Double Darn!!

Yesterday was my husband and my 2nd wedding anniversary but our 10th year together.

 

My husband had the flu and I wasn't feeling to great myself - allergies are so bad this year and I have some stinkin' cold that won't go away.  Darn it!  We spent some time together anyway and we had fun the night before. We went and saw a great blues band, Michal Bailey Band. They tour all over the US so if they are ever in your town definitely go and check them out. http://www.michalbailey.com/

 

I am excited we are going to Mackinac Island this week to celebrate our anniversary. We honeymooned there and are trying to make it an annual thing (although I was torn this year - kind of wanted to go as a family but I think we may be back for a day in July). Well, we booked our room a while back at our island home away from home, The Murray Hotel. http://www.4mackinac.com/mh_murrayhotel Now I find out we could have booked the Grand Hotel for a little bit more. Darn it again! They are advertising sepcial rates. http://www.grandhotel.com/ It has always been my dream to stay at the Grand Hotel. Oh, I've had tea on the porch with my husband and stepson and that was really nice but I would love to stay there. They provide breakfast and dinner, which my husband's boss raves about the food (lucky him - he stays there every year). I have been telling myself that if I lose weight and get down to my goal weight (gotta have a goal and definitely a reward) then I will treat myself to a stay at the Grand... and some new clothes of course - you have to dress for dinner. Here are some of our pics from when we went on the porch. These are from a long time ago. I almost cried when I went on the porch because I had always wanted to since I was little girl coming to the island. Yeah I'm a bit of a sentimental dork!

 

 My stepson is so silly and looks so small. When I was a lil'bit thinner.

Is he grabbing the horse's butt? haha

 

I love those pics. All this writing about and looking at pics of the Island is making me super excited to go. So I checked the weather forecast....it is forecasted to rain just about every day we are there! Double Darn it! Oh well, we will have fun anyway, just have to pack umbrellas and raincoats . As luck would have it Michal Bailey Band is going to be on the island as well as the comedian  http://home.earthlink.net/~stumail/ we seen 2 years in a row (and they serve the best drinks at that venue - I got buzzed off just 1, drunk off 2 haha). I also want to check out a tour of the Haunts of Mackinac Island. http://www.hauntsofmackinac.com/ Can't wait...

Ponder this...

"With her questions, she was striving to understand, as she had striven all her life, and she was tired to death of this search for meaning. She would never know why some people committed countless little cruelties - or bigger ones - and the struggle to understand had only exhausted her and left her empty, cold, and gray inside."

 

From the novel Intensity by Dean Koontz

 

I can identify with that passage from the book. That is exactly how I have been feeling and may be the root of my recent struggle with depression.

Talking about The Truth About Lying

 Here'a an article for a certain someone I know... Sure everyone lies or has lied but it can be avoided. There are better ways to handle situations than to lie. I wonder the affect a lying parent has on their children?? What is that teaching?

Quote

The Truth About Lying
From big whoppers to little white lies, almost everyone fibs on occasion. Here, experts reveal why.

My husband...

I have to give props to my husband today. He actually just celebrated his birthday not too long ago - maybe I should have written a blog honoring him then. Well this blog is just a little piece to honor the impact he has made on my life. I really have a wonderful husband - one of the very best. I have never had anyone as supportive of me as he has been and always is and I truly appreciate it even though I may not show it. I feel bad at times - I am supportive of him too but it is a little rough for us because this past year. I have been sick, depressed (things have been getting to me - the way some people act or treat others, the crappy economy, my health issues - ARGH!), and I also only have been working part time (in school full time) and not contributing barely at all to the family finances. This frustrates me. At times I have even been a major bitch!  It has been an emotional rollercoaster this year. Yeah, like I said, I feel bad but he never makes me feel that way and actually tries to make me feel better when I have a low moment. We can always talk things out, which is great. I hope I make him feel better in his low moments too. A lot of women complain about their husbands or men in general and I am lucky enough to not have to deal with any of that drama. I have someone who I can trust, who trusts me; someone I can rely on; someone with whom I can talk things out with; someone who is thoughtful and considerate (well he is not perfect - I did plant my ass in the toilet bowl the other night ) .... I just can't describe how fortunate I am that I have the husband that I do. I got lucky when I found my husband. 

