tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84307926923195622322024-03-05T09:08:48.525-08:00Fun of FollyLiz Pennies.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14194943862816782560noreply@blogger.comBlogger71125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430792692319562232.post-51591185330783041812020-07-23T10:28:00.001-07:002020-07-23T10:29:39.331-07:00In The Face of Pandemic, Part 2... Or, Schooling and Things You Didn't Know About Me.School, Parenting, And A Disruptive Childhood<br /><br /><br />I write this in the midst of a major pandemic, otherwise known as the Covid 19 outbreak. ..God I hope "which" pandemic doesn't need to be clarified someday. Anyway, while life is rebounding and getting on its merry way in other countries, the United States (and a few others) have just completely botched it. And now, people are turning on each other. And yes, I suppose I'm one of them. Because I've been sitting here saying certain things aren't worth the risk of your loved ones' health and well being, and you're an idiot if you think those things are. ...Call me a monster if you like.<br /><br />Basically, this comes after a post I made to social media yesterday where I basically said, if the only reason you're sending your kids back to school right now is because you need a break from your kids, you're a bad parent. And yes, I firmly stand by that. Risking your child's and everyone in contact with your child's life, is not worth you having a glass of wine at three in the afternoon. If you have so little control over your children that you cannot set boundaries to have a moment of free time, you are bad at managing your children.<br /><br />Sorry, not sorry.<br /><br />"But... But.... You don't have any children, where do you get off???"<br /><br />You're right. So excuse me. Apparently this is my stop.<br /><br />I don't talk about my past in much detail. Especially with new people in my life, because... Well. It's dark, and awkward, and after the years rolled on I found it was better to have people only know the superficial surface facts about me. Rather than get into the gory guts of my childhood.<br /><br />My mother, wasn't much of a mother. I wasn't a great substitution either, but hey, I did my best for not having much of a roll model to mimic. I remember the first time I was left alone with my baby brothers for an extended and unexpected period of time, and just didn't know WHAT the hell to do. I had just turned 12, was in the early months 7th grade. They were 3 and 2. Hours went by, the sun had set. Cell phones weren't a thing. Dinner time had come and gone. I was hungry. They were cranky with hunger... I could barely cook. I eventually improvised making some mac and cheese with a chunk of cheese I found in the fridge, shaking at the stove worried I was going to screw it up and poison us, or burn myself, or something would happen to the baby while I was away from them cooking... But I did it, ate, and both of the toddlers seemed fine by time our parents came home. Little did I know this was just the beginning.<br /><br />By 8th grade, I was so exhausted. My mom left me in charge of my brothers more often than I could possibly say. I would watch them, most days after school, clean up their toys/room, and then about once or twice a week, I would go next door to the neighbors to watch THEIR kids after my brothers got ready for bed. Usually ON A SCHOOL NIGHT. And usually from about 8 or 9 pm until 1 or 2 in the morning... No time for homework.<br /><br />And somehow, by the end of the week, my mother would always claim to be broke and need money to get dinner. So the twenty dollars I earned went to her, but instead of buying sensible things like chicken, eggs, and rice... she blew it on McDonald's Happy Meals for my brothers, because she didn't want to cook. Sometimes she would pay me back. Sometimes she would lecture me about how it was my responsibility to "contribute" to the household. ...Again, I was 13...<br /><br />This lasted until 14, when on Christmas Eve, our parents left us alone to go get our traditional Chinese food dinner from our favorite place about 45 minutes away. It was mac and cheese night all over again... Except... They never made it home this time. I was alone. Watching the clock tic well past dinner time. Until I got a phone call that there had been an accident. A bad accident. And I left my brothers playing downstairs, and allowed myself to cry for five minutes. Not for my parents, but out of panic, and terror. I didn't know the first thing about where "Santa" had the presents for my brothers. I had nothing to feed them other than some breakfast sausage and pancake sticks. I didn't know how I was supposed to do everything my mother always left until the last minute. But I pulled myself together, fed them, let them each open the Hot Wheels cars I got them for Christmas, and put them to bed. Reinforcements AKA Grandma, didn't get there until 2 am, when she insisted I go to bed and let her handle the rest.<br /><br />If you thought my burdens BEFORE the accident were bad... You can only imagine what came after. High school was a joke. More and more money was funneled to my family to keep us "afloat" and the only me time I got??? I would lie to my parents about having to stay late at school, and just sit for an hour on the front lawn, enjoying the quiet, and doing homework before going home to take care of things.<br /><br />At night, I was the one my brothers would come to when they had bad dreams. The one to clean up wet beds, after I would hear my mother raging about the mess, and the little one's crying in response to her raging.<br /><br />Being a parent wasn't something I wanted to do. Putting food on the table wasn't supposed to be my responsibility. Soothing away nightmares, and keeping kids entertained, bathed, and safe, wasn't something I was prepared for. And yes, I WAS BAD AT IT AT TIMES. Even great parents make mistakes, let alone 15 or 16 year old big sisters... But I was, a provider, a protector, a nurturer, and sacrificed A LOT of my own childhood to be so. In the end, no one can say I wasn't a "parent."<br /><br /><br />WHAT DOES THIS HAVE TO DO WITH THE PANDEMIC AGAIN???<br /><br />In light of the pandemic, I am being a bit vocal about NOT sending kids to school. And people are coming down on me hard for it. Especially for "not being a parent" to which I would say, "read the above paragraph again." But really that's fine. People can have their opinion of me just as I can have an opinion of them. I should add here though, that I was also a teacher once. And know what you are getting your kids into. I am vocal because I am trying to protect you and your families.<br /><br />Think of all the pencils you send your kid to school with, that "go missing" and you have to write names on, and are STILL never recovered. All of the mittens you sew into jacket sleeves but still get "misplaced." You don't think that kids are going to accidentally "lose" or "trade" masks? You don't think some little boys and girls won't forget to wash hands for a full 20 seconds each after using the bathroom? You don't think bullies will suddenly stop pushing kids, or knocking books out of hands, or spitting on others, because it violates social distancing? You don't think after seeing how dumb full grown adults have been about wearing masks and social distancing, that kids are going to be completely obedient?<br /><br />I KNOW there are challenges to teaching and learning virtually. I KNOW it isn't great for a lot of parents and students with things like having to work, or having learning disabilities. I KNOW there are consequences where some students may even have to stay behind a year, and miss graduating with friends. But I also know that social distancing will mean more of those friends will be ALIVE to graduate. More of those friends WON'T lose parents, or have parents severely debilitated due to illness, making life a living hell. Believe me, as someone who lived through my parents being TERRIBLY ill after their accident and having to pick up all of the slack, I wouldn't wish that on ANY child.<br /><br />Life unfortunately isn't fair. I can attest to that. Yes it sucks. Yes it is okay to be angry about this. But don't get angry with me for contributing my input, experiences, and lessons learned in life about how poorly some of you are handling this. IT IS NOT SAFE TO REOPEN SCHOOL BUILDINGS. And all of the experts are saying the same thing! And it is easier to problem solve the obstacles of virtual learning than it is to solve the problem of huge spikes as a result of the further pandemic spread.<br /><br /><br /><br />PROBLEM SOLVING THE BIG OBSTACLES OR REASONS AGAINST ONLINE SCHOOLING<br /><br />1. <br />I'm not a teacher.<br /><br />No one is asking you to teach. Parents are only being asked to enforce that kids are logging in, watching the videos, and completing the assignments. If you child doesn't understand an assignment, they should be helped in writing a two sentence email to their teacher asking for more help, or saying why they don't understand.<br /><br />2.<br />I have to work, can't be home with the kids and don't have family to take care of them.<br /><br />I'm upset about this too. The government should have stepped up WAY more than it should have for those who "need" to work just to provide for families. But some are essential workers like grocery clerks, and so forth and would have to work anyway.<br /><br />Propose to your school board that a "student care exchange" sign up sheet is set up. You put down your availability to take a "partner" home on, and are matched. For example, House A can care for kids Monday and Thursdays. House B can care for kids Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays. And yes, if one household is infected, the other will have to isolate, but at least households C D E and F and the teacher weren't exposed like they would have been in the classroom.<br /><br />Those who wish to participate should also sign a promise to follow CDC guidelines on social distancing, masks, and hygiene and take other precautions.<br /><div><br /><br />3.<br />Part of school is about socialization.<br /><br />First off. Socialization is hard, when social distancing is imperative. The faster we get the pandemic under control the faster your child can return to socializing. But until then, also see the solution for number 2.<br /><br />I agree that socialization is an important part of development. Particularly problem solving social interactions. So be prepared to work things through with your kids if there is a conflict with the other household. Be a good parent and set an example of proper socializing if people don't like each other, or the kids get in a fight. Don't talk poorly of the other household EVER. And help your child find ways to get along with the other children. Again, Life isn't FAIR. You may get paired with people who you don't like right away. But guess what? Car accidents aren't fair. Pandemics aren't fair. Cancer isn't fair. But we can separate out the difference between inconvenience or discomfort and total tragedy. Ask the school to help with this as well if there is conflict. Not to reassign, but to work out differences.<br /><br /><br /></div><div>4.<br />Special Need Students.<br /><br />Yep. I get it. I was a Special Needs Tutor, Aide, and focused on spec ed classes as a substitute teacher. Some NEED in person instruction. <br /><br />For this, I recommend school buildings ARE open. I KNOW! RIGHT??? But, with the majority of students learning at home, we have thinned out the stress on the schools resources and we could have shortened days or weeks, depending on the needs.and classes.<br /><br />The thing I know ALL special needs children require is consistency. Stress of change is a HUGE factor in learning for these children. And I'm sorry to say, if we open schools for a month or two, see huge spikes resulting in having to immediately shut down again, not only will it be stressful for the teachers and administrations, it will be catastrophic for these students who JUST got used to a new routine again. When I say school buildings should not be open, I AM thinking of these students. <br /><br /><br />5.<br />Uneven access to virtual learning.<br /><br />Schools did a great job last year getting things in place for virtual learning. Yes, it's hard, but that can be expanded upon now. I know a number of "inner city" as well as "rural" teachers who told me some of their steps in getting computers to students to borrow. Even food to students who are on lunch programs. Schools are prepared for this contingency. And can now EXPAND on it now that we know where problems and complications are. <br /><br />Some areas are using buses equipped with WIFI to bring internet access to those in need. Brilliant. Even if the local municipalities ask for funding to rent Charter buses for this, there is a solution. But really, maybe be upset with the government for not funding access to an essential utility for modern life, instead of school building for not being open to protect you? Just a suggestion.<br /><br /><br />6.<br />Unsafe Homes.<br /><br />This one breaks my heart. And there is no solution I can give that will not ruffle some feathers or cause more issues. I'd like to say, if a home isn't safe enough to exist in during the length of a school day... It isn't safe enough to exist in at all... <br /><br />This one, stumps me. And I hope someone will comment on this post with solutions I haven't thought of. Because clearly, number 2 won't cut it unless some angles out there would be willing to sign up to take on extra kids for the full week.<br /><br /><br />I end with number 6 because I want it end with the humble admission that I don't have all the answers. NO ONE DOES. What's important is that we work together to find them instead of just thrusting our children onto teachers saying, "figure it out." The government should be stepping up to help, and so should we all. If you have any suggestion, or have another obstacle to distance learning that you aren't sure how to conquer, please comment below. We can do this together. We don't have to see children bring Covid home to their parents. We don't have to see teachers get sick and die leaving schools shut down completely. We can use the education, common sense, and skills we learned when WE were in school to be smarter than a microscopic adversary.</div>Liz Pennies.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14194943862816782560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430792692319562232.post-69508736412196396732020-03-15T10:22:00.000-07:002020-03-15T10:22:15.363-07:00In the Face of a Pandemic Part 1 "Cleaning"<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px;">
I know supplies feel like they are running low. I know many of you feel at risk concerning medical needs, accessibility, and so on. And I feel... this is what I've been training for.</div>
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Many of you know I've had my fair share of struggles in the past. So much to the point that I've basically had to learn to do everything for myself from scratch. I had been without healthcare or access to a doctor for well over a decade. I know how to make food rations last for weeks. I know how to stretch a dollar like a rubber band. I know how to keep entertained when you can't go out. And so on.</div>
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If you are struggling with something (from being out of bread during lock down to how to SAFELY treat a fever,) feel free to ask me. If I don't know I will simply tell you.</div>
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I will try to post various resources as things develop to help you all get through as well.</div>
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Here is a small tip to start: CLEANING</div>
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Many germs and viruses don't do well with UV light. Open your blinds, curtains, etc. Get NATURAL light into your homes along with your cleaning efforts. UV light is not enough just on it's own but <i>will </i>help. (Not to mention the access to sunlight will help you create important immune supporting vitamins as well as "happy" hormones. So you don't feel so overwhelmed.)</div>
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When disinfecting, things, make sure you allow ample "wet time" to be effective. Wiping surfaces down with a disinfectant, such as a bleach solution, is not enough. Depending on the type of disinfectant, it can take anywhere from 30 seconds to up to 6 minutes to kill germs.</div>
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A mild bleach solution is best for hard surfaces. Two tablespoons bleach for 4 cups water. Spray on a surface, and let it air dry. DO NOT DRY IT WITH A TOWEL! It needs to stay wet for about 60 seconds.<br />And a small warning: do not assume a stronger solution is better! Bleach fumes can damage lung tissue as it evaporates, and it is important to keep lungs healthy as possible right now, as corona virus causes damage and honey combing of lung tissue for some.</div>
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If you need to clean soft surfaces, such as a bed, couch fabric, or car seats, while not as effective as bleach white vinegar is best. It won't bleach or fade fabric, but will kill many germs as well as eliminate odors. It's also very affordable. A little will go a long way, so don't hoard it. (Side note: Also very effective at cleaning windows, environmentally friendly, and will decalcify things such as faucets for hard water stains.</div>
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I hope these three things give you a little more peace of mind during this time. Again, feel free to ask me questions on anything you are worried about. We are all better when we share what we have to offer.</div>
Liz Pennies.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14194943862816782560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430792692319562232.post-52230314014025736352020-03-11T11:08:00.002-07:002020-03-11T11:08:45.052-07:00Why Bernie is the Only One Who Can WinI've been politically silent lately. Hell I've been silent in general lately. That has been on purpose. But I have to break some silence for a moment here, to explain why Bernie Sanders is the ONLY democrat at this point who stands any chance of winning against Donald Trump.<br /><br />Now this is in direct contrast to what most of the media and political "experts" are going to tell you about the "math." Well, in response to that, let me emphasize this point, when all of these "experts" promised us that Trump would NEVER win the first time, and "no one saw this coming," I did. I knew he was going to win and was warning every friend and professor I knew. (Unfortunately no one took me seriously.) Why did I know? Because I wasn't looking at just the math, but the nature of people. I wasn't looking at the polls, I was looking at the voters. And this is the same reason I know, without a doubt that Biden cannot win, but Bernie would.<br /><br />WHY TRUMP WON AND WHY THE POLLS AND MATH ARE BULLSHIT<br /><br />When Trump won, it came as a shock, because there was only a small handful of people who were truly passionate about voting for him. In other words, there was only a small handful that were honest in the polls when a potential voter was asked who they intended to cast their ballot for. <br /><br />And as one by one, as all the other candidates dropped from the race, and the options grew scarce... Well.... What can we say other than we are a nation that vote for Letters, and not People. We cheer on political sports teams, and wave figurative foam fingers with giant Ds or Rs emblazoned on them in red white and blue...<br /><br />I remember talking with family members over the phone and being asked who I was voting for, and hearing my grandmother in the background loudly declare "Well she already knows who we're voting for." This made me sigh. My grandmother hated Trump. But, her tradition of voting for the R on the ticket would not let that stop her from voting for someone she hated.<br /><br />For better or worse, this is human nature.<br /><br /><br />WHAT THIS MEANS FOR THIS ELECTION:<br /><br />So far, the media and "experts" has been going on, at great length about how Joe Biden is the only candidate that can win, because he is a moderate. Because he is the only one that leans far enough to the right to pull a handful of republican voters over the line to vote for a democratic nominee. (Because that worked so well the last time?) No. Not going to happen. There are VERY few people who are comfortable enough to cross that line. Especially with the last four years of Trump telling the public that the democrats are evil. That the democrats don't want to play nice. That the democrats are holding things up. Etc. and so on. Republicans would rather die than vote for a democratic nominee at this point. Biden can't pull any significant numbers over. But what he can do is lose numbers that would otherwise vote.<br /><br /><br />THE VALUE OF YOUNG VOTERS:<br /><br />If you ask any "expert" what target demographic is least likely to show up to vote, it's "young voters."<br /><br />I cannot stress how key this demographic is. These are people who haven't necessarily chosen a "team" to support yet. These are people who want to feel EXCITED to participate. And this makes up about 13% of the very necessary number to a democratic candidate's victory.<br /><br />In 2016, there were many who didn't show up to vote in the general election for several reasons.<br /><br />1. People were told that Hillary would beat the pants off Trump without even trying, and thought their vote wasn't necessary. (Because who in their right mind would vote for him?) <br />2. Young voters didn't feel heard by the DNC. They felt betrayed by the team they had gotten hopes up to cheer for, and feel the nomination was "stolen" from Bernie.<br />3. Trump started using a bunch of Bernie's rhetoric, and drew a few of those voters to his party. (Because remember young people vote for a person not a team yet.)<br /><br />We need to learn from these mistakes and past experiences.<br /><br />By supporting Biden, all that is happening is we are sweeping aside a large demographic of young voters who are idealistic and only going to vote for someone who excites them enough to get involved. Do yourself a favor and go up to any teenager you know and ask them to tell you about each candidate (without using the internet.) I promise you they will be able to tell you more about Sanders than Biden. I promise you, if anyone is going to get them to participate, it's Sanders not Biden.<br /><br />If beating Trump is the ultimate goal, Sanders is the ONLY choice. No one (or at least very very few) are going to switch teams as they age. Much like my grandmother who hated Trump but voted for him anyway, older Democratic voters WILL show up and vote for whoever is on the ticket, waving a big blue foam finger. Those numbers are already guaranteed. Get the young ones to show up, and the democratic party will be back in the White House.Liz Pennies.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14194943862816782560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430792692319562232.post-66441192294392455982019-12-06T13:08:00.000-08:002019-12-06T13:08:26.009-08:00Dreams, Dreams, and DreamsDreams... The word can have so many different contexts.<br /><br />There are the kind of dreams you have when you are in a peaceful slumber. There are the illusions and fantasies of winning lotteries and escaping to private tropical islands, even if we don't play the lottery. And then there are the dreams we work at. The ones that we are told if we are a good person, dedicated, and determined, they are achievable. This is the future we see for ourselves. The one that is supposed to be possible when applying oneself.<br /><br />I have a tattoo on my back. It is the kanji character for dream. A reminder to myself to never turn my back on my dreams again. Something I did once for love. I gave up on so much I wanted out of life, in such a little by little way that I didn't even realize I was doing it. And ever doing that again, terrified me. I got that tattoo as going to Japan was a fervent dream of mine. And with enough hard work and dedication, I enrolled back in college once able, learned as much of the language as I was able, and applied for an internship.<br /><br />I am no stranger to doing what it takes to make my dreams come true.<br /><br />Last night's dreams, were unfortunate. Because, like it or not, they are closely tied to what I once dreamed for my future, when I was a child. When I was young, family meant the world to me. There was no better time of year than the holidays. So much so, that I would get beyond overexcited about the prospect of seeing my cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents, almost ruining the possibility because I would end up throwing up some years. I LOVED everyone just so damn much. I'm not going to say that ever changed. I probably love them just as much as I ever once did. But I had to let them go.<br /><br />Last night I had a series of dreams, that involved my mother, my grandparents house, farming in the back field that my grandfather reserved for corn, and rats... a lot of rats. And dead puppies, and... let's just surmise it with they weren't good dreams...<br /><br />It was a series of dreams I knew were coming ever since finding out last week that someone gave my mother access to information about me again. Someone told her about my Etsy store, so she created an Etsy profile, under her REAL name, not trying to hide it whatsoever, and when to my store to like a bunch of my paintings...<br /><br />I understand this doesn't sound like such a big deal to many. And hardly worth getting upset about. Something that many don't understand why I would have nightmares about. But, today, I've been in tears. As in, hysterical, ugly crying, with my dog very confused and pressing tight to me, trying to protect me from whatever unseen force was attacking me, tears. And I feel I must try and explain what exactly it is that has caused such a volatile reaction to help people understand what it is I go through each and every time someone tries to give her some lifeline to connecting with me.<br /><br />
