The obligatory announcement that I'm taking a break for awhile....

[southerngirlwriter]

Not that anyone cares, but I do get a fair amount of PMs, so be ye informed that I am taking a break from DU. I am going to un-do my "e-mail notification of PMs" option, though if you want to you can e-mail me via the site, and I'll write back.

I have long, complicated reasons, but the basics are:

1. I spend too much time here and it affects me more negatively than positively (probably 70/30 on the negative). Some of the things I've seen and read here (some involving me, most not) have been so angry and fierce and unpleasant that I've not gotten involved with the Dem party on the local level yet this election cycle. What does one have to do with the other? I am sort of afraid that the real-life people in town will be 3-D versions of the people here. Not EVERYONE -- many of you are wonderful and I think some of you are shockingly brilliant. In fact, except for my relatively short "ignore" list, I am not thinking of anyone in particular. It's just that I don't get up from the computer and walk away edified in any respect MOST of the time, and now that that has created a mental block to getting involved in real-life Democratic party work, it's time to make a change.

2. I gave up TV many years ago so I wouldn't spend my life staring at a screen. It's time to live up to my own standards.

3. DU is taking away time that I need for my creative endeavors, especially writing, sketching, painting, and the like.

So, there you go. Again, I don't expect that anyone really cares. I guess it's just tradition around here to post an "i'm taking a break" thread when you take a break. LOL.

Goodnight, y'all. I'll check in again in a few months, certainly before the election, and will tell you how my work with the Alabama Democratic party is going. I'm going to make myself go volunteer, despite my fear. Good for me.

:grouphug:

[fishnfla]

1. Y'all come back now, ya' hear?

Good company makes good friends. Peace

[Lars39]

2. Come back when you can, sgw.

:hug:

[liberalnurse]

3. You make a ot of sense.

I did not visit DU when I was in class full time. I would never of passed!

[Blueshift]

4. You should just like spend an hour here a day..

I learn to walk away from DU when I need to get things done. After all, no one forces me to stay here, right?

Hopefully you'll be back soon. I've always enjoyed your posts. Good luck! :hi:

[ewagner]

5. You'll be missed

take care and come back when you can.

[Duncan Grant]

6. Best wishes, southerngirlwriter!

Can't wait to hear about your adventures in local politics! Good for you taking some action on 'self-care'. :yourock:

ps: Here's an old thread from simpler days at DU. Thought you might enjoy it: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=105&topic_id=159829

[PartyPooper]

7. Bye! (I'm a man of few words.)

:hi:

[VOX]

8. All best to you, sgw!

I understand about the burn-out factor -- there are many times that I've logged off DU in a terrible state of mind.

But the people here are great, and in many ways they have been a lifesaver in the darkest of times.

Do check back in when you're up to it. In the meantime, best of luck and love to you -- :)

[Rowdyboy]

9. I know exactly how you feel

But you will be missed. Hope to see you soon.

[Richardo]

10. We'll miss ya!

But your reasons are compelling. It's much more important to be involved locally than vicariously, especially if the one is adversely affecting the other.

Peace!

[jpgray]

11. Don't cold turkey yourself

Yes, DU can be a way to waste your time, but one hour or so a day is not excessive. Odds are if you can't control your DUing, you will waste time in other ways. The thing to do is learn how to control the way you spend your time, don't endlessly oscillate between one wasteful activity and another. :)

(and yes, I have experience in these matters)

[arwalden]

12. Good Bye.