I am wiser than I want to be. Ask me anything!

[IdaBriggs]

[Skittles]

1. Dear Ida

I am bored to tears; give me an idea of something to do. Thanks.

[IdaBriggs]

5. Put on some bouncy music. Clean your bathroom. And your kitchen.

Reorganize the shelves. While you are at it, straighten out your linen closet, and catch up with your laundry. Mentally work on that letter to the editor you've been planning, and create three different new rhyming phrases on why * must go. When you are finished, treat yourself to some fresh baked cookies while watching some television and reading DU. Added bonus: if it isn't midnight yet, light a candle, pour a bubble bath, and read one of those trashy books you've got stashed away -- you deserve it! :)

[Skittles]

23. lol

OK I *DID* clean my bathroom - it's funny you said that, I've been telling myself to do that for the past three days. Got laundry going and will clean the kitchen tomorrow. :D

[bigwillq]

2. Will Hurricane Ivan make a direct hit on the U.S.?

If so, where?

[IdaBriggs]

7. Yes. You can see where on this map --

http://www.w3.weather.com/maps/news/atlstorm9/projectedpath_large.html

Which is unfortunately mostly accurate. Its not going to be fun. :(

[bigwillq]

8. Thank you ole wise one

And yes indeed it's not going to be very kind.

[Professor_Moriarty]

3. Would you like to be otherwise?

[IdaBriggs]

9. Occasionally, yes.

All wise people sometimes wish for the bliss of ignorance, but then we remember that stupidity is painful and frequently fatal. :)

[Professor_Moriarty]

14. After having spent eight years in college to get advanced degrees

I sometimes tell my boss I have to spend an equal amount of time unlearning the garbage that has been stuffed in my head.So, you know the feeling.

[IdaBriggs]

20. The information in your head is not the problem.

Spending eight years focusing on one profession (student) has its merits, but now things are different. The true issue is not "unlearning" but mastering the new set of tools needed for success outside of that environment. The rules and expectations are different, and you will adjust to them. A period of mental "break" (similar to the winter resting of trees) is frequently necessary, so do not begrudge your mind the occasional "fuzz" factor for a bit; you are burning new neural pathways at the moment, and it is a lot of work! :)

[Brucey]

4. Ida,

What would have to happen for Kerry to win Florida? Would the laws of physics have to change? How would that help?

[Lady Effingbroke]

6. Indeed, and would alteration of the space/time continuum

enable Kerry to win Texas?

[IdaBriggs]

17. See Reply #12. Altering the space/time continuum is not wise.

Especially for such a small matter as politics in the United States. Texas will not give its electoral votes to Kerry in either 2004 or 2008, despite a (surprisingly) close election. There are many angry voters in Texas at the moment, but they shall not yet prevail. More bad news: Tom Delay will "win" re-election, but (on a brighter note) will not completely serve out his "next" term due to an unexpected inability to escape an ongoing scandal.

[Lady Effingbroke]

22. Thank you, Wise One!

I am in agreement that any modification of human events vis-a-vis the space/time continuum is indeed an unwise action, although, sadly it means that Kerry may not win the electoral vote here. I am glad, however, to hear that there is hope for the aggrieved citizens of my beleaguered home state of Texas in re: Tom DeLay being unable to escape scandal and being forced to leave office.

[IdaBriggs]

12. Kerry is going to win Florida.

Physics have nothing to do with it, and are not truly changeable for political purposes (despite the claims of the current administration). The ongoing natural disasters, coupled with the normal slow response problems of disaster relief bureaucracy, are going to infuriate a good portion of the population who will decide on a "throw the bums out" strategy, while the rising costs of Medicare and prescription drugs is going to motivate the senior population to vote Kerry. Several riots in poorer districts will capture national media attention, and there will be some controversy, but Kerry will receive the Florida electoral votes despite the nefarious deeds planned by the current administration.

[MissAnnThrope]

10. If A Tree In The Forest...

falls on Marlee Matlin and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound?

[IdaBriggs]

13. Yes. Energy exists regardless of whether one notices it or not --

And sound is a form of energy. Marlee Matlin's presence in the universe is inconsequential to this truth. :)

[bigwillq]

11. Will me and my boyfriend get back together? (nt)

[IdaBriggs]

15. Yes, dear. The "break up and make up" isn't done yet.

But you know it isn't good for either one of you at the moment. You need to go pick up some books by Harville Hendricks and start working on the problems (because it is not ALL his fault). Its going to be painful, and sometimes you are going to get really mad, but you can work through it if you want to. The question really is how committed YOU ARE to addressing YOUR issues, instead of just assuming they are all about him.

[bigwillq]

16. Wow, I'm impressed

1. The break up and make up part isn't done yet.
We're suppose to meet tommorrow for the first time since we broke up last Thursday.

2. it's not all his fault.

I broke up with him b/c I thought he wasn't putting in his fair share but I know I'm to blame with certain things.

I am committed in addressing my issues.
I really think we just need to have a good sit down talk.

[IdaBriggs]

18. More than "talk" is needed. The key is CHANGE.

Go pick up Harville Hendrick's book "Getting the Love You Want -- a Guide for Couples." It will help. When finances permit, attend one of the workshops designed especially for same sex couples. The love the two of you share isn't in question; the problem is that the skills you need to make the relationship work are not automatically part of your repertoire. You may choose to ignore this truth, or correct it. The choice is always yours. :)

[bigwillq]

19. I choose to correct it

I am trying to do that.

Thanks for the advice.

I will also try to pick up that book.

[IdaBriggs]

21. Then wisdom says you will be successful. nt

:)

[Pale Blue Dot]

24. Will I ever find "the one"?

Or is she just a product of my overactive imagination?

[dweller]

25. dang Finnfan

you stumped her...

dp

[IdaBriggs]

27. Wisdom dictates the importance of balance.

And balance includes time spent sleeping as well as waking. I chose to heed this ancient wisdom, and went to bed. Today I will further remember this key life point as I show value to my off-line community by giving them some of my attention, while still remembering the importance of replying to on-line friends as appropriate. You may wish to call that friend you've been meaning to talk to for a while, also. Have some fun -- you deserve it! :)

[IdaBriggs]

26. You have already found "possibilities" several times...

...so wisdom dictates "the one" is available. The problem is your inability to recognize her, possibly due to your inflated expectations. She is NOT going to agree with you on everything (especially that religion issue you've got going), and will frequently look at you as if you are an idiot. Continue the discussion. When it goes on past four a.m., kiss her and be done with it. (Its going to be the ONLY way to shut her up, so you might as well enjoy it.) She will be challenging every thing you say and do for the rest of your life, so revel in your differences, and remember to be grateful that your best friend and soul mate has a brain, even if you want to strangle the sh*t out of her for using it with such skill. :)