I called this Part Deux because I am actually stealing a blog topic from my friend Scott. I have a few pet peeves, too. I do like his about irregardless. Its a non-word. But do you know how many times I have heard myself say it? Point it out as bad or wrong, and look at me gravitate towards it.
Bad grammar is one of my biggest pet peeves. "I ain't got no". What is that? It's a double negative is what it is. It works like a double negative in math. Two negatives equal a positive. Essentially, what you are saying is you do have some. Now keep in mind that I married a red neck. He's not offended, he knows. And I mean no ill will towards any red nek, so don't leave negative comments. I knew what he was when I married him. Back to the point. I have informed him that I will be correcting his speech and his speech patterns as long as we are homeschooling and I teach grammar. He promised to try not to get mad. I'll take what I can get.
People who do not clean up after themselves just get my goat. The appropriate place to put your wrapper is in the trash. If it falls out, pick it up and try again. It only takes another couple of seconds. It won't kill you. I promise.
Not using a blinker ranks right up there. I am really not a mind reader. I have a hard enough time reading my own mind, and now I'm expected to read yours? Good luck with that and let me know how it works out for you. It's really not optional equipment when you buy a vehicle.
Thanks for letting me vent. I was feeling a little whiny when this blog started. I feel much better now. I knew I could count on you.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Monday, September 8, 2008
Frustrated
I was sitting in front of the computer tonight wondering what I was going to blog about. I started to get just a little frustrated because nothing was coming to mind. Nothing. And then I got frustrated. This is my outlet. This is what I do to get creative and let all the junk out. You see, I am a frustrated writer. And apparently, things haven't changed much.
I get these really great ideas for books. Some are for romance, which I love. I know what you're saying. They are all the same. No, they really aren't. You haven't read one in a while if you think that. And there is some really great writing that goes into a romance novel. It wouldn't have such a large audience if it wasn't. I have written several scenes on the Harlequin web site that got really good feedback from some of the others on the web site. Most of the people on the web site are struggling writers, but there are quite a few that have been published. I like to get feed back from published writers that appreciate what I've done. I also am going to enter their "snippetthon". It's basically where you get to use part of a work in progress just to let everyone know what you are doing. It is copyrighted so if you see it somewhere else you can say "Hey, that's mine".
I have some ideas for more modern life stories. I have always been an observer and I love to ask questions. I have had perfect strangers open up their life to me after knowing them for all of 10 seconds. But something in the conversation just sparks an idea that screams at me. I had a woman at church, first time visitor, talk to me about a friend that lives with her family that she has become really close to. They thought about having an affair with each other. Her marriage was on the rocks and had been for many years. What do you say? But, later, I thought what a great story that would make. And how do you reconcile those feelings? I saw her at church this Sunday and she said were much better. She didn't elaborate, but think about where that story could go.
I love to read books by authors like Dean Koontz. I have really enjoyed his "Odd Thomas" series that he has written. But the first book I ever read by him was "Whispers". It scared the crap out of me. Not so much because of the paranormal factor. That actually didn't play into it at all. It was how scewed up society can become. The mental torture that some people have to endure that changes how they are, who they are, and what they are. Sometimes you think that those things could never happen. Then you see a story similar to that on the news.
I have read alot of Michael Crichton. I had started reading "Jurassic Park" right after the movie came out. I couldn't get into it to save my life. I actually did something that I very rarely do, I put it down. I don't do that often. Iam one of those people that has to finish it, no matter what. But I couldn't finish that one. I eventually saw the movie in the theater. A couple of weeks after I decide to try reading it again. And I loved it. Of course, it was nothing like the movie. I should say that the movie was nothing like the book. But what a great book it turned out to be. And that lead me to his other books. My favorite was "Eaters of the Dead". That was a great book. It was turned into a movie as well, "The 13th Warrior". That was several years ago, but I still haven't seen it. I had a friend tell me it was really a good movie and was one of his favorites. But I still have a hard time with it.
One of the first things I always did when I moved to a new city was find the library. I love the library. Did you know I have read my way through two libraries? Every book. When I was in third grade, I was too far ahead of everyone else. But instead of promoting me to the fourth grade, I had to sit in the library for weeks at a time. What else was I going to do? I read every book in the Liberty Elementary library at that time. Good thing the school year was almost over by the time I was done. I also read my way through a whole box of SRA cards in the fourth grade. I was the first to do that as well. The second library was on the USAF base in Alamagordo, NM. My dad would drop me off with lunch and enough money for the soda machine and a phone call. He had to work all day and it was better than sitting in front of the TV all day. All the librarians got to know me that summer. I would read all day and end up taking at least 6 books home with me. I still never got enough. When I started reading books from the adult section, the librarians knew something was up.
I am trying very desperately to pass my love of the written word to my children. My oldest is quite the reader. My boy will read, and enjoys it, but he prefers to play the video game. And the baby is just learning to read this year. We'll see if I can get any of my kids to read through a library. Or at least read part of a library.
With all that I've read, it's no wonder that I love to write. I know the types of subjects I like to read and enjoy. They are wide and varied. Just about the only genre I don't get much into is science fiction. For some reason I just don't enjoy it that much. I'll read it if I have to, but it's not at the top of my list.