It goes without saying that the relationship with my biological mother has been very strained for a great number of years. But really, that's irrelevant. There are things that have happened between her and I that I will never talk about, and shouldn't have to. Things many would consider "unforgivable." But really, it isn't even that I don't forgive her those acts. It's fine. She's a messed up person, and I don't know if it's the MS or some psychological illness from before it... but all I know is she has continued to hurt me no matter how many "second chances" I've given her. So I had to go.<br /><br />What people often don't understand is what sacrifices had to be made in order to do so.<br /><br />Think about it like an alcoholic giving up alcohol--sorry, I know it isn't a perfect metaphor, but it's as close as I can make understandable. It isn't just drinking the person would be giving up. It's an entire lifestyle. You need to find a support system. You will likely not be able to hang out at the usual haunts. Avoiding friends who are pressuring you with that "oh come on, one drink won't hurt."<br /><br />Severing ties with my mother meant losing friendships with over 20 cousins, the brothers that I raised, 6 aunts/uncles and their spouses, my grandmother who raised me more than my biological mother ever did... never meeting my nephew... As much as I dreamed as a child of being surrounded by family, warmth and happiness in my adult years, I have sacrificed family gatherings, weddings, even funerals, to avoid this toxic person. (As well as to prevent functions being ruined because of any scene she might make if I refuse to speak to her at such events.) This was not something easily decided. I traded my dream of love and family for the dream of protecting myself.<br /><br />And every time someone shares a new way with my mother how to find me, how to get to me, how to potentially hurt me again... that person is doing SO MUCH MORE than just exposing me to that toxicity again. They are perpetuating that this nightmare is indeed endless. They are nullifying every painful sacrifice I've made in order to avoid her. They are making the missed weddings and funerals a wasted sacrifice.<br /><br />They are giving me dreams about dead puppies and rats in the house I grew up in.Liz Pennies.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14194943862816782560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430792692319562232.post-71338577361449993242018-04-02T17:23:00.001-07:002018-04-02T18:24:43.938-07:00A New Site, a New Life?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2HxPUatUTRDHrAOE4NcFx3MC_KerxoBAwF9HSfl30tp3uXLKmEpIIzwV8XuJdlXqCTC77hjxaBX3JPixKi6OlIBQoMEp4eH9wGEe11qn_ImI1vX8if24qBK4fGOt9j1mHKBs-ixUrOok/s1600/Chic+Salmon+Dish+Facebook+Ad.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="FrugallyYours.org" border="0" data-original-height="628" data-original-width="1200" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2HxPUatUTRDHrAOE4NcFx3MC_KerxoBAwF9HSfl30tp3uXLKmEpIIzwV8XuJdlXqCTC77hjxaBX3JPixKi6OlIBQoMEp4eH9wGEe11qn_ImI1vX8if24qBK4fGOt9j1mHKBs-ixUrOok/s400/Chic+Salmon+Dish+Facebook+Ad.png" title="FrugallyYours.org Wedding Planning" width="400" /></a></div>
Some of you who know likely already know that I am trying my hand at something new. A website dedicated to weddings that are affordable as well as amazing,<br />
<a href="http://frugallyyours.org/">FrugallyYours.org</a><br />
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It's no secret that life hasn't been easy for me, financially speaking or otherwise. That's nothing to be ashamed about. I've worked hard all my life. So hard in fact that I've kinda destroyed myself in the process of working 2-3 jobs at a time to make ends meet throughout my 20's. Then put myself through college, and here I am, still pretty broke. And while I won't say that's okay, I can recognize most of the country is in the same boat.<br />
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Honestly, my last job fiasco was a bit more than a let down. I know I haven't said much about what happened, and there are reasons for that. But I'll summarize it as this, until I find the strength to explain in more detail. The women I was working with were nothing buy big bullies. One of whom actively tried to get me fired, and the child I was aiding kicked out of the school. When I realized the attitudes towards me were affecting the child, in all good conscience I had to remove myself from the equation. And time to take my financial future into my own hands and start my own business.<br /><br />As I said, this is not the first time I've struggled. I've had more curves thrown at me than a catcher's mitt. But that means, out of necessity, I've had to learn how to do just about everything you can name for a bargain. Not only do I shop wisely, I make my own decorations for my home, can sew and repair clothes, how to cut and dye my own hair, how to fix my own car, and even how to throw an amazing party or travel for pennies on the dollar (we all need a break, after all.) It takes a lot of hard work to be this poor.<br />
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Honestly, I have an budget friendly alternative for just about everything you can imagine. And all of this knowledge I have rattling around in my brain has come to prove itself useful. VERY useful.<br />
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Why did I pick weddings for my website?<br />
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1. Because I love a good party and have a lot of knowledge on how to throw a really great one.<br />
2. Because in the state things are, we need a little happiness in the world and love is the best happiness to be had. We shouldn't lose these celebrations due to not being able to afford them.<br />
3. Because the wedding industry has gotten crazy out of control, and people are sacrificing financial futures to have one little party. (I don't want happy couples stressed over finances to the point of divorce.)<br />
4. Because it would give me the room to cover so many topics that cross over into other arenas, from finding affordable renaissance fair outfits, to vacation tips.<br />
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So, <a href="http://frugallyyours.org/" target="_blank">check it out</a> if you have the time. I guarantee you'll find something useful on it, in one category or another. Even if just for trivia night, as there are a lot of strange little facts I make sure to include. For example, who can officiate weddings in what states (some allow you to marry yourself to another person.) Or the fact that you can sue a wedding venue if a drunk driver hits you after leaving the reception, in some areas. Who knew?Liz Pennies.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14194943862816782560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430792692319562232.post-91991491374713377772018-03-08T07:52:00.000-08:002018-03-08T08:22:47.756-08:00Photogenic Problematic <div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="173dm" data-offset-key="1vfbp-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; white-space: pre-wrap;">
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<span data-offset-key="1vfbp-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">I came across a post today on facebook about photographic consent and have some things to add to to it. The post was regarding this photo and message from </span><a data-hovercard-prefer-more-content-show="1" data-hovercard-referer="ARSN9e5j0o1kXS0bYL7JYe9T72hHo17fby4-SMnoyRqPvJWgGDNIkbJ018dR2xOh2i8" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/page.php?id=1619974608298326&extragetparams=%7B%22hc_ref%22%3A%22ARSN9e5j0o1kXS0bYL7JYe9T72hHo17fby4-SMnoyRqPvJWgGDNIkbJ018dR2xOh2i8%22%2C%22fref%22%3A%22nf%22%7D" href="https://www.facebook.com/AlokVaidMenon/?hc_ref=ARSN9e5j0o1kXS0bYL7JYe9T72hHo17fby4-SMnoyRqPvJWgGDNIkbJ018dR2xOh2i8&fref=nf" style="color: #365899; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-line: none; white-space: normal;">Alok Vaid-Menon</a><span style="font-family: inherit;">:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjqTpfMqYHq_zPZnp73H-oy1F0NARGXr3gn0VKB9ayt2oRPPZz6V92kVoIOrdbWTioMtSsfVQPSKvWhAmR0WzCJgL9DwY9GEUSn2-AMfGPdcb4yd6XG5GyWw12NCVGoGztmqNQrkba5S0/s1600/Blog+Post+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="364" data-original-width="251" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjqTpfMqYHq_zPZnp73H-oy1F0NARGXr3gn0VKB9ayt2oRPPZz6V92kVoIOrdbWTioMtSsfVQPSKvWhAmR0WzCJgL9DwY9GEUSn2-AMfGPdcb4yd6XG5GyWw12NCVGoGztmqNQrkba5S0/s320/Blog+Post+1.png" width="220" /></a><span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small; white-space: normal;">"This was a photo of me taken without my consent an hour ago.</span></div>
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small; white-space: normal;">I have people take photos of me every day but i never know where they end up. one of my supportive</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="color: #666666; display: inline; font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small; white-space: normal;"> followers sent this to me & it’s the first time i have seen one of these. (this photo has since been reposted to @subwaycreatures story also without my consent).</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small; white-space: normal;">It’s so surreal & scary to see this — it reminds me that i am constantly being watched, rendered into a spectacle for other people’s enjoyment & entertainment. people don’t ask me for consent because they read my gender non-conformity as already consenting to public consumption. the presumption here is because we have already seemingly transgressed normalcy/respectability, we do not have boundaries and are incapable of being violated.</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small; white-space: normal;">This leaves gender non-conforming people like me disproportionately targeted for physical & sexual violence. when we say “i have been violated” we are victim blamed — told that we shouldn’t have “dressed up,” that we should expect this treatment for looking as we do.</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small; white-space: normal;">I am here to tell you that no one — regardless of what they look like — should have their photo taken & shared without their consent. it is unacceptable & misogynist.</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small; white-space: normal;">After this photo was snapped a white cis person told me that she liked “my costume.” when i boarded my train i had to go to a different car because i was being harassed by white cis people who wouldn’t leave me alone. i sat next to a white cis guy who got up and left the moment i sat next to him. this is my daily reality.</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small; white-space: normal;">I want you to think about what happens to people like me inbetween the snapshots you see — how we are hunted, ridiculed, & put on exhibition for cis enjoyment. how i manage to still look so good despite being harassed & stalked & shoved & spat on & knowing that few people will defend me because i am not cis or white.</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small; white-space: normal;">It’s terrifying when your joy is constantly policed — when you are made to fear your own beauty. they could have just asked for my permission. they could have just asked.</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small; white-space: normal;">this photo will be seared in my mind forever.</span><br />
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<span data-offset-key="1vfbp-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">[yes people have permission to share this image with my caption now]"</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14px;">It's here that I have to add my story and views to make it clear just how </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px;">important it is to listen to what this person has to say about photo consent. BTW? In Japan this was a HUGE thing, and considered an ultimate rudeness to photograph others unless it couldn't be avoided (like in a crowded park where you're photographing a statue or something.) So here is why I will say it's important, regardless of gender:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px;">This kind of behavior is nothing more than an adult version of grade school antics. Trying to look like the cool kid through a method of trying to knock others down. Picking on someone you see inferior, weird, or outcast, to gain more attention for yourself. And this awesome person is right. It makes it feel "more okay" for those listening to such drivel, to join in and pick on the person. But be warned. It is not okay. And some of us aren't afraid to tell you so. (In no uncertain terms.)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px;">I remember my first semester back to college. I was taking a full schedule of classes, and working, and dealing with a cancer scare awaiting biopsy results, and taking care of my mother with MS on the weekends. In other words I was very tired and losing weight. So one day I sat down in my WOTA class, and kind of slumped forward on the desk surface of my chair.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px;">This, regrettably, created a gap between my jeans and myself exposing my underwear band. I was later informed that 3 of the college students behind me were joking and laughing about it, and snapping photos of my underwear. (2 heterosexual females and 1 homosexual male, so it wasn't sexual gratification thing. Just a catty, bitchy, lowlife, bully thing.) I don't know where those photos ended up. I don't know if they put them on instagram, or snapchat, or what. I really don't care. I know the story behind that photo, that moment in my life. They don't.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px;">Now I hope that others can see the photo at the start of this post through the same lens I do. I see a picture of a lot of boring and possibly sad people around one person who looks really awesome and potentially fun to get to know. I see a picture of someone living their life they way they want to live it, surrounded by a bunch of people who have simply bought into every lie about success and happiness they have been sold over the years. I see this, instead of how the person who snapped the photo intended the viewer to see someone to be mocked, and doesn't belong. Just as I hope instead of someone looking at the picture of my underwear band would see someone who is tired but trying. Exhausted but still attending classes. Instead of someone just being a slob.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px;">But I will tell you this, as something of a warning. I'm one to speak my mind. Many of us outcasts and misfits are. (Especially come adulthood.) And boy-howdy, did those 3 college kids faces go white the next day as they looked like they tried to not piss their pants when I confronted them about taking those photos. They were embarrassed, scared, and no longer found anything about the situation humorous. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px;">Moral of the story? Don't be a dick. Don't take pictures intended to embarrass others or gain attention for yourself while doing so. And make a rule of asking permission before taking a picture or at least posting it. It really isn't that hard to walk up to someone and say, "Hey, photography is something of a hobby of mine and I just thought you looked really interesting in this shot" (show them the photo you took) "But I wanted to ask your permission. Do you mind if I post it to my site? I'll delete it if you don't want me to. No problem."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px;">If you are two embarrassed or afraid to ask that permission, that likely means, you shouldn't be doing it in the first place. It likely means you are feeling guilt. It likely means, you're scum.</span></div>
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Liz Pennies.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14194943862816782560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430792692319562232.post-3694504643247410162017-07-31T13:53:00.002-07:002017-07-31T13:54:38.490-07:00Birthday? What Birthday?I've been asked by a few people what I have planned for my birthday this year, and for good reason.<br />
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I usually use my birthday as an excuse to invite friends over and show them a good time. This is usually a big night for s'mores, sometime sparklers and roman candles, or backyard camping... an adult slip-n-slide down the hill.... Just general fun, and not too much different from the many other little campfire nights I host, save an activity or two.<br />
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So a few have expressed concern over their missing invites this year. Not just for the birthday, but for the campfires and cookouts in general. They are worried I'm upset with them, or depressed, or...<br />
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No need to worry. I'm fine and I'm not angry with anyone. I'm not for, or against, celebrating my birthday. That was never really the point of these gatherings in the first place.<br />
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Truth be told, I have a long list of reasons I haven't invited anyone over this year.<br />
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First, my ankle injury was a little more severe than we had hoped. I was stuck in bed keeping weight off it to let it heal for longer than I would like, and it still has been giving me grief.<br />
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Time, would be another factor as I have been very preoccupied with searching for a job, and there was also a wedding I was in which I had happily dedicated a few weekends to for showers and parties.<br />
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Following that, as I am still job hunting, and well... Unfortunately those gatherings I host do cost a bit. I mean, I'm good at planning on a budget, but I just have to be extra cautious with my cash at the moment.<br />
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And lastly and the biggest reason? It has been a VERY wet year. Not the best year for living along water. The yard is still a little mushy since it flooded last spring and never dried up it seems. And even if we could dry out the fire pit area enough, you would be drained of blood before you could toast the first marshmallow. I have never seen mosquitoes swarm quite so bad.<br />
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So it is just not meant to be, and that's okay. Hopefully, come fall, the fates will be a little more accommodating.<br />
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All this said, I do miss you all, and look forward to being able to hang out again for some backyard shenanigans soon.Liz Pennies.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14194943862816782560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430792692319562232.post-17474334693606364172017-06-26T09:37:00.002-07:002017-07-21T07:11:16.068-07:00Don't Invite Me To Your Wedding: A RebuttalHey all,<br />
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Wow, do I know a lot of people that are getting married right now! Congrats by the way! This world needs a little more love in it, so I couldn't be happier for you.<br />
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Some of these weddings I've been invited to. Some I am not. And that's okay! Weddings are expensive stressful events, and like any decent person I am not going to begrudge you for not having room on your guest list to include me. I've been there! You can not realistically have everyone you want to attend show up. Stay strong and stay sane, and remember it is YOUR special day.<br />
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But for some reason, people seem to be forgetting what weddings are all about. The celebration of the love that has brought two people together. Maybe it's because I know so many people tying the knot right now but I've been seeing a lot of articles like this one <span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.imannmilner.com/blog/2017/6/8/dont-invite-me-to-your-wedding-if-a-comprehensive-list" target="_blank">here</a>,</span><br />
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"Don't Invite Me To Your Wedding If: A Comprehensive List"</h1>
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Hrmm. Um, excuse you! It is not your day!<br />
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If you didn't click the original list/article, don't worry, we will get to it; point by point. And point by point I will illustrate what a self centered asshole you are acting like. (With the possible exception of one.)<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Point 1: If you're having a dry reception.</span><br />
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Now I get it. Especially in American culture. All of the best commercials on TV would tell us a good time cannot be had without alcohol. And true, having a sip or two can relax us some, and make tolerating some obnoxious people a little easier, as the article points out.<br />
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Here's where you're going to feel like an ass as I point out, they probably have a reason for eliminating alcohol. I will lead with a personal example.<br />
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I have gotten married before. I wanted a dry reception. I didn't get a dry reception because for some reason many on my mother's side of the family said they wouldn't come if I didn't have alcohol. Many people that honestly took seats away from friends that I couldn't fit on the guest list, no less. But they were important to my mother that they could attend so I compromised and allowed beer, wine coolers, and similar. Nothing too "hard."<br />
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What resulted was a bunch of loud Italians saying some pretty embarrassing stuff, an uncle walking around with a little cooler full of his BYOB, who eventually stripped down to his wife-beater style undershirt, and pinned my 11 year old brother by the neck against the door for "monkeying around at his sisters wedding."<br />
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Do you maybe see why I didn't want alcohol?<br />
Do you understand that maybe the bride and groom perhaps don't want to deal with drama on their special day or have to remember an anniversary as the day a close friend or relative died in a drunk driving accident?<br />
Do you understand that some people have alcoholics or newly recovering alcoholics in their family that they don't want to tempt fate with?<br />
Do you understand that maybe the bride or groom may even be the recovering alcoholic?<br />
No? <br />
Oh, right, tell me more about how the day is all about YOU the guest.<br />
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I mean... it's not like anything bad has ever happened where alcohol where alcohol was involved, right?<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="giphy-embed" frameborder="0" height="460" src="https://giphy.com/embed/o18cVjTlHP7Ww" width="480"></iframe><a href="https://giphy.com/gifs/fail-wedding-falls-o18cVjTlHP7Ww">via GIPHY</a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Point 2: Having a Band instead of a DJ</span><br />
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Okay, I get that your taste in music might be more in line with remixed heavy bass beat drops. Or maybe you like some country line dancing, or the classic Chicken Dance. (I know it's a favorite in Wisconsin!)<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="giphy-embed" frameborder="0" height="333" src="https://giphy.com/embed/FI7x3vMgdwaHu" width="480"></iframe><a href="https://giphy.com/gifs/chicken-dance-FI7x3vMgdwaHu">via GIPHY</a><br />
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I have nothing against DJ's. And personally, yes I prefer a DJ as well. I have some very close friends who DJ/KJ for a living and I would love to support their businesses. But that opinion is about a wedding I would have, not one that I would attend as it is not "my" day, it's the bride and groom's. I merely wish to point out that there are ups and downs to both sides of this flipped coin on this one as I also have friends who are in bands. Talented artists and musicians who want a little more exposure and could really use the gig.<br />
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So my point is, don't tell anyone who to hire on <i>their </i>day! You don't know their reasons. You don't know their budget. You don't know if the band performing isn't in fact a member of the band's gift to the bride and groom.<br />
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And there is also one more little awesome thing you may have overlooked in your quick to judge--make it all-about-you ultimatum. Even many of today's famous, most sought after musicians, had to start somewhere. And that somewhere is often performing at little gigs like weddings. You can get a list <a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ciframe%20src=%22https://giphy.com/embed/FI7x3vMgdwaHu%22%20width=%22480%22%20height=%22333%22%20frameBorder=%220%22%20class=%22giphy-embed%22%20allowFullScreen%3E%3C/iframe%3E%3Cp%3E%3Ca%20href=%22https://giphy.com/gifs/chicken-dance-FI7x3vMgdwaHu%22%3Evia%20GIPHY%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E" target="_blank">here</a> which includes Idina Menzel! One of my favorite Broadway performers of all time. (You may recognize her as she played Maureen in the film Rent, was the voice of Elsa in Frozen, but my favorite was her role in WICKED.) How cool of a story do people have who attended weddings that she sang at once upon a time!?<br />
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Yeah, your welcome for an attempt at a unique experience, you ingrate.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="giphy-embed" frameborder="0" height="468" src="https://giphy.com/embed/rBy802BWb7GbS" width="480"></iframe><a href="https://giphy.com/gifs/adam-sandler-the-80s-wedding-singer-rBy802BWb7GbS">via GIPHY</a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Point 3: Your families are "beefed out" and there's any chance of a fight.</span><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="giphy-embed" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://giphy.com/embed/AEK967o1CLbaw" width="480"></iframe><a href="https://giphy.com/gifs/game-of-thrones-gif-red-wedding-AEK967o1CLbaw">via GIPHY</a><br />
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Did you skip that bit about how you should know better than to complain there's no alcohol? Maybe you should go back and read again.<br />
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Seriously, there is little to no chance that the day will be 100% drama free this "special" day. I don't suspect that many fist fights break out at weddings. I have not seen one yet. But there are precautions you can take by just not inviting people who are full of drama. We all have that one racist elderly person in the family, or a vegan who thinks the buffet is a tribute to torturing and murdering animals and won't shut up about it. (Or... and I'm looking at you, person who picks apart every wedding ever... That person who is going to find a flaw about your special day, broadcast it to the world, and prove they really just aren't a worthy enough friend to be included in the first place.)<br />
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So, if you are getting married, don't feel bad about having to have a very blunt conversation with these people. Tell them it is your day, not theirs (like I'm doing now) and if they don't think they can behave in a respectful way it is their responsibility to keep themselves in check or they will be asked to leave early.<br />
