Welcome to Gaia! ::

I essentially disappeared from this guild, and Gaia as a whole really, for some time now. Recent events in life have forced me to reprioritize things and, in all honesty, Gaia was more of a distraction and hindrance than anything else in the roadmap I have set out for my life.

I say this to no fault of anyone or anything, of course. In the time spent here, I've valued the time spent and friendships developed with all of you. It is because of that friendship, I felt the need to say my farewells here. As life progresses, my responsibilities will continue to grow and, of course, more of my time will be required. I can't see myself warranting any more of that precious resource here. I would, however, greatly enjoy the chance to maintain contact with those of you willing and to take that friendship an incremental step forward and toward the realm of reality. If so anyone chooses, this serves as an open invitation to maintain that friendship over e-mail. Just send me a PM and we can exchange addresses.

I don't want to get into too much of the reason why I'll be leaving, but the timing seems somewhat appropriate. Those of you in the US, our Independence Day looms not far from now. I heard a man speak who asked "What is the value of freedom if you don't use it?", and recently another gentleman talk about how not more than half a century ago, "we were a country of duty and honor. Now we're a country of feeling and pleasure." It struck me deeply and resonated in my heart as I thought about those I've meant serving our country overseas, or their families who've sacrificed so much. Too often we are busy chasing immediate pleasure than following the pursuit of happiness.

More than just realizing I have not the right to complain about my lot in life, it would be a severe dishonor to those who have chosen to fight on our behalf for the freedoms we have and an extreme disservice to not grasp those freedoms whole-heartedly. Think about it. We are free to speak; what is it that you'll say? We're free to publish; what is it that you'll write? We are free to desire; what is it that you want? We are free to chase those desires; what is it that you're willing to do to get what you want? I hope you remember the spirit this country was founded on and find yourself with the fortitude of character to remember that you too have a duty, if not to this country, then to yourself and possibly to those closest to you.

I hope I've not offended anyone here, but I do hope that each and every one of you take this message to heart. As your friend, I implore each of you to look deep in your hearts and remember what it is you so desire out of life. That is, or should be at least, the reason why we do the things we do and continue to do day in and day out. The pursuit of happiness is, after all, far more rewarding than the accomplishment of.

Back on to a lighter note. I'll be phasing out over the next week and a half. I'm getting rid of my stuff and will be posting a list here shortly. First come first serve.

Peace,
-Cy

Nooooo!!!! gonk Another friend lost to the monstrosity that is Real Life! crying
*cough*
Sorry Gumbi, I can't resist lamenting the loss of yet another intelligent, insightful, good-humored gaian. Needless to say, I completely understand all of your reasoning. I think we'll all reach a point when we have to determine if the time we spend on Gaia is really worth giving up the things we should and/or could be doing instead. I've reached that point at least three times myself, but I've never been quite able to leave it all behind. I keep in touch with so many of my gaia friends solely through gaia that I just can't stop for good.

That being said, I hope that it wasn't something that one of us said that made you believe that I (or any of us VGers, as I understand it) don't support the men and women over in Iraq fighting this war.
Aside from that, I think you summed up my own thoughts on the matter quite succinctly. Just the other day, I wondered why I haven't been able to fully enjoy the 4th of July as I used to in my younger days. What you outlined is a pretty good approximation of the conclusion I arrived at. In fact, I think you put it way better than my cynical, snarky self did at the time. rofl

As for keeping in contact, I'm absolutely HORRIBLE with keeping up with my Emails, but if you have MSN messenger, I'd love to add you (or any of you lovely VGers). I'm kaiyah99@hotmail.com on there. Let me know who you are if you request an add, since I block anyone I don't actually know. Also, I should note that I'm also very bad at remembering to sign in. :XP:

And with all the lovely items on display, I have always hated this part of friends leaving. I feel like somehow it's just not right for some reason... But with my experience with friends leaving gaia, if you have any items you want to give me on a "loaner" basis, I'll hold them for you if you ever decide you want to come back to Gaia and have some of your favorite stuff. I promise I'll make a list and keep track of them for you just in the off chance you decide you can't stand being away from us any longer. wink

*cough*
And now, I don't want to get all gushy and sentimental and all that, because I really do believe I understand your reasoning... Just know that you WILL be missed. I wish nothing but the best for you and whatever you set out to accomplish. I know you can do some great things out there.

Seems no matter what happens life always catches up with you... I know we didn't become real close friends or anything, but it won't be the same without you! Good luck on your path through this life, don't get too caught up in it though, life is only what you make of it, so make sure you at least enjoy it! 3nodding

NOOOOOOOOO!!! crying I will really miss you Gumbi! You have always been one of the smartest and adult people in this guild! You have been around for so long and I have enjoyed your friendship. I know that life beckons. Pop back in occasionally and say hi. Good luck in your pursuits! *hugs*

lilchibiusakitty@yahoo.com

msn (only for IM, never checks e-mail)
lilchibiusakitty@hotmail.com