Love?

jacpod comments on Feb 26, 2018:

There is a difference between loving and being in love ,the hormones are pheromones, but there is scientific doubt about whether they affect humans - I guess you know if you're in love by your behaviours and your friends might notice you being different - but 'in love' is a really difficult concept to get a handle on

Do you think everything happen for a reason? how can we know its reason?

jacpod comments on Feb 26, 2018:

No but if its a shit happening there will be pain to deal with and if its a funny happening there will be laughter and if its a mixed bag happening there could be learning.probably depends upon how we meet changes.

Ever had an awkward moment when you thought you had to be at work?

jacpod comments on Feb 26, 2018:

yes but ti was a long time ago - I used to work saturday evenings at a pub called the Cutty Sark in Greenwich my friend came over to babysit for me one evening i was so distraught because she hadnt come and I was in such a state I was crying as I so hate to be late when she got to me she put her arms round me and said 'Laura the clocks went back!" I still couldnt go to work as I was so gutted- so we just sat together and nattered

For those without a degree... Do you ever wish that you had one or had finished one?

jacpod comments on Feb 26, 2018:

I liked your last bit - does it change anything to have a piece of paper - I think No! I felt for a lot of my life that I should have, had/done, more schooling even though i had nice work environments and life was interesting. I eventually went and did three degrees one in social psychology one in Fine and Applied arts and one in Counselling - Looking back I really enjoyed the process and the content but it hasn't changed me - And I am thinking its just tools for living that you pick up. And you can pick those up just by living consciously - Learning to me isn't something you particularly do in a college. Its having a curiousity , and an enquiring mind, being playful with information. A lot of my lecturers at college were very fond of the students who did nothing but go out on the town and hand in any old work because they knew that the students were learning other skills - equally valid. I started at uni when I was in my 30's and many of the young people who came to Liverpool Uni had rarely even got on a bus before and didnt know how to have their money ready etc.

Do you in some way feel superior to those who are religious or have you remained humble?

jacpod comments on Feb 26, 2018:

wrings hands like Uriah Heep - Most decidedly 'umble your honour

Is anybody else an outcast of their family?

jacpod comments on Feb 26, 2018:

Yes but then I left home at fifteen, later my mother was phoning me to tell me how good it was without me so it was really easy to stay away - I think I have met the most beautiful people in all my wanderings and feel really good abut that as for the concept of family - nah! stuff it! i don't think its good for anyone to elect to be the family scapegoat because it takes away the capacity of the family to understand its own dynamics. Whilst thy bale you they aren't looking at themselves.

Is anybody else an outcast of their family?

jacpod comments on Feb 26, 2018:

Yes but then I left home at fifteen, later my mother was phoning me to tell me how good it was without me so it was really easy to stay away - I think I have met the most beautiful people in all my wanderings and feel really good abut that as for the concept of family - nah! stuff it! i don't think its good for anyone to elect to be the family scapegoat because it takes away the capacity of the family to understand its own dynamics. Whilst thy bale you they aren't looking at themselves.

How did it go for you when you came out as an atheist?

jacpod comments on Feb 26, 2018:

I didnt have to, my family were atheists my children are atheists even though I never swayed them in any direction that I can remember .

Any alterations towards fear of death since acknowledging your atheism?

jacpod comments on Feb 26, 2018:

No I don't really fear death never have, I had a near death experience when i was quite young I fear life more, I don't like being hurt, I don't think I ever acknowledged my atheism I was always this way out it just feels like me some part of me that others have feelings about but I don't.

