Change or Die!

This blog has got to change or be terminated.

Not a problem. This is my 100th blog. A long haul for sure. And, it has been a lot of fun. Many have kept up with the adventures of Tom & Yella. All good! But signs of problems are cropping up.

First, readership is dropping off. Don't give me that "it's summer, I'm too busy to keep up crap." Statistics are facts and the unvarnished truth must be confronted without explanation. Any other way is simply dishonest.

Second, I heard through the grapevine that some people think I hate being in Panama. This was never intended and must be corrected. Yes, I have been frustrated and challenged but I have never hated this great land. Just the opposite, I love it here. So, something is amiss and needs to be corrected.

I suspect my ranting and raving--let's call a spade a spade, bitching--about various aspects of Panama is getting old. Not to mention leaving you with the impression that I don't like it here.

When I first sobered up in the early 80's, I was miserable with my life but I was thrilled with the adventure and challenge of sobriety, the shear hard work and new ways of looking into life, the being stretched and pressed into different ways of living. Something worthwhile to live for.

I have always loved growth and development.

And, I have gone kicking and screaming down this path. It is my nature. Bitch, bitch, bitch but all the while loving it. Strange for sure, but full of passion.

Being here is similar to that.

It is damn uncomfortable down here. But that doesn't mean I don't like it. As a matter of fact, it is one of the aspects that I love.

I have said it in the past, Panama is a recovery center for type "A" personalities from North America. This is a magnificent thing! We need it. There is too much focus on accomplishment, like it's the new religion. Kinda like worshipping at the bank. While it has it's place, give me a brake, there is more to life than Getting It Done. I couldn't see it until I got here.

I have also said that this place will "Unspoil the American Brat." You should see us as the rest of the world see us. It is not pretty. Our bloated consumption is transparent to us until we gain a new perspective, like living outside our paradigm, like moving to another country. This will wake you up fast!

And, it's good thing.

I am not sure how I will change the blog but I know it must change.

I do offer an apology to those of you that have been mislead. Somehow, I didn't convey the joy and thrill of being confronted to the max. Kind of like a roller coaster that is a little too much...pushing the limits and, for a few moments, being unbearable.

It does get unbearable from time to time. But that is all part of the adventure.

This is a marvelous place. Great people, gorgeous weather, a way to grow, and adventure.

What more could you want?