Thanks, Isaac. You must have written this while I was still typing, but you saw where I was going. Swing, baby!

I just wonder where exactly in the arc we now are.

Is this the new norm? Youch.

Thanks for more from you, KingsKnight - You bring up the necessary point of actually getting to know people. And their duality. I've known folks that were impeccable in their private lives, but when it came to business, had no scruples whatsoever.

Then there's folks you can't turn your back on. Ever. You'd have to be a fool to continue to sprawl yourself on the pavement in front of them. High values have their place, but we also have to get thru the day - prefferably with our sanity intact.

I still like the Gandhi quote.

Gossipmpm, I'm not sure what you're trying to say, but the point is clear enough. 'Seen some rough spots, have we? 'Sorry to hear that. In my next post, I'll give you my top five Dates From Hell.

To all, thanks again of checking in.

To Gossipmpm...

She looked good in the pics and tho the weight showed 300 lbs, I assumed it was an error. I thought about bringing it up, but she smmed like such a cool person, I couldn't wait to meet her.

First off, she was 6' 2"! All thru an etermnal dinner - as I craned my neck looking skyward - the tale unraveled:
1. Witness protection program due to an incident where she and her dog were attacked. Supposedly, the guy's out and seaarching for her.
2. Holds numerous patents in advanced lighthing systems. I did not ask for details.
3. Car's in the shop. The dingy 1-room apartment is a friend's that she has been given the use of - in the art district of town.
4. Clears $750,000 a year - SELLING COCAINE!!!

All of that was bad enough, but we get back to her place, she's talking baby-talk to the dog. Door! I never found our what, if any of all of that, was true but it was one date -one of many - that I'll never forget. Yow.

Then there was the one who posed with her smiling mouth closed for her profile pic. Could she not have know that when I'd meet her, the first thing I noted - like, when she said, "Hi" - would be the numerous directions that her remaining, gray teeth were heading in? The saddest part, is that this is true of all Brits. She was nice otherwise. I just couldn't look at her - while her mouth was open.

There's more. The point is that I remain optimistic.

In fact, I have a new pen pal from the Mingle group. Life goes on.

Sometimes weakness can be just as much a strength when the person knows they have people to lean on. Reaching out for help is a strength all its own.

Wow man! Excellent words. I so totally agree. Write them words down, son. They'll come in handy for all of us some day.