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If you can't do that, leave them off the guest list. No one has time or money to waste on people who are going to ruin your day.<br />
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If you can't do that without causing further undue drama, then have a destination wedding where guest lists are short and only the REALLY close people are invited or will be able to make it. (But we will get to that in another couple points.)<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="giphy-embed" frameborder="0" height="365" src="https://giphy.com/embed/fDO2Nk0ImzvvW" width="480"></iframe><a href="https://giphy.com/gifs/fDO2Nk0ImzvvW">via GIPHY</a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">4: Ring Bearer is a Pet.</span><br />
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I cannot even begin to express how ridiculous this one is to be upset about. Nor can I hide my astonishment that it is one of the most agreed with points on the list.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="giphy-embed" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://giphy.com/embed/Pn1gZzAY38kbm" width="480"></iframe><a href="https://giphy.com/gifs/dog-pretty-Pn1gZzAY38kbm">via GIPHY</a><br />
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I just don't understand the reasoning behind this. The author of the article goes from saying "<span style="background-color: #fcfcfc; color: #222222; font-size: 17.25px; letter-spacing: 0.1725px;">Your dog doesn't care about your wedding day. The humans there barely care so your pet </span><em style="background-color: #fcfcfc; color: #222222; font-family: baskerville-urw; font-size: 17.25px; letter-spacing: 0.1725px; word-wrap: break-word;">really </em><span style="background-color: #fcfcfc; color: #222222; font-size: 17.25px; letter-spacing: 0.1725px;">doesn't," to complaining that you are denying children in your family.</span><br />
Never in the history of ever, have I ever been to a wedding where the children in the wedding actually wanted to be there throwing flowers and carrying rings. In fact, the only reason we have this tradition in the first place is because it was thought that the marriage is doomed if the groom accidentally dropped either of the rings. It was a sign he didn't want to get married, or the marriage can't last. Less bad luck if someone else drops it.<br />
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There are reasons why an animal may be a better choice though. Maybe not for me, but I understand and support it if you have this at your wedding for these reasons.<br />
<br />
A. While it's true that "Fido" may not understand or care what's happening, let's be honest that neither does the 3 year old. What's important is what you, as the bride and/or groom, care about. If the pet is important to you? If it is a life that you and your partner have bonded over through years of caring for it together etc. then don't let the haters stand in your way. If someone would rather not be invited to your wedding over such a mundane detail, they are not your friend and don't deserve the invite.<br />
<br />
B. You have 3 or 4 nephews all about the same age and you just know which ever one you pick is going to cause a big family fight and a bunch of backhanded compliments and snarky comments on your day.<br />
<br />
C. A pet is often better trained and more reliable to go from point a to point b without a fuss. I cannot count how many times I've seen ring bearers get stage fright, not know what to do, or make a b-line for mommy or daddy instead. The entire flow of the ceremony is interrupted, music starts to run long and the piano player starts to panic as daddy tries to wrangle a crying toddler down the aisle.<br />
<br />
https://giphy.com/gifs/bearer-M8IRgtdE2NfuE/embed<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">5. Republicans Present?</span><br />
<br />
This is just ridiculous. I'm sorry, NO. What!?<br />
<br />
You're being close minded, prejudiced, and all around insensitive again. Now, let me say with absolute clarity, that I think Trump is a terrible choice of president. And let me shout it even louder that my opinion doesn't matter! We aren't at the inauguration, we are at a wedding.<br />
<br />
This may once again surprise you but it isn't YOUR wedding. Saying you won't go to something because there are republicans there, is just as ridiculous as saying you won't attend because there are liberals present. Or black people present. Or Asian people present. Or gay people present. Or white people present.... etc. and so on. <br />
<br />
If you can't put aside a political agenda for a single day, (and I don't care WHAT that agenda is) for a friend, then you need to be a grown up and dismiss yourself from the guest list. Not the other way around and expect your friends to read your mind and un-invite you. They have enough to worry about without the added stress of worrying who you are going to get along with. <br />
<br />
Chances are the reason you feel so strongly about this is because you don't want to be stuck at a table debating things that you know you can never change the other person's mind about. So please realize that the bride and groom can't help it if grandma is a republican any more than you can. But guess who is probably a higher priority on the guest list.<br />
<br />
PS. Most brides and grooms do take this stuff into account with this magical thing you've probably never heard of called a seating chart, you child.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="giphy-embed" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://giphy.com/embed/l2R01u9FXxQjfyeQM" width="480"></iframe><a href="https://giphy.com/gifs/new-girl-fox-new-girl-l2R01u9FXxQjfyeQM">via GIPHY</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">6. It costs more than $700 to arrive at your wedding destination.</span><br />
<br />
Okay, this one is really hitting me hard. And yeah, I wouldn't be able to afford to go to that either. But recognize that sometimes, invitations are a politeness. A "wish you could be here" gesture. I don't think everyone is expected to attend that gets such an invite.<br />
<br />
It's not jury duty. Your presence is not required by law. This goes both for friends who are invited from out of state to your location as well as local friends who are invited to a destination wedding. This seems less the bride and groom's problem of inviting you, and more your problem with not being able to say "no" or admit that you can't afford it. But remember there is no rule against sending regrets and a congratulatory card instead of flying off somewhere. The end.<br />
<br />
Now, my thoughts on destination weddings are a little more complex and here comes what I promised to continue earlier.<br />
<br />
Weddings are expensive. No, I mean REALLY out of control expensive. The markup for the word "wedding" alone is ridiculous. Don't believe me? Call a venue and ask for a quote to rent the hall for a party... (A birthday party, or office party, or whatever excuse you want to make up.) Wait a couple days, call back and ask for a quote for a wedding. 90% of the time the charge will be triple for the same damn services. The return on your investment is limited, and the more I learn about weddings the more I realize that guests don't really give a shit about the food or venue most of the time.<br />
<br />
Maybe the closest 20 people to you do, but for many, it is a bit of a waste. So the solution for many couples is to plan a destination wedding for a close select few instead of having a big party that comes with a year of stressful planning for just one single evening.<br />
<br />
While I'm not getting married anytime soon, my current partner and I have talked about the ridiculous costs and drama of weddings at length. We have decided that instead of spending 10 grand on venue, food, music, photography, etc. for 300 people that you barely know the names of, it would be much better to choose the 20 closest people to us to share in an experience for half the price.<br />
<br />
Basically, I have found that you can treat 20 family members and friends to a little vacation where all they need do is find some time off work and cover travel costs. Lodging, activities, food, and drink, for the entire week, can be provided for half the cost of a big fancy wedding. And instead of having dozens of people complain that they weren't included in your 300 person guest list, you can have 280 people that "hate traveling" glad they had an excuse to not attend with disingenuous "sorry" rsvps,<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="giphy-embed" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://giphy.com/embed/l41m4ODfe8PwHlsUU" width="480"></iframe><a href="https://giphy.com/gifs/southpark-south-park-comedy-central-l41m4ODfe8PwHlsUU">via GIPHY</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Now the last one on the list is a difficult one to talk about....<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Point 7. If I'm your only black friend.</span><br />
<br />
Awkward. The issue of "race" has really come to the forefront of discussion in recent days and it breaks my heart to see so much going so wrong so fast.<br />
<br />
So I will preface my response to this one by saying, if you don't feel comfortable in any setting because of the color of your skin or your heritage, (no matter what ethnicity you associate yourself with,) if it were my wedding I would personally understand the need to decline an invite. <br />
<br />
And if you feel you are the "token" friend of any demographic invited, and were only invited because of your skin color, sexual preference, or being differently abled, (insert demographic here)... Well screw that. You deserve better and shouldn't let the bride and groom use you to make themselves look like "good people." Yes, I do recognize that there are people out there who try to "collect" friends to make themselves look good or trendy or... whatever. It's sickening.<br />
<br />
But that's not the impression I got from this article complaining.<br />
<br />
So I will just leave it at this: If you don't feel you will have a good time for this or any other reason, don't attend. Simple as that. But also, don't deny yourself a good time because you might be a different ethnicity than others at the party and assume you won't have anyone to connect with. That's every bit as racist.<br />
<br />
Personally I refuse to eliminate someone I would like at my wedding from my guest list because of the color of their skin, or religion, or etc. compared to the rest of my guests. The decision of whether a friend feels comfortable enough to attend or not should be left up to them, not an assumption made by me.<br />
<br />
I also cringe at the thought of misguided individuals going out and trying to find more people of any demographic to make their "one" friend more comfortable. This is not okay. But people are dumb, and I can see some doing this in reaction to that article now...<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="giphy-embed" frameborder="0" height="194" src="https://giphy.com/embed/3oz8xTl6sGKbuRPDDW" width="480"></iframe><a href="https://giphy.com/gifs/gene-wilder-blazing-saddles-you-know-morons-3oz8xTl6sGKbuRPDDW">via GIPHY</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">All summed up:</span><br />
<br />
I guess the point of all this is, as a guest, it is not YOUR day. It is the bride and groom's day. Don't make it all about you before you are even invited. Everyone has reasons behind the choices for their own wedding day. If you want to make a list of "rules" someone should follow before inviting a person, make a list for yourself for YOUR wedding. Not others. <br />
<br />
At the end of the day: Be kind. Be a gracious guest. Understand that these two people probably spent thousands upon thousands on this party for you to come and have a free meal, dance, and be jolly celebrating their life event. If you can't do that for them without alcohol, or because a dog is carrying a ring, something is wrong and maybe you should just send a "regrets" RSVP, because you are not as dedicated of a friend as they are to you. Did you forget that was an option? Declining so they can make room for others on their list of potential invites? Be an adult who knows when to simply politely decline the invite.<br />
<br />
<br />
And if you are getting married, don't let articles like the one discussed here get you down. There are too many expectations for "proper" weddings without picking over these guest demands too. Make it the experience YOU want. If the classic wedding in a church and banquette hall is what you like, then that's great for you. If you want a vacation wedding on a beach, where the photography is done with a camera app on guests' phones, the music is shuffled on an ipod, and the bartender is the grocery store liquor section... that's cool too. Have the setting, music, food, and everything else you want. Let "Fido" bark down the aisle. Drink or don't drink, as you wish.<br />
<br />
Never forget whether or not it's YOUR wedding day.<br />
<br />
It's unfortunate how many people I won't be able to invite to my kick ass wedding someday, because by sharing or liking the article I picked apart here, they clearly don't want to participate. Their loss I suppose, but I hope they remember when the day comes that it was their choice.Liz Pennies.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14194943862816782560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430792692319562232.post-41301890144942698262017-03-22T12:53:00.001-07:002017-03-22T12:53:26.158-07:00International What Day?<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3k6ef" data-offset-key="mtvc-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
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<span data-offset-key="mtvc-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">I saw a lot of people criticizing "international women's day" this year. Some of them, women themselves. Most of them men. Let me start by saying this, you have a right to your opinion and I respect if you don't want to celebrate. However, knocking others observing the day is a little cringe worthy for me, and here is why.</span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="eu8e2-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">1. The main complaint I heard was in the name of "equality." Or more pointedly, "Pffft, international women's day? That's dumb! When is international men's day?"
This complaint is mostly about, if women don't want to be treated as "special" or "different, they need to stop demanding special treatment. But to all this I would have to respond: International Women's day was on March 8th, 2017 (this year.) International Men's Day is November 19th. Thanks for playing. And yes, I agree, if men can have an international day celebrating the extraordinary accomplishment of having a penis, then I guess in equality's name, we should have one for the counterpart vagina.
2. Having a "day" doesn't accomplish anything useful.</span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="eu8e2-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">You're not wrong. It is a pretty useless thing to just name a day in recognition of something and expect ALL of the problems facing that thing to just float away. February 4th is World Cancer Day, and yet, we still have cancer in the world. Guess that didn't solve much, huh? But who's to say? I mean, this does kind of give a time and place to set aside a few thoughts and maybe even a couple of dollars to research in combating cancer. Just like International Women's day kind of organized a time and encouraged a little bravery for the women of the world to voice opinions to newspapers, employers, legislators, etc. about oppressions that go unnoticed, equal pay, or reproductive health rights. Many times this day is used for women working at unfair wages or without recognition to go on strike to fight for the women in their company.
3. Having a "day" belittles women. It shouldn't be just one day but "always."</span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="eu8e2-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">I'm not sure what this complaint is exactly. I mean, yes, I agree that women should be appreciated just as much as anyone else in the world. There are many degrees to a spectrum for gender and sexuality, and each and every person, no matter their alignment on that spectrum should be treated as anything less than a person. Plain and simple. But "not" having a day? Come on. Turning a nose up at being given a day goes back to the equality thing. You can't want equality and then whine a stomp your feet when something is given to you. Imagine a room full of children being given candy. and when a child is missed they demand that it isn't fair that they didn't get what everyone else got. So, the adult hands them a piece of candy at the realization that the child was overlooked. Chances are, realizing that mistake is going to inspire the adult to pay closer attention next time to make sure no child is left out again, especially this child. But then the child complains that the candy isn't the flavor they wanted. They wanted the blue piece, not the orange. Well. Now they get nothing because the adult in charge of the candy is upset now for their efforts in remedying things not being good enough for the child. (Before you read too much into this metaphor I'm not trying to compare women to petulant children, or to paint men as the "adults." If anything "society at large" is the "adult" in this scenario, and behaving petty as well.) Problem is, this is a step backward for everyone. So I want to enlighten others to another way of thinking about "days."
We have a National Doughnut Day, June 8th
We have a National Talk like a Pirate Day, September 19th
We have a National "Color" day, October 22nd
I'll repeat that, we have a day set aside in the calendar to recognize that color exists. Now as an artist I am a huge fan of color. I like that it exists. But I'm pretty sure most of the world is already aware of the existence of color. I'm pretty sure having a day for it isn't accomplishing anything more or less than having a day set aside for recognizing being female or male. Pretty sure we would all survive if we didn't designate a day to recognize pirates or doughnuts too. But no one is getting up in arms about eliminating these days. Why? Because they are pretty harmless to just be left alone, right where they are, wouldn't you say?
But what does it say about our society when we have no problem allowing people to celebrate, "We Love Broccoli Day" (Today March 22nd 2017, yes it's real) but throw tantrums about people who are observing International Women's Day? Are women not as worthy of having a day marked on the calendar as Men, Doughnuts, Pirate Vocabulary, Pallets of Color, Lefthanders, Broccoli, Fried Chicken, "Sauntering," and more? Yes, some of those are pretty great and deserve a little recognition. I just think women are too. And while I may not recognize every "Day" on the list, I'm not going to sit here and lecture others for making the effort to celebrate something silly. We need a little more silliness in the world. And putting others down for an effort to raise awareness, raise funds, make change, or just to be a little silly at times... well that would be foolish.</span></div>
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Liz Pennies.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14194943862816782560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430792692319562232.post-23910329689069381162016-11-14T09:23:00.000-08:002016-11-14T13:13:07.034-08:00The Unfriend Zone<div class="MsoNormal">
Many tensions are high right now, and like many out there I felt a need to
unfriend people who voted for Trump.
This does not mean I don’t love these people or don’t wish them
well. I’m just as afraid for many of
them and the safety of their families as I am for my own and putting them in
the unfriend zone hurt me more than I can express. So if it hurt me to do so, why did I do it?
Well, put simply, I did not unfriend you because you voted for Trump, but to
protect myself and other loved ones.<br />
<br />
Let’s start off with the number one presumption and accusation. “All Trump supporters are, racist, xenophobic,
bigoted, evil, (insert the negative adjective here.)” No. Some are, some aren’t. To overgeneralize
everyone who voted for Trump as (any one of) these things is the same as
thinking all Mexicans are thieves and rapists, or all Muslims are
terrorists. This irony has not been lost
on me. No, I do not think all Trump
supporters are (again insert discordant adjective,) just like I can’t think all
Muslims are terrorists. In fact, leading up to the election I even went around
making sure people understood this about Trump supporters. My ENTIRE family
voted for the man and that gave me some insights and opportunities to sit down
with people and find out why they would vote for him if they aren’t racist etc.?
There are reasons, if we haven’t had the chance to talk about that yet I apologize
as this is not the time. This post is about why I would defend Trump supporters
one day and unfriend them the next.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Trump is the adult version of the prom King. The high school
leader of the In-Crowd, who not only sits at the cool kids’ table but is seen
as the one running the show. Is he a
bully? Maybe yes, maybe no. You’ve never seen him do any physical harm to
another personally. And maybe the only reason he says some of the outlandish
things he says is because, for whatever reason, he feels a need to impress some
of the people who sit at his table. That’s just business. He needs those votes
for prom king after all, and you’re okay with that because you understand this
political move. And hey, as long as you’re sitting at his table, he may let you
have some of the pizza he ordered and invite you to his kegger that weekend.
Good times are in store for you personally, and that’s what you need to focus
on during these tough times. You’re just doing what’s right for you. Yeah, yeah, you know he egged on a couple of
the others at the table to not let that “homo” from glee club get to his locker
after 5<sup>th</sup> period, but that’s <i>not</i>
your business. You personally don’t have
anything against gay people. In fact, you secretly can’t stand those two that
gave that kid a swirly. But who are you to say anything to the prom king about
reeling in those others at the table?
The prom king is your friend. Your compadre. He’s still got your vote and are those other
lackeys really <i>his</i> problem? Nah.<br />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal">
But they are. And for many, that’s exactly what those
protests are about. They aren’t just people whining that they didn’t get their
way. (And before you argue realize that if you want the benefit of the doubt
given to you, you must extend it as well. Don’t condemn others and then whine
about being condemned as a racist yourself.) Silence is a form of approval. If
you don’t speak up and say “hey, you’re my friend, but that’s not okay. Please
stop, it bothers me when you say racist stuff,” you’re going to be seen as
someone who is perfectly in alignment with those views. Those “friends” of
yours are never going to have a reason to stop giving swirlies to the gay kids,
or throwing spit wads at the kids who are black, or chanting about deportation at
the kids with parents from Mexico, or tripping the kids with disabilities. You
KNOW this. This is the same reason why so many of you have been shouting from
the rooftops that all the Muslim leaders and communities have to publicly
chastise those who are doing violence in the world.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Problem is, most of you haven’t even been saying, “Okay that’s
far enough. Reel it in, Trump.” Most of
you have not been telling Trump, now that it’s over, to start turning things
around. And that is scary, not only for myself, but for MANY that I love. So
yes, it’s likely that you were unfriended to protect myself and my other loved
ones, because honestly I’m not sure I
know who you are anymore or that I can really trust you. I have reason to
question it. As someone who works with
students with disabilities. As someone who has many friends who are either black,
Muslim, Latino, or gay or trans. Not only do I feel I’m at risk, but that my
friends are. This is a very slippery
slope we are on as a nation. And I am not required to give you access to my facebook, my friends list, and other information, that could potentially lead others to myself or my friends to be a victim of a
hate crime. Because yes, <i>you</i> may not be
a bigot, but I don’t know who is sitting at your table and can overhear things.
If that bully can see me post something they don’t agree with because you “liked,”
“reacted” to, or commented on it… now they can identify me. Now they can raise a stink about me working
in a school with their kids. Now a
racist or xenophobe may be able to know where all my friends who practice Wicca
are, or when I’m planning to meet a friend who happens to be black for
drinks. I will not put myself or others
in jeopardy like that.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now I have gotten a lot of interesting reactions to
this. People think I’m being childish,
or overreacting, or that I’m unfriending people because I don’t like that they
don’t agree with me 100%. That’s not the case anymore than it’s the case that
100% of Trump supporters are racists.<br />
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<div class="MsoNormal">
What I would like people to know and remember about me is, when I was in school I was
kind of the leader of the misfits. I had
friends who were in wheelchairs, or socially awkward, or who was the
only outed gay kid on the playground. I
tried my very best to rise up and defend them whenever I could. And what did it
get me? Relentless teasing. Books thrown at my head from the second story
stairwell. And when my mother found out that her favorite of my friends, whom
she even called “son,” was gay, he was suddenly no longer welcome in our home. People stood by and let it all happen, when
it could have been stopped with just a little speaking up for kindness. Now tell me how I’m overreacting when my life
experience and history identifies all of this as happening again.<br />
<br />
So, no, you are not the one throwing the books at my head. Not yet. But you
aren’t stepping up to stop it from happening either. Not yet, and honestly I
have very little reason to trust you to do so at this point. Here’s why:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">1. A great deal of trust has been betrayed.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Most of my friends have claimed to want to be
defenders of the environment, and rights of all people, not just themselves.
