I honestly can't understand why any of you give a flying fuck.

Sabrina herself wrote the following:

I intend to stay off the forums altogether for a while, so don't be mad at me if I normally comment on your articles but seem to be ignoring you. Or be mad if you must, I'll get over it. I'll do the Friday Fives, (maybe) and probably not much else. I need a break from this place, from this pollution of thought, this endless demonstration of pig-ignorance and haughty judgement.

Not to mention all of this fucking drivel, too:

Sometimes You Just Gotta Let Go when caring becomes a pain in the ass By little-whip Posted Friday, August 17, 2007 on little whip's lair Discussion: Blogging I have recently cut ties with another blogger here, and will no longer be following their life story or interacting with them. Now, this blogger would have you believe that it's because they don't 'bow down' and follow my unsolicited advice (advice one doesn't agree with is always 'unsolicited', btw, even if offered in response to an article that's plainly asking 'what do you think i should do?') but that's not the case. No, there are other reasons, like how that advice is recieved (whether followed or not) that piss me off. Many people blog for validation purposes, ie: "This is what I think, lets see if anyone agrees with me" sort of stuff, and this blogger has been the queen of such queries. Anyone suggesting that Blogger may not be making the best choices is met with thinly veiled (and sometimes open) hostility, and any options presented are shut down in half the than the time it took to express them. Case in point, said blogger (and spouse) has been asserting the ridiculous all week, that there are absolutely NO rental properties in the area they wish to live, none, zero, zilch, nada, so Blogger was looking for someone else to validate Blogger's desire to purchase another home. When i refused to offer such validation, and in fact, disagreed vehemently with the idea, I was told that if I 'couldn't handle it' I was free not to comment on their blog anymore. When I decided to take advantage of the offer to 'go away' I was then accused of trying to start some sort of 'pity party' for myself. WTF? The day I need pity for scratching a blog off my 'must read' list is the day I'll quit coming here. In fact, the accusation is as absurd as blogger trying to convince their readers that they just HAD to buy another home because by golly, there were NO RENTALS in town. Well guess what, blogger DID find a rental after all. There WERE suitable places to rent, blogger just hadn't found one yet, after two whole weeks of searching. Hmm, many readers had been suggesting that blogger keep looking, that blogger not give up, that blogger not give in to the desire to purchase another home so soon...and those readers, including myself, were right. We KNEW that two weeks worth of looking wasn't long enough to justify giving up and taking on another back-breaking debt in the form of a high-interest trailer mortgage, but see, that wisdom, that good advice, was not what blogger wanted in the first place. What blogger wanted was support for the bad decision they WANTED to make. Blogger will never, ever get that from me, so when I was invited to leave, I took Blogger up on the offer. End of story. (no pity needed.) Sometimes, we just have to look at the overall enjoyment we're getting (or not getting) out of a relationship and make a decision as to whether or not the time and effort put into it is worth the return. Over the past couple of years, I have interacted with Blogger quite a bit. We started out rocky, but things really went to hell when Blogger began suffering from a mental illness that could be plainly observed in their writing, by everyone BUT Blogger. Blogger was very sick, and Blogger was the last one to realize it. I became more than a little concerned due to the fact that Blogger works with other people's children. Blogger seemed ready to snap under the strain, and for that reason I began to put a lot of MY emotional energy into chasing Blogger around with a mirror, trying to get this person to see themself , to see what I saw, to see what everyone else saw, and understand what was happening to them. Blogger soon began to hate me for it, but my efforts eventually paid off. Blogger sought help, and when Blogger returned to their senses, they actually thanked me for the wake-up call. Ever since then, I've taken an interest in Blogger's life, followed their blog, and offered assistance whenever I could, from professional mortgage advice (advice that thousands of homeowners --and potential homeowners--have paid me good money to hear in the past) to simple 'hugs' when tragedy and death struck close to home. But no more. When I get the reaction I mentioned above in response to the considerable