Another article read that can do nothing but incite problems.
The first article I saw when I opened up my Yahoo browser today was "Bill O'Reilly says 'the left wants power taken away from the white establishment'".
This is not what America is supposed to be! The article was bad enough to incite anger, but the comments ... is this really how the far right feels? That females, non-whites, non-Christians are a problem, that we should all bow down to the white male Christian?
I know many people who are on the right, and I've never heard such bologna from any of them. Is this words that they are afraid to say? I truly would hope not.
Guess what? This country was built on the backs of immigrants, women, and minorities, all of whom have contributed to this country. There should be no question that they deserve just as much of a say in what makes this country as anyone else.
In 2008, when the presidential race was Romney vs. Obama, I was excited. Want to know why? Because, I truly believed we had come so far as a country. I believed that, for once, that the race was putting aside religion and race, and that we would be able to look at the actual policies and principals of the individuals. At first, after the 2008 election, it looked like that was true. But, as the years went on, I heard more about race and religious issues than I had ever heard in my adult life. Now, it seems that race is becoming an even bigger issue, and it's one that makes me fearful for my friends and neighbors. I will continue to raise my children that there people are people regardless of color of their skin or the house of worship they attend. I will not succumb to this racist anger that is being perpetrated.
If this far right that is now to be in charge of this fine country of ours wants to accomplish anything, then the first thing that has to happen is address this part of their constituency. To address the fact that yes, there is white privileged, and find ways to ensure that all people in this country are represented. I truly hope that this is not how Mr. Trump feels. I fear that it may be, but I still have hope that as he faces the responsibilities of being president and representative of such a diverse country that he will look and see the accomplishments of it, and will see the injustices that have been carried out.
Showing posts with label independence. Show all posts
Showing posts with label independence. Show all posts
Friday, December 23, 2016
Monday, December 19, 2016
Political Pissy Moment
Political pissy moment... (don't read unless you understand this is just a vent) ... So, seems so many people think that the less populated areas should have the say over more populated areas and for urban dwellers to shut up... do you want to take aware our voice completely?
Today, the electoral college meets in just over a hour. They will vote Mr. Trump into office, I have no illusions about this.
What is bugging at me is this ... stop it! Just stop it! Just because someone voted against him, does not make them a snowflake. Stop your fake news stories! Stop tromping all over anyone you perceive as liberal just because they say something you don't agree with.
Guess what? You weren't all quiet these last 8 years. We all heard you loud and clear. I heard when our president was made fun of with foul jokes and memes. I heard you when you called for action and laughed that we should go a year when a supreme court justice died, because you didn't want anyone who may possibly have any liberal leanings in position. We heard you. We heard you and that's why so many people are pissed off right now.
Because you were shouting at us all. You were shouting at everyone who didn't agree with you and acting like spoiled brats. Now you are accusing us of the same if we so much as open our mouths.
Guess what? I don't like the idea of Trump as president. I feel he has too many complicated conflicts of interest. I don't like his choices of big business leaders for cabinet positions. I don't like his moral values AT ALL. I don't like how he talks to women. I don't like how he disrespects our allies. I find him wishy washy. The way he speaks is a white American version of ebonics. Both are equally disgusting to hear of someone who is supposed to be representing this great diverse country. I just don't like him. He may do some good things, and he may do some bad things. Right now, I'm not seeing much hope with his idea of "draining the swamp". This draining of the swamp is putting people in seriously important positions for the purpose of dismantling and undermining the purposes of those government agencies.
I'm not crying about it just because I speak my mind.
I will not throw a toddler style tantrum as too many have over the last 8 years. What I will do is stand up for my fellow Americans - all of them.
I am a moderate. I am middle of the road. I have pretty much an equal amount of "conservative" views as "liberal" ones. And, why in tarnations, is conservation and being "green" a "liberal" view? I learned how to be green from some of the most conservative people around.
I look for the truth in the news, and I suggest everyone else does. Stop believing everything you read or hear. Most of it has a slant to it. News is no longer news, it's now entertainment, it's about getting the most views and making money for the company.
And, if you don't agree with what is going on, speak up. I don't care if you are Republican, Democrat, Independent, or something else. If we all don't speak up, we will never be heard.