Well, apparently, I am not that much of a frustrated writer tonight. Thank goodness. I thought I might be losing my touch. We'll see what kind of trouble I can get into and maybe I'll write about that. My hubby says I'll just end up selling the movie rights and make us rich. I'm already rich in love, but it would be nice to pad the bank account a little.
I get these really great ideas for books. Some are for romance, which I love. I know what you're saying. They are all the same. No, they really aren't. You haven't read one in a while if you think that. And there is some really great writing that goes into a romance novel. It wouldn't have such a large audience if it wasn't. I have written several scenes on the Harlequin web site that got really good feedback from some of the others on the web site. Most of the people on the web site are struggling writers, but there are quite a few that have been published. I like to get feed back from published writers that appreciate what I've done. I also am going to enter their "snippetthon". It's basically where you get to use part of a work in progress just to let everyone know what you are doing. It is copyrighted so if you see it somewhere else you can say "Hey, that's mine".
I have some ideas for more modern life stories. I have always been an observer and I love to ask questions. I have had perfect strangers open up their life to me after knowing them for all of 10 seconds. But something in the conversation just sparks an idea that screams at me. I had a woman at church, first time visitor, talk to me about a friend that lives with her family that she has become really close to. They thought about having an affair with each other. Her marriage was on the rocks and had been for many years. What do you say? But, later, I thought what a great story that would make. And how do you reconcile those feelings? I saw her at church this Sunday and she said were much better. She didn't elaborate, but think about where that story could go.
I love to read books by authors like Dean Koontz. I have really enjoyed his "Odd Thomas" series that he has written. But the first book I ever read by him was "Whispers". It scared the crap out of me. Not so much because of the paranormal factor. That actually didn't play into it at all. It was how scewed up society can become. The mental torture that some people have to endure that changes how they are, who they are, and what they are. Sometimes you think that those things could never happen. Then you see a story similar to that on the news.
I have read alot of Michael Crichton. I had started reading "Jurassic Park" right after the movie came out. I couldn't get into it to save my life. I actually did something that I very rarely do, I put it down. I don't do that often. Iam one of those people that has to finish it, no matter what. But I couldn't finish that one. I eventually saw the movie in the theater. A couple of weeks after I decide to try reading it again. And I loved it. Of course, it was nothing like the movie. I should say that the movie was nothing like the book. But what a great book it turned out to be. And that lead me to his other books. My favorite was "Eaters of the Dead". That was a great book. It was turned into a movie as well, "The 13th Warrior". That was several years ago, but I still haven't seen it. I had a friend tell me it was really a good movie and was one of his favorites. But I still have a hard time with it.
One of the first things I always did when I moved to a new city was find the library. I love the library. Did you know I have read my way through two libraries? Every book. When I was in third grade, I was too far ahead of everyone else. But instead of promoting me to the fourth grade, I had to sit in the library for weeks at a time. What else was I going to do? I read every book in the Liberty Elementary library at that time. Good thing the school year was almost over by the time I was done. I also read my way through a whole box of SRA cards in the fourth grade. I was the first to do that as well. The second library was on the USAF base in Alamagordo, NM. My dad would drop me off with lunch and enough money for the soda machine and a phone call. He had to work all day and it was better than sitting in front of the TV all day. All the librarians got to know me that summer. I would read all day and end up taking at least 6 books home with me. I still never got enough. When I started reading books from the adult section, the librarians knew something was up.
I am trying very desperately to pass my love of the written word to my children. My oldest is quite the reader. My boy will read, and enjoys it, but he prefers to play the video game. And the baby is just learning to read this year. We'll see if I can get any of my kids to read through a library. Or at least read part of a library.
With all that I've read, it's no wonder that I love to write. I know the types of subjects I like to read and enjoy. They are wide and varied. Just about the only genre I don't get much into is science fiction. For some reason I just don't enjoy it that much. I'll read it if I have to, but it's not at the top of my list.
Well, apparently, I am not that much of a frustrated writer tonight. Thank goodness. I thought I might be losing my touch. We'll see what kind of trouble I can get into and maybe I'll write about that. My hubby says I'll just end up selling the movie rights and make us rich. I'm already rich in love, but it would be nice to pad the bank account a little.
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Living the Life
Hubby has been working serious overtime the last couple of weeks. That's great for our bills because that means they get paid. And who doesn't like that? It makes me feel better. He just got paid Friday and we were able to make some serious payments on our credit cards. They are about to eat us alive! But we haven't used them in three months, which is huge for us. It's also the reason we haven't had any money. Everything gets paid for with cash, or the debit card. But you have to have cash to use the debit card. And with gas going up, and groceries, things just get harder and harder. Slowly but surely we are starting to fill up the hole.
Since he has been working so much, that means I am spending more time alone with the kids. This is not necessarily a bad thing. Until it gets to be about 9 at night and they still aren't in bed yet. By then, my patience has dried up and blown away. I try to have dinner ready at a decent hour so we can eat and they can get to bed, but it hasn't been happening that way lately.
