Dear So and So

[emily_in_nc]

What a beautiful note from Donald, and thanks for sharing it with us, Mimi. To me, even though I never knew him personally, he seems like a really "old soul" who had simply done all that he was meant to do in this lifetime, including achieving wisdom, perspective, and grace -- even in the face of something so difficult. We should all be so fortunate.

*hugs*

[indysteel]

What Emily said. I read parts of Donald's blog when he died and was struck by his openness and honesty. It seems that he consistently approached life with a sense of gratitude, even in the face of difficulty and doubt. He sounds like quite the man; quite the spirit. Thank you for sharing him with us.

[alexis_the_tiny]

Dear life,

Ouch.

That's all I can muster the strength to say.

[redrhodie]

Mimi, that was beautiful. An attitude to aspire to. I hope to remember those words often enough.

[OakLeaf]

((((((((Alexis))))))))
((((((((Mimi))))))))

[Sky King]

Is there any police patrolling in Portland Oregon! The DD has now lived there for 4 1/2 years and last night her car was broken into for the 4th time! All in different neighborhoods and not necessarily sketchy. This time they smashed out the passenger window but someone must have scared them off as they only got a cell phone, whew and two bikes and two computers were also in the car. The DH told her she should consider stripping everything out - like the radio and just leave it unlocked from now on...

[tulip]

Is there any police patrolling in Portland Oregon! The DD has now lived there for 4 1/2 years and last night her car was broken into for the 4th time! All in different neighborhoods and not necessarily sketchy. This time they smashed out the passenger window but someone must have scared them off as they only got a cell phone, whew and two bikes and two computers were also in the car. The DH told her she should consider stripping everything out - like the radio and just leave it unlocked from now on...

Please tell your DD to not leave anything in the car. That's just inviting trouble, seriously. Car break-ins happen no matter what the neighborhood is like when there are valuables inside.

[Biciclista]

Is there any police patrolling in Portland Oregon! The DD has now lived there for 4 1/2 years and last night her car was broken into for the 4th time! All in different neighborhoods and not necessarily sketchy. This time they smashed out the passenger window but someone must have scared them off as they only got a cell phone, whew and two bikes and two computers were also in the car. The DH told her she should consider stripping everything out - like the radio and just leave it unlocked from now on...

In large cities it is considered careless to leave valuables in your car. She should not leave her phone! computers! and the like in her car.

hmm, Spokewrench, I was kinda thinking you were going to offer me your shoes. I see they have road bike shoes in red, but I need something I can safely walk in. MTB shoes are the ticket!

[Biciclista]

What a beautiful note from Donald, and thanks for sharing it with us, Mimi. To me, even though I never knew him personally, he seems like a really "old soul" who had simply done all that he was meant to do in this lifetime, including achieving wisdom, perspective, and grace -- even in the face of something so difficult. We should all be so fortunate.

*hugs*

He really did learn fast. I could never figure out how he could let go of stuff as easily as he did. I kept trying to learn from him, but I guess I am stubborn, and like to hold on to my resentments, my expectations, my disappointments. HOW did he do that? I guess I had better keep trying. That's the least that I can do, in his honor.
One of the neatest things about him is that he left a huge paper trail. There are literally hundreds, maybe thousands of posts of his on bikejournal. A lot of them are just inane silly things but others are well thought and full of good advice. Ohwell. sorry to be rambling here.

[azfiddle]

Thanks for sharing that Mimi. It's so easy to feel sorry for yourself...Don's comments on bikejournal certainly left an impression on my husband- and I know that was just a small slice of his interaction with other people.

[Owlie]

Thank you, Mimi.

Dear department (my adviser and one other person in particular):
Why can't you grow the (bleep) up and deal with your issues like adults instead of dragging students into it?

Me.

[jobob]

Thanks so much Mimi.

[alexis_the_tiny]

Dear life,

Can you explain why I keep feeling like I've fallen off the loop somewhere and don't know how to get back on? I feel isolated and blank. It's not that I don't know how to enjoy my own company like everyone keeps telling me to. But I feel utterly absolutely isolated and as a result, spending time by myself is no fun. Actually, nothing is fun. I know it's a tiny problem compared to everything else that happens in the world but this is not how I want to keep feeling for the rest of my life.

[indysteel]

((((Alexis)))). If you aren't already, have you ever considered talking to a therapist of some sort? I struggled with similar feelings for a long time, and it was definitely one of the bigger issues that my long-time therapist and I eventually tackled. Part of it is that I had to work long and hard at changing certain of my internal dialogues. I also had to work to find the types of people and activities that would fulfill me. For far too long, I beat myself up and felt estranged because most of my then-friends' social lives revolved around hitting the town and, to some extent, drinking. Those were things that made me feel exceedingly uncomfortable. It wasn't until I changed my social circles to include ygoa, cycling, and other physical pursuits that I found a social life more in keeping with my goals and interests. Anyway, I'd encourage you to talk to a professional if you're open to that.

[malkin]

... Ohwell. sorry to be rambling here.

Ramble on!
Your posts are wonderful.