And, let this be a reminder to everyone. We are NOT a democracy. This is a Republic. Also, this is a capitalist society. And, right now, the capitalist part is being heard loud and clear. We are in for a ride for the next 4 years, it may be good for some, but it's also going to be hard going for a lot of people. I, for one, predict, that people will have to face up to the fact that capitalism won out this election, and the people will speak with their votes in 4 years. In the meantime, bunker down, stick together, AND remember, that conservative or liberal neighbor of yours, is also an American, and their views are just as important. Give them a hug, send them a Christmas card, but don't insult them, don't demean them. That is not what we are about.
Rant over... for now.
Monday, November 21, 2016
Saying Goodbye to the "Safe" Government Job
As part of the private sector, I've joked for years that if I had it to do all over again, I would have gotten a "safe government job" like my dad told me to. Instead, I went to for the job in the private sector. Don't get me wrong, I love what I do every day. But, I haven't loved watching as benefits have eroded over the years and employee value has steadily decreased.
As the private sector has watched these things happen, those in government positions have held a safety blanket around their positions. As described in the Washington Post article, "Trump has a plan for government workers. They're not going to like it", all this could change under President-elect Trump.
Some people will argue that wages for a government job are often less than those of similar position in the private sector and that the benefits are to offset this. I argue that though that was once the case, it often is not anymore.
As an example, according to Federalpay.org, the average receptionist salary in 2015 for a government employee was $34,434.86, while the national average in 2016 according to Glassdoor was only $24,800. Over half of private sector employers do not offer health insurance and few if any benefits. This is a fact of life for much of our country. To be fair, a position with more schooling such as a pharmacist has an average salary in 2015 for a government employee of $113,926.96 whereas the national average in the private sector was $120,000.
The hit by the recession was felt hard in the private sector as jobs eroded and benefits disappeared. I am not advocating that they should be completely equal, it is much more difficult to get a government position than a private sector one. Often times, it also requires security clearances, these things should be taken into account.
However, if the country is going to slim down the federal government and bureaucracy, then making the federal employee benefits more in line with what is now considered competitive in the private sector is something that will have to come.
Many of the benefits for federal government employees are not going anywhere. They are not at risk of losing their health benefits as many private sector employees have. Nor, are they going to lose benefits such as leave. There is little wiggle room with federal benefits to make changes.
But, Mr. Trump isn't just talking about benefits though. In fact, one of the things he is also talking about is the ability to fire a federal employee. This can be a tricky slope, and maybe, just maybe, this is one place that the man known for "You're fired" could be person to make it happen. Employees no matter who they work for should be held accountable for doing the job they are hired to do. If they don't, then they either need to buck up and do it, or find something else.
Don't be surprised if Mr. Trump puts a hiring freeze, or at least a limit to new hiring, into effect when he comes into office. I won't be. And, there is ample precedent to do just that. Once he is in office and is able to see for himself, we shall see how it turns out. His hands on approach may help him here. He has run his companies with a heavy hand at times, now there will be limits on what he can do. He won't be able to walk in and fire someone if he doesn't like their attitude or even if they are sitting idle at their desk, but he will be able to help craft a budget or act to put things in place to take care of things.
We can only hope that Mr. Trump uses his experience to review, evaluate and take the right action when it comes to the workplace. I hope he understands that these employees have often never dealt with what it is like to work in the private sector just as he has never known what it is like to be a federal employee. It's going to be a learning curve for everyone.
As the private sector has watched these things happen, those in government positions have held a safety blanket around their positions. As described in the Washington Post article, "Trump has a plan for government workers. They're not going to like it", all this could change under President-elect Trump.
Some people will argue that wages for a government job are often less than those of similar position in the private sector and that the benefits are to offset this. I argue that though that was once the case, it often is not anymore.
As an example, according to Federalpay.org, the average receptionist salary in 2015 for a government employee was $34,434.86, while the national average in 2016 according to Glassdoor was only $24,800. Over half of private sector employers do not offer health insurance and few if any benefits. This is a fact of life for much of our country. To be fair, a position with more schooling such as a pharmacist has an average salary in 2015 for a government employee of $113,926.96 whereas the national average in the private sector was $120,000.
