I just wrote three quick paragraphs slamming a career conversation I had with a co-worker and realized I was continuing on the ridiculousness via cataloging. Do what you like, please don't come to my office soliciting advice if your real intention is to debate lifestyle parameters and get me to agree to your own choices and make you feel good about them. I live my life a certain way, you are jealous but not willing to make the sacrifices necessary, so I can't help you.

I think part of this frustration is because interacting with people does change how I view things, my life, myself. I'm interested in alternate view points and considering all the options so I speak to people as if they're approaching something that way. Debate is so haphazard - point, counterpoint, score! Consensus and collaboration are far more powerful. You feel differently than I do? Fantastic. Allow me to go away and consider why that is and what I can take from the experiences you've had that have lead you to this conviction. Everything is up for negotiation.

This morning, I had another conversation, a blaze of idiocy, involving my co-worker who always makes inaccurate assertions under the guise of a decent vocabulary and lowered vocal tones with aggressive eyebrow movement.

L: Broad hypothetical, difficult to answer, but with some plausible theories routinely thrown out, thinking aloud

Coworker: Well, (vocal drop) obviously it's because of this fact that is incorrect and because I went to school Out East and my general superiority to everyone else who works here! Let me educate you, beloved villeins! (assertive eyebrow fluctuation)

L: Here's an obvious correction... NO!!! I've just bought into a conversation where I either lose by withdrawing to silence or by revealing your error and getting the look reserved for those who would shout "the Emporer has no clothes!"

My horoscope today was all "Differ'nt strokes, get over it." True, true.

On the upside. Life beyond interacting with the Debate Squad every day at work is pretty good. R is coming to visit, tomorrow is the weekend, I've had the house to myself all week, work remains quiet.

Yesterday I got to write something to KHulbz's mom about her upcoming trip and hear what the status of it is. She's going on this gangbusters first-ever overseas adventure (which is awesome and ballsy). There's something about watching people go through the process of deciding to step outside past boundaries that's inspiring.