Sometimes I think our personal views and ideas get in the way of our professional obligations and duties.
While I believe that everyone is entitled to practice the faith of their choice as long as it harms no one else… I don’t think that any religion should be supported by the government.
I have a huge concern over any politician… and I hate to say that I now have to include Barack Obama in that disappointing group… wanting to use government money to support religious charities and organizations. We are asking for more internal problems then our country already has… and I have to ask, do we really need anymore problems?
If we are looking for ways to improve our country and where to we should allocate government funds… let’s focus on making our country self sufficient and make sure that our people have every opportunity to take the first few steps to achieving the American dream.
Let’s make sure that our children have excellent schools that are equipped with quality teachers and programs of excellence and this includes sports, music and art.
Lets start drilling here in America and produce more of our own oil so that families don’t have to chose between fueling their car, heating their home or feeding their children.
Our government should be supporting programs that will help anyone that walks through the doors… it shouldn’t be tied to who or what you worship and how you do it.
I understand that our money is labeled “In God We Trust,” that is fine… I understand that when pledge allegiance to the United States that we say “one nation under God…” I don’t have a problem with that. But our government dollars can be better spent in so many other ways.
If you are going to fund religious based organizations then I suggest you set up a fund, 5% of the money the government has and split it evenly amongst every religious organization and charity there is in the US. Not just the organizations that are tied to your religious beliefs.
Don’t let your obligation to the country be confused with what you feel your obligations to your religion and faith are. Remember that there is suppose to be a separation of church and state… that it part of what is suppose to make America such a wonderful place to live.
I have another plea to Barack Obama… I understand the need to bridge the gap between democrats and republicans and the need to bring as many voters your way as possible… but don’t become like every other politician that gets up there and says or promises what ever it will take to gain more voters. The people that have supported you so far supported you because of what you stood for… something new… something positive… someone that was going to make change a reality. Stick to who you are… what it is you really stand for… what it is you have said.
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Let Down By the Supreme Court Again
I wish that I could sit here today and say to the masses that our justice system has done us proud… but if you have read the news on the net or heard it on your local news channels, our justice system has yet again let us down.
The Supreme Court in all their wise thinking decided against the death penalty in cases of child rape.
There are currently five states that have the death penalty as punishment for rape of a child. Those five states are Louisiana (which is the state that is currently under fire) and Montana, Oklahoma, South Carolina and Texas. According to Justice Anthony Kennedy “the death penalty is not a proportional punishment for the rape of a child.”
WHAT!!!! A rapist takes away the innocence of a child, damages them for the rest of their life and that is not punishable by death?! We will sentence a person that is guilty of treason or espionage to death, but not someone that steals so much more from a child!
As far as I am concerned death is not harsh enough for these people. Instead we send them to prison where they get three meals a day, enjoy cable television, a roof over their heads and clothes on their backs all paid for by you, me and the parents of that child.
So what the Supreme Court is basically saying is that for all of those parents that have children who have been raped by a beast, and I am sorry but people who hurt children are beasts, should have to pay for that beast to be kept alive for years because the Supreme Court doesn’t feel that what the beast did was proportional enough to punish them with the death penalty.
How do you like that? Not only do parents get to work through the trauma with their child, pay for counseling and try to repair what was taken away from their child… they also get to pay for the beast to live on their tax dollars.
I say that it’s time that the United States Supreme Court wakes up. If we really wanted to end crime in this country we would have harsher punishments. Instead we want to rehabilitate and give second and third chances. I ask you, what second chance does a raped child have? Do they get to go on with their life not bothered by what happened to them? Do they have the same enjoyment of life? NO, so tell me why the person that raped them gets to.
Please, America do you honestly believe that child rapists sit in prison and feel bad for what they did? Do you think they cry at night… that they are afraid to be alone… that they are unable to trust people… are they tortured day after day reliving what they did. No the sick beasts lay there at night and think about what they did and how much fun they had. Really, we want to rehabilitate those people? Can a person like that be rehabilitated? Sure, there is the rarity… there is that one person in a hundred that might change their ways, have remorse for what they did and never do it again.
Former State Representative and author of the Louisiana law, Pete Schneider said that even opponents of the death penalty told him they would kill anyone who raped their children. "When are you going to have the courage to stand up for what's right for all of the people — but especially the children under 12 that have been brutally raped by monsters?" Schneider said, directing his comments to the justices in Wednesday's majority.
The decision by our so called “high court” leaves Patrick Kennedy’s conviction in place, but there will be new sentencing. I have a suggestion, seeing as how the Supreme Court doesn’t want to do what is right. His punishment should be that for everyday he is in prison he is brutalized and raped like his 8 year old step daughter… and his sentence should last for at least the next 50 years. That might come close to being proportional for what he did.
The case is Kennedy v. Louisiana, 07-343.
The Supreme Court in all their wise thinking decided against the death penalty in cases of child rape.
There are currently five states that have the death penalty as punishment for rape of a child. Those five states are Louisiana (which is the state that is currently under fire) and Montana, Oklahoma, South Carolina and Texas. According to Justice Anthony Kennedy “the death penalty is not a proportional punishment for the rape of a child.”
WHAT!!!! A rapist takes away the innocence of a child, damages them for the rest of their life and that is not punishable by death?! We will sentence a person that is guilty of treason or espionage to death, but not someone that steals so much more from a child!
As far as I am concerned death is not harsh enough for these people. Instead we send them to prison where they get three meals a day, enjoy cable television, a roof over their heads and clothes on their backs all paid for by you, me and the parents of that child.
So what the Supreme Court is basically saying is that for all of those parents that have children who have been raped by a beast, and I am sorry but people who hurt children are beasts, should have to pay for that beast to be kept alive for years because the Supreme Court doesn’t feel that what the beast did was proportional enough to punish them with the death penalty.
How do you like that? Not only do parents get to work through the trauma with their child, pay for counseling and try to repair what was taken away from their child… they also get to pay for the beast to live on their tax dollars.
I say that it’s time that the United States Supreme Court wakes up. If we really wanted to end crime in this country we would have harsher punishments. Instead we want to rehabilitate and give second and third chances. I ask you, what second chance does a raped child have? Do they get to go on with their life not bothered by what happened to them? Do they have the same enjoyment of life? NO, so tell me why the person that raped them gets to.
Please, America do you honestly believe that child rapists sit in prison and feel bad for what they did? Do you think they cry at night… that they are afraid to be alone… that they are unable to trust people… are they tortured day after day reliving what they did. No the sick beasts lay there at night and think about what they did and how much fun they had. Really, we want to rehabilitate those people? Can a person like that be rehabilitated? Sure, there is the rarity… there is that one person in a hundred that might change their ways, have remorse for what they did and never do it again.
Former State Representative and author of the Louisiana law, Pete Schneider said that even opponents of the death penalty told him they would kill anyone who raped their children. "When are you going to have the courage to stand up for what's right for all of the people — but especially the children under 12 that have been brutally raped by monsters?" Schneider said, directing his comments to the justices in Wednesday's majority.
The decision by our so called “high court” leaves Patrick Kennedy’s conviction in place, but there will be new sentencing. I have a suggestion, seeing as how the Supreme Court doesn’t want to do what is right. His punishment should be that for everyday he is in prison he is brutalized and raped like his 8 year old step daughter… and his sentence should last for at least the next 50 years. That might come close to being proportional for what he did.
The case is Kennedy v. Louisiana, 07-343.
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Hektor, here we go again
No Hektor, I wanted to be on level playing field with you, hence the lack of spell check for that post.
I live in the real world... Maybe you should step into it…
I find it hard to believe that such an educated person as yourself, would think that association with someone that has conflicting views from yours, means that those conflicting view points are then your own then as well. Based on your posts, you are obviously not a free thinking individual, but rather one that lets his mouth run off without the brain being engaged.
I don’t understand how you can look at the history of our country and not understand why people feel the way they do over issues of race and equality. Talk about living with your head in the sand… perhaps you missed US History in high school… oh wait, you were probably one of those people that I would argue with in US History, you were probably one of the people that thought the riots were insane, that the black community should’ve tried to resolve things peacefully… THEY TRIED THAT!!! It got them no where.
Unfortunately people do not want to step outside their own make believe worlds and see how it is for the person down the road, or across the street. Generally speaking the majority of people, such as yourself, would rather sit and cast accusations, call names, avoid the issues and say that any proof or argument against your rose colored vision is pointless.
What was the last thing you did to help this country?
What programs have you started to help the people around you that need help?
When was the last time you saw someone in trouble and DIDN'T think “Oh they must deserve it?”
Based on what you are saying… you must never have traveled anywhere…as that it would mean that you have become a chameleon and are never your true self...
I would also like to know what you know about the Muslim faith? Have you read the Koran… do you actually know what it says? I have to stop here because I would be willing to bet you have never even read the Bible… sure you have heard passages quoted and referenced, but I doubt that you have actually read the entire book.