But have voted for someone who is appointing a climate change skeptic as leader
of the EPA and have promised to sign an act that will allow people discriminate
against others based on their religious views. That’s right, in case it escaped
your attention, Trump has promised to make it legal to be prejudiced against a
person based on a religious view and make it so that the government can’t
punish someone for telling me that because I’m divorced (and they don’t believe
in divorce) that I can’t work for them, or live in an apartment I apply for,
etc. (</span><a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/114th-congress/house-bill/2802/text" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">https://www.congress.gov/bill/114th-congress/house-bill/2802/text</a><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">)
</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">And the fact that the words in this
legislation are “or ACTS in accordance with beliefs,” How long will it be before
women are stoned because the old testament says she cannot divorce her husband
but has slept with another man?</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Or a man
is beaten in the street for loving another man.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">
</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Or “Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live,” (Exodus 22:18) remember that
classic? Please, tell me again how I’m overreacting and shouldn’t be afraid.</span><br />
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">2. All of Trump’s talk about the “media” lying and
urging people to cancel subscriptions to anything that says anything REMOTELY
negative or critical about him (whether true or not.) He has banned newspapers
from covering his campaign simply for having a headline he didn’t like. I’m a
writer. You are supporting censorship, and that scares me more than anything I
can possibly express. One day very soon
I could face some very serious consequences for writing things people don’t agree
with if our first amendment continues to be demolished this way.</span><br />
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">3. One of the reasons the polls so inaccurately
predicted Trumps victory is because so many felt they had to hide who they supported out of shame. Don't you feel that should
say something about who you supported. The
fact that you’ve only come out about it now that you feel validated by others who
also feel like you should say even more. And now you may understand why those who were so vocal about hate may feel validated enough to actually act on it now. It's what you're feeling but ten fold. So, no, just telling everyone you
aren’t racist or a bigot isn’t going to convince people when you are sitting at
the same table as them and doing nothing about it. People now have reason to suspect that you merely
have the decency to still feel some shame there in hiding at least that much.</span></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In summation of that, many of my “unfriends” have claimed to
be against abortion themselves, but told me that they think it’s every
individual’s very personal decision that should be left between her and her
doctor. I was okay that with that. Many
said even though they personally feel it’s a sin, they support the LGBTQ community and think they should be protected and
feel safe as American citizens as that’s their right. I was okay with that too. They said they are all for protecting the
environment. They said they respect
women and would never tolerate listening to a person disrespect a woman so
vulgarly because chivalry isn’t dead… But no matter how you want to spin it, at the end of the day, they
voted in a way that proved the opposite of these things they said to me, and I feel
like I don’t even know them anymore. And
if after years of friendship these people couldn’t be honest with me, why would
I want to continue that toxic of a relationship?</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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If you’re standing up for your religious and ethical beliefs
or principles by voting for Trump, that’s fine.
So am I by removing you from my friends list. And I’m sorry to say. You don’t get to criticize me for doing the
same thing you’re doing. Because the thing
is, after all that, how can I believe you?
How can I trust you? How can I
feel like when people like the KKK come for me because they don’t view me as a
“real” Christian, and I have friends who are black, gay, have had to have an
abortion, or because I own a tarot deck… How can I trust that you’ll help me
and not just say, “well, that sucks for you but I can’t get involved because I
have to think of the safety of my family.”
And yes, <i>of course</i> you do. But can I even trust you to not say, “hey, I
know where you can find her” to <i>really</i>
assure your own safety?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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So no. I haven’t unfriended
you because I don’t agree with your politics.
I just unfortunately feel a need to protect myself from everything you
voted against—everything that makes me… well, me. Against my home, my job, my health, my
well-being. You voted for a person who
has put those things at risk because it meant it was what was best for you. I
forgive you for doing that, but understand that unfriending you now is what is
best for me and the rest of my friends who I feel compelled to protect. You
have an entire government sworn to protect you now (at a cost to me.) I simply must take that action upon myself by
refusing access. By making my voice heard that this is not okay. And I know you feel like I am the one that is making us enemies here, but that's where we must simply agree to disagree.<br />
<br />
Be well, be safe, be happy, my "unfriends." I'm just as worried for you in these coming days.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
UPDATE: I have already encountered "I'm paranoid" responses. Well, as someone who has already lost jobs for sticking up for coworkers of various ethnicities, been blackmailed by a pastor, and had family shun me and give me an entire collection of Bibles in hopes to "reach" me... forgive me if I'm of the persuasion that it is better to hopefully just be paranoid and safe, than it is to be foolishly trusting and sorry.<o:p></o:p></div>
Liz Pennies.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14194943862816782560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430792692319562232.post-62888983733536394582015-08-22T17:00:00.002-07:002015-08-28T05:34:38.815-07:00Swagbucks Updated<span style="background-color: white;">So the Swagbucks site recently updated and that has caused a lot of pandemonia for many who have been using the site. In other words, many seem to be experiencing this:<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1TtGQnyPZ6g" width="560"></iframe></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">But change, especially THIS change, is nothing to be that concerned about. Most things are still on the site, and work exactly as they had before. The only things that are really that different are the layouts and how to earn with watching videos. So here are all the ins and outs of the NEW face of Swagbucks (as well as the old) and how I earn about $75+ a month.</span><br />
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<b style="background-color: white;">TIPS AND TRICKS</b></h4>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;">It took me a long time to figure out the ins and outs of the site on my own. And there's still more to learn! But these are some basics that will send you on your way and a step ahead of the rest.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">The best/fastest ways I find I earn are...</span><br style="font-size: 16px;" /><br style="font-size: 16px;" /><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;">1. </span><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Video Playlists</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"> in the "watch" tab</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"> </span> This is found to the left on your homescreen under "EARN"</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: 16px;"> -Every set of videos you watch will give you 1-3 swag bucks (depending on the length of the set.)</span><br style="font-size: 16px;" /><span style="font-size: 16px;"> -You don't have to watch each of the videos in full. You can either click on a set and let it autoplay and complete the list itself, or you can keep an eye on the tab and click to the next video in the set a little faster.</span><br style="font-size: 16px;" /><span style="font-size: 16px;"> -Either way, <u>Multitask </u>while doing this! Open a new tab for the other tasks that follow, and splitting screens also helps. Don't waste the time these videos are playing. Complete other tasks in the meantime!</span></span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13px;"> -</span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Come back to this tab at the end of the last video to select a new playset.</span><br /><br style="font-size: 16px;" /><span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">2. <b>Play/Games</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Again, t</span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 16.5454540252686px;">his is found to the left on your homescreen under "EARN"</span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> -Find the game called "Swag Jump." You will be awarded 2 swagbucks for every second game you play no matter how high or low you score. Just grab about five icons in the game and you'll be good.</span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> -Swagjump is the fastest that you can play and "lose on purpose" without consequences. Ie. you still earn.</span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> -There's a limit of 10 swagbucks per day for games. (In other words, 10 games earn 10 SB.)</span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> -It helps to let the game "rest" between rounds. Give the computer about 20 seconds or so before starting the next game so it knows that you completed the last round and thus should be credited the next. I've found if you play too many too fast the computer will think you're still on your first round.</span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br style="font-size: 16px;" /><br style="font-size: 16px;" /><span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 16.5454540252686px;">3. <b>Search</b> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 16.5454540252686px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">(located at the top of your homepage, in the box that says "web" and has light gray lettering "search the web &earn SB.") </span></span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 16.5454540252686px;"> <br /> </span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 16.5454540252686px;"> -It's just like you do with Google search. I usually sit back and just type in random words in the Swagbuck Search Bar. </span></span><span style="background-color: white;">It doesn't matter what you type in to search. It all works the same.</span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 16.5454540252686px;"> -Every so often it will reward me with anywhere from 5 to 30 swagbucks. Since the update I've been getting 12-15 SB pretty consistently</span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 16.5454540252686px;">. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="line-height: 16.5454540252686px;"> -SUPER easy but to make sure I don't go "too fast" or disqualify myself from the service I usually only let myself win once per day and give it a few seconds between each search. (though I think they allow up to 3 wins per day?)</span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 16.5454540252686px;"><br /></span></span></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 16.5454540252686px;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 16.5454540252686px;">4. "<b>Most Popular Ways to Earn</b>" is at the top of the main section of the home page. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 16.5454540252686px;"> -Here you will find 3 amazingly simple ways to earn. NGAGE, JUNGROUP, or DISCOVER/Watch and Earn. In short... look for these guys:</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkQALGcval08rl96sHnK6Esug28jsA2TL1DNvNE9kpm9axzuRdj3ACgKEcVkGmE7Yzwk_kFEPTbCsBBpgBltnBfbJTgfoFnYwpuflQzPydCN1BRWE6DFKUmU1NPByjuhDRQ07hE75n_ok/s1600/NGAGE+AND+JUNGROUP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="60" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkQALGcval08rl96sHnK6Esug28jsA2TL1DNvNE9kpm9axzuRdj3ACgKEcVkGmE7Yzwk_kFEPTbCsBBpgBltnBfbJTgfoFnYwpuflQzPydCN1BRWE6DFKUmU1NPByjuhDRQ07hE75n_ok/s320/NGAGE+AND+JUNGROUP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 16.5454540252686px;"> -I keep these ways to earn up on half of the screen with the "watch" videos open on the other half. Resize the windows to whatever fits your needs. You can pretty much hide the secondary windows (the windows that pop up after clicking next, altogether.) Just make those as small as you can on the screen so they don't annoy you. My desktop usually is laid out like this:</span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXxH1ozoh3J1u6YgPvwuGtKhXu_dXoGq9_jnMeC40SGc7KVgjWmJDT9rivpm2Eu-NQaA-1rIUtsfDvclGW3dA0smXgM7mHtxLi-Mw3JE3txPtcsGiTlN2reQgDJsUBIhEl4tMe_NNwvJ8/s1600/4+ways+to+earn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXxH1ozoh3J1u6YgPvwuGtKhXu_dXoGq9_jnMeC40SGc7KVgjWmJDT9rivpm2Eu-NQaA-1rIUtsfDvclGW3dA0smXgM7mHtxLi-Mw3JE3txPtcsGiTlN2reQgDJsUBIhEl4tMe_NNwvJ8/s640/4+ways+to+earn.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 16.5454540252686px;"><br /></span></span><br />And while I'm sure this looks overwhelming at first, it's REALLY simple after you make an attempt the first time or two. Then I sit back, watch tv or play a video game, and just wait for the buttons to turn green to click "Next" and earn effortlessly.<br /><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 16.5454540252686px;"> -You will either have to sample watch a few seconds of each video, or one commercial then click it to "interact" with an add to earn 2-3 swagbucks. This can make your earnings add up SUPER FAST when your doing all the tasks at once!</span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyAeMJq6XtP-p5yDZal89z0GFB3xT3_GUMjdx4tY__C-Ij1xEmz420wS6enB6GMMIaVwxJSu0QqfhKreb6oATzuzZvukFk0oCN_Q2emwi3sukgXfqPQ7pAhSTfZoM1_Vxyyyggsb-genE/s1600/NGAGE+AND+JUNGROUP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="display: inline !important; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"></span></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br style="font-size: 16px;" /><span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 16.5454540252686px;"><br />5 <b>Swag CODES</b></span><br style="font-size: 16px;" /><br style="font-size: 16px;" /><span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 16.5454540252686px;"> -There is a little "gear" icon at the top of your homepage where you enter it for free swagbucks. (Usually 3 or 4 each code.)</span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> -Sometimes codes are exclusive to certain countries, and some can only be redeemed through the mobile app, or the toolbar extension. But really a swag code is the easiest way to grab some pennies. Just copy and paste.<br /> -I find my swag codes through <a href="http://sbcodez.com/">http://sbcodez.com/</a> as it tells you where to enter it, who can redeem it, and when it expires.<br style="font-size: 16px;" /><br /><br style="font-size: 16px;" /><span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 16.5454540252686px;">6 <b>Shop.</b></span><br style="font-size: 16px;" /><span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 16.5454540252686px;"> -If you're going to shop at Kohls.com, Walmart.com, Bestbuy.com, Hotels.com.... etc. You get cash back by letting Swagbucks refer you to those sites.</span><br style="font-size: 16px;" /><span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 16.5454540252686px;"> -Installing the swagbucks toolbar extension for your browser helps to never miss one of these cash back opportunities too. Nearly everytime I visit a site that qualifies it asks me if I want to activate swagbucks shop and earn rewards before purchasing! YAY!</span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 16.5454540252686px;"><br /></span></span></span>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 16.5454540252686px;">7 </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 16.5454540252686px;"><b>SMARTPHONE TV APPS</b></span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 16.5454540252686px;"><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">(after downloading to your phone just sign in with your swagbucks sign in info. It automatically connects it to reward you.)</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 16.5454540252686px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 16.5454540252686px;"> SBMobile TV app</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 16.5454540252686px;"> -REALLY fast (use the skip feature) to earn 2 swagbucks every 5 videos.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 16.5454540252686px;"> -Unfortunately, this is only good if you have a smartphone with free wifi connection and has a limit of 36 swagbucks per day.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 16.5454540252686px;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span style="background-color: white;">EntertaiNow TV app</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> -This is similar to EntertaiNow, but has a daily limit that can change from day to day.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> -A little slower, as you have to complete 14 videos instead of 5, but there are fewer commercials</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> -Limit of 12 SB per day</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> There's also LifeStylz TV app and Sportly... and... really there are a lot. You could probably earn your daily goal easily off these alone!</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 16.5454540252686px;">8 </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 16.5454540252686px;"><b> Special Offers</b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 16.5454540252686px;"> Again to the left of the screen there will be a tab that says "Discover" under "Earn"</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 16.5454540252686px;"><br /></span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 16.5454540252686px;"> -Here is where you'll find a lot of videos and slideshows that are worth a swagbuck or two just for clicking on them. EASY BUCKS!!! (I like the "Radium One" tab in this feature.) You want to pay attention to the details of how to earn on each one before clicking though. Look for things that say "slideshow" or "video" in them.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> -The easiest earnings come from the videos, slideshows, and quizzes designed to help you "learn" about diabetes, or MS, or ADHD, or.... whatever. They're paid for by the pharmaceutical companies that run adds on those "educational" </span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 16.5454540252686px;"> -While yes, there are other "better paying" offers here too PROCEED WITH CAUTION. I really can't stress that you shouldn't fall into that trap, enough.</span></span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 16.5454540252686px;"> -Remember never enter a telephone number or credit card number unless REALLY MEANING TO. Even for "trial offers" They usually don't cancel on their own and you'll get a bunch of telemarketers calling your number if you aren't careful. Just remember this is not Swagbucks collecting that info, but the advertisers Hiring Swagbucks to connect them to you.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16.5454540252686px;"><br style="font-size: 16px;" /><span style="font-size: 16px;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16.5454540252686px;"><span style="font-size: 16px;"><b><u>OTHER IMPORTANT TIDBITS for earning:</u></b></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 16px;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /> -Pay attention to your "daily goal" meter at the top of the homepage. (Hover the mouse over it and it will reveal what your goal is for the day and track your progress towards it.)</span></b></span><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br style="font-size: 16px;" /><span style="font-size: 16px;"> *This is where the REAL bucks come in. If you meet your goal every day for 7 days, you will not only get your daily bonus but a winning streak bonus too.</span><br style="font-size: 16px;" /><span style="font-size: 16px;"> *Bonuses are credited to your account on the 5th of every month. So anything you earn the rest of this month will be credited by or on the 5th of next.</span></span></b></span></div>
<div style="font-size: medium; line-height: 16.5454540252686px;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 13px;"> </span><b> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*You only need to reach your first goal to have it count towards your winning streak, BUT, I recommend going for the second amount. The more you win the higher the goal becomes, and the higher the goal becomes the more your bonus will be. For a while I was at a second rung goal of 230 swagbucks a day, and that got me an extra 25 swagbucks a day. Doing the math, that was a bonus of 750 swagbucks a month, not counting winning streak.<br /> *Completing winning streaks are important.<br /> 7 days= 25sb<br /> 14 days= 100sb</span></b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> 21 days= 200sb</span></b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> a full month= 300sb</span></b></span></div>
<br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">-Stay away from the surveys! They are often pointless, really long, and usually "disqualify you" at the last second anyway. SUPER FRUSTRATING! This is the biggest complaint people have on this site.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 16.5454540252686px;">
<div style="font-size: 13px;">
<span style="background-color: white;"> <br style="font-size: 16px;" /><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">-Watch for CONTESTS. (Usually seen as an icon at the top left of your home screen.)</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br style="font-size: 16px;" /><span style="font-size: 16px;"> *You have to "sign up" or agree to be assigned a team. But in one of the last contests I got a bonus 100 swagbucks for being on the LOSING team. (The winning team got 500 I think.)</span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 16.5454540252686px;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><br style="font-size: 16px;" /><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">-NEVER ENTER CREDIT CARD info!----unless you're really meaning to buy something through the "Shop and Earn" feature. (I stay away from all the "special offers" things, as they can be very spammy.) Don't waste the money you're earning buy signing up for useless services!</span></span></span></div>
<h4 style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 24px; font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px; position: relative;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 16.5454540252686px;"><br /></span></h4>
<h4 style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 24px; font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px; position: relative;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 16.5454540252686px;"> -Redeeming for gift cards can seem tricky the first time and takes about a week to credit, so it's natural to be nervous. But just give them time to "process" your request. You'll get your money! And I will help you with all of that when you get there too!</span><u style="background-color: white;"><br /></u></h4>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 16.5454540252686px;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 16.5454540252686px;"><br /></span></div>
<h4 style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 24px; font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px; position: relative;">
<u style="background-color: white;">some FAQ</u></h4>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16.5454540252686px;"><b><br /></b></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16.5454540252686px;"><b>How do you get paid?: </b><br /> In "gift cards," or so they're called. But I usually select the PayPal gift card option, which deposits to my bank account after verifying with PayPal. It takes about 10 days for this processing to go through but it's never failed me yet.<br /><br /><b>Is it a scam?:</b><br />No, I have been paid every time I've requested my rewards and I've been doing this for a couple years now. (But you do have to be patient for processing sometimes. Remember they have THOUSANDS of prizes to process every day.)<br /><br /><b>How can they afford to pay people?: </b><br />Think of it this way--Have you noticed all the ads on facebook lately? Do you realize how much money Facebook is making off of that? Well, Swagbucks is a lot like Facebook, but without "friends" (or as much drama.) It's a social hub that advertisers are paying for space on, and Swagbucks is giving you a cut of that money as a reward for clicking on links, or shopping at certain stores. Swagbucks isn't really paying you, the advertisers are!<br /><br /><b>Do I have to enter a credit card or anything like that?: </b><br /> NO! AND DON'T EVER DO THAT! (See sections about Special Offers and Shopping)<br /><br /><b>How much are Swagbucks "worth?":</b></span><br style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16.5454540252686px;" /><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 15.5555562973022px;">Every 100 Swagbucks is about 1 dollar. So it's a slow build, but think of it like putting change in a piggy bank every day. It adds up FAST. I average $75 a month. (That's an extra $900 a year for doing practically nothing!)</span><br style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16.5454540252686px;" /><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16.5454540252686px;"><br /><b>How do I sign up?: </b><br />Easy. You can even connect it to your facebook account so you don't have a pesky login screen to type in each time. But if you could do my a HUGE favor, let me refer you! It will help us BOTH out in the long run. (Referrals earn 1 cent for every 10 cents you make outside of bonuses and similar earnings.) All it takes is you signing up via this link: <a href="http://www.swagbucks.com/refer/Katartr53190ive" style="text-decoration: none;">www.swagbucks.com/refer/Katartr53190ive</a><br /><br /><br />If you have more questions please leave them as comments. My referrals will have priority in Q&A of course.</span></span>Liz Pennies.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14194943862816782560noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430792692319562232.post-46959631285120948082015-08-04T10:25:00.001-07:002015-08-07T15:48:39.831-07:00To Breathe or... Dammit, Wisconsin!<img src="http://media2.fdncms.com/boiseweekly/imager/isaac-cordals-follow-the-leaders-berlin-germany-april-2011/u/magnum/3082286/climate_street_art_1.jpg" /><br />
<br />
