My Life: A Blessing and a Curse - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

tv star collector · 08-13-2008, 12:13 PM

I've always been a loner. I was an only child with an overly-protective mother. Later, she became a semi-invalid. As a result, I never had an opportunity to do much socializing. After her death, I was so set in my ways
that I found that I preferred my own company. Reclusive and introverted, I
found solace mostly in my comic books and cartoons (even creating, writing
and drawing some of my own). Over the years, I also acquired a vast collection of TV and movie memorabilia (videos, DVDs, records, CDs, books,
magazines, comics, toys, figures, posters, etc.). Now that I am past 60, I
realize that I've become a bit jaded and materialistic. The older I get, the
more aware I am that earthly possessions are only worthwhile for the brief
time we're on this earth; and someday everything I own will belong to someone else (in my case, my niece, nephew and their offspring). Right now,
my greatest source of pleasure is my dog. She is my constant companion and
never judges me, no matter what my mood might be.

I am still working part-time, once or twice a week, as a motel desk clerk. It's
a boring job, and--not being a "people person"--one that I am ill-suited to.
But you do what you have to do. Next year I will be eligible for Social Security benefits, but I will still need to work--somewhere--a few hours a
week, to make ends meet and to maintain some semblance of my current
lifestyle. At least, my current job is very close to home. With the rising gas
prices, I count that as one of my blessings.

I've had some setbacks in recent years: having a good-paying job at the
local hospital for nearly twenty years, only to be laid off due to downsizing.
It has been a big adjustment for me. But I'm coping. I guess that makes me
a survivor.

Aside from my dog, my TV, music, books, and etc., my greatest pleasure has
been visiting you friends here on the S.O. message board. Everyone gets
discouraged or depressed sometimes, and I just needed to get some things
off my chest. Thanks for reading, and I hope that my next post will be
about a more interesting subject.

Yooch · 08-13-2008, 01:26 PM

What I think, I think you are a good, decent, honest person. You're right, everyone (and I mean everyone) gets depressed from time to time, and that includes those who appear to 'have it all together'--sometimes they are in greater need. As my pastor said, if you scratch the surface of anyone, no matter how happy they appear to be, you will always find some hurt or brokenness.

I like to be be with people, but like you, I also enjoy my solitude and can be perfectly content being alone for long periods. I like to read, watch TV, listen to music--and yes, being with my dog. For example, if I'm working in the yard, doing the most mundane task, my dog will enjoy just sitting there watching me work. She demands nothing, just likes being with me.

I wish you well, and like you, feel close to the S.O. people. I've never met or talked to a single one yet, but I feel connected with this group of people. I start back to work tomorrow, and will probably not be posting that much over the next month. But, when I can, I'll see you guys on the boards. Thanks again for sharing your thoughts.

tv star collector · 08-13-2008, 01:49 PM

Your response means a lot to me. I wish you all the best.

Yooch · 08-13-2008, 02:09 PM

Thanks.

AB · 08-13-2008, 03:23 PM

I understand what you mean. Even though its kind of opposite for me, I wish I had more alone time. But anyway, I know where you're coming from because after my dad died, my mom was all alone in that big house with only her dog to keep her company. She ended up moving to a smaller house near my brother & his family so she wouldn't feel so lonely. I believe everyone gets a little down at times and you have to figure out a way to cope with it, whether it's by getting on the computer, calling someone or just going to the store & chatting up the cashier. One thing my mom did, was to start walking in her neighborhood and then one of the neighbors asked if she could join her. So she ended up with a new friend.

tv star collector · 08-13-2008, 06:39 PM

I've been pretty lucky to have always had at least one close friend. Right
now, I have a good friend at work. He is on my email list, and I send him
one of my cartoons every day (along with a former co-worker I met at the
hospital and my niece and my nephew). His son enjoys them, too. I don't
think I could get through a day without laughter. As my former co-worker used to say, "Sometimes you have to laugh to keep from crying." Music is
important, too. Music and laughter. Without those, a day just isn't complete.