How do you tell religious people that you're an atheist?

jacpod comments on Feb 26, 2018:

Only way to find out is, suck it and see, make it a learning exercise, research, that way you won't be quite so thrown when you get a load of nutterguff back. I only tell these days if I am asked and if I have an imaginary bullet proof vest on because it is absolutely of no consequence to me, what I am not. I don't really see why its of consequence to anyone else - I'd love to just answer completely off key and wacky like 'yes I do always wear white knickers'

"Atheism’ is a much simpler concept than ‘Christianity’ or ‘Hinduism’, but the word ...

jacpod comments on Feb 26, 2018:

I am a simple woman I just have never had a god and never wanted one - atheist works fine for me I have never seen the fun in trying to fit into other peoples definitions

I'm hoping someone can shed some insight for me.

jacpod comments on Feb 26, 2018:

I refuse to talk about religion to anyone who isn't going to listen and play nice - Complete waste of time! this isn't a relationship in my book - You have just said exactly where you stand and believe me you will never get sense out of someone who has a a position to hold on to ; if theres no give and take he's just playing cat and mouse with you, try talking about the weather its what us Brits do when people are being tedious

Honesty.

jacpod comments on Feb 26, 2018:

I am but I was always this way out which makes it easier for me. I was never -conditioned by anyone to believe or not believe My parents were not religious and were not very bothered about me. I dont imagine there is anything about me that I would not share in this context but boringly never been anything other than atheist.

How to facilitate a close and meaningful relationship with Christian siblings

jacpod comments on Feb 26, 2018:

if you have your own beliefs you dont need 'other ' to validate you and just because you feel belittled doesn't mean you have to be belittled - come on here for validation its a really strong site- People out here in the real world are all the time 'not getting' each others position - find the way to be strong and live with the world how it is and not how you would like it to be . We atheists /agnostics are no more entitled to an easy ride through this mired life than anyone else. First you need time to get strong for yourself and then maybe make accommodations with others.

Need help defending my lack of faith in Christianity

jacpod comments on Feb 26, 2018:

I dont I would never rip someones comfort blanket off them and I think its wholly personal whether you want a god or not - you seem to be doing very well - why would you need yours sisters to be at your side on this one they have their own lives to live -just like you.

Why do premonitions happen from a scientific point of view?

jacpod comments on Feb 25, 2018:

I am replying, but I dont know the answer, I have always imagined that we have more sensory ability than we think and it has been true for me that the hairs on my arm do stand erect and weird feeling at times, and I become more alert to y surroundings - I think at those times it could be something to do with the flight or flight response - We are part of the animal kingdom and animals do have acute sensory perception

It amazes me daily that I carry a computer in my pocket.

jacpod comments on Feb 25, 2018:

I have never owned a mobile phone - I am obviously on a computer here a desktop one .

Do you encourage your friends ambitions ?

jacpod comments on Feb 25, 2018:

yes. I encourage anyone who shares their ambitions with me.

Do you pay attention to what you value most ?

jacpod comments on Feb 25, 2018:

I would say that I value relationships most and it is true I dont pay enough attention to them.

I've had depression an social anxiety for as long as I can remember.

jacpod comments on Feb 25, 2018:

Hi there - I love it here - on the whole nicest site I ever experienced hope you find it good for you too.

Do you think some religious attitudes could be the downfall of the human race?

jacpod comments on Feb 25, 2018:

I 'll be watching out for that ark building course.

Did god play a big role in your life growing up?

jacpod comments on Feb 25, 2018:

No role at all .

What Keeps You Where You Are?

jacpod comments on Feb 25, 2018:

I live in Northern Ireland, now I am retired I dont think I'll be moving again. I moved with my children so many times in their lives my daughter gave me an ultimatum that she would never again move with me.

Favourite Book Genre?

jacpod comments on Feb 25, 2018:

Crime fiction

What books are you all reading right now?

jacpod comments on Feb 25, 2018:

Just re-read Jeffery Deaver - The bodies left behind

Have You Ever Been Molested As A Child?

jacpod comments on Feb 25, 2018:

My father would always walk me up to bed it was three flights of stairs with no light fitting for the first flight so in the dark, When we got me to bed we would both read Alice in Wonderland, him pointing to each word and me chipping in with the words I knew. then he would say OK Myfanwy (joke name) II'm going now I'll see you in the morning and he would turn out the light and pretend to go out of the door -opening and shutting it but he never left my room and my experience was when the father left he let in the night monster. My mother knew exactly what was happening - I left home at fifteen.

