It's been a while, eh? Not sure I even remember how to type on anything but an iPad. Let's go rusty typing fingers.
OK, it's winter. And despite the extensive article I read in the paper predicting another warm winter, it has been a doozie thus far. Oh, and let's be clear that, technically, it is still fall. It has snowed a lot, and it has been really cold. Plus this week we have been blessed with my personal favorite, freezing rain. Oh, and let us not forget our ever present friend freezing fog. Did you catch the word freezing in there a couple times? For clarification, that's the opposite of warm.
So, my complaint (because you knew this was going to be a rant, didn't you?) is not for the presence of winter. Winter's winter. It cannot be judged to be wrong. That's like blaming a tiger for eating a gazelle, or whatever they eat, or a snake for being a snake or an idiot for being stupid. No, I get that winter just has to be. Seriously fine with it. What I am not fine with is this new, not surprising trend of cancelling everything when things get the teensiest bit rough. It's one thing to cancel an event when it just dumped 2 feet of snow in and hour and you can't get out of your driveway. There needs to be given a little time for the plows to get out, etc. But nowadays it seems like if it's even potentially a little slippery out there, CANCELLED is the word of the day. Jeez people...are we really that lame?
I blame the schools. It's all about the buses. Everyone seems to follow in behind whatever the schools decide. This seems like a very slippery slope indeed. Ha? get it? If we follow the uber-err- on- the- side- of- caution attitude the schools take on matters we are truly going to be sliding down the slope of competence to the stinking bottom heap of inadequate, lame woosies. I personally feel we are close to the bottom already. I heard something on one of the morning talk shows earlier this week that is kind of on the same subject. Some lady was saying that in her daughter's class there were 4 girls with the same name. The school decided to put the one girl in a different class where no one else had that name so she would feel special. What?! What if she's not special? What if she needs to develop skills or a personality that makes her rise above and be special? What did they do back in the day when everyone was named John or Tom? I know!.....John and Tom developed traits that distinguished them from the others. Or they made up nicknames. Good grief, people...a little imagination goes a long way!
I know that I have been remiss at writing on this blog for a long time. I sincerely apologize to both of you (Hi Jeff, Hi Mom!) And it seems rather crass of me to start back up with a complaint. Well.....let's blame the weather! A) I have more time stuck inside and therefore more time to ramble on and B) the weather is making me cranky.
So, this in and of itself is my solution. When life gets you down sometimes you just gotta purge it off your chest! Done.
Friday, December 5, 2014
Saturday, August 17, 2013
In this case, ignorance may be gross
Hi!
I haven't written in a while... not because I don't love you, God no! Mostly because I got a new computer and everything changed. I couldn't figure out how to make it work. Lame, I know. Anyway.....
When I got up this morning, the day was full of possibilities. I could ride my motorcycle to the OVMA meeting. I could go lay on a boat on the lake with some friends. I could go hiking...I could do anything. What I chose to do is stay home and clean the oven. What??! Then I made coffee and got on my iPad.
I get a lot of things on facebook and email about our food industry. Frankly, I don't read half of it because it depresses me. Can't eat this, can't eat that, bla bla bla. But today I saw something about how a product may be distributed through an American company, but the actual food is grown in China or wherever, where they have little or no food safety inspectors or regulations. Now, I already knew this, of course. But I really started thinking about that. I know that in some parts of the world, they practice what's called "Black Farming." You probably already are aware of what that is, but just in case you don't, I will fill you in. Black Farming (why am I capitalizing that?) is when you use human waste as fertilizer. That's right.......gross. So, just for fun (you know, like riding a motorcycle or clutching an inner tube behind a boat fun) I looked in my pantry at my food. Dole pineapple comes from Thailand. My raspberry preserves come from Poland. My grape tomatoes are a product of Mexico. The dog's biscuits are from New Zealand. Luckily, I didn't find anything from China (well, except this computer and everything else in my house, probably.) But at least my food isn't from there. The article (and I believe this to be true) says that China is the worst offender as far as the black farming thing goes. And I suppose that if I checked further back in the pantry I would find something from our Chinese friends.
Things are tough here in the USA nowadays. Part of the problem, of course, is that we are buying all this crap from overseas because it's cheaper. But, honestly, I think that we assume we are getting our food from here. I mean, we have farms here, we have huge plants that put our food in packages here.....we can do it all. But we don't, I guess. It's an easy mistake to make. I really want there to be jobs in America. What did Ronald Reagan say? "the best social program is a job." I want us to be eating what our farmers grow, (yes, I know that huge corporations run our farms now, but that's a topic for another blog.) I want to have some assurance that our food is safe (yes, I know that the FDA and Dept of Agriculture are not to be trusted either.) I want to eat stuff that is grown and packaged here. I vowed to myself this morning while my oven is cleaning itself that I am going to do one simple thing to make this country stronger. I am going to wear my glasses when I shop. I am going to read where this stuff comes from and I am going to buy American. Food, I hope, will be simple. Clothes, electronics, etc...I'm just gonna have to do my best there.
Have a good day everyone!
I haven't written in a while... not because I don't love you, God no! Mostly because I got a new computer and everything changed. I couldn't figure out how to make it work. Lame, I know. Anyway.....
When I got up this morning, the day was full of possibilities. I could ride my motorcycle to the OVMA meeting. I could go lay on a boat on the lake with some friends. I could go hiking...I could do anything. What I chose to do is stay home and clean the oven. What??! Then I made coffee and got on my iPad.
I get a lot of things on facebook and email about our food industry. Frankly, I don't read half of it because it depresses me. Can't eat this, can't eat that, bla bla bla. But today I saw something about how a product may be distributed through an American company, but the actual food is grown in China or wherever, where they have little or no food safety inspectors or regulations. Now, I already knew this, of course. But I really started thinking about that. I know that in some parts of the world, they practice what's called "Black Farming." You probably already are aware of what that is, but just in case you don't, I will fill you in. Black Farming (why am I capitalizing that?) is when you use human waste as fertilizer. That's right.......gross. So, just for fun (you know, like riding a motorcycle or clutching an inner tube behind a boat fun) I looked in my pantry at my food. Dole pineapple comes from Thailand. My raspberry preserves come from Poland. My grape tomatoes are a product of Mexico. The dog's biscuits are from New Zealand. Luckily, I didn't find anything from China (well, except this computer and everything else in my house, probably.) But at least my food isn't from there. The article (and I believe this to be true) says that China is the worst offender as far as the black farming thing goes. And I suppose that if I checked further back in the pantry I would find something from our Chinese friends.
Things are tough here in the USA nowadays. Part of the problem, of course, is that we are buying all this crap from overseas because it's cheaper. But, honestly, I think that we assume we are getting our food from here. I mean, we have farms here, we have huge plants that put our food in packages here.....we can do it all. But we don't, I guess. It's an easy mistake to make. I really want there to be jobs in America. What did Ronald Reagan say? "the best social program is a job." I want us to be eating what our farmers grow, (yes, I know that huge corporations run our farms now, but that's a topic for another blog.) I want to have some assurance that our food is safe (yes, I know that the FDA and Dept of Agriculture are not to be trusted either.) I want to eat stuff that is grown and packaged here. I vowed to myself this morning while my oven is cleaning itself that I am going to do one simple thing to make this country stronger. I am going to wear my glasses when I shop. I am going to read where this stuff comes from and I am going to buy American. Food, I hope, will be simple. Clothes, electronics, etc...I'm just gonna have to do my best there.
Have a good day everyone!
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
The day after the election
Today, about half the country is disappointed. And being the "glass is half full" kind of person that I am, that also means that half of the country is happy today. I hope that the happy people really throw that good energy around because I feel like we have all been holding our breath for the last few days. I was driving on the highway yesterday in the middle of the day and it was deserted. I was, like, "did Armageddon happen and I didn't get the memo, or what?" Where was everyone? I guess people were holed-up in their bomb shelters or root cellars waiting for the real storm to start.
