I didn't read the posts, so forgive this idea if it's redundant. Why does this voting process have to be so long? Wouldn't it be great if just one week in early March was for voting so we can all get on with it. Online even. Open the public spaces for those who don't have computer access. We have the technology and people have to go out to vote anyway. This is tedious!

It doesn't seem to be working out so well for Elliott Spitzer.

I can't even get through this thread because someone called brightstar, who may or may not be in dire need of a prostitute, is using the letter as a podium for a gender war. I give up.... next.

As G.G. said: So long as it isn't my partner or spouse, who cares. Prostitution should probably be legal anyway. That said, Spitzer... of all people! What was he thinking?

Someone very close to me is very close to a four year old right now. Only he is 40. Fellow thrill seeker and motorcycle fan, fun guy, awful crash.

On some level I do get what you mean about the thrills, but there are probably millions of ways to die and many more millions of ways to just suffer. Be aware, be present, be safe but do have fun. It probably wouldn't hurt to put yourself in social situations where you can have fun with other people too.

I wish you the best LW and also that I could give you a hug. Hang in there.

It took me years to get settled into my career and then I switched to a different one.

Take some time, and remember... baby steps. With intention, they add up.

Good luck!

brightstar,

This is the second and the last time I will address you directly.

You need some help.

You need some help?

It's not really a question.

Hang in there and go talk to someone who can help you. Seriously dude.

descriptions of the modern starlets, and especially this, about the SI swimsuit issue:

"...all that's left is empty, mechanical attitudinizing".

I enjoy looking at beautiful interesting women, not mannequins. There was one shot in the whole mag that was great, a model who appeared in a half t-shirt in the Israel spread. (Can't recall her name.) It's not sexy, the media and the swimsuits and the 'Victoria's Secret' junk. It's all formulaic posing and it's incredibly predictable.

Zzzzzz.

wire0monkey wrote: "Being a writer is sort of like being a rock star. The fantasy is cool, but in real life, it's fucking hard work."

LW, you will be what you consistently do and if you feel compelled to write, then you are a writer. I don't know how much control you will have over the distribution of your writing, but the discipline to write every day is work. Again, you just completed your degree. Look at most of the great novelists and you'll notice that it takes a lifetime.

Yes on Pema's books and Cary's advice : "You must grieve the loss of this dream and prepare for something new. You must find something to look forward to, some joy, some vision of life to sustain you."

The idea of preparing and moving on to something new seems exactly right. Perhaps adoption can work, even though you say you can't handle any more disappointments. There may be some small soul waiting just for you.

I am sorry for your suffering but I also believe that last part, about the soul. The Buddhists are onto something there.

The only thing I thought of when I saw that clip: Valium.

LW,

It just isn't clear what you need. You sound depressed and I hope that you can find a way out of it. Find something that inspires you and makes sense if nothing seems to be working as is. There is so much suffering in the world. You can join in or you can make strides to help.

First help yourself by diminishing the part of you that is the docile listener and bringing up the passionate and exciting parts. It's in there and you can focus on that to dig yourself out of this hole you seem to be in. To maintain permanent sadness would be tiring and life's so short LW, there's really no time to mope.

No need to pretend, "Be yourself tonight."

It had the cadence of a conversation, like we were sitting in a cafe just chatting about this. Those samples of her songs are just awful. People are really paying for those, really? As a music freak who listens to almost anything all the time, I've heard those exact words too many times before. Holy cheese!

One part of the song says she's all about drugs and sex... cracks me up! My generation thought Madonna was so edgy, now we've got sex addicts and druggies singing about their pathetic lives with pride. Have pride Ashley, you 'made it' in the big apple, and you escaped Joisey! Hoo boy.

It makes so much difference when the specific plans are posted.

Do you really think the people of the USA can get over the race and gender of the candidates long enough to see that we are in environmental trouble?

I hope so.

"There is no greater guarentee for failure in life than happiness in high school."

Juliebird posted this quote that I have found to be true. I'd like to meet some exceptions at the reunion I plan to attend soon, but it doesn't seem likely.

Heather H., you crack me up! You have entertained this faithful reader yet again and I am grateful not to have to watch the tele-junk. Thanks for taking one for the team!

About high school: I am filled with curiosity about how these people live 20-25 years later. Will "The Jock!" still be too cool? Will "The Stud!" be in jail? Will "The Prom Queen!" have all her teeth?