pinkhairthing

Dear Ms Pinky,
How does one remember to keep on the sunny side, not obsess about the news and generally goof off sufficiently while making the requisite coin to exist in these parts?

Perplexed in limbo/Brooklyn

Dear perpy,

I just wrote a really long, thoughtful answer and blooger just bleeped out for a minute and now it is gone. Wow, that is really upsetting.
Anyway, don't think you always have to be on the sunny side. Life can be scary, sad, bad, and weird, and it is correct to deal with those things truly. Otherwise, they will deal with you. A correct response to September 11th, if that is what you mean by the news, is some sadness, anger, fear, and lingering apprehension. Post traumatic stress disorder tends to peak around 8 months after the event, which is where we are, so if you are feeling particularly freaky, you are not alone, or crazy. The work is to find the balance, and not become, as you said, obsessed. I have suggestions.

Don't read any tabloid newspapers, and dont watch the news. Is this bold? Sure, a little. But they prey on your anxiety with puffed-up nonsense. They ask inflammatory questions to tease you into watching the show or buying the paper, and there is nothing to back them up. Are strawberries secret killers? More at 11. Then they have a panel of experts doing a 3-minute piece where they say, um, no, strawberries arent killers. Back to you Kaitie. Then Kaitie Tong looks into the camera with a worried/concerned/relieved nod and in effect says, Wow, we dodged another bullet, and we are here for you NY. Or the Post says "Do Iraqis have nuclear weapons? Story on page 6". And you have a heart attack, buy the Post, and on page 6 there is Rumsfeld saying "Well, we dont know, but I wouldn't put it past those sneaky brown bastards. That is why every American must be on doublesecret orange alert. And remain completely vigilant against sneaky-looking Iraqi-types packing ICBMs." And it is all just a load of crap. Rumsfeld wants you to support however much bombing and covert stuff he can think of. The Post wants you to buy a paper, and they will scare you or tantalize you or whatever it takes short of actually just telling us what is happening. So ignore it all. Go for a walk with your husband. That's reality. And when you feel afraid, decide to feel brave instead. Lots of bad things could happen, but they probably wont. That is how people live in this world. Enjoy the thunderstorm, and trust that the lightning isnt going to come through your little window.

Now for the goofing off and making coin, I suggest a blog page. You look really busy typing away, but really you are just chilling with your friends. I also recommend semi-annual mental health weeks, where you take a few unplanned hooky days off work, and screw around. You will be surprised how wonderful walking down 3rd street can be when you should be at work right then.

I know these aren't real cure-alls, but you asked a hard, many-part question, and blogger keeps shutting me down. I used to have a whole thing about Martha stewart in here. Anyway, I think you are probably pretty good at this stuff anyway, so why dont we just open up the comments box to more suggestions on how to enjoy the goof and dodge the bullet. Readers....