I have read the Koran… and I have read the Bible… the Torah…(which incase you didn’t know is the old testament)… I have also studied Buddhism and Hinduism… I have read numerous books on Paganism… Wicca…
Yes actually read them, I know what they say… I know what the beliefs and practices of those followers are…
There are extremist in everything Hektor… extremist take a part of something and exaggerate it to the point that it really has nothing to do with what it was taken from and then they claim that it is in the name of God… Christians have done that for really long time…maybe you didn’t learn about the Holy Crusades… the persecution of innocent people that would not walk away from their own faith to become a Christian… Oh and another leader that persecuted people based on faith, Hitler!
Next time… study before you post. I have no problem debating with you… but atleast come to the field with an educated argument.
I live in the real world... Maybe you should step into it…
I find it hard to believe that such an educated person as yourself, would think that association with someone that has conflicting views from yours, means that those conflicting view points are then your own then as well. Based on your posts, you are obviously not a free thinking individual, but rather one that lets his mouth run off without the brain being engaged.
I don’t understand how you can look at the history of our country and not understand why people feel the way they do over issues of race and equality. Talk about living with your head in the sand… perhaps you missed US History in high school… oh wait, you were probably one of those people that I would argue with in US History, you were probably one of the people that thought the riots were insane, that the black community should’ve tried to resolve things peacefully… THEY TRIED THAT!!! It got them no where.
Unfortunately people do not want to step outside their own make believe worlds and see how it is for the person down the road, or across the street. Generally speaking the majority of people, such as yourself, would rather sit and cast accusations, call names, avoid the issues and say that any proof or argument against your rose colored vision is pointless.
What was the last thing you did to help this country?
What programs have you started to help the people around you that need help?
When was the last time you saw someone in trouble and DIDN'T think “Oh they must deserve it?”
Based on what you are saying… you must never have traveled anywhere…as that it would mean that you have become a chameleon and are never your true self...
I would also like to know what you know about the Muslim faith? Have you read the Koran… do you actually know what it says? I have to stop here because I would be willing to bet you have never even read the Bible… sure you have heard passages quoted and referenced, but I doubt that you have actually read the entire book.
I have read the Koran… and I have read the Bible… the Torah…(which incase you didn’t know is the old testament)… I have also studied Buddhism and Hinduism… I have read numerous books on Paganism… Wicca…
Yes actually read them, I know what they say… I know what the beliefs and practices of those followers are…
There are extremist in everything Hektor… extremist take a part of something and exaggerate it to the point that it really has nothing to do with what it was taken from and then they claim that it is in the name of God… Christians have done that for really long time…maybe you didn’t learn about the Holy Crusades… the persecution of innocent people that would not walk away from their own faith to become a Christian… Oh and another leader that persecuted people based on faith, Hitler!
Next time… study before you post. I have no problem debating with you… but atleast come to the field with an educated argument.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
The Wisest Words to Share
"I must learn to love the fool in me - the one who feels too much, talks too much, takes too many chances, wins sometimes and loses often, lacks self-control, loves and hates, hurts and gets hurt, promises and breaks promises, laughs and cries. It alone protects me against that utterly self-controlled, masterful tyrant whom i also harbor and who would rob me of human aliveness, humility, and dignity but for my fool." -Theodore I Rubin, MD
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Response to Hektor ~
Hektor...
I am gald to debate with you, but again... we need to go with facts and not just our own version of what truth is... so here is my response.
If you were to take a look at all the words that you have spelled wrong in your comment you would see the reason as to why funding our education system is so important. What will be the point to continue to fund NASA when we continue to cut education so that the only animals that will be smart enough to go into Space will be monkeys... oh, and people from other countries where education is a priority.
I would also like to point out that Barack Obama was born in Hawaii, and last time I checked that was in America, so his homeland is America.
I agree with you on the fact that American comsumers are not the brightest and that we as Americans do not support our country buy buying products that are made here. And just so you know, I do NOT have a car that was made in Japan. Curious... how many things in your house were made in China and Japan?
Next, I want to talk about your comment about the people that "belong here." Unless you are a Native American Indian, then you don't belong here either. The majority of our ancestors came here from another country... and they were not turned away. I would rather that illegal immigrants have a drivers license and have to past a test to drive here rather then just getting in a car and driving. I would like to know if you feel the same about all the uninsured American drivers in our country. Perhaps you recall that amazing statue with a torch in hand... "They came here for several centuries for the same reasons – freedom and hope -- and then a Frenchman created a statue that embodied their hopes and dreams. And it embodied America's promise as well. "Give us your poor, your tired, your huddled masses longing to be free..."
I also agree with you on the fact that Americans are catching up with other countries in an effort to "Go Green" it is about time that we start to protect the planet before we need to find another planet to go and destroy.
If you read what Obama said about our troops... he isn't planning on bringing everyone home now, his time frame gives them plenty of time to stabilize thier government if they want to.
As far as not being brave enough to say what needs to be said, do you listen to what Barack Obama says at all? If you are looking for extreme comments to be made then you aren't going to find that with any candidate, perhaps the reason that you have such opposition to him is that he is saying what needs to be said and you don't like what you are hearing because if means change.
And flat tax... tax everyone 10% then... because 10% of 1 million dollars is more then 10% of 20,000.
Healthcare... our country will never fix our health care system, that is plain and simple. Insurance companies will not let that happen. But atleast what Obama wants to do it make sure that all children are covered and adults will have the option.
So Hektor, while I can agree with you on a couple of your points... I think that the foundation for your argument against Obama is inacurrate.
I am gald to debate with you, but again... we need to go with facts and not just our own version of what truth is... so here is my response.
If you were to take a look at all the words that you have spelled wrong in your comment you would see the reason as to why funding our education system is so important. What will be the point to continue to fund NASA when we continue to cut education so that the only animals that will be smart enough to go into Space will be monkeys... oh, and people from other countries where education is a priority.
I would also like to point out that Barack Obama was born in Hawaii, and last time I checked that was in America, so his homeland is America.
I agree with you on the fact that American comsumers are not the brightest and that we as Americans do not support our country buy buying products that are made here. And just so you know, I do NOT have a car that was made in Japan. Curious... how many things in your house were made in China and Japan?
Next, I want to talk about your comment about the people that "belong here." Unless you are a Native American Indian, then you don't belong here either. The majority of our ancestors came here from another country... and they were not turned away. I would rather that illegal immigrants have a drivers license and have to past a test to drive here rather then just getting in a car and driving. I would like to know if you feel the same about all the uninsured American drivers in our country. Perhaps you recall that amazing statue with a torch in hand... "They came here for several centuries for the same reasons – freedom and hope -- and then a Frenchman created a statue that embodied their hopes and dreams. And it embodied America's promise as well. "Give us your poor, your tired, your huddled masses longing to be free..."
I also agree with you on the fact that Americans are catching up with other countries in an effort to "Go Green" it is about time that we start to protect the planet before we need to find another planet to go and destroy.
If you read what Obama said about our troops... he isn't planning on bringing everyone home now, his time frame gives them plenty of time to stabilize thier government if they want to.
As far as not being brave enough to say what needs to be said, do you listen to what Barack Obama says at all? If you are looking for extreme comments to be made then you aren't going to find that with any candidate, perhaps the reason that you have such opposition to him is that he is saying what needs to be said and you don't like what you are hearing because if means change.
And flat tax... tax everyone 10% then... because 10% of 1 million dollars is more then 10% of 20,000.
Healthcare... our country will never fix our health care system, that is plain and simple. Insurance companies will not let that happen. But atleast what Obama wants to do it make sure that all children are covered and adults will have the option.
So Hektor, while I can agree with you on a couple of your points... I think that the foundation for your argument against Obama is inacurrate.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Barack Obama Quote of the Day
We have an obligation and a responsibility to be investing in our students and our schools. We must make sure that people who have the grades, the desire and the will, but not the money, can still get the best education possible. Barack Obama
Barack Obama Quote of the Day
We need to steer clear of this poverty of ambition, where people want to drive fancy cars and wear nice clothes and live in nice apartments but don't want to work hard to accomplish these things. Everyone should try to realize their full potential. Barack Obama
Barack Obama - This is for you Hektor
I was going to let it go, the comment that I recieved to my post to raise money to help Obama.
But then putting an end to ignorance won me over. So as you see in the title, this is directed at the post author "hektor" who would rather call names, pass judgment and act radically instead of making informed comments.
Here is what Barack Obama says he will do about the ten most important issues that America is facing right now. I would like to point out that his plans are PROACTIVE. His plan is make it so America is able to get on its feet and take care of the American citizens without penalizing them and restricting thier freedoms and rights. I urge you to take a look at the mandates and restrictions that other candidates are saying they will make BEFORE you make statements.