 

Well actually I didn't find him, a mutual friend set us up. We both were working at Meijer (a retail and grocery store) but we really didn't know each other. I was hanging out with this one girl - Janelle, and she kind of brought us together. She got a group of us together to hang out after work at a nearby bar. That is when I really 'met' my husband. I always just knew him as "the annoying guy that works in the shoe department that talks way too much when I am trying to nap in the break room." Hahaha - sorry hubby, you know I love you (remember that first year I brought you beer and white chocolate for your birthday?). I kind of knew he was interested in me that first night we went out. I wasn't really interested in him  - only as a friend and someone to hang with. I was a little scared of relationships at that time, I just wanted to have fun, fun, fun. We did have a lot of fun but again, didn't think I wanted a relationship at that time. Specially with someone who was divorced and who had a young child. Like I said, all I wanted was some fun and I think that is all he wanted too - I don't think he was interested in a relationship at the time either (haha, probably just sex, which he picked the wrong girl for that kind of relationship!!). So we went out and had a great time. He took me slumming in the nearby hickville town he volunteered in as a paramedic, we hung out with his uber nerdy friend Travis, as well as a few other characters. We just had fun, playing pool, playing board games all night, getting drunk, dancing at the bar, and all around acting silly. I didn't really know where the relationship was heading, was a little scared it was heading in a direction I wasn't prepared for, but I went with it. At the risk of souding like a dork ... somewhere along the way he snagged my heart.  Our relationship developed pretty fast once I got over being scared of it and where I suspected ours was headed (haha against my better judgment, or so I thought at the time). The rest is history. Thank God I didn't scare myself away (or let other stuff scare me away)- my husband is the best thing that ever happened to me.  This June we will have been together for 10 years - married for 2. Thank God I am blessed and I hope my hubby feels the same way.

 

 

 

 

Talking about Death to the Classics! - MSN Encarta

 

http://encarta.msn.com/encnet/Departments/Elementary/?article=DeathToClassics&GT1=27001

 

Interesting article about reading literature and the classics in school. On one hand I think as long as kids and people are reading (anything they are into, not necessarily classics) they are learning something and it may open doors to other forms of literature, perhaps the classics. Someone who reads a great deal usually has better spelling, vocabulary, grammar, and overall writing skills. Strong writing skills is an asset for anybody.

 

On the other hand, I believe that some of the classics should be required and taught in school, or at least introduced. There is not enough of this happening in school - literature has taken a back seat to science, math and technology. All the subjects are important and have a place even though it would seem that literature is not relevent to the world. It is relevent in so many ways but a lot of people do not see the importance of it. That is sad. Reading, and reading good works (the classics as well as books from other points of view/from different cultures and cultural standpoints) makes a person think -introduces the reader to other ways of thinking, helps a person learn to see different sides of a story. The reader is introduced to history and culture, which provides a base for a broad range of subjects/topics and interests. Sure some of the texts are difficult but isn't life difficult - sometimes the most difficult things are the most rewarding. By making things so easy for kids we are making them lazy...their brains are lazy. They are lacking critical or analytical skills that reading literature and even some difficult works/texts helps to build. Then you think about the morals, the lessons to be gained from the old classics, the old stories - that is being lost too.

 

Even when I was in high school, back in the 80's, the classics were not taught and I did not have any required reading. I feel like I missed out, like I got gypped. To me, a part of my foundational education is/was missing. I tried to make up for it on my own but already so much time has been wasted, although I have learned a lot from just historical romance novels . Classics should be taught through out a kids school career, starting from elememtary. Also like it is stated in the article, the list of classics should not be set in stone, it should be a "elastic, flexible, argument-worthy thing" and include some new texts and texts from other cultures.

Look alikes?

 

So I was noticing that these 2 guys look alike - that is Josef Fritzl on the left and Drew Peterson on the right. Josef is the guy from Austria who held his daughter (and her children - his children/grandchildren) captive in his basement and raped her repeatedly. Drew ... well who hasn't heard about this guy. Scary coincidence, huh?

So Sad

Today I had to put my parakeet, Sprite to sleep. The poor little thing had a prolapsed rectum (cloaca is the proper term, I believe). I am not sure what happened but the vet said it may be that the bird had cancer. He advised that the best thing was to put Sprite to sleep which I had kind of already figured - its gotta' be bad when your insides are hanging out. Poor birdie. I had another parakeet, BB that died on Friday. I am not too sure what was wrong with that birdie but when I came home Thursday evening (I had been out of town for a few days) the bird was sick and I knew she was not going to get better. I think she might have been egg bound. Poor birdie. Rest in peace little birdies.

 

Talking about 5 Sleep Myths Busted - MSN Health & Fitness - Health Topics

Great article about sleep myths. I so hate the way many people think it is acceptable to only get 5 hours of sleep a night - they get by on that and expect the rest of the world to do the same but it is not healthy, not one bit. And the people that do this regularly don't realize how messed up they are. Wake up people! Oh...I mean get more sleep people!   

 

http://health.msn.com/health-topics/articlepage.aspx?cp-documentid=100235358&GT1=31036

 

http://www.sleepeducation.com/

For good behavior

 

OK, a star for good behavior but then   2 raised eyebrows for recent bad behavior or lies.  

 

Oh no! Another raised eyebrow for more bad behavior  You sure do know how to make the most out of a situation. Exploitation.... Oh and I almost forgot, another  for trying to teach a kid to lie or hide stuff. Not good.

Strong wind blows dog away....