The hit by the recession was felt hard in the private sector as jobs eroded and benefits disappeared. I am not advocating that they should be completely equal, it is much more difficult to get a government position than a private sector one. Often times, it also requires security clearances, these things should be taken into account.
However, if the country is going to slim down the federal government and bureaucracy, then making the federal employee benefits more in line with what is now considered competitive in the private sector is something that will have to come.
Many of the benefits for federal government employees are not going anywhere. They are not at risk of losing their health benefits as many private sector employees have. Nor, are they going to lose benefits such as leave. There is little wiggle room with federal benefits to make changes.
But, Mr. Trump isn't just talking about benefits though. In fact, one of the things he is also talking about is the ability to fire a federal employee. This can be a tricky slope, and maybe, just maybe, this is one place that the man known for "You're fired" could be person to make it happen. Employees no matter who they work for should be held accountable for doing the job they are hired to do. If they don't, then they either need to buck up and do it, or find something else.
Don't be surprised if Mr. Trump puts a hiring freeze, or at least a limit to new hiring, into effect when he comes into office. I won't be. And, there is ample precedent to do just that. Once he is in office and is able to see for himself, we shall see how it turns out. His hands on approach may help him here. He has run his companies with a heavy hand at times, now there will be limits on what he can do. He won't be able to walk in and fire someone if he doesn't like their attitude or even if they are sitting idle at their desk, but he will be able to help craft a budget or act to put things in place to take care of things.
We can only hope that Mr. Trump uses his experience to review, evaluate and take the right action when it comes to the workplace. I hope he understands that these employees have often never dealt with what it is like to work in the private sector just as he has never known what it is like to be a federal employee. It's going to be a learning curve for everyone.
Saturday, November 19, 2016
Upset in the Electoral College
Ah, do I have your attention now?
Yes, technically, the electoral college could elect Clinton as our next president. Don't believe me, even I wasn't sure that was true. So, I did a little research. In a resent article on Fact Check, "Could Electoral College Elect Clinton?" explains just how this could happen.
However, I do not believe it should happen. Regardless of how I may feel personally about President-elect Trump, he is our next president. Our system is not perfect, but it is our system for a variety of reasons. If we do not like it, then, we have an obligation to reach out to our individual states and look for new solutions. If we are going to complain about the unfairness of the electoral college, then we need to do more than spout out words on FaceBook or post memes on Twitter. Don't like it, neither do I, but let's do something about it then.
I've had a few lively discussions lately about the Electoral College. I've heard both sides of the fence on this. Mostly, I've heard people who are upset with Trump's win wanting to abolish it. That is not going to happen. The groundwork of our Electoral College was laid down in the 2nd article of the Constitution. But, the Electoral College as we know it was refined by the 12th Amendment.
There have been more proposals set forth to amend the 12th amendment than any other constitutional amendment. Constitutional amendments are the pulse of our changing nation of our attitudes and values. They reflect how society and this country has matured over the past couple hundred years. A search of the U.S. Congress website for legislation proposed regarding "electoral" representatives or college resulted in over 1,500 hits. That's a lot, and it's going to take me awhile to sort through them all to get to the heart of it. Even so, it is evident that this is not a Democrat v. Republican issue. The issues have been brought up by both sides at different times.
In 1987, the American Bar Association has criticized the Electoral College as being "archaic" and "ambiguous". Wow. That's all I have to say, just "wow". This particular reference I am still reviewing and researching. One article of particular interest in 1996, by Joel Goldstein for the American Bar Association Division of Public Education, entitled "Electoral College Is it a dinosaur that should be abolished or a last bastion of democracy?" made some interesting points both for and against the current system.
One of the predominant reasons I have been hearing in support of the Electoral College is that it gives those states with a lower population a say in the elected President. I agree that it does. In the early 1900s, that proportional weight was not so great. The Midwest and many parts of this country was filled with family farms and small towns. Today, many small towns have all but disappeared and the family farm has lost way to massive conglomerate operations. Many of those displaced from the rural areas have moved to the cities. They have brought their values with them. At the same time, the population of the urban and suburban areas has increased drastically. Suburbia did not exist as we know it in the 1800s, or even the early 1900s. It is a creation of our modern times. As the population of our country increases, the proportional weight of less populous states will carry more and more weight in the election of our President, it will become the rural "gentry" and the country "gentleman" who will make the decision for the country.