effort I've put into this blog-lationship, I had to ask myself if it was worth it, if I even cared enough to continue this interaction. The simple answer is no. Not only have I had about enough of these sorts of reactions (it's far from the first time, although Blogger has toned the method down a bit, having in the past preferred the temper-tantrum followed by the slamming door, ie: 'You guys are right, I'm wrong, I'm stupid, you win, so there, I'm leaving, happy now?' sort of response, but I've had MORE than enough of Blogger's Spouse. Blogger's Spouse has always made my skin crawl, there is something so inherently creepy about Spouse that it really, honestly disturbs me to think that Spouse also worked with children. Obviously, Spouse's employers found Spouse as creepy as I have, for everywhere Spouse has set foot to work with children, Spouse has NOT been invited back to work with them the following year. Spouse is a disgusting, self-centered, conceited, irresponsible, excuse-making, know-nothing LOSER who is utterly convinced of their own superiority, and twice as convinced that they know it ALL. Spouse has, in the past, asserted that even those dying of terminal illness be forced to work until they draw their last breath, because everyone who collects Social Security is just faking anyway. Spouse told us all how EASY it is to qualify for such benefits, in spite of never experiencing the misfortune of needing to apply for them theirself. (Yeah, that's why over 90% of these claims are denied upon first application, and require the services of an attorney to collect. It's easy. Anyone can get it. Uh-huh.) Spouse has, in the past, informed the world that the parents of the children Spouse worked with were total idiots and had no idea how to properly raise their brats, despite the fact that Spouse has never raised a child of their own. Spouse has been to COLLEGE to learn how children should be treated, and therefore Spouse's wisdom in the matter is not to be questioned by lowly, uneducated, ignorant parents. How dare they? Spouse has argued on these forums that collective punishment is an appropriate disciplinary technique for very young children, that punishing an entire class for the misbehavior of one child is just hunky-dorey, because the rest of the class should keep the miscreant in line FOR Spouse, so Spouse can spend hours blogging while collecting a paycheck. (thanks, taxpayers!) I could go on and on, but Spouse isn't worth it. Marrying Spouse was the BIGGEST mistake Blogger has ever made, and there were lots of us on JU who begged Blogger not to do it, telling Blogger they were worthy of better, but of course, Blogger was looking for validation and nothing else. To my knowledge, not a single poster here was willing to offer this validation, Spouse is THAT despicable and we all see it. Too bad Blogger doesn't. But Blogger insisted, so we gritted our teeth and hoped for the best. Of course, it isn't happening for them, Spouse can't even hold a job for more than a year, and Spouse's behavior has hurt Blogger's career too, Spouse is SO grotesque, arrogant, and obnoxious that their last employer fired the BOTH of them due to Spouse's bullshit. But it's not Spouses fault, you see. Nothing ever is. It's just that no one else recognizes how superior Spouse is! This inability to hold a job for longer than a single season has caused Blogger and Spouse to move cross-country pretty much every year, incurring the stress and considerable expense of moving each time, yet Spouse continues to insist they make huge payments on a very expensive toy that's only used on occasion. Poor Blogger? Nah. Blogger assures us that Blogger knows best, and that the accumulated wisdom and knowledge which Blogger could avail themselves of here is just so much hot air. And if I can't 'deal with that' then I can just skedaddle. When I tried to do just that, I was accused of trying to inspire some sort of pity party for myself, which is not only bizarre, but arrogant beyond belief. I lost my temper momentarily and called Blogger a 'bitch.' For that, I apologize. But you can keep your pity, Blogger. I'm in no need of it nor was I seeking any. But you just aren't worth the time it takes to type out responses anymore, you neither appreciate the effort nor respond with any grace. Save your pity for yourself, and your equally pathetic Spouse. As the years go by, I become more and more convinced that you deserve each other. And don't bother to respond here, Blogger. Same to you, Spouse. I am no longer interested in dialogue with either one of you, and your responses will be deleted. Save it for your own blog, where I won't have it thrust in front of my face, because I honestly do not have enough energy to give a shit anymore. Goodbye, and good luck with your life. You're going to need it.

