Party of One

Throughout my life, I've had many acquaintances but few buddies. This is due to choice and circumstance: the former because I learned the hard way that everyone who smiles in my face isn't my friend, and the latter because my occupation involves working crazy hours.
My parents have expressed concern about my well-being because I tend to do activities by myself instead of with another person or a group. On several occasions, my mother has told me that I need to find my soulmate soon or else I'll become an "old maid." The irony of my predicament is I'm not anti-social; if anything, I'm outgoing. Besides, being single doesn't phase me ... and I'd rather use my free time to pursue my interests -- not pine away for someone of the opposite sex.
The rotating shifts at my job leave me with an erratic social life. Depending on my schedule, I enjoy going to Bowlmor Lanes on Mondays ... but I also like to in-line skate at Central Park or Prospect Park during the summer. If the diversion involves passive participation, I'll check out the male revue at Webster Hall on Thursdays or visit the Museum of Modern Art on Fridays.
Whenever I go out, my goal is to have fun. It would be nice if I met someone worth dating, but it's not the be-all-and-end-all of my existence. I'm not interested in having a boyfriend just for the sake of having a boyfriend, nor am I looking for someone to "complete me," since I'm already whole.
I don't mind leading a solitary life because it means I'm not beholden to anyone. Being an individual isn't the same as being isolated, for I'm still engaged in the world around me. It's been said that you find love when you least expect it; therefore, I won't look for it -- I'll let it come to me. (As an aside, experience has shown me that even when that happens, emotions have a way of complicating situations.)
Contrary to the Three Dog Night song, one isn't the loneliest number -- it's the ultimate symbol of independence.

Milestone Memories

Horatio Alger wrote children's books about those facing obstacles and beating the odds. This theme is fitting as the United States finds itself at the crossroads of two tragedies.
August 29 marked the second anniversary of Hurricane Katrina hitting the Gulf Coast, and the country's set to commemorate the sixth anniversary of the terrorist attacks on September 11. For most people, it's a time to remember those who died (and suffered) in these horrific events ... but while it's good to reflect on the past, it's just as important to look to the future.
The outpouring of humanitarian support following these disasters was second only to the sense of unity among Americans. Class, ethnic, political, and religious divisions were erased as people rallied around uplifting causes. First responders at the World Trade Center were hailed as heroes, while many cities -- most notably Houston -- welcomed Katrina evacuees with open arms. Unfortunately, as years have passed, the plight of these groups don't weigh as heavily on the public's consciousness.
Officials at the federal, state, and local levels pledged to rebuild what was destroyed on those days of infamy, but it's going to take more than words to restore one’s faith in government. After all, the EPA misled the public about air quality in lower Manhattan, putting thousands of lives at risk. As for the Army Corps of Engineers, their efforts to repair the levees in New Orleans have been undermined by reports that the system is still prone to failure.
Given these situations, the future doesn't look bright for "Ground Zero" emergency workers and Crescent City residents. Physical, mental, and emotional scars have hindered these people from moving on with their lives after going through such a traumatic experience. This is unfortunate, for it means that society has failed them ... and that may be the biggest tragedy of all.