A small letter for you...

[Fisher of Men]

Hello,

I just wanted to apologize for being a real mean jerk lately.

I'm not looking for special treatment. I'm not looking for you to take me back.

I simply wanted all of you to know that you didn't deserve to be treated like I have treated you. I have no excuses, I just wanted to say I'm sorry.

If you had any idea the kind of stress I'm going through you might understand....or you might not. Either way it's ok. Again, this is not an excuse for my behavior as it was not acceptable period.

The only thing that I ask is that if you can find it in you to pray for me I would appreciate it. If you could pray for me about my stress and about my anxiety I would appreciate it. I have somewhat fallen out of touch with The Lord and I need to get back on track.

Spyderco has a great product. They have been nothing but fair to me all along. I just let a simple problem get to me and then I made it get out of hand.

Sal,

You seem like a great man. I meant nothing mean to you at all. I am sorry for the problems that I created at your forum.

I wish you all the best.

If any of you wish to reach me for any reason please feel free to use the address below.

davidlowry@neo.rr.com

Thanks,
David

[Mike99]

This guy is worse than me

[Yojimbo]

About FoM, i have read a lot of posts of FoM. This guy doesn't seem to be a troll, i just think he is in a way overstressed period in his life, and work. He has had some good moments and some bad moments. I think that you are an honest guy without evil intentions, but as a Christian try to relax a bit. Search in yourself wether the knives are really the problem, or that there is an underliying problem you have . You have posted that you have had some work related problems, and maybe even personal problems (who doens't in his lifetime). I guess that the knives that have in your opinion defects (i haven't seen them) are not the real problem here, just the last drop that makes you sit behind your pc and write the stress off. This seems to work for you. But it also affects Spyderco as a firm. I suggest that you sell the knives on Ebay, get a refund, and buy another Spyderco (Manix). Then i would suggest you try to get some relaxation therapy or even meditate. I am a Buddhist myself,and although it is not a religion, it CAN be a good way to control the frustrations everyone gets in his daily life out of his system.

FoM, get rid of the blades, sell them on Ebay, throw them away, or even better, donate them to the kitchen of your church, you did a good deed by it, and your church will apreciate those two knives that might have a minor defect but still can be used well in the kitchen, during churchmeeting etc. Then buy a new Spyderco, go to a knifestore and compare and inspect the knives yourself. Buy what pleases you even if it's a Benchmade (Joke), but try to get the frustration about those two knives out of your system. The fact that you worry so much about the knives could cause your personal health WAY MORE TROUBLE the knives are worth.
Please for YOUR own sake, donate the knives to a good cause (Boyscouts, Girlscouts, your church, Salvation Army) and get them out of your system. Then please try to find a way to work onyour daily stress.

God bless you.

I will burn some smoke for you tonight, don't be offended, i hope it will give you a better feeling.

Pacem

[DAYWALKER]

Dear FoM,

My goodness Brother!?! As we say here in Hawaii, "Go easy brah!" I will pray and have already done so regarding your challenges...but remember John 16:33..."In this world you WILL have troubles. But TAKE HEART! I have overcome the world." Also, read Romans 10:13..."EVERYONE who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." Read also the first verse in Galatians 5...

"Side step" these issues brother, don't backslide. Like in combat, those who step backward are always in line to get hit again and again. Those who side step however... ;)

Email me when you get a chance if you want an outlet. I will be more than happy to LISTEN, not just hear you out. Stay in the "NOW" of things, and know that what God's living word says you have, you HAVE. ALL that He says you are, YOU ARE!!!

Take care, and look forward to hearing from you soon. I gotta get ready for hell...

God bless :cool:

[greencobra]

Fisher, I'm going to tell you about my stress. The first time I've been public with it here.

I got laid off last Sept. I had a hernia repair (work related) before my insurance ran out. Eight days after my insurance was up, I had a bi lat pulmonary embolism as a result of a complication from that surgery. Look that up on Web Med. 26 days in hospital, no insurance = $49,000 in the hole, plus lab work every week for 9 months = $240/mo plus medication @$180/mo. I'm into pulmonary specialists, cardio specialists for thousands. To pay this, I'll have to sell my house or take a chunk out of my 401K. My primary care doc just told me to forget what I owe him. Workmans comp cut me loose as well as the original insurance carrier. I'm in court with that on an appeal.

Because of this I wasted 3 - 4 months recovering instead of looking for a job. Now my friend, I have 3 unemployment checks left, no job and here's more stress, every promising interview I come out of, I'm told I'm over qualified. Read that as to old.

Some days I don't want to get up. We all got stress my friend. My escape is this board which I discovered while I was laid up. There's good people here. While I was imobile, I sold **** on steal bay and turned that into Spyderco knives. This board and those knives were my release.

I'm no friggin whiner either. So go with it.

[Yojimbo]

Baldrick99, NO ONE is "Worser then you" :rolleyes: watch out for arrows :D

[Simon G]

FoM,

You have got to put your troubles at the foot of the cross, brother! I think Yojimbo is right, you come here looking for a little stress relief and your stress is spilling over into your posts for which you have recieved a certain amount of flak. This has, evidently, added to your stress. Your Spydies and this forum are just the tip. But brother, you do get out what you put in, just like your personal relationship with Jesus.