Energy/Global Warming
Obama is calling for a cap and trade systen to cut carbon emissions by 80% by 2050. He also plans to invest $150 billion over the next 10 years to advance clean energy technologies. He plans to double the fuel ecoomy standards for vehicles within 18 years.
Trade
Amend the North American Free Trade Agreement to better benefit US workers (gosh that is a novel idea... taking care of our own people). He plans to pressure the World Trade Organization to enforce trade agreements (gosh make people honor what they agreed to!) Update Trade Adjustment Assistance by extending it to indsutries and create flexible education accounts to help retrain workers.
Iraq
He was never for the war to begin with. He will bring out troops home, one to two brigades a month and his plan is to have them all home by 2009.
Foreclosures
Penalize predatory lenders and then use those penalities to help the victims of the predatory loans. He will also give a tax credit to struggling homeoners that would cover 10% of the interest on thier mortgages every year.
Abortion/Stem Cell
He not only supports Roe vs. Wade. He would like to see access to contraceptives expanded so that preventing unintended pregnancies. Obama also supports stem cell research.
Education
He plans to provide money to the states for early childhood development programs. He would like to have a new accountability system that is not so focused on standardized testing and extra pay for teachers who serve as mentors to colleagues. He also proposes a college education tax credit adn he would pay for many of his educational proposals by reducing funding for NASA.
Immigration
Obama supports a broad immigration reform that would help illegal immigrants become citizens as long as they met certain criteria. This criteria includes learning English, passing a criminal background check and paying any fines that they have. He is also in favor of giving illegal immigrants driver's license.
Social Security
Obama would increase the maximum amount of earnings which is currently $97500 to which the Social Security payroll tax applies. Obama will also work with Congress as well as the people of America to come up with a plan that would keep Social Security around for at least another 50 years.
Health Care
Barack supports a universal portable heatlh care plan. His plan would allow people to buy coverage similiar to what federal employees have. He would make the coverage mandatory for all children and optional for adults. Barack supports income related subsidies that would help with the cost of health insurance premiums. Costs would be contained by modernizing the health care system and focusing on PREVENTION.
As a former nurse I think this is outstanding! I can't tell you how many time I was on the phone arguing with insurance companies for my cardiac patients to have testing done that would save thier lives but were being denied by the insurance companies. Once the patient had the heart attack, or open heart then they would cover testing!
Taxes
Barack would reverese the tax cuts for the wealthiest taxpayers, end offshore tax havens and eliminate special interest loopholes and deductions. He would also implement a tax credit of up to $500 per person and $1000 per working family.
So, this is by no means everything that Barack Obama plans to do. This is just a highlighted list, and effort to educate the ignorant so that before they want to call names they atleast know what they are talking about.
But then putting an end to ignorance won me over. So as you see in the title, this is directed at the post author "hektor" who would rather call names, pass judgment and act radically instead of making informed comments.
Here is what Barack Obama says he will do about the ten most important issues that America is facing right now. I would like to point out that his plans are PROACTIVE. His plan is make it so America is able to get on its feet and take care of the American citizens without penalizing them and restricting thier freedoms and rights. I urge you to take a look at the mandates and restrictions that other candidates are saying they will make BEFORE you make statements.
Energy/Global Warming
Obama is calling for a cap and trade systen to cut carbon emissions by 80% by 2050. He also plans to invest $150 billion over the next 10 years to advance clean energy technologies. He plans to double the fuel ecoomy standards for vehicles within 18 years.
Trade
Amend the North American Free Trade Agreement to better benefit US workers (gosh that is a novel idea... taking care of our own people). He plans to pressure the World Trade Organization to enforce trade agreements (gosh make people honor what they agreed to!) Update Trade Adjustment Assistance by extending it to indsutries and create flexible education accounts to help retrain workers.
Iraq
He was never for the war to begin with. He will bring out troops home, one to two brigades a month and his plan is to have them all home by 2009.
Foreclosures
Penalize predatory lenders and then use those penalities to help the victims of the predatory loans. He will also give a tax credit to struggling homeoners that would cover 10% of the interest on thier mortgages every year.
Abortion/Stem Cell
He not only supports Roe vs. Wade. He would like to see access to contraceptives expanded so that preventing unintended pregnancies. Obama also supports stem cell research.
Education
He plans to provide money to the states for early childhood development programs. He would like to have a new accountability system that is not so focused on standardized testing and extra pay for teachers who serve as mentors to colleagues. He also proposes a college education tax credit adn he would pay for many of his educational proposals by reducing funding for NASA.
Immigration
Obama supports a broad immigration reform that would help illegal immigrants become citizens as long as they met certain criteria. This criteria includes learning English, passing a criminal background check and paying any fines that they have. He is also in favor of giving illegal immigrants driver's license.
Social Security
Obama would increase the maximum amount of earnings which is currently $97500 to which the Social Security payroll tax applies. Obama will also work with Congress as well as the people of America to come up with a plan that would keep Social Security around for at least another 50 years.
Health Care
Barack supports a universal portable heatlh care plan. His plan would allow people to buy coverage similiar to what federal employees have. He would make the coverage mandatory for all children and optional for adults. Barack supports income related subsidies that would help with the cost of health insurance premiums. Costs would be contained by modernizing the health care system and focusing on PREVENTION.
As a former nurse I think this is outstanding! I can't tell you how many time I was on the phone arguing with insurance companies for my cardiac patients to have testing done that would save thier lives but were being denied by the insurance companies. Once the patient had the heart attack, or open heart then they would cover testing!
Taxes
Barack would reverese the tax cuts for the wealthiest taxpayers, end offshore tax havens and eliminate special interest loopholes and deductions. He would also implement a tax credit of up to $500 per person and $1000 per working family.
So, this is by no means everything that Barack Obama plans to do. This is just a highlighted list, and effort to educate the ignorant so that before they want to call names they atleast know what they are talking about.
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Help My Barack Obama Fundraiser - GOT HOPE!
As Americans, we dream of a President who is honest, personable, intelligent, and wise.
We want a leader with courage and integrity who has known the struggles of an everyday American.
A lot of people have stopped believing that may even be possible.
I haven't stopped believing. I support Barack Obama because he is that leader.
Join me in supporting Barack by making a donation to my personal fundraising page:
http://my.barackobama.com/page/outreach/view/main/GOTHOPE
This campaign for the presidency is unparalleled in history. Our need for an honest, fresh-thinking leader could not be more urgent.
Americans are hungry for change and Barack Obama will bring that change when he is elected.
Please take a minute to check out my page and make a donation of any size:
http://my.barackobama.com/page/outreach/view/main/GOTHOPE
Thanks.
Don't wait another minute! We need you! You can make a difference!
http://my.barackobama.com/page/outreach/view/main/GOTHOPE
We want a leader with courage and integrity who has known the struggles of an everyday American.
A lot of people have stopped believing that may even be possible.
I haven't stopped believing. I support Barack Obama because he is that leader.
Join me in supporting Barack by making a donation to my personal fundraising page:
http://my.barackobama.com/page/outreach/view/main/GOTHOPE
This campaign for the presidency is unparalleled in history. Our need for an honest, fresh-thinking leader could not be more urgent.
Americans are hungry for change and Barack Obama will bring that change when he is elected.
Please take a minute to check out my page and make a donation of any size:
http://my.barackobama.com/page/outreach/view/main/GOTHOPE
Thanks.
Don't wait another minute! We need you! You can make a difference!
http://my.barackobama.com/page/outreach/view/main/GOTHOPE
Keep Hope Alive!
For the life of me I can't even begin to understand what happened in Rhode Island, Ohio and Texas yesterday.
Now we are forced to wait until June before we know who our democratic candidate will be. Obviously my greatest hope is that our next President is Barack Obama. Long before he ever said that he would run for office I knew that he was just what this country needed. For the first time in a long time we have a candidate that wants changes, will work for change and work to make the lives better for the people in the United States.
He will be a President that will deliver on his campaign promises.
It drives me up a wall that other candidates complain about Barack Obama's lack of experience. You know what, I think that plays in his favor actually. It is a great benefit to us all that he has not spent the last 20 years wrapped up in Washington, jaded by the lobbyist and the games that are played amongst the other politicians in Washigton. He is one man that when he speaks about his plan and what he wants to do that I don't sit there and fear that there is really and ulterior motive behind what he says.
He reminds me alot of JFK. What I mean by that, is that he is inspiring a nation to care. He is encouraging us all to believe that we have the power to change our country. He can only do so much and he can't do any of it with out our support. Our President should be inspirational. Our President should be someone that we look forward to hearing what he has to say and we are engaged when he delivers a speech instead of flipping the channel and thanking God for the invention of cable and satellite television so we are not stuck listening to someone that simple likes to hear himself talk and believes that his decision and his thoughts are all the matter.
While I know that I am not the only one that feels this way based on the huge support base that Senator Barack Obama has, but people we are not doing enough. We need to get out and make our voices be heard. We the people need to rise to the challenge and make our voices heard! I beg of you to get up, get off your butt and do something!
