This Has Lasted Longer Than My First Marriage

Published on October 10, 2007 By dynamaso In Blogging

I just realised today my third anniversary as a JoeUser had passed recently (on the 27th of September, to be exact). This means my relationship with this site has lasted longer than my first marriage and, in a lot of ways, has been the sort of relationship I would have liked my first marriage to be i.e. open, honest and communicative. (Before any rush to my defence, these comments are as much directed towards a younger me as towards my first wife).

In the time I've been here I've seen many arrive, some leave, some say they're leaving but stay and some who refuse to leave despite other's best efforts. I've blogged about many and various subjects, have introduced all here to my wife, my cat and my band and then even let you all see photos of us. I've blogged about problems, personal philosophies, grammar and spelling, food, music, life, love and death.

I started the JU Writers Club (so kindly carried on by Locamama recently after I abandoned it to allow my poetic muse to take over). I felt the same frustrations as everyone else when JU was being glitchy, have marvelled at the sheer weight of talent of other JUsers, offered up prayers (of a sort) for those going through various life trials and laughed at the incredile depth of humour many here exhibit.

I have learnt a lot about the world and, in doing so, have learnt a lot about myself too. I find I am much more moderate in my political beliefs than I thought I was but also much less interested in politics than I thought I would be. I have received incredible encouragement from enormously talented people with respect to my fiction and poems, some of which has only served to encourage me further (sorry about that

). While my religious convictions have remained unchanged (and in some case maybe even more enforced) I have learnt a lot about how others think by reading and taking part in any number of philosophical and religious discussions.

But most of all, I've made friends with folk from right around the world. I've discovered that while half a world might divide me from most of you, there are undeniable points of common interest. I heartens me to know this. I came to JoeUser not knowing what to expect but expecting none of the above. I'm glad I was wrong about this. Here is to you, my wonderful JU friends. May our friendships continue to bloom and grow.

Comments (Page 1)

Gene Nash

on Oct 10, 2007

May our friendships continue to bloom and grow.

Good article. Glad to have you around.

KellyW0498

on Oct 10, 2007

I hope you are taking us all out to dinner for our anniversary.

I'm glad you are here too.

Tova7

on Oct 10, 2007

Wonderful article Dyno.

You're right. JU is unique, and a treasure trove of great personalities. I tell people all the time about it, but at the same time hope they don't ALL take up my invitation to join. Bigger isn't always better..heh.

I hit two years in Sept, and I have never been asked....sex/age/location!

Woot!

Gideon MacLeish

on Oct 10, 2007

I hit two years in Sept, and I have never been asked....sex/age/location!

Damn...I've been remiss!

LOL!

dharmagrl

on Oct 10, 2007

Happy JU-birthday, Maso! I can hardly believe it's been three years!

We should call each other again. Can you email me (dharmagirl69@gmail.com)?

BlueDev

on Oct 10, 2007

Maso,

It has been a pleasure to get to know you. While I don't email and stuff a lot, I hope you know I do value your friendship. Being able to make friends with people on the other side of the world really is one of the wonders of the Internet.

Blog on mate, blog on.

Dr Guy

on Oct 10, 2007

Congratulations on your tenure! I have not commented on much of your stuff of late as time has become a precious commodity for me of late, but I do read most all of it, and enjoy it.

Here's to you, your stay at JU and most of all, for a wonderful wife who shares you with us!

adnauseam

on Oct 10, 2007

Congratulations from a South African living in Cairo (with British kids!).

RoyLevosh

on Oct 10, 2007

...and maaaaaaaaany mooooooooore.

Thanks for being here and thanks for being a friend, Maso. It's been a cool ride.

(written quickly while dashing out the door kinda-sorta tardy for a dentist appointment...

)

foreverserenity

on Oct 10, 2007

Ditto on the sentiments! Congrats and my how time flies! I'm glad you're here too!

dynamaso

on Oct 10, 2007

Gene,

Thanks. Very happy to be here.

Kelly,

If I could take you all out to dinner, I would. Man, what a night that would be

Tova,

I tell people all the time about it, but at the same time hope they don't ALL take up my invitation to join. Bigger isn't always better..heh.

I do too and, like you, I hope they don't because its like its my thing, you know? Still, it is good when friends say they've read some of my ramblings and like them.

Dharma,

Can you email me

You've got mail

BlueDev,

It has been a pleasure to get to know you

Back at you, mate. Your brother and you are still two of my favourites here and I value your friendship too.

Blog on, mate, blog on

I intend to, you can count on it.

Doc,

Here's to you, your stay at JU and most of all, for a wonderful wife who shares you with us

Thanks mate. I will make sure I pass this on to Toni.

Adnauseam,

Congratulations from a South African living in Cairo

Thanks a lot.

Roy,

My favourite newbie,

Thanks for being here and thanks for being a friend, Maso. It's been a cool ride

It has been a great ride, too, mate. I am really enjoying your protaganist's journey too. Keep on truckin', mate

Serenity,

Congrats and my how time flies

Yes, indeed it does fly by. Thanks for being a wonderful friend, Donna.

Zoologist03

on Oct 11, 2007

Dang...my 3 year anniversary was earlier this year. April 19, I believe.

It's been good having you around, Maso, you're a damned good mate in my book.

~Zoo

dynamaso

on Oct 11, 2007

Zoo,

Thanks heaps, mate. Its folks like your good self that have kept me coming back over the past years. It is real good to be here.

dynamaso

on Oct 11, 2007

Oh, yeah, Zoo, happy anniversary for April too.

Zoologist03

on Oct 11, 2007

Its folks like your good self that have kept me coming back over the past years

Aww, shucks...you're making me blush.

~Zoo

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