Why do families pray before eating?

jacpod comments on Feb 25, 2018:

to let the meal get cooler?

What teachable moments do you give your children?

jacpod comments on Feb 25, 2018:

My children loved to go to the V&A museum, upstairs there are Egyptian Mummy's, and they loved making up scarier and scarier stories. In the National gallery we would share our favourites and say why we liked them or not

What teachable moments do you give your children?

jacpod comments on Feb 25, 2018:

wow love that 9 year old !

Where are you from

jacpod comments on Feb 25, 2018:

Lee Green South East London.

My mom has cancer.

jacpod comments on Feb 25, 2018:

You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, smarter than you think, and twice as beautiful as you'd ever imagined.

Do you date religious people and what has been your experience with their reaction towards your ...

jacpod comments on Feb 25, 2018:

No -I do get stick sometimes but its in a jokey way - Like I get called 'the wee heathen!' I do a lot of work for charity because I enjoy being busy and useful so that goes some way to calming people down about my lifestyle choices - Happily I have a partner who was born here in N.I. who became agnostic before i met him and he is well respected, so I have a small way in there too.

Ok your funny former religious experiences.

jacpod comments on Feb 25, 2018:

My brother who like me has no religion married a Catholic woman in her church/chapel, it was very low key - no flowers no music etc. as it was 51 years ago and frowned upon as a 'mixed marriage'. Our side of the church were absolutely clueless about what was going on and constantly looking for clues from the other side My mother was hissing stand up! sit down ! Now! Kneel! I wanted ot laugh all the way through it was like a sketch from Monty Python

SENTIENT INSECTS?

jacpod comments on Feb 25, 2018:

I was camping in Southern Ireland asleep in our tent with my partner when a hornet stung the inside of my ear -I really dont know what it was looking for - the ear apparently hasn't much structure and something so percussive will alter it, my Dr. tells me so now that right ear is changing shape/structure all the time - it was a fair while ago about 15 years and I still have a very mobile right ear.

My mom has cancer.

jacpod comments on Feb 25, 2018:

Smile Sweet Woman & all will be well

Peter Gabriel (ft. Kate Bush), "Don't Give Up"... [youtube.com]

jacpod comments on Feb 25, 2018:

ahh time for a slowy!

Anyone here from the old Bipolardisorderconnect support site?

jacpod comments on Feb 25, 2018:

No sorry but I like this side I have Dissociative Identity Disorder but feel a bit of a fraud becaue as I have got older I dont fret so much and have calmed down a lot accepted a lot dont fight it dont get upset so ,much more manageable.

All of my friends have been filmmakers, small press editors, writers and artists.

jacpod comments on Feb 24, 2018:

I am an artist, was a creative expressive therapist , love gardening create something every day, I am nearly always fiddling with something in my hands and my minute flat is covered in wool, cotton ,machined stuff, pens,,, pencils, pastels ,freestyle origami .I am so cluttered that I cant find anything and often start anew only to find the duplicate later hiding in some bin or other - I think I am more creative when messy.

Am I weird?

jacpod comments on Feb 24, 2018:

I'm with you on wifebeaters! slightly siding with man in a vest he looks cool to me.

Do you agree with Aristotle?

jacpod comments on Feb 24, 2018:

not really - I like the intention behind it yet I think "the whole aim" is a step too far for me - I dont know if 'happiness' stretches to all the imaginings that I have for what my aim is in life. I think also that misery and disappointment have taught me in my life to enjoy the happiness the laughter and joy when its there and to persevere when its not .

Feminist?

jacpod comments on Feb 24, 2018:

I did in the past (living in England ) and still am within myself , but with a slightly faded touch as I now live in Northern Ireland and there is little feminist movement as such because it is more about sectarianism and a peace movement . I live on the North Coast and its quite far away from the City of Belfast. I was'nt here when people were getting it really rough though I have had some wacky moments like a rifle pointed at me though our car window after the IRA threw a bomb into Antrim Barracks.