I have to say that one of the perks of homeschooling is that they don't have to be in bed by a certain time. We don't have to get up and get ready for school. Most of the time we do our school work in our pajamas. I like that part. I will brush my teeth before we get started. It's not nice to read to my kids with morning breath. Not that it stops them, but whatever. The point I was trying to make, and got away from (duh!), is that if hubby gets home late, I can keep the kids up so he can spend time with them.
I got to do the shopping today all by myself. Hubby made a point to get off at 6 and home by seven so I wouldn't be out too awful late. I still need to get meat and cereal, but I don't buy Wal Mart meat. And our local Winn Dixie is having a sale on both things. So tomorrow after church we will probably make a quick stop.
I spent alot of time on the computer today just vegging and looking at other people's blogs. I know several people that have blogs that I like to keep up with. My friend Scott is one of those people. I never know what he's going to say, but I am always entertained.
I have always enjoyed Scott's writing. He has a way with words unlike anyone I have ever known. Not just the way he writes but the way he speaks is flowing and melodious and I love it. I always thought that he would be a fantastic writer. I have great story ideas if he would just write the book. Me, I get tired of the typing and lose track after a couple of pages.
I've always thought Scott has an "old soul". He has an affinity for things that people our age shouldn't have an affinity for, at least according to society. He loves old movies, show tunes, and classic authors. He has actually inspired me to read books that I didn't think I would like. And I ended up liking them anyway.
One of our homeschool moms has a blog that can be very inspirational. She is very much a Christian and uses alot of scripture in her blog. I am a little disappointed that she hasn't blogged in a couple of weeks. I'm waiting for a new entry to read.
I spent some time today reading other people's blogs. I was reading Scott's and when I was done, I hit the next blog button. I skipped over the ones in foreign languages that I can't read, read some in the languages that I can read, but mainly stuck to the ones in English. How interesting are other people's lives? I have always wanted to know what made people tick.
I have an ex that used to love to go to the airport and people watch. I had the best time. I used to wonder where people were going, how long they would be there, did they have a connecting flight. I wondered why some people would wear the clothes they traveled in, did their hair that way. I love to know the motivation behind the person. I do that in traffic, too. Where are all those people crammed in that minivan going? Are they all going to the same place? Are they related? My mom says I was born asking questions. She didn't think I would ever stop. I haven't. Some people call me nosy, I call myself inquisitive.
After I got off the computer, my phone rang (I really don't like dial up. But no changes in the near future for this section of the county, so I just go with the flow). Again, I digress. It was my sister in law that I don't really speak to anymore. She had insurance billing questions that she needed an answer to. Then she called me back about an hour later and wanted to vent about her aunt, who the question was for. What?!? We haven't spoken to each other unless absolutely necessary in almost two years, and now you want a venting buddy? Where were you two years ago when I needed a venting buddy? But, with a big sigh, I let her. Why? Because I am a good person like that. Ha, ha, ha. I called hubby after and told him. He almost drove off the road.
I took my iPod to the store with me tonight. I plugged myself in, turned the music up and bopped and danced all over Wal Mart. People looked at me a little strangely, specially when I was rocking out to the Foo Fighters. But really, when I hear that song, I cannot control myself. It just happens. I had the best time. Nobody bothered me, nobody harassed me. I didn't hear other people's kids crying and having fits. I did get help from a really nice man who helped me get a box of canned pineapple off teh top shelf. As short as I am, I had to stretch to get the box and pull it forward. What I didn't know was that it was on top of another box. I dropped pineapple all over the floor. Good thing they were canned and didn't make a mess. The nice man even picked those up for me. I took out my earphones long enough to give him a great big thank you!
Music for me is a fantstic escape and release. No matter what I'm feeling, I can always come up with a song to lift my mood, or tamp it down, or whatever I need it to do. Music soothes this savage beast. I like to turn it up and share it with others. Of course, not everybody appreciates my music. I was on my way very early one morning to help set up for VBS, and really needed something to wake me up. I had my windows down and P.O.D. blasting through my speakers. I looked over at a red light and this guy in a car had his windows down, staring at the minivan with hard Christian rock pouring out of the speakers. I just waved and took off when the light turned green.
It's time for bed now. I leave you with yet another glimpse into my boring life that makes me happy. Maybe tomorrow will be more interesting. Or maybe not.
Since he has been working so much, that means I am spending more time alone with the kids. This is not necessarily a bad thing. Until it gets to be about 9 at night and they still aren't in bed yet. By then, my patience has dried up and blown away. I try to have dinner ready at a decent hour so we can eat and they can get to bed, but it hasn't been happening that way lately.
I have to say that one of the perks of homeschooling is that they don't have to be in bed by a certain time. We don't have to get up and get ready for school. Most of the time we do our school work in our pajamas. I like that part. I will brush my teeth before we get started. It's not nice to read to my kids with morning breath. Not that it stops them, but whatever. The point I was trying to make, and got away from (duh!), is that if hubby gets home late, I can keep the kids up so he can spend time with them.
I got to do the shopping today all by myself. Hubby made a point to get off at 6 and home by seven so I wouldn't be out too awful late. I still need to get meat and cereal, but I don't buy Wal Mart meat. And our local Winn Dixie is having a sale on both things. So tomorrow after church we will probably make a quick stop.
