Must be difficult when you need to take a long road trip (referring to the part about driving on interstates). You'd hate driving here, that's for sure!
Dentists. I have tackled many things in my life and have occasionally done some things that have surprised even myself (finding inner strength and resolve that I didn't know I had within me). But I have never gotten over my fear of the dentist. There is no other unpleasant situation that I avoid as I do going to the dentist. I returned early from a business trip last night because I have a broken tooth and I am in a considerable amount of discomfort. I've made an appointment to see a dentist tomorrow (he can't fit me in today). Now I am already feeling the anxiety. So I have the pain AND I have a bad case of nerves. Any suggestions as to how to calm my anxiety while I wait this next 24 hours out? Boban, if you read this...can you spare some of your vodka?
Does anyone else here have a particular fear for something that you have been unable to shake?
Sorry, Baby Tyson. There are none available. I nabbed 'em all. Each and every one of them. Every Dimitris, Christos, Giorgos, and Constantinos...all mine.
But I'll be sure to send them your way when I've finished having my way with them.
Will have to catch up on other posts, although I did read the first couple of pages. I'm in an Internet Cafe in Corfu at the moment and time is money....literally. As for this recent post.... You met him and discussed marriage with him, then you opted not to see him again when he (quite naturally) balked at that proposal (figurative and probably literal). Now he wants to see you again and you don't want to...yet you feel sorry for him. There is a Greek word for what you describe: Gamiseta! I won't define it, but it sure does sum it up. KH, does the concept of love enter into any of this, or is marriage your only real desire? And all this after one day together? I don't know of any man in all the world (and I've been to many places and have known many men in my life) who would accept what you are putting forth. Chill. Seriously. Chill.
Hiya, sweetie! Hijacking the thread a bit, but I'm tired so I will use that excuse and apologize in advance...why haven't you and I communicated more? Cheers, Cristina. I know a like mind when I feel one.
I've served in both places...Iraq in 2004 and Afghanistan (where Sparky is now) in 2007. I have friends in both places. There is no more positive energy for the men and women in these countries than what I have to offer. Come home safe, Sparky...and Janice in Iraq, and Alex in Iraq, and Hoyt and Carol (soon in Kabul), and Anne-Louise in Kabul, and Patrick in Iraq, and Chris in Iraq, and so, so many others. You see, for me, these are real people...people I have laughed with and worked with and sometimes cried with. God, yes....be safe, my friends.
Starshine....I only posted one message of support up til now, but have been thinking of you and Mike ever since you first mentioned what was going on. Sepsis is most serious, as I'm sure you already know. I don't pray, so I won't lie and say that I will do so...but I have him and you in my thoughts and I genuinely feel for your worries and concerns. Be with him. Can you go? I send you all the strongest energy and caring thoughts that I can possibly offer.
Yes, you have an incredible history. Just the word "Persia" invokes an image of an exotic and beautiful land. History, however, is replete with darkness and tragedy, but I do believe in the good that is inherent in people of all lands. And I know that people everywhere want to be free to live their lives, love their families, spend their days without interference from suppressors. You are no different than I am in this regard. I can't imagine what you must be feeling now, but I think it's a mixture of hope and fear. Hope that things will change and that your future...your children's future...will be brighter; fear that it may not be. My faceless and nameless friend.... keep the hope alive (to roughly quote one of our own peaceful activists in our short but active history)....Keep Hope Alive.
I was on an assignment in 2004 where I was part of a team that were speaking with MEK in Iraq. Oh, the stories I heard...of executions, beatings, hangings, rapes, etc. I have some insight, but I'm still ignorant of what is really going on.
I don't shed tears as easily as I used to...perhaps life tends to harden us a bit as years pass. But this story...... Awwwwwwwwww, damn it! May this 10-year old angel rest in peace.
Tell US the news, Persiano. Or are you unable to really know what's going on? I think we're all a bit news-deprived. We think we know, we are indeed interested and curious, but we're not sure if what we are hearing is an accurate portrayal of events in Iran. Or, at least, I am not sure. All I can say to you is that I truly wish the best outcome for you and your countrymen. Regime change is more than just a vote; it's putting your necks out there and really standing behind your ideals. Most of us have never been in such a situation...not such as yours. I'm not a religious person, and I don't care what God you believe in, but I feel compelled to say "God's speed"...and may the doors of darkness open and let the light in again.
Nice post and so true. I have thought (many times) how nice it would be to walk in my home after work and see a dirty cereal bowl on the coffee table and a backpack tossed on the floor. It would give me more joy than I can express.
One must keep in mind, however, that such pro-democracy or soft democracy programs, although they sound positive on the surface, can at times do more harm than good. These types of programs are generally promoting radio broadcasts through VOA or other outlets, cultural exchanges, funding for NGOs, etc. Sounds ok, right? Of course it does, until you break it down a bit. Cultural and educational exchange programs offered to Iranian students are not easily achieved, as we have no embassy there and cannot issue visas to the students. Consequently, they must go to Dubai or some other city outside of Iran to sort out the process. Radio broadcasts aren't a bad idea, either, but if the audience is minimal in numbers (which reports say is the case in Iran), is it really worth the cost? As for funding for various NGOs, there have been many reports that indicate that the recipients of such funding have been discredited and "labeled as traitors who receive money from the enemy to undermine Iran's national interest". From a report on the program, written in 2006: "The bigger worry, Milani says, is turning everyday Iranians against the United States. “The Iranian street is predominantly pro-American while the Iranian government is anti-American,” he says. “That’s the opposite in the Arab world.”
I would be interested in hearing from Persiano, particularly as our viewpoints as outsiders cannot be as reality-based as his. My viewpoint may not change after I hear his thoughts, but I'd certainly welcome hearing them and having new perspective.
I quoted from an interesting article and want to provide my source:
Oh, I didn't intend to crush your hopes. It has happened for many here on CS, in fact, and it could very easily happen for you. Sorry, nightwalker....don't lose confidence. The future is uncertain, but we DO have to put ourselves out there if we want to meet that someone special.
My biggest fear
Oooh, I don't see myself vomiting tomorrow! Bleeding on him will be about the best I'll manage. Profusely, I fear.