I don't see the electoral college being abolished. I do not see an amendment occurring to the 12th amendment. That does not mean hope is lost!
We have a chance now to make our voices heard for the coming years. The upset about the electoral college is not going to happen because of petitions trying to convince an electoral college to change their mind. It should not, it is part of our democratic procedure. That doesn't mean that we need to sit by idly and not move for a change. Do your homework, find out who in your state executive you can contact and what you can do to make a change. The change will not happen at the federal level, this is a change that needs to happen at a state level.
Let's make our voices by heard.
Yes, technically, the electoral college could elect Clinton as our next president. Don't believe me, even I wasn't sure that was true. So, I did a little research. In a resent article on Fact Check, "Could Electoral College Elect Clinton?" explains just how this could happen.
However, I do not believe it should happen. Regardless of how I may feel personally about President-elect Trump, he is our next president. Our system is not perfect, but it is our system for a variety of reasons. If we do not like it, then, we have an obligation to reach out to our individual states and look for new solutions. If we are going to complain about the unfairness of the electoral college, then we need to do more than spout out words on FaceBook or post memes on Twitter. Don't like it, neither do I, but let's do something about it then.
I've had a few lively discussions lately about the Electoral College. I've heard both sides of the fence on this. Mostly, I've heard people who are upset with Trump's win wanting to abolish it. That is not going to happen. The groundwork of our Electoral College was laid down in the 2nd article of the Constitution. But, the Electoral College as we know it was refined by the 12th Amendment.
There have been more proposals set forth to amend the 12th amendment than any other constitutional amendment. Constitutional amendments are the pulse of our changing nation of our attitudes and values. They reflect how society and this country has matured over the past couple hundred years. A search of the U.S. Congress website for legislation proposed regarding "electoral" representatives or college resulted in over 1,500 hits. That's a lot, and it's going to take me awhile to sort through them all to get to the heart of it. Even so, it is evident that this is not a Democrat v. Republican issue. The issues have been brought up by both sides at different times.
In 1987, the American Bar Association has criticized the Electoral College as being "archaic" and "ambiguous". Wow. That's all I have to say, just "wow". This particular reference I am still reviewing and researching. One article of particular interest in 1996, by Joel Goldstein for the American Bar Association Division of Public Education, entitled "Electoral College Is it a dinosaur that should be abolished or a last bastion of democracy?" made some interesting points both for and against the current system.
One of the predominant reasons I have been hearing in support of the Electoral College is that it gives those states with a lower population a say in the elected President. I agree that it does. In the early 1900s, that proportional weight was not so great. The Midwest and many parts of this country was filled with family farms and small towns. Today, many small towns have all but disappeared and the family farm has lost way to massive conglomerate operations. Many of those displaced from the rural areas have moved to the cities. They have brought their values with them. At the same time, the population of the urban and suburban areas has increased drastically. Suburbia did not exist as we know it in the 1800s, or even the early 1900s. It is a creation of our modern times. As the population of our country increases, the proportional weight of less populous states will carry more and more weight in the election of our President, it will become the rural "gentry" and the country "gentleman" who will make the decision for the country.
I don't see the electoral college being abolished. I do not see an amendment occurring to the 12th amendment. That does not mean hope is lost!
We have a chance now to make our voices heard for the coming years. The upset about the electoral college is not going to happen because of petitions trying to convince an electoral college to change their mind. It should not, it is part of our democratic procedure. That doesn't mean that we need to sit by idly and not move for a change. Do your homework, find out who in your state executive you can contact and what you can do to make a change. The change will not happen at the federal level, this is a change that needs to happen at a state level.
Let's make our voices by heard.
Wednesday, November 16, 2016
Electoral College Number Crunch
Alright, I crunched my numbers... this whole electoral college thing has been bothering me. So, think of it this way.... Why does it take 3.75 people in Texas to have the vote power of one person in Wyoming. Yes, I did a whole chart of the entire country, and will be adding to it. It wouldn't have changed the outcome if our process was better proportioned with their value, or maybe it would have. I haven't finished all my computations yet.