Happiness is not a state to arrive at, but a manner of traveling.

jacpod comments on Feb 24, 2018:

Are you on a roll or just naturally wise owl?

I wish more people understood this.

jacpod comments on Feb 24, 2018:

when i lived in communes we worked and earned and shared our money on a basis of hierarchy of needs - some people needed money to visit their families etc. It came out of the communal pot and we rarely voted because we nearly always had agreement.

Does or has anyone really felt they fit in?

jacpod comments on Feb 24, 2018:

I also never fitted in because I went to a free school - it was great for me but not for fitting in when I eventually got moved to the local primary. everybody in our small town called me 'that strange child' and I guess I took it on board - these days I am so glad I never fitted in - its very freeing ..

Honesty.

jacpod comments on Feb 24, 2018:

My truth is my truth to do with as I please. Yes If I had been Polish in Nazi Germany I would have saved my life if I could by lying. And, Yes if someone is hassling me today I will do whatever I need to do to get out of their orbit - I decided long ago that it was ok for me to lie to get out of a poor situation (My Mum's expecting me back home before now, I have to go!). My only condition for myself is that I never ever get to believe that wasn't a lie. My truth is I lied.

A lot of angry and/or uneducated atheists around here...

jacpod comments on Feb 24, 2018:

Good for you! Enjoy!

Being respectful

jacpod comments on Feb 24, 2018:

I wouldn't really want to engage with anyone about my unbelief at all . Its pointless what am I going to get out of it apart from a verbal hiding ?- I have put up with too any of those already and I learned from it .I am never disrespectful of another's beliefs but I wont put up with being lectured about how I am going to hell in a handbucket any more

What is symbolically - metaphorically meaningful to you?

jacpod comments on Feb 24, 2018:

Off teh top of my head - babies - any baby at all - thinking of their journey ahead and wondering if it will be a mostly pleasant one.

Has anyone ever pawned anything?

jacpod comments on Feb 24, 2018:

that was so funny reading 'pawn tv shows' (apologies for my smutty mind) . No I seem to think our family were afraid of looking that poor so we never pawned anything, also my parents were both in work, my mother was still welding after the war, because of the lack of skilled men and my dad came home from the R.A.F with a terrible fear of being on the dole (that was the relieving Officer in those days) so my mum kept him for a bit then laid down the law that she couldn't afford to feed a man as well as two children. Apparently my great grand father pawned his watch and got it back every payday but I never knew him

Has a faith healer ever wanted to try to heal you?

jacpod comments on Feb 24, 2018:

I never knew him and wasnt born when this story started so please let me tell you first that I dont even know its my story even though it happened to me . My uncle had a girlfriend whose spine was twisted and he took her to a famous Faith healer Harry Edwards who treated my aunt she was never completely better but was able to walk without a metal corset and ride a bike - I did know her but not well as she lived on the Island. (Dont ask I dont know). Harry Edwards told my uncle that he had a 'gift' and wanted to teach him, which they did. When I was 4 years old (1952) I got double pneumonia and measles, (probably due to Churchills smogs) at the same time our doctor lived at the end of the road and made many house calls each day but didnt have much of an armoury of medicines then . My Uncle John was called to the house and I remember being in my mothers bed with all my aunts and granny lined up watching - all dressed in black (probably just in case). I don't remember this bit but my uncle breathed in my breath and then went outside and was seriously sick, and apparently I started to get better - I have no take on this story whatsoever. I was told it many times. For me its just a folk tale. I dont know that my Uncle John 'wanted' to 'heal ' me he just came when asked .