Whether you write to your local paper, write your own blog, IM all of you friends, start on a forum on a social network get up and make your voice heard. This is one election where each and every vote counts and it counts is a big way.
I also encourage you to donate to Barack Obama's campaign. It doesn't matter if all you have to donate it a dollar, it is one more dollar that will help back the wave of change our country and our people so despereately need!
Please visit http://www.barackobama.com/ and get linked with your state's webpage for Barack Obama! Don't waste another minute! Whether your state has already had it's primary or not you can still get involved and help Barack Obama win the candidacy!
Got Hope?
I do!!!!
Now we are forced to wait until June before we know who our democratic candidate will be. Obviously my greatest hope is that our next President is Barack Obama. Long before he ever said that he would run for office I knew that he was just what this country needed. For the first time in a long time we have a candidate that wants changes, will work for change and work to make the lives better for the people in the United States.
He will be a President that will deliver on his campaign promises.
It drives me up a wall that other candidates complain about Barack Obama's lack of experience. You know what, I think that plays in his favor actually. It is a great benefit to us all that he has not spent the last 20 years wrapped up in Washington, jaded by the lobbyist and the games that are played amongst the other politicians in Washigton. He is one man that when he speaks about his plan and what he wants to do that I don't sit there and fear that there is really and ulterior motive behind what he says.
He reminds me alot of JFK. What I mean by that, is that he is inspiring a nation to care. He is encouraging us all to believe that we have the power to change our country. He can only do so much and he can't do any of it with out our support. Our President should be inspirational. Our President should be someone that we look forward to hearing what he has to say and we are engaged when he delivers a speech instead of flipping the channel and thanking God for the invention of cable and satellite television so we are not stuck listening to someone that simple likes to hear himself talk and believes that his decision and his thoughts are all the matter.
While I know that I am not the only one that feels this way based on the huge support base that Senator Barack Obama has, but people we are not doing enough. We need to get out and make our voices be heard. We the people need to rise to the challenge and make our voices heard! I beg of you to get up, get off your butt and do something!
Whether you write to your local paper, write your own blog, IM all of you friends, start on a forum on a social network get up and make your voice heard. This is one election where each and every vote counts and it counts is a big way.
I also encourage you to donate to Barack Obama's campaign. It doesn't matter if all you have to donate it a dollar, it is one more dollar that will help back the wave of change our country and our people so despereately need!
Please visit http://www.barackobama.com/ and get linked with your state's webpage for Barack Obama! Don't waste another minute! Whether your state has already had it's primary or not you can still get involved and help Barack Obama win the candidacy!
Got Hope?
I do!!!!
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Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Happy New Year!
I want to start by wishing everyone a very blessed New Year. I know that this comes a week late, but better late then never. My new year has started off very busy and really quite amazing. I am very excited about all that this year has to offer me and my family, not only personally but professionally. 2008 will be a year for the record books!
This being the Wisdom of Jen I would like to give you my wise thoughts for the New Year and what I learned from last year.
First, pay attention to the way you are with the ones that you love. Just because you think that your actions are right or just does not mean that is how they are taken by those around you.
While you can not control how people perceive what you do or say you can control how you put it out there.
Second, no one is perfect… even those that you think you know very well will surprise you, they may even hurt you… and that will be a test of strength of the relationship you have with them.
Third, there isn’t anything worth having that isn’t worth fighting for. I say this because there are times in life, when you least expect it, that life will challenge you to see if you are true to your words and your feelings… Whether you fight or walk away will tell you all you need to know about you as a person and the truth of your own claims.
Fourth, Family is everything so cherish them. I am not talking about only blood relatives, but those that you consider to be family.
Fifth, you can never take back the words that you say. So think before you open you mouth and let them come out. The bridge you burn today may be the life line you need tomorrow. What will you do now that it is gone?
Sixth, take risks no matter how huge the risk seems… there are times that you will find the risk that could cost you the most gives you the most.
Seventh, there is no greater man in this world then my husband. I say this because it is true. I am not telling you that he is perfect, for neither am I. But he is truly the most amazing man I have ever known, and the strength of character that he has… well… it just takes my breath away.
Eighth, our children are the most precious things in the world to us. They make us proud everyday as they grow and become independent little people. They are not who they were five years ago, but the people they are becoming are incredible.
Ninth, do not expect more from others then what you are willing to do or give yourself.
Tenth, no matter how bad things get… before you make a drastic decision… and act out of haste and emotion… breathe. Just breathe, and look at things from outside yourself… what you are going through … it has a purpose… are you strong enough to see it through or will you break under the pressure and throw it all away.
These are just my ten bites of wisdom. This last year… well, I saw a lot of things… experienced things that I never thought I would have to… but I learned a lot… and I believe that it is all about how you handle a situation and less about the situation that defines us as people.
This being the Wisdom of Jen I would like to give you my wise thoughts for the New Year and what I learned from last year.
First, pay attention to the way you are with the ones that you love. Just because you think that your actions are right or just does not mean that is how they are taken by those around you.
While you can not control how people perceive what you do or say you can control how you put it out there.
Second, no one is perfect… even those that you think you know very well will surprise you, they may even hurt you… and that will be a test of strength of the relationship you have with them.
Third, there isn’t anything worth having that isn’t worth fighting for. I say this because there are times in life, when you least expect it, that life will challenge you to see if you are true to your words and your feelings… Whether you fight or walk away will tell you all you need to know about you as a person and the truth of your own claims.
Fourth, Family is everything so cherish them. I am not talking about only blood relatives, but those that you consider to be family.
Fifth, you can never take back the words that you say. So think before you open you mouth and let them come out. The bridge you burn today may be the life line you need tomorrow. What will you do now that it is gone?
Sixth, take risks no matter how huge the risk seems… there are times that you will find the risk that could cost you the most gives you the most.
Seventh, there is no greater man in this world then my husband. I say this because it is true. I am not telling you that he is perfect, for neither am I. But he is truly the most amazing man I have ever known, and the strength of character that he has… well… it just takes my breath away.
Eighth, our children are the most precious things in the world to us. They make us proud everyday as they grow and become independent little people. They are not who they were five years ago, but the people they are becoming are incredible.
Ninth, do not expect more from others then what you are willing to do or give yourself.
Tenth, no matter how bad things get… before you make a drastic decision… and act out of haste and emotion… breathe. Just breathe, and look at things from outside yourself… what you are going through … it has a purpose… are you strong enough to see it through or will you break under the pressure and throw it all away.
These are just my ten bites of wisdom. This last year… well, I saw a lot of things… experienced things that I never thought I would have to… but I learned a lot… and I believe that it is all about how you handle a situation and less about the situation that defines us as people.
Monday, December 17, 2007
Time to Organize and Promote!
I am starting a new set of blogs. Each blog will have a purpose, and the first one that I am building is all about Relationships.
Each post will have to do with the good, the bad and the ugly of what no one ever tells you about relationships but we all experience.
My adivse is based on my life, what I gone through, lived through and am here to talk about. It is also about the things I have seen in other people's relationships.
I am here to tell you that Dr. Phil has nothing on me.
Here is the link: http://soulsearchin.wordpress.com/
Each post will have to do with the good, the bad and the ugly of what no one ever tells you about relationships but we all experience.
My adivse is based on my life, what I gone through, lived through and am here to talk about. It is also about the things I have seen in other people's relationships.
I am here to tell you that Dr. Phil has nothing on me.
Here is the link: http://soulsearchin.wordpress.com/
Saturday, December 15, 2007
A Really Good Song
IN THE AIR TONIGHT
I can feel it coming in the air tonight, Oh Lord
I've been waiting for this moment, all my life, Oh Lord
Can you feel it coming in the air tonight, Oh Lord, Oh Lord
Well, if you told me you were drowning I would not lend a hand
I've seen your face before my friend
But I don't know if you know who I am
Well, I was there and I saw what you did I saw it with my own two eyes
So you can wipe off the grin, I know where you've been It's all been a pack of lies
And I can feel it corning in the air tonight, Oh Lord
I've been waiting for this moment for all my life, Oh Lord
I can feel it in the air tonight, Oh Lord, Oh Lord
And I've been waiting for this moment all my life, Oh Lord, Oh Lord
Well I remember, I remember don't worry
How could I ever forget, its the first time the last time we ever met
But I know the reason why you keep your silence up, no you don't fool me
The hurt doesn't show but the pain still grows
It's no stranger to you or me
I can feel it coming in the air tonight, Oh Lord
I've been waiting for this moment, all my life, Oh Lord
Can you feel it coming in the air tonight, Oh Lord, Oh Lord
Well, if you told me you were drowning I would not lend a hand
I've seen your face before my friend
But I don't know if you know who I am
Well, I was there and I saw what you did I saw it with my own two eyes
So you can wipe off the grin, I know where you've been It's all been a pack of lies
And I can feel it corning in the air tonight, Oh Lord
I've been waiting for this moment for all my life, Oh Lord
I can feel it in the air tonight, Oh Lord, Oh Lord
And I've been waiting for this moment all my life, Oh Lord, Oh Lord
Well I remember, I remember don't worry
How could I ever forget, its the first time the last time we ever met
But I know the reason why you keep your silence up, no you don't fool me
The hurt doesn't show but the pain still grows
It's no stranger to you or me
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Just What I Needed Today... Thought I Should Share This
When I woke up this morning it occurred to me that the most important thing I could do today is remind you that YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL. Because if you are like most women, you dont hear it enough!
