A Milestone And A Thank You. Today is a milestone for me as my corrections had passed the 1000 mark. It started as a diversion from my technical world of mumbo jumbo but is now proven as a great way for me to relax. Usually I am able to figure out solutions to technical problems while correcting the piece. From the bottom of my heart I thank you all for giving me the opportunity to correct your work. Just because of a misspelt letter, the entire tone of the essay is changed, giving me much mirth. Clearly imprinted in my mind forever is one such example: instead of "Hi guys, I want to be your friend.", it was "Hi gays, I want to be your friend." Sometimes, their essays move me to no end. How can I ever forget "leaves falling like tired butterflies..." A deceptively short phrase conjuring such vivid imagery. Truely gems found in unexpected places. To those claiming that correcting someone's English is a one way street, I say nay to them - for now I have a new poem in my reportoire and this note is another such unexpected outcome. There are plenty of great writers out here. The problem is that their English sabre is not sharp enough nor were they able to wield it effectively. By giving them comparisons, I hope that in time they will become true swordsmen in their own right to forge through this English thicket of thorns to awaken the sleeping rose that lies in the yonder castle chamber. They have the capacity to learn; the tenacity to cling on to their dreams and the patience to read and decipher my blunt comments. Sure, there are compliments but one must expect criticisms as well. Whatever the case may be, I love them all. For those who complimented me, I thank them knowing that there is a job well done. To the others, I too thank them sincerely as they pointed out what a sloppy piece of work I gave. Therefore as pricks, I welcome them to remind me that I am no saint sitting upon a high throne; but a human with faults and all. To them I simply say sorry. Writing is less effective than face to face communication in real time (to borrow a computer term). There are no visual clues or body language to rely on. Thus it is more easily misunderstood. Alas, how true it is that the path to hell is paved with good intentions. "We are here to learn and improve", a phrase I'm fond of saying. Never mind the thick skinned creature I had become - for the cockles of my heart are filled with warmth in knowing that I am able to help someone's English in ways that I will never know.