Long time lurker, first time poster

[doady]

Greetings,

Ok, maybe I have not been lurking for a long time, but the last few months seem like forever since discovering PO and PO.com. Like many good people I was loafing along feeling fine, making progress, then the economy goes into the crapper, I lose two jobs in a row (still haven't found good work), and my life is thrown into shambles by something that is out of my control (although most of us have a bit part in this) and will most likely have terrible repercussions on my grandchildren (if not my children)...and my retirement plans.

I would say I waffle between stages 5-7 on the grief meter depending on the topic, with the occasional 1-4 if I am in a particularly melancholy mood. I have learned a few things though:

- Under no circumstances openly discuss this with your wife if she is like the other 6.99 billion people in the world. Break it to her slowly (sarcasm is a definite no-no) and let her draw her own conclusions. This probably applies to husbands too.
- Many more older people get it - by older I mean over 70. I don't know why this is. Maybe it is because they have seen the best and worst times for the world and are able to see through the BS. I have had conversations with complete stranger in this age group at the local dump (although we don't dump anymore, we transfer to some place willing to take it).
- Nobody can tell what is going to transpire. Personally, I think it is going to be bad. The machine is too big to slow down until the last loving drop of liquid gold is combusted or turned into a useful disposable container.

Anyway, I am happy to be part of the conversation and look forward to the shared wisdom of this site. There are many opinion that I respect and look forward to reading. Hopefully I can contribute something useful from time to time.

[pstarr]

Hey welcome. I am a very long time peaker but only now just getting over the grief and emotional turmoil. It is difficult to watch an entire way of life crumble in slow motion when virtually nobody around understands the cause of the pain and political disruptions. You are lucky you have found other people who understand.

I can't imagine not having the wife on board. It must be very difficult. My wife completely understands even if she is not obsessed like I am. we are building a future together in the garden. you probably won't be hearing much from me in the future. I go through spurts of anger, humor, disgust, and apathy and am probably not a very constructive member of this community any longer. What has been said is all that needs to be said. It is a matter of personal action now.

[Pops]

Hi doady, thanks for chiming in.