I want you to take a breath here and really drink this in:
You are a beautiful woman!
Why would a total stranger take a moment to tell you that? Because like you, I am a woman who yearns to hear those words more often.
I know how it is. You go about your day, crossing things off your list, YEARNING for the beauty in your heart to be seen and appreciated by someone. And its often so rare, that as women, we consider ourselves lucky if we experience it even once a year. Its so sad.
Whats more, the media is always telling us we arent pretty enough, young enough, skinny enough. Well enough is ENOUGH.
To be totally honest with you, woman to woman, Im really troubled by it. Every commercial billboard and print ad is trying to get us to buy some wrinkle reducing, shiny hair gel or cream. Like were not complete without it, or beautiful just as we ARE. They always want to sell us more!
Twenty years ago you had to be a size six. Now you have to be a size two to be considered beautiful and attractive. God forbid you have hips or grey hair or even one little wrinkle. Weve gotten so self-critical!
Let me ask you, how did you feel the last time you looked in a full-length mirror? Be honest with me now.
I know the feeling. Ive been there too. Wishing certain body parts were different. Secretly considering what to do to change them. A private war on your hips or your belly. For me it was my thighs.
But I want you to know thats the MEDIA speaking. Its not who you really are at all. It doesnt matter how old you are, or how much you weigh, either. Your heart is the beauty that shines through.
Im going to prove it to you, just in case you have doubts.
Im going to tell you a story right now that could change your life FOREVER. Keep reading.
I was at a sidewalk cafi yesterday with one of my closest girlfriends where I live in Los Angeles, and we were people watching. After about ten or so women walked by, we each observed how not one of these women were particularly attractive. They seemed dull and tense and unkempt. None stood out. None were memorable.
Until another woman walked by who was TOTALLY DIFFERENT from the rest.
She flowed like water when she moved, and her smile lit up the sidewalk. She just had a glow about her. The men outside the cafi all turned their heads.
What did she have?
First let me tell you what she DIDNT have.
She didnt have a perfect body. She was at least, and Im not kidding you, twenty pounds overweight.
She WASNT young either. She was probably about fifty, with long silver hair that swept past her shoulders. Whats more, she wasnt even wearing make-up!
And not only was she NOT dressed in designer clothing, she was actually wearing a T-shirt and sweatpants with flip-flops!
How could this be?
Listen closely here, because what Im about to share is perhaps the BIGGEST BEAUTY SECRET EVER KEPT, and I want to let you in on it. Its what the media doesnt want us to know. Its the TRUTH.
At home, when we look in the mirror, we tend to see everything wrong with our bodies and wish those body parts were different. And yet, when we go out in public, what other people see is our posture and our energy. No one is looking at the size of your thighs or your belly. No one.
What? !!
Its true. If you dont believe me, do the cafi people watching experiment yourself and you will see exactly what I mean.
You could be wearing sweatpants with no make-up on, and if you are conveying love and warmth to the world around you, you are instantly the most beautiful woman in the room.
Why?
Heres the key: Because you are GLOWING.
The truth is, that you are beautiful, right now, as you are. You have an innate glow as a woman that makes you unique and special. You are a light the world was meant to see.
I know. Maybe you arent feeling the glow today. Sometimes our lives are really hard, and it can be really challenging on those days to find all that warmth inside.
But the good news is, you can cultivate it. You can literally cultivate your beauty like you would build a fire in the fireplace, starting with the small flame until it becomes warm enough to heat the whole room!
But HOW?
To inspire women everywhere, women like you, I decided to start a revolution. I call it the You Are A Beautiful Woman Campaign.
Girlfriend to girlfriend, I want you to be a part of it. Because we need a new answer to what the media is selling us. We need a way to feel beautiful that is natural and not just cheap, but FREE!
Its time to stop waiting. You deserve to feel seen, celebrated, and loved for your true beauty right now!
And the best news is that as part of the You Are A Beautiful Woman campaign I am giving away oodles of totally FREE beauty tips on how to cultivate your glow and your beauty in my online newsletter. Theres no obligation to buy anything.
Just go to:www.TheBeautyPromise.com
Theres no catch. Im a woman just like you who wants to see our world become more beautiful, one woman at a time.
And before I go, please forward this email to three of your best friends who will be so happy to see the words You Are a Beautiful Woman in their inbox. We all need to be reminded of our beauty. It feels so GOOD to remember.
I genuinely look forward to meeting you, and celebrating your beauty.
I leave you with my favorite quote from Grace Kelly:
You dont love a woman because she is beautiful. She is beautiful because you love her.
Your friend,
Kaia
www.TheBeautyPromise.com
I want you to take a breath here and really drink this in:
You are a beautiful woman!
Why would a total stranger take a moment to tell you that? Because like you, I am a woman who yearns to hear those words more often.
I know how it is. You go about your day, crossing things off your list, YEARNING for the beauty in your heart to be seen and appreciated by someone. And its often so rare, that as women, we consider ourselves lucky if we experience it even once a year. Its so sad.
Whats more, the media is always telling us we arent pretty enough, young enough, skinny enough. Well enough is ENOUGH.
To be totally honest with you, woman to woman, Im really troubled by it. Every commercial billboard and print ad is trying to get us to buy some wrinkle reducing, shiny hair gel or cream. Like were not complete without it, or beautiful just as we ARE. They always want to sell us more!
Twenty years ago you had to be a size six. Now you have to be a size two to be considered beautiful and attractive. God forbid you have hips or grey hair or even one little wrinkle. Weve gotten so self-critical!
Let me ask you, how did you feel the last time you looked in a full-length mirror? Be honest with me now.
I know the feeling. Ive been there too. Wishing certain body parts were different. Secretly considering what to do to change them. A private war on your hips or your belly. For me it was my thighs.
But I want you to know thats the MEDIA speaking. Its not who you really are at all. It doesnt matter how old you are, or how much you weigh, either. Your heart is the beauty that shines through.
Im going to prove it to you, just in case you have doubts.
Im going to tell you a story right now that could change your life FOREVER. Keep reading.
I was at a sidewalk cafi yesterday with one of my closest girlfriends where I live in Los Angeles, and we were people watching. After about ten or so women walked by, we each observed how not one of these women were particularly attractive. They seemed dull and tense and unkempt. None stood out. None were memorable.
Until another woman walked by who was TOTALLY DIFFERENT from the rest.
She flowed like water when she moved, and her smile lit up the sidewalk. She just had a glow about her. The men outside the cafi all turned their heads.
What did she have?
First let me tell you what she DIDNT have.
She didnt have a perfect body. She was at least, and Im not kidding you, twenty pounds overweight.
She WASNT young either. She was probably about fifty, with long silver hair that swept past her shoulders. Whats more, she wasnt even wearing make-up!
And not only was she NOT dressed in designer clothing, she was actually wearing a T-shirt and sweatpants with flip-flops!
How could this be?
Listen closely here, because what Im about to share is perhaps the BIGGEST BEAUTY SECRET EVER KEPT, and I want to let you in on it. Its what the media doesnt want us to know. Its the TRUTH.
At home, when we look in the mirror, we tend to see everything wrong with our bodies and wish those body parts were different. And yet, when we go out in public, what other people see is our posture and our energy. No one is looking at the size of your thighs or your belly. No one.
What? !!
Its true. If you dont believe me, do the cafi people watching experiment yourself and you will see exactly what I mean.
You could be wearing sweatpants with no make-up on, and if you are conveying love and warmth to the world around you, you are instantly the most beautiful woman in the room.
Why?
Heres the key: Because you are GLOWING.
The truth is, that you are beautiful, right now, as you are. You have an innate glow as a woman that makes you unique and special. You are a light the world was meant to see.
I know. Maybe you arent feeling the glow today. Sometimes our lives are really hard, and it can be really challenging on those days to find all that warmth inside.
But the good news is, you can cultivate it. You can literally cultivate your beauty like you would build a fire in the fireplace, starting with the small flame until it becomes warm enough to heat the whole room!
But HOW?
To inspire women everywhere, women like you, I decided to start a revolution. I call it the You Are A Beautiful Woman Campaign.