This sculpture by Isaac Cordal pretty much sums up how many feel about the state of politics. Politics in the U.S. arena has become an American football game; everybody seems to love what's at the heart of it, but at the end of the day it's mostly about penalties, flags, replays, challenges, sponsorships, and watching the clock run down to the end of the quarter. And of course, on occasion you get some a-hole cheating by deflating the game ball, or pumping steroids. Point is, politics have become a game in this country, and nothing more. Many love the underdog but the rich kids with the best sponsors score the most often.<br />
<br />
But this sculpture is directed at a pretty specific subject hitting the political walls; climate change. And I think the statement the artist is making with this sculpture entitled, "Politicians Discussing Climate Change," is hitting things a bit on the nose this week.<br />
<br />
Recently the U.S. took a pretty small step in the direction of, well not "fixing" the problem, but maybe slowing it down a little. We have a new "plan" taking effect soon to limit carbon emissions from fossil fuel power plants. This plan has a deadline of a whopping 15 years. <br />
<br />
To see the announcement of this plan, you can watch this video... Just bear in mind that there will be a lot of videos in this post for full comprehension:<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/uYXyYFzP4Lc" width="560"></iframe><br />
<br />
If you want to fully understand what climate change is, why it's a problem, how we know it's happening, and the science behind it, I highly recommend watching this video. However it's an hour long, so if you have to save it for later and come back to it, just keep reading for now.<br />
<br />
Here's a very condensed version. Long story short, this is happening:<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6cjx4gJFME0" width="560"></iframe><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Now, why am I giving you the chance to educate yourself about all of this? And why now? Because for some unknown reason, Wisconsin Governor, and now Presidential Candidate, Walker, has decided the correct way to react is by joining a lawsuit against the Environmental Protection Agency. Yeah... For citizens of WI this shouldn't come as that much of a shock to those who know about his history with the Department of Natural Resources in WI--though it's still something alarming.<br />
<br />
While the EPA's Clean Air Plan is being considered "innovative" as it is the first federal requirement, it is NOT the first plan in the United States. In fact there was a suit not too long ago (in 2004) in which 8 states sued major power companies to reduce their air pollution, during which, not one of the defendants denied that climate change is occurring. In fact, many power companies have already begun reductions, and have come up with plans for doing more for "clean energy" in the future. (You kind find all this information in that PBS documentary shown above. <br />
<br />
The point is, there is very little argument on that end--which leaves me very confused about presidential candidate Walker's response and joining a lawsuit against this plan of action:<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 24px; text-align: justify;">
<i style="color: #212121; line-height: 32px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“Yet again, President Obama is taking unilateral action and overstepping the limits of his authority to pursue a political agenda. The Obama Administration ignored the significant, overriding issues that will increase costs for Wisconsin ratepayers by up to $13 billion, unnecessarily harming families and killing manufacturing jobs.</span></i><i style="color: #212121; line-height: 32px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">We will examine the final plan in detail, but clearly Wisconsin’s extensive, constructive comments to the EPA have fallen on deaf ears in Washington.</span></i><i style="color: #212121; line-height: 32px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Wisconsin has taken every opportunity to express that the Obama Administration is not only exceeding its authority by issuing the EPA’s final rule, but is pursuing the least efficient way to make environmental gains.</span></i><i style="color: #212121; line-height: 32px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Today, I am asking the Attorney General to take immediate action to protect Wisconsin ratepayers and workers from the devastating impacts of the Obama Administration’s actions.</span></i><i style="color: #212121; line-height: 32px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">In addition, I am directing the Department of Natural Resources to work with the Public Service Commission to evaluate the financial impact of the final rule.” </span></i><span style="background-color: transparent;"> </span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 24px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; line-height: 32px;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: xx-small;"><i><a href="http://fox6now.com/2015/08/03/clean-power-plan-pres-obama-unveils-major-climate-change-proposal-gov-walker-responds/" target="_blank">*Source -- http://fox6now.com/2015/08/03/clean-power-plan-pres-obama-unveils-major-climate-change-proposal-gov-walker-responds/</a></i></span></span></blockquote>
So let me calm a few feelings you may be experiencing from that statement down before you keep reading. <br />
<br />
1. Yes there may be a <i>small</i> increase in some costs while we adjust to the new plan, but that will not be anywhere near the the number Walker made up in this statement. It will not cost WI 13 billion, and nor will it destroy jobs. People want to live and work in a place that they can also breathe. If anything, the formerly pristine state would draw more to it for it's environmental hospitality. And our individual health care costs will decrease. (Again watch the PBS video to find out why allergies and asthma are becoming more of a problem)<br />
<br />
2. It's a joke that Walker wants anyone to take his comment about working with the DNR seriously. He fired half of the DNR scientific staff on April 22nd of 2015. (Earth Day.) <br />
<br />
3. Walker doesn't just "seem to think" but he KNOWS without a doubt that if he uses language that associates this EPA plan with President Obama, the people who already hate Obama will automatically side with Walker without giving it much more thought. Don't fall for that. You're better than that. Take the issue out of the political realm and simply decide if breathing clean air is something you want for you and your children.<br />
<br />
And 4. We have 15 years to take action with implementing a plan of choosing for each state. That's right, each state is being allowed the flexibility and a large degree of autonomy in this "plan" so the states can do what is right for them and their citizens. Think about this. 15 years ago, a CD walkman with "no skip" feature was the height of personal tech. Now we have phones that can email, take and edit photos, show our faces while talking to a person, and store thousands of songs and videos for our entertainment in our pockets. Imagine the technology that can come along in that time! 15 years is a long time to work on low cost and efficient energy tech.<br />
<div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17.5636348724365px;">But it's simple really. We NEED to keep our air clean! I like breathing, and not getting cancer for doing so. I find it funny that the state I live in banned smoking in all public buildings, but is joining a lawsuit against keeping these other harmful emissions under control. It's the future, here and now, and there are alternatives to power sources that are cleaner and wiser. And if you want to make this an "economy" justification let me stop you right there and explain how </span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="color: #141823; display: inline; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17.5636348724365px;">this lawsuit will HURT not help our economy for YOU.<br /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 17.5636348724365px;"><br />Besides a good economy is a scapegoat, BS, buzzword catch-all, political entity anyhow. I mean... China has a booming economy, right? Always lending us money? Okay. I'll go with that for now. However, that doesn't mean that the people of China are well off. The average pay in 2012 (most updated figure found) was the equivalent of 4,755 dollars. And yes, limiting pollution and such out there has been known to have some negative effect on the "economy" overall. But as pointed out, a good economy doesn't equate to decent living wages or conditions. I encourage you to take a look at the article I'm posting as the first comment on this to see what it's like in China. Pay attention to #1 in that article. They have a FAKE SKYLINE for tourists to take pictures with because their air pollution is SO BAD you can't see it properly.</span></span></div>
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<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17.5636348724365px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<br />
The economy doesn't have to hurt as a result here. We have skilled workers such as laborers, scientists, technicians, etc... to build, run and maintain new solar plants, and wind farms. It's an opportunity to create new jobs in place of the old ones. No one looked at the automobile and said, "But what are the people that make horse buggies going to do now!? Stop the popularity of the automobile!" No, people adapted and so did the workforce around it.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17.5636348724365px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<br />
The bottom line is, I want to be able to swim in lakes, go for a run, eat picnics, and see the stars! And those things are priceless to me! <span style="line-height: 17.5636348724365px;">Tell Walker, and the other 4 Governors in this lawsuit that are trying to stop progress, that you don't support what they are doing. Not supporting a single decision they make doesn't have to mean you don't support THEM, but let them know what you care about so they can too. </span><span style="line-height: 17.5636348724365px;">Tell them that you don't want your tax dollars going to waste paying for a lawsuit that will only prolong the inevitable. More efficient and cleaner power will happen eventually. Let's not leave our states having to play catch up with the rest.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17.5636348724365px;">
<br /></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17.5636348724365px;">Tell them that you like to breathe.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 16.5454540252686px;">Also, for the science about the ozone layer and how cfc's affect it, you can try and wrap your head around this (which is college freshmen level intro to chemistry btw.)</span></span><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/k2kpz_8ntJY" width="420"></iframe></span></div>
</div>
Liz Pennies.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14194943862816782560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430792692319562232.post-56399169518383336642015-07-13T13:43:00.002-07:002015-08-04T05:23:14.694-07:00The "Semi-Colon" and Tattoos<div class="_209g _2vxa" data-block="true" data-offset-key="71ocl-0-0" data-reactid=".vd.1:4:1:$replies876748862416779_877339439024388:0.1:4.0.$right.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.$editor0.0.0.$71ocl" style="background-color: white; direction: ltr; position: relative;">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<img src="http://lifepanda.19881.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/semicolon-tattoo-3.jpg" height="400" width="298" /><br />
<br />
I've been reading a lot of controversy lately about the Semi
Colon Tattoo. People hate it, people
love it, and people are fighting over it.
For me, possibly the most ironic thing realized while reading the slew
of hateful internet comments about the punctuation mark tat, is that the grammar
and spelling in those comments are so atrocious that I can't believe that any
of these individuals would know what a semicolon is or how to properly use it
in a sentence anyway.<o:p></o:p></div>
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For those of you who don't understand grammar rules surrounding the semicolon, I'll just
leave this here: <a href="http://theoatmeal.com/comics/semicolon">http://theoatmeal.com/comics/semicolon</a> Explore at your own pace.<br />
<br />
<img alt="Weird" src="http://s3.amazonaws.com/theoatmeal-img/comics/semicolon/how.png" height="307" width="400" /><o:p></o:p></div>
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So, here is the reason for the controversy. (For those of you
who are in need of playing catch up.) This hated-by-college-professors-everywhere punctuation mark is being caught in a tug of war struggle between two main
factions. First there are those who have lost a portion
of their colon (the organ) due to any disease, (though mostly cancer or
crohn's victims.) This is a quite
literal and clever play on the symbol's name: semi-colon. Ha! Get it? Because they, or someone they love, don't have a whole, functioning.... ah, nevermind...<br />
The other faction trying to stake a claim on the mark is all about suicide
prevention and mental health, and thus they are emphasizing the metaphoric rule
of the semicolon: where you thought a
sentence would have ended it continues anew. It wasn't the end at all! Surprise! Just like you thought you were gonna... um, well... yeah...<br />
<br /></div>
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Now let me say right now that BOTH are worthy causes, and worthy
of claiming the mark. (Even if you don't
understand how to use it in an actual sentence.) I have lost friends and loved ones to
suicide. I have lost friends and loved
ones to colon cancer. It doesn't matter
who had "claimed" the mark first.
There is room for BOTH factions. After all that's what a semicolon does, you idiots! It takes two separate clauses and joins them
together showing they are related though stand on their own.
Members of both factions have faced hardships and have overcome, or
continue to struggle to overcome, them.
It is so insanely silly that people who have been through hell and back
would point fingers at the other party and say, "how dare you use the same
symbol I use." Especially when it
could be seen as something beautiful that brings these individuals together. Surviving, or battling darker days.<o:p></o:p></div>
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So, here are a few rules and tips I'm putting into place for
a better, and more peaceful understanding of all this commotion.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->1.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->How to tell the difference.<br />
A person who has a missing portion of their colon will likely place the tattoo
on a shoulder, or arm, or stomach, or just about anywhere, really.
Meanwhile a person raising awareness for suicide prevention often has
the mark across their wrist. It’s
something easily visible to them when reaching for a razor blade or bottle of
pills, hopefully stopping them—savvy?<o:p></o:p></div>
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2.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Don't get one of these tats if you can't handle questions
about it! Or at least get it in a
discreet place that won’t prompt unwanted questions. People are going to be curious about any
tattoo. It’s natural to ask, and getting
affronted is not going to help anyone.
Unless if they are being jerks about it, look at it as an opportunity to
educate others and raise awareness for your cause. (Which is why many people are getting the
tattoos in the first place. Duh! Raising awareness!)<o:p></o:p></div>
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3.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Don't assume you know what it means. If you haven’t caught on by now, (then I don’t
know what you’ve been reading this whole time,) but two very different factions
are at war over claiming this symbol at the moment. If you see a person with this symbol tattooed on their person, it could be for either thing. Or maybe they just like grammar. Who knows!? Ask if you really must!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
4.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span>And Lastly, don't hate on someone for putting a visual
reminder of a hardship they lived through on their body. I already explained
that there is room for both groups in this.
The symbol can join them, and keep them separate at the same time. But that’s not what this rule/tip is
about. This is for all the haters out
there who are saying this is a horrible “attention seeking” tattoo—especially for
those facing suicidal thoughts. Raising awareness, is not the same as "attention seeking," and neither is reminding yourself of the potential for better days ahead.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />
I read so many comments like this
one responding to an article about suicide awareness/prevention, (I left the
bad grammar intact of course): <br />
<br />
<i>“Can do it without a tattoo. Don't need to come
part of a fashion and show off the fact you had something hard to deal with in
your life and just like the attention of it. Grow up. People love drama. Just
get on with it. You ent the only ones how have problems. Shit happens. Deal
with it and move on. Having this tat means you keep that shitty past with you
forever.”</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />
To this ignorant comment I had the
pleasure of responding: <br />
<br />
<i>“Or it's a
reminder that whatever happened before, wasn't the end. There is always more to be said. A happier life to move forward to. I find it funny that the tattoo is supposed
to represent exactly what you're saying. 'Move on with your story.' Some people just need to remind themselves that. Everyday.
If YOU can do it without a tattoo, then bully for you. Why tear down others that need a little help,
or reminding?<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i><br />“Oh, and just FYI... one of the demographics that have the highest
statistics for suicide rate?
Veterans. 1 takes his or her own
life every 65 minutes. Way to be a dick
and tell people to "just get over" the suffering they did on YOUR
behalf.”</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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The long of short of it is…
If you are an individual who has been lucky enough to not deal with
either of these issues, suicide or surgery, then shut up. You don’t know what you’re talking about, and
hopefully never will. You may be right, “everyone has problems.” There’s just no need to add on to someone
else’s pile, okay? Don’t be a dick. And if you’re an individual that falls into one
of the demographics using this symbol as a tattooed reminder, remember that there
is room for everyone. You, of all people, should know that life is far too short to be petty and angry over a tiny little
mark that so few know how to properly use in a sentence to begin with.<br />
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Liz Pennies.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14194943862816782560noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430792692319562232.post-326785957675167972015-02-11T20:12:00.002-08:002015-02-11T20:12:30.170-08:00Financial Responsibility, Special Needs, and Politics.<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.4559993743896px; margin-bottom: 6px;">
For those of you who don't know what I do for a living right now (putting myself through school) it's teaching/tutoring students with disabilities. This ranges from visual impairments, hearing impairments, autism spectrum, down syndrome... you get the idea... UWW Whitewater is one of the most accessible schools in the country for students with disabilities. We have a champion wheelchair basketball team, 15 miles of sidewalk to assist mobility, and more. I'm proud of where I work and what I do. It's hard, stressful, and pays hardly more than minimum wage after years of working there and becoming the lead of my department, but that's okay. I do it because I know I'm damn good at it, and these kids need me. I've been told time and time again by my students that I'm the best tutor they've ever had and I'm the most requested tutor for CSD. So yes, damn proud.<br /></div>
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Now here's what's bothering me right now... There are rumors. So far, they are just rumors, yet to be confirmed, but circulating none the less, that the 300 million dollar budget cuts are going to effect Students with Disabilities most. Why? Because currently the standards for accessibility laws are somewhat lacking. In other words, all we do at our campus to make our students feel comfortable and give them an equal chance at education is considered "excessive." And since we've already cut and stripped every other area of campus to bare minimum over the past few years, this is one of the only area left to take a hard hit. But I'll say again, this is a "rumor" at present, unconfirmed. Unfortunately a very likely to be true one. But rumor or not, my students are coming to me for answers in a panic, which makes focusing on their studies all the more difficult. And even if I did have answers, I am strictly forbidden from discussing the budget, or politics with any of them per regulations of our department.<br /></div>
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So, I am discussing this here, raising my voice so all can understand the impact of certain actions. I know this may alienate me from some of you, and know many of you may want to end your friendship with me after this. I know some of you will want to believe none of this is true and listen to commercials and political sound bytes that make you feel warm and cozy about this travesty instead of hearing out someone directly reporting as an eyewitness. That's up to you. And I can't blame you. Ignorance is bliss. If I could turn a blind eye and live in a world of make-believe, maybe temptation would get the best of me to do exactly that. But I can't.<br /></div>
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Bottom line is, we want our cake and to eat it too. And our governor has promised both. And it's true, property taxes have lowered as a result of these budget cuts. A whole five dollars. A future is being stolen from many students so the average property tax holder can afford one more meal at a fast food restaurant. That's what was voted for, but it doesn't have to be this way.<br /></div>
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Now I'm not proposing that anyone go out and march and make attempts at recalls. That costs everyone time, energy, and money that we just don't have. What I am proposing is, if this is really a matter of just 5 dollars a person, that means we can save our university system without all that fuss.<br /></div>
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Currently, the Whitewater campus is in desperate need of repairs. Particularly in the building that house the English, Math, and Language courses, as well as the Library, but these are far from the only buildings in desperate need. In fact the only two buildings on campus in a range of good to excellent condition are the University Center and Hyland (the building dedicated to accounting and business) which are both soon to suffer along with the rest as well, I'm sure. By donating directly to the UW schools, we can fix this, together.<br /></div>
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But please, more than anything, keep all of this in mind when the next vote comes around. Don't let our nation go in the same direction that our state is slipping. Right now the Governor is giving more attention to his potential bid at the presidency than the job he's being payed for--but that's politics and not surprising. If you type in the words "donate to" on Google the top suggested result is currently "Scott Walker." Please, consider what is more important to dedicate your money to, and who is responsible for the need in the first place when the next election comes around.</div>
Liz Pennies.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14194943862816782560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430792692319562232.post-6657156774621161362014-09-18T09:20:00.001-07:002014-10-29T07:16:56.234-07:00What is Swagbucks and Why do I Keep Talking About It?<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">(Skip to FAQ and Earning tips if you just want the short story.)<br /><br />Okay, so getting down to the crux of things, I'm an adult student with no support from parents or family, and college education is very expensive--about 4,000 dollars per semester for tuition only. (And that's at a State school!) So, I need to be frugal about spending and any opportunity I have to make a little extra cash is something I pounce on. After all, as an adult you have some additional obligations and bills that the average college student can get away without too much worry. For example, I can't really comfortably live in the dorms with a meal plan. I need an apartment, complete with furnishings, pot and pans, a car, etc... However, flexibility is ALSO an issue as I need to work a schedule around classes, and group activities. How have I done this so far? I tutor at the Center for Students with Disabilities with the college I attend. And while I can make my own schedule and have risen in ranks a notch or two now, it still only pays slightly above minimum wage and between work and school and homework I'm scheduled over 60 hours per week. Of which I'm only getting paid 20 or so. So how do I make ends meet?<br /><br />Swagbucks helps.<br /><br />There's a lot of conflicting opinion about Swagbucks out there. (Mostly because some people think it's a get-rich-quick scam or pyramid scheme. It's not. I make about 75 dollars a month doing it in those little "down time" moments I have to spare in my day. Mostly while waiting for class to start or a student to show up to our appointment. Or even while watching TV sometimes (because I don't even really have to pay that close attention to what I'm doing with the site anymore. Just a lot of pointing and clicking.) But whenever I talk to someone about this I always seem to get the same questions.</span><br />
