a proposal

What you don't get is the right to say that your way is the only way for anyone.

What you do get is the right to say that your way is right for you, and me respecting that, so long as you do the same in return.

59

For the period of time during which we had contact, I was impressed with your friendliness and openness, particularly when combined with your fierce inquiry into areas that often encourage limited horizons and curious fundamentalisms. I will admit to not reconnecting after what seemed like a period of upheaval in your life due to neurosis and a juvenile sense of divided loyalties. I really hope you're happy; you seemed to have the seeds for it, in a very organic and sustainable way, and fertile ground. I like the idea of you flourishing, no matter what the environment.

work issues (coworker)

So the newest new guy, a self proclaimed "skirt chaser" and "gangsta" is finally feeling comfortable enough to try and propagate his idea of guy bonding, namely talking about women in a painfully objectifying way. I've tried combatting it with humor (for example, when talking about hooking up with a girl the night before, then saying, "But she can't be my girlfriend; she gave it up too fast. But we can hang out". My reply, "You just need to get a golden retriever and some hand lotion"), but that's not working. What's worse is, it's spreading; he'll open a conversation, and other guys will laugh, validating/authorizing, or comment, or join in. I don't know how to deal with this gracefully, but it's not comfortable. I mean, we joke with one another, but always from a position of general equals; this is different, and very unwelcome, at least for me.

collaboration

I was listening to Tricky's "Overcome", and was amazed I hadn't heard the slight bird sounds in the background, and even more amazed at how well it mixed, what it added in terms of depth and resonance to the track. Then I realized I was hearing an organic mix; the bird songs were environmental. That made it even better, and made me smile.