Gone with the wind: Chihuahua blown away

Report: Six-pound puppy found a mile away from where gust sent her flying

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/30448774/?Gt1=43001
This news story made me laugh. I hope I am not heartless for thinking it is funny.   Can't you just picture the dog flying through the air? Was it raining cats and dogs?  Wah Waah.  I am sure the people and the poor dog were scared when it happened. I am glad it ends happily.

All about sex....

I love this article about sex. I might have to buy the book. I like what the author has to say about the "earthy reality of sex"....

 

The joys (and hilarious fumbles) of sex

Essays from new book offer a peek beneath the sheets

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28801295//

More about that book.....

My not-so-kinky sex life

Essays from new book offer a peek beneath the sheets

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29041046/

SlideShow about sex stats. Interesting....I didn't know that people had so many sexual partners!! and that people lost their virginity at such a young age.

 

10 surprising sex statistics

Are you within the sexual mean — or off the charts?

 

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/30140814/

 

 

Wow, is it all about pushing boundaries?? Sometimes that can be fun...

 

‘I did what I thought I'd never do’

7 women reveal how they dared to step outside their sexual boundaries

 

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29284080/

Interesting article about some early sex myths/thinking. Thank God for sex researchers Kinsey, Masters and Johnson and the whole sexual revolution!!

Vaginas with teeth — and other sexual myths

A romp through history reveals a host of absurd beliefs once held as truth

 

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/30332998/

Talking about Concentration Is the Key - MSN Encarta

Great article about concentration, which I sorely need to work on. I have noticed that over the last 10 years my concentratio, focus, or attention span has really gone down hill. I blame the computer (gaming and spending time on the internet), love and sex.  Haha  No, really I am going ot work on building my concentration this summer, as well as some other study skills.

Quote

Talking about Concentration Is the Key - MSN Encarta
can't concentrate when you're groggy, so don't sleep too much.

Studying community psych....

I have my community psych exam on Tuesday. I like this quote from my text:

 

"Our personal values about relationships, accountability, social change priorities, and our personal politcal world view all shape our priorities and agenda for community work." Bond, 1989 as quoted in Community Psychology: Linking Individuals and Communities (Dalton, Elias, Wandersam, 2006)

Finally - relaxed...

 

 

 

 

 

 

"only doing it for the money."

OMG, OMG, This is hilarious. OK, read this article. It had me and my husband laughing our asses off.

http://cartooncat.newsvine.com/_news/2009/04/21/2712464-man-hires-impotent-neighbour-to-impregnate-his-wifethen-sues

and here is the source

http://uk.news.yahoo.com/blog/editors_corner/article/26357/

Hahahaha - you'd think the couple would have had the neighbor tested BEFORE they let him do the deed (and paid him). And the the kicker is .....  the neighbor finds out that his own kids are not his biologically. OMG!!!

I just love this quote....

"The writer, when he is also an artist, is someone who admits what others don't dare reveal."

 -

Elia Kazan

 

 

Psychopaths

Why Do Some People Become Psychopaths?

 

http://health.msn.com/health-topics/mental-health/articlepage.aspx?cp-documentid=100233968

 

Wow, see my ideas aren't so crazy after all. Here is an article about psychopaths and how they are not all criminals - that there are psychopaths that can function in society without committinig a 'crime' (as defined by laws, rules and norms). I have held that belief for many, many years now. I have run across a few psycho's in my time and I think there's even more psychopaths around than even researchers realize yet. I would like to see some research done specifically on women psychopaths.

WOW! Liars never cease to amaze me...

Some people lie about anything and everything. It is really childish -definitely shows a lack of maturity and conscience. That's scary! I often wonder how people that get by in life by lying live with themselves but then they don't even think about their actions, do they? Except to wonder why people call them psycho, or unreasonable - but of course it is all everybody elses fault and lack of understanding. Aw. It makes life easier to go around without any personal ethics or integrity, doesn't it?

This guy sucks....

BIGTIME. I am posting an article about a guy who owes half a million dollars in child supprt on 14 kids. It is guys like him that give fathers a bad name. What an ass. He is full of excuses and BS. Why do people mess around and have kids they don't want? Or can't take care of? The woman are almost as bad - how you gonna' mess around with an idiot like this. C'mon, there had to be some indication this guy is bad news. At least use some birth control. I am glad they put his pic in with the article too - maybe women will recognize him next time.

 

Thomas Frazier, father of 14 children, jailed for owing more than half-million in child support

 

http://www.mlive.com/news/flint/index.ssf/2009/04/thomas_frazier_father_of_14_ch.html

Love this website - good for when you need a laugh...

Check out this website - http://www.fmylife.com/

 

It is just people posting their embarrassing or messed up moments on the web. Funny stuff for the most part although some of them are unbelievable. Good for when you need a quick laugh or pick me up.

 

This one (among many) cracked me up...