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<u><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">FAQ</span></u></h4>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>How do you get paid?: </b><br /> In "gift cards," or so they're called. But I usually select the PayPal gift card option, which deposits to my bank account after verifying with PayPal. It takes about 10 days for this processing to go through but it's never failed me yet.<br /><br /><b>Is it a scam?:</b> <br />No, I have been paid every time I've requested my rewards. (But you do have to be patient for processing sometimes. Remember they have THOUSANDS of prizes to process every day.)<br /><br /><b>How can they afford to pay people?: </b><br />Think of it this way--Have you noticed all the ads on facebook lately? Do you realize how much money Facebook is making off of that? Well, Swagbucks is a lot like Facebook, but without "friends" (or as much drama.) It's a social hub that advertisers are paying for space on, and Swagbucks is giving you a cut of that money as a reward for clicking on links, or shopping at certain stores. Swagbucks isn't really paying you, the advertisers are!<br /><br /><b>Do I have to enter a credit card or anything like that?: </b><br /> NO! AND DON'T EVER DO THAT! (See section about Special Offers, Shopping and Credit Cards at very bottom of screen.)<br /><br /><b>How much are Swagbucks "worth?":</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 15.5555562973022px;">Every 100 Swagbucks is about 1 dollar. So it's a slow build, but think of it like putting change in a piggy bank every day. It adds up FAST.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><b>How do I sign up?: </b><br />Easy. You can even connect it to your facebook account so you don't have a pesky login screen to type in each time. But if you could do my a HUGE favor, let me refer you! It will help us BOTH out in the long run. (Referals earn 1 cent for every 10 cents you make outside of bonuses and similar earnings.) All it takes is you signing up via this link: <a href="http://www.swagbucks.com/refer/Katartr53190ive">www.swagbucks.com/refer/Katartr53190ive</a><br /><br /><br />If you have more questions please leave them as comments. My referals will have priority in Q&A of course.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">TIPS AND TRICKS</span></b></h4>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">It took me a long time to figure out the ins and outs of the site on my own. And there's still more to learn! But these are some basics that will send you on your way and a step ahead of the rest.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: 16px;">The best/fastest ways I find I earn are...</span><br style="font-size: 16px;" /><br style="font-size: 16px;" /><span style="font-size: 16px;">1. clicking videos in the "watch" tab</span><br style="font-size: 16px;" /><span style="font-size: 16px;"> -Every ten videos you watch will give you 3 swag bucks.</span><br style="font-size: 16px;" /><span style="font-size: 16px;"> -You don't have to watch the WHOLE video. Just wait for the little green circle on the "SB METER" at the top of the video screen to fill in and click the next one in line.</span><br style="font-size: 16px;" /><span style="font-size: 16px;"> -I keep sound off</span><br style="font-size: 16px;" /><br style="font-size: 16px;" /><span style="font-size: 16px;">2. Play</span><br style="font-size: 16px;" /><span style="font-size: 16px;"> -There is a game called Swag Jump. You will be awarded 2 swagbucks for every other game you play no matter how high or low you score. Just grab about five icons in the game and you'll be good.</span><br style="font-size: 16px;" /><span style="font-size: 16px;"> -Swagjump is the fastest that you can play and "lose" without consequence.</span><br style="font-size: 16px;" /><span style="font-size: 16px;"> -There's a limit of 10 swagbucks per day for games. (In other words, 10 games earn 10 SB.)</span><br style="font-size: 16px;" /><br style="font-size: 16px;" /><span style="font-size: 16px;">3. Search</span><br style="font-size: 16px;" /><span style="font-size: 16px;"> -Just like you do with Google search. I usually sit back and just type in random words in the Swagbuck Search Bar. Every so often it will reward me with anywhere from 5 to 30 swagbucks. SUPER easy, I usually win about 10 each time.</span><br style="font-size: 16px;" /><br style="font-size: 16px;" /><span style="font-size: 16px;">4. "Swag Guy" is on the front page. And just a generic term the community gave this picture.</span><br style="font-size: 16px;" /><span style="font-size: 16px;"> -This one is a little trickier, but FAST.</span><br style="font-size: 16px;" /><span style="font-size: 16px;"> -I tend to keep this function up on half of the screen with the "watch" videos open on the other half. (double your earnings/half the time.)</span><br style="font-size: 16px;" /><span style="font-size: 16px;"> -You will either have to sample watch a few seconds of videos, or one commercial then click it to "interact" with an add to earn 2 swagbucks.</span><br style="font-size: 16px;" /><br style="font-size: 16px;" /><span style="font-size: 16px;">5 Swag CODES</span><br style="font-size: 16px;" /><span style="font-size: 16px;"> -Follow Swagbucks on Facebook and Twitter or install the Swagbucks extension on your browser to be alerted to "codes"</span><br style="font-size: 16px;" /><span style="font-size: 16px;"> -There is a little "gear" icon at the top of your homepage where you enter it for free swagbucks. (Usually 3 or 4 each code.)</span><br style="font-size: 16px;" /><br style="font-size: 16px;" /><span style="font-size: 16px;">6 Shop.</span><br style="font-size: 16px;" /><span style="font-size: 16px;"> -If you're going to shop at Kohls.com, Walmart.com, Bestbuy.com, Hotels.com.... etc. You get cash back by letting Swagbucks refer you to those sites.</span><br style="font-size: 16px;" /><span style="font-size: 16px;"> -Installing the swagbucks toolbar extension for your browser helps to never miss one of these cash back opportunities too. Everytime I visit a site that qualifies it asks me if I want to activate swagbucks shop and earn rewards before purchasing! YAY!</span><br style="font-size: 16px;" /><br style="font-size: 16px;" /><span style="font-size: 16px;">7 SBMobile TV app</span><br style="font-size: 16px;" /><span style="font-size: 16px;"> -REALLY fast (skip feature) to earn 2 swagbucks every 5 videos.</span><br style="font-size: 16px;" /><span style="font-size: 16px;"> -Unfortunately, this is only good if you have a smartphone with free wifi connection and has a limit of 36 swagbucks per day.</span><br style="font-size: 16px;" /><br style="font-size: 16px;" /><span style="font-size: 16px;">8 Special Offers</span><br style="font-size: 16px;" /><span style="font-size: 16px;"> -There will be a tab that says "Discover" and "Special Offers is under that</span><br style="font-size: 16px;" /><span style="font-size: 16px;"> -Here is where you'll find a lot of videos and things that are worth a buck or two just for clicking on them. EASY BUCKS!!! (I like the "Radium One" tab in this feature.)</span><br style="font-size: 16px;" /><span style="font-size: 16px;"> -There are other "better paying" offers here too BUT PROCEED WITH CAUTION</span><br style="font-size: 16px;" /><span style="font-size: 16px;"> -Remember never enter a telephone number or credit card number unless REALLY MEANING TO. Even for "trial offers" They don't cancel on their own most times and you'll get a bunch of telemarketers calling your number if you aren't careful. Just remember this is not Swagbucks collecting that info, but the advertisers Hiring Swagbucks to connect them to you.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br style="font-size: 16px;" /><span style="font-size: 16px;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 16px;"><b><u>OTHER TIDBITS:</u></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br style="font-size: 16px;" /><span style="font-size: 16px;"> -Stay away from the surveys. They are often pointless, really long, and usually "disqualify you" at the last second anyway. SUPER FRUSTRATING!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br style="font-size: 16px;" /><span style="font-size: 16px;"> -Pay attention to your "daily goal" meter on the left hand side of the homepage. </span><br style="font-size: 16px;" /><span style="font-size: 16px;"> *This is where the REAL bucks come in. If you meet your goal every day for 7 days, you will not only get your daily bonus but a winning streak bonus too.</span><br style="font-size: 16px;" /><span style="font-size: 16px;"> *Bonuses are credited to your account on the 5th of every month. So anything you earn the rest of this month will be credited on the 5th of next.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br style="font-size: 16px;" /><span style="font-size: 16px;"> -Watch for CONTESTS. (Usually seen as an icon at the top left of your home screen.)</span><br style="font-size: 16px;" /><span style="font-size: 16px;"> *You have to "sign up" or agree to be assigned a team. But last month I got a bonus 100 swagbucks for being on the LOSING team. (The winning team got 500 I think.)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br style="font-size: 16px;" /><span style="font-size: 16px;"> -NEVER ENTER CREDIT CARD ----unless you're really meaning to buy something through the "Shop and Earn" feature. (I stay away from all the "special offers" things. It's very spammy.)</span><br style="font-size: 16px;" /><span style="font-size: 16px;"> -Redeeming for gift cards is tricky the first time and takes about a week to credit, so I was nervous my first time. But just give them time to "process" your request. You'll get your money!</span></span></div>
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Liz Pennies.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14194943862816782560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430792692319562232.post-11338812243746081012013-06-29T17:28:00.003-07:002013-06-29T17:35:05.720-07:00GETTING REMARRIED<div class="MsoNormal">
Hahahaha.... no. I'm FAR from tying a second knot. But I won't pretend like the potential of a
second marriage hasn't crossed my mind from time to time. More just the party planning portion of it
than any imaginings of a second marriage.
You know, the FUN part. Because It's natural to imagine yourself in
other's shoes and, after all, it does seem like just about everyone I know is
either getting married, remarried, or even having kids soon. With so many wedding preparations abounding,
it's easy to think, what would <i>you</i> do
if it were your shindig? (And if you read this to the end, I promise to elaborate on some of those fun bits of what I would plan.) </div>
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As a little kid I was never the kind of girl to dress in
white and pretend to have a wedding with a bunch of stuffed animals in
attendance. Nope. I was much more the girl to imagine having
super powers or battling dragons, and fantasize about growing up to someday own
my own movie theater that would have an automatic delivery system so you could
order popcorn or even pizza right from your seat. Yup, I was apparently fervently determined to
contribute to the nation's obesity epidemic.
Not much has changed since childhood.
Well, minus the thinking robotic food services are a good idea... I'm still that bull headed kid that imagines
awesome adventures and fun gadgets. Deep
down, (or maybe not so deep,) I'm still that kid that sees a whole world through
a lens of imagination and promise. Which
is exactly why I'll likely never get married again, despite having an entire
wedding near planned out.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>SECOND PLACE.</b></span></div>
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As mentioned earlier, I keep seeing friends marry and
remarry. It's all fine and dandy. I'm happy for them. But sometimes it bothers me. Not in an envious way by any means. More in a, <i>you were divorced for all of two minutes and met the REAL "love of
your life</i>" <i>already?</i>, kind of
way. I just feel people jump into some
commitments WAY too fast. Because I'm
pretty certain that you referred to your last husband or wife as the "love
of your life" once upon a time too.
It comes off as less genuine and more of you and your ex racing to see
which of you can find someone to rub in the other's face first, or you just
being too uncomfortable to be without someone.
...I can think of better reasons for getting married again.</div>
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On the same note I can't stand when people approach
relationships like job interviews and when asked why they're remarrying answer,
"well, he gives me flowers, and has a steady job and is good with kids/animals..." Nothing makes me wince more. This is not a position you're filling! If your answer is anything less than,
"Because he makes me feel like I can reach out and touch the moon if I
really wanted to, and makes me so happy I can't stand it!" you might want
to take a step back and reevaluate the partnership. Because I'm pretty sure I'm capable of buying
my own gorram flowers, establishing my own career, and taking Fido to the vet.</div>
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Me? I've never been
so happy to be single. I'm not saying I
would turn my nose up at a relationship if it came along. I can picture myself happy that way too. But I will say, if I had someone in my life I
probably wouldn't be as focused on my schoolwork, nor would I feel as free to go
to Japan. Why? Because the kind of guy (once in a
relationship) that is supportive of such things (I've found in my personal
experience) is rare indeed. These last
five years of being single gave me ample opportunity to explore the world and
discover myself all over again. And in
that five years, I've come to realize what I've worked for and what I
deserve. And that's first place.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>WHAT IS "FIRST PLACE?"</b></span></div>
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Good question. And
perhaps the best way to define "first place" is by recognizing if
you're second place. <br />
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<ul>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.5in;"> Second place is when you're with
someone as the consolation prize. They
actually wanted Jane Smith, but after a lengthy failed pursuit, decided to
settle for you instead. </span></li>
</ul>
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<ul>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.5in;"> Second place is when you are dedicated to a relationship, but your husband or
wife is dedicated to their job, (not even career but "job") and their
family (not counting you as family,) or their friends, or their hobbies... or
basically EVERYTHING under the sun except you, first. There has to be balance and these other things
need ample attention too. But I had once
listened to several years of "(insert random activity or weather condition
or...) is only good for a few weeks, and we have all the time in the
world." Well... apparently we don't. I've never had a relationship where something
or someone wasn't a higher priority than I was 100% of the time, and I refuse
to pander to that kind of "partnership."</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.5in;"> Second place is when YOU'RE the one that "filled the position." If you think your partner is more interested
in your character traits or skills than they are in you? Don't settle.
You deserve someone that loves you.
Not someone that's "hiring" you. As much as you may be in love with that
person and thinking, </span><i style="text-indent: -0.5in;">well as long as
their mine what does it matter the reason why/maybe they'll grow to love me... </i><span style="text-indent: -0.5in;"> I promise you in five years or so, you aren't
going to feel that way. You're going to
get tired of waiting for them to catch up to where you are emotionally, and
resentful if they haven't. I remember
during my divorce talking with my ex about different ways he can replace the
things I was always doing for him.
Dishwasher and laundry service kind of jokes. (We tried to get through things with a sense
of levity.) But I'll always remember when
I suggested restaurant food he replied "Yeah, but restaurants don't cook as
good as you." ...My head heard the
compliment. My heart heard something
different. I know what was </span><i style="text-indent: -0.5in;">meant</i><span style="text-indent: -0.5in;"> behind the comment, but I </span><i style="text-indent: -0.5in;">felt</i><span style="text-indent: -0.5in;"> if I had stayed it would have been
because I was a valued "employee."
Not a wife and partner.</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.5in;"> Second place is when they deny telling you how they feel. Now, I'm
not talking about actual verbal communication.
Just communication in general.
Love gives you the jitters. It
makes us clumsy fools. But it also gives
us courage. I'm sick of watching people
admire from afar, brooding over what might have been, when they never
"spoke up" in the first place. There are a million ways to tell a person you
care about them besides calling them up on the telephone. It doesn't take vocabulary, per se. But dude, find a way to say it one way or
another, because, </span><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #333333; text-indent: -0.5in;">a word to the
wise? If you love someone, you tell them. If you can't find the courage to do
so? Well.... That's probably not love.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.5in;">
And you probably don't deserve that prize after all.</span></li>
</ul>
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Of course there are more Second place qualifiers, I'm
certain. But these are the big ones for
me. So, I'm going to be single for a
good long while still, I'm sure. I'm
picky now. Pickier than I've ever
been. I know what I deserve because I
know what everyone deserves. To be
loved. Genuinely. And I'm not backing down. Me and my pet dragon are going to keep having
adventures until someone comes along that can keep up with us. Someone that has as much a sense of inner
child/no settling stubbornness as I. And
if they don't... well, I still have a pet dragon, and that's awesome enough on
its own.</div>
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But I promised at the beginning of this post some fun stuff
if you got to the end. Namely, what I
would do if ever planning a wedding again.
Something better than stuffy white lace and boring flowers. No. If
I ever did that whole mess again, it would be a celebration that would reflect
me and my partner and our adventurous spirits.
It would be a pirate wedding.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>
MARRIED AT SEA</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
My last wedding had a guest list so large that I had to cut a bunch of my
friends from it to accommodate a bunch of people I barely knew that were
friends or relatives of my mom. I
pandered to everyone. I didn't want
alcohol present, because several people I knew to be in attendance have
"problems" and I didn't want drama.
(Besides I wasn't legal drinking age yet either.) But I was talked into it... not that it mattered, since those individuals
brought their own anyway. ...You can't
make this shit up. Anyhow... The day was very very little as I wanted it
to be. The groom was about the only
thing that remained as originally planned, in fact. But I made the best of it, and now I know
exactly what to place on my list of do's and don'ts. And my next wedding, I'm going to make
certain is about my partner and I. No
one else.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>
I'M GOING TO MARRY A PIRATE</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
Let's start with the ceremony shall we?<br />
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<br />
<b>1. I'm on a boat!</b></div>
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<a href="http://www.free-hdwallpapers.com/wallpapers/boats/mici/165031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.free-hdwallpapers.com/wallpapers/boats/mici/165031.jpg" /></a></div>
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People making a big deal about your wedding attire or those
creative vows you chose to write yourself because pesky second cousin Beatrice,
whom you've never met, won't appreciate the humor? Well, a sailboat wedding is for you. Limit the guest list to those close friends
and family by having it on a boat with a limited capacity.</div>
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<b>2. Attire.</b></div>
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<a href="http://lppool.catalogsites.net/lf?set=type[2],brand[PC],x[0000],y[0000],w[2103],h[2103],size[900],productid[P8565H]&call=url[file:potpourri/hiresCrop.chain]&scale=size[900]&sink" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://lppool.catalogsites.net/lf?set=type[2],brand[PC],x[0000],y[0000],w[2103],h[2103],size[900],productid[P8565H]&call=url[file:potpourri/hiresCrop.chain]&scale=size[900]&sink" width="320" /></a></div>
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Don't want to spend hundreds or even thousands of dollars on
a big bulky dress that you're going to sweat your ass off in, be too
uncomfortable to eat while wearing, and worry about staining or ruining by the end
of the night? Not to mention need your
maid of honor's help to go to the bathroom because it's so hard to get in and
out of? Funny how those pirate gals had
these troubles on the back burner, eh? The fun thing about pirate wear is, you
probably already have some in your closet.
Yup, grab a pair of capris, and that ratty old shirt that a bit too big,
get a corset to throw on over it, and you're set. (The picture above is actually from the
Pyramid Collection for about a 100 bucks.
Which can be found <a href="http://www.pyramidcollection.com/itemdy00.aspx?T1=P8565%20XS&srccode=NXCPC6&utm_source=google&utm_medium=comparison&utm_campaign=datafeed&gclid=CKfy4puPirgCFc0WMgodl3EA_g)" target="_blank">he<span id="goog_106656200"></span><span id="goog_106656201"></span>re</a>.) Instead of spending a fortune on fancy shoes
and jewelry, any gaudy costume jewelry from your local antique mall or Goodwill
store will do. And about those
shoes. Boots for the ceremony are great
but for that reception? How does
abandoning painful high heels for barefoot on a beach sound? Which brings us to...</div>
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<b>3. Location!</b></div>
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<a href="http://westcoastbridetobe.files.wordpress.com/2012/04/beach-wedding-aisle-decor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://westcoastbridetobe.files.wordpress.com/2012/04/beach-wedding-aisle-decor.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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No expensive reception halls, or stuffy church
basements. Let nature do the majority of
the decorating for you. And again, did I
mention the sand is more comfy to dance on than heels? Grab some tiki-torches and some wood for a
bonfire come nightfall, open the rum and let the party run itself!</div>
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<b>4. Menu</b></div>
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<a href="https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQ3Q3LhmBjvNFexe0mJ7S23BnLaItdhY48--c_f8KlLqWNizGEM" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQ3Q3LhmBjvNFexe0mJ7S23BnLaItdhY48--c_f8KlLqWNizGEM" /></a></div>
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You're on a beach.
You've got a bonfire going, and music, and.... who needs fancy place settings and such? Pirate food can be anything. But c'mon, who can picture movie with a
captain's table, or any pirate feast without a roast pig? Let's do this thing luau style...-ish. Add a few kabobs and potato salad on the
side... Hey, sounds like a good feast to
me.</div>
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The drinks are as equally easy at that point. Rum and Ale are all you need, as mentioned. Make a Rum Punch, or have some rum and coke, and then beer will
do the rest. No need to buy an entire
liquor store. (Just the entire stock of
Rum.)</div>
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<b>5. Decorations.</b></div>
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<a href="http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd87/jonesygrrl/bio/404.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd87/jonesygrrl/bio/404.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
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<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
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The decorations are possibly the easiest part. Tiki torches instead of candles, a pirate
chest for a card box/gift table, sand dollars and fake jewels and chocolate coins strewn about on the sitting
tables, fish net table clothes... And
hey, nature does the rest, you have the beautiful ocean and beach full of sea
shells to use If you really want candles, fill shells with was and wick. And why not have your guests not only
sign your guest book, but rope off a section of sand for writing messages in as
well.</div>
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<b>6. The Cake and
favors, or, I've Got a Jar of Dirt!</b></div>
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<img src="http://fc00.deviantart.net/fs17/f/2007/150/0/7/I__ve_got_a_jar_of_dirt_by_XKurohyouX.gif" /></div>
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<a href="http://naturalchildworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Dirt-Cake-Jars_Shot-JH-2012-1024x802.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="http://naturalchildworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Dirt-Cake-Jars_Shot-JH-2012-1024x802.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Nope. I've seen too
many cake disasters. I used to be a
decorator. It was my job to witness
them. When faced with paying for an outrageously
overpriced, and likely extremely dry and bland tasting cake, I'd rather eat
dirt. This is the best Idea I think I've
ever had. A jar of dirt cake for each guest. No worries about it getting stale, or sand or bugs getting to it, because the jars will be sealed. Only one small truffle dish with a cake topper will set out for the ceremonial Bride and Groom Cutting... er... Scooping of the cake. (With a shovel instead of a knife of course.) :D The jars double as favors. Each labelled or engraved with the names and date, a packet of flowers will accompany each to be taken home, filled with real dirt, and flowers planted in them.</div>
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<b>7. The Ring.</b></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://images1.ice.com/ice/product/images/RSY/RSY_100281_b_l-9_10_mm_Cultured_Black_Pearl_and_Diamond_Sterling_Silver_Ring.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://images1.ice.com/ice/product/images/RSY/RSY_100281_b_l-9_10_mm_Cultured_Black_Pearl_and_Diamond_Sterling_Silver_Ring.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.ice.com/product/rings/silver-ring-prd_rsy_100281?sourcecode=GIGYA">http://www.ice.com/product/rings/silver-ring-prd_rsy_100281?sourcecode=GIGYA#</a></div>
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<o:p> </o:p>Yes, I have even fantasized this down to the ring. An affordable, yet stunning, and completely unique ring.</div>
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<br />
<br />
It seems the only thing I don't have in this fantasy is the groom. So no... no plans on ever getting married again. Just playful imaginings of one little day. Maybe I'll give one of the characters in a future book this fabulous ceremony. Doesn't have to go to waste that way. Hell, maybe I'll write in a dragon or two too. ;) Just for good measure.</div>
Liz Pennies.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14194943862816782560noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430792692319562232.post-33888038033756343972013-03-23T09:02:00.000-07:002013-03-25T20:27:08.032-07:00I SEE THE LIGHT!!! ....literally<br />
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My life is far from uneventful. And that (practically free) vacation I
mentioned in my last post? Is needed
more than ever...</div>
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It's pretty common knowledge that my life pretty much
revolves around reading, writing, and art.
Once upon a time, in my wee teenage years, I was about to embark to an art
school for computer animation. A mere 6
months or so before this I was diagnosed with an eye condition that (what I was
told at the time) gave me a 50/50 chance of going blind. Well I still went to school anyway giving the
odds for my eyes my proverbial finger.
