Hi everyone - i'm sure your soul, just as mine, has been impacted by the earthquake and it's devastation in Haiti this week. I can't even begin to think how people keep going forward another minute let alone another day in that place. Haiti, being such an impoverished country to begin with, has truly lost it all. No amount of world economic crisis could come close to matching the horror of what that country is going through. I was in Haiti for 10 days back in 98 on a workteam project. Helping build a school. Even though we stayed right in Port Au Prince and saw, smelled, tasted, and touched the poverty every day we still had no clue what it was like to live there. We knew we were going home. We knew what we were going home to. No matter what the problems were at home - they didn't begin to match those in Haiti. We knew that we were going home to a bed, a roof, running water, and some sort of meal - 3 times a day every day. We had hope. So many of the people in Haiti don't have a bed - they sleep in the dirt. They don't have a roof as we know it - just a piece of corrugated tin maybe with a faded slogan of some company on one side being held up by some sticks, another piece of tin, or rocks. The only constant flow of water that I saw was the stream of waste running down the side of the road that you would have to be careful to step over. For most in Haiti, 1 meal a day is a luxury. ---------------->And now - an earthquake. Just when one thought it couldn't get any worse.................it hits. For thousands it was the end of the world. For many others their world is now ending. For even more they will want their world to end. Nature?? Coincidence?? Terrorists?? Charma?? - No matter what you believe - these people are beyond hurting, beyond shock - words can't describe where they are at ===========>> They just need help!!
Relief................finally! My hat off to the governments of the world who are flooding into Haiti with relief. Finally - this is a glmpse of what it means for the world to come together, to set aside differences for the pursuit of a common goal, a common purpose, the common good. Some "critics" may say that some are pushing the aid to score "brownie points" or to look good, etc. Guess what - I will bet you 10 to 1 that if you were to ask the Haitian which he preferred, the Chinese water, the American water, or the French water? He'd probably reach his hand to the Aid worker standing next to you who wasn't paying attention to labels - just providing the water. Of course this scenario would never happen because we would never see these critics out in the field. Only in their comfy chairs barking orders at things they no nothing about. That's usually the way it goes!
Also - HUGE HUGE HUGE - and I can't believe i'm saying this - HUGE Kudos to the participating cell phone carriers who are taking part in the $10 text fund raiser for Haiti. As far as I have read - ALL of the $10 proceed is going directly to the Red Cross for Haitian Relief. As far as I can tell they aren't taking "administrative costs" out at all. Everything through this campaign is going directly to Relief. Finally finally finally a reason to be proud of my cell phone carrier - I happen to have VERIZON! Thank you Verizon!!
Now, as is the case many times with many good efforts there is a slight dark lining somewhere. Well, this is true in this case as well. There is a dark lining i've come across and its names are LIMBAUGH and ROBERTSON! One at a time I think. First Robertson - Pat, Pat, Pat - it doesn't matter what your belief is, nor does it matter at this point what may or may not have happened in the past to gain freedom from an oppressor. The fact of the matter is that these are people in need. Now, if we look at the New Testament what do we see? Why, we see Jesus not only talking to sinners, but ministering to them as well. How can this be? What is Jesus - the Son of God - doing in amongst those who are doomed to Hell?? He's healing them, He's counseling them, He's providing for their needs. Why is He doing that?? Because they need it!! Yes, many of them became His followers however, many did not yet He still provided for them. The feeding of the 5,000 (which was actually probably more when we count the women and children as well). Do you really think that every single one there became His follower? Probably not. Yet He still provided for them. My point is this Pat - if Jesus gove food to only those who were His people, or who became His people then that account would have had a completely different ending to it. Perhaps it would have been the feeding of the 2,734 and the starvation of 2,266? The point is - in a situation such as this we don't withold aid to someone because of who they are, what they've done, or what their ancestors have done. Besides - think carefully - What Would Jesus Do?