Today, I saw a dime on the ground. When I bent down to pick it up, my $80 dollar pants ripped. FML

Amazing story - "Dog eats baby goats, survives on remote island"

 

"A pet Australian cattle dog swam to shore after going overboard"

http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/30088069?GT1=43001

 

Wow, what a tough dog! The most interesting part for me was the personality change from pet to wild dog and back again. It is too bad the dog can't tell it's story.

Just a few more weeks....

Just a few more weeks until this very sucky winter semester is over. I can't wait. Then I will get to write what I want to write for a change! wahoo!! I can't even write what I want in this blog because I have so much crap to do, so I will have to blog later. 

 

My energy has been so low this semester that I am not able to keep up with everything and I miss my blogging. It helps me with my writing all the way around and I haven't even been able to get to it. I have been so frustrated with my school work and academic writing this semester. And my attention span and memory is not there either. The causes - a tough, long cold winter in Michigan, my stinkin' Chronic Fatigue acting up (possibly with some Seasonal Affective Disorder), that damn depression chasing me again, and not being able to keep a BLOG like I would like to. I will have to try harder this spring and summer and definitely nest semester.  

 

Just a few more weeks, and a few more difficult tasks and tests and I will be free.  Also, my husband and I are taking a trip the first week in May so I wil be off work for a few days and I will be able to rest up pool side. I so need a break!

 

 

 

I don't feel sorry for these people...

Somehow I don't feel sorry for these people. They are not on the edge of disaster like many, they have options. GRRR, sometimes articles like this irritate me - it's an article about how the recession affects even well off and rich people. OK, yeah but it doesn't hit them as hard as a middle class or poor person.

 

http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/StockInvestingTrading/getting-by-on-400,000-MSNMoney.aspx?gt1=33009

City hit hard by the recession...

This is a great article about Elkhart, Indiana - a city hit hard by the recession. They lost a lot of their RV factories which left many, many people jobless.

 

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/30066873//

Roger and Me

Watching "Roger and Me" - Wow! Still the same problems but magnified 10 times and spreading throughout the U.S. It is scary... I am thinking why wasn't something done way back then or has everything that was done failed that miserably?

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=3622789144304528932&q=roger+and+me

Contrast Quote

"Contrast is what makes photography interesting."

 -

Conrad Hall

 

I feel that! I often try to capture contrast in my nature photography and the results are usually stunning.

Classic!

Ok, yes I am very juvenile at times but whenever I need a good laugh I put on the "Farting Preacher" This never gets old!

 

Ok this one is even worse, hahaha - there are a lot of these videos

 

Here you go...

Maybe someone can tell me ......

What is going through a mother's head when she buys her teenage son a cell phone with unlimited texting after the kid flunked a class last trimester (and the trimester before that) and has had less that stellar (way less than) grades - basically rewarding bad grades? On top of the that, the kid professes to have ADD although he has never been diagnosed (well not that is known of - that info may have been kept from us; some people just are not good at communicating unless they have their hand out), what in the heck is having unlimited texting going to do to the kids attention span? This kid (who is a good kid just does not have his priorities straight and has some issues he needs to work on) does have trouble following directions, paying attention, completing tasks and completing them well, is forgetful, and has problems with organization. Yeah, what parent in their right mind would think giving a kid a new phone with unlimited texting is a good idea? What does that reinforce? Won't it make the kid's attention problems worse?
 
I wonder what excuses there will be when the poor kid has to repeat a bunch of classes and cannot take the classes (such as band) he wants. How about the ultimate bad situation - he gets so behind in school and ends up quitting or cannot graduate with his class? I wonder who will be to blame? 
 
Please, anyone with kids (especially teens) share your feelings on this situation or even teens or young adults.

Report Card Time: Too Many Acitivities=Bad Grades?

I don't know - you tell me. What are you thinking?

Also, why do some parents think that teenagers are grown and can be left to their own devices? Sometimes I think that some parents want to think their teen is grown up so they don't have to deal with issues or can spend more time on what they, the parent, want to do (or just be involved in the fun stuff their child is doing - COP OUT). That is lax parenting.

My thoughts are that teens are not grown up yet and still need guidance (this may be the time they need the most parenting), and yes sometimes they have to be told they cannot do stuff. Especially when they are getting bad grades (bad grades in my book is anything below a C-). There is no excuse! Especially when their grades have been less than stellar for years and nothing (or very little has been done about it). Academics need to be made (need to be seen as important by the teen, by both words and example) a priority. This means schoolwork, in class work, comes before all other extracurricular activities (whether they are school sanctioned or other activities). Talking to a teen about grades is all very well and good, letting them know your displeasure, and you can talk to you're blue in the face and they will say they understand and will do better yet the bottom line is you need to follow up all the talk with some action - either the kid has to do better in school, like he has been saying he had been or wants to do or some of his activities have to go until he does better in school. A teen needs to know parents mean business and the only way to get through to them sometimes is to take something away that they dearly want to do or make them work to get in the first place.

