Dating? Ugh.

I haven't been on a first date in about 18 years. My husband used to tell the story of our beginning as, "We went on a couple of dates and then she never left." There's a kernel of truth there.

The whole idea of dating fills me with dread and makes me want to crawl into bed with a book and a huge bowl of ice cream. It's too soon ... I'm too raw. But I know I will face it eventually.

One of the great safety nets of marriage is the ability to be with people of the opposite sex and no one thinks you're on the prowl. They know me. They know my husband. They know I'm going home to him. With strangers, a simple, "I'm married" clarifies the situation nicely. I'm used to going out alone or with girlfriends, running into people I know, etc. Now it feels odd.

I did have a date a couple of weekends ago. He wore a suit and tie and treated me like a Queen.

The next weekend I was tossed aside for a better woman; his wife returned home.

Whose Truth?

"Do you solemnly swear to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth ...?"

How many times have we all heard this phrase?

Recently I watched a documentary about eyewitness testimony. Most juries put a lot of stock in it. Turns out, it's not quite as reliable as people believe. In the passionate quest for justice, the brain can be a fickle beast. Before DNA testing, eyewitness identification was often the overwhelming evidence that convicted the accused.

Is it possible that sometimes the truth is just a story we've told ourselves so often it has become the truth in our minds? Is there such a thing as the absolute truth?

My opinion is my truth. But, I know it's fallible. My memories of events are my truth. But, I've often been challenged and even (gasp!) proven wrong.

There's something noble about the pursuit of truth. But I'm going to remind myself that it often depends on your point of view.

"Truth is beautiful, without doubt; but so are lies."
Ralph Waldo Emerson

Cha Cha Cha Changes...

Welcome to my new blog site. I hope you will pop in regularly.

Years ago I started my first blog (www.livingwiththeoldies.blogspot.com) as a creative outlet while my elderly in-laws were living with my husband and me. After close to a thousand posts and many life changes, it is time to start anew.

Some use a blog as a daily journal of sorts. Others make political or social commentary. Still others have found an outlet for stream-of-consciousness thoughts. I have done all of these things and will undoubtedly continue.

This new blog represents a change. And change is my constant companion right now. My oldies, the in-laws I referred to, both passed away last year. The husband I referred to is soon to be my ex-husband. Another change. I am looking for full time employment. When that happens, I suspect that will change my life in many ways. And eventually, I will be moving and creating a new home of my own.

You'll still hear about some of the constants in my life: my parents and the rest of my family, friends and acquaintances and of course, my beloved big black Lab, Gabby.

Recently I spoke with someone who I have not seen since I was in high school. He told me I have a wicked sense of humor. I'm not sure that's true but I'll try to let it come through the screen now and then.

I can't really tell you why other people blog. I can only tell you that on certain days, writing is as crucial to me as breathing. I enjoy the process of taking a thought and communicating it in my own twisted way. And, I really enjoy it when you comment.

Welcome.