“Do I HAVE To?!!” *Wince* “Yes.” “Do You Mean That I–?” *Wince* “Yes!”

As I’ve said before, when I’m not busy being an extrovert I am most decidedly an introvert, and for most of my life that has meant that I needed time being left alone . . . sometimes a lot of time.

Unsurprisingly though, parenthood has continued to cut deeper and deeper into my alone time, and the adjustment, while . . . painful, hasn’t been entirely without merit.  For instance, recently I learned that a lot of the time I don’t technically need to be left alone, I just need the hurting to stop for a while . . .

The “Olfactory” Of The Matter, You Might Say

Today I find myself vaguely amused at the disparity in how my Tuesday entry (which I got a variety of positive feedback regarding) was received when compared to my Wednesday entry (which went without any responses whatsoever).  I wasn’t surprised by this though.  Tuesday’s entry was deliberately positive and pithy, but I knew there was a point that could be easily overlooked, hence Wednesday’s entry.

To spell it out, to me the important part of Tuesday’s entry was “what you believe about yourself, true or not, will have the greatest effect on you.”  I’ve known wonderful people who had been convinced they were terrible people, and I’ve also known people who, if they had even an ounce of talent, they kept it hidden extremely well, but their belief in their own non-evident greatness could sustain them through anything.  It’s just . . . impressive how much belief can affect a person.

But knowing the truth about yourself will serve you better in the long run, and the fact of the matter is that sometimes the truth stinks, but it’s better to be able to smell it because otherwise you won’t know you need to change.

Be REALLY Careful What You Believe

I wanted to give an example of what I was talking about yesterday, but ideally I wanted an example that would be easily accepted by most, as well as one that didn’t involve anything potentially fatal.  Yesterday I couldn’t think of one, but today I could:

A belief that a fruit diet precludes the need to shower or bathe can have dramatic effects on personal behavior, almost as dramatic as the effect never showering or bathing can have on the behavior of others toward you.

So Be Careful What You Believe

No matter what others believe about you, what you believe about yourself, true or not, will have the greatest effect on you.

Today’s Etiquette Tip

It’s okay to be into toe sucking if that’s your thing, but you probably shouldn’t lead with that the first time you’re talking to someone, and you definitely shouldn’t use that fact as a substitute for “hello.”

(Inspired by a friend of mine’s experience at a recent convention.)

Now I Want To Make That Character!

Me:  That bra is a telekinetic wielding an ax!

L’s Mother:  What?

Me:  It’s really good at lifting and separating.  

It’s A Work In Progress . . . For Both Of Us

Currently my son is struggling with the concept of paying attention in class.  He understands perfectly that there are times that he needs to be paying attention “one hundred percent,” but he’s still a little fuzzy on exactly when he needs to do that.

But That Weirdness Is Normal

Things getting back to “normal” after a life upending event feels really weird.

What A Horrible Thought . . . True, But Horrible

If you want to better understand America, pay attention to the television in every waiting room you find yourself in.

– Matthew Phillion (from his Twitter)

And I’m Willing To Sing That If It’ll Help

Despite what I said on Friday, let the record reflect that I do not need to meet a storm called Maria!