Of course it is better to make them work to get something they want before they actually get the privilege rather than take something away but sometimes, as in the case of lax parenting, parents have already given their teen what they wanted - independence, the ability to participate in any or all activities they want to. Then when the teen gets bad grades they (both parent and teen) want to make excuses and not do what needs to be done to correct the issue. What do you think is going to happen in the future? The teen is just going to miraculously improve his grades without guidance from anybody? Well wouldn't that be wonderful but unlikely to happen. No, most likely, if nothing is done about the bad grades, the teen will continue to flunk classes and get further and further behind, especially if he is allowed to participate in numerous extracurriculars. That is why the teen should be getting decent grades before he is allowed to participate in extracurricular activities - make him earn it so he knows what it takes to keep it.

Does this make sense? Or is it better just to let your teen do what he wants and hope and pray for the best? Hope that he has the wisdom to make hard choices, to show some restraint, put academics first, and have the time management skills of an adult. Well you know my thoughts on the matter.

I learned this the hard way. Truth to tell, I still struggle with managing my time and activities. I was given all the independence I wanted as a teen. I was able to participate in any extracurriculars I wanted to, which really wasn't that much. I did drama and choir outside of school hours. I was also in band but I was not in Marching or Jazz bands, so there was very little outside of school work. I had a job. I got bad grades, got behind and eventually quit high school. Truthfully, it wasn't just participating in the extracurriculars that led to me getting bad grades but that was part of it. I only participated in 3 extra activities - not 4 to 5 or more. It would have helped if someone would have stepped in and did something to make me see I had to make academics (no matter how boring or tedious, no matter how stupid and irrelevant I thought some subjects were) a priority. That I had to put some importance on things that had to be done to get by (this I hate - who doesn't hate jumping through hoops just to get a diploma? Or doing things they could care less about? But it is a part of life) rather that just placing importance on the things I really wanted to do. So if my parents had made me earn the right to participate in the activities or taken them away when I started failing high school, I might have learned to prioritize, and that there were things I had to do first before I got to do the things I really wanted. I have seen this work with other kids. A firm and guiding hand from the parents usually results in better academic performance and a kid who knows how to manage his time and activities. If that has been lacking then the kid will not learn and will be like me - he will end up learning the hard way or may never learn it. Is that what parents want?

So it might be time for me to find a new doctor....

Yeah, I have been wanting to find a new doctor but I have been putting it off. That is one of those things that is kind of annoying, and little time consuming if you don't have another doctor in mind. Well something happened yesterday that may spur my search.

 

Yesterday I had an appointment with my doctor - nothing major, just a sinus infection and I wanted to consult with him about my ever present fatigue. So I made an early appointment and actually got there on time.  A patient comes out of the inner office and informs me "They're moving pretty fast today." I was happy to hear that because I had been there many times when I had to wait for hours, part of the reason I want to find a new doctor. I thought. "Cool, maybe I will get in and out of here today." Well I did kind of get in and out...

 

I was sitting in the waiting room, looking over some books the office staff or some patients left, when in walks some guy carrying a box followed quickly by about 4 or 5 other guys. I didn't really pay them any attention right away - didn't really look at them other than in my field of vision I had noticed the box. I though it was strange but whatever - thought it might be a drug rep. They are always in and out of doctors offices. Well this guy greets the receptionist, I look up and see that these guys are cops and then the first guy says, "We're here to execute a search warrant." What? Huh? WTF!! So what doyou do when your doctor's office is being raided?

 

The cops put all the office staff in seperate rooms. One cop took down my information, and asked why I was seeing the doctor today (also asked if I was there to get prescription refills - Two thoughts, hasn't he heard of HIPPA, patient privacy  and AHA! maybe a clue??) and then I was free to go - after he checked with his superior officer. I didn't hear why the office was being searched, and I didn't ask. I figured that they probably wouldn't tell me and I didn't want to get in the way. So I was in and out of there, but I didn't get to see the doctor. I left puzzled, shocked, pissed and sick.  What a wasted trip.

 

 

Local Medical Clinics Raided By Police

http://www.wnem.com/news/18959579/detail.html

Today a professor reminded me...

of these wise words from a John Lennon song:

 

"Life is what happens while you're busy making other plans." ~John Lennon

 

So true.

A couple of interesting articles for today...

Pretty cool to see how far the web has come. I didn't even know some of the sites were around that long. Jeez, I didn't even get on the interenet until the middle of 1999.

 

http://www.slate.com/id/2212108/?gt1=38002

 

Cable fees are getting outrageous. Here is an interesting article about how to combat that by just cutting out cable altogether. My husband and I are toying with the idea. We don't get a chance to watch much TV.