I am happy the election is over. Admittedly, I watched very little of the talking heads. I can't take it. Everything has to Be. Such. A. Big. Deal. But still, I am alive, I am breathing, and I do have a television so I got the gist of the campaigns. Basically, this is what I got from it....(and, yes, I realize that this is not new.) Both parties are essentially accusing the other party of being selfish. One side is selfish with their money in that they want to hang on to some of it. The other side is selfish in that they want to alleviate their guilty consciences by helping every perceived abused person on the planet. So is everyone selfish? Yes, I believe they are. It's human nature to want to take care of yourself and your family at the highest standard possible. There are maybe 5 completely selfless people in this entire world..and even they benefit from being that way because they are on the fast track to enlightenment. So, why don't we all just come clean with our selfishness already?! I'll start: last night when I went to bed, in those moments before I fell asleep, I asked God for two favors. One was that my choice of the lesser-of-two-evils would win the election. The other was that my hand, which had been really hurting all day, would be better in the morning. Both of these favors I asked of God were to benefit my business...and therefore me, (although, Hi! Massage does help others.) I just want to be able to do my massages without pain, and in return, I would like to make enough money to eat and have a roof over my head. I really don't think that is asking too much. But is that selfish, or self-love? Selfish is "concerned only with oneself, without regard for the well-beings of others," Self-love is, "the instinct or desire to promote one's own well-being." I think both sides are guilty of self-love. And that is OK.
So, when I woke up this morning I realized that only one of my favors was granted. But it was the important one....my hand feels fine today! But that doesn't mean I will quit worrying about the state of our nation. When I stopped at the bank this morning to make a deposit, the bank cashier asked me, "what kind of check is this?" I stared blankly at her for a second before answering that it was a paycheck. I thought, as I drove away, that maybe that was the first time the poor girl had ever seen one.
I am happy the election is over. Admittedly, I watched very little of the talking heads. I can't take it. Everything has to Be. Such. A. Big. Deal. But still, I am alive, I am breathing, and I do have a television so I got the gist of the campaigns. Basically, this is what I got from it....(and, yes, I realize that this is not new.) Both parties are essentially accusing the other party of being selfish. One side is selfish with their money in that they want to hang on to some of it. The other side is selfish in that they want to alleviate their guilty consciences by helping every perceived abused person on the planet. So is everyone selfish? Yes, I believe they are. It's human nature to want to take care of yourself and your family at the highest standard possible. There are maybe 5 completely selfless people in this entire world..and even they benefit from being that way because they are on the fast track to enlightenment. So, why don't we all just come clean with our selfishness already?! I'll start: last night when I went to bed, in those moments before I fell asleep, I asked God for two favors. One was that my choice of the lesser-of-two-evils would win the election. The other was that my hand, which had been really hurting all day, would be better in the morning. Both of these favors I asked of God were to benefit my business...and therefore me, (although, Hi! Massage does help others.) I just want to be able to do my massages without pain, and in return, I would like to make enough money to eat and have a roof over my head. I really don't think that is asking too much. But is that selfish, or self-love? Selfish is "concerned only with oneself, without regard for the well-beings of others," Self-love is, "the instinct or desire to promote one's own well-being." I think both sides are guilty of self-love. And that is OK.
So, when I woke up this morning I realized that only one of my favors was granted. But it was the important one....my hand feels fine today! But that doesn't mean I will quit worrying about the state of our nation. When I stopped at the bank this morning to make a deposit, the bank cashier asked me, "what kind of check is this?" I stared blankly at her for a second before answering that it was a paycheck. I thought, as I drove away, that maybe that was the first time the poor girl had ever seen one.
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Team Awesome
We went camping on a creek, we went camping on a lake, we went camping on a creek that we called a lake. We went thunder egg finding (not hunting, not searching.....FINDING) and we did it all in our backyard! You don't have to go far to find fun in beautiful Central Oregon. We spent a decent amount of time trying to stand up on half- flat rafts in the lake, which provided entertainment for those on shore. (You are welcome.) We put the dog in the kayak and he pretty much told us with his eyes that is was about damn time! The only time we did different things was at the campfire in the evenings. "The Kid" made s'mores and I had a cocktail(s). Other than that we were pretty much on the same page.
How refreshing it is to have a relationship where you pretty much agree on what to do that day. No arguing or vying for control, no hidden agendas. Just peace and quiet and contentment. It was great.
I always think this is going to be the last summer my niece will want to hang out with her old aunt. She is a teenager, after all. She has lots of friends, and she does plenty with them, but she seems to be pretty happy getting outside and exploring what there is out there with me. (Maybe because I have a car???) Her priorities may change...and that is OK. I'm just happy that we have been able to do so many fun things in the last few years.
Next summer, Team Awesome to the Steens?
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Life is Good...enough
I sort of like the logo that is on T-shirts and hats and spare tire covers.. Life is Good. They are cute...there is usually a dog involved. But really it should just say, Life is Good Enough. Because sometimes life isn't that good...but it's good enough. Do we really have to go around acting so damn happy all the time? It's not normal.
For instance, I just turned 50. This is not particularly good news...but it's not the worst news ever, either. I could be 60. But the bitter pill of turning 50 was washed down with some good friends and vodka. The fact remains that the pill still was bitter, but I didn't really taste it going down. And that is good enough.
I'm still not overly happy about this age thing, but I am happy that I have some of the most awesome friends of all time. This includes some people that are actually related to me..but I'm putting them in the friend category for this. They took me to Nashville for my birthday. Nashville is the new Vegas as far as we are concerned. Cheaper, less hype, much less walking and way more hot guys who sing country songs to you. What's not to like about that? If you like country music...you should totally go there. If you don't, do not go...they have speakers on every street corner playing country tunes all the time. And every bar (and there are plenty of them) has live music playing around the clock. Really good, really talented musicians who are playing for tips. They are working their butts off trying to be somebody!
I do try to dwell on the positive and not the negative. This is a good example of that. I have been on the Earth for a pretty long time......sure....but In that time I have acquired a lot of really good, funny, smart and generous friends!!! Which reminds me....where are we going for my 60th??
For instance, I just turned 50. This is not particularly good news...but it's not the worst news ever, either. I could be 60. But the bitter pill of turning 50 was washed down with some good friends and vodka. The fact remains that the pill still was bitter, but I didn't really taste it going down. And that is good enough.
I'm still not overly happy about this age thing, but I am happy that I have some of the most awesome friends of all time. This includes some people that are actually related to me..but I'm putting them in the friend category for this. They took me to Nashville for my birthday. Nashville is the new Vegas as far as we are concerned. Cheaper, less hype, much less walking and way more hot guys who sing country songs to you. What's not to like about that? If you like country music...you should totally go there. If you don't, do not go...they have speakers on every street corner playing country tunes all the time. And every bar (and there are plenty of them) has live music playing around the clock. Really good, really talented musicians who are playing for tips. They are working their butts off trying to be somebody!
I do try to dwell on the positive and not the negative. This is a good example of that. I have been on the Earth for a pretty long time......sure....but In that time I have acquired a lot of really good, funny, smart and generous friends!!! Which reminds me....where are we going for my 60th??
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Everybody's scared of something
I'm really not afraid of much. I'm not afraid of the cops.....I'm not breaking any laws, usually. I'm not afraid of terrorists....if they are gonna kill us all I hope I am in the first strike. I'm not afraid of people getting mad at me...I've had plenty of experience with that. But there is a group of people over in Salem that scare the crap out of me.
Every two years, the Oregon Board of Massage Therapists makes you renew your license. Simple, right? No big deal; all professions have their licensing requirements. I understand their need for my money so they can keep massage therapists on the up and up..I don't just get it ...I'm OK with it. But I have to confess that the OBMT scares me more than any group of people ever have. Seriously. It might be because of the practical test they administer which was the scariest hours of my life. It might be that I assume that they are completely lacking humor. It might be that they have the power to completely ruin my life. That last one is probably it, isn't it?
Anyway, I went online a couple weeks ago to renew my license by the appropriate date (and believe me when I tell you that that is not as clear-cut as you would think.) I submitted all of the classes that I took for the continuing education requirement and with each entry I actually thought, "I hope they like this one." Like I was some little kid making a card for my "mommy dearest" and praying that she would think I was "special." It's embarrassing the omnipotence I give these people.
Now you want to hear something completely stupid? I got my mail today and in the box was something from the OBMT. My heart fluttered. I was filled with dread. What if they didn't like my CEU's? What if I made a mistake? What if they are auditing me? What if they just decided for no reason that they don't want to renew my license and this is a 'cease and desist order.' I had all of these thoughts at once. So I brought the mail inside and opened up all the other things first. I had to ease into it. I got a rebate check for $7.00 from Castrol Oil. So far, so good. I got a notice from my credit union about some change they are making that I have no idea what it means. OK, all seems well. Then I opened it. And there before my very eyes was my new license that is good until March 2014. And I actually cried. I'm not joking. I teared-up. With relief. How stupid is that?
