So here I am at long last. . . .my very own blog. An opportunity to express my opinions and exercise my rights to free speech. . . .and having said that, you are probably quick enough to notice the name used to pen my rights to free speech, Geri. That is Geri Atric. Cute, huh? Thanks to my kid who came up with this clever pen name. . .I can exercise my right to free speech while protecting my ass from someone else's right to due process and filing a lawsuit for slander or libel. Oh, goodness, I have given this much thought. I think that I can give anyone and everyone a piece of my mind. . . .all five of seven brain cells. . with a minimum of legal problems to me. Please keep in mind that alot of what I spout off is intended to be sarcastic and in fun. So if you see a little of yourself in any comments made in this blog, perhaps it is time for self analysis and change. . .especially if you don't like what you read. I come from a long line of opinionated people, reportedly a little on the negative side, and somewhat judgmental. Sometimes that is true. Most of the time, I don't agree but then those descriptions can fit all of us at some point in life. I have come to that point in my life where, I am old enough that I don't really care what anyone else thinks of me and on a day when hotflashes reach a miserable peak, I would not hestitate to tell you that your opinion means squat. That is the beauty of the blog. . . .me and my opinions are all the matter. If you don't like what you read, move on. . . .if you agree with me, feel free to comment with those agreements.

Okay. . .so much for the caustic intro. I use the cartoon Underdog and the title "Have No Fear" with humor because of what it means to me in relationship to my vocation for the last couple of decades. A do-gooder, a mini caped crusader who thinks s/he can save the world one person at a time, the good Samaritan
and also known as quasi-social worker, bleeding heart, or whatever pet name you have to describe someone who suffers from terminal altrusim.

I am a professional fiduciary. What in the heck is that? I am a paid conservator, guardian, trustee and administrator for estates. I take care of people and their financial affairs when they don't have anyone to take care of them and they are no longer able to care for themselves. Maybe it is due to advanced old age, dementia, progressive diseases like Parkinson's Disease, Alzheimer's Disease, MS, or massive stroke, but for whatever reason, someone needs to step in provide for that person and protect them from exploitation and abuse.

My background is government work in public conservatorships and helping folks who don't even have enough brains to know they need help. The druggie burnout that you see under the bridge, the homeless woman with the grocery carts, the dirty old man pushing the baby troller with all his wordly belongings. . . .yep, old friends from days gone by. Bring them into the system kicking and screaming, give them a bath & some clean clothes, a clean bed and regular meals and hope that you have helped to improve the quality of their life. Sometimes you get appreciation, but sometimes you get a kick in the teeth.

I am often appointed by the Courts to care for others. I never advertise so all clients come my way by word of mouth. . . .and that is the best way to work because it eliminates the lookie-loos who just want to pick your brain and waste your time. Even by word of mouth, I meet some interesting folks. . . .and best of all, I meet some wonderful people. Being a professional fiduciary, I have to be professional, first of all, and then tactful, polite and courteous, and treat everyone equally, thoughtfully, and fairly. Can you imagine how tough that can be? It is a great exercise in self-restraint and control. However, it is nice to find a release when you don't think you can hold your tongue anymore. Now, some folks deal with work related stress by drinking, smoking, cheating on the spouse, prescription medications for back pain & neck strain, or they just scream, throw things and kick the dog or the spouse. . . whoever is in the way. So for me, a blog is perfect way to vent my anger, frustrations, spit venom and tell it like it is. . . .without exposing that ugliness on everyone close to me. Now, this is all just my opinion of how blog therapy should work. We will see.

Hang in there with me, and we will see what happens. . . . . . .Geri