 

http://blogs.moneycentral.msn.com/smartspending/archive/2009/02/23/how-i-cut-my-television-bill-in-half.aspx

Talking about Gross Couple Habits to Avoid, Starting Now

  Hahaha, This article is ridiculous. The line "Til death do us fart." is hilarious though. I just think they are a little unreal in their expectations, although I find the popping the zits thing extremely gross (that I cannot do) and I definitely shut the door to the bathroom. As for burps and farts - well a person has to either burp or fart or explode and I prefer farts.  hehehe No really, burping reminds me of puking and then makes me want to puke.

Quote

Talking about Gross Couple Habits to Avoid, Starting Now
What's okay for couples to do in front of each other, and which behaviors should be outlawed? Read on to help determine the nasty, too-much-information activities you've been sharing that should really be solo pursuits.

Gotta' love the knot/nest/bump and that whole franchise

Interesting Story

Filmmaker to tell extraordinary "human story" of former slave remembered in historical marker at Genesee County Courthouse

 

http://www.mlive.com/news/flint/index.ssf/2009/02/filmmaker_to_tell_extraordinar.html

 

This is a cool story - interesting bit of local color (I live near Flint and go to school there) I never knew about. I hope a full length feature is made. I wish historians knew more of the particulars concerning this story.

I wish I worked for this guy...

Miami banker lavishes $60M on his employees

 

http://news.moneycentral.msn.com/provider/providerarticle.aspx?feed=AP&date=20090225&id=9644683&gt1=33009

 

That guy, Leonard Abess Jr,  is amazing. All bankers should be like him.

Do you know what he did?

 This kid is so damn cute! I love his dimple. Love this...

   

Rotten People

"Despite everything, I believe that people are really good at heart."  Anne Frank

 

There are some truly wonderful people out there. I know this. I also know that there are more good people than bad but lately I have been wondering why there are so many rotten (murderers, molesters, and rapists aside - I am talking your everyday rotten people such as liars, manipulators, hypocrites and greedy thieves) people? How do they get away with their rottenness - why? ARGH! It is so frustrating and disheartening. Like Anne Frank, I want to believe that people are really good at heart but rotten people put this theory to the test. And these rotten people get away with being truly rotten. This is demoralizing to society at large. People see these bad people getting away with whatever bad thing is their specialty and they think 'why am I the dope that is honest, or works so hard, prizes honesty and doesn't play games with people?' Rotten people need to get their due. Faith is needed.

 

Don't get me wrong, I understand people make mistakes or get conflicted but these people usually try to change and/or make amends. I also know that there is seldom a person who is totally good - heck we all have our faults. There are people that are rotten and just don't care. That is what is truly unforgiveable about a rotton person, and it is what make them rotton. They always make sure they get theirs above all else, no what they have to do, how many lies they have to tell, and no matter who they step on. They may try to disguise their rottenness but they never do anything to change it. Underneath it all they are the same person they always have been and they like it. Oh, they also try to justify their behavior and do a pretty good job of it. They are good at deluding themselves and people close to them. They have learned to disguise their rottenness - in fact that is one of the talents a rotten person possesses, the innate ability to believe in themselves and make others believe in them too. They have little conscience and cultivate relationships with people that are similar to them or who may be too simple or easy to dupe (not stupid just too trusting). It is scary. I never used to believe people like this existed - I was naive and lived a sheltered life. Now I see otherwise. Rotten people do exist no matter what people may try to tell you, or laugh off that some people are just rotten. I have a theory that there are borderline psychopaths and sociopaths running around in society - they don't kill but they are still rotten. These are the people like Madoff and such - the everyday psychopath.

 

Not to knock Anne Frank but perhaps she should have put a qualifier on her belief - "Despite everything, I believe that most people are really good at heart." or perhaps "In spite of everything, I believe that people are really good at heart." It is wonderful to believe this but just be wary. It is wonderful to have an open heart but it just shows how good of a heart that one lovely, trusting person has. Please learn to protect yourselves people.

 

 

My Excitement : All About Work

Wow. I am so excited! I got a call a couple of nights ago about a job interview for a really excellent job I applied for back in May. I am surprised they called me – I had given up hope and was about to re-apply even though I didn’t think they would be hiring any time soon. I am not going to say what it is because I don’t want to jinx it but if I get this job I will be super happy. It will kind of be in the field of psychology (more like social work but that is pretty close) and is a great opportunity. The only down side is that I probably won’t be able to go to school full time.

Even if I don’t get this job things are looking up at my McDonald’s job. I got a raise and promotion to crew trainer (I get to help train people). All of us at the restaurant got nice sweaters (with the golden arches embroidered on it of course and dorky me was pretty excited about it) for winning some kind of contest. I got a great compliment from my manager about my order taking - it is nice to know you are appreciated.

