Rushing's Ramblings

Everything we hold dear is temporary. Our achievements and assets will not go to the grave with us, so why do we attach such importance to "things?" My dad disliked people who bragged about their money and achievements.  The local newspaper in my hometown once published a picture of me with a cutline that I had received a master's degree from the University of North Texas.  I kept expecting my father to mention that he saw my picture or at least congratulate me.  When I finally asked him about the announcement, he replied, "Why would you allow something like that to be in the paper? That's bragging." His response stung me, but his words now influence my reaction when people mention the cost of their homes, the kind of car they drive, and their retirement accounts.  My father's words echo in my head when I hear boasting.  And actually, despite a poser's need to impress others, it usually has the opposite effect. We didn't have many extras

Good morning, Stella, uh, Alex I received your latest letter with no return address.  You continue to read my blog, so this is how I'm answering you.  The people who read my blog will now get an updated glimpse into your unhealthy and crazy obsession with me. Your pattern has been to contact me every few months for two years. I've blocked you from contacting me via email, phone, text, Facebook, and my blog.  You must have spent some time finding my home address. I now receive harassing mail from you every month or so with either phony or no return addresses.  When you used stationary from your previous job as an "academic" at a Florida university, I reported that fact to your former employers.  I was confident they wouldn't appreciate a deranged former employee using their stationary to harass me.  They thanked me for reporting it and assured me it would not happen again. When you told me that "academics" hate people who self-publish, I had