Sjfh

I haven't been around here too much lately, and I started to consider why while scanning the list of recent topics here in the Attic.

I enjoy debate. I like to learn and to be able to occasionally teach someone else something new or give a fresh perspective. Something new or different to think about or a fact that's gotten lost or forgotten in the fray.

Sure...sometimes things get heated. We are all passionate about something(s)....but here it too often seems the only passion is found in putting the other side down. Most often it seems as if a response is composed without even reading past the name of the poster. Sure...this is the Attic...but where is the satisfaction in coming up with the nastiest retort? For me, it's getting old...but there is still worthwhile stuff here...and I continue to hold out hope that those rational conversations might begin to take hold and become the norm.

I suppose the biggest reason is that I've been spending more time with just me. Granted, I'm a little bit introspective. Ok, a lot. Tomorrow I head to Walter Reed for my fourth attempt at my second spinal fusion surgery in a year and a half. It's been canceled three times in two months for resistant infection (twice) and a cancer scare (last time). These surgeries are the result of an auto accident (stupid woman turned left into oncoming 55-mph traffic....namely me) in November 2015...I could easily have been k**led.

But I'm here and sometimes I wonder what I'm doing with the time I have...with the life I've been blessed with. Part of me thinks I can get and give something here....another part shakes her head and just says I'm crazy.

Just giving some food for thought....asking you to ask yourselves if you're satisfied with what you're getting, and what you're giving, on UHH. As I scroll through the recent topics, not a lot piques my interest. I'm hungry for original thought and intelligent discussion and pretty tired of the nastiness overload. I've been scrolling and searching for those nuggets of intelligence and respectful discourse. The occasional non-Trump topic wouldn't hurt, either. How 'bout them Nats?

terry44 Loc: Tuolumne County California, Maui Hawaii

First and foremost I will be praying for you to have a successful surgery and hope you recover fast. Second thank you for this nice post I am sure many the others here appreciate it also civility and respect for one another is what is needed in this crazy world we are living in and you have presented your thoughts well I agree with you.
Thank you again for this post. Terry

Sjfh

Thanks, Terry.

user47602 Loc: ip 304.0.0.33.32

great post! Yeah, it's getting a bit old for all but a few, I think. I've blocked those that cannot reply without insult, and ignore them mostly.... but good luck with your surgery, I too would like to see more non-Trump posts, he's sucking all the oxygen...

letmedance Loc: Walnut, Ca.

Good thoughts and hoping your surgery goes well and you make a speedy recovery.
John

Sjfh

The Attic has its blinders on and is focused on one thing only. I may not be successful...but there is that quote, "be the change you wish to see". I am sort of partial to the military version of that idea, "lead by example". So I'll keep at it, I guess.

Thanks for the well wishes. Took a Lunesta at midnight, finally, and I'm still up too early. I'm counting on getting a nap in later this morning. 😉

Sjfh

Thanks, John. Recovery last time was 8 weeks at home in a hard collar and 6 months of light duty (nothing heavier than a gallon of milk for two months....increasing to about 20 pounds until 6). Pain should be less with this 1-level than was the 3-level, but it still takes just as long for the bones to fuse (about a hear). My surgeon claims I'll then be able to take hits a la Peyton Manning, who had the same surgery. I think I'll stick to synchronized swimming.