Last night in the pub I was having a beer or two with a couple of my best men. As one can expect after one too many, someone brings up a topic that is a bit too serious and others will either try to change the conversation, ignore it or join in. Usually I'm guilty of ignoring or changing the topic, but this time I jumped in and listened, and despite him being a bit more than "tipsy" he had some very valid points I wanted to share:
The difference between Veterans Day and Memorial Day is the realization that we honor those who either did or didn't make it back. For those of you who need it broken down completely here ya go:
Veterans Day:
*Made it back
*Witnessed unfathomable things we can't imagine to keep us safe.
*Many still being deployed/utilized in keeping our country safe, despite having lost friends/relatives in battle, sometimes side by side.
*Many live with daily issues like PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) and unfortunately have limited options through the VA to address these issues.
Memorial Day:
*These brave men and women sadly did not make it back while defending our freedoms for our great country. THUS why we call it "Memorial Day"- it is a day we take to remember them and the remarkable sacrifice they gave for us. They don't get to say a final goodbye to their families, they don't get to see their children grow up or loved ones live on, (except if you believe in the "great beyond" of course).
Do not be fooled either. They don't get paid a lot of money and this is NOT a glamorous life they lead. I was once a military wife, so I know how little they actually make.
What's Appropriate:
1. If you see a veteran, don't just go up and be all cheery like an effing cheerleader and act like you're doing a huge amazing act by saying "Thanks for your service!" and walking away. What they want is someone who actually CARES enough to show REAL emotion about what they went through. Look them in the eyes and say something like "I really appreciate your service" or a simple "Thank you for your service" will do.
2. If you're posting on social media (Facebook, Twitter etc) saying "Happy Veterans Day!!" is treating it like it's birthday party. IT ISN'T. Remember, these are people who gave a LOT more than you can actually imagine- so treat it as such. It's a respect issue. If you can't find something decent to say about the day itself like "Thank you to all Veterans!" then just hush.
3. Retailers saying they're having a "Veterans Day sale" REALLY piss me off. You're selling things because people are veterans and gave their all for their country, so now they get 10% off a mattress??? REALLY? What is wrong with you!? If anything, advertising like that ensures that I will never (let me repeat: NEVER) shop at that establishment out of sheer principle. Taking advantage of a holiday like this is smart I get that- you want to make money, BUT they're veterans who were in WAR (most likely anyhow- we're just saying hypothetically to make a point here) and you want to make money off them and only give them a measly 10% off?? How about at LEAST 40%?? Bloodthirsty pricks. Shame on them.
ANYHOW, be respectful of those who have fought for you to have so much. You live in a country that you can wear anything you want and say anything you want in public (for the most part), you can vote, you can drink, you can get an education, you can date inter-racially (in some countries that is a sin and you are killed for it), if you are raped you can bring your attacker(s) to justice (in other countries the rape victim is often burned by acid, stoned and shunned by the family because they believe the victim did it on purpose and now the family is disgraced) etc. WE HAVE IT EASY HERE IN AMERICA. BE THANKFUL.
Monday, November 11, 2013
Saturday, October 26, 2013
Censorship EVERYWHERE.
So I've recently learned a hard lesson:
The people that should care about you don't always.
The people who you thought would come through, won't.
The people who advocate for you and cheer you on will eventually let you down at the one moment you think they won't.
This isn't being negative, it's being honest.
The reason people might let you down is because they have their own crap to deal with. Not everyone can focus on YOU ALL the time. It isn't how life works. It doesn't mean they care less or love you less. It means their priorities have changed (maybe they have a sick family member or a new child??) Give them a break until you know the entire story.
However, don't condemn people for NOT being like you. For not ACTING like you want them to. People all have a breaking point. They all have a moment in their life when they just snap.
Allowing someone to say what they want at that moment, may mean the world to them. LET THEM BE HEARD.
Stop judging so much. We live in a world where everything must be a certain way. Must sound "right" and be "politically correct" and on and on just because one soccer mom got a bit uptight because someone said something that might possibly resemble their child. Or one guy is a control freak and couldn't handle the fact that someone made a smart ass remark about something that might possibly resemble a trait he has/had.
Let go of the assumptions. Stop being so vain and thinking it's all about you.
