Sofa Solitude and Creature Comforts

My life should have been captured as one in the series of "Naked Gun" movies. It would be easier to enjoy the humor that way. There's got to be a way to view life as a series of interactions spent laughing, loving, and learning.

What a recession means to me is that you squeeze every last cent out of every dollar you have to let go of. My economic philosophy, though perfectly clear in my head is a bit more difficult to encapsulate in a catch phrase.

In the 2008 election era economy, I have the benefit of 50-something years of life experience. I haven't been forced into declaring bankruptcy yet, but my credit is shot. My $400 credit availability is usually maxed out from business or personal emergency situations.

I listened to the lessons in my math classes well. Unfortunately, I've had trouble implementing what I've learned. The life lessons I've had are incomplete, but I'm not too old to learn. You can still teach this old dog some new tricks. The last job offer I had was most cordial about welcoming my wealth of talents, but when I figured my time and expenses, it offered less than minimum wage. I'm a college graduate for Pete's sake!

I take comfort in knowing there are other people in this world who take pride in their existence, accomplishments, education and experience, and manage to maintain the determination in order to work the hell out of life to make it the best it can be. With all the variables considered, if everything were the best it could be, I'd be happy. Is it so much to ask? Should I settle for less? My answer has to be "no".

One other important lesson I know is this: suicide is not an option. Suicide is never an option. I've lost friends to suicide. The world has lost so much potential to suicide and young death. Heath Ledger's accidental overdose has brought the issue up in the media. I'd once considered planning a suicide attempt as acceptable behavior. Now I know that if I'm so emotionally exhausted that planning my demise becomes a priority that I immediately need a nap or a doctor. I attempted suicide a few times in my youth when life seemed out of control. Nobody's life should be so out of control that suicide happens. Hopefully, everyone has someone to help take care of themselves on some level. But in the end, the life you live is the life you choose to accept. In my world, suicide is not an option.

more to come




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