What's the best way to get into a woman's heart (if ya know what I mean).

jacpod comments on Feb 24, 2018:

Theres a famous story for this one look for the story of 'Sir Lancelot and what women want http://blog.makingherhappy.com/2011/08/king-arthur-and-witch-lessons-in-women.html

What makes a relationship work

jacpod comments on Feb 24, 2018:

I think good old give and take and being forgiving enough to be kind & completely honest about what rubs you up the wrong way - Also never let the sun go down on an argument and remember the good parts of your friendship before getting picky with each other . If you can laugh about it all afterwards thats a good sign. I thnk its a good idea to have a talk about having no -go areas about things that perpetually lead you into that 'not talking just sulking space.

Top 5 fav artists ( groups and individuals)

jacpod comments on Feb 24, 2018:

Rolling Stones Kate and Anna McGarrigle The Carter Family Beatles Van Morrison Incredible String Band

Hey all! trying to get into the sharing game on this site, I thought I would share with you guys ...

jacpod comments on Feb 24, 2018:

great! thank you!

Hi, I'm Daniele.

jacpod comments on Feb 24, 2018:

wow youre brave standing up to the establishment

Favourite Films

jacpod comments on Feb 24, 2018:

My favourite is Tom Jones I read the book before I saw the film but it wasn't a spoiler as the film was so wacky the part i remember best is him looking straight up close, at us the audience and asking us "Did you see him steal my five hundred pound note?" But I dont think I have ever walked out of a cinema and have always loved the films except when I was going out with a projectionist who was into horror movies so free but awful.

Are athiests happier than thiests? Explain why

jacpod comments on Feb 23, 2018:

I never was a theist either and I do think that I had a more stress -free life because of it; one less thing to be concerned about . I had a friend when growing up who took it all very seriously and believed, who had a very troubled time and was always concerned with whether here behaviour was O.K. or not , I think thats quite a lot of pressure to put on a child. My parents were not churchgoers and were not religious so I think I had an easier time of it .

Spring is coming! What do you most look forward to?

jacpod comments on Feb 23, 2018:

Getting out in the garden, beachcombing, spring tides are great for driftwood - what sort of tree do you think you might like? I was overwhelmed by those giant sequoias but I guess they are small when they are young.

What do you have more of, then most people you know?

jacpod comments on Feb 23, 2018:

craziness.

The subject of liking or disliking tattoos has come up a few times and as said before I'm covered.

jacpod comments on Feb 23, 2018:

wow wonderwoman! I do like tattoo's some more than others I remember boys at school used to do their own with a compass and school ink and I wasn't impressed but its a great art form - I probably wont get another because the NO... was from a healing place - It did the trick ,and its just me now I dont even think of it as a tatt (though I wouldn't deny it was , feels part of me just like my arm saying NO...

Does psychotherapy really help?

jacpod comments on Feb 23, 2018:

Yes , maybe not everyone , and a lot, of alternative therapies help, in the end you need to find the way to manage yourself ,but its a good learning process whatever course you take even if you decide in the end that it isn't for you its good learning.

I went to the Cathedral for the first time in years this evening.

jacpod comments on Feb 23, 2018:

yes! I share your anger

When you were young, what type of fort did you build?

jacpod comments on Feb 23, 2018:

our neighbours still had their andersen shelter from the war it was a good fort!

Do the Math

jacpod comments on Feb 23, 2018:

He is on facebook today just, doting, somebody pinch me is this the real president of America

What makes a relationship work

jacpod comments on Feb 23, 2018:

give and take - understanding, even if you re not so well yourself,, - enjoying the companionship doing things together which you both want to do - freedom & appreciation. My partner and i dont hang around together all the time he has a separate flat upstairs to me - we do stuff for each other if i am better at ironing shirts he is better at money stuff ; we dont get in each others space or do couply things - probably wouldn't work for everyone but we met when we were in our forties and just recognised each other as oddballs and got on.

How the Elderly Lose Their Rights | The New Yorker

jacpod comments on Feb 23, 2018:

wow that has to be a wake up call for us all - I find in increasingly anxiety producing to be getting older.