When I took the written tests to get my license initially, the computer I took the test on informed me that I passed and went out to my truck and cried really hard. It's the only time in my life that I cried over a test. Tests don't freak me out...I either know the stuff or I don't and I set my expectations for the grade accordingly. But this test was important. And I was so relieved I bawled like a little baby. I wonder what I would have done if I failed? I probably would have gotten mad.
It's the silliest things that get us.....that are important to us. It's not that I think I have done anything wrong to make the OBMT pull my license....not the case..I am following the rules to the letter! It's not that I think they are unfair and want to mess with me...I don't. I guess it's just that that little stupid piece of paper really means the world to me. Not because I think I sacrificed so much to get it. I did sacrifice some things...but willingly and certainly nothing huge in the great scheme of things. I'm really not sure why it's so important to me...but it is. So, thanks OBMT for not screwing with license # 15999 because I am not sure I could handle it!
Every two years, the Oregon Board of Massage Therapists makes you renew your license. Simple, right? No big deal; all professions have their licensing requirements. I understand their need for my money so they can keep massage therapists on the up and up..I don't just get it ...I'm OK with it. But I have to confess that the OBMT scares me more than any group of people ever have. Seriously. It might be because of the practical test they administer which was the scariest hours of my life. It might be that I assume that they are completely lacking humor. It might be that they have the power to completely ruin my life. That last one is probably it, isn't it?
Anyway, I went online a couple weeks ago to renew my license by the appropriate date (and believe me when I tell you that that is not as clear-cut as you would think.) I submitted all of the classes that I took for the continuing education requirement and with each entry I actually thought, "I hope they like this one." Like I was some little kid making a card for my "mommy dearest" and praying that she would think I was "special." It's embarrassing the omnipotence I give these people.
Now you want to hear something completely stupid? I got my mail today and in the box was something from the OBMT. My heart fluttered. I was filled with dread. What if they didn't like my CEU's? What if I made a mistake? What if they are auditing me? What if they just decided for no reason that they don't want to renew my license and this is a 'cease and desist order.' I had all of these thoughts at once. So I brought the mail inside and opened up all the other things first. I had to ease into it. I got a rebate check for $7.00 from Castrol Oil. So far, so good. I got a notice from my credit union about some change they are making that I have no idea what it means. OK, all seems well. Then I opened it. And there before my very eyes was my new license that is good until March 2014. And I actually cried. I'm not joking. I teared-up. With relief. How stupid is that?
When I took the written tests to get my license initially, the computer I took the test on informed me that I passed and went out to my truck and cried really hard. It's the only time in my life that I cried over a test. Tests don't freak me out...I either know the stuff or I don't and I set my expectations for the grade accordingly. But this test was important. And I was so relieved I bawled like a little baby. I wonder what I would have done if I failed? I probably would have gotten mad.
It's the silliest things that get us.....that are important to us. It's not that I think I have done anything wrong to make the OBMT pull my license....not the case..I am following the rules to the letter! It's not that I think they are unfair and want to mess with me...I don't. I guess it's just that that little stupid piece of paper really means the world to me. Not because I think I sacrificed so much to get it. I did sacrifice some things...but willingly and certainly nothing huge in the great scheme of things. I'm really not sure why it's so important to me...but it is. So, thanks OBMT for not screwing with license # 15999 because I am not sure I could handle it!
Sunday, February 12, 2012
A super hero for today
My favorite character is back for his new season on the Science Channel. That's right, Karl Pilkington. He's the funniest man (bloke) on TV. I seriously want this guy to be my new boyfriend because he makes me laugh more than anyone has in a while. Certainly, you have all watched An Idiot Abroad?? (I've written about it before.) Well now his new season is subtitled The Bucket List. The producers of the show come clean that it is not in fact Karl's bucket list....not sure what would be on his bucket list except to sit quietly somewhere with some potato chips (crisps) and have no one bother him. (Just that image alone makes me love the man.) Anyway, as much as I would love to tell you every funny thing that he says (I really would love that) I think that you might get bored...and honestly you should just tune into the show and hear it straight from his beautiful lips.... I do want to tell you about something that he said that resonated with me very much.
So Karl is on the Trans-Siberian train with a Russian guy who is magnetic. I mean that objects stick to him, like he is a human magnet. So Karl thinks this is not the most handy power to have and the camera man asks, "Well, what super powers would you want to have, then?" And Karl came up with the best answer of all. He would be "Bulls*** Man." He would wear regular clothing, no cape or anything and would swoop down when appropriate and call "bulls***" on people. His hope being that if he calls people on their bull**** they will eventually stop it. It's as if Karl can read my mind. This is my greatest hope for mankind.
This is the kind of thing that I run into all the time and I am pretty sure Karl and I are not alone. I realize that I am a bit odd. I don't ever quite fit in with people who do what I do. When I did mediation, I didn't fit in with the soft spoken, never-say-anything-to-offend-anyone-ever crowd. Now that I do massage and Reiki I don't fit in with the peace, love and granola crowd. And I know why....it's because I am able to spot bull**** when I hear it. Simple as that. Oh what a world (and a personal relief to me) to have Karl be Bulls*** Man so that I didn't have to do it! There have been plenty of times when I ended up being the bad guy because I called "bulls*** around people who tout the adage that we "all just need to love everybody." It's just not realistic! I'm not afraid to say it...but I inevitably get "that look" that says "oh, poor Lee...she just doesn't get it yet." And maybe I don't. But I do not see, anytime soon, a world where everyone should be trusted based on the words that come out of their mouths. I am weary of people who walk around acting like they are more evolved than the rest of us. Like they have it all figured out. No they don't! People who act like that are no better than the rest of us. And sometimes they are worse.
There's a word for people who trust everything everyone says...and that word is "sucker." Karl and I will not be suckers. Bulls*** Man to the rescue!!
So Karl is on the Trans-Siberian train with a Russian guy who is magnetic. I mean that objects stick to him, like he is a human magnet. So Karl thinks this is not the most handy power to have and the camera man asks, "Well, what super powers would you want to have, then?" And Karl came up with the best answer of all. He would be "Bulls*** Man." He would wear regular clothing, no cape or anything and would swoop down when appropriate and call "bulls***" on people. His hope being that if he calls people on their bull**** they will eventually stop it. It's as if Karl can read my mind. This is my greatest hope for mankind.
This is the kind of thing that I run into all the time and I am pretty sure Karl and I are not alone. I realize that I am a bit odd. I don't ever quite fit in with people who do what I do. When I did mediation, I didn't fit in with the soft spoken, never-say-anything-to-offend-anyone-ever crowd. Now that I do massage and Reiki I don't fit in with the peace, love and granola crowd. And I know why....it's because I am able to spot bull**** when I hear it. Simple as that. Oh what a world (and a personal relief to me) to have Karl be Bulls*** Man so that I didn't have to do it! There have been plenty of times when I ended up being the bad guy because I called "bulls*** around people who tout the adage that we "all just need to love everybody." It's just not realistic! I'm not afraid to say it...but I inevitably get "that look" that says "oh, poor Lee...she just doesn't get it yet." And maybe I don't. But I do not see, anytime soon, a world where everyone should be trusted based on the words that come out of their mouths. I am weary of people who walk around acting like they are more evolved than the rest of us. Like they have it all figured out. No they don't! People who act like that are no better than the rest of us. And sometimes they are worse.
There's a word for people who trust everything everyone says...and that word is "sucker." Karl and I will not be suckers. Bulls*** Man to the rescue!!
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
You never know
As all my followers (heeheehee) may remember, I was a Juvenile Probation Officer for many years before I gave it all up to be a massage therapist. Some would say that that was a really stupid idea. And when I sit down to pay my bills I think those people were probably right. But I believe there is a shelf life to most things; relationships, friendships, jobs, cheese (I found a piece in the back of the fridge that had gone beyond that shelf life...not pretty.) And the shelf life of the Juvenile Department job had expired.