As much as I would like another job (more money is the key factor in this), there are things I really like about working at McDonalds. It works for a full-time student – the schedule is flexible and only as demanding as you want it to be. It is usually fast paced and I get to keep moving. I work with some awesome, hardworking people (young and old) and for the most part I really like waiting on people (it is a fun, safe and not so sad way of helping people as opposed to being a paramedic, nurse or doctor), especially when they are super nice. I have gotten many compliments on my eyes, my smile, my voice, and my service. One lady was just blown away by how nice I was to her – she told me repeatedly “You seem like a really nice person – warm. You have lovely, warm eyes. Yes, you really are a nice person.” Haha I was going to be a smart aleck and tell her “It is called ACTING!” but I refrained. All teasing aside, it is lovely people like that lady that make my day.

A downside to working at McDonalds is the way some people treat you or try to insult you because you work in fast food - like you are dumb or worthless for working at such a place. Yeah, it is not brain surgery but how would these snobs get their cheap, ass expanding, fast food if everyone was as stuck up as them? No one could get a .99 cent burger or a cup of coffee for less than $4 if we were all as snobbish.

A couple of months ago someone tried to insult me, in a roundabout way, for working at McDonalds – I assumed this person would try to do this at some point or another because they are rotten like that. I felt like telling this person “I’m Lovin’ It!” hahaha, but I didn’t think this person would get it. I think that this person identifies too strongly with their work/job (or maybe it is how much money a person makes? Yes it could be all about money for this person) and thinks it defines them as a person. People like that do not realize that where somebody works (their job title or how much money they make) is only a small part of who that person is. I guess it is all about prestige, money and ego for some people. It is not about that for me and never has been. Sure work is just a way to get money but also I like to be able to have fun at work, and feel I am helping people in some way. People need to eat, right? I guess what I am trying to say is that some people shouldn’t take things so seriously (is that the right word - maybe people shouldn’t be so ‘pompous’ all the time.) You can lose a job in a heartbeat (especially in this economy) and then what do you have to fall back on? You have only yourself (and of course your friends and family). I guess that is a blog for another day.

Recently a customer insulted a co-worker to her face, said she was just a stupid McDonald’s employee (or something along those lines – little do some people appreciate the fact that if they have a job with benefits and pays more than the minimum, they're just plain lucky - we have people with degrees working at McD’s). This co-worker let our manager deal with this mean person but she summed it up the situation nicely. Besides stating the fact that she is a mother and as a mother her kids come first she said “It is just a job, most everybody has to work. They may insult me for working at McDonalds but that just shows what kind of person they are- an asshole. They might be here tomorrow looking for a job or worse -then how are they gonna’ feel.” As my Dad used to tell me – Somebody has to be the ditch digger.

Disheartened - need inspiration to come out of hibernation...

Yet again I find myself needing inspiration. Argh! Winter semesters are so challenging for me. All I’ve wanted to do is hibernate. I have been feeling awful the last few months (physically and emotionally – last semester really took a lot out of me and Christmas break was not nearly long enough) so I haven’t really been blogging. No inspiration, no creativity - or what little bit of inspiration and creativity I have is so scattered; I feel like I am ADD. I don’t want to talk to people, go anywhere or do much of anything but read and watch TV. It is so frustrating. I hate feeling like this.

 

I am starting to come out of hibernation a little this past week – maybe because the weather was a little better. I feel more like writing but I am still scattered. I feel a little spark of creativity but there is so much I want to do and so much I have to do that I get overwhelmed. I don’t feel up to writing academically right now. I just figure though, that if I start writing some things will come into focus. Keeping a blog seemed to help a bit last winter and also in the fall so I am trying to just write, write, write to get my creative juices flowing. It is like it snowballs once I just start writing. I only hope it works this time around. I hate to waste time on my blog right now because I have 3 papers to write (among other things) and the pressure is on.

 

Why can’t just completing something be inspiration enough? Why can’t graduating? I don’t know. Well I think part of it is that my professors/classes are not very inspiring this time around. The classes could be good if only the professors were a little more ‘alive’ or something. I am not bored with school or the subject matter but in 2 of my classes (Community Psychology and Sociology of Race and Ethnicity) the profs are slow and boring. Not stimulating in the least. Heck I could just stay home and read the text. I also took an English class that is not proving very interesting (I miss literary analysis). It is all writing but it is not very structured and the prof (he is nice enough and flexible) likes to focus on pop culture in regards to each student’s major. I like pop culture but I find it difficult (too broad and complex) to write about. I just want to concentrate on conventional academics right now! My last class is an Algebra class (hopefully my last math class) and this is not my fave subject although at least this prof is livelier than any of the others.