My point is, my vote should not be lesser because I live in a more populous state. If all things were equal, Texas should have 142 electoral votes to Wyoming's 3 electoral votes. Both sides are being devalued by this system. I'm not saying abolish it, though I think it has had it's day. Yet, there is no way we are going to get a constitutional amendment to change it. Our votes cannot be so disproportionate. States need to rethink how these votes are cast.
Another issue, the electoral college is based on number of seats in Congress, which in turn is based on the census. So, if one state has a huge population growth in between censuses, they will not be accurately represented by Congress or the electoral college. As long as we stick with the electoral college, I see no way to change this aspect of it. And, that is a bag of worms, I don't think anyone wants to open up.
This is not being a snowflake or crying about not winning. This is being realistic. The electoral college was not set up to protect less populous states from the big bad city dwellers, who I believe that if we look at it would also be disproportionately minorities as compared to the lower population states ... another column to look at in my chart.
I want my vote to count. I don't want to think, "okay, it will take myself and 3.63 other people in Florida to vote for the same person to be equal to a vote by someone in Wyoming".
Or, how about this, if you want it structured as it is based on Congress, meaning there will not be a higher total than there is currently of electoral votes. Why don't we go on our congressional districts? Then, the two minimum of electoral votes for each state go to the popular vote for that state.
For instance, if the 2nd District of Florida (Tallahassee) had a popular vote for the Democrat, then their electoral vote should go to the Democrat. In the same light, if the 4th District of Florida (Jacksonville) had a popular vote for the Republican, then their electoral vote should go to the Republican. At the same time, if the total popular vote for Florida went for the Republican, then the 2 electoral votes for the state which are allocated based on our seats in the Senate would go to the Republican candidate. Each area then is represented by their constituency. No, I am still not saying it would have changed the final outcome, but at least people would know their vote actually counted. I, for one, feel my vote in this presidential election did not count because of the winner take all consensus of the electoral college.
Don't tempt me, I may also go figure this out as well.
Tuesday, October 25, 2016
Prison Should Not Be Relief from Child Support
This morning, I read an article through Yahoo News entitled "Prison Is No Relief From Child Support". The article talks about a move to require states to reduce the amount of child support owed by an incarcerated parent.
Whatever a person's feelings are on the incarcerated parent, or the parent who is not incarcerated and is carrying for any children, it does not diminish the needs of the child. Having a parent in jail is hard on children. Now, let's make it a little harder.
As a parent who is owed back child support, I can say, it hurts terribly. I am not going to allow my child to suffer for it though. I also know that eventually, I will see that child support. It's already as if I am giving the other parent an interest free loan for his portion of raising our child.
Now, let's take that a step farther, if he was to commit a crime and end up in jail, that should be on him. It should not be for me, I should not be penalized if he committed a crime.
The article says that all the responsible parent wants is some type of reimbursement. But, if there is to be a settlement made, then let me have a word in it. What if, as the other parent who is all of the sudden not receiving their child support, debt is incurred. They may well be dependent on knowing that eventually the amount owed them is going to be paid. That light at the end of the tunnel, that somehow, someday, it will come. I know for me, that light has been a beacon in the past.
There is another side to this as well, and that is the side of those who do make their child support payments faithfully. Who care about their children and do everything they can to care for them. What about all those great parents out there that put their kids first, that make sure that their children are cared for? Committing a crime and being send to jail is completely a voluntary underemployment issue. By reducing the amount of child support on those who commit criminal acts, is rewarding those ill acts, it is also devaluing the good parents out there who will do anything to care for their children.
I have a great amount of respect for parents on both sides of the fence out there. There should be respect for those who are on the receiving end of child support and for those who pay child support. These parents should not be disrespected and devalued by such regulations. Regulations such as this only will hurt good parents out there and reward criminals.
Whatever a person's feelings are on the incarcerated parent, or the parent who is not incarcerated and is carrying for any children, it does not diminish the needs of the child. Having a parent in jail is hard on children. Now, let's make it a little harder.
As a parent who is owed back child support, I can say, it hurts terribly. I am not going to allow my child to suffer for it though. I also know that eventually, I will see that child support. It's already as if I am giving the other parent an interest free loan for his portion of raising our child.
Now, let's take that a step farther, if he was to commit a crime and end up in jail, that should be on him. It should not be for me, I should not be penalized if he committed a crime.
