XANGA LOVE

I'll begin by gushing about the love, that I have for Xanga, in the general sense. . .the general sense of Xanga, not the general sense of love.  I told Papa Bear recently, that when I first dipped my toe in the tepid waters of Xanga, I thought the comments, that I saw all over everyone's sites were a little over the top. . . again, in a general sense, no one commmentor in particular.  It seemed like such a love fest, all the time, on every page, for every blogger.  I thought of how I used to drag Papa Bear to gymnastics meets for the UGA gymdogs (they rock, by the way).  After every vault and floor, bar or beam routine, all of the performer's team-mates would rush up to her and hug her, like she'd just won the Olympic gold.  The coach was included in the lovefest (and quite possibly the initiator), but whatever they were doing was working, because they were winning national championships, like nobody's business.  Well, while blinking back tears from my eyes, I would have to repeated punch Papa Bear in the arm, as he launched into his [tearful] Stuart Smalley impression.  "You're good enough, you're smart enough, and gosh-darnit, people love you." 

That's kind of how the comments seemed at first.  Like gratuitous daily affirmations-- a little arbitrary and a little excessive. . . Until I began to participate.  Now, nothing makes me happier, than commiserating with someone who's had a bad day or just telling someone how great I think they are (even if it's just, "Great blog.")  And all of you know how nice the encouraging words are to receive, because, you know, that's part of why we're all still here, and not scribbling in a journal somewhere, right? 

Wouldn't it be great if we were all so positive to everyone we came in contact with in the real world?  "Hey, is that a new shirt? . . . Girl you look so good. . .  Feel free to unload about how crappy your day was."  I don't know about you, but I don't have a very hard time being nice to random folks, that I come in contact with.  But I could use some of that unflagging positive attitude around my house.

So without further ado, I'll tell you something about some of my favorite Xangans.  My list will be similar to the "Share the Love" lists going around, but I don't exactly abide by the rules, because I'm difficult like that.   This is not exhaustive and in random order, but here goes:

ThisAngelsDemons-- You have been through a lot.  Your strength is obvious.  You are a survivor, in every sense of the word.  I respect you utterly, as a person, as a woman, as a Mom. . . and count you as a friend.

An80sMetalMan (and Woman)-- To my knowledge, neither of you has ever read my site, but y'all are both great.  Hilarious. . .And where have you been Metal Man?  You haven't blogged in like a month.

ImBigInEurope-- Welcome to Xanga!  You're still my best friend (since I was 15) and my favorite person to hang out with.  I love you, and I love our life together.

Transvestite Rabbit-- We differ politically, but I've enjoyed reading your blogs from the get go.  You are a talented writer, and your most recent blog entitled "Run Rabbit Run" is one of my favorites.  I wish workouts could always be so interesting, as this one was in your blog. 

Gandywhite-- You're simply the best mother-in-law EVER.  Period.

Crissie225-- I wasn't kidding when I said that I wanted to invite you over for Thanksgiving.  I also want to beat up a certain member of your family sometimes, for not being what she should have been to you.  But you know that I think you're going to be fine.  You have a wealth of experience for your age.  And your vulnerability and strength are endlessly endearing.  I've always had a heart for adoption, so if you ever want to live in a crowded house in Georgia, consider me an older sister/ mom/ friend. . . I also worry about you, as if I were your Mom, so if you ever go AWOL on Xanga, shoot me an email.

Added: O.K. so that's as far as I got last night.  I'll post this and save the rest for the next installment.