Hodge Podge

Weekly pride update:

After contemplating the subject all last week, the most significant effect has been a significant decrease in automatic judgements.  The option of judging still presents itself from time to time, but more often than not, I've been able to ignore it.  Hallelujah!  Still, the natural thing for me, once I've tried to 'deal' with an issue is to get comfortable, thinking I've got it all under control.  And that, my friends, is exactly when it'll all creep back in and attack.  So, perhaps updating on the issue will help to refocus my attention.  We'll see.

And now for a plug on writing (publicly or privately):


As Calvin illustrates as only he can, most of us feel like writing, especially writing about our life, has to be full of grand adventures, meaningful experiences and what not.  Sure, if you've lived an exciting life, it'd be good to write it down. But writing can serve a much greater purpose in your life and, if you choose, other people's lives as well.  Have you ever had someone sit down and say "hey, do you need to talk?" and your response is "No, I'm fine." But then as you get to talking, the words start to come out wave by wave? The more you talk the more you realize you need to talk more?  Maybe it's largely a female thing, but writing is one of the BEST tools for sorting yourself out or keeping yourself on track/in tune/centered.  When I go for too long without writing of some kind, it's like my soul gets backed up and the irrationality starts to take over.  Randy journals off and on and I can always tell a difference when he's kept it up for several days.  He's more insightful with what's going on inside of him, he's more patient with me and overall happier.  Whether it is something that you would want to bound for  your grandchildren, the world or burn at the end of the year, I believe it is a healthy and productive practice. :)

Gratitude is in order:

Since I decided to write regularly, several people have commented and even more have read this blog regularly.  Thank you for it all.  I know you don't have to and it most likely will not change your life, but I appreciate your presence and, especially, your kind words and feedback.  Sometimes I stink at being a people person and even more often I stink at adequately expressing myself in person.  This venue makes it much easier for me and your reading and comments are like a big hug to me.  Reminds me that I'm not alone and that, on occasion, others have struggled where I am.