Hug someone who needs it. Stop being selfish and think of someone other than yourself for a week. Seriously- once per day, for a week.
The people that should care about you don't always.
The people who you thought would come through, won't.
The people who advocate for you and cheer you on will eventually let you down at the one moment you think they won't.
This isn't being negative, it's being honest.
The reason people might let you down is because they have their own crap to deal with. Not everyone can focus on YOU ALL the time. It isn't how life works. It doesn't mean they care less or love you less. It means their priorities have changed (maybe they have a sick family member or a new child??) Give them a break until you know the entire story.
However, don't condemn people for NOT being like you. For not ACTING like you want them to. People all have a breaking point. They all have a moment in their life when they just snap.
Allowing someone to say what they want at that moment, may mean the world to them. LET THEM BE HEARD.
Stop judging so much. We live in a world where everything must be a certain way. Must sound "right" and be "politically correct" and on and on just because one soccer mom got a bit uptight because someone said something that might possibly resemble their child. Or one guy is a control freak and couldn't handle the fact that someone made a smart ass remark about something that might possibly resemble a trait he has/had.
Let go of the assumptions. Stop being so vain and thinking it's all about you.
Hug someone who needs it. Stop being selfish and think of someone other than yourself for a week. Seriously- once per day, for a week.
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
A Time to be Politically Correct
We've all had those moments where we're just goofing around with friends and start saying things that we know are inappropriate and rude, but in the heat of the moment it's hysterical. It doesn't mean you're a bad person or have bad intentions, it means you're human. It probably also means you've got a sick sense of humor like I do. Cheers to that! I also can't stand the stereotypical soccer mom that has to whine and complain that something offended her sweet little nugget of obnoxiousness and takes everything to court so she can keep her Gucci bag and Oscar-De-La-Renta shoes while sipping martinis and doing nothing to help society. USUALLY (I'd say at least 98% of the time) I say "If you don't like it, leave" (or don't read it, listen to it etc) and allow others to have their moment of joviality.
However, there are some things that I see or hear and I'm BEYOND appalled. Generally, I'm the last one to get offended over things that have a double meaning and LOVE finding things that do. BUT today I found myself appalled and disgusted at a slogan.
Generally speaking, Breast Cancer awareness means pink EVERYWHERE. I hate the color pink. Always have, always will. I think it's great people are out trying to raise awareness and money for those who need it most and all while building bonding relationships during a time when moral support is as necessary as treatment. BUT there are way too many companies that slap their logo brand with a pink ribbon and say to the consumer "Look how great we are because of this! Buy more!" and donate maybe a penny per purchase to the actual funding. It also makes me nauseous that not only are these companies cashing in on people who are in dire need of assistance, but they are companies whose products have NOTHING to do with the illness themselves. M&M's? Trash cans? Shoes? Seriously people, get a clue. You don't need to buy products like this. If anything, it's one more way to tell the world "I'm a good person, see my pink cup, purse, walkie-talkie, tiara etc?" - you've just become like the companies out there want you to be: a consumer-schmuck who just buys junk that doesn't actually help anyone.
BEFORE YOU SEND HATE MAIL READ THIS: I'm not saying there AREN'T any products out there that DON'T donate a generous amount of money to whatever they say they are funding. I'm just saying it's extremely rare.
Anyhow, enough ranting. Here is what started this post in the first place:
http://www.pumpkinmasters.com/index.asp
Their slogan? "Carving For A Cause".... ARE YOU F***ING KIDDING ME!?!?! Who thought THAT was a good idea when women are having their breasts cut off to save their lives everyday??
I'm horrified to the point I can't even put into words on this one. All I did was send a message at the "Contact Us" area voicing my concern. I think it might be a wise idea for you to do the same if you feel at all like I do.
In the meantime, keep your jokes "clean" without using people who are in situations that could kill them. It's not funny.
However, there are some things that I see or hear and I'm BEYOND appalled. Generally, I'm the last one to get offended over things that have a double meaning and LOVE finding things that do. BUT today I found myself appalled and disgusted at a slogan.