Girlfriend to girlfriend, I want you to be a part of it. Because we need a new answer to what the media is selling us. We need a way to feel beautiful that is natural and not just cheap, but FREE!
Its time to stop waiting. You deserve to feel seen, celebrated, and loved for your true beauty right now!
And the best news is that as part of the You Are A Beautiful Woman campaign I am giving away oodles of totally FREE beauty tips on how to cultivate your glow and your beauty in my online newsletter. Theres no obligation to buy anything.
Just go to:www.TheBeautyPromise.com
Theres no catch. Im a woman just like you who wants to see our world become more beautiful, one woman at a time.
And before I go, please forward this email to three of your best friends who will be so happy to see the words You Are a Beautiful Woman in their inbox. We all need to be reminded of our beauty. It feels so GOOD to remember.
I genuinely look forward to meeting you, and celebrating your beauty.
I leave you with my favorite quote from Grace Kelly:
You dont love a woman because she is beautiful. She is beautiful because you love her.
Your friend,
Kaia
www.TheBeautyPromise.com
Saturday, December 1, 2007
A Chain Letter To Share
Ok, here is my point about chain letters. This is the one I just received. How can you not cry and then want to share it.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
One day a teacher asked her students to list the names of the other students in the room on two sheets of paper, leaving a space between each name.
Then she told them to think of the nicest thing they could say about each of their classmates and write it down.
It took the remainder of the class period to finish their assignment, and as the students left the room, each one handed in the papers.
That Saturday, the teacher wrote down the name of each student on a separate sheet of paper, and listed what everyone else had said about that individual.
On Monday she gave each student his or her list. Before long, the entire class was smiling. "Really?" she heard whispered. "I never knew that I meant anything to anyone!" and, "I didn't know others liked me so much," were most of the comments.
No one ever mentioned those papers in class again. She never knew if they discussed them after class or with their parents, but it didn't matter. The exercise had accomplished its purpose. The students were happy with themselves and one another. That group of students moved on.
Several years later, one of the students was killed in VietNam and his teacher attended the funeral of that special student. She had never seen a serviceman in a military coffin before. He looked so handsome, so mature.
The church was packed with his friends. One by one those who loved him took a last walk by the coffin. The teacher was the last one to bless the coffin. As she stood there, one of the soldiers who acted as pallbearer came up to her. "Were you Mark's math teacher?" he asked. She nodded: "yes." Then he said: "Mark talked about you a lot."
After the funeral, most of Mark's former classmates went together to a luncheon. Mark's mother and father were there, obviously waiting to speak with his teacher.
"We want to show you something," his father said, taking a wallet out of his pocket "They found this on Mark when he was killed. We thought you might recognize it."
Opening the billfold, he carefully removed two worn pieces of notebook paper that had obviously been taped, folded and refolded many times. The teacher knew without looking that the papers were the ones on which she had listed all the good things each of Mark's classmates had said about him.
"Thank you so much for doing that," Mark's mother said.! "As you can see, Mark treasured it."
All of Mark's former classmates started to gather around. Charlie smiled rather sheepishly and said, "I still have my list. It's in the top drawer of my desk at home."
Chuck's wife said, "Chuck asked me to put his in our wedding album."
"I have mine too," Marilyn said. "It's in my diary"
Then Vicki, another classmate, reached into her pocketbook, took out her wallet and showed her worn and frazzled list to the ! group. " I carry this with me at all times," Vicki said and without batting an eyelash, she continued: "I think we all saved our lists"
That's when the teacher finally sat down and cried. She cried for Mark and for all his friends who would never see him again.
The density of people in society is so thick that we forget that life will end one day. And we don't know when that one day will be.
So please, tell the people you love and care for, that they are special and important. Tell them, before it is too late.
And One Way To Accomplish This Is: Forward this message on. If you do not send it, you will have, once again passed up the wonderful opportunity to do something nice and beautiful.
If you've received this, it is because someone cares for you and it means there is probably at least someone for whom you care.
If you're "too busy" to take those few minutes right now to forward this message on, would this be the VERY first time you didn't do that little thing that would make a difference in your relationships?
The more people that you send this to, the better you'll be at reaching out to those you care about.
Remember, you reap what you sow. What you put into the lives of others comes back into your own.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
One day a teacher asked her students to list the names of the other students in the room on two sheets of paper, leaving a space between each name.
Then she told them to think of the nicest thing they could say about each of their classmates and write it down.
It took the remainder of the class period to finish their assignment, and as the students left the room, each one handed in the papers.
That Saturday, the teacher wrote down the name of each student on a separate sheet of paper, and listed what everyone else had said about that individual.
On Monday she gave each student his or her list. Before long, the entire class was smiling. "Really?" she heard whispered. "I never knew that I meant anything to anyone!" and, "I didn't know others liked me so much," were most of the comments.
No one ever mentioned those papers in class again. She never knew if they discussed them after class or with their parents, but it didn't matter. The exercise had accomplished its purpose. The students were happy with themselves and one another. That group of students moved on.
Several years later, one of the students was killed in VietNam and his teacher attended the funeral of that special student. She had never seen a serviceman in a military coffin before. He looked so handsome, so mature.
The church was packed with his friends. One by one those who loved him took a last walk by the coffin. The teacher was the last one to bless the coffin. As she stood there, one of the soldiers who acted as pallbearer came up to her. "Were you Mark's math teacher?" he asked. She nodded: "yes." Then he said: "Mark talked about you a lot."
After the funeral, most of Mark's former classmates went together to a luncheon. Mark's mother and father were there, obviously waiting to speak with his teacher.
"We want to show you something," his father said, taking a wallet out of his pocket "They found this on Mark when he was killed. We thought you might recognize it."
Opening the billfold, he carefully removed two worn pieces of notebook paper that had obviously been taped, folded and refolded many times. The teacher knew without looking that the papers were the ones on which she had listed all the good things each of Mark's classmates had said about him.
"Thank you so much for doing that," Mark's mother said.! "As you can see, Mark treasured it."
All of Mark's former classmates started to gather around. Charlie smiled rather sheepishly and said, "I still have my list. It's in the top drawer of my desk at home."
Chuck's wife said, "Chuck asked me to put his in our wedding album."
"I have mine too," Marilyn said. "It's in my diary"
Then Vicki, another classmate, reached into her pocketbook, took out her wallet and showed her worn and frazzled list to the ! group. " I carry this with me at all times," Vicki said and without batting an eyelash, she continued: "I think we all saved our lists"
That's when the teacher finally sat down and cried. She cried for Mark and for all his friends who would never see him again.
The density of people in society is so thick that we forget that life will end one day. And we don't know when that one day will be.
So please, tell the people you love and care for, that they are special and important. Tell them, before it is too late.
And One Way To Accomplish This Is: Forward this message on. If you do not send it, you will have, once again passed up the wonderful opportunity to do something nice and beautiful.
If you've received this, it is because someone cares for you and it means there is probably at least someone for whom you care.
If you're "too busy" to take those few minutes right now to forward this message on, would this be the VERY first time you didn't do that little thing that would make a difference in your relationships?
The more people that you send this to, the better you'll be at reaching out to those you care about.
Remember, you reap what you sow. What you put into the lives of others comes back into your own.
Friday, November 30, 2007
Chains of Hope
When is it enough? You know what I mean. You get the nice little chain email that talks about being a true friend or how much you mean to someone and you are suppose to send it back and to all your other friend. So you send it out… then you get it back… do you have to send it back to those people that sent it back to you or are you good and the message received that you are both great people?
Really do you run the risk of not sending it back to the people you sent it to and hurt their feelings, or do you resend it to them to confirm and then they have to send it back, so it becomes a never-ending barrage of chain emails.
Then I have to ask, myself and those that send me the emails… if you really cared about someone that much… do you really need to send them those cute little chain letters. I mean shouldn’t you let them know everyday that you value them as people? Plus, should you really be sending those chain letters and cramming peoples’ email boxes with them. Is that really anyway to show you care?
Now, it isn’t that I mind getting them. Some are really nice, and I am not perfect and I know that there are people in my life that I forget to let know that they matter to me. Some of the chain letters are important as that they spread a message of hope for a good cause, many are reminders that we are not alone in life and that we are all humans and need to care for one another. Some are funny and provide the pick me up you just might need on one of those days…
I guess what I am saying is, if you get them send them, if you don’t get it back don’t take it personal… just know that you made someone’s day.
Really do you run the risk of not sending it back to the people you sent it to and hurt their feelings, or do you resend it to them to confirm and then they have to send it back, so it becomes a never-ending barrage of chain emails.
Then I have to ask, myself and those that send me the emails… if you really cared about someone that much… do you really need to send them those cute little chain letters. I mean shouldn’t you let them know everyday that you value them as people? Plus, should you really be sending those chain letters and cramming peoples’ email boxes with them. Is that really anyway to show you care?
