How’s it going? I may have been in a bit of a funk lately, but I’ve managed to occupy myself with stuff to do and people to talk to, like calling my mom! Your emails have been really helpful to me too. My best solution has been to have friends around me. It’s partially my fault that I’m in the situation that I’m in but I’ve gotta just snap out of it.

It was a good break for me when I went to the screening about our soldiers in Iraq with Fred. It made me stop being so self-obsessed and self-absorbed. I mean, there’s a war going on out there. Things are changing. We’re seeing the largest voter turnout ever, the whole world is focused on the election, and here I was, stuck in my own little world. One of the guest speakers was a female GI. She talked about how the veterans need more support and infrastructure when they return home.

There are a lot of sides to this war. You can be for it, you can be against it. One thing that everyone can agree on is that our GIs are out there in the trenches. They’re the ones who are paying for our freedom with their blood, sweat and tears. Whatever your perspective is, you still have to acknowledge that fact. If you have family members who are in service or are veterans, make sure you thank them for what they’ve done for our country. March 4th is Hug A GI Day–if you know someone personally, you can go and hug them. I’m sure they’d really appreciate it. (A lot of soldiers use our cards to stay connected with their families back home–it’s one of the things that makes me proud to work for 123Greetings.)

As for me, well, I asked the female GI out for a drink after the screening. To my surprise, she agreed and we headed out to my favorite pub. Tune in next week to find out what happened!

Last week, I told you about that email from Aaliyah about how she wanted to start dating again. I told her, “I really want you to be happy,” in my reply email. She did her best to communicate to me after all. I should’ve listened better. I mean, I was in the relationship for a long time, but things just blurred into the background. I could’ve paid more attention and given her the support that she needed.

It’s not that I didn’t appreciate her for being there for me. I did, but I guess I didn’t show it the way she needed me to. My timing was always bad. And I probably kept disappointing her. I can see why in the end she couldn’t really take me any more because I never really met her half way. I feel sorry. I really am sorry for all the pain I probably caused. Maybe I can’t love her the way I’ve always wanted to but Aaliyah will always have that special place in my heart. I loved her the best way that I could.

I got home and Adrian, my roommate, was in character acting out scenes from his off, off, off Broadway play that’ll take place somewhere in Brooklyn. I opened the door and he was literally ‘caught in the act’. He maintained character and started improvising on me. I just played along since I was in a better mood after my drink with the GI. We talked about Aaliyah and the screening.

Method actors, I tell ya, they eat, sleep and drink the character that they’re in! Then, Adrian broke character and became Adrian again when I mentioned the GI that I had met. “Whaaaa?” he said. “Oh, are you Adrian now? What happened to that other guy?” “Forget the other guy–you can meet him when you see him at the theater. Tell me more about this GI of yours.” I started laughing. I told him that he needs to concentrate on sharpening his acting skills before the big opening. I told him he’ll read about it just like everyone else next week. Hey, it’s only fair right?

I would wish Adrian a “Good Luck” but he’s an actor, and they’re very superstitious about this stuff–especially my man Adrian. So Adrian, break a leg!

The next morning, Mrs. Bradley came by to invite me to the Baptism of her grandchild. She told me how lucky she is to have a family that cares for her and keeps in touch with her. It’s true, a lot of older folks are home alone and their children are busy with their own kids. “It’s so good having you around, Bob,” she said, “It makes all the difference. You know, you’re very much a part of my family. That’s why I wanted you to be there when we christen little Andrew.” I was really touched. It lifted my spirits, too–I never really thought I was important enough to be invited to a close family gathering. “Of course I’ll come, Mrs. Bradley. This means a lot to me too, ya know? I’m just glad I can be counted on.”

When she left, I picked up the phone and called my mom. For some reason, whatever Mrs. Bradley said reminded me of my parents, especially my mom. I know she can take care of herself, she’s a headstrong lady, but I haven’t spoken to her in a long time. She’s probably worried about me too since I haven’t really talked to her about my break up with Aaliyah. So I called my mom up just to say “Hi” and see how she was doing. We talked for a while, and it cheered me up a lot. I love how positive and encouraging my mom is. She always warms my heart whenever I hear her. It never ceases to amaze me how she handled all of us in the family with grace, love, and warmth. To me all mothers are super.

Talk about super moms, International Women’s Day is next week! Donna invited me to the commemoration happening at the UN. I have to run now so I’ll write more about it next week. Before leaving though, I want to share something with you. This week’s Zen quote comes from an old proverb you might already be familiar with. It says, “God could not be everywhere, so he created mothers.” I’m glad my mom’s there and that she’s just a call away.