Are you an open or closet agnostic/atheist, and why?

jacpod comments on Feb 23, 2018:

Open - because when i was a child I wasn't noticed by anyone ,left to my own devices, thought of as 'that strange child' I dont know why but I lied all the time - I never told the truth - at some point someone must have asked me why and as I didnt have a good enough reason I decided to always tell my truth - Its the least important thing about me, for myself, that I am an atheist so I dont mind who knows.

How do you tell religious people that you're an atheist?

jacpod comments on Feb 23, 2018:

yes! there isnt any simpler way!

Do you think some religious attitudes could be the downfall of the human race?

jacpod comments on Feb 23, 2018:

I do sometimes notice a balance between say those that pollute and those that take care of the seas and remove the plastic etc. We have a think going here to pick up five pieces of plastic off the beach every day so maybe it will filter down in time when we get laws - (oh thats funny we do have littering laws)

Beliefs

jacpod comments on Feb 23, 2018:

Only way out ,is get out you cant change a mindet that is based on unreality its like that possum playing dead thing, if you turn them over - they just roll over and play dead again - Dont waste precious time and energy on stuckness.

If we're serious about drawing distinctions between "acceptably dangerous" and "unacceptably ...

jacpod comments on Feb 23, 2018:

I think the only acceptable gun would be a water pistol.

What is the worst place someone could ask you on a date?

jacpod comments on Feb 23, 2018:

I really love your mind! the worst place would be a Kingdom Hall (JW's) Maybe worse than that would be Buck house (Buckingham Palace)

It’s hard living with a liar. Especially when the liar is you.

jacpod comments on Feb 23, 2018:

((((hugs)))))) you are worth as much as all the rest of us

Tell about an exciting, fun, or interesting thing that happened to you while pursuing a favorite ...

jacpod comments on Feb 22, 2018:

Scenery round here isn't as wild as yours but my partner and I decided to go to Rathlin island (Off the north coast of Northern Ireland) and camp out we wanted to see the puffin sanctuary It was a fair walk from the harbour and we were into wading thought really long grass when a Rathlin hare broke cover it was the biggest of its kind I have ever seen, English hares are a lot smaller it was enchanting and the puffins though extremely smelly were a great encounter too.

Anyone else enjoy being single?

jacpod comments on Feb 22, 2018:

My partner of many years lives upstairs to me, we live in sheltered accommodation we both have mental health problems. he has OCD big style, I have D.I.D and somehow we manage to fill all the gaps in what we need to do, I cook our dinner for 1 0 clock , and we probably see each other for an hour then later at 7 we watch T.V together for a couple of hours. I find it easy having a routine I can remember and also enjoy both the freedom and the company.

I think I’d like to live in a nudist colony.

jacpod comments on Feb 22, 2018:

I was in Spain with my partner and two near teenagers and we were cycling and it was the hottest I had known it, we were looking for a nice beach to stop at and found one that was terraced in a way that you couldn't see the actual beach but the sea was promising; when we actually wound our way down to the beach it was a nudist beach and people were also covered in some dried mud - we sat down very quickly (being brits) to decide what to do, our children thought it was a hoot and after observing for a bit just joined in - the bit that was good was that later some people arrived with transistor radios which clashed with the mood of the place and everybody on the beach picked up big stones and bashed them together to drown out the noise - at which they left. I hadnt seen that kind of spontaneous demonstration before.

Do you like a challenge in life or an easy life?

jacpod comments on Feb 22, 2018:

I love challenges, and love easy, the things that challenge me are my spatial ignorance, I dont seem able to turn things around in my head and it takes me pushing my brain and making tons of drawings in order to get to grips with a sculptural piece and I drive my partner mad asking him how? how can I make this mobile work when it just cant , and he can see why it cant & I cant see why it cant, even when he tries to explain because me head doesn't do spatial awareness even though I am a fair potter and into raku - I dont know anyone who has ever been able to help me solve the problem of my head not being tuned in but my hands are .