The article says that all the responsible parent wants is some type of reimbursement. But, if there is to be a settlement made, then let me have a word in it. What if, as the other parent who is all of the sudden not receiving their child support, debt is incurred. They may well be dependent on knowing that eventually the amount owed them is going to be paid. That light at the end of the tunnel, that somehow, someday, it will come. I know for me, that light has been a beacon in the past.
There is another side to this as well, and that is the side of those who do make their child support payments faithfully. Who care about their children and do everything they can to care for them. What about all those great parents out there that put their kids first, that make sure that their children are cared for? Committing a crime and being send to jail is completely a voluntary underemployment issue. By reducing the amount of child support on those who commit criminal acts, is rewarding those ill acts, it is also devaluing the good parents out there who will do anything to care for their children.
I have a great amount of respect for parents on both sides of the fence out there. There should be respect for those who are on the receiving end of child support and for those who pay child support. These parents should not be disrespected and devalued by such regulations. Regulations such as this only will hurt good parents out there and reward criminals.
Thursday, February 5, 2015
So You Want A Job?
It's crazy busy at work. We have so much to do that the day finally came that we need some help. I must say that I was excited... yeah!
My boss put an ad on Craigslist. It was a pretty standard ad. We just need a part-time receptionist to begin with. Ideally, this is someone that we can train to do more and really help with our clients in the future.
We received around 400 responses to our ad. So, how does someone make themselves stand out to get that call.
1. This is a professional office, please do not use hot pink lettering on your resume. Yes, it will make you stand out, but not in the way you were hoping.
2. If the ad asks for a cover letter, and you do not include one, the chances of you being considered are pretty nil.
3. Check your grammar! I received literally dozens of resumes and cover letters that had horrific grammar. These were not instances of spell check or grammar check going wrong. I even saw some that did not include any capitalization or punctuation.
4. Keep the cover letter short and sweet. A couple paragraphs should do the trick. I really have a lot of them to go over so if you cover letter is a full page and single spaced, I probably won't read the whole thing.
5. Different font sizes may be okay in some situations, but please don't use multiple fonts and font sizes in the same paragraph. All that this shows me is that you are not detailed and don't care about how something looks.
Okay, now you made it past the resume stage. You have received that call to possibly set up an interview. What should you or should you not do?
1. Do not talk with your mouth full.
2. I understand that I may be calling you at home or out and about. I understand that there may be kids hollering in the background. I'm a mom, I get it. If this happens, ask if you can call me back, and then call back as soon as you can. If you wait a day or two, I will probably have moved on and scheduled someone else already for that interview.
3. Be friendly. I am not saying act as if you are my best friend, but be pleasant. This is for a receptionist position. If your phone mannerisms are not good, then you won't be coming in for that in-person interview.
Yeah! The interview is scheduled, it's time to meet your potential employer or supervisor. Here are a few tips for you.
1. Do not drown yourself in perfume. I already know that you were sitting in your car for a half hour chain smoking, I would rather you take a moment and go to the ladies room to freshen up first then douse yourself in cologne right before you walk in. I'd rather know you are a smoker from the get go then you try to hide it.
2. This is an interview, do not come dressed to go out to the mall or a night out. Corduroys are not fine. Skin-tight latex pants are not fine. I do not expect that you will be coming dressed in a three piece suit, but please take some time to think about how you should dress for the type of work environment you are applying for.
3. Do some homework. It may be for only a receptionist position, but find out what type of business you are interviewing at. You have our name, our address and I told you a little about us during the telephone interview, Google us. I want to see some initiative, I especially want to see if you will take that extra step before you come in. If you do, then you are more likely to take the extra step with our clients.
4. Take off your outside jacket. I know that it's chilly outside, but I want to know that you can make yourself comfortable. If you look like you are ready to run for the door, you probably don't belong sitting in that chair across from me.
5. Absolutely follow-up. Write a short e-mail saying thank you would be great. I want the feedback as much as you do. I want to know that you are really interested in this position.
* * *
Now, good luck in that job hunt. I know it's not easy out there right now, so it is more important than ever to put your best foot forward.
Wednesday, February 4, 2015
Becoming Self-Reliant
Recently I was visiting a new church and self reliance came up.
Such an interesting topic if you really think about it. When most people think of self reliance they think solely of what it means to simply take care of themselves and their own needs without assistance of anything outside of their own bubble.
