The snow load is all gone off my roofs. There is nothing like 50+ degree temperatures in December for that. I wasted a few hours worrying about the snow load on them Christmas Eve, when I could have been sleeping.
Sleep was not really in the cards Christmas Eve. Andrew was coming home from Grand Rapids for Christmas, but he decided to not start out for home until around 1 AM Christmas Morning. He figured on there being less traffic then. Most likely he was playing video games on line before that as well. He should have arrived around 2.
Lori got up to check the fire (and watch for Andrew) around then. She checked the IM program we use, and there was a message from Andrew. He was stuck in his drive, had been shoveling for a couple of hours, was tired and discouraged. He and Lori chatted online a bit, and then he used his computer to call home. (He lost his cell phone - again) Lori and Andrew miscommunicated on the phone for a couple of minutes (Lori misheard the cost, she thought he said $1/min, when it was about $.01/minute. She talked fast!) Lori wanted to go then (3AM) and rescue Andrew. So we did. We arrived about 4, and Andrew had gone to bed! He understood that we would be coming up to help after noon. We could not wake him up. Lori finally found the key to his van, and we got that unstuck, shoveled the snow and backed it into his parking spot. I also pounded on his door off and on during that time, to no response. He can sleep! Then I thought of using the shovel to knock on his door. That got him UP! He thought someone had hit his van. The back end was out in the road some. The story has a good ending...Andrew came home with us and we had a great visit on the way home. He and I even tried to rescue an injured deer. It was down in the middle of our traffic lane.
We had a great Christmas with my kids at Christine's and Andrew was home as well. What could be better? Who needs to sleep?!
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Well
I am somewhat concerned with Health Care in America. Especially for Senior Citizens, as I am one of the Golden Agers. I thought that I should share my concerns with the President-to-be, Mr Obama. I sent him an email containing the previously posted blog concerning my situation and how unfair I felt that to be.
That same afternoon I received an acknowledgment of that email from the transition team. That pleased me...even though I know that most likely the response was computer generated. Do you detect cynicism?
However, I did get a response! Then in a couple of days still another response. This was soon after Mr Obama named his cabinet choice for HUD. This email suggested that I set up meetings with people in my community, gather concerns about health care they feel need addressing, and communicate those concerns to the transition team. Where hopefully, they will be addressed by the new administration.
Now I am almost ready to believe that there was a human reading the email I sent! That is a really good idea, to get people more involved in the new administration. In fact, giving someone who has questions about how things are done the job of helping to fix the problem is something I would do. There is no one more likely to do a good job. Even if that person's point of view is much different than yours. It could be a learning experience for both of us. We both would be exposed to ideas we may not have considered.
I have decided that when I am at McDonald's having coffee tomorrow, I will steer the conversation in the direction of health care. I will listen carefully to the responses, and do my best to list those concerns for the transition team. I would hope that those responses agree with my feelings, but even if they don't I will dutifully post them. I may set up another meeting with some of the musicians I jam with, to get their feelings also. These would be very informal meetings with the concerns coming off the top of the participants' heads. I feel that would get a more accurate kind of report. It should be noted that all of the people I would be talking to are senior citizens...I mean Golden Agers.
So, what do you think about that? By the way, should you have concerns about health care in this country of ours, please post them in the comments section. I will send those on as well.
That same afternoon I received an acknowledgment of that email from the transition team. That pleased me...even though I know that most likely the response was computer generated. Do you detect cynicism?
However, I did get a response! Then in a couple of days still another response. This was soon after Mr Obama named his cabinet choice for HUD. This email suggested that I set up meetings with people in my community, gather concerns about health care they feel need addressing, and communicate those concerns to the transition team. Where hopefully, they will be addressed by the new administration.
Now I am almost ready to believe that there was a human reading the email I sent! That is a really good idea, to get people more involved in the new administration. In fact, giving someone who has questions about how things are done the job of helping to fix the problem is something I would do. There is no one more likely to do a good job. Even if that person's point of view is much different than yours. It could be a learning experience for both of us. We both would be exposed to ideas we may not have considered.
I have decided that when I am at McDonald's having coffee tomorrow, I will steer the conversation in the direction of health care. I will listen carefully to the responses, and do my best to list those concerns for the transition team. I would hope that those responses agree with my feelings, but even if they don't I will dutifully post them. I may set up another meeting with some of the musicians I jam with, to get their feelings also. These would be very informal meetings with the concerns coming off the top of the participants' heads. I feel that would get a more accurate kind of report. It should be noted that all of the people I would be talking to are senior citizens...I mean Golden Agers.