I spent alot of time on the computer today just vegging and looking at other people's blogs. I know several people that have blogs that I like to keep up with. My friend Scott is one of those people. I never know what he's going to say, but I am always entertained.
I have always enjoyed Scott's writing. He has a way with words unlike anyone I have ever known. Not just the way he writes but the way he speaks is flowing and melodious and I love it. I always thought that he would be a fantastic writer. I have great story ideas if he would just write the book. Me, I get tired of the typing and lose track after a couple of pages.
I've always thought Scott has an "old soul". He has an affinity for things that people our age shouldn't have an affinity for, at least according to society. He loves old movies, show tunes, and classic authors. He has actually inspired me to read books that I didn't think I would like. And I ended up liking them anyway.
One of our homeschool moms has a blog that can be very inspirational. She is very much a Christian and uses alot of scripture in her blog. I am a little disappointed that she hasn't blogged in a couple of weeks. I'm waiting for a new entry to read.
I spent some time today reading other people's blogs. I was reading Scott's and when I was done, I hit the next blog button. I skipped over the ones in foreign languages that I can't read, read some in the languages that I can read, but mainly stuck to the ones in English. How interesting are other people's lives? I have always wanted to know what made people tick.
I have an ex that used to love to go to the airport and people watch. I had the best time. I used to wonder where people were going, how long they would be there, did they have a connecting flight. I wondered why some people would wear the clothes they traveled in, did their hair that way. I love to know the motivation behind the person. I do that in traffic, too. Where are all those people crammed in that minivan going? Are they all going to the same place? Are they related? My mom says I was born asking questions. She didn't think I would ever stop. I haven't. Some people call me nosy, I call myself inquisitive.
After I got off the computer, my phone rang (I really don't like dial up. But no changes in the near future for this section of the county, so I just go with the flow). Again, I digress. It was my sister in law that I don't really speak to anymore. She had insurance billing questions that she needed an answer to. Then she called me back about an hour later and wanted to vent about her aunt, who the question was for. What?!? We haven't spoken to each other unless absolutely necessary in almost two years, and now you want a venting buddy? Where were you two years ago when I needed a venting buddy? But, with a big sigh, I let her. Why? Because I am a good person like that. Ha, ha, ha. I called hubby after and told him. He almost drove off the road.
I took my iPod to the store with me tonight. I plugged myself in, turned the music up and bopped and danced all over Wal Mart. People looked at me a little strangely, specially when I was rocking out to the Foo Fighters. But really, when I hear that song, I cannot control myself. It just happens. I had the best time. Nobody bothered me, nobody harassed me. I didn't hear other people's kids crying and having fits. I did get help from a really nice man who helped me get a box of canned pineapple off teh top shelf. As short as I am, I had to stretch to get the box and pull it forward. What I didn't know was that it was on top of another box. I dropped pineapple all over the floor. Good thing they were canned and didn't make a mess. The nice man even picked those up for me. I took out my earphones long enough to give him a great big thank you!
Music for me is a fantstic escape and release. No matter what I'm feeling, I can always come up with a song to lift my mood, or tamp it down, or whatever I need it to do. Music soothes this savage beast. I like to turn it up and share it with others. Of course, not everybody appreciates my music. I was on my way very early one morning to help set up for VBS, and really needed something to wake me up. I had my windows down and P.O.D. blasting through my speakers. I looked over at a red light and this guy in a car had his windows down, staring at the minivan with hard Christian rock pouring out of the speakers. I just waved and took off when the light turned green.
It's time for bed now. I leave you with yet another glimpse into my boring life that makes me happy. Maybe tomorrow will be more interesting. Or maybe not.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Can't we all just get along?
I was watching the news tonight, which is something I try to avoid at all costs. Unfortunately, I really like Charlie Gibson, and it happened to be after 6:30. Anyway, the big debate seems to be can Sarah Palin run the country and still take care of her family? I have an even better question. Can any of the candidates run the country and still take care of their family?
Why does it matter that she is a political candidate and a parent? That question has not once been raised of any of the male candidates. And how much time has Obama spent away from his family? You cannot tell me that he has made, seen, or attended every little thing that his daughters have had while he has been on the campaign trail. If you do, you'll have to show me. Somehow I think it's physically impossible, but I'm open to the proof.
John McCain has grown children. But with seven houses, his time in DC, and his wife in Arizona, did he really make every little recital, practice, game, or whatever? I'm thinking no. But he's a man, so he's not expected to, is he? I don't think that's right.
I think the fair question should be can anyone run the country and spend quality time with their families? Is it fair to drag your family through something like that?
And as for all the flack about her daughter being pregnant, who the heck cares? So she did a little slip and tickle with her boyfriend, and ended up in the family way. I guess my only comment to that is I guess Palin's view about abstinence only sex education in schools isn't the best way to go. That's just my opinion and it's my blog. While I understand that view, I can say that just because you provide condoms doesn't mean their being used. Case in point. I think we need to educate our youth, specially our young women, that no is an acceptable answer. And we need to inform our young men that tugging on it won't make you go blind.