Now, it isn’t that I mind getting them. Some are really nice, and I am not perfect and I know that there are people in my life that I forget to let know that they matter to me. Some of the chain letters are important as that they spread a message of hope for a good cause, many are reminders that we are not alone in life and that we are all humans and need to care for one another. Some are funny and provide the pick me up you just might need on one of those days…
I guess what I am saying is, if you get them send them, if you don’t get it back don’t take it personal… just know that you made someone’s day.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Words of the Wise
If you sell things on eBay or Craigslists or other places like that I highly advise that you only accept credit cards or paypal for payment. Why you ask, oh well let me tell you.
There are slimy people out there that are giving fraudulent cashier checks and money orders. Do not think for one minute that just because you ask the bank teller if they are legitimate and they think they are and you make the deposit all will be hunky-dory.
Obviously you can tell that I am a writer… well, maybe you can’t. That is besides the point. I accept payment from clients through my paypal account, I do this for protection really. I have been ripped off by enough people that owe me money and have not wanted to pay, have paid with a bad check or a money order that I am as cautious as I can be and still make a living being self employed.
Though paypal and I have had our differences they do what they can to help make sure that fraud is not being committed with their service. My bank advised me that if you do anything on line, with eBay or paypal they recommend setting up a second and separate checking account because of all the crap they have seen. So we did just that.
My husband received two checks. We thought that they were cashier checks, the bank said they were international money orders. Anyway, to be safe, we deposited them and had a hold put on them to make sure that they cleared and all was peachy keen.
Last night I log into our account to see where we are at and if those items had infact cleared… well they didn’t. Turns out that they were fraudulent. As that I trust few people I wasn’t surprised really, that is the point of that separate account. What I was surprised about was that the bank not only took the credit that they had given for the deposit, which was held for 7 days to make sure it cleared, they then charged us the amount of those two checks in the new account as well as froze our personal account and charged us that amount on that account as well. In the end what the Loss Prevention Department at our bank was trying to tell me that we owed them almost $4000 because the deposit we had made was returned.
No matter how many times I went over it with this woman she kept telling me we owed that money because we got a credit for it. When the deposit came back they had to take that away. Ok… I got that, I was good with that. But to be triple charged for something that I never had access to, never spent, never took, never touched NO I was not good with that!
She decided to transfer me to a “manager”. What she did was send me to another department to this poor man that tried to help me, but is wasn’t his department. In the end I think he was as upset as I was and he said, “You have to call Loss Prevention back.” While the phone rang and I prayed to not get the same woman as I held back the tears and tried to not drop the phone because I was shaking so bad this wonderful woman named DeeDe answered that phone… and she helped me… she understood what I was saying, and she fixed the problem. What had been done never should’ve been done and all will be okay. We are of course out $70 for overdraft fees that we shouldn’t have but because of what they did we ended up with them, but she couldn’t return them, I have to go to the branch where the account was opened and talk to the manager and explain what happened and ask for the fees back.
I think I will let my husband take care of that. I am done dealing with the bank for now.
BUT.. the purpose here is that I want to educate you on your banking and what is allowed and what isn’t.
First, when you make a deposit at your bank, you become financially responsible for that deposit. So if you are in doubt over ANY deposit that you EVER make ask them to place a hold on that deposit to make sure that it clears. The hold is usually five or seven days. It may seem like a lot, but it will save you a lot of money.
If you don’t place the hold and you spend that money and it comes back, you have to make up that money and all fees that are associated with that money. But only for the amount of the deposit.
So in my case, I got the “credit” but we had the hold in it. So when it ended up coming back all the bank should’ve done was take away that credit. All the “money” was there so it should’ve put our account back to the balance that was there prior to that deposit.
What they tried to do was take the credit, which they should’ve and then charge me that amount as well. Which they SHOULD NOT have done. Then on top of that they looked at our personal account we had with them and then charged that account the amount as well. Which they SHOULD NOT HAVE done.
Now, had I not been on top of our finances and called the bank until I got someone to listen to me and go through it with me, we would’ve ended up owing the bank almost $4000 erroneously. And do you think that they would’ve called and said, “I am so sorry for our f**k up here is your 4 grand back.” Ummmm… no. I like our bank, I think they are great… let’s be realistic.
So my advice to you is this:
Have a separate account for anything that you do on the internet.
Have a hold placed on ANY deposit you are not sure of – I don’t care if it is check from your Uncle.
Stay on top of your finances. – That is what online banking is for!
Do not let up until you find someone that will listen to you!
There are slimy people out there that are giving fraudulent cashier checks and money orders. Do not think for one minute that just because you ask the bank teller if they are legitimate and they think they are and you make the deposit all will be hunky-dory.
Obviously you can tell that I am a writer… well, maybe you can’t. That is besides the point. I accept payment from clients through my paypal account, I do this for protection really. I have been ripped off by enough people that owe me money and have not wanted to pay, have paid with a bad check or a money order that I am as cautious as I can be and still make a living being self employed.
Though paypal and I have had our differences they do what they can to help make sure that fraud is not being committed with their service. My bank advised me that if you do anything on line, with eBay or paypal they recommend setting up a second and separate checking account because of all the crap they have seen. So we did just that.
My husband received two checks. We thought that they were cashier checks, the bank said they were international money orders. Anyway, to be safe, we deposited them and had a hold put on them to make sure that they cleared and all was peachy keen.
Last night I log into our account to see where we are at and if those items had infact cleared… well they didn’t. Turns out that they were fraudulent. As that I trust few people I wasn’t surprised really, that is the point of that separate account. What I was surprised about was that the bank not only took the credit that they had given for the deposit, which was held for 7 days to make sure it cleared, they then charged us the amount of those two checks in the new account as well as froze our personal account and charged us that amount on that account as well. In the end what the Loss Prevention Department at our bank was trying to tell me that we owed them almost $4000 because the deposit we had made was returned.
No matter how many times I went over it with this woman she kept telling me we owed that money because we got a credit for it. When the deposit came back they had to take that away. Ok… I got that, I was good with that. But to be triple charged for something that I never had access to, never spent, never took, never touched NO I was not good with that!
She decided to transfer me to a “manager”. What she did was send me to another department to this poor man that tried to help me, but is wasn’t his department. In the end I think he was as upset as I was and he said, “You have to call Loss Prevention back.” While the phone rang and I prayed to not get the same woman as I held back the tears and tried to not drop the phone because I was shaking so bad this wonderful woman named DeeDe answered that phone… and she helped me… she understood what I was saying, and she fixed the problem. What had been done never should’ve been done and all will be okay. We are of course out $70 for overdraft fees that we shouldn’t have but because of what they did we ended up with them, but she couldn’t return them, I have to go to the branch where the account was opened and talk to the manager and explain what happened and ask for the fees back.
I think I will let my husband take care of that. I am done dealing with the bank for now.
BUT.. the purpose here is that I want to educate you on your banking and what is allowed and what isn’t.
First, when you make a deposit at your bank, you become financially responsible for that deposit. So if you are in doubt over ANY deposit that you EVER make ask them to place a hold on that deposit to make sure that it clears. The hold is usually five or seven days. It may seem like a lot, but it will save you a lot of money.
If you don’t place the hold and you spend that money and it comes back, you have to make up that money and all fees that are associated with that money. But only for the amount of the deposit.
So in my case, I got the “credit” but we had the hold in it. So when it ended up coming back all the bank should’ve done was take away that credit. All the “money” was there so it should’ve put our account back to the balance that was there prior to that deposit.
What they tried to do was take the credit, which they should’ve and then charge me that amount as well. Which they SHOULD NOT have done. Then on top of that they looked at our personal account we had with them and then charged that account the amount as well. Which they SHOULD NOT HAVE done.
Now, had I not been on top of our finances and called the bank until I got someone to listen to me and go through it with me, we would’ve ended up owing the bank almost $4000 erroneously. And do you think that they would’ve called and said, “I am so sorry for our f**k up here is your 4 grand back.” Ummmm… no. I like our bank, I think they are great… let’s be realistic.
So my advice to you is this:
Have a separate account for anything that you do on the internet.
Have a hold placed on ANY deposit you are not sure of – I don’t care if it is check from your Uncle.
Stay on top of your finances. – That is what online banking is for!
Do not let up until you find someone that will listen to you!
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Thoughts of Gratitude
It is that time of year once again, when we all need to stop and take a moment to look at our life and be thankful for where we are, who we are and for those that have helped to put us here. While I truly believe that this is something we should every day, it seems that around the holidays the feelings are even greater… So here is my list of truly heartfelt gratitude to those that mean more to me then life, to those that have had an influence on my life, those that have helped me be the person I am right now, to those that have that are helping me get to where I want to be and to those that presented challenges that I have over come.
First I thank my husband for being the man that he is and choosing to be with me when he could be with anyone in the world. For giving me unconditional love and support faithfully and loyally.