Generally speaking, Breast Cancer awareness means pink EVERYWHERE. I hate the color pink. Always have, always will. I think it's great people are out trying to raise awareness and money for those who need it most and all while building bonding relationships during a time when moral support is as necessary as treatment. BUT there are way too many companies that slap their logo brand with a pink ribbon and say to the consumer "Look how great we are because of this! Buy more!" and donate maybe a penny per purchase to the actual funding. It also makes me nauseous that not only are these companies cashing in on people who are in dire need of assistance, but they are companies whose products have NOTHING to do with the illness themselves. M&M's? Trash cans? Shoes? Seriously people, get a clue. You don't need to buy products like this. If anything, it's one more way to tell the world "I'm a good person, see my pink cup, purse, walkie-talkie, tiara etc?" - you've just become like the companies out there want you to be: a consumer-schmuck who just buys junk that doesn't actually help anyone.
BEFORE YOU SEND HATE MAIL READ THIS: I'm not saying there AREN'T any products out there that DON'T donate a generous amount of money to whatever they say they are funding. I'm just saying it's extremely rare.
Anyhow, enough ranting. Here is what started this post in the first place:
http://www.pumpkinmasters.com/index.asp
Their slogan? "Carving For A Cause".... ARE YOU F***ING KIDDING ME!?!?! Who thought THAT was a good idea when women are having their breasts cut off to save their lives everyday??
I'm horrified to the point I can't even put into words on this one. All I did was send a message at the "Contact Us" area voicing my concern. I think it might be a wise idea for you to do the same if you feel at all like I do.
In the meantime, keep your jokes "clean" without using people who are in situations that could kill them. It's not funny.
Tuesday, October 1, 2013
Congress, President and hairy fingers
I know what you're thinking: What does Congress and hairy fingers have to do with one another? Everything. Think of it as the person everyone raves about having an amazing dish they want to whip up for everyone. You try it excitedly and find an odd hair in it. The man is bald and wearing a long-sleeved shirt.
"Where did this come from?" You wonder. There are no pets in the house. Then you look at the man's hands. SUPER. HAIRY. FINGERS. You nearly gag.
Who the hell let him in the kitchen?? Who let him cook this dish for us, knowing full well what was on his hands?
Then you realize you were part of the problem. Others convinced you to try this item, to trust this person you knew nothing else about and to go with the flow.
You joined the lemmings and jumped off the proverbial cliff and now you're not satisfied with the results.
The only way you get to complain is if you had actually suggested someone else make the dish in the kitchen. The only way you get to complain is if you had stood up and said "Yes, that's great but what about the cleanliness of his hands??"
Congress doesn't just have hairy fingers. They have an abundance of filth under their nails and tiny cuts all over their hands too. It isn't from hard work friends. It's from the fact they were taught better but are able to continue to get away with contamination for however many they affect.
Think this is disgusting? The President just borrowed your ear-buds and doesn't clean his ears. That's why he doesn't listen to your complaints and doesn't try to fix things you suggest. He also just kicked your favorite pet and took your grandmother's pocketbook.
"Where did this come from?" You wonder. There are no pets in the house. Then you look at the man's hands. SUPER. HAIRY. FINGERS. You nearly gag.
Who the hell let him in the kitchen?? Who let him cook this dish for us, knowing full well what was on his hands?
Then you realize you were part of the problem. Others convinced you to try this item, to trust this person you knew nothing else about and to go with the flow.
You joined the lemmings and jumped off the proverbial cliff and now you're not satisfied with the results.
The only way you get to complain is if you had actually suggested someone else make the dish in the kitchen. The only way you get to complain is if you had stood up and said "Yes, that's great but what about the cleanliness of his hands??"
Congress doesn't just have hairy fingers. They have an abundance of filth under their nails and tiny cuts all over their hands too. It isn't from hard work friends. It's from the fact they were taught better but are able to continue to get away with contamination for however many they affect.
Think this is disgusting? The President just borrowed your ear-buds and doesn't clean his ears. That's why he doesn't listen to your complaints and doesn't try to fix things you suggest. He also just kicked your favorite pet and took your grandmother's pocketbook.
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
Why I love my dirty shoes.
She
sat, white-haired and bundled in her blue sweater reading her book that stated
the main character had taken off to somewhere incredible. And on this gorgeous
September morning, it couldn’t have felt like a more romantic notion. The sun
flittered through the trees like water around skin in the ocean for the first
time.