One of the frustrating things (let me emphasize "one") about that job was that you never knew if you were doing one bit of good. You seriously had to have faith that you were doing the right thing even if many people were yelling at you telling you that you were Satan and you should just go back to Hell where you belonged and leave their poor child alone...."He's a good boy!" But you didn't cave..you couldn't and you told yourself that someday they would thank you. Ha. Those somedays never come. And yet, the other day it was someday.
My new phone rang (I'll have to write another blog on how a new touch screen cell phone can ruin your life) and I saw that it was a call from California. Contrary to my regular habits, I answered it. It was a man's voice telling me his name and asking if I remembered him. After I made sure I heard the name right I said, "oh, I remember you!" Mac was a kid on my caseload waaaayyyy back in the day. He's in his 30's now (gulp) and he called me to buy a massage from me for his mom who still lives in town. He said he googles me every so often to see what I am up to and found my website. I asked him why he does that and he said, "because you were a good influence on me when I needed it." Gulp again. I was touched. He went on to tell me that he is a musician...a rapper, and that he just finished a European tour. Wow! When I hung up I went straight to the research library of google and typed in his professional name. He was everywhere. Lots of videos on Utube..and I watched them. And I cried. I was really proud of that kid! Mac always had lots of personality and he was cute....and it looks like he coupled that with some hard work and made something of himself. That's all any of us Juvenile PO's ever wanted!!
I was touched that Mac went out of his way to call me....it was risky. He'd feel like crap if I didn't remember him. He may never know how much his call touched my heart. If you read this blog, Mac....thank you for that!
So the lesson here is that you do what you do with good intentions and faith. We may never know how much we have influenced another person. We all touch each other more profoundly than we realize. It's a strong power that we have to use responsibly.
One of the frustrating things (let me emphasize "one") about that job was that you never knew if you were doing one bit of good. You seriously had to have faith that you were doing the right thing even if many people were yelling at you telling you that you were Satan and you should just go back to Hell where you belonged and leave their poor child alone...."He's a good boy!" But you didn't cave..you couldn't and you told yourself that someday they would thank you. Ha. Those somedays never come. And yet, the other day it was someday.
My new phone rang (I'll have to write another blog on how a new touch screen cell phone can ruin your life) and I saw that it was a call from California. Contrary to my regular habits, I answered it. It was a man's voice telling me his name and asking if I remembered him. After I made sure I heard the name right I said, "oh, I remember you!" Mac was a kid on my caseload waaaayyyy back in the day. He's in his 30's now (gulp) and he called me to buy a massage from me for his mom who still lives in town. He said he googles me every so often to see what I am up to and found my website. I asked him why he does that and he said, "because you were a good influence on me when I needed it." Gulp again. I was touched. He went on to tell me that he is a musician...a rapper, and that he just finished a European tour. Wow! When I hung up I went straight to the research library of google and typed in his professional name. He was everywhere. Lots of videos on Utube..and I watched them. And I cried. I was really proud of that kid! Mac always had lots of personality and he was cute....and it looks like he coupled that with some hard work and made something of himself. That's all any of us Juvenile PO's ever wanted!!
I was touched that Mac went out of his way to call me....it was risky. He'd feel like crap if I didn't remember him. He may never know how much his call touched my heart. If you read this blog, Mac....thank you for that!
So the lesson here is that you do what you do with good intentions and faith. We may never know how much we have influenced another person. We all touch each other more profoundly than we realize. It's a strong power that we have to use responsibly.
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Unbelievable
As I have already confessed, I get much of my news from The Daily Show with Jon Stewart. I appreciate that they report the news in a way that doesn't make me want to kill myself..and that is with sarcasm and parody, which you have to admit helps you choke down the ridiculous pill that is the news. But just because they present news stories in a way that makes you laugh, doesn't mean they aren't true. I give you this story that was on last week:
There was a Congresswomen, Kathy Dahlkemper, who was trying to take a bill that she wrote and get it turned into a law. The bill gave discounts on health insurance premiums to people who exercise. Now that makes sense, yes? The Democrats liked it because it was preventative care. The Republicans liked it because of it's low cost. So why didn't the bill ever get made into a law? Who would try to squash this great idea? You might think that big tobacco or the fast food industry, right? Nope. It was the American Cancer Society, the American Lung Association and the American Diabetes Association. That's right. Take a minute to think about that. And not only did they each try hard to kill the bill, but they cooperated with each other to put pressure on the House to kill it.
Now, I ask you this question again (I asked it last October during breast cancer awareness month.) Do these public health charities really want to help us all be healthier or do they want to continue to rake in billions of dollars under the guise of teaching us how to make healthier lifestyle choices? What possible explanation is there for not wanting us to have monetary incentives to exercise? The truth is, of course, that they want us to be unhealthy. That way they can not only continue to collect money after a person dies when their families take "contributions to the American Diabetes Association in lieu of flowers." Or on education of us complete morons on how we can "prevent this disease." Or on "raising awareness" walks or campaigns where you pay them to walk "for the cause" and get some stupid color-coded ribbon to show how much you care. These organizations explained their position in this way; that some of the people they represent cannot make these lifestyle changes and they are simply sticking up for those folks. Are you kidding me? Everyone can do some kind of exercise. Even fully disabled quadriplegics could have help doing passive exercise with a physical or massage therapist. Everyone else can do something.
Now this Congresswoman no longer holds a seat. I don't know why, but I wonder. She said on the show that the charities mentioned contacted her when they discovered she was going to be on the show. But since she doesn't hold a seat anymore, they didn't have a way to threaten her I suppose, so she went ahead with it.
If you think that the public health charities give a rip about public health, then by all means, give them all your money. I am not going to give them one red cent.
I have some more information about some other folks that care not about our nation's health. I'll write about that later. I need to go take a walk!
There was a Congresswomen, Kathy Dahlkemper, who was trying to take a bill that she wrote and get it turned into a law. The bill gave discounts on health insurance premiums to people who exercise. Now that makes sense, yes? The Democrats liked it because it was preventative care. The Republicans liked it because of it's low cost. So why didn't the bill ever get made into a law? Who would try to squash this great idea? You might think that big tobacco or the fast food industry, right? Nope. It was the American Cancer Society, the American Lung Association and the American Diabetes Association. That's right. Take a minute to think about that. And not only did they each try hard to kill the bill, but they cooperated with each other to put pressure on the House to kill it.
Now, I ask you this question again (I asked it last October during breast cancer awareness month.) Do these public health charities really want to help us all be healthier or do they want to continue to rake in billions of dollars under the guise of teaching us how to make healthier lifestyle choices? What possible explanation is there for not wanting us to have monetary incentives to exercise? The truth is, of course, that they want us to be unhealthy. That way they can not only continue to collect money after a person dies when their families take "contributions to the American Diabetes Association in lieu of flowers." Or on education of us complete morons on how we can "prevent this disease." Or on "raising awareness" walks or campaigns where you pay them to walk "for the cause" and get some stupid color-coded ribbon to show how much you care. These organizations explained their position in this way; that some of the people they represent cannot make these lifestyle changes and they are simply sticking up for those folks. Are you kidding me? Everyone can do some kind of exercise. Even fully disabled quadriplegics could have help doing passive exercise with a physical or massage therapist. Everyone else can do something.
Now this Congresswoman no longer holds a seat. I don't know why, but I wonder. She said on the show that the charities mentioned contacted her when they discovered she was going to be on the show. But since she doesn't hold a seat anymore, they didn't have a way to threaten her I suppose, so she went ahead with it.
If you think that the public health charities give a rip about public health, then by all means, give them all your money. I am not going to give them one red cent.
I have some more information about some other folks that care not about our nation's health. I'll write about that later. I need to go take a walk!
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Things I don't get
If you start saying things like, "that's what's wrong with this country!" or, "I just don't understand the young people of today," does that mean you are officially old? I think I know your answer, "YES!" And I am prepared to admit it openly. I am old. Because I find myself saying those two things a lot. The last time I said, " that's what's wrong with this country," was with my insurance lady and a gentleman of about 85. We were having a heated discussion about the unfair practices of insurance companies. I suggested that people should be allowed to purchase an accident policy.....meaning that if they get into an accident they are covered, but that's it. But, see, that'll never work because then the doctors won't have insurance money to give you all the tests they say you need so they can find something wrong with you! I also found out that a 16 year old girl who is going to high school is paying a much, much higher rate for her auto insurance than that same girl who has had a baby and dropped out of school. What?