Yeah sure, a "problem" with a possession can be annoying, but is it of such great consequence? I have a top end Spyderco Custom Collaboration, that quite honestly, is not up to par. But I have "production" Spydies that are flawless. That's what makes these products what they are. Honest. Built by honest men for honest use. Just like the guys on this forum.

David, get Him back in control of your life.

greencobra,

Your's is one heart wrenching situation. You don't strike me as the man who looks for "flowers and sympathy", but I pray you are soon back to full health and a solution to your finances comes about.

You don't sound like a whiner to me.................no doubt a bit long in the tooth for that malarkey!! ;)

God bless you both,

Simon.

[thombrogan]

David,

Don't you worry. Take a deep breath. Hold it for a four-count. Release it to a four-count. Pause for another four-count. Repeat until calm. This is just the world of sporting cutlery and it attracts a lot of folks with disparate obsessions. You're going to find yourself in a lot of personality clashes. You're also going to find a lot of good friends in this forum, too.

[Fisher of Men]

Thanks.

Not sure really what to say other than that. I really still feel like a jerk.

Again, I'm sorry folks.

God Bless you all.
David

[Mike99]

Im sorry to guys, I am sitting here crying becouse I am a jerk

[ghostrider]

FOM,
You’re a Christian. Here’s a suggestion.

Next time you want to post, first type it in Word, then pray about it and wait for God’s leading before you paste it to the forum and click the ‘submit’ button.

[Outlaw]

I started reading a book entitled, "The Purpose Driven Life" by Rick Warren. I'm just a little more than 1/2 way through it, but it has already helped me reduce my stress by gaining an understanding of God's purpose for our lives.

Just thought it might help, it sure can't hurt....

[ghostrider]

I started reading a book entitled, "The Purpose Driven Life" by Rick Warren. I'm just a little more than 1/2 way through it, but it has already helped me reduce my stress by gaining an understanding of God's purpose for our lives.

Just thought it might help, it sure can't hurt....
You could read that book several times and get something different out of it each time because each time you read it you'll be at a different point in you walk with Christ.

[Fisher of Men]

You know... I have that book. I read it through the first 10 Chapters and even had a discussion group about the book with some close friends. I need to start over with that book because I put it down and didn't finish it. It is indeed a great book.

Also....I like the Screwtape Letters.

Thanks for the help.

[greencobra]

You don't need a book....You need profesional help, quickly.

Be a man, stop whining and crying on a public forum.

This is the first time I've ever lashed out at someone, but you've were here before me so this must have been going on long before I got here. You're lucky your forum mates are more tolerent than I.

Do you know every time you cause a rukus here your damage left behind gets worse.

I've been kind to you in the past but If I kick my dog hard and long enough, eventually she won't come to me any more.

[DAYWALKER]

Aloha ALL!

Greencobra: I know you did not ask for it, but I will and have already prayed for your situation. Watch carefully as things get better soon! ;)

God bless :cool:

[greencobra]

Chad, thanks. Your a sincere person, I'm touched you would do that for me. Prayers from you most welcome.

Again, thanks so much.

Keep safe.

John

[DAYWALKER]

Howzit greencobra!

Not to say that I am a "miracle healer" or anything, but I do have Faith in my relationship with the Lord...

Anytime "bruddah" ;) Watch now... :)

God bless :cool:

[Zoic]

Folks,

I have spent a lot of time here, both posting and reading. I have a couple of suggestions that might prove beneficial:

1. Always re-read your post at least once in its entirety before clicking that submit button. Ask yourself if it is something you would say to someone's face, perhaps a close friend as an example. If the answer is no, I suggest either not posting or possibly rephrasing things a bit.

2. When someone has been a bit abrasive, let it go. Personal attacks aside, it really isn't a big deal in the grand scheme of things. If someone on this forum occasionally ruffling my feathers is the most difficult challenge of my day, I apparently have it way too easy. Don't take it quite so seriously or personally.

3. Every springtime this kind of friction is going to happen, period. I have noticed this on every forum or newsgroup I have ever participated in. There seems to be little rhyme or reason other than the time of year; I can't explain it. Every group will go through little cycles and then smooth out.

Simply abiding by #1 and #2 above (and being aware of #3) will solve a whole host of problems for all involved.

For trolls, use the ignore feature liberally. :D

FWIW, FoM is not a troll; I have corresponded with him privately and believe him to be a fine man with his life in turmoil at the present time. Pray for him in whatever way you are comfortable; he is one of us, after all.

Greencobra, prayers for you as well, my friend. I enjoy your posts immensely and wish you all the best.

As a matter of fact, a prayer for everyone on the forum (and the forum itself) might not be such a bad idea. Thoughts?

--------------
Kurt
(Zoic)

[DAYWALKER]

Aloha zoic!

Great suggestion regarding posts/threads...but uh, I am sorry to say that I already beat ya to a forum prayer :p I pray for everyone here daily at the start of my day! :) ...REALLY!