Sarah Palin's husband seems to be quite the outdoorsman if you haven't heard. Besides, he is quite the cutie. I wouldn't mind having a good looking fellow like that at my white house. Oh wait, I do. And I married him, too. They seem like your average, every day couple, just really into the political scene. They probably like to do the things that we all like to do.
Back to the original question. Can she run the country and run her family? I don't know. But so far she seems to be doing a fairly decent job of running her state and raising her family. But we won't know if she can do it unless she is voted into office. But just because we haven't seen her hold her baby doesn't mean she hasn't or doesn't. It means that while we have seen her in public, she's been working. Everybody needs to get off her back and judge all the candidates by the same standard. I do like the fact that she mentioned Hilary in her speech the other night. And I think she might be able to run with the big dogs.
So is this an endorsement? No! This is an attempt to open some minds, close some mouths and get some brains moving. Who do I think is best to run our country? I can tell you that I don't think any of the candidates are worth my vote. I don't agree with Obama- too car salesman. I don't agree with McCain- too old mannish. I don't have my mind made up, and may even do the infamous write in vote. Who knows? I know I don't have a clue.
Why does it matter that she is a political candidate and a parent? That question has not once been raised of any of the male candidates. And how much time has Obama spent away from his family? You cannot tell me that he has made, seen, or attended every little thing that his daughters have had while he has been on the campaign trail. If you do, you'll have to show me. Somehow I think it's physically impossible, but I'm open to the proof.
John McCain has grown children. But with seven houses, his time in DC, and his wife in Arizona, did he really make every little recital, practice, game, or whatever? I'm thinking no. But he's a man, so he's not expected to, is he? I don't think that's right.
I think the fair question should be can anyone run the country and spend quality time with their families? Is it fair to drag your family through something like that?
And as for all the flack about her daughter being pregnant, who the heck cares? So she did a little slip and tickle with her boyfriend, and ended up in the family way. I guess my only comment to that is I guess Palin's view about abstinence only sex education in schools isn't the best way to go. That's just my opinion and it's my blog. While I understand that view, I can say that just because you provide condoms doesn't mean their being used. Case in point. I think we need to educate our youth, specially our young women, that no is an acceptable answer. And we need to inform our young men that tugging on it won't make you go blind.
Sarah Palin's husband seems to be quite the outdoorsman if you haven't heard. Besides, he is quite the cutie. I wouldn't mind having a good looking fellow like that at my white house. Oh wait, I do. And I married him, too. They seem like your average, every day couple, just really into the political scene. They probably like to do the things that we all like to do.
Back to the original question. Can she run the country and run her family? I don't know. But so far she seems to be doing a fairly decent job of running her state and raising her family. But we won't know if she can do it unless she is voted into office. But just because we haven't seen her hold her baby doesn't mean she hasn't or doesn't. It means that while we have seen her in public, she's been working. Everybody needs to get off her back and judge all the candidates by the same standard. I do like the fact that she mentioned Hilary in her speech the other night. And I think she might be able to run with the big dogs.
So is this an endorsement? No! This is an attempt to open some minds, close some mouths and get some brains moving. Who do I think is best to run our country? I can tell you that I don't think any of the candidates are worth my vote. I don't agree with Obama- too car salesman. I don't agree with McCain- too old mannish. I don't have my mind made up, and may even do the infamous write in vote. Who knows? I know I don't have a clue.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Wages Down, Healthcare Up
Hubby got a company wide email today from the CEO of his company. It is a national telecommunications company that in the last two years has undergone a company sell off, a strike by workers in several states, and a restructuring that leaves a ton to be desired. It should be said at the opening of this blog that I am very pro-worker and do not support many CEO's. I think that although it may be alot of responsibility to be in that position, I don't think it's a position that is worth several million dollars when the actual work is done at a much lower level.
My hubby's company has been self funded with their health benefits for many years. The reason for this was that they could actually make money on the health benefits. But as health care costs rise, those funds have slowly but surely dried up. As those funds dried up and withered away, the cost to the employee has steadily increased. Yet year after year, as contracts expire, wages are the thing that do not keep up. We, as a family of five, pay over $3000 a year for our health benefits. It may not sound like much to some people, but we can insure ourselves for about $3600. Why don't we? We can barely afford what we are paying now, much less increase that amount.
The email hubby got today stated that the company is losing too much money on their health care plans and must now figure something different out. Really, you think? How about hiringa company to manage those benefits. As a nation wide company with several thousand employees, thay can negotiate with almost any insurance company and get the coverage they want for the price that will fit most budgets. I know, because I used to do insurance billing. It's hard to spend years doing a job and not pick up on tips and secrets from insiders.
It's almost time for benefits to be selected for next year. That process usually starts in in October. The email stated that that would be put off until the company figures out a better way. It also said that the company was spending too much on the payment of benefits. That means that the employees that have that insurance are spending too much on doctor visits. So, basically, people are spending too much money on trying to get well and stay that way so that they can be productive employees. So far I haven't seen the down side. Apparently, the employees are having too many babies, have too many devastating illnesses, are fallig victim to too many accidents and illnesses that are beyond even the CEO's control. Who is he kidding?