“So
why just read about taking off?” I wondered to myself. “Why not just go?” and I thought about all the reasons
we tell ourselves as humans: “I can’t because of xyz obligations etc” which
just seems so sad to me. Books are lovely and a temporary escape, but at some
point you have to go. You have to get out there and explore the
world you have been brought into. You
have only that obligation.
Life
will pass quickly, we have all heard this. It does. For some it passes faster
than for others I believe. For this woman, all wrapped up in her book, her
sweater only gave temporary warmth and her book only gave a momentary escape.
Now she sits in a coffee shop thinking the thoughts of those who haven’t lived:
“What if I had…?” and “What would have been”, cursing herself inwardly to the
point she can no longer smile at a stranger (me) sitting next to her.
Her
perfectly white tennis shoes, perfectly tied laces had not experienced the
adventures and the happiness of a fleeting moment that my worn shoes and frayed
jeans had. “How sad” I thought to myself. And suddenly I was happy at the holes
and fraying I had once cursed, for they meant crucial life explorations I had
captured.
Monday, September 9, 2013
My thoughts on 9/11
As we enter the 12 year anniversary of 9/11 I've had mixed emotions about the topic.
I've noticed some people are going on with life like nothing happened. They go to work, get married, take their kids to school and live life in general.
Others have no choice but to remember what happened that day as they say silent prayers at gravestones, visit the various sites of attacks or find their own way to remember what happened and say their "Thanks" to the brave men and women who died that day.
Some of you may say that to move on with life as if nothing happened is to show that America will always remain unchanged despite how terrorists try to thwart our unity. Others say that it is somewhat of a "holy" day and should mean we get a day off of school and work to pay tribute to what happened to our country.
I will say that I agree with the latter, but only if people will actually teach their children what happened, why America is important and what our flag stands for. So far, I see kids running around on the 4th of July, Veterans Day, Memorial Day and so forth without realizing any significance.
This is the fault of the parents for not teaching the future generations of our great country any better.
Bear in mind I'm not saying force your children to sit and watch the news footage of current and past wars or what happened on 9/11. What I am saying is that even at the age of 3, children remember a lot of what you say, despite what you think. Just reminding them at a young age that the flag is never to touch the ground and is a very important artifact we use in our country will suffice until they are older.I'm also not saying don't have fun with fireworks and BBQ's on July 4th.
Yes, I personally volunteer with different military groups and am (what I consider anyhow) a diehard patriotic person. Politics has nothing to do with teaching your children the history of the flag or the importance of why we take certain days off of school or work.
I guess what I'm saying is stop running to Wal-mart to make these historical days just another BBQ or party day for your family or friends. Incorporate a moment of silence into the gathering to pay respect and teach children and others to remember that your celebration came at a great cost to many.
Whatever you choose (or have to do that day since not everyone can take off from work or school), just take 30 seconds or a minute of your time and remain silent and say a prayer for those who have had to pick up the pieces as family members were lost. If you want to do something more, write a letter to a service member and express sincere gratitude for what they do.
I've noticed some people are going on with life like nothing happened. They go to work, get married, take their kids to school and live life in general.
Others have no choice but to remember what happened that day as they say silent prayers at gravestones, visit the various sites of attacks or find their own way to remember what happened and say their "Thanks" to the brave men and women who died that day.
Some of you may say that to move on with life as if nothing happened is to show that America will always remain unchanged despite how terrorists try to thwart our unity. Others say that it is somewhat of a "holy" day and should mean we get a day off of school and work to pay tribute to what happened to our country.
I will say that I agree with the latter, but only if people will actually teach their children what happened, why America is important and what our flag stands for. So far, I see kids running around on the 4th of July, Veterans Day, Memorial Day and so forth without realizing any significance.
This is the fault of the parents for not teaching the future generations of our great country any better.
Bear in mind I'm not saying force your children to sit and watch the news footage of current and past wars or what happened on 9/11. What I am saying is that even at the age of 3, children remember a lot of what you say, despite what you think. Just reminding them at a young age that the flag is never to touch the ground and is a very important artifact we use in our country will suffice until they are older.I'm also not saying don't have fun with fireworks and BBQ's on July 4th.