I am Bipolar Type 2.

jacpod comments on Feb 22, 2018:

I have Dissociative Identity Disorder which people give me a fair bit of grief over - I think because even though it was professionally diagnosed and i have all the markers for it - most people seem to think that its is so rare that it couldn't possibly exist - I spend a lot of time maintaining the links between alters so that we dont all fall apart and a fair amount of time talking to others with the dx so we can share coping strategies. as I get older (nearly seventy now) a lot of our inner connections are fading, which is both sad and happy all at the same time as I experience less hassle.

Why does society focus on looks instead of knowledge?

jacpod comments on Feb 22, 2018:

It is weird isnt it rather like someone arbitrarily saying this is beautiful this is not - When my mother was a young girl pre -war she was chubby and that was so the rage her sister was thin and didnt get any men then it all changed - I dont really know why we make it different .

Would you be a better god than the god of the bible? If so - how?

jacpod comments on Feb 22, 2018:

do you remember that clip of Norman Wisdom realising that he could make the orchestra do as he wanted by moving his stick well I'd be like that - changing the colours of the seas and skys etc.Till it got boring then I 'd move on.....

Why do criminals murder innocent people?

jacpod comments on Feb 22, 2018:

when I was a child about 8 years old we had a large semi detached house our neighbours son killed his mother by beating her to death as well as her budgie whose neck he wrang and then laid on her breast - he had mental health unwellness, and was probably sent to his very edge by his mum and budgie skriking . He was picked up by the police at a seaside resort trying to pluck up the will to kill himself and he was sent to 'Broadmoor'. I cant stop remembering him as a kindly soul not quite with us but extraordinarily kindly and quiet.

How do you feel about the word "Heathen"?

jacpod comments on Feb 22, 2018:

I like it because its the way they say it that means they are cool with you and how you come - 'Yer wee heathen yer!' (N.Ireland)

What is the most bittersweet moment you've had in your life?

jacpod comments on Feb 22, 2018:

when my daughter was born she was 5 pounds weight and had pyloric stenosis meaning she was constantly sick with undigested food and constantly hungry. I spent load of hours washing her, washing her clothes et.etc. I was nineteen so had the energy for it then - She was taken into hospital 2 times and put into an incubator we weren't allowed in those days to stay with, but visited ever visiting hour. Once she was in the incubator nearest the door which meant she was seriously poorly, when we went to see her the next day the incubator was empty and I nearly screamed we were rushing around looking for our babe when a nurse came and said she got a little better and was in a cot. The relief was indescribable.

Did god play a big role in your life growing up?

jacpod comments on Feb 22, 2018:

No I left god alone and god left me alone, so we both got a good deal - My parents were too old and weighed down by the 2nd ww to be very bothered with me so I was pretty much alone and it suited me fine.

What was a fact taught to you in school that has been disproven in your lifetime?

jacpod comments on Feb 22, 2018:

That there are only 2 genders.

How do you tell someone, with diplomacy that you don’t want to have a prayer with you?

jacpod comments on Feb 22, 2018:

wow! I think I'd want to sock them one on the nose and hope that grows back!

Do you find Americans boring?

jacpod comments on Feb 22, 2018:

No I think every American I have met was really fascinating to me It was a huge shock for me as a Brit to go to America, I was in California but the country is so huge its overwhelming for someone from a small island to try to encompass. I found Americans where i shipped up were kind -herted folk.

How open are you with others about your lack of religious beliefs?

jacpod comments on Feb 22, 2018:

Completely if it comes up - It doesnt often in Northern Ireland because of the sectarian divide.