And now Limbaugh. Let's just leave it at this---------->you take your pudgy legs and haul your fat lazy butt onto a plane (coach) filled with aid workers and supplies in the cargo hold and go to Haiti. When you get there, roll yourself off the plane and then walk, yes walk (like most of the others who are VOLUNTEERING their time down there) to the nearest Aid station. Once there, see if you can find it in yourself to actually hand out water to the Haitian boy who's had to drink the dirty water from the street; or give some food to the Haitian girl who hasn't eaten anything for 3 days. Maybe give the Haitian man a pair of used shoes for his feet (doesn't matter if they're a perfect fit - as long as they go on his feet) so he can continue his search through the rubble and devastation without cutting up his feet looking for his family that was lost in the earthquake and he hasn't seen since it hit. Or maybe hold the flashlight for the nurse trying to set a broken arm in the dark because there's not electricity. Or maybe assist the doctor in the out-of-doors (because the hospital has collapsed) when they have to amputate a leg that got crushed. And at night, don't worry about giving up your bed for someone else because there aren't beds - but no worries, i'm sure they will have a mat for you next to the hundreds of others sleeping on the ground as well. You, RUSH LIMBAUGH, spend 24 hours there. NOT at a media camp, NOT at a government outpost - but i'm talking right in the thick of it all. In the middle of Port Au Prince at either a Red Cross aid station or one of the MANY MANY religious, humanitarian, or other aid stations that are face to face with these people day in and day out. JUST 24 hours - that's all - and then you can come home. After that - then let's talk and see how your tax dollars will be best put to use.
I really want to end this particular blog on a positive note. How can there be something positive in a country of devastation?? Well - as I said earlier in this blog - there are many governments really stepping up to the plate, as well as companies, individuals, and organizations. But I would be remiss if I didn't talk for a moment about the organizations that were already in Haiti doing a boatload of work that virtually go unseen. I'm talking about the Missions. There are dozens of different religious organizations who are already established down in Haiti and have experienced the brunt of the devastation for those who are in the Port Au Prince area. I, when I was down in Haiti, went with an organization called Partners With Haiti http://www.partnerswithhaiti.org/ who is still there, does a phenomenal work and has suffered greatly. I also know happen to know a couple who are missionaries with Berean Mission Alliance www.olssonsinhaiti.org who also do incredible work down there and are right in the midst of the devastation. The Red Cross does a great job but if anyone is looking for another venue to support and help then check out either of these websites. There's information there on how to help out. Also, I encourage you to check out your local church, synagogue, or organization you may belong to. They will definitely have information on how you can get involved as well. There is much to do and every little bit helps! I want to finishi tonight's blog with this true event that happened to a friend of the missionaries I know down in Haiti - this is an excerpt from their recent email:
"....emotionally it's a roller coaster. One man lost hisbrother and can't find his mother, one person lost his whole family, and awoman lost her foot and her husband his arm - they were evacuated fortreatment. The pain is real and is hard to deal with. One story has both -on Thursday we saw a friend we've known for a long time who sells paintings,walking up our street very distraught telling us he'd lost both is wife andyoung daughter - we were stunned and it tore our hearts. The earthquake wasTuesday afternoon and on Thursday afternoon he's telling us this. Fridayafternoon he came again saying he was standing in the middle of a street ingrief, and heard a female voice say 'Josue.....Josue,' and as he turned hesaw his wife and daughter. He said he fell on his knees hugging her feetpraising God - can you imagine his emotions?? Wow - praise God."
Yes friends, there is a Light in the darkness!
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Kermit vs the "They" mountain...........
............not even close to moving it. What is it in life that makes us so tense and twisted up inside?? I mean, when it really comes down to it who is "they" and what is this hold "they" have on us??? You all know what i'm talking about. For example, we shouldn't eat too much sugar because "they" say it is bad for us. We shouldn't sit too close to the TV because "they" say we could damage our sight. We should only talk about certain issues or avoid others because "they" would say we were being politically incorrect or insensitive. Who is "they" and where did "they" get "their" power??
Has anyone seen any of the vintage Sesame Street shows recently? There's a disclaimer that states that those particular Sesame Street episodes are intended for adults and may not meet the needs of today's kids. Who decided to put that there and where did "they" come up with that idea?
Now - don't get me wrong, i'm for equality, respect, and the acceptance of others differences and ideas but come on - are we so afraid of something like Sesame Street? Was someone so emotionally scarred by Sesame Street when growing up that now - whoever that is - is in a position of such influence that "they" can see to a disclaimer being put on a kids show?? They're puppets for crying out loud!! Besides I grew up on Sesame Street and I don't think I turned out too badly.