Another time I said "that's what's wrong with this country" was the other day at part-time massage job (Yes, I work for myself..but I also work for a franchise to make ends meet.) I like this job...they get tons of clients and they mostly just let us do our jobs and then go home. It's close to perfect. But lately they have been trying to give us incentives. So, up on the board in the break room are some stats that represent how often a client re books with the therapist they just got a massage from. Yours truly was the top performer...by kind of a lot. But that's not the contest of course. The contest is who can raise that percentage of re bookings by 10%. (The prize is a free massage....a pretty good prize!) But how is that a good contest? It's a lot easier for the person who has like 2% to get up to 12% which won't even be close to half of what I am doing just because I do my best without any incentives! I mean, seriously.....that is what is wrong with our country! The folks who do a good job because they take pride in their work get nothing. The slackers wait for some carrot to be dangled in their face to get motivated. Ugh! It's everywhere and I am sick of it.
Forever I have held to the mantra that if you work hard and treat people right you will succeed in life. I have to admit that I think this view may be at the very least, naive and at the most outdated. Outdated....like me. Oh well...I'm probably too old to change.
Another time I said "that's what's wrong with this country" was the other day at part-time massage job (Yes, I work for myself..but I also work for a franchise to make ends meet.) I like this job...they get tons of clients and they mostly just let us do our jobs and then go home. It's close to perfect. But lately they have been trying to give us incentives. So, up on the board in the break room are some stats that represent how often a client re books with the therapist they just got a massage from. Yours truly was the top performer...by kind of a lot. But that's not the contest of course. The contest is who can raise that percentage of re bookings by 10%. (The prize is a free massage....a pretty good prize!) But how is that a good contest? It's a lot easier for the person who has like 2% to get up to 12% which won't even be close to half of what I am doing just because I do my best without any incentives! I mean, seriously.....that is what is wrong with our country! The folks who do a good job because they take pride in their work get nothing. The slackers wait for some carrot to be dangled in their face to get motivated. Ugh! It's everywhere and I am sick of it.
Forever I have held to the mantra that if you work hard and treat people right you will succeed in life. I have to admit that I think this view may be at the very least, naive and at the most outdated. Outdated....like me. Oh well...I'm probably too old to change.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
"Fall is in the air"
Doesn't it feel like change is in the air? Although I always think I want it to be summer forever, I have to admit I like the feeling of the air in fall the best. It can be warm outside, but it will still have that feeling that no one ever seems to be able to describe beyond "fall is in the air." What is that feeling? It feels a little crisp and the light is a little clearer. Hmmmm, maybe the feeling is change. This time of year is always kind of exciting. Maybe that is a carry over from the days of returning to school. You were a little scared, but excited too...for whatever opportunities the new year was going to bring you. Maybe the excitement was over your new clothes and shoes...I don't know. But change is definitely in the air now.
One change for me is that the salon where I work out of is moving. Miranda bought a building in a really good location. And it is close to my house, so I am excited about that. I think once we get in there and settled it will be really good for business. I hope so. We all need some positive change...and that positive change needs to include the economy. I have grown tired of watching people struggle. It's taking it's toll on everyone.
What's the solution for this? I'm not sure. We can appreciate and focus on what we do have...not what we don't have. And notice the simple beauty that surrounds us...like the subtle change in the air. And notice all the funny things you see during a day that make you smile...like watching my dog slide down a grassy hill on his back.
Happy autumn everyone. Let us focus on the change and will it to be a good one!
One change for me is that the salon where I work out of is moving. Miranda bought a building in a really good location. And it is close to my house, so I am excited about that. I think once we get in there and settled it will be really good for business. I hope so. We all need some positive change...and that positive change needs to include the economy. I have grown tired of watching people struggle. It's taking it's toll on everyone.
What's the solution for this? I'm not sure. We can appreciate and focus on what we do have...not what we don't have. And notice the simple beauty that surrounds us...like the subtle change in the air. And notice all the funny things you see during a day that make you smile...like watching my dog slide down a grassy hill on his back.
Happy autumn everyone. Let us focus on the change and will it to be a good one!
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Whiskey Tango
You know who we should thank for keeping our environment beautiful? Our white trash brothers and sisters, that's who. I'm not talking about the tweekers and the meth makers kind of white trash, they are certainly not good for our environment seeing as how they leave a very toxic footprint indeed. I'm talking about the regular ol' working people, who around here, happen to be white. We affectionately call them white trash, or, if you prefer the code is "Whiskey Tango." This group just doesn't get proper credit for their contribution...and that contribution being that they don't overuse. Let me illustrate: They conserve water by having only one shower head in the shower (rich people have like 4), they don't have swimming pools that take thousands of gallons of water; they use a little plastic pool to stick their feet in and this usually pulls double duty 'cause the dog drinks out of it too. They don't water their lawns very much, and, if they are really hot they go to the lake. They don't use much electricity either. They don't have air conditioners, they have ceiling fans and in the evening when it cools off they sit outside. They don't have garage door openers, they park on the lawn. They don't put their beer in the fridge, they put it in a cooler with ice and set it next to them. And they certainly do not under any circumstances have a hybrid that they have to plug in! As for fuel? Well, who do you think goes up to the woods and picks up all the fallen trees for firewood, thus decreasing our fuels for forest fires? During the winter they are not heating their homes to 80 degrees...they are sitting on their couches in a Snuggy (a true value in itself!) In all probability, they probably aren't using up much gas since they can't afford to fill their tanks. And who do you think is responsible for taking back all the beer and pop cans for 5 cents a can? Or if they aren't doing it themselves they are selflessly leaving them where the homeless can find them. WT's have a way of re-using lots of items...which is a less fancy way of recycling. The best part is that they are not doing these things so they can be in the exclusive club of "friends of the earth" or "enviros"...they are doing it to save money. Oh, and because they have common sense.
Now before you get all uppity that I have used this label, please understand that I am including myself in this category. I suppose white trash used to refer to a certain unsavory element....but nowadays...it's just a phrase for the working class....again the light colored ones. There are other groups of folks that contribute just as much, but I'm not talking about them today. So next time you are enjoying the beautiful outdoors, thank a Whiskey Tango....because their thrift is helping us all. Sadly, however, they will never be recognized for it 'cause we ain't cool. Well, I'm recognizing you today, you unsung heroes!
Now before you get all uppity that I have used this label, please understand that I am including myself in this category. I suppose white trash used to refer to a certain unsavory element....but nowadays...it's just a phrase for the working class....again the light colored ones. There are other groups of folks that contribute just as much, but I'm not talking about them today. So next time you are enjoying the beautiful outdoors, thank a Whiskey Tango....because their thrift is helping us all. Sadly, however, they will never be recognized for it 'cause we ain't cool. Well, I'm recognizing you today, you unsung heroes!
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Keep on keppin' on!
Remember that old saying? That was from the 60's or 70's....a long, long time ago. It's a good reminder to us all to not get stuck where we are...you gots to keep goin'! Of course, a lot of what I do everyday is helping people release the little places in their bodies that are stuck due to adhesions and scar tissue and also helping bodies move their stagnant energy. It's easy enough to go to a massage therapist or an acupuncturist, or whoever, to have them unstick your stuck places..but the hardest thing to do is move out of our emotional ruts.
Much like my computer this morning that informed me it was still "shutting down" from when I turned it off last night. Taking 8 hours to shut down is definitely a problem. (Note to computer: and if you don't shape up you will find yourself sailing out the back door in a very not gentle manner. I've done it before. Fair warning.) Or like our government's fight over this debt ceiling thing....enough already. MOVE ON. We have all been in a place that seems impossible to move from. We keep putting off that first step. It's scary. But taking that first step away from whatever is threatening to hold us down forever can be the best thing for our physical health. I have had many clients who will report that as soon as they made a decision to change something in their life, their physical pains went away.
To me, the most courageous people are those that do the hard thing. The ones who don't let anything keep them down for long. Of course, when something tragic happens there is that instinct to hunker down and lay low. You need to protect yourself for a while and that nurtures you in a way. The most basic thing we humans need it to feel safe. But the brave ones know that they have to move from that safety, even if it scares them. And they do.
