A few weeks ago there was a post from a fellow who told us that he had stayed away from this forum for an extended period of time. To be quite honest, I don't recall the bottom line of his post. What I do remember is that, at the time I read it, I wondered what it would be like to not be checking in daily with the posts here. This past month I've I had a chance to find out. I started a new job that required a lot of my time, and in the interests of balance, I decided to stay away from this forum for a time while I tried to get my life in line. I offer the results simply as an observation. During this past month, I have felt more at peace, in spite of the turbulent personal changes. Y2K is always there for me, but stepping away for a while from the daily input of information has allowed me to focus more meaningfully in those areas of my life that I think I have been neglecting. I have been conscientious about preparing my family--there is not much more I can do. The same for my attempts to prep the various communities to which I belong -- my workplace, my immediate neighborhood, the associations to which I belong, etc.. There simply doesn't seem to be much else to do but live my life, care for those around me, and continue to strive for excellence. I'm certainly no match for some of you here, in terms of technical experience and understanding -- however I feel no shame in stating that I am the salt of the earth -- I am meek and humble now, but I somehow know that it will be people like me who help those around us pull through should the need arise. My only task now is to make myself ready. Does this sound like gross hubris? Believe me, I pray daily that I will not be called upon to lead. However, I know what to do if I have to. I'm not an Aries for nothing. MAHALO NUI LOA AND ALOHA TO ALL OF YOU WHO HAVE GIVEN ME SO MUCH -- I LOVE ALL OF YOU! grngrl ;-)

-- grngrl (jhandt@gte.net), October 03, 1999

Answers

Huh?

-- psychotic (y2k@doom&gloom.com), October 03, 1999.

Aloha Psy-- I know, I know. Perhaps all I really need to know is what color nail polish do you use? (really, I want to know) It's been a very long week. Oh my, I do get tired.

-- grngrl (jhandt@gte.net), October 03, 1999.

Thank you for asking!!! I always pick a shade of red or pink that I feel matches whatever outfit I'm going to wear. Generally, I tend towards darker reds in the winter and pinks in the summer.

-- psychotic (y2k@doom&gloom.com), October 03, 1999.

Grngrl,

Funny, this Aries woman has had some similar urges and reactions over the last few weeks. It's not about becoming bubble- headed, because we can't stand the stress. It's about needing and wanting to live in the moment, even as we contemplate possibilities around the next bend in the road.

On Ed Yourdon's Humpty Dumpty discussion forum, see the recent thread discussing what to do in our neighborhoods/communities AFTER. I identify wholly with your usual reluctance to take on leadership roles, while knowing that you never hesitate to roll up your sleeves and take action when trouble strikes. There's a warrior womam in me that's sprung to the fore temporarily throughout my life, whenever adrenaline is rushing, and "danger" alarms are ringing in my brain. She leaves me in awe of her good instincts and powerful presence, and feeling a little amazed that this was really me in that "tape", when I replay it in my head. I may be spending alot more time being her this coming year, my 50th. Perhaps that's part of my unease, wondering if the coming times will require me to get comfortable with a whole new way of experiencing the world everyday, and with my role in it. I expected to go through changes in this decade, but of a much different sort. "You can't always get what you want, but ........ ". I think Life has a way of sending us something even better if we keep our hearts and minds ready to notice the gems hidden in every "silver lining".

Aloha,

Kristi

Kristi

-- Kristi (KsaintA@aol.com), October 03, 1999.

Good post, grngrl! Sometimes the absolute enormity of the y2k situation has me completely overwhelmed. It is a lot for one to grasp. It seems like a nightmare sometimes. doesn't it? I don't even consider making any plans for vacation next summer, I don't even know if I will have a job. I am just trying to take each day as it comes. I think it's a good idea to step away from the madness for a while, if nothing else, just to go out and enjoy life. Things may not be this peaceful for a long time.

-- Bill Stievers (actionbil@aol.com), October 03, 1999.