Rising health care costs are the responsibility of all of us. Like it or not, that's the way it goes. And it's because of a people who think they don't have to pay their bill. I have a brother in law whose family uses the ER like their own personal MDs, but never pay the bills. They are too expensive and they can't afford them. No, it's because people like them don't pay their bills that they are so expensive. Two years ago, the boy had to have an emergency appendectomy. We had no insurance. We were able to get emergency Medicaid and they paid the bill. They didn't pay the $25,000 that we owed, but we didn't come off a dime. Which is another problem in itself. While costs rise, reimbursement stays low. It almost doesn't pay to be a doctor, unless you specialize in a field like plastic surgery.
The one thing the CEO did that was right, or wrong for him, was to allow comments to the email. The employees can all view those comments. Not many of them were favorable as you can imagine. One stated that although medical benefit cost had skyrocketed, the employee was now making less than they were three years ago because wages were not increasing. The contract my hubby's union signed this year was horrible, and only provided a 2% raise. 2%? Look at how much gas has gone up. The cost of milk is expected to go up another 35%. But his wages only went up 2%. How are we supposed to raise children on that kind of money?
Yes, here comes the argument that I could get a job. Although I am quite smart (not bragging, just fact), I never finished college. Without a degree my job prospects are limited in the good ole boy part of the country I live in. Also, there are not many jobs around that will pay a salary that will justify having three kids in day care again. Three kids in before and after care at school is not cheap. Can we justify my working 40 hours and still not having a paycheck? No. That's why I quit my last job. I worked 40 hours a week and after insurance, day care, taxes, and whatever else came out of my check I was lucky to bring home $100. It was not worth being away from my children for that.
Something is going to have to give here soon, and I really hope it isn't us. We have cut all the costs we can. We have refinanced our vehicles, got a new cell phone plan, switched satellite providers, scaled down our online service, and I don't even know what else. We don't leave unnecessary lights on and I don't remember the last time we ate out. My husband is working a butt load of overtime now, but that doesn't happen every week. So now, if our healthcare coverage goes up, what in the world are we going to do?
Life is not easy, and I don't expect to get a free ride. But do the higher ups at these large companies even think about the little man? No. They just know that their spouse/girlfriend/playtoy wants another house, so lets cut something to make profits go up, so I get a bonus. Did you know that John McCain has five houses? How often do you live in five houses? It's a little difficult if you ask me. But isn't it nice that he has the money.
We need to let the big companies know how we feel about how the worker is treated. Not everybody is in this situation, and bless you for that. But things are about to get really rough. Let's all hold on together.
My hubby's company has been self funded with their health benefits for many years. The reason for this was that they could actually make money on the health benefits. But as health care costs rise, those funds have slowly but surely dried up. As those funds dried up and withered away, the cost to the employee has steadily increased. Yet year after year, as contracts expire, wages are the thing that do not keep up. We, as a family of five, pay over $3000 a year for our health benefits. It may not sound like much to some people, but we can insure ourselves for about $3600. Why don't we? We can barely afford what we are paying now, much less increase that amount.
The email hubby got today stated that the company is losing too much money on their health care plans and must now figure something different out. Really, you think? How about hiringa company to manage those benefits. As a nation wide company with several thousand employees, thay can negotiate with almost any insurance company and get the coverage they want for the price that will fit most budgets. I know, because I used to do insurance billing. It's hard to spend years doing a job and not pick up on tips and secrets from insiders.
It's almost time for benefits to be selected for next year. That process usually starts in in October. The email stated that that would be put off until the company figures out a better way. It also said that the company was spending too much on the payment of benefits. That means that the employees that have that insurance are spending too much on doctor visits. So, basically, people are spending too much money on trying to get well and stay that way so that they can be productive employees. So far I haven't seen the down side. Apparently, the employees are having too many babies, have too many devastating illnesses, are fallig victim to too many accidents and illnesses that are beyond even the CEO's control. Who is he kidding?
Rising health care costs are the responsibility of all of us. Like it or not, that's the way it goes. And it's because of a people who think they don't have to pay their bill. I have a brother in law whose family uses the ER like their own personal MDs, but never pay the bills. They are too expensive and they can't afford them. No, it's because people like them don't pay their bills that they are so expensive. Two years ago, the boy had to have an emergency appendectomy. We had no insurance. We were able to get emergency Medicaid and they paid the bill. They didn't pay the $25,000 that we owed, but we didn't come off a dime. Which is another problem in itself. While costs rise, reimbursement stays low. It almost doesn't pay to be a doctor, unless you specialize in a field like plastic surgery.
The one thing the CEO did that was right, or wrong for him, was to allow comments to the email. The employees can all view those comments. Not many of them were favorable as you can imagine. One stated that although medical benefit cost had skyrocketed, the employee was now making less than they were three years ago because wages were not increasing. The contract my hubby's union signed this year was horrible, and only provided a 2% raise. 2%? Look at how much gas has gone up. The cost of milk is expected to go up another 35%. But his wages only went up 2%. How are we supposed to raise children on that kind of money?
