October 28, 2011
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7 Points
I was just tagged by @hesactonradiction to post 7 things about myself. I have read so many of these lately that I’m not sure who of my friends have already done this and who hasn’t. As a result, I am not including “tags” at the end.
1.
Although I am very libertine and progressive in my mind regarding sex, I am so chicken shit that I never dare to even try the minimal amount of physical intimacies – like holding hands. I find it easy to develop Platonic relationships with women, but not male/female relationships.
2.
I am probably one of the oldest farts in this group of Xangans (63). But although I am 63, I am also 55, and also 48, and also 33, and also 26, and also 17, and also 9 years old. I am a composite of all that I have been. As a result, I have many inter-generational friends – both younger and older than me.
3.
I have done a considerable amount of work with the United Nations – both within the civil sector and the business sector (not the Government sector most people think of including the General Assembly and the Security Council). I have worked with the UN’s collaborative efforts of working with the over 25,000 Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) throughout the world with the UN Agencies like UNICEF, UNESCO, and WHO. It is in the work of the UN with the business sector and civil sector that the good work is done. I am certified in the United Nation’s Global Compact – their work with the business sector on promoting Sustainability. I am also certified in Reconciliation Leadership through the United Nations although my career and jobs were in finance and computers. (I just got laid off a couple of weeks ago.)
4.
I am both an introvert and an extrovert. As an introvert, I like to play the piano, read, write poetry and essays, read, create art pieces, and also read. (I don’t even own a TV – not because I don’t feel there’s nothing good, but rather I just don’t have the time to make it worth the money.) As an extrovert, I have hosted a Conversation Café at the local Starbucks, hosted a philosophy discussion group at my house, I sang in a 200 voice community choir (among others), and I am on the Board of Directors of 3 Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) or non-profit organizations. I also like to participate in cabaret open mics, spoken word open mics (poetry and storytelling), and participate in international folk dancing. I am a member of two Storytelling networks. I prefer engaging in life rather than just observing it.
5.
I do not believe in Greek gods, nor Roman gods, nor Norse gods, nor Hindu gods, nor Judeo-Christian gods. I am a Humanist which means that I believe I have the ability and the responsibility to develop all (or as much as possible) of what it means to be human both in myself and in others. This includes the rational, the emotional, the cultural, the social, and yes, even the sexual aspects of our humanity.
6.
I prefer to be considered a Global Citizen rather than a member of any tribe or nation. That way I am unlimited as I am not limited by being tagged as an American, or a Republican, or a Democrat, or a progressive, or a conservative, or any religious label. I am in the process of developing a course to teach in Adult Education on “Global Citizenship Without Limits for Local Citizens”.
7.
My mission in life, which I include in the signature line of all of my personal e-mails, is to teach/learn critical analysis, empathy, ethics/justice, and conflict management. These areas of life are so important, yet they are not taught in school nor are they taught outside of school unless someone deliberately seeks them out. But they are necessary for everyone in our society and they are so lacking.
Comments (26)
Thank you. When Zakiah suggested that I might enjoy what you write, she never told me anything about you. I had no idea who was behind this blog. It’s nice to get to know you a little better.
what an intewresting critter you are … and I am so with you on #5 … the power is within …
Interesting points! But you are NOT the oldest in these circles – you are just barely entering the early stages of Geezerhood. Your life work sounds fascinating – I do hope you are able to sustain yourself despite the recent layoff.
@songoftheheart - Thank you for your note. Zakiah knows me well through our personal e-mails. (Care to join her?)
@windupherskirt - Thank you Windupherskirt. I find it exciting pondering just what it means to be human and then acting on that. It definitely includes all that the universities used to include in their majors of Humanities (when students went to school to learn how to learn rather than how to get a job). That means music, psychology, philosophy, art, literature, poetry, etc. etc.
@RakkaRay - Thanks. I tried to say I was just one of the old fart. I don’t believe in superlatives as they always change under me like quicksand. I’m deciding to retire early rather than looking for a high level job at my age. Thanks for your well-wishes.
these were fun, I don’t think you have to worry about #2, for some reason there are people on Xanga that think I’m in my 80s.