As I see it, people are so afraid of getting into trouble by upsetting other people today that we have lost the ability to have an opinion, to have a perspective, to be able to intelligently represent a way of life. And to do this in such a fashion that it won't impose a set of beliefs onto another person but rather to educate and inform them of this lifestyle. People are so afraid of being called politically incorrect that we fumble over our words and how we act - just hoping that we don't say or do the "wrong" thing. And if we do divulge a different way of thinking or a different perspective that may go against the grain - WATCH OUT!!!!! All of a sudden we become close minded, intolerant, and discriminatory. How about those who are not willing to listen to this opposing perspective?? What do they become?? Justified by the majority?? -------------> I really believe that if we really dived into the true reason many people follow the "politically correct" line and watch their step - it's not because these people truly believe it - but rather it's because these people are afraid that "they" will label them. Here we are again faced with the "they". Who are "they" and exactly who is it that decides what is politically correct? Who makes the standard and who moves the line? It's quite true that the line does in fact move - don't let anyone tell you it doesn't. Case in point - Sesame Street..............who knew that 40 years ago Kermit the Frog was potentially committing a horrendous crime against Cookie Monster that today may land him in court with, at the very least, charges of assault when Kermit hit the Cookie Monster. This doesn't even take into account the inflammatory remarks Kermit made to Cookie when he got mad and called Cookie "stupid monster" - and if Cookie is in fact - "stupid" - then could those remarks be called discriminatory and a hate crime?____________________
Now listen everyone, i'm not saying it's okay to make discriminatory remarks, nor is it okay to insult anyone because of the way a person may be or live. I also do know that there is right and wrong in the world, people need to be accountable, and we are all ultimately responsible for our own actions (which is an entirely separate blog within itself that will see the light of day at a later time). I am aware as well that people choose which path to take for their lives - some more conservatively, some more liberally, some in the middle and that's fine. Certainly not the least, but also many many families choose to raise their children by the parents beliefs (and hopefully when the children are old enough to form opinions and perspectives of their own the parents will respect that and allow their kids as they get older to form their own belief system - no matter what that may be - which will definitely be part of the "resposible for own actions" blog coming soon to a website near you)----------------------->>> BUT - let's get a little perspective here people - if people are so concerned about what a kids show is portraying then where are the parents???? Why aren't the parents right there with the kids watching the show and then having a discussion with them about the show and actually seeing how the show came across to their child? Maybe even try talking about what you didn't like on the show and why - and don't just say "i'm the parent and I say so!" Actually interact with your child - maybe the same way you would interact with your Soap Opera, your Social Club, your drink, or even your Job. It's called PARENTING!! Get a clue ADULT!_________________Listen, if you can talk with your little child now about things such as a childrens show and what it means to them then trust me - later on during the dreaded teen years you will be so much further ahead because the openess has already been established. Just don't drop the ball!!
Anyhow - I took a little tangent there so I'll get off the soap box now and back to "they". Who are "they"?? How do "they" shape this political climate we live in - in such a way that Sesame Street can have a warning label put on like a graphic video game?? How do "they" get their influence?? Where is the source of "their" power???? And how do we once again establish our individuality without fear of reprisal, being looked down upon, labeled as intollerant, or just plain shunned??
Oooooooohhhhh to live in the days of Bert and Ernie, Big Bird, the Count, Gordon, Olivia, and Grover where all were accepted no matter how different they were. They weren't told no - you can't live like that or believe that. They weren't told that they could belong as long as you conform to our way of thinking and say and do things the way we think they should be done! On classic Sesame Street there was true diversity and not everyone always agreed with everyone else but they AGREED TO DISAGREE.
Does anyone know how we can regain this??
Maybe we should go next door and ask Mr. Rogers??
Has anyone seen any of the vintage Sesame Street shows recently? There's a disclaimer that states that those particular Sesame Street episodes are intended for adults and may not meet the needs of today's kids. Who decided to put that there and where did "they" come up with that idea?
Now - don't get me wrong, i'm for equality, respect, and the acceptance of others differences and ideas but come on - are we so afraid of something like Sesame Street? Was someone so emotionally scarred by Sesame Street when growing up that now - whoever that is - is in a position of such influence that "they" can see to a disclaimer being put on a kids show?? They're puppets for crying out loud!! Besides I grew up on Sesame Street and I don't think I turned out too badly.
