LoriFLA, you've got a great life, from what I've read here and on AskMe, that many, many people would feel extremely lucky to equal. You've made a lot of great choices, and they're starting to pay off for you, and will pay off more and more, into the future. But you also have some of the worst shoulder perched negabots I've regularly heard about.

And that's too bad, kiddo, 'cause those negabots are consistently sucking the sugar out of your lemonade. But from what little I know, it'd be great lemonade, were it not for those stupid negabots. So, do what ya gotta do, to give 'em the heave ho, once and for all. You don't want to miss these days in the sunshine, or the ones coming, chasing somebody else's version of The Cool.

Thanks paulsc, you're so right.

And that's too bad, kiddo, 'cause those negabots are consistently sucking the sugar out of your lemonade. But from what little I know, it'd be great lemonade, were it not for those stupid negabots. So, do what ya gotta do, to give 'em the heave ho, once and for all. You don't want to miss these days in the sunshine, or the ones coming, chasing somebody else's version of The Cool.

I'm hanging this on my mirror. Now I feel like crying.

/cornball basketcase. : )

The more you know about people, the more you realize that even those who seem to have it all together have their weak points, their Achilles heels, their niggling challenges. No one's got it as together as they seem; we're all making progress, probably, but no one ever really has it all figured out. Many strengths also = many weaknesses. If there's something you admire in this gal, emulate it. But if you're just feeling inadquate, you don't have to. For all you know, when she looks at you she may wish in her secret heart that she had the good things you have in your life.

We're all on our own road. Value and cherish your own life; you wouldn't trade the people you love and experiences you've had for hers, would you?

I wonder, LoriFLA, if you wouldn't get a kick out of Richard Feynman's "What Do YOU Care What Other People Think?" That phrase is something that Feynman's first wife said to him once, and it changed his life so much that he used it as the title of his autobiography.

After he quit caring about what other people thought, he went on to become a physics professor at Cal Tech, win the Nobel Prize, and almost single-handedly invent the field of quantum electrodynamics. Yet he still had time to come to a young ikkyu2's elementary school and beat the drum in a drum circle for the kiddies.

I think you should read his autobiography, which is subtitled "Adventures of a Curious Character." You might even end up thinking better of yourself; I think you are probably a 'curious character' in the company you keep and I would like to see you come to better terms with it.

paulsc, you rock.

Yet he still had time to come to a young ikkyu2's elementary school and beat the drum in a drum circle for the kiddies.

Wow! Wow!
Wow! Wow!

What a great memory. Second the recommendation of his books - incredibly entertaining, as well as inspiring stories about the power of curiosity.

Tuva or bust!

Lori-turn that around for a sec, I don't post much on the green and never on the blue because I just feel nervous, like I'm not as smart, hip, interesting or cool as everyone else, including you.

You live a couple hours from me and the thought of running into you at Target by accident would be nerve wracking for me. Now, I think that I'm pretty fun, interesting and smart and I have friends, but you come across to me as being far more together than I am. My point is, ok so to you, this woman has her shit together far more than you do, but to me, you have the world by the tail and I'm just muddling along.

It's all about perspective.

negabots... do these come in a kit or something? Cause I so want one.

(and I'm adding Feynman's book to my classroom library, ikkyu2... after I read it myself)

HollyGoheavy, I'm so glad you've joined us. I love reading your posts. I think you have it all together!
LoriFla, I've felt the same as you around certain people. Even dealing with teachers at my son's school, during conferences, I feel like I'm small and lost and they are big and in charge and know more than I do. I might know in my head that they are wrong (I know my son better than they do) but I still feel this way. I've begun "acting" in situations like this. I actually feel stronger for real if I "act" like a stronger person. It's funny how it really works once you try it!

redvixen, report to the principal's office immediately : )

Awww thanks redvixen you're very sweet :)

those negabots are consistently sucking the sugar out of your lemonade

I am sooo stealing this.

And, uh, yeah. Y'all have it together wayyy better than I do and when I'm truthful with myself, I know I'm not doing half as bad as I think I am.

Miko, you're right. I wouldn't trade my life or experiences. I compare myself to others too often. Doing so is foolish, but it still happens. The differences are astounding sometimes, especially in the case with this woman I know. You're right, instead of whining about it, I should and could emulate the behaviors I find admirable. Except for the multi-millionaire part. ; )

Redvixen, you offer good advice. I try to put forth my most confident-self most of the time. It's the negative self-talk that is maddening.

Hollygoheavy, you are so sweet. Trust me, I'm a frazzled mess the majority of the time. We should get together sometime. A Florida meetup! Has there ever been a Florida meetup?

I must read Fenynyman's autobiography. It's been on my mental to-read list for quite some time. Thank you ikkyu2 for your thoughts. It means a lot -- really.

Actually he had 2 autobiographies; "What do YOU care what other people think?" was the second. The first is "Surely You're Joking, Mr Feynman" which is also a great read.

Pips, I'm not sure how old your classroom kids are; there are parts in the books where he discusses sexual issues as freely and as frankly as he discusses engineering and physics. I think it's great but I wouldn't want you to get in trouble because of it.

"What do YOU care what other people think?" Yes, got it. Ordered it!