Dear Maureen,
I've always found writing to be a cathartic exercise or, at the very least, a good way to sort through my thoughts. When you add it to the chance to potentially meet someone new - unless you're one of those I've met already, but this has a new feeling, anyway, thanks to the anonymity of it - I'm glad for the chance to participate in this, compulsory or not.
I'm sorry to read that you seem to be having a hard time in Atlantis. I do feel I have a good support system, as well as the opportunity to know people I wouldn't have gotten to know at home. Sometimes bad things happen, but I think that's true for any place, and for me, at least, the good has outweighed the bad. That's something I am grateful for.
I'll close with a question: Do you like music? If you do, what is your favorite genre?
Best regards,
Matt
PS Thank you. It's a mouthful of a name, but at least it's interesting.
PPS You must have a remarkably high tolerance. I know some people who wouldn't be able to write so coherently after that much to drink.