Talk about anything that's on your mind

[Rudy Tamasz]

This is probably the worst time of the year to have to deal with anything that's not going quite right in your life. With all of the (fake) happiness and people dancing around at Christmas time, it's a real wonder that more people don't go off the deep end.

To that I need to add that in my part of the world in December it's humid, cold and dark. The days are short and the nights are long. To add insult to injury, there is no snow despite winter time. It makes things yet darker and less festive.

[gadjo_dilo]

The days are short and the nights are long.

Just remembered that tonight's the longest night of the year. It's the winter solstice and the right time to do some witchcraft......

[gadjo_dilo]

....Some of these people I have met are now employed in a health care system that is attempting new ways to reach out to those in need, and these men and women are very inspiring. Many of the veterans also come back to help and volunteer as they learn to cope, and the stories of some of those people brings me to tears.... literally. It is a group of people I have enormous respect for......

Charity and volunteering are strange concepts in this country. Nobody will help you for free even if the helping hand costs nothing. Well, there are exceptions but only a few. My mother always helped old ladies in the neighbourhood with shopping or simply staying with them for a cofee and never thought to ask something for that. If she went to buy a bread it wasn't a big deal to buy one more for a neighbour who couldn't leave the house. Matter of fact in our small aromanian community we developed a solidarity that always looked strange to romanians. It was a cultural shock for me when i started to work and had to cope with romanian society. The mentality of "I don't care what I have to do as long as money comes" or " I won't tell you how to do this cos I don't offer counselling for free" was strange to me.
Now I'm afraid that after so many years of trying to integrate myself in their community I started to become one of them. I have become a heart of stone that can't be touched by normal feelings. I use to blame it on all the hypocrisy and lies that surround me. But what if I'm wrong?

[airshifter]

Just remembered that tonight's the longest night of the year. It's the winter solstice and the right time to do some witchcraft......

I think today is officially the last day of the extended Saturnalia celebrations as well. Time to party it up!

Charity and volunteering are strange concepts in this country. Nobody will help you for free even if the helping hand costs nothing. Well, there are exceptions but only a few. My mother always helped old ladies in the neighbourhood with shopping or simply staying with them for a cofee and never thought to ask something for that. If she went to buy a bread it wasn't a big deal to buy one more for a neighbour who couldn't leave the house. Matter of fact in our small aromanian community we developed a solidarity that always looked strange to romanians. It was a cultural shock for me when i started to work and had to cope with romanian society. The mentality of "I don't care what I have to do as long as money comes" or " I won't tell you how to do this cos I don't offer counselling for free" was strange to me.
Now I'm afraid that after so many years of trying to integrate myself in their community I started to become one of them. I have become a heart of stone that can't be touched by normal feelings. I use to blame it on all the hypocrisy and lies that surround me. But what if I'm wrong?

I think any person is somewhat influenced by the society that surrounds them. But the things you express here are often things that show you are touched by normal human feelings. Just because you might live in a place that more often decides to hide or deny them, doesn't mean it has removed your inner feelings. And from the sound of things you were influenced by your mother to help others, which is probably one of the reasons you are so giving with her.

And really to some extent we also have to remember that just because "society" in our world thinks things should be a certain way, doesn't mean that society is right. Over time social influences change, and the change often starts with those not doing what is considered normal at that time.




It's rainy and miserable outside. I wish I didn't have to work today. But I will, maybe just a later than usual start to get out and about.

And I have to make some kind of vehicle decision soon. My daughter will be driving soon and I need to get something else to drive to work. But I'm all over the map about what to get. Indecision is a terrible thing.

[gadjo_dilo]

But I'm all over the map about what to get. Indecision is a terrible thing.

I know. I wanted a new watch for Christmas and I decided to get an expensive one ( well, expensive according to the standards of a country where the average wage is about 400 euros ). I went to some shops and I found myself bewildered by the diversity of models and colors. I wanted a golden-rose one but then I thought I'd like also a golden or a silver one. Finally I bought nothing and I'm sure it will take months to decide.

[Rudy Tamasz]

A few days ago while walking outside of town (not for fun, mind you) under the falling snow rain, I saw a huge leaf worm on the pavement crawling somewhere. I was like, a worm, alive, in December with nothing green in sight?! I am ashamed to say I found some comfort in the fact that somebody was in a clearly worse position than me. I wished the poor worm good luck and went on.

[schmenke]

Economy is going down the toilet, thanks to the Saudis.
I now stand a chance of losing my job in the new year
Merry fkcing Christmas.

[henners88]

Sounds like the bard of Avon.......
( to set the record straight I'm not speaking of henners )

I just saw this by chance haha! I will be spending a bit of time near the Bard this Xmas with the family. My little girl is not quite old enough to understand what it is all about yet but she is excited already by the sight of wrapping paper.

I hope you are over some of your troubles Gadjo and are in a happier place. Christmas can be a tough time of year for many and there are way too many sad stories doing the rounds at the moment. A friend of mine lost his Dad the week before last after his parents had an argument. His dad stormed out and hanged himself in the garage. Everybody is devastated. He had some hidden financial trouble. Then a few days ago I found out a guy I knew from school split up with his girlfriend of 8 years and topped himself soon after. He made a post on Facebook a few hours before about a new start and exciting times ahead. I don't think it matters where people share their troubles as long as they do, because a problem shared is a problem halved. Even if you are sharing things with people you don't know, it can be a relief in itself. Anyway, enough of the sad stuff.

Merry Christmas everybody and stay safe and enjoy.

[Tazio]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P0s3EznU26k

Happy Holidays

[Starter]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P0s3EznU26k

Happy Holidays

And the same to you my friend. May eight tiny reindeer pull your scooter through the holidays and deliver lots of good things.