one question of three different people.

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"One is most dishonest to one's god: he is not allowed to sin." - Nietzsche

Geshtinnanna

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