It’s been nine months since Alissa and I shared a lunch in New Jersey, with Riley refereeing the discussion about “burying the hatchet, and coming back to Addicts.” To be honest, I don’t know who instigated the idea…but we both knew that I was burned out on managing a business, TSTO Friends (by myself), a giant family, and our work in Uganda. Something had to give…
In the end, it was one of the best decisions I have made in a long time. Yes, there was wailing and gnashing of teeth on both sides, as my loyal readers at Friends didn’t want me to quit, and those who had come to hate me for various reasons (founded and unfounded) at Addicts were more than protective and wary of my “ruining” Addicts with my “Cranky Posts” and “guilt trips.”
What I hope we have ALL learned in the past year (especially those who watch our Addicts Live posts) is that I have softened, am generally happy, and love being here.
The friendships that have been rekindled between Alissa, Wookie and I are important (perhaps someday they will explain where Bunny ran off to…but, it’s just not important at this juncture). We are a team…and good friends…and willingly donate our time and efforts to keeping you informed and entertained about TSTO, while offering a place to hang out.
I get pestered regularly by my old regulars (many of whom followed me over, but remain relatively quiet over here) to tell the story of our work in Buyijja. But the fact is, my “Less than welcoming vibe” about the topic (as in, I was warned by countless TSTO diehards NOT to talk about anything but TSTO!!!!!), has kept me from doing so.
However, Alissa is a huge supporter of our work (everything I earn here goes directly to our work there)…and even in the worst of times between us all, Wookie/Joe donated, knowing that the work surpassed the disagreements we had. It was Alissa who gave me the OK to start the conversation, but I had still been hesitant.
But now, there is an emergency situation that makes it necessary for me to shout, “COME ON… GET OVER IT…WE ARE MORE THAN JUST TSTO!!!!”
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