The journal gets neglected at the same time that life becomes more interesting to read out. How could I sum up all of the events that have not been recorded here for all the world to peep at??? I guess I could try to sum it up briefly.

My sweetie and I went wandering through jewelry stores, so he could get an idea of what I like. Then we perused a website where I selected what I thought were the most attractive options. From there, he looked through, decided which one I seemed to like the most, and went looking for the store to provide us with the symbol of our love and our promise to take our relationship further. That is when the teasing began. When will I see his final selection? When will it be mine?

The answer came the day before Independence Day. The sparkly on my finger is more enduring than the sparklies in the sky and has just as much meaning as freedom and Independence.

Sometimes a birthday requires a little fun to brighten up the day. Not wanting to repeat last year's annoyance with self-centered people, I decided to spend a little time with a few people who like to share the spotlight. Luckily, quite a few of the people I love live between me and my sweetie. I prepared ahead, set up a few "dates", printed out some directions and made my way to the east.

My first stop brought me to a Denny's. I watched a variety of people going in and out as I was an hour early. I also finished the last twenty pages of The Golden Compass and glanced at "Ladies' Lending Library", which I have since discovered may scar me for life. Anyway, my red-headed hobbit mommy met up with me for our lunch. The topics of conversation ranged from rings to wedding dresses to workplace joys and annoyances.

From there, I traveled to see wife number two and my daughter-in-law. I was surprised (happily so) that I found my way there with little trouble. I must be practicing enough to improve my ability to translate and follow directions. We relaxed in our own way. This involved chicken quesadillas, brownies, some Colin Firth, drawing, and the internet.

I could write a book on emotional rape. I have seen its many facets, and I know them well. This leads one to wonder how I have the patience to try to be nice to people who insist that their abuses of my emotions do not exist. I tire of continuously listening to so-called friends deride me, disrespect me, and expect me to basically worship them. Let me give examples of the sort of situations that I consider emotional rape.

First, it has been my experience that lies that tarnish my character are emotional rape. For instance, if I have been the best friend that someone has ever said, but they feel they have the right to tell me I am mean when I don't give them one of the many things I ask for, they have just emotionally raped me. In similar circumstances, where someone decides to be upset with me because I have not made them the center of my life, they have committed the same violation of our friendship.

Second, some people insist on speaking to me as if I am making unrighteous demands. I don't think wanting answers to simple questions is asking too much. I also don't think that wanting to regulate special events such as my birthday in a way that brings me the greatest happiness is a great idea.

Third, I don't enjoy unwarranted competition. If I say my nose itches, you don't have to tell me how your nose not only itches but has been known the bleed. Sometimes, I just want to make a statement, not initiate people to tell me all their woes. On the opposite end of the spectrum, if I say I am happy with something in my life, that doesn't mean you have to compete with me for who has the most awesome life. Everyone's life is awesome in its own way, as long as they appreciate their blessings.

In other thoughts, I am very excited that I will feel okay eating something besides salad. Mmm. Steak!