Yes, here comes the argument that I could get a job. Although I am quite smart (not bragging, just fact), I never finished college. Without a degree my job prospects are limited in the good ole boy part of the country I live in. Also, there are not many jobs around that will pay a salary that will justify having three kids in day care again. Three kids in before and after care at school is not cheap. Can we justify my working 40 hours and still not having a paycheck? No. That's why I quit my last job. I worked 40 hours a week and after insurance, day care, taxes, and whatever else came out of my check I was lucky to bring home $100. It was not worth being away from my children for that.
Something is going to have to give here soon, and I really hope it isn't us. We have cut all the costs we can. We have refinanced our vehicles, got a new cell phone plan, switched satellite providers, scaled down our online service, and I don't even know what else. We don't leave unnecessary lights on and I don't remember the last time we ate out. My husband is working a butt load of overtime now, but that doesn't happen every week. So now, if our healthcare coverage goes up, what in the world are we going to do?
Life is not easy, and I don't expect to get a free ride. But do the higher ups at these large companies even think about the little man? No. They just know that their spouse/girlfriend/playtoy wants another house, so lets cut something to make profits go up, so I get a bonus. Did you know that John McCain has five houses? How often do you live in five houses? It's a little difficult if you ask me. But isn't it nice that he has the money.
We need to let the big companies know how we feel about how the worker is treated. Not everybody is in this situation, and bless you for that. But things are about to get really rough. Let's all hold on together.
Friday, August 22, 2008
To Judge or Not To Judge
I've been emailing back and forth with my friend that I got back in touch with the other night. I love his sense of humor. He has made me laugh since the fifth grade when we met. I think about some of the things we've said and done and it just makes me laugh all over again. His partner is taking a class that I think is probably quite fascinating. It's called "Supernatural" and is about witchcraft and magic and fun stuff like that.
It started me thinking about some of the conversations that we have at the park. Some are very intense and exciting, some are funny and playful. But there are a couple of ladies that just drive me crazy when they open their mouths.
Somehow the conversation got around to "Harry Potter" of all things. Their instant reaction was bad, bad, bad. I asked if they had actually read the books. The response was no, it was full of magic. Ok, but it's also full of some very interesting visuals. The language and the writing are actually very good. As a work of fiction, they are very engaging books. That was not the correct response from me apparently. They actually turned their backs on me. What!?!
Another time the conversation turned to homosexuality. That is a very touchy subject with me. I have several friends that are gay. Friends that are like family. It started about Gay Days at Disney. Don't take your family that weekend. Your sons could end up getting raped in the bathroom. Hold on one minute. My response was again inappropriate for the topic. My response was along the lines of no, you idiot, that's a pedophile. Gay men are not cruising parks looking for little boys to rape. I asked if they knew any gay people, if they had been exposed to anyone who was gay. Of course not, what do I look like? Really, I shouldn't go there, but if you want me to. I actually thought I was going to punch someone. I maintained my calm, barely, and remembered I didn't have bail money. I didn't want to get charged with a hate crime for assaulting stupid people. So I let them make asses out of themselves. Once again, I had grown two heads.
Yet again, stupidity reigned as the topic of discussion turned one day to alternative lifestyles being presented in public schools to elementary children and how inappropriate it was. HUH? They do that in larger, metropolitan areas that have alternative lifestyles. They don't do that in our good 'ol boy part of the country. Oh, yes they do! Really, you homeschooling people you. How long were your kids in public school that they were exposed to this? Oh, yeah, freaking never! My kids, however, were in public school for quite a while. My oldest got half way through fourth grade when we pulled her out. Not one time did she ever check out a book from the school library that was "inappropriate".
Now, just so you know, not all of the people that are in this group are complete and total idiots. It really just seems that these two ladies are in over their heads. The common phrase out of one of them is, and I quote "It's not for me to judge. That's God's job, but...". And I know I'm no better by name calling and judging them. Point the finger of blame and you have three pointing back at you. The difference is I know I am not perfect. I don't pretend to be. But I also know I don't have two heads.
It started me thinking about some of the conversations that we have at the park. Some are very intense and exciting, some are funny and playful. But there are a couple of ladies that just drive me crazy when they open their mouths.
Somehow the conversation got around to "Harry Potter" of all things. Their instant reaction was bad, bad, bad. I asked if they had actually read the books. The response was no, it was full of magic. Ok, but it's also full of some very interesting visuals. The language and the writing are actually very good. As a work of fiction, they are very engaging books. That was not the correct response from me apparently. They actually turned their backs on me. What!?!
Another time the conversation turned to homosexuality. That is a very touchy subject with me. I have several friends that are gay. Friends that are like family. It started about Gay Days at Disney. Don't take your family that weekend. Your sons could end up getting raped in the bathroom. Hold on one minute. My response was again inappropriate for the topic. My response was along the lines of no, you idiot, that's a pedophile. Gay men are not cruising parks looking for little boys to rape. I asked if they knew any gay people, if they had been exposed to anyone who was gay. Of course not, what do I look like? Really, I shouldn't go there, but if you want me to. I actually thought I was going to punch someone. I maintained my calm, barely, and remembered I didn't have bail money. I didn't want to get charged with a hate crime for assaulting stupid people. So I let them make asses out of themselves. Once again, I had grown two heads.