For some, to walk out the door creates panic. For others panic doesn't come until they are jumping off a cliff with a parachute strapped to their back. It doesn't matter what scares you, it's that you do it anyway. It is a fact that when you do anything that scares you, even a little, it makes you happier. There's a reason for that. It all has to do with vibration. Everything is energy, right? Some things lower your vibration and some things raise your vibration. We have to do something everyday to raise our vibration. It can be as simple as going for a walk, or petting a dog, or riding a motorcycle or laughing. The vibration will unstick where we are stuck...that is a fact.
To feel scared is normal. To do it anyway is brave. But my advice is don't start base-jumping....'cause that's just stupid!
Much like my computer this morning that informed me it was still "shutting down" from when I turned it off last night. Taking 8 hours to shut down is definitely a problem. (Note to computer: and if you don't shape up you will find yourself sailing out the back door in a very not gentle manner. I've done it before. Fair warning.) Or like our government's fight over this debt ceiling thing....enough already. MOVE ON. We have all been in a place that seems impossible to move from. We keep putting off that first step. It's scary. But taking that first step away from whatever is threatening to hold us down forever can be the best thing for our physical health. I have had many clients who will report that as soon as they made a decision to change something in their life, their physical pains went away.
To me, the most courageous people are those that do the hard thing. The ones who don't let anything keep them down for long. Of course, when something tragic happens there is that instinct to hunker down and lay low. You need to protect yourself for a while and that nurtures you in a way. The most basic thing we humans need it to feel safe. But the brave ones know that they have to move from that safety, even if it scares them. And they do.
For some, to walk out the door creates panic. For others panic doesn't come until they are jumping off a cliff with a parachute strapped to their back. It doesn't matter what scares you, it's that you do it anyway. It is a fact that when you do anything that scares you, even a little, it makes you happier. There's a reason for that. It all has to do with vibration. Everything is energy, right? Some things lower your vibration and some things raise your vibration. We have to do something everyday to raise our vibration. It can be as simple as going for a walk, or petting a dog, or riding a motorcycle or laughing. The vibration will unstick where we are stuck...that is a fact.
To feel scared is normal. To do it anyway is brave. But my advice is don't start base-jumping....'cause that's just stupid!
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Dogs
There are two kinds of people in the world; dog people and non dog people. Almost everyone in my life is a dog person. Dog people understand that to not have a dog by your side when you take a walk or laying around the house is just not right. To come home and not have a dog to greet you is just empty. So, we have dogs. Sometimes just one, sometimes a couple. At one time when our family got together we had 7 dogs all running around. It was crazy...but sorta normal. I remember when Dakota used to get the stick and then all the dogs would chase him around trying to get it from him. It was like he was their personal trainer...and Alf would bark at him non stop until someone got the stick from him and gave it to Alf. Ahhhh quiet. And there was Budget...Amy's dog that was big and fluffy and mostly blind. And Emmet, a lab with no brain whatsoever. And Aspen....a sweet dog with a bitchy side. And dog people understand that as much as dogs enrich our lives..there is going to come the day when you have to make that terrible decision to let them go. Thank god we can have control over that so that your best friend doesn't have to suffer.
And that leads me to my mom's dog, Kal....who had to be put down yesterday. Kal was an excellent dog. I mean really excellent. He was a husky mix and the smartest dog I know. Seriously, you could watch that dog think. Kal was rescued from a neighbor who thought it was mean to have him tied up all the time. They trained this dog and then gave it to my parents after my dad answered an ad in the paper. And what a life Kal had with them! Forty acres of forest to call his own......well stocked with chipmunks to chase! And he was just happy to take himself on a walk or go with you when you took one. You could always tell where he was by the white tip of his tail above the sage brush. And I am telling you he put his tail up there so you could see where he was....he was that smart and considerate. And he had a long life.....more than 14 years. So, Kal's ok...maybe he's even re-connecting with my dad who just yelled to Kal across heaven... (Oh, my dad can yell loud!) But my mom is sad...and we are all sad to have to bury another friend in the pet cemetery on the property. But we will move on and get another dog who needs a great home...knowing full well that this could happen again. But it doesn't matter...the joy far outweighs the pain.
To Kal....goodbye sweet boy. You were a good dog. Monkey and I will miss you.
And that leads me to my mom's dog, Kal....who had to be put down yesterday. Kal was an excellent dog. I mean really excellent. He was a husky mix and the smartest dog I know. Seriously, you could watch that dog think. Kal was rescued from a neighbor who thought it was mean to have him tied up all the time. They trained this dog and then gave it to my parents after my dad answered an ad in the paper. And what a life Kal had with them! Forty acres of forest to call his own......well stocked with chipmunks to chase! And he was just happy to take himself on a walk or go with you when you took one. You could always tell where he was by the white tip of his tail above the sage brush. And I am telling you he put his tail up there so you could see where he was....he was that smart and considerate. And he had a long life.....more than 14 years. So, Kal's ok...maybe he's even re-connecting with my dad who just yelled to Kal across heaven... (Oh, my dad can yell loud!) But my mom is sad...and we are all sad to have to bury another friend in the pet cemetery on the property. But we will move on and get another dog who needs a great home...knowing full well that this could happen again. But it doesn't matter...the joy far outweighs the pain.
To Kal....goodbye sweet boy. You were a good dog. Monkey and I will miss you.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Solution sunglasses
You know how Memorial Day weekend is; everyone is just amped from being stuck indoors all winter. And for us, this year...it has been a looooooong winter that really isn't over yet. Sigh. But, dammit, it's Memorial Day weekend and we are going camping!! So everyone is like a kid whose been fed 3 cupcakes in school and is finally released out into the playground....running, head down, arms flailing screaming at the top of their lungs. I was around many such people this weekend, some kids, mostly adults...and machinery.Uh oh. That's right, all terrain vehicles. And these people were completely fearless in their quest to see just how well these vehicles could perform under adverse conditions. There was rain, sure. There was runoff from a heavy snow year, there were swamps, there was blow down and sometimes there were even actual trails to follow. I was along for the ride...and it was all fun and games and excitement until I broke my face on the roll cage on one of them. So my solution all week is to wear sunglasses to hide the two really nice black eyes that I got as a result.
It's funny how people wanna know what happened when they see a ruined face like mine. They just cannot help themselves. I get it...I would do the same thing. But the truth is usually not as exciting a story as they hoped for. So I came up with a couple options: One is that I am dating again. (Hahahaha...now that is funny, I don't care who you are!) Another is that I wrestled a bear or maybe a badger. (People usually don't go for this one) and of course I can always just say two words that get people nodding their heads like they've been there and those two words are "bar fight." But honestly, the truth was plenty exciting enough.
The company that I was in this weekend was superb. Absolutely the nicest people I have met in a long time. I mean really nice. Not fake nice, not sugar sweet nice where your afraid to turn your back. I mean generous and genuinely happy to meet you and would do anything for you without batting an eye. People who understand the cycle of life and who can just chalk everything up to a shrug and a "shit happens." And fearless. They know they can fix anything. And if for some reason they can't fix it, then oh well. I know a lot of people like this, I really do. But I met some new ones this weekend and it always makes me feel better about the world when I do. It re-affirms what I believe about America. Rough, tough, hard work, ingenuity, fearlessness and courage.......and bullshitting around the fire! That's what makes the world go 'round.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
A perfect solution for an imperfect world
There is so much terrible news that confronts us everyday. Of course now it's worse than ever due to these 24 hour news channels that have to fill the time with something! anything! that makes us think the world is gonna end any minute and we better stay glued to the TV so we know it's coming! Frankly, it's depressing, all this catastrophic world news. Why do I want to spend any time during the day being depressed if I can help it? I don't. That's why I get all my news by watching The Daily News with John Stewart. I get my coffee in the morning and watch last night's news in the only reasonable way that it should be reported: with complete sarcasm. Oh, and they lay the sarcasm on thick. I love it. The dictionary defines "sarcasm" as "a sharply mocking or contemptuous remark, typically utilizing statements or implications pointedly opposite or irrelevant to the underlying purport." Like I said, it's the only reasonable, honest way to report some of this crap. I once had a teacher tell the class that sarcasm is a "mean" sort of humor in that the Greek origin of the word means "to tear flesh" and that we "hurt" people when we use sarcasm. Boo hoo... sarcasm is honest. And I personally could not, would not, live in a world where it doesn't exist. Sorry.
