AFriendlyFace

I'm inclined to agree with Krista on this one. Incestuous relationships have not been my experience of the South. I've also rarely, if ever, heard someone use the term "cousin" to reference or address another person who wasn't in fact a relative of some sort. I think that's just a cultural stereotype which is out-dated nowadays and was probably exaggerated even in its heyday. It reminds me of the time I got annoyed by other people's assumptions that because I grew up in Louisiana I had swamps and alligators literally in my backyard. The next time someone expressed this cultural stereotype I went with it and assured them that, "Yes, in Louisiana I-10 is actually just a very long bayou and everyone rides pirogues down it as the preferred mode of transportation." The annoying thing is that the person responded, "Really?" only half incredulously

A lovely description

I'm pleased that the events ultimately led to a greater understanding and peace for you! How ironic, but perhaps fitting, that mania can be the impetus for peace. Anyway, good for you -Kevin

Very intense! I really liked it. You're right, it works quite well as a rap song. In fact after I read the Eminem part I just went ahead and imagined him performing it for the rest of the piece. I'm glad you mentioned that you imagined it as a song. I definitely think I read it in a different way, with a different flow and rhythm as a result. great job! -Kevin

I'm really glad you mentioned your perspective, David! I hadn't really considered it from that angle. I agree with your points and would also say that another layer to the piece is that the narrator has already left that place (I was considering it as just a general situation as opposed to necessarily a tangible place or an emotional/mental feeling) and is now aware in retrospect that ultimately that departure was best. I know that I've personally been tempted to "stay" somewhere because it seems happy and wonderful. Then upon leaving and being somewhere I knew, I've thought, "wait, this is better." Anyway, well said about the range of interpretations and feelings evoked showing Will's creativity. I definitely agree!

Couldn't possibly have been me! Everyone knows I'd never use the word "fabulous" anyway!

James - Hmmm, I hadn't thought of that! How entrepreneurial of you! Mark - I did too! Gabe - Glad I'm not alone in this at least! Vic - I do not have a monotone voice! Sharon - Haha! That would have been great! Corvus - It is funny, but I usually try to keep my tongue sheaved at work. Keeps me out of trouble Krista - The Golden Girls is great!

Hmm, good point. I do agree that "helped out" would seem inappropriate for something like that. "Help out" does seem less serious than "help", but when I say "serious" I don't necessarily mean just in a heavy sort of sense (though partly that as well), I also mean in a formal sense. I do see "help out" as sort of informal and slangy. I wouldn't be likely to say "helped out" for the counselor simply because the doctor/patient relationship seems like a formal one. On the other hand, the relationship between mother and son, or son and boyfriend, is most definitely a personal one so informal ways of speaking about a situation relating to these relationships seem okay.

Yes, hire movers to resolve problem ( A ) and learn to cook to resolve problem ( B ) Levity aside, I think you are "making this up" to be honest. I see your reasoning, but I personally could imagine saying. "I needed help moving this heavy object" and "My mother helps out now and then by sending me food." This isn't something I've really considered before, though I'm certainly enjoying thinking about it now. I personally would be inclined to say that "help out" is really nothing but an idiom of sorts. I'd just play it by ear. Well, I guess I always have played it by ear. If anything though, I do seem to have the opposite reasoning that you expressed. I see "help out" as a more enduring state and "help" as a more one time thing. Thus, "I had an argument with my partner because he doesn't help out around the house." or in your example "My mother helps out by sending food." In both cases these are things that the person is doing, or should be doing, on a continuing basis, and that's personally how I would be inclined to use the phrase. Just my thoughts, and I'm almost positive I am making this up -Kevin

Fantastic story and perspective, James! I'm really pleased and impressed! I hope it becomes a recurring event at your school!

LOL, I was trying to avoid saying that little reminder!

Way back in the day it was the left ear that was okay for everyone and the right ear that was supposedly a signal of homosexual preference. My understanding is that that is out of date nowadays, but I could be wrong I suppose.

I am in complete agreement with you. I think genders distinctions are pretty stupid to begin with, and this is a clear example.

I won't pretend I'm not out of my depth in conversations like this, but I will say that I can't stand Vista and it seems like any update is worth trying just to get away from it! I didn't think XP was bad at all actually. In fact XP and Windows 98 are by far my favourites in Microsoft's line up of operating systems. They definitely aren't/weren't perfect by any means, but compared to ME or Vista for example I think they're stellar.

