I hope that isn't the case, or, at least, that the death will be really slow. I live in a smallish community within the great sprawling megalopolis of SoCal. I also spend part of every summer in Hot Springs, S.D. (pop 4000 +/-). Frankly, I enjoy both, especially my "South Dakota fix," a nice change of pace and a different, rather refreshing. ethos (a handshake usually settles most matters).

city dwelling - crowded freeways; small town - open roads

More and more, my social relationships are defined and shaped by the internet. i know more about a lot of folks here on ETS than I do about neighbors two doors down the street.

I hope your volunteering will bear fruit. Not that all my volunteering resulted in absolutely wonderful experiences - we had our share of SAR operations that were trivial and dumb - but I can honestly say that I have never regretted stepping forward.

It may differ from city to city; growing up there I know how to avoid crowded freeways in Dallas.


That goes with what I've been saying. I feel comfortable here at ETS.

Jeanette Isabelle

It won't get better. If it doesn't work for you, get out. Don't waste your finite years on earth. I know because I did what you're doing.

I can't get out. Mom loves it here and she has to take care of her basket-case daughter [me]. The fact I rake the leaves helps her.

Synagogue was great today. Mom and I have been there for more than a year and today was the first time we were selected for the blessing over the bread and the wine [grape juice]. Rabbi Alfredo spoke today. He's the best rabbi they have. He really studies and it shows because I learn something new every time he speaks.

Jeanette Isabelle

JI: does your shul have any study groups? You know, Talmud, contemporary studies in Judaism, book club? It could be a social intro, as well as an outlet for your obvious intelligence? How about social interaction on a romantic level? Just because you are dealing with some challenges doesn't mean you can't find love or at least companionship. Good luck!

Yes but Mom and I don't attend. For a few weeks we did oneg; none of the other members talked to us. The fact Mom and I were chosen for the blessing over the bread and the wine is an indication we are finally being accepted . . . after being there for more than a year. I study at home and sometimes Mom and I listen to a teaching CD to and from synagogue.

Jeanette Isabelle

Have you ever tried or thought about writing fiction? Short stories, fan fiction, whatever. . .for example, maybe you could take your online RPG character and write stories about that character and that character's world.

I do write fiction. To make it more interesting, the story I wrote for setting up the post apocalyptic world, and introducing my second player character, is a murder mystery.

Jeanette Isabelle

That does not sound like a very welcoming congregation.
My freshman year college project was to attend all 26 churches in my town. I found the Unitarians to be the most welcoming--and tolerant of MY beliefs--of them all.

You might find the people at

http://www.uufmc.org/

better fit your needs, in spite of the diversity of their beliefs.
I only searched Ocala, you may have one closer.

Edit: Scheduling shouldn't interfere with Temple, either :-)

I've been here nearly two years. I'm not going to find what I'm looking for in this town.

I have my doll collection. I recently added Samantha.

http://www.americangirl.com/shop/dolls/samantha

I have this forum. It's educational and I'm having fun here. When discussing something as serious as WW III, I have to add some humor to lighten the mood. You are a great group of guys and gals.

There are certain movies I love, ones that bring me to tears because I'm so happy for a character. Being happy for someone else is a great feeling. Let me give three examples:

I was so happy for Vanellope in Wreck-It Ralph. Vanellope was a homeless game sprite living in a kart-racing game. It was her dream to be a racer. At the end of the movie that sprite's dream of being a racer comes true when her avatar is added to the racing roster.

In Saving Mr. Banks, inspired by the true story of P. L. Travers, author of Mary Poppins, Travers had a tragic childhood. At the end of Saving Mr. Banks, Travers finally gets the happy ending to her tragic childhood.

In Meet the Robinsons, I'm once again in tears because I'm so happy for Lewis a twelve-year-old orphan who, at the end of the movie, finds his family. As viewers watch the movie we are lead to believe Lewis is to be adopted by the Robinsons, the coolest family this twelve-year-old inventor could ever dream of. Disney plays the shell game and gives Lewis, and the audience, an even happier ending.

Are there movies in which you are in tears because you are so happy for a character? If so, what movie is it?

Jeanette Isabelle