Post 40 -Happy Festivus

 I wanted to do a post-walk post and did not want to take seven months or so, like I did last time, to write it.  The primary purpose is to once again thank those that came out walked on what had to be the coldest walk day thus far, donated money and raise some funds as well.  We probably have over 60 people show up and walk, which is far less than the 100 or so we averaged over the last two years but still quite impressive considering the aforementioned cold, nasty weather and the fact that the walk was taking place five days after a major hurricane devastated large portions of New Jersey.  In total, our team raised around $8000!  So, again, thank you, thank you, thank you to those of you who came out for support will otherwise raised funds or donated.  I cannot begin to tell you how much it means to me.  To the rest of you… well, there's not much else I can say.  I'd like to say "F-you," but I won't.

The f-you it's for those that I now refer to as the "no-show, no dough".  I recognize that everyone has their own lives and own issues.  I know several people were unable to attend due to previously scheduled family engagements, illness, pregnancies, hurricane related issues, and even car trouble, but as true friends do, they were able to show their support by making a donation or at least dropping me a line to let me know they are thinking of me.  After all, that is what it's really about.  As I've said before, the money does not go into my pocket, so the money donated to our walk team has little direct, if any, benefit to me.  What I do benefit from it is the emotional support.  That is what I get when you show up to walk, when you fund raise on my behalf, or even if you take the time out of your day to make a simple $5 donation.  It tells me that you're concerned.  That you care.  I find it amazing the time that some people have to make moronic posts on Facebook or watch dancing with the stars, X factor, or any of that other ridiculous, reality trash that preys on your simplemindedness to grab your attention.  If you take one thing away from this post, I hope that you realize how such little effort is required to make a person feel better about themselves or their situation, whether it's me, a family member, a college or high school friend, a neighbor down the street, or even a complete stranger.

The last several months have not gone well for me, and without going into too much detail now, I will be facing a few challenges coming up soon.  That, in addition to a few other things has made me really think about who I can count on.  As next month begins, and every major retail store begins there "December to Remember" sales event, instead I will be getting my "December to Defrender” event. 

If I have to look at pictures of your ugly kids, stupid dog, smelly cat, read your ignorant political opinion or another non-funny postee card, then the least you can do is listen to my rant and rave and ask how I'm feeling every once in a while.  For those of you who fall into the "no-show, no dough" category (and you know who you are) I am asking one simple favor.  Just click the "like" button or leave a comment just to let me know your alive and that maybe you had some concern for my plight for just a few moments.  I'm not looking for excuses or explanations for the past but just a little compassion and support for the future.  For those of you that are not interested, that is fine.  No hard feelings.  You know where to find me if you change your mind.

I made a commitment in my life some time ago that I was only going to perseverate on the positive, that I no longer had the time or the energy to entertain negative thinking or anger (fear, anger, aggression… The dark side are they.…)  But I do believe that it is healthy to vent once in a while and I feel that my time has come.  So, only positiveness from here on out, … startiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiing now!  Peace out everyone.  My best wishes to all of you and your families for a brighter future.