h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

I've been sitting here in front of the computer this evening, and there's not many people around, so I've been reading some of our old postings over the past year.

I realize that many of us are still in astronomical physical and emotional pain, and/or dire financial straits (mine are okay at the moment, but it won't last), never quite reaching the socially acceptable level of "success", but I think we are all very successful at living, and living well, with whatever life throws at us at any given moment. Not to mention, we're damned good people, and people like us!!

Some strong friendships have been forged here. A year ago I had no-one to laugh with, no shoulder to cry on, no-one to offer a hug when nothing else would do. Now I've got so many of you who I love and trust- Kaz, Terri, JEllen, Abbi, Willem, Krispy, my newly-found friends Blaue Augen and Maniacal Vixen. Barton and Richenda, who opened their hearts and home to me during some very dark hours, who took me out into the general public (even if I overcompensated a bit), and who I truly hope I've given something back to. People like Mad Meg, Superdogmonkey, and others, who I don't see as often but who still bring joy into my life every time I do. Not to mention countless others, like Kat, Smudger, Egon, Azahar, Amy, Kea, etc., who have been kind and friendly toward me. And to think, a year ago I swore I didn't *like* people, and no-one like me, either! I love you guys! (Never thought I'd use that word again, a year ago. And now I know the true meaning of the word.) Thank you!!

We still have lots of problems between us, but it makes me happy and fills me with hope to watch my friends heal and grow. The ways that we have learned to love, trust, care for, and support each other are truly amazing.

Sometimes I feel bad that I've learned to ignore my physical pain to a large degree, and am feeling much happier and coping better, and still see so many of you here I care for suffering so much. For the first time in my life, I can be open about my issues rather than apologetic, and by doing so, have gained more acceptance. In the past, even just working for a living was hard, because I'd stifle everything and then fly off the handle. Now, when something upsets me, I tell someone. When I'm having "one of those days", I make it known. And, much to my surprise, most people have been quite accepting, sometimes even grateful for, my idiosyncrasies and eccentricities. For once, my sensitivity and empathy is seen as an asset and not a shortcoming. And I've learned better ways to express it from you lot.

So, after months of journal entries about nothing but the seemingly shallow day-to-day, I felt a need to express my gratitude and love to everyone here who has offered me genuine friendship and love, has helped me and allowed me to help in return. Sometimes, being allowed to reach out to a loved one when that person needs a friend is the best therapy I can get. If you know what I mean?

Sorry for rambling again... and I'm not even drunk. I just couldn't read some of the old stuff I had and not feel full of all the love and joy and you all have brought into my life. And I can say I know I've given some back. THAT feels REALLY good!!

I still have lots of problems, y'all. We all do. I will help in any way I can, and will try to ask for it when I need it. Right now, I know you love me, and that I love you, too!

I'd better stop before I cry. s and es to all of you who have reached out, in spite of your own pain and trauma and horrible experiences, who have helped me to learn to love and trust and live a life worth living, immeasurable by financial standards, and for offering friendships worth cherishing.

Life's a journey, not a destination, and we've come a LONG way, all of us. It's more than a pleasure to continue the journey, hand in hand, with you lot.

You've got eyes!!PHONE ME please!

zdt

Yes, PCandy you've become a dear friend. Wonder if Douglas Adams ever imagined how many lives he would touch with his brainchild? It sounds like you have done a lot of opening up and healing this past year, that's so great. Hootoo helped me get through some rough times too - feeling isolated, etc. There's always something interesting going on here - I especially like adding to my repetoire of jokes. And talking about movies, of course!

Talk to you soon. JEllen

Awwwww

Hi PCandy, its a strange road, which has many ups and downs but I am glad I am on it, and I am glad I have you all as friends!

Terri, whats happening, are you off to travel? How are you?

Hi Kaz; i am about 1000% better than i was; thank you for caring.

And PC, all i can say is is something that can move the proverbial mountains & shift dark clouds. You are a truly brilliant person; never forget that.

zdt

Don't worry, I won't let her. And I know B&C are still hankering to welcome you over again.

Thanks for being there for her when she needed it and I haven't been able, folks.

Awww shucks...smoochy coochy coo

Aww, thanks you guys!

My cold's cleared up but has turned a bit bronchial, so I'm heading off for a hot bath then early to bed. Just thought I'd stop and post to my own journal at least, rather than ignoring you all completely.

Thanks so much, again, for being such dear friends. You've all given me so much, in so many ways. I'm glad if sometimes I can give something back, and help out in return, in whatever little way I can.



Nighty night for now, see you all tomorrow... and hopefully I will be able to catch up with more of everyone's interesting postings!!

goodnight, sleep well. Hope to chat soon

Night night, sleep tight!

Wishing you peaceful dreams; you deserve them!



zdt

OOOOOOOO *waves wildly OH Pick Me!*
Would you do me a favor PC ?

Would you please pass my email along to Mad Meg in an email?
We have lost touch and I had to eliminate abbinormal for the disc space and never post my main one.

Thank you ahead!

i don't know mad megs (but would like to, if she is willing!) but DO know yours abbi, so if MM wants to email me to get it, i am at:

zendevil3 at wanadoo (then a full stop) fr (abbreviation for france)

zdt

MM had told me that PC had hers, neither of us post our main ones.

Thanks Terri
I will tell her you posted and see if she would like to do that!

hi all, its good to see everyone appreciating each other! Thats something which is all to easy to forget doing. So thanks to all of you for being here for us and for your advice and for everything!!

I'll second that!!!!

zdt

Me too! Thanks to everyone for being there for me and for each other. Knowing you guys and talking with you here and on IM or even by phone sometimes makes my life a lot more fun!

Hi psychocandy! Sorry I wasn't around to get this earlier. Thanks for considering me a friend! I just hope I can be a good one for you and for others. Thanks for being a friend, too! To others here as well.

*waves at Willem*

How's it going? Give my love tothe first hoopoe you see! (Or even a hammerkop, I'm not biased!)

zdt

I've caught up with 2 weeks backlog and got Terri's addy. I won't get chance to try it before Thursday as my Beloved will be working on our home pc. He says he'll be working all weekend on it but I'm sure I can manage a brief chat. Looking forward to it