book « Robin Writes

I’m starting to get a little aggravated by the many, many social media posts/articles about being “kind” and “let’s make the world a better place” and stuff like that.

Why in the world would that irritate anyone?

Because I do these things. Because everyone I know does these things. Because we don’t need reminders to do these things when a major disaster occurs.

Here’s an example:

Women and skin care. The cosmetics industry has many women convinced that, if they buy this product or that one, all their problems—skin and otherwise—will magically disappear.

Let me tell you: I have yet to find the spackle that will do this.

So women everywhere are tense and stressed about looking younger, and constantly seeking the solution.

Okay, fine, YOU are not one of them. Doesn’t change the cosmetics industry’s marketing ploy.

So let’s say you’re carrying on with your daily life and you’re nice to people and you donate time and money to charity, and you try really hard to see the opposite point of view. With me so far?

Then you see posts about how being “kind” will fix the world—and right away you think, “Oh, no! I should do more!”

And the guilt sets in. Whether or not you realize it or acknowledge it.

You hear all the time about how “stressed” we are—sure, it’s the news media and our constant exposure, but it’s all this irrational guilt that says if only you would do MORE . . .

I’m betting, if you’re reading this, that you’re a rational human being, at least mostly, and you do not go out of your way—or even inadvertently—to piss off everyone. You don’t globetrot to blow up things and people, you don’t send subversive messages all over the place.

YOU are not the problem.

In spite of the 70s Coke commercials.

The problem are radicalized individuals and groups who think this shit is fun stuff and they’re going to be rewarded in their version of heaven.

Again, YOU are not the problem. Which means YOU are not the solution. No matter how “kind” you are, YOU are not going to fix the world.

So stop already. Stop feeling guilty and stressed because you don’t think you’re “kind” enough.

Yes, I’m still around. Somewhere . . . And no, we haven’t stopped working! But our construction zone is now more of a moving zone, except in the STL house. THAT house is a little construction and a little chaotic and a lot empty.

In fact, it’s been on the market for a couple weeks now and has had two showings and an open house, plus an agent open house. And now, shameless plug for anyone moving to the area: http://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/1200-Schulte-Rd_Saint-Louis_MO_63146_M88593-58680

So the kid is signing a lease on April 1st, instead of May 1st. No, he doesn’t want to get away from us, in fact, he wanted to be assured that I’d come visit and cook for him. Not that he can’t cook. But still. J

By the end of April, we’ll be out in the woods—finally!

Over the next few weeks, you’ll see some changes online, particularly regarding RHP and my social media accounts. And I’ll try to be here pretty regularly—yes, I know I seem to have taken a week or so off already, but I’m really looking forward to writing a bit more once we’re settled.

Even though I’m the queen of moving, I’m currently at that last bit that seems to trip up everyone; you know, the end of the move where you’re just throwing random crap in boxes to get it OUT and MOVED. I’m as guilty as anyone . . .

And yes, I AM the queen: this will be our tenth move in 19 years, not counting stints in five hotels and with friends for several weeks at a time.

And no, we’re not military. Everyone asks.

What’s left at the farm? Well, besides those random boxes of crap . . . We decided to redo the shower, with tile, so there’s that and the bathroom floor. And we decided to redo the lean-to, aka the dungeon, so we have a little more drywall and then tile. Ugh.

Then there’s fitting in the rest of the furniture—not much, thank heavens. And the unpacking, which I mostly don’t mind. Except for, all together now: RANDOM BOXES OF CRAP!