To our children I thank you for being the individuals that you are, and the good people you are turning out to be. I may not say it enough but there is not a day that goes by that I am not proud of you and truly glad that they universe could’ve given you to anyone but gave you to me.
To my mom, thank you for giving me life, being an inspiration and loving me unconditionally. I know that you sometimes wonder if I am ok or if I miss you, I am and I do. You raised a strong woman and I thank you.
To my sister… it is you I miss the most.
To my brother in law and nephew, next to being having me for a sister you are the greatest things that have ever happened to her and I am so thankful that you are a part of our family. I wish that we got to see you more, but we are looking forward to Christmas.
My brother I love you and hope that you and your family are doing well. Hopefully we will see each other soon.
The Critters… especially Trish, I am so grateful that you are more then friends but you are family. It is hard to remember what life was like before we were friends and I know I can not see a day when we will not be a close and you will not mean as much.
To the Arendts for taking us in and treating us like family.
My heterosexual lifemate, we have traveled an interesting journey together, one that I know will never end. I am incredible grateful to the universe for blessing me with your friendship.
Antonio, I am grateful that you have seen my talents and believe in them and I foresee great things in our working relationship. Truly you are the LOA in action. Thank you!
The Flannerys, I can not even begin to put into words how grateful I am that I have been blessed with your friendship. Michelle if angels walked on Earth I would believe that you are one of them. Know that we all love and appreciate you and your entire family. We have built a lifelong friendship.
The Forrests, thank you for wanting to become friends and knocking on the door to introduce yourself. May distance not hinder the growth of our friendship.
Pam, thank you for giving me the compliment of being “force of nature,” and being the person that you are.
The Stupid Woman and her Inconsiderate Man I thank you for proving that it takes all kinds of people to make up the world, and it is possible live in a dark house with no windows and mirrors so that you can even fool yourself about the type of person you really are. I hope that one day the Inconsiderate man truly becomes a man for the sake of his children and becomes an honest person because his wife deserves better. May the stupid woman open her eyes and realize that she deserves better.
I am grateful to the universe for all that it has provided me and all that it continues to provide.
I know that I have not named every person I am grateful for, but know that there isn’t a person I have come into contact with that had not taught me something and for that I am grateful.
To the loved ones that I have lost, while you may be in the afterworld I am grateful for the memories of you I still hold.
Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!
First I thank my husband for being the man that he is and choosing to be with me when he could be with anyone in the world. For giving me unconditional love and support faithfully and loyally.
To our children I thank you for being the individuals that you are, and the good people you are turning out to be. I may not say it enough but there is not a day that goes by that I am not proud of you and truly glad that they universe could’ve given you to anyone but gave you to me.
To my mom, thank you for giving me life, being an inspiration and loving me unconditionally. I know that you sometimes wonder if I am ok or if I miss you, I am and I do. You raised a strong woman and I thank you.
To my sister… it is you I miss the most.
To my brother in law and nephew, next to being having me for a sister you are the greatest things that have ever happened to her and I am so thankful that you are a part of our family. I wish that we got to see you more, but we are looking forward to Christmas.
My brother I love you and hope that you and your family are doing well. Hopefully we will see each other soon.
The Critters… especially Trish, I am so grateful that you are more then friends but you are family. It is hard to remember what life was like before we were friends and I know I can not see a day when we will not be a close and you will not mean as much.
To the Arendts for taking us in and treating us like family.
My heterosexual lifemate, we have traveled an interesting journey together, one that I know will never end. I am incredible grateful to the universe for blessing me with your friendship.
Antonio, I am grateful that you have seen my talents and believe in them and I foresee great things in our working relationship. Truly you are the LOA in action. Thank you!
The Flannerys, I can not even begin to put into words how grateful I am that I have been blessed with your friendship. Michelle if angels walked on Earth I would believe that you are one of them. Know that we all love and appreciate you and your entire family. We have built a lifelong friendship.
The Forrests, thank you for wanting to become friends and knocking on the door to introduce yourself. May distance not hinder the growth of our friendship.
Pam, thank you for giving me the compliment of being “force of nature,” and being the person that you are.
The Stupid Woman and her Inconsiderate Man I thank you for proving that it takes all kinds of people to make up the world, and it is possible live in a dark house with no windows and mirrors so that you can even fool yourself about the type of person you really are. I hope that one day the Inconsiderate man truly becomes a man for the sake of his children and becomes an honest person because his wife deserves better. May the stupid woman open her eyes and realize that she deserves better.
I am grateful to the universe for all that it has provided me and all that it continues to provide.
I know that I have not named every person I am grateful for, but know that there isn’t a person I have come into contact with that had not taught me something and for that I am grateful.
To the loved ones that I have lost, while you may be in the afterworld I am grateful for the memories of you I still hold.
Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!
Monday, October 29, 2007
I am BACK!
For anyone that has been checking in trying to figure out what in the heck is going on, well... there apparently was a problem with the littel robots that scan the blogs at Blogger.
It has taken a couple of weeks to get this straightened out and that led to the birth of the Wisdom of Jen 2 page. While I will continue to run both I will try to keep the content as different as possible.
If you are looking for the Stupid Women! post it has been moved to http://wisdomofjen2.blogspot.com
The post was modified slightly and as I stated before if you would like the link to where the Inconsiderate Man and his Stupid Woman wife found a new home send a post and I will give you the link.
Well I am glad to be back! Not that I ever really left, I just added a new page.
It has taken a couple of weeks to get this straightened out and that led to the birth of the Wisdom of Jen 2 page. While I will continue to run both I will try to keep the content as different as possible.
If you are looking for the Stupid Women! post it has been moved to http://wisdomofjen2.blogspot.com
The post was modified slightly and as I stated before if you would like the link to where the Inconsiderate Man and his Stupid Woman wife found a new home send a post and I will give you the link.
Well I am glad to be back! Not that I ever really left, I just added a new page.
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Thoughts Continued
You will notice that there have been a few changes to the webpage since your last visit. I have moved a few of the posts to another blog that I have as that I am tired of playing games with the inspiration for those four post. I have decided that no matter how many cosmic smacks upside the head some people get, instead of opening their eyes and acknowledging their own actions they instead continue to want to put the blame elsewhere. While there are two sides to every story… real people at least admit their part in that story.
That is fine. It is really not responsibility to help or fix those people. You can lead a horse to water but can’t make him drink even if you hold his head under the water. You can open all the curtains in a dark room, but if a person keeps their eyes shut it is still dark. While I like to remain optimistic and want the best for people, there are some that are just plain lost causes. As sad as that is, it is a fact I have come to learn and will deal with it on my own.
Karma, whether you believe in it or not, it is real and it will get you. Karma will give you a nice wake up call when you least expect it. At some point we all pay for what we have done, right or wrong. While you can pretend you are perfect the universe knows the truth. Karma…
I have to tell you that I again am surprised by people. Well maybe surprised is not the correct word as that really anymore nothing surprises me. I guess really it is disappointment. Part of that disappointment comes from expecting everyone in the world to do what I would do… knowing that isn’t realistic but still.
I do have some promising posts coming. For the first time in a long while there will be daily post here on the Wisdom of Jen. I think they will be interesting. The first one or two will be definitions. Yes, definitions… they are needed for the story that will follow. I am thinking that the story itself will probably take seven days. Should be fun, I am looking forward to posting it. So for those that check in regularly, you will not want to miss the next 14 days here at the Wisdom of Jen. For those that are new to the page, you are coming at just the right time.
If you would like to know where Stupid Women and the 3 Inconsiderate Man posts went leave a comment and I can give you the link. J
That is fine. It is really not responsibility to help or fix those people. You can lead a horse to water but can’t make him drink even if you hold his head under the water. You can open all the curtains in a dark room, but if a person keeps their eyes shut it is still dark. While I like to remain optimistic and want the best for people, there are some that are just plain lost causes. As sad as that is, it is a fact I have come to learn and will deal with it on my own.
Karma, whether you believe in it or not, it is real and it will get you. Karma will give you a nice wake up call when you least expect it. At some point we all pay for what we have done, right or wrong. While you can pretend you are perfect the universe knows the truth. Karma…
I have to tell you that I again am surprised by people. Well maybe surprised is not the correct word as that really anymore nothing surprises me. I guess really it is disappointment. Part of that disappointment comes from expecting everyone in the world to do what I would do… knowing that isn’t realistic but still.
I do have some promising posts coming. For the first time in a long while there will be daily post here on the Wisdom of Jen. I think they will be interesting. The first one or two will be definitions. Yes, definitions… they are needed for the story that will follow. I am thinking that the story itself will probably take seven days. Should be fun, I am looking forward to posting it. So for those that check in regularly, you will not want to miss the next 14 days here at the Wisdom of Jen. For those that are new to the page, you are coming at just the right time.
If you would like to know where Stupid Women and the 3 Inconsiderate Man posts went leave a comment and I can give you the link. J
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