How can we take some of these stories seriously.... without sarcasm? Such as the story of the J. Crew catalog that had the mom and her son advertising a cute striped shirt, and in the picture the little boy's toenails were painted pink. People on the real news were outraged by the blatant advertisement for transgender children. Seriously? Are there really people out there who think this is actual news? Now that really makes me want to "tear my flesh!" Painting your toenails doesn't even make you gay, I don't think....much less transgender. At least my brother would testify to that. He let his daughter paint his toenails one evening when we were all sitting around (probably watching the "real" news) because she was bored and asked and he said, "I don't care." Dad's say "I don't care" a lot....that's how I got a cat when I was a kid. I asked my dad when he was trying to sleep and he said either, "go away," or "I don't care," and voila, I had a cat.
How can we deal with any of the political news without sarcasm? How can we not mock Donald Trump's bid for the White house? I like The Donald, and frankly, I might vote for him if he can convince me that his business practices are good for this country. But he was interviewed by Bill O'Reilly recently and he made the statement, "I make good decisions." I think he meant that he makes sound business decisions...which is true, he has a kajillion dollars, but how can we ignore the very bad decision he makes everyday when he walks out of the house with his hair looking the way it does? I mean, get real! Sure it might be a bit biting to bring that up, but it's true!
What I don't understand is how most of the talking heads can report some of this stuff with a straight face. They must be pinching themselves under the desk or on some serious sarcasm inhibiting drugs...something. Maybe they are Stepford reporters...that makes sense.
So, this is my solution for for the completely idiotic, sometimes scary stuff that is happening. Critics would say that I am not taking the state of our country seriously. That's right, I'm not..and what's worse...I'm not ashamed.
How can we take some of these stories seriously.... without sarcasm? Such as the story of the J. Crew catalog that had the mom and her son advertising a cute striped shirt, and in the picture the little boy's toenails were painted pink. People on the real news were outraged by the blatant advertisement for transgender children. Seriously? Are there really people out there who think this is actual news? Now that really makes me want to "tear my flesh!" Painting your toenails doesn't even make you gay, I don't think....much less transgender. At least my brother would testify to that. He let his daughter paint his toenails one evening when we were all sitting around (probably watching the "real" news) because she was bored and asked and he said, "I don't care." Dad's say "I don't care" a lot....that's how I got a cat when I was a kid. I asked my dad when he was trying to sleep and he said either, "go away," or "I don't care," and voila, I had a cat.
How can we deal with any of the political news without sarcasm? How can we not mock Donald Trump's bid for the White house? I like The Donald, and frankly, I might vote for him if he can convince me that his business practices are good for this country. But he was interviewed by Bill O'Reilly recently and he made the statement, "I make good decisions." I think he meant that he makes sound business decisions...which is true, he has a kajillion dollars, but how can we ignore the very bad decision he makes everyday when he walks out of the house with his hair looking the way it does? I mean, get real! Sure it might be a bit biting to bring that up, but it's true!
What I don't understand is how most of the talking heads can report some of this stuff with a straight face. They must be pinching themselves under the desk or on some serious sarcasm inhibiting drugs...something. Maybe they are Stepford reporters...that makes sense.
So, this is my solution for for the completely idiotic, sometimes scary stuff that is happening. Critics would say that I am not taking the state of our country seriously. That's right, I'm not..and what's worse...I'm not ashamed.
Monday, March 21, 2011
It's a relief
Everyone seems so disturbed by the meltdown that is Charlie Sheen right now. First of all, I don't believe that many are truly disturbed by it (it's just the sort of thing that we love to watch) and if they are, I don't understand why. I'm gonna tell you right now that I am on Charlie's side. Yes, there is some evidence that he has some problems. Maybe he parties too much. Maybe he has a slight mental disorder. Maybe he has some rage issues. OK, I hope he gets past them without hurting anyone. But in the meantime...he looks like he is having a pretty good time..and honestly, he isn't the only person with some issues, is he? I think he just might be a little more honest about his. But the biggest reason I am rooting for Charlie Sheen is because he is giving us all a break from the perfect, righteous, "blessed" celebrities that are setting a really bad example for the rest of us. I thank him for that! I am sooooo sick of all these do-gooder actors that are being hoisted up on those pedestals by the rest of us. How can we live up to their perfection? They work out five hours a day, they eat purely organic food, they drink fair trade coffee, they adopt starving children from around the world and they brag about just how "normal and boring" they really are. They are "blessed." Ugh....they are probably just as flawed as Charlie...they just keep a better lid on it.
The thing I like about Charlie Sheen is that he is tired of pretending that his life isn't great. He has gobs of money, he has two girlfriends in their 20's (men like that!) and he has access to everything he wants. Nice. Charlie is not trying to be perfect and righteous. Whew! It's refreshing. It's what we used to expect from Hollywood.....excess!! And it just feels more normal to me.
And maybe, just maybe there isn't one thing wrong with Charlie Sheen. Maybe he is just taking a different approach that most don't understand. That is certainly possible. Maybe he is just as sick of the righteous, judgemental people in this world as I am...and he is making a point. Just because we don't understand it doesn't mean he isn't right.
The thing I like about Charlie Sheen is that he is tired of pretending that his life isn't great. He has gobs of money, he has two girlfriends in their 20's (men like that!) and he has access to everything he wants. Nice. Charlie is not trying to be perfect and righteous. Whew! It's refreshing. It's what we used to expect from Hollywood.....excess!! And it just feels more normal to me.
And maybe, just maybe there isn't one thing wrong with Charlie Sheen. Maybe he is just taking a different approach that most don't understand. That is certainly possible. Maybe he is just as sick of the righteous, judgemental people in this world as I am...and he is making a point. Just because we don't understand it doesn't mean he isn't right.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Where thanks are due
I have to thank my sister, Jennifer, for a couple things. First of all, she, her husband and their daughter (who is a member of Team Awesome, yours truly being the other member) brought me an early birthday present today...their old TV. No, this is cool. It is definitely an upgrade from my TV that was from the 80's I think. Anyway, now I can sit in any chair in my living room, not just the closest one and see the TV. And as nice as that gift is, that is not the main thing I want to thank her for. I mostly want to thank her for turning me onto the best show on TV: An Idiot Abroad.
Now let me digress for a moment. I know that the last blog was about TV and this blog is again about TV and some may think that I am wasting my life in front of the idiot box. Let me remind you that it is February/March this is the time of the year that you just hang on and do whatever you have to to make it through till spring makes an honest appearance. It's close, this spring.....but not quite here. When it happens I will be out there making better use of my time (whatever that is...)
Okay, back to An Idiot Abroad. Seriously the best travel show, ever...and there have been some good ones. The thing that sets it apart is that the "host," Karl, is like so many people out there that you encounter when you travel...he is an idiot. But he, unlike most idiots, seems to understand this and embrace it. He makes no apologies for the way he is. He doesn't care..he just wants to go home. Karl is what his friends refer to as "a typical Englander,"...he doesn't like being out of his comfort zone. So, what do they do? They send him waaaay out of his comfort zone. Karl sort of tries to be a good sport about it..grudgingly, and will vocalize how stupid and meaningless it all is. But he does what they tell him to and hopes it will be over soon. One reason that it's such a good travel show is because the places they put him up are more like where you and I would end up...some not so great..some downright scary. It's a travel show for real people....people who have no idea what they are doing.
The creators of the show (his mates) say they are trying to expand Karl's mind through travel. Nah, they just want to watch Karl stumble around the world so they can A)create good television and B) laugh at him. It's brilliant. But, Karl's mind will probably get expanded anyway..it has to. For instance..he learned that in third world countries, people are usually born into their jobs. It's not like they applied to be a goat milker...their father and grandfather before him were goat milkers and so he is a goat milker. That's just the way it is. Karl encountered a guy in Mexico who lost an eye from making fireworks. Fireworks builder is this guys profession. Karl exclaimed that "maybe this chap isn't the best man for the job." He seemed not to understand that a fireworks maker is what this guy is. And of course the man was proud of his profession...as he should be. Just because he had a few bumps in the road (i.e. being blinded by a firework accident) doesn't mean he should abandon who he is. It's dedication like we maybe cannot understand.