 

Bottom line is I need inspiration and as much as I hate to say it I am not getting it from school at present. I just want to stay home and concentrate on other things like my husband, my family, my job, my health, and all my little liberal arts interests. But I can’t give up – have to keep on keeping on with school. Oh, yeah another thing that discourages me is the economy. I keep thinking, “Am I going to school for nothing? Is there going to be a decent job around when I graduate?” Eventually I would like something better than a McDonalds (or food service job, as much as I like it) job. I am working with a guy who just graduated – he has a bachelor’s degree and he is working at McD’s! That is sad. And it discourages me, bigtime. This guy that I work with still has hope though and he has gone on some interviews for some good jobs. A lot of people tell me not to give up home, that there will be something. My husband tells me he feels I am on the right path in school and I should stay on it. I am not tempted to quit but just disheartened. I hope everybody is right. I hope an education pays off even in a crappy economy (or the economy gets better). Plus the baby boomers have to retire sometimes, right?

 

 

Booty Shakin' Silliness

 

I usually don't pay much attention to commercials but this one made me  nearly spit my dinner across the room it is so funny. Love it!

I need to follow this advice...

Regular

Art

Funny

Love

Nature

• "Great things are done by a series of small things brought together."
  -
  Vincent Van Gogh

Yes! This is what I need to learn this semester! I always want to get stuff done in one big lump instead of breaking things down into more manageable jobs. I need to start breaking tasks down - I need to force myself. I have been so overwhelmed lately that this may be the only thing that helps. I just need to force myself to do it.

Octuplet Mom gets on my nerves ...

So she had a litter of babies ... how in the hell in she going to support them? On America's tax dollars and donations? Yuck. She seems like a very vain and selfish person.

 

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/worldnews/article-1144715/Angelina-Jolie-creeped-octuplets-mother-receiving-letters--hearing-rumours-plastic-surgery.html?ITO=1490#

 

Secret to a happy marriage...

I love this advice from Kevin Bacon about having a long, happy marriage...

 

"You've got to keep the fights clean and the sex dirty." 

 

http://movies.msn.com/wonderwall/long-haul-celebrity-couples/?photoidx=11

 

Death Sucks

Had to repost these poems. A former co-worker died in an accident and I am having trouble with her death - she was so young, only 20.  She had her whole life in front of her and now it is all gone, over. Unbelievable and hard to deal with.

Here area couple of poems I find comforting.

Shakespeare Sonnet LXXI.
 
No longer mourn for me when I am dead
Then you shall hear the surly sullen bell
Give warning to the world that I am fled
From this vile world, with vilest worms to dwell:
Nay, if you read this line, remember not
The hand that writ it; for I love you so
That I in your sweet thoughts would be forgot
If thinking on me then should make you woe.
O, if, I say, you look upon this verse
When I perhaps compounded am with clay,
Do not so much as my poor name rehearse.
But let your love even with my life decay,
  Lest the wise world should look into your moan
  And mock you with me after I am gone.

Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep

Do not stand at my grave and weep,
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glint on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you wake in the morning hush,
I am the swift, uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circling flight.
I am the soft starlight at night.
Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there, I do not sleep.
Do not stand at my grave and cry.
I am not there, I did not die!

- Mary Frye

Can you afford to have a kid?

Here is an interesting article about being able to afford to have a baby:

 

http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/CollegeAndFamily/RaiseKids/8-smart-tips-for-affording-a-baby.aspx

 

I just found it interesting because I would like to have a child but I am afraid of all the expenses. I also think a lot of people should think about finances before they have kids. I know sometimes things just happen but people really need to start thinking before they mess around. With this in mind here is another article about a family close to where I live (Flint, MI). The article kind of sucks but the comments after the article are entertaining and thought provoking. Sadly, it is a good illustration of what is going on in America today - the choices people have to make or just ignore. I don't know who is trashier in regards to the article though - the newspaper (The Flint Journal) for running the story, the Mom and Dad that the article is about, or some of the people's attitudes/responses.

 

http://www.mlive.com/news/flint/index.ssf/2009/01/gary_johnson.html

 

 

 http://www.mlive.com/news/flint/index.ssf/2009/01/states_offer_to_forgive_costs.html

Parakeet Porn

OK, call me sick, crazy, or perverted but I had to take the video and I had to post it. There is something you don't see everyday....hahaha, well I do but maybe not the rest of you.  

My parakeet, BB, has laid a total of about 11 to 13 eggs. I am getting a little concerned - I don't think she is supposed to lay that many. It can be a drain on the little birdies system. I bought the birds a nesting box and right now there are 8 eggs in there!. Both keets have been sitting on them. They actually fight over who gets the box and who gets to sit on the eggs. I am not sure if any of the eggs will hatch but it is interesting. A few of the first eggs broke and a couple of them are laying at the bottom of the bird cage - BB and Sprite are not interested in those. I just don't know what else to do for my birds and vets around where I live don't know hardly anything about parakeets.

 

 

Parakeet Love
http://mediaservices.myspace.com/services/media/embed.aspx/m=50541551,t=1,mt=video,searchID=,primarycolor=,secondarycolor=

So true

"I don't try to defend the truth, it defends itself."
Paul Mooney

 

Ain't that the truth? I love the comedian Paul Mooney. Not only is he hilarious, he also has a lot of insight.

Ethics