I feel so stupid now when I think back to the times I used to go out with a large group of people, and I was always so nervous, especially if it was with people I didn’t hang out with very often. ”Is what I’m ordering cool?” Really? Did I really ask myself that? Yes, I did. So lame of me. This was long before I really knew who I was, and wow am I glad I figured that out.
As much as I love a logic problem, the dynamics of groups are never logical, and trying to figure them out has always been tough for me. There are so many motivations that people have, and on top of that, so many ways that people go about acting on their motivations that the combinations are endless. Add to that that even when you think you have a person within a group figured out, new information can always come to light which wholly changes your perspective.
Personally, I strive to have a “Zoey” attitude – look for the positive in everyone and try to keep in mind that there’s always hidden motivations and things going on behind the scenes that I’m not privy to, and therefor spend very little time accentuating the negative. In actual practice, I’m probably a bit more like Anna, splitting the difference. But every now and then, I know I’m a bit like Jack – snarky, cynical and negative.
An incredible picture coming out of Japan today that I just had to share. Somehow, this little guy (or gal) was able to scramble to safety. I truly hope he made it up all the way.
Obviously, my first thoughts are with the people who have been irreversibly effected by this tragedy, but something about this photo gives me hope.
If you’re in a position to help or send aid, I think the Save the Children organization is as good a place as any.
FYI, I made a $50.00 donation in the name of Hot Mess fans – I hope you don’t mind.
Story by Diana Falzone and Geoff Skinner, Art by Emily Chan, Lettering by Thomas Mauer and Edits by Lauren Perry