As I see it, people are so afraid of getting into trouble by upsetting other people today that we have lost the ability to have an opinion, to have a perspective, to be able to intelligently represent a way of life. And to do this in such a fashion that it won't impose a set of beliefs onto another person but rather to educate and inform them of this lifestyle. People are so afraid of being called politically incorrect that we fumble over our words and how we act - just hoping that we don't say or do the "wrong" thing. And if we do divulge a different way of thinking or a different perspective that may go against the grain - WATCH OUT!!!!! All of a sudden we become close minded, intolerant, and discriminatory. How about those who are not willing to listen to this opposing perspective?? What do they become?? Justified by the majority?? -------------> I really believe that if we really dived into the true reason many people follow the "politically correct" line and watch their step - it's not because these people truly believe it - but rather it's because these people are afraid that "they" will label them. Here we are again faced with the "they". Who are "they" and exactly who is it that decides what is politically correct? Who makes the standard and who moves the line? It's quite true that the line does in fact move - don't let anyone tell you it doesn't. Case in point - Sesame Street..............who knew that 40 years ago Kermit the Frog was potentially committing a horrendous crime against Cookie Monster that today may land him in court with, at the very least, charges of assault when Kermit hit the Cookie Monster. This doesn't even take into account the inflammatory remarks Kermit made to Cookie when he got mad and called Cookie "stupid monster" - and if Cookie is in fact - "stupid" - then could those remarks be called discriminatory and a hate crime?____________________
Now listen everyone, i'm not saying it's okay to make discriminatory remarks, nor is it okay to insult anyone because of the way a person may be or live. I also do know that there is right and wrong in the world, people need to be accountable, and we are all ultimately responsible for our own actions (which is an entirely separate blog within itself that will see the light of day at a later time). I am aware as well that people choose which path to take for their lives - some more conservatively, some more liberally, some in the middle and that's fine. Certainly not the least, but also many many families choose to raise their children by the parents beliefs (and hopefully when the children are old enough to form opinions and perspectives of their own the parents will respect that and allow their kids as they get older to form their own belief system - no matter what that may be - which will definitely be part of the "resposible for own actions" blog coming soon to a website near you)----------------------->>> BUT - let's get a little perspective here people - if people are so concerned about what a kids show is portraying then where are the parents???? Why aren't the parents right there with the kids watching the show and then having a discussion with them about the show and actually seeing how the show came across to their child? Maybe even try talking about what you didn't like on the show and why - and don't just say "i'm the parent and I say so!" Actually interact with your child - maybe the same way you would interact with your Soap Opera, your Social Club, your drink, or even your Job. It's called PARENTING!! Get a clue ADULT!_________________Listen, if you can talk with your little child now about things such as a childrens show and what it means to them then trust me - later on during the dreaded teen years you will be so much further ahead because the openess has already been established. Just don't drop the ball!!
Anyhow - I took a little tangent there so I'll get off the soap box now and back to "they". Who are "they"?? How do "they" shape this political climate we live in - in such a way that Sesame Street can have a warning label put on like a graphic video game?? How do "they" get their influence?? Where is the source of "their" power???? And how do we once again establish our individuality without fear of reprisal, being looked down upon, labeled as intollerant, or just plain shunned??
Oooooooohhhhh to live in the days of Bert and Ernie, Big Bird, the Count, Gordon, Olivia, and Grover where all were accepted no matter how different they were. They weren't told no - you can't live like that or believe that. They weren't told that they could belong as long as you conform to our way of thinking and say and do things the way we think they should be done! On classic Sesame Street there was true diversity and not everyone always agreed with everyone else but they AGREED TO DISAGREE.
Does anyone know how we can regain this??
Maybe we should go next door and ask Mr. Rogers??
Thursday, January 7, 2010
How secure is National security??
