I am utterly ashamed at some of the things I think about when I start reflecting on these questions.

And I still think you’re fucking awesome. So either:
a)I LIKE IT WHEN IT HURTS, BABY or
b)YOU ARE THAT FABULOUS.

(both)

Finally did it.

http://pgoodness.com/2009/10/2.....questions/

Thanks.

By nature, I’m a very contrary person, but also am also introspective, curious and reasonably intelligent. This means that, while I’ll intially dig my heels in if someone tells me I’m wrong, or suggests a different way I might go about doing something, I am usually able to go away, think about it and admit fault, or change my behaviour. This is something I have to work at, actively: I’m stubborn in my habits. Paradoxically, I like to think of myself as being spontaneous and adventurous, because these are qualities I value in other people, but in reality, I’m probably much more stolid than I’d happily admit.

Sometimes, I take jokes too far, but I always apologise afterwards. I’m imaginative and good at putting myself in other people’s shoes, which possibly makes me a good writer, and also a decent judge of character. I like myself, though it’s taken me a while to realise that all my daydreams about doing something different and being someone else aren’t a sign of discontentment, so much as a reflection of the fact that I love possibility, daydreaming and spinning narratives about choice and behaviour – even my own. I am messy to live with, but generally honest. I’m not as good a listener as I want to be, because it’s so hard for me to switch off my own thoughts and repress the desire to voice them, with the result that, all too often, I talk over the top of people. Hopefully, though, I’m getting better at that.

Otherwise, I would totally answer all those questions.

Are you going to the NYC BlogHer? Because I think you are someone with whom I’d like to spend a goodly chunk of time.

i am sometimes smart, sometimes really, really dumb; sometimes deeper than i should be; sometimes way too much superficial; i am often pissed but never bitter; people are people and i refuse to let them make me bitter.

i try very hard to be honest with others, but sometimes i lie in my attempt to be honest. i am always honest with myself, but many times being honest can fool me.

Sometimes i take people in my arms when they are obviously hurting. Sometimes i walk away because my priorities are screwed up.

i can remember four times in 65 years that i knowingly hurt someone from a personal standpoint. i have felt guilty about all four ever since. i have hurt many people innumerable times with no intention of doing so. i feel badly about those, but not guilty. Many of both got what they deserved, but that did not make me feel any better.

i love most people more than i love myself, but i fear this does not show. There are five people i love completely more than myself, and i hope they know that.

i have cried at one wedding: my daughter’s. i expect to cry at one more. The tears were of losing and gaining and of my daughter moving into a new phase of living, which i think equates to hope.

i cry alot with grief, heartbreak, success, and kindness from others.

i am too old to worry about what people think of me, but occasionally, those worries prick my conciousness. This mostly now concerns financial security. i want my friends to like me, but at my age, being honest and wanting to help others is a higher priority than my image.

My appearance is past concern. Fitness is another matter. My soul is a torment, hopefully making me a better writer.

i care about my reactions and my responses too much, but i frequently respond immediately from emotion. This is not a good thing. i want to be understood, and the reactive responses eliminate the possibility of understanding.

i try to apologize more than required. There are too damn many people who think this is a weakness. i think it’s a strength.

i always forgive, completely…except for two things, which shall not be revealed, and for which i will never, ever forgive.

i am totally committed to being responsible for my actions. i have learned from most of my mistakes but continue to make some of them over and over again.

i think people like me and i certainly cultivate that. i like people and sometimes i compromise too much in trying to make them like me.

i have spent most of my life traveling and hope to continue. It pisses me off that most people my age and people with causes won’t listen to new and different opinions and ideas. i am not a lemming (or a liberal or conservative), and proud of my independent, hopefully knowledge seeking philosophy.

i am sad when other people, who believe they are right, spend our time preaching to me rather than considering options. i am getting close to not caring one way or the other and just muddying their water.

i can be the life of the party and have been many times, but it seems so inane. Now, i like to watch.

i should be too old to change, but i refuse not too. i still need to grow. Not changing brings atrophy at any age.

i have rolled with the punches too much.

i have a positive attitude because i have a wonderful wife, two wonderful daughters, and an incredible grandson. Personally, i am a tad on the negative side. The former is a strength, the latter could be either.

i am satisfied with what i have, and i love music, art, knowledge, really good fiction, and physical exercise.

Oh yeh, i love the LOVE in my life and can’t wait for what is next.

i am only a scorekeeper in golf.

i listen to people but sometimes my experience and my predjudices keep me from hearing what they say, especially when i know they are not listening.

Quiet can be the great connector, especially during a walk in the rain on the beach.

Magic, ghosts, and love at first sight are alive and well in my mind.

i wish i could find all of my soulmates, and they could find me.

Wife, daughters and their families, parents, brother and sister and their families, and friends matter most. i have had my time to make other things important, but these remain what is really important to me.

i have integrity and a strong moral fiber, but it is my own and far, far short of my father’s.

i am not proud of who i am. There are too many dark shadows in the alleyways of my past. But i am satisfied i have tried.

i am not sure i am real at all.

My character is a cross between Bugs Bunny and William Faulkner.

Damn, that wore me out, but i love your depth, your ability to strike my sensibilities, and your lack of fear in moving from humor into deep reflection.

i am proud of you.