Karl has had to do a few reckless things with folks from around the world. He doesn't understand why. Another thing that Karl might learn from these activities, that he will possibly not learn in England, is that life is to be lived....it is not to be conserved, saved for later or really protected very much at all. What's the point of saving up all your living for later?? That has to be a good lesson for all of us.
As you can see, An Idiot Abroad is a win win situation. Karl's mates get to laugh at him and put some money in their pockets. The viewer gets to see some beautiful places and maybe learn something. And Karl...Karl gets to see the Seven Wonders of the world (most of which he never even heard of) and he acquires a vast amount of things to complain about. Everybody wins!!
Now let me digress for a moment. I know that the last blog was about TV and this blog is again about TV and some may think that I am wasting my life in front of the idiot box. Let me remind you that it is February/March this is the time of the year that you just hang on and do whatever you have to to make it through till spring makes an honest appearance. It's close, this spring.....but not quite here. When it happens I will be out there making better use of my time (whatever that is...)
Okay, back to An Idiot Abroad. Seriously the best travel show, ever...and there have been some good ones. The thing that sets it apart is that the "host," Karl, is like so many people out there that you encounter when you travel...he is an idiot. But he, unlike most idiots, seems to understand this and embrace it. He makes no apologies for the way he is. He doesn't care..he just wants to go home. Karl is what his friends refer to as "a typical Englander,"...he doesn't like being out of his comfort zone. So, what do they do? They send him waaaay out of his comfort zone. Karl sort of tries to be a good sport about it..grudgingly, and will vocalize how stupid and meaningless it all is. But he does what they tell him to and hopes it will be over soon. One reason that it's such a good travel show is because the places they put him up are more like where you and I would end up...some not so great..some downright scary. It's a travel show for real people....people who have no idea what they are doing.
The creators of the show (his mates) say they are trying to expand Karl's mind through travel. Nah, they just want to watch Karl stumble around the world so they can A)create good television and B) laugh at him. It's brilliant. But, Karl's mind will probably get expanded anyway..it has to. For instance..he learned that in third world countries, people are usually born into their jobs. It's not like they applied to be a goat milker...their father and grandfather before him were goat milkers and so he is a goat milker. That's just the way it is. Karl encountered a guy in Mexico who lost an eye from making fireworks. Fireworks builder is this guys profession. Karl exclaimed that "maybe this chap isn't the best man for the job." He seemed not to understand that a fireworks maker is what this guy is. And of course the man was proud of his profession...as he should be. Just because he had a few bumps in the road (i.e. being blinded by a firework accident) doesn't mean he should abandon who he is. It's dedication like we maybe cannot understand.
Karl has had to do a few reckless things with folks from around the world. He doesn't understand why. Another thing that Karl might learn from these activities, that he will possibly not learn in England, is that life is to be lived....it is not to be conserved, saved for later or really protected very much at all. What's the point of saving up all your living for later?? That has to be a good lesson for all of us.
As you can see, An Idiot Abroad is a win win situation. Karl's mates get to laugh at him and put some money in their pockets. The viewer gets to see some beautiful places and maybe learn something. And Karl...Karl gets to see the Seven Wonders of the world (most of which he never even heard of) and he acquires a vast amount of things to complain about. Everybody wins!!
Friday, February 18, 2011
I found it!!!
What did I find, you ask? Gold? No. My white bra? I found that a couple days ago, remember? My virginity? No, it's still lost. I found true happiness, that's what I found! Now for many, true happiness can be found gazing into a lover's eyes, or on top of a mountain, or after hours of sitting uncomfortably meditating, or halfway through running a marathon. For me, true happiness wasn't that far away or that hard to attain. For me it was a simple phone call to the cable company. The conversation went something like this. Me: "I can't live like this anymore." Cable company employee: "What do you mean, ma'am?" Me: "I need DVR." Cable company employee: "I understand completely." And poof, a few days later I am sitting in the comfort of my own living room skipping through the commercials. That is true happiness right there. To be more specific, not having to listen to the drug ads. They make me insane. Wait, there's a pill for that! UGH.
Now I have to tell you that this is not my first time with the DVR. I did have it back in the day when I was cool, when I had a real job and money to blow. I loved it then, but when I came back from my adventure in Reno, I went with the "just the basics." And having been without for about 2 years has given me much more appreciation for the simple things in life. I can't even tell you how downright giddy I felt when I could fast forward through the commercials. This is truly a sign of a civilized world...and I just couldn't not be a part of that anymore. So, I'm back, baby!
So, if something's got you down, like Valentine's day (true evil, that day) or the weather or just the ENTIRE MONTH OF FEBRUARY, do something nice for yourself. It can be something just as simple as what I have done. Love yourself. You will appreciate it!
Now I have to tell you that this is not my first time with the DVR. I did have it back in the day when I was cool, when I had a real job and money to blow. I loved it then, but when I came back from my adventure in Reno, I went with the "just the basics." And having been without for about 2 years has given me much more appreciation for the simple things in life. I can't even tell you how downright giddy I felt when I could fast forward through the commercials. This is truly a sign of a civilized world...and I just couldn't not be a part of that anymore. So, I'm back, baby!
So, if something's got you down, like Valentine's day (true evil, that day) or the weather or just the ENTIRE MONTH OF FEBRUARY, do something nice for yourself. It can be something just as simple as what I have done. Love yourself. You will appreciate it!
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Snow day!!
Yesterday was a snow day. I never had a snow day when I was a kid because we did not live in a place that snowed. I was always envious of those kids who got up in the morning to see that there's piles of snow outside and then find out that school is cancelled for the day. What a gift from the heavens!! Well, I got to experience that yesterday. I woke up to a bunch of heavy, wet snow and thought, great...looks like treacherous driving conditions today. Then I got the call that the massage place I work at in Bend was closing for the day. I was like, sweet! A day of sloth! And that is what it was; one movie, some reading and two naps.
Finally I decided to go outside and take the dog for a walk. As I was on the return leg of my walk I saw a group of unsupervised kids roaming the path in the canyon....it was, after all, a snow day for them as well, and they were probably bored with video games and such and decided to go look for trouble. There was a shopping cart that a group of unsupervised girls were playing with earlier..and left in the canyon. One boy declared that he was going to "toss the shopping cart off the top of the canyon." I thought, great, good use of your time, kid. Now, some of you might say that if I was a responsible adult that I would have intervened here and said, "no, you little punk, you shouldn't do that." But let me make this clear to you now. Unless there is someone getting hurt, the days of me interrupting your roving bands of delinquent brats are over. I did that for over 20 years with very little gratitude. I have done my part and frankly, it is not my responsibility. So the one kid (all his friends were ignoring him....they realized just how stupid he was) started hauling the shopping cart up the cement stairs. He got it up about 4 stairs. Then he let it go. I started laughing. How frickin' lazy can you be? See, that's what's wrong with our country these days. That is what's wrong with our youth. They will not take two minutes out of their completely unproductive day to commit an act of mild criminal mischief just for the pure joy of it. The second it becomes too hard and you don't have the masses jeering you on...you abandon all efforts. Pitiful.
Speaking of that...do you know where your kids are?
Finally I decided to go outside and take the dog for a walk. As I was on the return leg of my walk I saw a group of unsupervised kids roaming the path in the canyon....it was, after all, a snow day for them as well, and they were probably bored with video games and such and decided to go look for trouble. There was a shopping cart that a group of unsupervised girls were playing with earlier..and left in the canyon. One boy declared that he was going to "toss the shopping cart off the top of the canyon." I thought, great, good use of your time, kid. Now, some of you might say that if I was a responsible adult that I would have intervened here and said, "no, you little punk, you shouldn't do that." But let me make this clear to you now. Unless there is someone getting hurt, the days of me interrupting your roving bands of delinquent brats are over. I did that for over 20 years with very little gratitude. I have done my part and frankly, it is not my responsibility. So the one kid (all his friends were ignoring him....they realized just how stupid he was) started hauling the shopping cart up the cement stairs. He got it up about 4 stairs. Then he let it go. I started laughing. How frickin' lazy can you be? See, that's what's wrong with our country these days. That is what's wrong with our youth. They will not take two minutes out of their completely unproductive day to commit an act of mild criminal mischief just for the pure joy of it. The second it becomes too hard and you don't have the masses jeering you on...you abandon all efforts. Pitiful.
Speaking of that...do you know where your kids are?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