Brian Damage · 08-13-2008, 06:54 PM

Hey buddy, getting depressed is normal. Like Yooch said, you seem to be a good person. You contribute positively to these forums and I wish you all the best in the world.

dawsongirl · 08-13-2008, 09:11 PM

I know what it's like to be a loner. I too am an only child, plus I have social anxiety, so I'm usually at my best by myself. I can be me without having to put on a facade. I pretty much put on a facade with everyone else, even my parents and my boyfriend. This place is perfect for a person like me, because I can get out an talk with people in an environment that is much less stressful. And a lot of people here share things in common. I never had that much in common with most of the friends I've ever had. Plus when I get lonely, I can come here and feel like I'm actually with people. That probably seems weird to some people, but what can you do.

And I also have more TV stuff than I should admit to.

Between the VCR, DVD Recorder, and ebay, I'm not sure which is the better invention!

Hollow · 08-14-2008, 01:18 AM

i'm the same way about being alone. i prefer to be myself, doing what i want rather than having to be considerate of someone else. i'm not very compatible with most people anyway because i have an obscure mindset. realistically i'd say my life has been much more bad than good, but i still have some things in my life (other than stuff that most people have like shelter and technology) that i would otherwise kill for. i cut ties with my best friend a few months ago because of the friction between us, but despite the changes and all the pain he caused me in the end, i still consider him my greatest blessing.

tv star collector · 08-29-2008, 06:39 PM

I just now got around to reading all the replies to this post, and I have to
thank each and everyone of you for the positive feedback. Like most people,
I am subject to mood swings. Lately, though, I have been feeling discouraged
and forgotten more often than not. It is reassuring to know that there are
people out there that I can call upon for encouragement and support, even
if they're strangers. Sometimes a stranger can be the easiest person to talk
to. None of us is promised an easy life, and we all have to get through some
storms to appreciate the sunshine. I am thankful for my many blessings.
Things could be better in my life--but they could also be much, much worse.
I don't have the best job in the world--but right now so many people are out
of work, I should be grateful to have any job. Most of all, I am thankful for friends like you guys. Best wishes!

Nighthawk76 · 08-29-2008, 07:26 PM

I just read your posts tv star collector, and I really want to wish you the very best. I understand depression. I've been suffering from depression on and off for almost 10 years now. I have to take medication every day and I still go through some really bad periods.

tv star collector · 08-30-2008, 07:12 PM

Thank you. That means a lot. Take care.

Wreckless · 09-09-2008, 05:28 AM

Sir, you seem like a generous, kind, carefree (in a good way) person. You have been on this Earth awhile. People deserve to have people like you around- people like my grandparents, who can tell stories, who can only relive the past, tell jokes about their lives and how they grew up and talk about wars, past entertainment, sports and life. Being a depressed person like me, I like to see the world for what it's worth and look at the people who mean the world the best and don't look at stereotypes, race, color etc. People like you. I wish you the best of luck, enjoy your life in the oncoming years- you have deserved to rest, relax and be care free. Don't listen to the negativity most of the world has to bring in- only look at the positives and the good things that make you smile. I am very social as well yet I like to have times to myself, where I can reflect on my life and the world, reminisce about my past and about my loved and lost ones and just BS in general about what I want. I think life is too short- people look at other people of different & of an older age as weak because they have spent more time on the Earth and are much wiser, so it makes people jealous to know more wiser people sometimes have more to offer and say. Again, I wish you all the best and I hope you continue to be brave and share your life and stories with us on here. Thanks.

ponytail · 09-09-2008, 07:03 AM

I'm a bit of a loner myself. I like to shop by myself. I'll go to the movies by myself. At work I'll go sit in my car and eat lunch just to get away from the gossip people. I try to do things that make me happy. I don't go out much, but that's my thing. I do like to travel so maybe one day I'll be able to travel more.