Why I came home from school that time isn't relevant, and I never really
regretted the decision. A few years
later (as more was discovered about the condition) I was assured there are two
different kinds and I would not be going blind after all. Yay!</div>
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Since all of this, my life has taken a great many turns and
I found that professionally art takes something of a back seat to my writing. Well... maybe it's more riding shotgun. But somehow (despite being told I'm not going
blind after all) I was comforted with the idea that I was no longer going to
try to make a career out of something so dependent on my vision. You know...
Just in case. Never really
thought about how dependant writing was.</div>
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I've been trying to play it cool the last couple of
months. But something has been horribly
wrong. Maybe "play it cool" is
the wrong phrase. Denial. Yeah, that seems a little more suiting. Straight up denial.</div>
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It started with a crack... </div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
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<img src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lxlci9o5Jn1qje31go1_500.gif" /><br />
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I find it funny how many parallels I can draw to Amy Pond's character in Dr. Who. Here I am, staring at a crack only I can see, yet it's very real and is a precursor to bad things coming. But as much as I would adore thinking that The Doctor was about
to show up in my yard with an apple I gave him as a child, I knew that wasn't going
to be the case. For a good solid week (plus
some) this squiggly black line was dead set straight across my right eye's
field of vision. It would move if I moved my eye. I don't mean it would move as if
it were some kind of sticker glued onto my eye and moving my eye took it with
it, but it would move as if it were a flag on a pole with the wind shifting
east to west and back instead.</div>
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Now I've had a couple of friends and family members go
through "retinal detachments" in the past and like any proper OCD
person obsessed with learning would, I
dug into research mode. I love when new
things come across my sponge-like mind.
This black crack is called a "floater" and is actually pretty
common and not to be worried about. All
that's happening is the visceral fluids in the back of the eye begin to shrink
as we get older and sometimes this leaves something of holes back there. Sometimes they go away. Sometimes they don't. Some people just learn to live with
them. But sometimes, just sometimes,
this shrinking fluid action causes the retina of the eye to pull and strain
away from the eyeball until it tears/rips/detaches.</div>
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<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Seeing the Light</span></div>
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A couple of weeks after the "floater" went away, I
found I had these sparkly shadows forming over my vision in that same eye. It was as if a camera flash went off and the light imprint just never completely went away. I didn't make the connection right away. It was as if I just stood up too fast, and I
figured it was just because of stress and such things. And then it kept getting worse, until on
occasion entire blocks of my vision were missing in that eye. Several nights I'd wake up and half of the vision was just plain black. I made an appointment afraid that the combination of floater and new lack of vision meant what it did for my friends. Detached retina.<br />
<br />
Let me explain the hazards of the detached retina as simply as possible. The retina is responsible for (among other things) providing oxygen to your eye. Think of it like the tube that connects the tank to the mouth piece when scuba diving. No air, means no life. Another example? Ever put a rubber band around a finger and watch it turn purplish until mom yelled at you that your finger is going to fall off? Something like that.<br />
<br />
It isn't completely without hope of course. In the 1980's, before we knew much about this, it usually meant you were out of luck and there wasn't much to do but pray to the archaic God of your choosing. Today, we have the surgical advancements that allow us to fix the malady, first by inserting a small gas pocket behind the eye where it will push it back on, and then using a laser to, in essence, "seal" it in place. It's time sensitive though and must be caught within a day or two. (I'm paraphrasing and simplifying of course.) Not the worst thing in the world, and relatively painless as far as surgery can go. But for me, it couldn't come at a worse time. Why? You can't go in a pressurized cabin dramatically changing altitudes with a gas pocket sitting in your skull. In fact you can't do much else but lay face down for weeks on end while it heals.<br />
<br />
I was freaking out, and only furthering my own denial that anything was actually wrong. I was NOT going to let this stop me for going to Japan! Hell NO! But I couldn't just let my eye fall out either. (*Note that is hyperbole. It wouldn't literally fall out.) I made an emergency appointment at the doctor who wanted to see me immediately worried about that I could lose vision permanently as well. When I got to the clinic I was assure that I do not have a detached retina. I was going blind for a completely different reason.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The People of Glaucoma Welcome you!</span><br />
<br />
I have what? I'm not even 32 yet! Glaucoma? And how was this not seen coming? No pun intended. I wanted to hit someone. Namely the assholes at the Walmart Corporation (back when I worked for them a couple years ago but I'm sure this hasn't changed) that decided a suitable substitution for providing an option for eye insurance was to give us a 20% discount off their store's eye centers, forcing us to use their sub-par services instead. And when you need things like being referred to a specialist? Or eye surgery? IF the doctor there is educated enough to catch such things, you have NO recourse to pay. The assistants working the pressure tests and color blind charts were rotating tires last week in the auto center, and the "doctor" is probably there because he flunked out of dental school. My point is, the type of Glaucoma I have? REALLY very painfully obviously catch-able if you know what to look for and shouldn't have come to this.<br />
<br />
But, looking on the brighter side, I will still be able to go to Japan as the surgery I'm scheduled for is going to be fairly simple and should have me completely back on my feet after a couple of weeks. In fact I shouldn't be too bad off after a couple of days. I just can't put too much strain on my body physically for the more long term. Classes are of course going to suck as I'm supposed to refrain from computer work... or reading.... or art.... or even watching tv...... shit. Looks like I'll be going for a lot of walks? As long as I don't look where I'm gonig :P<br />
<br />
But of course as mentioned it could be worse. The surgery uses a laser which will punch a hole in my eye where other people already have holes naturally to allow the pressure that's building to drain. The doctor is willing to work with me on costs, and I seem to have several friends willing to help with chores, rides, and in "other ways" too.... I seem to have collected several offers for something that hadn't even remotely crossed my mind as it is just generally not part of my life style... But hey. Not saying I'm accepting... But those walks may have the potential to be more entertaining than television after all?<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/hIIR2g3HAE8" width="420"></iframe></div>
Liz Pennies.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14194943862816782560noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430792692319562232.post-28470364744313875922013-03-01T08:21:00.001-08:002013-03-01T09:53:04.414-08:00BreatheIn the last few weeks, a few things have changed. Some pretty major changes actually... And I can hardly breathe.<br />
<br />
For starters, I changed jobs. As romantically cliche as being able to say I put myself through college by (literally) scrubbing toilets is, I've moved on. I was offered a position with the university tutoring. Something I had applied for last year but had yet to acquire enough credits to qualify for. And as teaching is going to look far more desireable on a resume vs janitorial, I was compelled to take the offer. ....Despite the fact that it is at a pay cut back down to minimum wage. (*sigh.... It would be fine if it weren't for the fact that my appointments keep cancelling on me, and I don't get paid if they don't show.) I went from making about 100 a week to 50 a week. Getting nervous.<br />
<br />
I will admit I'm starting to panic just a little about finances. My internship in Japan is not going to come cheaply for me. Now, granted, the airfare is covered as well as meals and bording. But, that doesn't mean I won't have my regular bills back home to keep up with. Credit cards, phone, rent.... I've put together a plan to get by for the most part, and really that's where basically ALL of my tax refund is being dedicated.<br />
<br />
I still have some hopes for a scholarship or two I applied for. The other day one of my professors paused while walking past my desk, tapped it, and whisperred, "expect some good news soon." Part of me wants to stay realistic and assume that she was simply saying that she graded a paper that I did well on. But the other, more optomistic side, wants to imagine that she is on one of the deciding boards that awards the applicants.<br />
<br />
But I suppose one good thing has come from my needing to raise funds for my education. It has afforded me an unusual opportunity. I have a difficult time ever "asking" for money. And that goes double for family. My mom's side tends to always tie strings on. A gift is never free with them. You will somehow owe them. And they will cash in by evoking guilt over not going to church services frequently enough or... Anyhow, I always make it a point to earn what I'm given. Either by promising to do my best academically to qualify for scholarships or rally sponsors, or by manual labor. I have a need to prove my worth. And I'm going to come back to that concept in a moment. But first...<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Keeping it in the Family</span></b><br />
<br />
So, in my need for funds, upon visiting my parents the offer was made to help (however mildly) to alleviate my financial stress. They really aren't in much of a position to do so, and as I said I don't take anything I haven't earned. Lucky for me I have excellent handyman skills. Couple that with my crackerjack cleaning skills and consider the remodling of the bathroom good as done. I'm replacing all the caulk, restoring the floor grout. Refinishing the cabinets. Restoring the tub.... It will be a well earned commission. Cheaper for my parents than hiring a professional, and mutually beneficial for me. But the commission is almost besides the point. In my time spent there these past couple of weeks, a piece of information was finally divulged to me. A peice of information I have been without for the past 31 years.<br />
<br />
Everyone knows I love my dad very much. Hell, if I had to choose between my mom or dad, he's the victor 99.9 % of the time. But in the biological scheme of things, he is my adoptive stepfather. My biological father, the sperm donor, has been kept a very closely gaurded secret by my mother. Decades of asking, acheived nothing. My birth certificate was intentionally left blank. No other family member knows, and for a long time I was confident that my mother would take the secret to her grave. Until two weekends ago. Whatever magic words I managed to say this time, I'll never know. Whatever changed my mother's mind... I have a name now. I'm not sure how I feel about it yet. I knew whatever it was that I was going to feel I wouldn't feel it right away. I think it's starting to sink in now... And I'm struggling with it.<br />
<br />
I should mention however that I have NO intentions of ever contacting this man. ...or his wife. ...or the 3 other half siblings I apparently have. ...or.... fuck. .......Wellllp. At least I have a name to go off of, so I can at least avoid accidentally dating a cousin or something. I just don't want to disturb things. After all... I'm not sure he actually knows I even exist, let alone any of the rest of them. In fact, I have very good reason to believe that he doesn't know I exist. If I show up now, it could very potentially destroy an entire family. It's best I just stay away.<br />
<br />
But as I said I'm not done processing so let me go back to the whole other thing I was talking about--<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>My Monetary Worth.</b></span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So today I was talking with another student, and we were discussing student debt and such. This girl, let me start off, is rather clueless. She doesn't seem to know what she wants to do. She seems thoroughly unenthused about doing assignments, usually half-assing it. She is one of those individuals that goes to college because you're supposed to go to college. And one of those individuals that you can tell has never truly worked a day of her life. Yet she always has fancy manicured nails, has an expensive phone, etc... I struggle sometimes with the concept of being happy for the fortunes that smile upon others. I admit that. This is one of those times.<br />
<br />
This individual was awarded a scholarship in the TENS of thousands for attending our university. She has NO student debt. Between the scholarship and the grants she's been awarded, she's covered. When I ask if her family helps her cover her other bills, like food and phone, she replied "no." I couldn't let it go. I didn't understand how she could have that much just being given to her in grants. Turns out, her grandmother invested more than 15 grand in stocks for her to use in college. Somehow, she doesn't consider this as help from family. ...If I were dead I'd be rolling in my grave. Why? Because when I asked how she qualified for the scholarship, if it was for good grades, or talent in the arts.... WHAT was it that made her so special? She wrote an essay. That was all. She wrote a few paragraphs on why she needed the money. The person who already had family supporting her with thousands upon thousands of dollars, wrote an essay about why she so desperately needed the money, and won first place.<br />
<br />
I'm happy for her. I am. But I struggle to be. Because through all of my hard work, all of my turmoil, I have nothing but debt to show and more turmoil ahead? This path is by no means going to get easier. While others just breeze through life, and never even appreciate what a miraculous scenario they've been given: a supportive family, the freedom to enjoy education, and the luxuray of free time to dedicate towards it... And I don't need the lecture that this is just a lesson so I WILL appreciate what I've worked for. It is a lesson I have learned long ago, believe me. I just can't help but wish I had just a portion of that good luck. Just enough to alleviate some of this. I just can't help but think how many other students at her school were probably in so much greater need, or so much more dedicated to accademic excellence. I can't help but think that the people that donated that scholarship had intended it to go to someone that would have fully appreciated it.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">.....I need a break. I need a vacation. And I'm taking one!</span></b><br />
<br />
I know what you're thinking, "what? you're going to spend money on a vacation after all this bitching about financial stress?" Let me rectify that assumption. I will be working nonstop, (7days a week between the remodling and the tutoring gigs, not to mention my writing assistant job as well) until the end of the year. I will have 2 weeks of time between the end of this semester and start of summer semester, where I will begin classes again, for a couple of weeks, and then my internship for Japan begins. I will be working hard in Japan and return the weekend before Fall Semester begins. (In other words, I will not have a break again until Winter Break of next year. Savvy?<br />
<br />
But you're right. I still can't afford a luxurious get away. Nor can I "waste" any time. So, I'll be heading off to visit a friend, who is allowing me a place to crash. Which means a kitchen to cook in... etc... In other words, it will be no more expensive (aside transportation out there) than if I were staying home. As for wasting time, there is a university out there I want to check out. No I'm not planning on transferring schools. (...Not yet anyway. And if I were I'd be looking at Miami.) No. What I want to look at is a University which just so happens to be rated in the top 20 in the world for creative writing PHDs. Again, it's kind of just a pipe dream right now. But it's kind of like shopping for a car. Sure, you know you're going to end up in the sensible VW, but how often do you have an excuse to test drive the Ferrari? (There are also 3 schools in New York that boast such reputations I wouldn't mind seeing either BTW. But that trip <i>will</i> have to wait until more affordable.) In the meantime, I'm justifying this trip as productive and frugal, as well as relaxing.<br />
<br />
So that's where I am. Oh and as a side update, we are almost to the halfway point and it looks like I'm maintaining A's in all 6 classes thus far. (Seeing as I'm taking 18 credits this semester, I'll admit I'm proud of that.) Yay. I'm hoping for another Straight A finish. Keep random body parts crossed for me to make it to the end maintaining it.<br />
<br />
<div>
.....................................................................................................................</div>
<div>
One last thing... If any out there are so inclined to donate a buck or two to this silly education idea I have, I have put together a Gofundme page. (THANK YOU to those that already have by the way. You have no idea how much its appreciated!) I'm looking at this page as a scholarship I'm putting together for myself funded by YOU, my audience. I will never ask for any more than one semester's tuition at a time, and in exchange I give a whole hearted promise that my academic performance will ALWAYS be to the very best of my capabilities. If you so wish, all you need do is follow the link below. Thanks!<br />
<br />
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</div>
Liz Pennies.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14194943862816782560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430792692319562232.post-50697751330943073792013-02-10T09:10:00.004-08:002013-02-10T09:10:55.377-08:00Another Writing Exercise Story<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
I wrote a short story during my new creative writing class for an
exercise. It's... strange.
Not something I would typically write.
But it turned out better than I anticipated. We were given a list of 6 words, and had to
use 4 of them. We were also given a situation
where we were in a vehicle of some kind where we had to imagine someone's
mother in the car or truck with us and what we were doing, what the vehicle
looked like... etc... Then we were given
a quote (just one line,) from a story we read in class, and try to work that line
into our text as well. At the end I will
tell you the four words and cite the line that was worked in. Until then...<br />
<br />
Happy reading.<br /><br />
<br />
When you think of a blur of red down the freeway, you tend to think of a sporty
little car; sleek and young. <i>We</i> are not that car. We are a minivan, clunky, and awkward, same
as this ride. I'm sitting in the far
back with my cousins, my mother's mother at the helm, stern faced and
unforgiving as Captain Hook, but without the Disney charm. She turns the radio dial, flipping through
stations until finding her usual Christian A.M. station. Her salt and peppered
hair blow in our silence that follows.
Her polyester blend elastic waistband pants complete the look. ...Strangest pirate I've ever seen.<br />
<br />
These rides used to be enjoyable. A ritual
part of Saturday afternoons with Grandma, right between the tuna fish
sandwiches and bowling pins. Yup. Saturdays used to be fun. Saturdays used to be about family. But we had grown apart. We had grown up. And the adults in my family saw me
differently too it seemed. My love of
psychology and rationale made the rest of them look at me like I was
unstable. As if I was going to begin
spontaneously lighting things on fire.<br />
<br />
Gram-Gram the pirate.<br />
<br />
Me, the pyromaniac.<br />
<br />
The backseat was making me sick, but it was better than the alternative, up
front. First mate. That seat had passed to Tommy, the youngest
of the cousins. Still naive enough to
not understand my mother's mother's racist or homophobic rants. Or worse, maybe he does. ...I worry about Tommy sometimes.<br />
<br />
The bowling alley smelled of cigarettes and sweaty stale socks. I didn't hear the argument that started
between the pirate and the simple shoe rental boy but one look at his rainbow
bracelet, and the missing pieces of what it was REALLY about filled themselves
in. My cousins remained quietly lined
along the counter that turned the corner and lead into the bar, patiently
waiting for the scene to be over. Some
of them had the sense to look ashamed.
All of them had the sense to look sympathetic to the rainbow clad young
man while the pirate rolled up her eyes, and screwed up her mouth and stuck her
leathery thin face into his smooth bland one.<br />
<br />
I sighed, losing patience and tried to find the courage to take another stand
against our grandmother. But I halted a
second, distracted by young Tommy's stirring.
He picked up a small book of matches from the bar and started toying
with it.<br />
<br />
I smiled. Maybe there was some hope for
the kid after all.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
....................</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Four words (or phrases) used:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Pyromaniac<br />
Polyester<br />
Tuna Fish Sandwich<br />
Bowling Pins</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Line used:<br />
"(She) rolled up her eyes, and screwed up her mouth and stuck her leathery
thin face into his smooth bland one."<br />
(From A Good Man Is Hard to Find by Flannery O'Connor)</div>
Liz Pennies.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14194943862816782560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430792692319562232.post-27896878517966610692013-01-19T18:45:00.000-08:002013-01-23T07:36:24.139-08:00Looks Fade<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lxyopbgYCh1qb34nxo1_400.gif" /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<dd style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.1875px; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 1.6em; margin-right: 0px;">There's a scene in one of my all time favorite shows Archer, where two characters are chatting it out walking to their place of employ, which happens to be a spy agency. If you know anything about the show, you already know that last bit, as well as the fact that being secret agents has very little to actually do with the show. The premise is really just a hilarious take on the idea that office life and workplace social structures are the same no matter where you go; even for spies. So most of the dialogue is an amazingly laughable hyperbolic take on office relationships and more. With a heavy helping of violence for flavor. Needless to say it's a strictly "adult" demographic. In this scene (above) the two characters (that don't even really like each other much) are talking about Pam's (the blond on the right) experiences from the night before. Namely recapping the tale of a one night stand. She had thought the date was going great until the guy seemed to be kicking her out before his roommates got home.<br />
<br />
<b>Pam</b>: And then he was like—</dd><dd style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.1875px; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 1.6em; margin-right: 0px;"><b>Cheryl</b>: "You're a moped."</dd><dd style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.1875px; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 1.6em; margin-right: 0px;"><b>Pam</b>: How'd you know? ... And what's it mean, anyway?</dd><dd style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.1875px; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 1.6em; margin-right: 0px;"><b>Cheryl</b>: Mopeds are fun but you don't want your buddies to see you riding one.</dd><dd style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.1875px; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 1.6em; margin-right: 0px;"><b>Pam</b>: Oh... I thought he meant I was fuel efficient. Only had ten beers.</dd><dd style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.1875px; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 1.6em; margin-right: 0px;"><b>Cheryl</b>: Forties?</dd><dd style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.1875px; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 1.6em; margin-right: 0px;"><b>Pam</b>: No... .... .... yes. Hence the shandy!<br />
<br />
If you watch the show often enough you will know that Pam, despite constant running jokes about her physical less-than-attractiveness, the real punch line is in the fact that she actually gets more action than ANY other character on the show. But that is really beside the point.<br />
<br />
In recent days, I have been made to feel this way (like a moped) by someone. Like I was something to be ashamed of being seen with. Whether those were my own insecurities surfacing or not, I can't really give a solid answer. But if I had to guess... I would have to say, not likely. I've never felt that way with anyone before, and I've learned to trust my initial instincts on such things. And I'm sorry, I may have a little extra padding here and there, but I don't feel I'm unattractive by any means. I really can't say what it was, specifically about this person that made me feel this way... maybe it was every time he had the choice of sitting near me or someone else while in public he would choose someone else. Or maybe the way he acted completely different in private to me than he did in public in general. Whatever the reason, it was a deal breaker, as it should be. Because, I'm sorry to say, if you can't get over the way a person looks or be secure enough to stand up to your friends' judgments by proxy..... You aren't worthy of that person.<br />
<br />
I've never understood this perspective. Yes, I do agree that attraction is important. (But that wasn't the issue anyway. The issue was acting as if being attracted to me was something to be kept secret or ashamed of.) Too often I've seen situations where people seem to be rudely shocked by the concept of "looks fade." So where I do agree that attraction is important, there is more to base attraction off of than simply the superficial. Being Sapio-sexual (I'm attracted to intelligence first and foremost,) I can tell you there is a vast world beyond how flat your belly is, or muscular your arms are.<br />
<br />
Now, I've been on the receiving end of some pretty harsh criticisms for dating a person of "lesser-attraction" myself. And maybe that's why it bugs me so. I'm the type of person to stand up for the one I'm with. And I can honestly say that everyone that has ever criticized what a person I'm with looks like on the outside, I am no longer friends with now. Anyone that has ever uttered the phrase "what does she see in him," because a guy was a little too short, or fat, or furry, by <i>their</i> superficial standards, was shown the door. I have no room in my life for such judgmental people. Nor will I allow myself to be judged for not following the crowd and refusing to be so superficial myself.<br />
<br />
I know this is really pointless blabbering at this point. But still, I have to vent. I would love to see people get over it. And this is just my simple plea to the masses, as if you've never heard it before, to please stop this behavior. Don't criticize who a friend or family member is dating, And don't be ashamed to be seen with someone thinking others are going to criticize. And if by some horrible chance, you DO run into such criticisms for dating someone yourself.... PLEASE for the love of the gods, stand up for your partner and yourself by proxy. Stick to your choices. Show the world a little backbone. Or move along so someone else can have the prize you're clearly taking for granted.</dd>Liz Pennies.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14194943862816782560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430792692319562232.post-64181738546323645942013-01-10T14:36:00.001-08:002013-01-11T09:21:25.846-08:00Full Circle Year<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It's just a little into the new year and it only seems
fitting that I write something. Because
looking back at last year? I realized I
haven't really jotted much down for 2012 and my writing has suffered from lack
of exercise. Time to get back in shape.<br />
<br />
So, I'm going to open this post by sharing a something I mocked up during a
writer's gathering the other night. A
gathering I'm hoping to hold many more times in the coming months. The writing exercise we utilized was to pull
three words, at random, from a box. (We
used Apples to Apples game cards for ease.)