Ok everyone......................today I watched President Obama's national address regarding the security review of the breakdown on the attempted bombing of the Delta flight on Christmas Day. So these are my thoughts - and please remember - these are just my thoughts......i'm not a political analyst.......i'm not running for office.......nor do I have any type of political ambitions. I'm just John Q. Public. That being said.......President Obama said it wasn't one particular person that was at fault however it was a systemic failure throughout. It seems the systemic failure happened again the other day (9 days after Christmas) at Newark airport when someone walked through a "secure" area when the TSA agent left his post for just one minute. It only takes a moment. How does that make you feel? That makes me think twice about not only the state of security of our airports but what about other areas such as the bus sytem, train system, borders, etc.?? President Obama said that the Intelligence community was able to "collect" the dots but wasn't able to "connect" the dots. How can that be? How can these "agencies" not utilize the information they had? Now - of course I am not a part of the government nor do I have access to any of these agencies information so one could say I don't have the "whole picture" - however............it seems to me that one BIG reason that the dots couldn't be connected is because of the historic inter-agency rivalries. And what about the congressional oversight? Aren't our elected officials - who we put into office, keep in office, and pay their paychecks - aren't they supposed to be watching these agencies to make sure things are running well? Or at least correctly?? I guess in 2006 there was supposed to be a restructuring of the agencies and an effort to open the channels between the agencies for the sharing of information to avoid situations such as this. Well - how is that working for us?? That was 4 years ago and it seems, though not very well publicized until now, that the channels really haven't been opened. Who was supposed to do the restructuring and who was supposed to be watching to make sure it happened? I got that message today when President Obama talked about removing obstructions from sharing agency information. This makes me ask - what were the people in charge of opening these channels doing for the past four years?? Again, don't we pay their paycheck?? You know - this makes me think back to 1993 and the failed bombing attempt of the World Trade Center in NYC. I'd have to go back and review all the articles written after the fact but I seem to recollect that not only did the agenices zero in on who was responsible for the bombing but was also able to raid a place in Queens - NY that were concocting more bombs for further terror in the mainland. Now - you would think that after some major incidences such as these that the agencies in charge of searching all this out would keep on researching and pursuing this. Afterall this was the first terrorist action on the US homeland in years! Or - at least this was the first that was very public in years! Also - when we look back on this we've got to ask - was it really a failed attempt? Perhaps these extremist groups had a "botched" attempt on purpose to see how the "system" would react? And then - why was there a pause of over 8 years between that and 9/11? Some people may say it was because those groups in 1993 weren't organized, or they had to get more money, or get a leader, etc. Maybe that's not exactly accurate - maybe these groups were so much more organized than our intelligence agencies either knew or were willing to admit and these groups were just watching over those 8 years to see how the governmental agencies would operate and how long it would take to lessen their guard to these incidences? Remember over 8 years passed between the 1993 WTC bombing and 9/11 - and now it's been about the same amount of time since 9/11 and present day. Are we the general public surprised?? And if not then why apparently are the agencies surprised or at the very least caught off guard?? And if they aren't surprised or caught off guard then what were they doing with all that information for the past 9 years?? Even the press was able to see a connection between the suspect in the recent Ft Hood shooting and one of the extremist groups. Maybe Katie Couric should be in charge of researching this information? Now - please don't get me wrong - this isn't a blame game pointed at one administration or another administration. This isn't the fault of the Democrats or the Republicans. This is a "system wide" failure which encompasses all of us - Democrats, Replublicans, Independants, Green Party, etc. All of us!
I could go on and on but its just about dinner time and i've got to get something to eat. Probably chicken and pea soup.
Closing thoughts - am I being an alarmist or am I just looking at what's going on? And for everything that is seen how much more isn't being seen? No - i'm not in a state of panic. I also am not saying that we the general public need to be told about every incident, nor do I think these agencies, those in charge, and those looking over them should reveal sensitive information to the public. As a matter of fact there are many things - probably most - that just need to remain secret. I'm not an idiot. BUT there has got to be some sort of accountability for the work that is supposed to be done through these agencies. The bottom line is this: President Obama said that the buck stops with him - that may be - and if he is ultimately repsonsible for the systemic failure in the system then in the next election the people's vote should reflect that. BUT I don't believe that we the people can blame just him for this failure - and shame on us if we do. This is a failure of the Administration, the governmental agencies and their freakin' stupid bickering, Congress and the bloated egos therein that have only self interest in mind. And also to a degree us - the public - for not being educated about those out there who are looking to harm us, and for not keeping tabs on those we put into office who are supposed to be overseeing these agencies. President Obama said this is not a time for partisanship but rather a time for citizenship. I agree with him. I know that we all have different ideas on how the country should be run and everybody has their own set of values and ideals. That diversity makes our country great and we should respect that. Afterall, we can all learn from a different perspective. But - there comes a time when those in charge need to swallow some pride, agree to disagree, set aside their differences for a while and come together to figure out what needs to be done to fix something that is obviously broken. I'm glad that President Obama is putting on the pressure. It has to be done. I don't think there is an easy fix to this nor do I know how to fix this broken system but this I do know - we MUST fix this. Maybe we should take a lesson from an ally or two of ours - hmmmmmmmmmmm maybe Israel? We don't have to agree with every ideology of theirs but come on - let's face it - Israel has had to deal with terrorism ever since they became a State - so I don't know..........they might know a thing or two about security!