Feeling very welcome to be a part of this group.

jacpod comments on Feb 21, 2018:

Glad you feel welcome I am fairly new here too. I really get your last bit -me too - those historic feelings of why me? and feeling really sorry for myself - I was depressed when I was eight years old in 1956 when no one knew that children could be depressed but also in those days no one else knew what was going on behind closed doors. I have met seriously well intentioned people in my life since and it has been a healing journey nad I am glad to be alive even if I do have to have coping mechanisms in place

What do you remember about your first day of school?

jacpod comments on Feb 21, 2018:

first day at school I was four years old - it was a free school - as long as we were learning something it didnt matter what. It was our choice . - I remember it was round about christmas time as i was sent with a chocolate santa, for my break. There was a tryptych on the wall of cherubs floating around which had a lot of pastel colours and gold in it - we started the day by lining up and being asked general knowledge questions . We were all different ages and this all took place in two rooms, the teacher was a really tiny woman with lots of floaty black linen clothes and very long grey hair in a plait - She just sat at her desk being available if anyone got bored with what they were doing we could ask for some help or for an idea . There was a 'naughty desk' which I rather coveted it was all bamboo with a chair included in the design and it was facing away from everyoen else so you were in solitary. (all the desks were different ). When it got darker and colder early we had to help Miss Lindfield up onto a table in order to light the gas fire which was on the ceiling and htere were chains on the gas lamps to make them work - it was 1952

Who is the most eccentric person in your family?

jacpod comments on Feb 21, 2018:

I am the only one left in my family so it must be me. When i was growing up with very mentally unwell parents I went to a free school and everyone but everyone called me "That strange child!"

Religious suffering

jacpod comments on Feb 21, 2018:

No! but I think I can understand your fear, I had tremendous fear of my family who were mentally unwell and unpredictable.

Food! What do you love to eat? :D

jacpod comments on Feb 21, 2018:

veggie curry with nice rice

What is it you like about Agnostic.com

jacpod comments on Feb 21, 2018:

I like the idea that we are oceans apart but can 'get ' each other - (when we know what the translated words are) - That we are probably never going to meet up but have a really cool relationship. so many people here I seriously like - Its strange how a personality can shine through the written word.

Do you like tea? If so, what kind do you drink?

jacpod comments on Feb 21, 2018:

Occasionally, I like it black and fairly strong, (like my coffee) I don't know why but we call it Government tea (thats probably a hangover from the last war doh!) I did flirt with herbal teas and like them but they aren't very strong, but just thinking about your earlier post, chamomile tea is supposed to work for getting you to sleep.

If you could become a musical virtuoso, what instrument would you play?

jacpod comments on Feb 21, 2018:

the only instruments I have ever played were a school recorder (which I still like twiddling on) and on a trip down the Thames to Southampton and back on a jazz boat someone let me have a go at one of those brass instruments that are huge that you stand inside - havent a baldie what its called but I got clapped and hurrahed for getting some notes out of it.

What is the best road trip you have ever made?

jacpod comments on Feb 21, 2018:

When we first came to Northern Ireland we made a road trip all around the coast it was great we had a vw van that we could sleep in and absolutely everything was magickal - In those days 25 years ago there was little difference monetarily between North and South but then the Celtic Tiger arose and it got pretty expensive and we got too old for sleeping in the van.

What are you favourite roadtriping/driving music or albums?

jacpod comments on Feb 21, 2018:

Incredible string Band, Van Morrison, Leonard Cohen , The Fall, Kate and Anna Mcgarrigle. etc.

Is it easy or hard for you to get to sleep?

jacpod comments on Feb 21, 2018:

I have a going to bed ritual that takes about half an hour I made myself a sort of four poster bed so its like a cave when I draw the curtains and i have a light inside and when I am ready slip in between the sheets and read a book till I am tired I always have a hottie all year round. I doubt that this will be of much use to you though ,so - sorry...

Flirting, what are your tactics when implementing this strategy?

jacpod comments on Feb 21, 2018:

hen I was younger I was going into town to work and this man on the train kept smiling at me - it worked I kept looking at him to see if he was still doing it and he was just doing it more - I sagged off work and we spent the day together he was a teacher in a school that we passed on the train and wanted to buy some guitar strings and mooch about - It was a great day we never met again but I think it was a good flirt!