Hi all, KJames brought up a very interesting point in the Irrational Fears thread and it got me thinking about forgiveness in general. I thought it might be nice to have a thread for the topic. Here's what was said and my opinions on it. Well, I'm a big fan of forgiveness, and I definitely try to let go of any anger or resentment and move on. However, I don't think forgiveness is something someone can willfully give. I think it's a process and an emotion. You can "accept" someone's apology, but that doesn't necessarily mean you've forgiven them. To me what "accepting" an apology is about is saying "I acknowledge that you're taking responsibility for your part in what happened, and I'm going to consciously make an effort to move on." I don't think someone can turn it into "I'm no longer hurt or angry about what happened." I just don't think people can control their emotions that way. That said, I definitely can't stand for people I like and care about to be hurt or angry because of my actions either so I can certainly see where you're coming from, I just don't think it's necessarily something I can say is their responsibility to overcome instantly at the time of my apology. At the same time though, I think the person does have some control over the process of forgiveness. I don't think they can force it, but I think they can definitely prevent it by dwelling or being negative and bitter. That part is largely their responsibility. I also think that it's possible to actively work toward forgiving someone, and if they aren't doing that then I can see your point as well. I do think the apology itself is very important in the forgiveness process. If it's a relatively mild offense then I think very often just the act of acknowledging responsibility for it and expressing remorse is enough to evoke the emotions of forgiveness. With more major things though it's going to take some time and some effort on both people's part, in my opinion. So what does everyone else thing about this? -Kevin

Forgot that, though I'm mostly over it now. I have a mild fear of railings when driving. It's not the height or the water, it's the fact that I feel like there's a railing all up in my space. I similarly hate narrow roads with barriers on the side. Again it's not even the narrow road I mind, it's the damn barrier itself. Well, I'm a big fan of forgiveness, and I definitely try to let go of any anger or resentment and move on. However, I don't think forgiveness is something someone can willfully give. I think it's a process and an emotion. You can "accept" someone's apology, but that doesn't necessarily mean you've forgiven them. To me what "accepting" an apology is about is saying "I acknowledge that you're taking responsibility for your part in what happened, and I'm going to consciously make an effort to move on." I don't think someone can turn it into "I'm no longer hurt or angry about what happened." I just don't think people can control their emotions that way. That said, I definitely can't stand for people I like and care about to be hurt or angry because of my actions either so I can certainly see where you're coming from, I just don't think it's necessarily something I can say is their responsibility to overcome instantly at the time of my apology. At the same time though, I think the person does have some control over the process of forgiveness. I don't think they can force it, but I think they can definitely prevent it by dwelling or being negative and bitter. That part is largely their responsibility. I also think that it's possible to actively work toward forgiving someone, and if they aren't doing that then I can see your point as well. I do think the apology itself is very important in the forgiveness process. If it's a relatively mild offense then I think very often just the act of acknowledging responsibility for it and expressing remorse is enough to evoke the emotions of forgiveness. With more major things though it's going to take some time and some effort on both people's part, in my opinion. Also, I hope you don't mind, but I'd like to start a thread related to this topic That is a great and very important thread! Well you know if you didn't always... ...read in dimly lit rooms Just my thoughts Take care all, Kevin

LOL, most because they aren't chocolate I seriously don't have much of a sweet tooth unless the dessert incorporates chocolate quite prominently. Even with the fresh fruit, they can be quite tasty to eat, but I can easily resist them.

Cool tattoo, Kurt! LOL, btw, that picture totally makes it look like it's on your hip IMO Very cool, Frosty! I'd be nervous with someone going near my wrist to do a tattoo for some reason. That is such a sweet, cool, fun idea! I like it For myself, I'd never be inclined to get a tattoo. I have a strong aversion to any sort of marks on my body whatsoever, even temporary ones. I think a tattoo would drive me crazy! :wacko: -Kevin

Will we have the privilege of reading your work or is it something you won't be posting online?

Oh my, perhaps it's just my mood or something, but most of that sounds like stuff I couldn't get down! In all actuality the only sweets I particularly like is chocolate (almost any way possible, but especially rich and dark), or fresh fruit. The fresh fruit parts described sound good, but I don't think I could eat them with the syrups and sugars and things on them Whipped cream makes everything better! (BTW, where ya been, Tim?! I've been missin ya, dude! )

Great pics, dude! That second one is really cute!

Reminds me of an incident that happened to me once. I met this new, attractive, interesting person and I was trying to figure out if he liked me or if he was just friendly. I finally worked it out for sure when he started making out with me

Are you sure about that? If anything I would have thought that she would have been the one who might get into trouble since she's older. However, based on the article it seems the difference is only about 2 years and that seems to be a fairly "safe" age difference as far as I understand it. I may be wrong though -Kevin

I've never been a really big pancake eater; although, the way they are described in this thread certainly makes them appealing!

At first I don't think I fully understood this piece. Upon reflection though I think I have a better appreciation of it. It seems to me that this piece is about the joy of the moment and the longing of being able to remain in that moment. Yet, the real gift is the progression of life, the way that we cannot remain in the moment, but must instead continue to face life and new experiences. Is that more or less correct? Anyway, I'm grateful for the perspective this piece provides. Great job! -Kevin