tv star collector · 09-09-2008, 08:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wreckless8228836

Sir, you seem like a generous, kind, carefree (in a good way) person. You have been on this Earth awhile. People deserve to have people like you around- people like my grandparents, who can tell stories, who can only relive the past, tell jokes about their lives and how they grew up and talk about wars, past entertainment, sports and life. Being a depressed person like me, I like to see the world for what it's worth and look at the people who mean the world the best and don't look at stereotypes, race, color etc. People like you. I wish you the best of luck, enjoy your life in the oncoming years- you have deserved to rest, relax and be care free. Don't listen to the negativity most of the world has to bring in- only look at the positives and the good things that make you smile. I am very social as well yet I like to have times to myself, where I can reflect on my life and the world, reminisce about my past and about my loved and lost ones and just BS in general about what I want. I think life is too short- people look at other people of different & of an older age as weak because they have spent more time on the Earth and are much wiser, so it makes people jealous to know more wiser people sometimes have more to offer and say. Again, I wish you all the best and I hope you continue to be brave and share your life and stories with us on here. Thanks.

I can't tell you how much your words of encouragement mean to me, especially at this particular time. The past week or so has been really
rough. Last week I learned that my job may be terminated within the next
three weeks. Yesterday I received 16 bills from a collection agency
for doctor visits from two years ago (I had to stop taking the allergy shots
that I had taken for 50+ years because I could no longer afford them). I
was on the verge of a nervous breakdown when I called the collection
agency. I remember saying, "Life is not worth living anymore"; and, at that
moment, that's exactly how I felt. But there's a saying, "Things look their
darkest right before dawn." I may not live long enough to pay off all my bills
(probably not), but that is no reason to give up on life. My dog needs me
(even if no one else does). So I'll keep pressing on and hoping that brighter
days will come again eventually.

08-13-2008, 12:13 PM	#1
tv star collector I Love Susie Forum 4000 Club Member Join Date: Oct 18, 2005 Location: South Carolina Posts: 4,486	My Life: A Blessing and a Curse I've always been a loner. I was an only child with an overly-protective mother. Later, she became a semi-invalid. As a result, I never had an opportunity to do much socializing. After her death, I was so set in my ways that I found that I preferred my own company. Reclusive and introverted, I found solace mostly in my comic books and cartoons (even creating, writing and drawing some of my own). Over the years, I also acquired a vast collection of TV and movie memorabilia (videos, DVDs, records, CDs, books, magazines, comics, toys, figures, posters, etc.). Now that I am past 60, I realize that I've become a bit jaded and materialistic. The older I get, the more aware I am that earthly possessions are only worthwhile for the brief time we're on this earth; and someday everything I own will belong to someone else (in my case, my niece, nephew and their offspring). Right now, my greatest source of pleasure is my dog. She is my constant companion and never judges me, no matter what my mood might be. I am still working part-time, once or twice a week, as a motel desk clerk. It's a boring job, and--not being a "people person"--one that I am ill-suited to. But you do what you have to do. Next year I will be eligible for Social Security benefits, but I will still need to work--somewhere--a few hours a week, to make ends meet and to maintain some semblance of my current lifestyle. At least, my current job is very close to home. With the rising gas prices, I count that as one of my blessings. I've had some setbacks in recent years: having a good-paying job at the local hospital for nearly twenty years, only to be laid off due to downsizing. It has been a big adjustment for me. But I'm coping. I guess that makes me a survivor. Aside from my dog, my TV, music, books, and etc., my greatest pleasure has been visiting you friends here on the S.O. message board. Everyone gets discouraged or depressed sometimes, and I just needed to get some things off my chest. Thanks for reading, and I hope that my next post will be about a more interesting subject.