So...since we all know that is in relation to Ziggy and myself, I have to wonder why the retard keeps on posting here? Or anywhere for that matter. I guess a "break" constitutes several seconds? And "goodbye" consists of contiually harassing us here on this thread as well as others when she's "no longer interested in dialogue with either one of us" and our responses will be deleted.

I wish I could convince Ryan that he should return the favor, because it's plain bullshit.

And as for you and your "I hold Chiristians to higher standards" bullshit, Gideon....you must mean everyone but you. You're so holier-than-thou. I thank GOD that Chrisitans we associate with in real life act NOTHING like you. Because if they did, I might just turn Buddhist. You're an absolute hypocrite. So God bless you, Gideon, all you fucking want.

We don't want you to BOTHER. Do you not GET that?

I also find it exceedingly hilarious that a NON-Christian has the class and the character to answer with at least some respect versus your crap.

I'm one of the few who has the guts to tell you the TRUTH, Marcie.

You know, I worry about you teaching grade school kids. They need a teacher who is more mature than they are!

Marcie, in that one moment you lost any respect I had remaining for you. While I disagree with Ziggy, he was at least having an intelligent conversation.

Look at your comments and see how irrational they are, Marcie. Get some professional help. Seriously.

I know you are an unapologetic spendthrift. I know that you believe you are ALWAYS right, and that your intellect is superior to everyone else's. I know you refuse to admit you're wrong. I know that, for whatever reason, you do not have a history of holding jobs for long periods of time.

ROFL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Many of these statements sound EXACTLY like you. YOu are NEVER wrong, Gideon. EVER. And when you are, there is of course a logical reason and you would never admit it or apologize for your mistake.

And how many jobs have YOU held over the past four years? I'd be very I think I remember three or four, but you'd never admit it. It's the EXACT same number as Ryan has. But....but...but....of course, you're a super-Christian and you have several logical reasons reasons and explainations for all of this.

It's all a bunch of crap. I don't know why Ryan continues to bother with you two. You're obviously better than us in innumerable ways. We should bow our 400 lb. asses down to you, and believe me, so you can puff out your chests with pride, we do.

Actually, that's not true. I have admitted I was wrong on numerous occasions.

But I am arrogant, a fact I have said repeatedly, that you guys keep missing for some reason.



Oh, I'll positively admit it. It's not the switching jobs, Marcie, I understand those things happen.

If you'll look, I didn't even question WHY he switched those jobs. I'm fine with you guys' explanations. Seriously. I simply stated I didn't see why he should have continuing education paid for when he has two degrees already.

Please point me to where I ever said I was a super Christian, Marcie. I said specifically that I'm not. In fact, I've also explained how much I hate not having fellowship. But of course, you don't see that. You'd rather tell me what a lousy Christian I am while sitting there calling me every name in the book.

Let me ask you a question, Marcie: are you happy? If not, what are you doing to change it?

You wrote an article some time back BEGGING us for advice to bail you out of the mess you were in. When we offered it, you did exactly this, ripping us apart.

Anything I could say from here on out would be pointless, so I won't even try.

Do me one favor though. Don't EITHER of you bother trying to apologize after this, ok? I honestly don't want to hear it.

There's honestly nothing to apologize for. I asked you off of my blog, and you've done that, and I thank you for that. I've done you the same favor.

Please point me to where I ever said I was a super Christian, Marcie. I said specifically that I'm not. In fact, I've also explained how much I hate not having fellowship. But of course, you don't see that. You'd rather tell me what a lousy Christian I am while sitting there calling me every name in the book.

You said once "it wasn't a Christian response, Marcie" to me. That means, to me, anyway, that you're a part time Christian, Gideon. You only need to respond in Christian-kind whenever you want to, and that's crap.
Irrational? You caring SO much about two morons a thousand miles away is irrational. You've got six (?) kids and a wife to worry about, why do you care so much about our money situation? We've fucked up big time. We know it. And we're trying to work it out the best we can. End of story. Even losers like us have dreams. But according to you, we have no right to do that.

We don't tell you how crappy your life is and how stupid you are, Gid. And I don't see what or who gives you the right to do that. I don't necessarily agree with how you live your life. But I won't presume to tell you what is the best way for you and your family to live it. People have to make their own mistakes and celebrate their own successes.

Am I happy? Sometimes. I love being married, and I love my husband, and I love my students, and I love my pets. There are other things I'd be happier doing probably, with lots less stress, and therefore lots less health issues (yeah, I'm fat, why do you guys care so much? What do you care if I live or die?). I love working with kids. And I do the best I can encouraging lifelong learning, giving them the skills they need, and trying to get them to be the best people they can be. Am I a super teacher? No. Probably mediocre at best. And working to get better. I'll probably never be more than mediocre. I'm not really okay with that. I don't know that I'll teach forever. I don't like doing something that I'm not really good at it.

I honestly don't see why you care if I'm happy or not either. Who really cares? It really makes no matter.

One, you said I never admit I'm wrong, and here you point to an example of where I did.

I really thought Ziggy and I were having a fairly civil conversation until you told me otherwise. Sure, there was disagreement, but I think that's almost a given between the two of us.

Why do I care if you're happy, Marcie? Because happiness is something I'd like to see everyone enjoy, even if they aren't my favorite people. I don't see a lot of that from you and ziggy, and that concerns me.

