Hi Cindy,

>> I'm here, don't worry.. just don't always have time to post, sorry :(
>> I have a lot of 'jobs' in Fido plus my family does merit a little
>> attention
>> 

> Okay.  :)

It gets crazy here sometimes as I juggle various responsiblities :) I
learned long ago that nothing in life is so critical that it has to be done
"right now" .. that makes for a whole lot less stress in
general 

> On topic. Externalizing negative feelings before they beat us into the
> ground. I imagine we all get into these funks where our 'difference'
> seems to stick out like a badge. If we act in a way that makes it all
> the more obvious well we get what we deserve. That what we don't want.
> So we have to force out the self pity and we'll fit in so much
> better. But it's harder some days than others. What do you do to get
> yourself out of a funk? Getting busy does help sometimes.

heh... I am busy so that doesn't happen too often .. When I do get
in a funk it's typically because I'm just overtired, etc.  That's when I
step back and take care of what's important, and let the rest slide 'til
I'm free. I think for me, knowing my limits and organizing my time, makes a
big difference in my outlook and feelings in general.

Over here, we have had a rule in the house for years and years: If it
bothers YOU, YOU clean it up .. works for me 

> What this comes from is whenever we go to a mall or to a festival I
> see so many healthy people who don't seem to have a trouble in the
> world. They probably do but not that you can see right off the bat.

Well, the first thing is we should all realize that 'looks' ARE deceiving.
There are plenty of people out there just like "us" who have
problems that don't show to the rest of the world.

> I try to ignore the fact I can't hear. It's funny when I am alone I
> forget. When I'm on here I forget. I have to be careful out on walks
> for that reason. :)

I can understand how that could be a problem :(

> Isn't it weird though? Given situations where we are not being
> constantly reminded of our disability, we're just like everybody else.

Cindy, we ARE like everyone else :)  We're human beings and that's what counts
:) :)  We may do things differently than some others, but that's really the big
difference.  :)

>> > please try Coffee Klatsch ? It looks promising so far. I'd like
>> > to keep trying with this echo too though..
>> Yes, I've wanted to find time to stop in there, but no luck so far..
>> maybe tomorrow :)

> Well you do when you can and want to. You know it's there. :)

Yep, thanks :)

Take care,
Janis

--- BBBS/LiI v4.01 Flag-5