Itchy I've missed you! Glad you're back but also glad (and somehow jealous) that you took the time to be away. I feel like I've had a pretty unbalanced start as well. And holy fuck I do the same thing with post rewards EVEN AFTER I posted this article about how Steemit was about the content, NOT the payout. You even commented and we spoke about how we both struggle with this.

Update: Still struggling. Haha I'm like you in that I sort of dive all the way into something when I'm attracted to it and it's hard to separate yourself and remember that you have a life and there's awesome sunsets to see OUTSIDE. I'm working on that everyday.

Your post got me thinking though, about why I immediately wanted to comment on this... because of the award? Yes. Because we're human and we're greedy. But it was also because I think you're a rad dude and I really like listening to you and I hope to talk with you more about these types of things.

So, wrapping up I don't know if this comment has even made any sense I feel like I'm just rambling at this point... haha Wrapping up.. I think it's great that you're spreading the wealth to folks that comment with their heart and soul, BUT I also had the thought... is this (using a SBD reward) feeding our SBD hungry minds? Would it make it worse? I'm not sure. But I don't want to feel like I really am solely motivated by getting rewards, I'd rather you just know that I really love what you wrote and it's helped me to keep battling my obsession with post payouts and it made me smile. I'd like to disqualify myself from winning your competition.

I'm glad you're back, take breaks if you need 'em we'll be here waiting! And that's awesome you got to see your gf! Does she not live near you? I'm also in a long distance relationship (my gf lives in Hawaii) so I like hearing how other people deal with distance!

Peace and chicken grease itchy.

OH! PS wanted to let you know I've been doin' my grip strengthening exercises and FUCK they're hard everytime! Lol good burn though!

PPS
I want to nominate @photo-trail as my rad dude. This account has introduced me to so many amazing photographers and has also shared my work a number of times which is an awesome feeling! He also puts other "photo news" on the blog, so he's featuring OTHER competitions and showcasing other people who are doing the same thing he is. Sifting through the vast world of steem photography isn't an easy task and this dude kills it. I plan to focus more of my time on steemit to connecting with world class photographers and @photo-trail really helps to make that possible. Keep doin' you @photo-trail!!!

PPPS GODDAMMIT I DIDN'T WISH YOU A HAPPY BIRTHDAY! HBD DUDE! Hope it was awesome :)