I think that a great place to start would be that we the public should make sure that our agencies in charge of our safety and security as well as the Congressional members in charge of them should swallow their pride, set aside their differences, take a lesson from someone who has to ensure their security levels are effective each and every day (not someone who owns a so-called security company who will get mega-bucks for consultation), and perhaps take a real look at what to do to "Fix" this "systemic failure".
Anyone know how we can do that??
I could go on and on but its just about dinner time and i've got to get something to eat. Probably chicken and pea soup.
Closing thoughts - am I being an alarmist or am I just looking at what's going on? And for everything that is seen how much more isn't being seen? No - i'm not in a state of panic. I also am not saying that we the general public need to be told about every incident, nor do I think these agencies, those in charge, and those looking over them should reveal sensitive information to the public. As a matter of fact there are many things - probably most - that just need to remain secret. I'm not an idiot. BUT there has got to be some sort of accountability for the work that is supposed to be done through these agencies. The bottom line is this: President Obama said that the buck stops with him - that may be - and if he is ultimately repsonsible for the systemic failure in the system then in the next election the people's vote should reflect that. BUT I don't believe that we the people can blame just him for this failure - and shame on us if we do. This is a failure of the Administration, the governmental agencies and their freakin' stupid bickering, Congress and the bloated egos therein that have only self interest in mind. And also to a degree us - the public - for not being educated about those out there who are looking to harm us, and for not keeping tabs on those we put into office who are supposed to be overseeing these agencies. President Obama said this is not a time for partisanship but rather a time for citizenship. I agree with him. I know that we all have different ideas on how the country should be run and everybody has their own set of values and ideals. That diversity makes our country great and we should respect that. Afterall, we can all learn from a different perspective. But - there comes a time when those in charge need to swallow some pride, agree to disagree, set aside their differences for a while and come together to figure out what needs to be done to fix something that is obviously broken. I'm glad that President Obama is putting on the pressure. It has to be done. I don't think there is an easy fix to this nor do I know how to fix this broken system but this I do know - we MUST fix this. Maybe we should take a lesson from an ally or two of ours - hmmmmmmmmmmm maybe Israel? We don't have to agree with every ideology of theirs but come on - let's face it - Israel has had to deal with terrorism ever since they became a State - so I don't know..........they might know a thing or two about security!
I think that a great place to start would be that we the public should make sure that our agencies in charge of our safety and security as well as the Congressional members in charge of them should swallow their pride, set aside their differences, take a lesson from someone who has to ensure their security levels are effective each and every day (not someone who owns a so-called security company who will get mega-bucks for consultation), and perhaps take a real look at what to do to "Fix" this "systemic failure".
Anyone know how we can do that??
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
And so it continues................
.............and back in the groove. The Holidays are over and we went back to work this week. Some of us never left so it all just rolled together into one.
How's those resolutions doing? Well - today was ths first day I spent money since I started to follow the budget. Already over - how does that happen? I did well at the grocery store - only spent $30 - did okay at the gas pump, $26...................then came the cell phone bill. Didn't I just pay that? And how did it get so high so fast?? Oh man - just as I was pumped to follow a budget!! But - not to despair. So I had to spend a little more than planned......I just won't eat or drive anywhere - lol. The way I look at it is if I can just get through January and February I think my outstanding bills from the Holidays will be caught up and then I think I can be right on track with the budget. What do you think? Any tips and staying on track? I'm open to suggestions..........
You know what ticks me off............its all this advertising we just went through during the Holidays. Not so much the "commercialization" of Christmas, and yes I am one of those who thinks the real meaning of Christmas is rapidly dwindling - but its the way that these advertisers are trying to "sell" good will. They push and push on how we're supposed to be nice to others and get them that something special - it almost makes you feel like if you don't then what kind of person are you?? So then we buy into it and shell out to purchase "good will" - now the bills come and good will is just way too expensive! Whatever happened to a kind word, or friendly gesture, or a homemade goodie being sufficient?
How's those resolutions doing? Well - today was ths first day I spent money since I started to follow the budget. Already over - how does that happen? I did well at the grocery store - only spent $30 - did okay at the gas pump, $26...................then came the cell phone bill. Didn't I just pay that? And how did it get so high so fast?? Oh man - just as I was pumped to follow a budget!! But - not to despair. So I had to spend a little more than planned......I just won't eat or drive anywhere - lol. The way I look at it is if I can just get through January and February I think my outstanding bills from the Holidays will be caught up and then I think I can be right on track with the budget. What do you think? Any tips and staying on track? I'm open to suggestions..........
