May 1, 2012
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My Community
I feel as if I got a nice little coffee shop here in Xanga. Some days I’m open for business and people drop in. Of course, I’ll be the guy in the back room, with sunglasses and a disguise. After all, I’m anonymous. Most days (especially lately), the shop is closed but people still wander by to see if I’m around. They will knock at the door, peer through the windows and wonder what is going on.
It’s a nice community here. When I need support, you don’t hesitate to give me encouragement, advice, a gentle nudge, a prayer or two, a pat in the back, a hug and a supporting shoulder to lean on. Sometimes when I’m not blogging, I’ll get a message or email asking if things are ok. It’s a wonderful and supportive gang here at Xanga.
Despite not knowing who I am, you don’t hesitate to cheer me on. I don’t know what to make of it sometimes. I have nothing to compare it to in real life. Sometimes in the middle of the day, I’ll stop and wonder about certain folks in Xanga – especially if they are going through some tough times. I wonder if they are coping with the challenges from life. We know life can be unfair.
Work has eased up just a bit. After working almost 7 days a week for a few weeks, I’m starting to reduce my weekend hours. The pressure at work continues. Any mistakes that people make get amplified and distorted. The culture of fear and pessimism is getting a foothold. I try not to let it get to me but inevitably it does.
But it’s nice to know I have a lot of support here. I’m thankful and grateful.
Comments (25)
Maybe because “I’ll be the guy in the back room, with sunglasses and a disguise.” people keep coming back to see if you going to reveal who you really are.
Coffee shop? I think you do serve up quite a good cup of latte most of the time, hehe…..;
I actually prefer a nice cup of English Morning Tea or even Irish Morning Tea. I think our community is a special one as it allows us to be ourselves without sitting face to face with a person. Sure I have met a xangian or two and would gladly open my home to more (guest room available). But I guess I will have to switch to coffee to come back to your shope.
I’m not much of a coffee drinker so what am I doing at a coffee shop? hehe jk
thug lyfe!
@vsan79 - ahh… Vincent, I keep wondering why everyone likes to drop by. But if I show my face then no one will drop by anymore.
@CurryPuffy - believe it or not Gary, I drink instant coffee at home (ever since my coffee press cracked – I’m too lazy to get a new one). I don’t even have a fancy coffee machine.
@Fatcat723 - I’ll make keep a stash of tea for you Rob!
@oxyGENE_08 - ok Gene, when you show up, I’ll have some rum drinks for you and maybe a San Miguel too. Thanks for the rec.
@BenelliMan - hey Dennis, I hope you’re doing well and thanks for dropping by.
@ElusiveWords - I’ll take the San Mig but this is better http://www.redhorsebeer.com/old_site2/images/theBeerImage.jpg Let me know if it’s available there haha
Xanga truly does have a community like none other
Amen on the community aspect of Xanga. Glad to hear the work situation is easing up a bit, Matt. Proof that bad situations always (eventually) ease up!
Unfortunately that fear and pressure of work seems to be pervasive right now, with the economy still lagging. Glad to hear it’s easing for you, and good to know, too, that Xanga is a good refuge for you!
I want boba please.
Stop being so elusive!
Listen man, cut with the bull ! I’m on to ya, man! No matter what you say or how you say it, you still owe me the 50 bucks.
I love this post Matt. I am glad you are not working the mad hours and days now like you did these last few weeks. Work woes will always be that~ woes! The best thing to do, is to talk about it, and let yourself feel free after the catharsis. I so agree about this community. I don’t care how many people are leaving and think that it is not fun being on xanga anymore, I still continue to love it. For me it is therapeutic to come here and just unwind. Love and hugs dear friend.
@oxyGENE_08 - I haven’t heard of this beer before. I’ll see if our beer store carries it.
@npr32486 - this is one of the reasons why I don’t think I’ll move to WordPress or Blogger.
@christao408 - I hope it will continue to ease up Chris. I am a bit nervous about our 2Q results.
@slmret - you’re right, I was talking to a couple of colleagues and they are so discouraged by the way they are being treated. It’s sad because they are very good employees.
@KevEats - hahaha… coming right up!
@Roadlesstaken - I can’t help it Alex. I’m so used to being anonymous.
@catstemplar2 - $50? *scratches head*
Great post. Yes, we need all the supportive communities we can get.
@Fatcat723 - thanks for the rec too Rob.
@ZSA_MD - thank you Zakiah, writing here is therapeutic. It’s almost better than going to the gym. hahaha…. thank you for the rec.
@ed408 - I think I would go crazy w/o the support here.
Blogging definitely has a diverse culture of its own! Just dumping all my thoughts here is refreshing, but the encouragement I get here has created a cozy support group for me. I guess seeing people like you out there gives me a little more hope for humanity
would this be a coffee shop like the kind they have in amsterdam, where people go to *ahem* smoke rather than drink coffee? hehehe
it sounds like your work situation is not at all pleasant… i’m glad you are not going to be working 7 days a week anymore! that’s insane! our neighbor just quit his job after being under similar awful pressure, and found a job working for a nonprofit. he seems much happier.
@ElusiveWords - That’s much better
matt~ 1 large cappucino pls
@sturslug - you’ve got more than your fair share of challenges. I’m glad venting here feels refreshing. It does for me as well. Thanks for the compliment. There are many bloggers out there that are just like me (if not better).
@kunhuo42 - I can set up a smoking section too! Your comment is timely, I was thinking the other day that maybe I should work in the non profit sector instead. I’m sure there are pressures there too but at least I know my work is doing some good.
@DuTcHess_VaLkyrie - coming right up!
yes, it does feel that way sometimes. a coffee shop where everyone knows you. it’s funny how sometimes i feel more at home here than in my real life. supports and caring definitely in an abundance here, though they are coming from people whom i never met.
love and love
Always here for you Matty!