Many people, especially men, cannot relate. Now I’ve tried Sept. 11th. Here, in the NJ, NY, PA tri-state area, this has had an impact. I’ve learned that the more you move away from this area, the less people were impacted directly and emotionally, so I’m not sure if this will universally work. Here’s what I’ve been saying:
“She can’t remember how she got home. Her friend doesn’t remember.”
“Do you remember Sept. 11th?”
“Of course. Every last detail. Like it was yesterday.”
“What did you do that Sept 10th?”
“I have no idea.”
“Right. Because that was a day like every other day. That was the party to her friend Leland.”
“What did you have for breakfast on the 11th?”
“I don’t know. It didn’t seem important.”
“That’s was Dr. Ford getting to the party. Since you forget the time surrounding the attacks on Sept 11th, should I assume that you’re making it up and it didn’t happen?”
I’ve tried it on Twitter. Crickets so far. In person, people open their mouths to argue, leave them open long enough to catch flies, and either walk away or mutter something. Nobody continues. There is no longer a debate.

I don’t think it’s violent and, although meant to give pause, I am hoping it won’t upset anyone. I have seen so much blaming of the victim that I wanted to share.
I’ve been through many changing moods through this series. This was my “tough girl” anthem that I don’t think will upset anyone. I don’t always rhyme, but this one does.
Please, if you feel that this topic is too painful, let me know before I get deeper. This one is just flip:

I Ran. Big Deal.

Take his pictures
Off the walls
Change your status
Block his calls
Give all his t-shirts
To Good Will
Even though you
Wear them still
Pretend that you
Don't want to die
Sleep with 14
Other guys
Find a pawn shop
Sell his shit
Tell the world
You're over it.

I’m on maintenance chemo for Lupus (SLE). Came down with shingles. Doc said it’s fairly common with my lack of immune system. Then it became infected. Today lab results came back that it’s staph and concerned about MRSA. Local doc ordered antibiotic. My Lupus doc is in Philly (about an hour and a half away) and closed for the weekend. The local doc knows nothing about Lupus. I mean NOTHING.
Anyone here know more than my local doc? Should I be worried?

I live about an hour south, and have always gone to our very small town July 4th celebration at the lake, but haven’t been able to for 2 years for reasons that I’m ALMOST ready to talk about. So last year, we watched from a boat in the Atlantic and this year I wanted to try being around people (PTSD). What I noticed were a whole lot of people who “some people” would not consider “Americans.” Quite a few from the UK, other parts of Europe, Eastern Europeans (who often work the rides on our boardwalks), but about half Hispanic. Seaside, itself, is a very mixed race/nationality area in every way. They have parades for just about every nationality you can think of. Maybe a smaller melting pot. Well, naturally, some guy with a NOT NJ accent (no, we don’t say JOISEY) had to bring up all the Mexicans with expensive sneakers. I don’t know the first thing about sneakers, but I had to say, “How do you know they are Mexican?” He said, “Well, they’re speaking Spanish.” I said, “And they are all decked out in pride in red, white, and blue. Ever occur to you that they are here legally and make a decent living in our multilingual economy?” He froze for a minute, looked at their patriotic clothing, and said, “No. It never really did.”
He walked away. I’m not sure if anything sank deeper into that noggin of his, but I was proud of my stand, especially considering where I’ve been these last two years. I was glad I didn’t end up with a black eye (5 foot blonde lady, here) but for a few minutes, I didn’t care.
Oh, and the fireworks were spectacular!

Geez, just realized I’ve never posted pics, but I’ll try. The posters are my sister’s. She’s an artist. I’m proud, but also jealous. Mine would have a stick figure and some innocent person would ask, “I’m sorry, but is that a? I don’t know, snake? Stick? Balloon on a stick?” She’s awesome, and even more awesome to have brought my son while I was ill.
Apologies ahead of time if I can’t get the pictures ASAP, but I’m sure with help, they will come to you! IMG_0745.jpeg
I’m only attaching the first. Let me know if it works, and if not, what I’m screwing up!

I have Lupus, and I’ve been having a tough time of it lately, with the heat and photsensitivity. Then I got shingles which got infected (apparently common with chemo treatments) so I had to send him with my sister and her husband. I’m so proud of him, but also scared to death that I won’t be with him should anything go wrong. They were going to head out to Philly, but went to a smaller location here in NJ. My son is 6 foot 1. He’s adopted, and while we are waiting for his DNA results (because he’s curious), he definitely doesn’t look white. I don’t think I’m being irrational to think that a kid who looks like a black man may be in danger in Philadelphia. I never discouraged him, but went through everything that MIGHT protect him from racist riot police. I just wish I could be beside him. I would gladly give my life for his, but I think my sister would, too. But she’s a hothead at times, and doesn’t understand the fine line that other ethnicities have to walk.
Anyway, just wanted to blurt this all out I guess. He is an amazing kid and he’s the kind of person who can change the world. All I could do was help him make a sign and freeze water bottles last night! Wishing him change, luck, and peace today.
Thanks for letting me babble. I had tears watching them pull away...