Yet again, stupidity reigned as the topic of discussion turned one day to alternative lifestyles being presented in public schools to elementary children and how inappropriate it was. HUH? They do that in larger, metropolitan areas that have alternative lifestyles. They don't do that in our good 'ol boy part of the country. Oh, yes they do! Really, you homeschooling people you. How long were your kids in public school that they were exposed to this? Oh, yeah, freaking never! My kids, however, were in public school for quite a while. My oldest got half way through fourth grade when we pulled her out. Not one time did she ever check out a book from the school library that was "inappropriate".
Now, just so you know, not all of the people that are in this group are complete and total idiots. It really just seems that these two ladies are in over their heads. The common phrase out of one of them is, and I quote "It's not for me to judge. That's God's job, but...". And I know I'm no better by name calling and judging them. Point the finger of blame and you have three pointing back at you. The difference is I know I am not perfect. I don't pretend to be. But I also know I don't have two heads.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Those were the days
I got a call on Sunday from a very good friend that I haven't talked to in a very long time. It was so good to hear his voice. The way that time just moves in and continues to run, and life steps in and distracts you, seems very unfair.
Just because I haven't spoken to him in a very long time doesn't mean that I don't care about him anymore. It was good to know that he is doing well. I think the reunion that we just had has a lot of people thinking about their lives and their friends. I know it has me thinking.
When you are in high school, you think you have so much responsibility. I didn't have any kind of responsibility. I thought I had it hard, but it was easy for me. At least looking back at it. I didn't have to get a job. I got a job because a friend talked me in to it. I didn't have to study. I am just blessed with a mind that retains all kinds of stuff, meaningful or not. I played, talked, laughed, and generally led the life of a kid.
And then life steps in the way. Funny how that happens. The paths we lay out for ourselves are not necessarily the paths that we end up following. Alot of my getting off the path had to do with a lack of confidence in myself. And some of the relationships I had fostered that idea. Be very careful about the people that you associate with.
That is one thing that I am trying to help my kids understand. I heard "(S)he doesn't want to be my friend anymore". I try to explain that that person wasn't really a friend then. A friend is someone who loves you for who you are and supports you. I have had friends tell me all kinds of things that they have done that I don't agree with.
But those were not my descisions to make. I will never walk a mile in their shoes, think their thoughts, or be them. All I can do is support them through their issues and hope they support me through mine. All I can do is be there for them as a friend. If it is something heinous or horrible, then my job is to help them get help. But always be there for support.
I miss my days of no responsibility sometimes. I wonder where my life would be if I had actually followed my path. I think that I would be living in the same area of the country belive it or not. And I may have met my husband through other means. I might have the same kids, the same house. But my life would be different.
I think about the couple of times I thought I was pregnant with my ex boyfriend. That would have been a disaster. Or it could have changed us both, and we would still be together and happy. Who knows? I don't. But what I do know is that I love my life that I have now. It took me a long time to get here, but I made it.
I'm glad that I've had the chance to reconnect with some old friends. It makes me happy that I meant as much to them as they mean to me. I think that feeling is good no matter what. I always wanted to be one of those people that others remember, for good, not evil.
Call some old friends and see what they are doing now. I bet it would mean alot to them, and to you.
Just because I haven't spoken to him in a very long time doesn't mean that I don't care about him anymore. It was good to know that he is doing well. I think the reunion that we just had has a lot of people thinking about their lives and their friends. I know it has me thinking.
When you are in high school, you think you have so much responsibility. I didn't have any kind of responsibility. I thought I had it hard, but it was easy for me. At least looking back at it. I didn't have to get a job. I got a job because a friend talked me in to it. I didn't have to study. I am just blessed with a mind that retains all kinds of stuff, meaningful or not. I played, talked, laughed, and generally led the life of a kid.
And then life steps in the way. Funny how that happens. The paths we lay out for ourselves are not necessarily the paths that we end up following. Alot of my getting off the path had to do with a lack of confidence in myself. And some of the relationships I had fostered that idea. Be very careful about the people that you associate with.
That is one thing that I am trying to help my kids understand. I heard "(S)he doesn't want to be my friend anymore". I try to explain that that person wasn't really a friend then. A friend is someone who loves you for who you are and supports you. I have had friends tell me all kinds of things that they have done that I don't agree with.
But those were not my descisions to make. I will never walk a mile in their shoes, think their thoughts, or be them. All I can do is support them through their issues and hope they support me through mine. All I can do is be there for them as a friend. If it is something heinous or horrible, then my job is to help them get help. But always be there for support.
I miss my days of no responsibility sometimes. I wonder where my life would be if I had actually followed my path. I think that I would be living in the same area of the country belive it or not. And I may have met my husband through other means. I might have the same kids, the same house. But my life would be different.
I think about the couple of times I thought I was pregnant with my ex boyfriend. That would have been a disaster. Or it could have changed us both, and we would still be together and happy. Who knows? I don't. But what I do know is that I love my life that I have now. It took me a long time to get here, but I made it.
I'm glad that I've had the chance to reconnect with some old friends. It makes me happy that I meant as much to them as they mean to me. I think that feeling is good no matter what. I always wanted to be one of those people that others remember, for good, not evil.
Call some old friends and see what they are doing now. I bet it would mean alot to them, and to you.
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