@curiousdwk - Geezerhood does take some getting used to, but it can be quite enjoyable and it sure beats the alternative!
This was so interesting to read!
BTW: I know some older farts than you on here!
Another BTW: I LOVE the song that is playing!
Thank you for sharing more about yourself! I can relate to your #4!
I think of you often and send good thoughts your way, MyFriend!
HUGS!
C.
@AdamsWomanFell - I’m not surprised to hear/read you say that you are also an introvert and an extrovert. Have you ever read the book “The Introvert Advantage”?
@godfatherofgreenbay - I don’t! =P
So not true on the age thing. I have two guys who are (or used to be) 78… and they are the coolest! I love the idea of a global citizen and apparently since I have been online in the last two years and found interesting people to talk to, I must be passing my traits down to my children because my almost 17 year old (and her boyfriend) decided to not go to a Halloween party because alcohol was going to be there. Finally. I get to reap the benefits because this shows that no matter what bad I may have done as a Mother, she listens to me now and she’s growing up. So proud today. =) Apparently, I’m inspiring. Loved reading this!
@hesacontradiction - I only said “one of the oldest”. I would probably never mention a superlative as they are always changing.
Congratulations on having a young Daughter of whom you can be proud. You should feel good about that. That’s great.
And yes, you also are a Global Citizen
So, you’re the same age with my dad, but you sounds a lot younger in your writing.
@RestlessButterfly - Thanks. I’ll take your comment that I come across as younger than your dad as a compliment. I am fortuante to have many inter-generational friends so that I don’t have to be only my age but can be many ages.
@curiousdwk - I have not read that book. I’ll look for it. I am super outgoing…loud, friendly, fun, love people, etc…but often I sit quietly and observe people. And I could spend days by myself and not be lonely.
@AdamsWomanFell - Did you notice the Word document I attached with my notes from this book? I think you’ll enjoy reading my notes before getting the whole book to read.
When my ex-wife and I split, people would ask me if I weren’t lonely. I found myself answering them that actually, being alone doesn’t make me lonely. I felt lonlier when I was living with a person but the walls of communications had broken down.
I knew much of this already, but thanks for the reminders.
Wonderful write David. Like Bob, I knew most of this already about you. You should have also said that you epitomize the word empathy. ( I rememeber the effect the floods at Kurnool had on you. ) Hats off to you my dear friend.
@ZSA_MD - @twoberry Thanks Zsa and twoberry. You knew these because you are one of the senior people on Xanga. You’ve been here how long now? Is there such a thing as measuring Xanga turnover in terms of Xanga generations? If the average length of time on Xanga is about one year, than someone who has been here five years has been here for five generations. Like you.
“Like” and agree with everything you said. We have much in common.
you can’t be both introvert and extrovert…you have to be one or the other.
@College_Ruled11X85 - Of course you can. Most misunderstandings in life is because some narrow-minded person insists something should be either or rather than viewed at as a spectrum where the truth lies between two extremes – not on one extreme or the other. Why would you think you have to be either/or?
I very much enjoyed learning a little about you. I’ve not visited here except perhaps once or twice, but I think that may change. I appreciated #5. I feel the same way. I had to laugh the geezer comment @RakkaRay made. Although, since I’m female, I’m not sure what I would be called. Age is all in the mind & I’m far younger than what mine is. Thank you so much for sharing.
@MzSilver - Thank you. I’ve really enjoyed your posts too and much of what I have seen (!) resonates within me as well.
@curiousdwk - Thank you. I’m glad to hear that is the case. I’m not new to blogging, but quite new here, so I’m still getting my feet wet. I am beginning to feel more comfortable so I’m hoping that will bring out more of my personality. Although that could prove to be more than interesting based on the last few blogs I’ve posted. *soft laugh… Enjoy the remainder of your evening & holiday.