When I think of self reliance the same thing comes to mind, but it really goes so much further.
You see, I've been there, done that. I've experienced too many things that really shot down my own confidence in being self reliant. Still, I kept kicking. If it wasn't for my children, I don't know if I could have accomplished all I have been able to.
I became dependent upon my children. Not dependent upon them providing for me, they are too young for that. But, they became my inspiration. I could have laid back and taken the pity road, allowed myself to join the circle of poverty that is so prevelant. I simply couldn't accept that. I am greedy. I wanted more. I especially wanted more for my children.
I know that I'm not fully on my feet again. I know that I will be. I've had to take a helping hand through the "System". That didn't mean that I did so lightly.
One of the first parts of becoming self reliant meant swallowing my ego and asking for help. I had to look at myself, my situation, my surroundings. I had to evaluate them. Was I truly doing the best I could do?
My children became my inspiration. I wanted better for them. I wanted to be able to spoil them with kisses and love, but also I wanted to provide everything that they needed plus some. I became dependent upon my children. If I thought I could do no more, I'd take a look at them. I'd listen to their stories, their dreams, their everything.
The more I depended upon those little inspirations, those smiles and kisses, the more I was able to to do.
When I was at this new church the other day, someone said (to paraphrase) that the more they came to depend on God to help them through the more self reliant they became. As I think about that discussion, especially in retrospect, I have to smile and nod. I can see that, and I can understand that. You see, I think that God has been acting through my children to give me the inspiration I needed.
Such an interesting topic if you really think about it. When most people think of self reliance they think solely of what it means to simply take care of themselves and their own needs without assistance of anything outside of their own bubble.
When I think of self reliance the same thing comes to mind, but it really goes so much further.
You see, I've been there, done that. I've experienced too many things that really shot down my own confidence in being self reliant. Still, I kept kicking. If it wasn't for my children, I don't know if I could have accomplished all I have been able to.
I became dependent upon my children. Not dependent upon them providing for me, they are too young for that. But, they became my inspiration. I could have laid back and taken the pity road, allowed myself to join the circle of poverty that is so prevelant. I simply couldn't accept that. I am greedy. I wanted more. I especially wanted more for my children.
I know that I'm not fully on my feet again. I know that I will be. I've had to take a helping hand through the "System". That didn't mean that I did so lightly.
One of the first parts of becoming self reliant meant swallowing my ego and asking for help. I had to look at myself, my situation, my surroundings. I had to evaluate them. Was I truly doing the best I could do?
My children became my inspiration. I wanted better for them. I wanted to be able to spoil them with kisses and love, but also I wanted to provide everything that they needed plus some. I became dependent upon my children. If I thought I could do no more, I'd take a look at them. I'd listen to their stories, their dreams, their everything.
The more I depended upon those little inspirations, those smiles and kisses, the more I was able to to do.
When I was at this new church the other day, someone said (to paraphrase) that the more they came to depend on God to help them through the more self reliant they became. As I think about that discussion, especially in retrospect, I have to smile and nod. I can see that, and I can understand that. You see, I think that God has been acting through my children to give me the inspiration I needed.
Friday, January 16, 2015
Mom Doesn't Know Best
Yet again, some parents are being investigated by CPS for ... allowing their children to walk go to the park alone.
This time the children are 6 and 10.
Six to me is young to being going to the park. At the same time, this is something similar to what I've done.
A couple years ago, I would let my oldest son walk my younger son to his friend's house a few blocks away. The deal was simple, he had to call as soon as he arrived and he had to call before he left so someone could come get him. Fred was 10 and Thom was 8.
He wasn't allowed to cross the street alone. My biggest concern wasn't someone snatching the boys. It was a safe neighborhood. Kids were always running and riding bikes around. My biggest concern that because of Thom's height, a car may not see him.
When we were kids, in 1st and 2nd grade, we were allowed to go the park, and roam the neighborhood. Our parents deemed it safe. If we had lived in a different neighborhood that wasn't so safe, I don't doubt my parents would have said no.
Today, my mother watches the kids after school. They are not allowed to play outside without supervision. Emma has friends in the neighborhood, but still, she isn't allowed. Emma is 8. The reason is that she is afraid it isn't safe.