Maybe you're right, maybe it shouldn't and I should just ignore you guys. It would seem, though, that when you post articles, then bump them in the forums, you're actually looking for people to read them, though. My mistake.

Why do I care if you're happy, Marcie? Because happiness is something I'd like to see everyone enjoy, even if they aren't my favorite people. I don't see a lot of that from you and ziggy, and that concerns me.

I think overall we are happy. Right now we are stressed because the first of the month is coming up and that means the mortgage and lot rent for our trailer. I have no income and two large payments for housing is obviously not good. We are hoping to list the house tomorrow. How soon and IF it will sell is a concern as with anyone in our situation. As soon as I get my regular pay, we will be fine, but I go to training for 2 weeks with no pay (thats expected, although some companies do pay)...plus I get a small paycheck while Im training over the road (could last for 1-3 weeks). My first check won't be until the end of Oct, my first real paychecks could come the week after, or if my trainer wants me to train longer...could be mid November. Just another down period, and its going to be rough until then...but when I get regular pay, we will be fine...and as soon as the house sells, thats another 1200 in our pocket each month.

Maybe you're right, maybe it shouldn't and I should just ignore you guys.

Aww don't leave...we have spent so much time together! lol....seriously...who else will I argue with?

I seriously hope the house DOES sell at close to what you owe, ziggy. I wouldn't want to see you guys fall under that far. Just realize that if it does, that's the exception, not the rule, and thank God you got out with your skin intact.

You can holler at me all you want, but please realize, true friends give you the "no bullshit" version of things. One thing you CAN'T accuse me of, is blowing smoke up your ass! LOL.

Marcie,

Take this or leave it, but I hope you can get in to see a doctor soon. You're definitely showing signs of needing a little help...perhaps just some R&R, but the stress is seriously showing. I'm not saying that as a dig, but to mention patterns that you yourself have acknowledged in your better moments.

Believe it or not, I do care about you guys even though I don't always like you on the personal level. Maybe that's wrong on my part, but it's who I am.

I seriously hope the house DOES sell at close to what you owe, ziggy. I wouldn't want to see you guys fall under that far. Just realize that if it does, that's the exception, not the rule, and thank God you got out with your skin intact.

If we break even....fine with me...if we take a small hit....thats reasonable and Im ok with that too....although then Id need to pay the commission an still too. The weird part is that Im hearing values ranging from 51 - 77k for the place. The lower end ws the blue book (if that even exists) and the tax value....the later was a NADA assessment that the gal at the park ran which included lots of variables as the trailer has a bunch of options.

Believe it or not, I do care about you guys even though I don't always like you on the personal level. Maybe that's wrong on my part, but it's who I am.

Well with that, Id like to meet ya some day to show you who I really am.

And with that, I need to pass out...Marcie offered my services as a volunteer for an all day thing tomorrow. Thats good, I have an excuse to shave. The Woodsman look doesnt work well in Wyoming.

Honestly, "holier-than-thou" is something I have never associated with Gideon, and I doubt many others have. He always created the impression as if he made lots of mistakes and was trying to repair and has managed to do so not too long ago. He also keeps asking questions about technology that he has to work with in his career now. Not exactly a "holier-than-thou" person, that Gideon, sorry.

But correct me if I am wrong, but did we not have a discussion about religion last year in the comments of an article of Jill User's called "Nonchristian vs Antichristian" where a character Marcie Helen demonstrated what "holier-than-thou" really meant?

Just for the fun of it...in order to help me further understand a winner, where are you working again?

This threat sure got long.

Ziggy:

If you each make about 30K, you'll do fine. It can't be nearly as expensive there as it is here, and that's about what we're making. If you can't do fine with that, there are probably things you can cut back on to make it fine. The thing is, the more frugally you learn to live now, the less you'll resent your kids. Kids are expensive, and you will have to cut back on extra spending when you have them. Either one of you stays home, or the kid goes to daycare. Both are going to hurt your finances. Saving money now, and even living BELOW your means is the only way you can truly prepare for it. I'm pretty sure you both want kids. If you start sacrificing now, well, then your standard of living can stay the same when you have kids.

I do try to see your side of it, really. But I also see LW's and Gid's points. They're really smart, Ziggy, even if they're a little quirky. If they gave me advice, I'd definitely consider it very carefully. Gid, LW, that is an invitation to give me advice if you want. And then when I say "But I didn't ask for advice" you can whack me and say, "Yeah you did!"