Yes, I personally volunteer with different military groups and am (what I consider anyhow) a diehard patriotic person. Politics has nothing to do with teaching your children the history of the flag or the importance of why we take certain days off of school or work.
I guess what I'm saying is stop running to Wal-mart to make these historical days just another BBQ or party day for your family or friends. Incorporate a moment of silence into the gathering to pay respect and teach children and others to remember that your celebration came at a great cost to many.
Whatever you choose (or have to do that day since not everyone can take off from work or school), just take 30 seconds or a minute of your time and remain silent and say a prayer for those who have had to pick up the pieces as family members were lost. If you want to do something more, write a letter to a service member and express sincere gratitude for what they do.
Sunday, September 8, 2013
Starbucks and people watching
So I'm sitting here in Starbucks, officially avoiding homework (again) and just people watching. It's amazing to me how people interact with one another. I say "interesting" because the reason people usually come here isn't just for coffee. People don't come to Starbucks just for coffee. They come for a variety of different reasons:
1. To mingle with people they don't see often. It's the universal place to go see someone of the opposite sex without actually having a "date". OR it's the safest place to meet someone before seeing if you want to have a real date with them like dinner. You tell yourself "It's just coffee" and leave it at that. It's the place I know I go to see friends without my boyfriend having to worry and vice-verse. I guess it's "neutral territory" in a way.
2. To take their kids to a place other than the park/usual places and pretend they're doing the kid a favor. The only issue with this is that 99% of the time, kids are left unattended and annoy the crap out of the other patrons. No, you're "little angel" is not behaving behind your back while you gossip with a friend. This goes for dads and moms alike. The last time I experienced this was when a mother of 2 came in (and she was pregnant) and standing in line ordering. Her two children were roaming around trying to open bags of coffee beans, playing with the items in the cold-fridge-like-area for sale, trying to take the balloons, kicking each other and subsequently running into strangers trying to get away from one another. The mother was apparently completely unaware of this activity. Her husband met her out front and asked how the kids were. She replied: "They were perfect little angels as usual". Obliviousness does not mean things aren't going on dear. I truly believe people this unaware of life shouldn't have the ability to drive or vote.
3. To get away from your life and still pretend you're 'socializing' with other people. Don't be mad if this describes you, I do it too.
4. You're trying to study but still feel like you got out of the house.
5. You do your online shopping at another location so nobody finds out at home. (I do this too).
I also go to people watch and just observe where people "are". This means that I watch and try to figure out if they're happy with themselves, sad, what type of profession they do, what type of background they come from and so forth. I apparently also go to Starbucks to write. It's where I can just put my ear-buds in and tune out.
Why do you go to Starbucks?
1. To mingle with people they don't see often. It's the universal place to go see someone of the opposite sex without actually having a "date". OR it's the safest place to meet someone before seeing if you want to have a real date with them like dinner. You tell yourself "It's just coffee" and leave it at that. It's the place I know I go to see friends without my boyfriend having to worry and vice-verse. I guess it's "neutral territory" in a way.
2. To take their kids to a place other than the park/usual places and pretend they're doing the kid a favor. The only issue with this is that 99% of the time, kids are left unattended and annoy the crap out of the other patrons. No, you're "little angel" is not behaving behind your back while you gossip with a friend. This goes for dads and moms alike. The last time I experienced this was when a mother of 2 came in (and she was pregnant) and standing in line ordering. Her two children were roaming around trying to open bags of coffee beans, playing with the items in the cold-fridge-like-area for sale, trying to take the balloons, kicking each other and subsequently running into strangers trying to get away from one another. The mother was apparently completely unaware of this activity. Her husband met her out front and asked how the kids were. She replied: "They were perfect little angels as usual". Obliviousness does not mean things aren't going on dear. I truly believe people this unaware of life shouldn't have the ability to drive or vote.
3. To get away from your life and still pretend you're 'socializing' with other people. Don't be mad if this describes you, I do it too.
4. You're trying to study but still feel like you got out of the house.
5. You do your online shopping at another location so nobody finds out at home. (I do this too).
I also go to people watch and just observe where people "are". This means that I watch and try to figure out if they're happy with themselves, sad, what type of profession they do, what type of background they come from and so forth. I apparently also go to Starbucks to write. It's where I can just put my ear-buds in and tune out.
Why do you go to Starbucks?
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