The world has changed. Or rather, attitudes have changed.
Twenty years ago, you rarely heard about the things that happened two towns over, much less in another state. Now, we constantly hear it. We are inundated with it.
My aunt was a social worker in small town Pennsylvania. I don't remember much about what she did, but I do remember from time to time having to go on a late night run to check on a report or neglect or abuse. This type of thing happened then also. Our world isn't safer or less safe. We are more informed. And, sometimes that knowledge does not add to better our lives, but instead hinders us and makes us fearful.
This time the children are 6 and 10.
Six to me is young to being going to the park. At the same time, this is something similar to what I've done.
A couple years ago, I would let my oldest son walk my younger son to his friend's house a few blocks away. The deal was simple, he had to call as soon as he arrived and he had to call before he left so someone could come get him. Fred was 10 and Thom was 8.
He wasn't allowed to cross the street alone. My biggest concern wasn't someone snatching the boys. It was a safe neighborhood. Kids were always running and riding bikes around. My biggest concern that because of Thom's height, a car may not see him.
When we were kids, in 1st and 2nd grade, we were allowed to go the park, and roam the neighborhood. Our parents deemed it safe. If we had lived in a different neighborhood that wasn't so safe, I don't doubt my parents would have said no.
Today, my mother watches the kids after school. They are not allowed to play outside without supervision. Emma has friends in the neighborhood, but still, she isn't allowed. Emma is 8. The reason is that she is afraid it isn't safe.
The world has changed. Or rather, attitudes have changed.
Twenty years ago, you rarely heard about the things that happened two towns over, much less in another state. Now, we constantly hear it. We are inundated with it.
My aunt was a social worker in small town Pennsylvania. I don't remember much about what she did, but I do remember from time to time having to go on a late night run to check on a report or neglect or abuse. This type of thing happened then also. Our world isn't safer or less safe. We are more informed. And, sometimes that knowledge does not add to better our lives, but instead hinders us and makes us fearful.
Saturday, August 16, 2014
We Are Women
We are women!
Yes, I'm shouting that out loud just in case you didn't know.
I'm a firm believer that as a woman, you can do anything a man can. Perhaps, you won't be able to do it in the same manner, but if, as a woman, you set your mind to it, you can do it.
Recently, my neighbor, Koreann, upstairs had some mattresses that needed to be moved out to the dumpsters after a roommate moved out. She thought, maybe, she should just wait until her "man" (aka, Nathan) gets home. But, Nathan has been very sick in the hospital.
Well, I'm not one to wait on someone else to do things for me, so Koreann and I moved these huge queen size mattresses ourselves. I'm sure that the neighbors got quite the kick out of seeing the two of us with these huge mattresses precariously perched on our heads as we laughed and joked all the way to the back of our apartment complex.
The point is, that even though it may have been easier to wait, there is nothing we cannot accomplish if we set our minds to it. True, we could have waited and had a "nice, strong man" handle it for us. But, to me, it's important that we did it.
It's part of taking care of our family in my mind for a woman to be able to handle anything that she is faced whether it be a flat tire or a couple of queen sized mattresses that just needed to go.
Yes, I'm shouting that out loud just in case you didn't know.
I'm a firm believer that as a woman, you can do anything a man can. Perhaps, you won't be able to do it in the same manner, but if, as a woman, you set your mind to it, you can do it.
Recently, my neighbor, Koreann, upstairs had some mattresses that needed to be moved out to the dumpsters after a roommate moved out. She thought, maybe, she should just wait until her "man" (aka, Nathan) gets home. But, Nathan has been very sick in the hospital.
Well, I'm not one to wait on someone else to do things for me, so Koreann and I moved these huge queen size mattresses ourselves. I'm sure that the neighbors got quite the kick out of seeing the two of us with these huge mattresses precariously perched on our heads as we laughed and joked all the way to the back of our apartment complex.
The point is, that even though it may have been easier to wait, there is nothing we cannot accomplish if we set our minds to it. True, we could have waited and had a "nice, strong man" handle it for us. But, to me, it's important that we did it.
It's part of taking care of our family in my mind for a woman to be able to handle anything that she is faced whether it be a flat tire or a couple of queen sized mattresses that just needed to go.
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