You know what ticks me off............its all this advertising we just went through during the Holidays. Not so much the "commercialization" of Christmas, and yes I am one of those who thinks the real meaning of Christmas is rapidly dwindling - but its the way that these advertisers are trying to "sell" good will. They push and push on how we're supposed to be nice to others and get them that something special - it almost makes you feel like if you don't then what kind of person are you?? So then we buy into it and shell out to purchase "good will" - now the bills come and good will is just way too expensive! Whatever happened to a kind word, or friendly gesture, or a homemade goodie being sufficient?
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Beginning again.............
............and here we are - Phew! Another new year. So this is the time of new beginnings, new promises, fresh starts, and good intentions. This is the time that we all can make changes without scrutiny. When asked why..........it's a New Year!! Maybe we can start something new that we've never done before without strange looks - and when asked why............it's a New Year!! People - this is the time to do what you've been wanting to do but didn't have the nerve - or was putting off!
And so you ask - What are you going to do? Fair question. I really think i'm going to look for contentment in 2010. Now, "contentment" paints a pretty broad spectrum so I guess I need to ask myself contentment in what? My job? My finances? My relationships? My family? Not really sure - maybe i'm not so much looking for contentment as I am a calm within. Whoa - where'd that come from?............that's deep. Let's move on---------->So how are you going to find this calm? Another good question. And I have absolutely no clue. One practical step that I am taking this year is to get a handle on my finances. A friend has developed a workable budget that I am determined to follow. (And I mean for longer than January 23rd which is typically around when most resolutions start to fail) Will this bring that calm i'm looking for? No, not completely but I think it'll be a good start.
I really believe though for any type of success that any of us are going to have we need to have support - or at least someone who will listen. So.........................you all get to be the lucky ones - lol! This is my other step towards the calm (sounds like a line from Ghost Whisperer) - this blog - this lava flow of thoughts, feelings, and opinions oozing from my being and spreading who knows where. You - if anyone has actually found this and even more, is reading this - you are invited to join my flow, my journey, my adventure. "A Life in the Day" Each day, or at least several times a week, I want to just chat about or explore life. I probably won't know what i'm going to explore until I buckle in and start to move but this I do know - if I don't send my mind on an adventure soon i'm going to implode and burn out. You can tag along for a little while or the entire voyage. I'm just not sure when i'm going to dock. Anyways - that's what this is going to be so just hold on and lets see where we go!
Let's start this journey by cheering up. If we think we've had a bad day then read this story - here's the link:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091230/ap_on_fe_st/us_odd_truck_theft_diary
Maybe we should pay attention every now and again - lol!!
See you tomorrow!
And so you ask - What are you going to do? Fair question. I really think i'm going to look for contentment in 2010. Now, "contentment" paints a pretty broad spectrum so I guess I need to ask myself contentment in what? My job? My finances? My relationships? My family? Not really sure - maybe i'm not so much looking for contentment as I am a calm within. Whoa - where'd that come from?............that's deep. Let's move on---------->So how are you going to find this calm? Another good question. And I have absolutely no clue. One practical step that I am taking this year is to get a handle on my finances. A friend has developed a workable budget that I am determined to follow. (And I mean for longer than January 23rd which is typically around when most resolutions start to fail) Will this bring that calm i'm looking for? No, not completely but I think it'll be a good start.
I really believe though for any type of success that any of us are going to have we need to have support - or at least someone who will listen. So.........................you all get to be the lucky ones - lol! This is my other step towards the calm (sounds like a line from Ghost Whisperer) - this blog - this lava flow of thoughts, feelings, and opinions oozing from my being and spreading who knows where. You - if anyone has actually found this and even more, is reading this - you are invited to join my flow, my journey, my adventure. "A Life in the Day" Each day, or at least several times a week, I want to just chat about or explore life. I probably won't know what i'm going to explore until I buckle in and start to move but this I do know - if I don't send my mind on an adventure soon i'm going to implode and burn out. You can tag along for a little while or the entire voyage. I'm just not sure when i'm going to dock. Anyways - that's what this is going to be so just hold on and lets see where we go!
Let's start this journey by cheering up. If we think we've had a bad day then read this story - here's the link:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091230/ap_on_fe_st/us_odd_truck_theft_diary
Maybe we should pay attention every now and again - lol!!
See you tomorrow!
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