08-13-2008, 01:26 PM	#2
Yooch Member Forum 3000 Club Member Join Date: Apr 07, 2006 Location: California Posts: 3,180	What I think, I think you are a good, decent, honest person. You're right, everyone (and I mean everyone) gets depressed from time to time, and that includes those who appear to 'have it all together'--sometimes they are in greater need. As my pastor said, if you scratch the surface of anyone, no matter how happy they appear to be, you will always find some hurt or brokenness. I like to be be with people, but like you, I also enjoy my solitude and can be perfectly content being alone for long periods. I like to read, watch TV, listen to music--and yes, being with my dog. For example, if I'm working in the yard, doing the most mundane task, my dog will enjoy just sitting there watching me work. She demands nothing, just likes being with me. I wish you well, and like you, feel close to the S.O. people. I've never met or talked to a single one yet, but I feel connected with this group of people. I start back to work tomorrow, and will probably not be posting that much over the next month. But, when I can, I'll see you guys on the boards. Thanks again for sharing your thoughts.
	__________________ "The true meaning of America, you ask? It's in a Texas rodeo, in a policeman's badge, in the sound of laughing children, in a political rally, in a newspaper...In all these things and many more, you'll find freedom. And freedom is what America means to the world. And to me." --Audie Leon Murphy June 20, 1924-- May 28, 1971

08-13-2008, 06:54 PM	#7
Brian Damage I'm Rich Bitch Forum Icon Join Date: Feb 03, 2002 Location: What Ain't No Country I Ever Heard Of...They Speak English in What? Posts: 63,107	Hey buddy, getting depressed is normal. Like Yooch said, you seem to be a good person. You contribute positively to these forums and I wish you all the best in the world.
	__________________ The Key to the Kingdom of Heaven: John 3:3 *Money Doesn't Buy Happiness...But I'd Rather Cry in My Private Jet*

08-13-2008, 01:49 PM	#3
tv star collector I Love Susie Forum 4000 Club Member Join Date: Oct 18, 2005 Location: South Carolina Posts: 4,486	Your response means a lot to me. I wish you all the best.

08-13-2008, 02:09 PM	#4
Yooch Member Forum 3000 Club Member Join Date: Apr 07, 2006 Location: California Posts: 3,180	Thanks.

08-13-2008, 03:23 PM	#5
AB Member Eternal Member Forum Icon Join Date: Dec 26, 2006 Location: The South Posts: 59,429	I understand what you mean. Even though its kind of opposite for me, I wish I had more alone time. But anyway, I know where you're coming from because after my dad died, my mom was all alone in that big house with only her dog to keep her company. She ended up moving to a smaller house near my brother & his family so she wouldn't feel so lonely. I believe everyone gets a little down at times and you have to figure out a way to cope with it, whether it's by getting on the computer, calling someone or just going to the store & chatting up the cashier. One thing my mom did, was to start walking in her neighborhood and then one of the neighbors asked if she could join her. So she ended up with a new friend.

08-13-2008, 06:39 PM	#6
tv star collector I Love Susie Forum 4000 Club Member Join Date: Oct 18, 2005 Location: South Carolina Posts: 4,486	I've been pretty lucky to have always had at least one close friend. Right now, I have a good friend at work. He is on my email list, and I send him one of my cartoons every day (along with a former co-worker I met at the hospital and my niece and my nephew). His son enjoys them, too. I don't think I could get through a day without laughter. As my former co-worker used to say, "Sometimes you have to laugh to keep from crying." Music is important, too. Music and laughter. Without those, a day just isn't complete.

08-13-2008, 09:11 PM	#8
dawsongirl Member Forum Icon Join Date: Jan 04, 2001 Posts: 53,128	I know what it's like to be a loner. I too am an only child, plus I have social anxiety, so I'm usually at my best by myself. I can be me without having to put on a facade. I pretty much put on a facade with everyone else, even my parents and my boyfriend. This place is perfect for a person like me, because I can get out an talk with people in an environment that is much less stressful. And a lot of people here share things in common. I never had that much in common with most of the friends I've ever had. Plus when I get lonely, I can come here and feel like I'm actually with people. That probably seems weird to some people, but what can you do. And I also have more TV stuff than I should admit to. Between the VCR, DVD Recorder, and ebay, I'm not sure which is the better invention!