You set a timer for say 10 minutes, and write something using all three
words. In this particular example the
words drawn were "Stun Guns," "Disco," and "Television." (*Warning, constructed in form of a really
bad poem with no title.) :<br />
<br />
Television holds so little attention</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Time has slipped beyond its worthy mention<br />
The glow that once held us all has faded<br />
Much like disco's legacy left bitter-jaded</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Self-fulfilling prophecy airing Logan's Run<br />
Jaws drop like Trekkies with guns set to stun<br />
Such inspiration and ideas doth pass<br />
Replaced by reality and Jack Ass<br />
<br />
It once foretold technological advances<br />
Now it merely shows Stars at Dances<br />
This display lost amidst the static<br />
Leaves one pondering the tragic</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Stupidity grows as does my tension<br />
Television is dead, yet airs no mention.<br />
<br />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br />
<!--[endif]--></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It's a far cry from Shakespeare, but damn fun to write,
allowing you to break free of over-thinking and be surprised with the outcome.
But enough of that. I want to move on
and talk a little about the new year, and what I've learned in the last. Because, after all, this surreal year, has
really found its odd niche for coming full circle.<br />
<br />
<br />
Looking Back, while Moving Forward.<br />
<br />
It was a LONG year. Friends lost,
friends gained, friends lost again...
Single, almost not single, DEFINITELY single... Acting job, no job, 3 jobs, including writing
and illustrating jobs, one job, two jobs....
For feeling so little has happened, A LOT has. So here's the interesting bit. The full circle quandary.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Part of my approach to life is a philosophy that it's
important to know what you want. The
ancient Greek commandment to, "Gnōthi seauton." Or "Know thyself." I think the reason so many are afraid to know
what it is that they want out of life is because that means if they don't get
it they think they have to be upset or disappointed. And that may or may not be true at
times. I suppose that depends on your
personal ambitions. I think you can do
both. Know what you want, but still be
perfectly happy with winning the consolation prize. So long as playing the game was enjoyable in
the meantime. What I cannot abide by is
not even trying. Especially when the
game is already rigged in your favor. If
you've been given a leg up over the other contestants? Why the hell would you just walk out on your
turn? I admit I get upset with people
that give up before even really trying.
Even more so when it leaves friends of mine in the lurch. Say, like when two people have feelings for
each other, but one is too timid to give it a chance, breaking the other's
heart. I get protective of my friends,
and hate seeing wasted chances even for strangers. But enough said for observations and others.<br />
<br />
As for me, my dilemma has never been the lack of courage to go for what I
want. In the past I've rearranged the
entirety of my life for mere whimsy. I've
moved mountains for love. I've drained
oceans for career goals. And I've
lassoed the moon for family. And sure, I've
been left in the lurch more often than having had my efforts rewarded, but I've
also bounced back time and time again. Bouncing
back was sometimes harder than others, but I'm certain I still have a little
rubber left to spare, and will continue to spring around in future. I'm not afraid of getting hurt. Not anymore.
My pondering lay elsewhere.<br />
<br />
In more recent days, it's not about having the courage to go after what I want
so much as the knowing. After failing so
many times at pursuing the grand prize, you move on to the consolation prize as
the focus. As I said, you can be
perfectly happy with that. ...especially
when plan B is so close within reach.
So, when an unexpected opportunity, however slim, presents itself to go
for the gold again, do you take it? Do
you risk putting the contingency plan on the back burner in the meantime,
knowing that by doing so, you could lose both options? .... gnōthi seauton. How many times do you trust, or try, or believe
before you consider yourself foolish? Or
is risking the fool's reputation just one more way of proving you would move
the mountain? The last test. It's something to consider.<br />
<br />
I have a lot of open doors ahead on me in life now. Sure I look back and realize a few doors have
closed, locked, and the key thrown into the volcanic Mt. Doom.... But a lot of new doors are open. And a couple of the doors behind me, are
unexpectedly looking like they might still be cracked, just a little. Just enough.
And there's one in particular that stands out. And I'm having trouble, for the first time,
choosing a direction. It's just so
damned bizarre for some of the same doors to have slammed shut at the beginning
of last year, to have opened again at the end of this one. I've heard more than a few say "maybe
the timing was just wrong before."
I can't say that's the case, because if anything the timing is worse in
some regards now.<br />
<br />
But for now, I'm going to let go. Let
loose on the rudder and see where the wind takes me. "Wind blows northerly, I go north."
Not that that is such a new concept for me.
I try not to steer too restrictively as it is. Life is going to hand you what it wants to
hand you, after all. I suppose what I
find curious is that I'm not even sure which path to root for anymore. Guess I'll find out soon enough.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In Other News.<br />
<br />
I have applied for an internship in Japan.
This last semester I have been studying diligently away on the Japanese
language. Somehow I scored a B for the
course. It was a super difficult course I
feel like I hardly deserved such a high score.
But on the other hand, I can now read and write in hirigana and katakana
and know a couple hundred words, and more importantly I know how to put them
into sentences, so maybe I'm just being hard on myself. The plan is now to take this semester off
from the language course, study on my own to get a little ahead of the game, go
to Japan for the summer, learn some while I'm out there, and come back to kick
some butt next fall.<br />
<br />
It was a hard semester for some reason.
Maybe I lost some stamina along the way, (I blame chemistry, it drained
me,) but aside for Japanese, I managed to pull off some pretty awesome grades
again. This upcoming semester is going
to be twice as difficult, now that I'm working yet another job, and taking a
whopping 18 credits.<br />
<br />
I finally have the chance to catch up on my major and minor classes. (As if there was a choice, as I've pretty
much taken every elective and gen-ed class I can now.) This upcoming semester will include two
studio art classes, intro to psychology, and two writing classes. As well as a women's studies class, which I'm
less than excited about, but should be interesting material at least. I am excited for the semester on the whole
though. I love a good challenge. And at the end of the semester I am planning
a bit of a reward for myself, road trip style.
Never been to Canada, and it's time that changed. Especially since outside of the cost of gas (which will be shared with others) it will be relatively on the cheap. Which is awesome, since this semester is costing me an arm and a leg. ...and maybe a couple of toes.<br />
<br />
I'm looking in to some scholarships and such, (beside the two jobs previously mentioned) but in the meantime I am trying something new as well. "Gofundme.com." A site that you can raise various dollars for various things; college, medical expenses, church trips... whatever. It unfortunately takes a portion of the donations as a fee, so I feel hesitant to share my page to facebook where it would come off as panhandling amongst friends that I know don't really have the money either. Putting my page out into the ether or here, where a wealthy benefactor may stumble upon it is different somehow. So here it is: <a href="http://www.gofundme.com/1t50ew">http://www.gofundme.com/1t50ew</a> Now I will leave that, as well, up to fate.<br />
<br />
So in a nutshell, this is how my year is starting. And
I'm exceedingly interested to see how it unfolds.</div>
Liz Pennies.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14194943862816782560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430792692319562232.post-43647951058632406372012-12-16T07:37:00.001-08:002012-12-16T14:50:35.520-08:00It's The End Of The World As We Know It. .....Again.<br />
For somewhere around the 20th time in the past decade and a half, it's the end of the world. ....again.<br />
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Let's set the mood, shall we?<br />
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Yep. It's that time again. The time for panic and self fulfilling prophecy of the end of the world spawning tragic events. And this week has had its overwhelming share of things that I'm sure plenty of people are scratching their heads, as well as their asses, thinking things are "a sign" of what's to come.<br />
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I personally decline to take a side because frankly I don't see much point. If I were to say the world is definitely going to end, it's not as if I will have bragging rights the day after, now do I? No. All that does is set one up for ridicule when it doesn't. But I'm not going to say that things are going well either. ...To be honest, at this point, "I'm ready to kick back and welcome the end of existence." -Dogma.<br />
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But let's get down to it, shall we? Starting with self fulfilling prophecy.<br />
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I hate to say, but I'm really feeling that people, assuming this is the "end," are using the excuse to just not give a shit anymore. Hey, why not charge everything to the Mastercard? World's going to end anyway. Might as well get that big screen TV I've been wanting and hey, why not get that new sports car as well... Okay. I'm a fan of people living in the moment and doing what's going to make them happy. Not a fan of financial irresponsibility. But there are worse things you can do. Like, say... commit horrendous crimes. I'm not saying that this had anything to do with the horrible tragedy that occurred a few days ago in one of our nation's elementary school's. I'm just saying that similar situation are the kind of self fulfilling prophecy bullshit that CAN happen. If one believes it is the end of the world and starts acting like a monster, the rest of the world begins to believe it is the end of the world because monsters in it are one of the "signs" and the cycle continues. Things just keep getting worse and worse because... well, if we're all sentenced to death anyway, what's the difference, right? Wrong. Back away from the grape Kool-Aid! You don't have to drink it just because you think you'll die anyway. Where's the logic in.... you know what... never mind. If you want to chlorinate your personal gene pool a little, really who am I to stop you? Ya done Darwin proud.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Why the World Didn't End Yesterday (Next Week.)...</b></span><br />
I'm especially enjoying this video NASA presented ...um. ...last week? In response to what ...um... happen-ed NEXT week? ...As an English major the past tense future tense here is making my head spin. I'm just going to assume NASA has a time machine and got a little lost somewhere along the way. Google maps must not have an app for that yet.<br />
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Oh NASA.... If you want to make a video about why the world didn't end yesterday, be confident enough in your statement to not release the video until the day after people are expecting the world to end. It kind of sends the wrong message. This video was released 10 days premature. Also, the bit where you claim that if an asteroid or some such thing were on a path toward us we would see it coming? ....Not such a reassuring statement considering the same day you released this video we learn that a previously UNKNOWN asteroid passed within the our moon's orbit. (Which we did not see coming as the earth cast a shadow on it.)<br />
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Now there are conflicting reports on this if you go off and do further research. The confusion is over the reported size of the asteroid, some claiming it was about the size of a bus, while other say it is over two miles in diameter (about twice the size of the one thought responsible for the death of the dinosaurs.) Here's where the confusion is. They are two separate asteroids. The larger of the two, we did in fact know about and are not expected to be in risk of impact for another 600 years. (By then we will have developed a pill for that, right?) The smaller, while we didn't know about it, and I'm certain more research is needed before any legitimate estimations can be made, It is not world wide catastrophic. It would certainly be a tragedy, to impact with it, but it is not in the classification some would refer to as "global killer." ...so... ya know. There's some comfort.<br />
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In the end, I suppose the best advice I can give everyone is "relax." Take a deep breath of that polluted air we've all come to love so dearly, and let go of some of this stress. As someone who has studied this stuff at GREAT length I can assure you that the Mayans did not predict the end of the world. Only a mathematical recycling of their calendar. Yes it is supposed to be mated with spiritual aspects, but maybe it's high time for that after all. With a little hope and patience and love, maybe we can get past all this tragic nonsense and self fulfilling prophetic horror. Maybe we can work together to usher in a new age with this calendar, where we finally come together to love each other. I know it's a long shot, but it's just another one of those prophecies we can throw out there, in hopes of self fulfillment.<br />
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In the meantime, have a Happy Solstice everyone.Liz Pennies.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14194943862816782560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430792692319562232.post-52465930857686478922012-11-02T05:24:00.000-07:002012-11-02T05:24:09.121-07:00Fashion Industry is a Brilliant Lie.I love when conversations spawn odd silly thoughts that you can't help but continuously ponder for days on end. The most recent of conversations to inspire this was about clothing. More than that, the evils of clothing. No, I'm not going to tell tale of a rogue argyle sweater that roves the countryside on a blood thirsty killing spree. ...Though I'm tempted. I've heard worse plot starters. But no. I'm talking about the superficial judgments they inspire.<br /><br /><br /><div>
The Amish, after all, make a point of wearing very plain uniform clothing to avoid that whole "Pride" problem. Everyone is equal. And isn't that often the point of school uniforms as well? And what about in the workplace? The peons all get one uniform, and usually management is encouraged to dress differently and "nicer," until you reach the head of the corporation who is presenting in full Armani. Yup. Clothing is by nature designed to give status as well as sex appeal. The more successful you are, the better dressed and more sex appeal you are expected to have.<br /><br /><br />Where we're going, we don't need clothes.<br /><br />In one of the few discussions I was having this week, the idea of a world without clothes was proposed. A world where everyone is equal and you can't tell a millionaire from a peasant by sight alone. A world where men have to take responsibility for their own actions rather than blaming rape on a woman "asking for it" because of what she was wearing. Or a world wear people aren't shot just because they are wearing baggy pants or a hoodie. Now, I know this is not always going to be the case. And yes, there is the issue of people feeling bullied for their natural physical form, and I can COMPLETELY understand that. (Despite the fact that I feel ALL natural forms are beautiful, whether fat or thin, lanky or squat.) I'd like to be able to say that maybe having everyone on a more equal ground would help us get away from judging others. But I'm sure that isn't true, as another more different conversation I had this week revolved around People of Walmart .com and ripping people unfortunate enough to be posted to the sight a new one. But before I get off track...<br /><br />So, what I find ironic about the fashion industry, is the higher end fashions, are designed in a way that can make you SO attracted to the individual wearing the fashion that you pretty much want to see them naked. ...I'll restate that. We wear high fashion clothes, so that people will want to see us naked. Maybe its just me, but I feel we could skip a step or two and a lot of time and money in that by just cutting to the chase. ;)</div>
Liz Pennies.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14194943862816782560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430792692319562232.post-29419742848510312392012-10-16T22:53:00.002-07:002012-10-17T09:00:03.908-07:00HUGZToday while walking to my Chemistry Lecture class, I had to walk past a small group of people hanging out in a spot that seems both popular and oddly inconvenient.... As I was passing, one of the individuals looked up, angled toward me, stretched out his arms, and asked me if he could have a hug.<br />
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"A hug?" I repeated back shrugging. "Sure!"<br />
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We hugged very briefly, and I was on my way.<br />
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This is what I would like to discuss from this experience:<br />
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My initial reaction to this was to think how things like this don't really happen that often. I was sad for how our society has de-evolved. How people live their lives so closed off, and distrusting. I mean, how awesome are hugs? This individual totally brightened my day. How awful a concept it is that people are guarded against a gesture as simple as a hug, or how much courage it would even take to offer a complete stranger a hug.<br />
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But the more I reflected on this... I had to change my mind. Why? Because there was one little fact that I have yet to mention. Something that is, in present day, otherwise nearly insignificant. (And with hope someday will be completely insignificant.) The man that asked for /offered this hug, is African American.<br />
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So, I have to revise my original statement on our society disintegrating. Because as rare as a stranger giving another stranger a random hug may be today, a short 60 years ago, two complete strangers, a black man and white woman, randomly hugging in a crowded public place, would have been next to unfathomable.<br />
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Maybe it's a glass half empty/full thing, but I have to acknowledge the vast improvement on this one point at least. We may have a long way to go. We may be backsliding on other aspects. But how amazingly awesome is it that our society has come so far on righting at least this one aspect?Liz Pennies.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14194943862816782560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430792692319562232.post-59948446073930395012012-10-14T20:36:00.002-07:002012-10-14T20:36:21.885-07:00RESETThe last you heard from me was with promises still of elaborating on something that had upset me last spring. Well, I've decided that isn't going to happen. Not now anyway. I'm sure the person that upset me will cross my path again someday, and I'm sure I'll be tempted to explain it all again then. But for now all I would have to say to this person is this:<br /><br />I haven't even engaged in conversation with you in well over a year without the exception of you speaking to me first, so telling people I'm stalking you is absurd and a little creepy at this point. You are beneath me. Stop dragging me into your drama. Get over yourself.<br /><br />Enough said. (For now at very least.)<br /><br />My life has actually significantly changed in the last year. But I'm trying to think of a year that I've been able to look back and not say that. It's funny how things never seem to alter too much from day to day, but will be significantly different by the end of the week. (Then again, I have had some whoppers of sudden change in a single day as well.) But where I am right now is in the second year of college and taking things relatively easy. Not pushing myself to do too much like I always used to, but keeping busy all the same. I've started some new courses, and I'm enjoying everything but English it would seem. (Irony not lost on me.) I've started writing for the Royal Purple, the school paper. I'm learning Japanese and it would seem I'm not horrible at it. I'm still working And my social life is getting a bit more back on track. In fact... I may or may not have met someone... (Don't want to get ahead of myself there.)<br /><br />I suppose this is where the most significant change has occurred for me. The social life in general, not the meeting someone. Because as you all know, I'm REALLY not wanting to or looking to have anyone in my life in a romantic capacity. I just don't see it working out with the whole college and career track thing. Time is a precious commodity and not something I have to spend on romantic partners.... damn it, I'm getting ahead of myself again. It's the social life in general that I was talking about here. Right...<br /><br />So, at the beginning of this year I briefly had enough curiosity to visit the Non-Trad Pad. A small corner of the University Center for the Adult students to call home and connect. The first day I went was interesting. Nothing special, but interesting enough to inspire a second visit. The second day... was nothing. A complete let down actually. Only one other person was there, and we didn't mesh on any level. Nothing against the person particularly, he's actually very kind and gentle. It's just sometimes you just find little things like tone of voice or habits grating at times. I'm confident that others have felt the same about me as well. We all have our pet peeves.<br /><br />I left that day thinking I wasn't going to be trying that out very often anymore. But on my way out I was stopped by another non-trad woman I had never met before who informed me they were having a meeting that night that I should attend. Reluctantly I agreed, thinking it might be worth a listen to what other adult activities were coming up. Imagine my surprise when I arrived at the meeting to find it was not to give information about the upcoming events, but to plan them. I'm suddenly making flyers and doing more hands on work with the group, and finding myself in the Non-Trad Pad every school day. Brilliant.<br /><br />But since then I have had people to go bowling with, to corn mazes with (if it hadn't been cancelled for rain.) and this weekend I will be walking in the homecoming parade with the group as well. And yesterday I even had a new friend over for video games and movies. Yay for social life again.<br /><br />I'm sure I'll have more to say soon, but I had to catch everyone up to speed before further posts. And by "all" I mean the three people that maybe actually be reading this. This is kind of my way of hitting the reset button on my blog. I've decided to take a new approach to my posts to encourage posting more frequently. And with a little less... um... I don't know... whining?<br /><br />Forewarning, the posts to come may seem a bit more on the disjointed side. What I'm intending is to use this space almost as a format like that of the Facebook status update, between the more detailed postings. Slightly longer that status updates... but random passing thoughts in general. And on that note, I will end this post with just such a thing as example proper:<div>
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Hugging Etiquette?<br /><br />There is a certain unspoken set of rules for just about everything. Including hugs goodbye. Is it just me or would you agree with my following thoughts here?<br /><br />If it is close family a hug is a hug, doesn't
matter how long or short.<br />If it is a
romantic partner, there is a certain expected time minimum to meet. If the hug is too short, it feels like
something is amiss.<br />If it is a platonic
relationship, there is a time maximum and hugging too long can make it seem
like something more and can start to lean towards the definition of an
"embrace."<br />Which then would
have to be remedied by introducing the "friend tap"--a quick double
pat on the back cuing the end of the hug--placing the hug back into a category
of between friends and something more.</div>
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Liz Pennies.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14194943862816782560noreply@blogger.com0