BTW...have ya started yet? ;)

God bless you KnifeBrother :cool:

[Yojimbo]

As i recall no-one called FoM a Troll, a troll is an evil creature that tries to disrupt the peace and harmony in a forum with EVIL intent. I am certain FoM has no evil meanings , but he needs to get someone who can take a bit of loadof his shoulders, if he can not find the strenght solely in his belief ( wich is understandable), he should get professional help. FoM, you transmit the classic signs of a depression, i have had one too, one day you feel great, next day you wan't to die. Some depressions stay in the " i feel bad " stage, some become bipolar. What you need to do is get some medical support for your stress. You are not considered a "nutcase" at all, the people inhere that have been there, know that sometimes everyone needs help. Even Jezus had help bearing his cross. You are still in the phase where good support by a docter with some medical support can take away the weight off your shoulders.

I say this because i have been in EXACTLY the same problem, but i am slowly getting thru it. Not everyone can do it on his own, it's no shame to ask support.

I wish you the best.

[Gerard Breuker]

I use my own name on the forums I participate in which makes me less anonymous and has a somewhat moderating effect. Doesn't help if I make stupid mistakes of course.

Although on another forum I have found that participating in a forum can help you unwind in times of trouble and make you feel better. To me that is at least as important as the actual topics discussed.

I wish those of you who have serious problems at the moment the strength to overcome them and the best guidance you can get. I do believe that what doesn't kill you makes you stronger in the end but I know that doesn't help much while you have those problems. As I am a non religous man I have to leave the prayers to others but that doesn't mean I care less.

[crahen]

I pray for everyone here daily at the start of my day! :) ...REALLY!

Maybe that's why I've been feeling better lately ;)

DAYWALKER, you're like a ray of sunshine here on this forum :D :D

[Fisher of Men]

As i recall no-one called FoM a Troll, a troll is an evil creature that tries to disrupt the peace and harmony in a forum with EVIL intent. I am certain FoM has no evil meanings , but he needs to get someone who can take a bit of loadof his shoulders, if he can not find the strenght solely in his belief ( wich is understandable), he should get professional help. FoM, you transmit the classic signs of a depression, i have had one too, one day you feel great, next day you wan't to die. Some depressions stay in the " i feel bad " stage, some become bipolar. What you need to do is get some medical support for your stress. You are not considered a "nutcase" at all, the people inhere that have been there, know that sometimes everyone needs help. Even Jezus had help bearing his cross. You are still in the phase where good support by a docter with some medical support can take away the weight off your shoulders.

I say this because i have been in EXACTLY the same problem, but i am slowly getting thru it. Not everyone can do it on his own, it's no shame to ask support.

I wish you the best.


I don't usually share this much information but I am going to today.

I have issues with "anxiety". I don't ever have thoughts of being depressed and/or feeling all down or anything like that. I just get very anxious at times. I often let too many things bother me and I become "anxious" about them.

I will tell you this. I have already seeked professional help (a long time ago) and I am on a very common medication for anxiety. I just need to get used to a few things and I also need to not let little things bother me so much.

I have been on this medication for quite a while and I have not had this issue until recently. I know why and it's being resolved as of yesterday.

As Sal stated in another thread I think that I can turn around and become a good member to the forum. I may be able to gain your respect; I may not. I'll try.

Thanks for reading and being good folks.

Cheers,
David ;)

[ghostrider]

FoM,
You always used Col. 3 for a sig and I liked that but I must say that Eph. 4:29-32 has long been one of my favorites. It really hits home in a convicting way. :)

[Fisher of Men]

FoM,
You always used Col. 3 for a sig and I liked that but I must say that Eph. 4:29-32 has long been one of my favorites. It really hits home in a convicting way. :)

I totally agree. It convicted me when I read it...so I wanted to share it.

Thanks Ghostrider! :)

Much appreciated.
David

[Simple Man]

I learned real quick, first in life, then relearned it here, to check and recheck everything I say and type. Once it is out there, it's out there. You also have to really examine what is posted on a forum as such because if it can be taken wrongly, it will.
You are well on your way to shaking your noob status. A lot of good forum ettiquette has been brought to light as result of your recent postings. Hang around, think before you submit, and remember what is really important. There are a precious few things in life worth really getting upset over, knives aren't one of them.
God Bless FoM.

......If God is for us, who can be against us? Romans 8:31. ;)

[Michael Cook]

Don't beat yourself up. We're not born to be happy.

[UK KEN]

Don't beat yourself up. We're not born to be happy.

:D :D :D Speak for yourself Michael! :D :D :D

Though things aren't exactly perfect in my life I try to behave reasonably because I have a responsibility to the people around me that I love to not act like too much of a “Gluteus Maximus Orifice”.

I’m not saying that it is easy, things get to a point sometimes where I feel like I could explode but I always try to consider the consequences of my actions. I’m nothing special and certainly no where near perfect but I feel the ability to exercise a modicum of self control is within all of us if we choose to use it.

:D So, I’ll keep taking the medication 1200 mg. of Gabapentin daily and try to keep smiling! :D

Regards, Ken