08-14-2008, 01:18 AM	#9
Hollow Member Forum Superstar Join Date: Dec 16, 2001 Posts: 30,406	i'm the same way about being alone. i prefer to be myself, doing what i want rather than having to be considerate of someone else. i'm not very compatible with most people anyway because i have an obscure mindset. realistically i'd say my life has been much more bad than good, but i still have some things in my life (other than stuff that most people have like shelter and technology) that i would otherwise kill for. i cut ties with my best friend a few months ago because of the friction between us, but despite the changes and all the pain he caused me in the end, i still consider him my greatest blessing.

08-29-2008, 06:39 PM	#10
tv star collector I Love Susie Forum 4000 Club Member Join Date: Oct 18, 2005 Location: South Carolina Posts: 4,486	I just now got around to reading all the replies to this post, and I have to thank each and everyone of you for the positive feedback. Like most people, I am subject to mood swings. Lately, though, I have been feeling discouraged and forgotten more often than not. It is reassuring to know that there are people out there that I can call upon for encouragement and support, even if they're strangers. Sometimes a stranger can be the easiest person to talk to. None of us is promised an easy life, and we all have to get through some storms to appreciate the sunshine. I am thankful for my many blessings. Things could be better in my life--but they could also be much, much worse. I don't have the best job in the world--but right now so many people are out of work, I should be grateful to have any job. Most of all, I am thankful for friends like you guys. Best wishes!

08-29-2008, 07:26 PM	#11
Nighthawk76 Rachel Berry Forum Celebrity Join Date: Feb 28, 2003 Location: Illinois Posts: 23,254	I just read your posts tv star collector, and I really want to wish you the very best. I understand depression. I've been suffering from depression on and off for almost 10 years now. I have to take medication every day and I still go through some really bad periods.

08-30-2008, 07:12 PM	#12
tv star collector I Love Susie Forum 4000 Club Member Join Date: Oct 18, 2005 Location: South Carolina Posts: 4,486	Thank you. That means a lot. Take care.

09-09-2008, 05:28 AM	#13
Wreckless Member Forum Fanatic Join Date: Nov 04, 2007 Location: Banned Posts: 9,406	Sir, you seem like a generous, kind, carefree (in a good way) person. You have been on this Earth awhile. People deserve to have people like you around- people like my grandparents, who can tell stories, who can only relive the past, tell jokes about their lives and how they grew up and talk about wars, past entertainment, sports and life. Being a depressed person like me, I like to see the world for what it's worth and look at the people who mean the world the best and don't look at stereotypes, race, color etc. People like you. I wish you the best of luck, enjoy your life in the oncoming years- you have deserved to rest, relax and be care free. Don't listen to the negativity most of the world has to bring in- only look at the positives and the good things that make you smile. I am very social as well yet I like to have times to myself, where I can reflect on my life and the world, reminisce about my past and about my loved and lost ones and just BS in general about what I want. I think life is too short- people look at other people of different & of an older age as weak because they have spent more time on the Earth and are much wiser, so it makes people jealous to know more wiser people sometimes have more to offer and say. Again, I wish you all the best and I hope you continue to be brave and share your life and stories with us on here. Thanks.

09-09-2008, 07:03 AM	#14
ponytail Member Forum 4000 Club Member Join Date: Mar 20, 2004 Location: In Happy, Healthy, Wealthyville Posts: 4,273	I'm a bit of a loner myself. I like to shop by myself. I'll go to the movies by myself. At work I'll go sit in my car and eat lunch just to get away from the gossip people. I try to do things that make me happy. I don't go out much, but that's my thing. I do like to travel so maybe one day I'll be able to travel more.