So, what do you think about that? By the way, should you have concerns about health care in this country of ours, please post them in the comments section. I will send those on as well.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
New Things for Old Guy, #2
Maybe there has not been a New Thing for Old Guy #1, but that really doesn't matter. What does matter is that I have made a pumpkin pie. It is baking right this minute, but it looks and smells good. I got the recipe from my Mother-in-law. It is for easy pumpkin pie. I don't have to figure out how to make a pie crust, so that makes it easy.
I had a hard time finding all the ingredients. There has not been very much baking going on around here for awhile. I was not paying attention to where things were kept then, anyway. But Mom sent most of the ingredients along with the recipe. My pumpkin pie kit, so to speak. The vanilla was elusive, but was found Way in back of the cupboard. I put the ingredients in the mixing bowl in no apparent order. And the bowl got too full, mixing would have made a big mess in the kitchen. So everything got transferred to the next size larger bowl. I went over the list of ingredients a couple of times to make sure I left nothing out.
Trying to mix the batter led me to discover that one of the outlets in my kitchen does not have electricity to it. I will have to figure out what is the matter there, later. Mixing did happen however, and the pie made it to the oven without mishap.
Now it is baking. It then has to cool. After that we will try it out. The batter tasted delicious, so how could the pie not?
I hope we have some cool whip on hand. I should have checked.
I had a hard time finding all the ingredients. There has not been very much baking going on around here for awhile. I was not paying attention to where things were kept then, anyway. But Mom sent most of the ingredients along with the recipe. My pumpkin pie kit, so to speak. The vanilla was elusive, but was found Way in back of the cupboard. I put the ingredients in the mixing bowl in no apparent order. And the bowl got too full, mixing would have made a big mess in the kitchen. So everything got transferred to the next size larger bowl. I went over the list of ingredients a couple of times to make sure I left nothing out.
Trying to mix the batter led me to discover that one of the outlets in my kitchen does not have electricity to it. I will have to figure out what is the matter there, later. Mixing did happen however, and the pie made it to the oven without mishap.
Now it is baking. It then has to cool. After that we will try it out. The batter tasted delicious, so how could the pie not?
I hope we have some cool whip on hand. I should have checked.
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Oh Boy
Since I retired, I have been 'discussing' with my insurance company my medical coverage. I did not sign up for Medicare Part B at the same time as I did Medicare Part A. At that time I was still working and covered by insurance that my employer provided. I felt that it was not necessary to pay that extra $100 per month for insurance I did not need. But I neglected to sign up for Part B before I retired. So there was a time lag when I was not covered. Getting all that straightened out has taken several l-o-n-g phone calls and even more time has passed during which my health care has not been handled at all. I am at the point of paying for all my prescriptions and doctor visits myself, while at the same time paying about $200 per month for health care insurance. This seems wasteful to me. $200, that I can hardly spare, is being flushed down the Health Care Insurance toilet. I would be money ahead at this point by just paying all health care related costs myself. Of course, major medical problems would change that scenario.
Finally, all the i's have been dotted and t's crossed and my medicare advantage card has arrived! I am insured! Of course, I have to meet a $500 deductible (family) before anyone but me actually pays for prescriptions or Doctor visits. But still, I am insured. Finally!
In the mail the day that the insurance card arrived, was a second letter. This letter stated that it had been determined that I had been without prescription insurance from July 1, 2008 through November 30, 2008. Yes that was true. According to the letter, by law, in order, to be sure that people signed up for Medicare Part D, I will be fined! for the months that I Did not Have prescription insurance. So I not only had to pay for all my prescriptions during that time, but I am to be fined for doing so.
How can this be?! I guess that the 435 people who are our Government decided that it was legal to be dishonest! It is dishonest to penalize some one for Not partcipating in the program! Legal, only because our Government, our representatives, our senate, and our President, were more interested in protecting the profits of the insurance companies than in protecting the constituents! We did not count! This Medicare Part D was supposed to lessen the burden of prescription drugs on people on Social Security. In reality though it added to the burden while guarenteeing profits for the insurance companies. It was bad legislation, but even the AARP was in favor of it at the time it was enacted! We were sold down the river! Besides the above problem, there is also the dreaded 'doughnut hole' where the insurance company still gets paid, but doesn't provide prescription coverage! Good job people! Not one of you should have been re elected.
Perhaps the upcoming administration will take a long hard look at Medicare Part D. I hope so. But will meaningful changes be made? I am skepical about that. Medicare Part D is entrenched. It will be difficult to change it, and most likely impossible to get rid of it.
But I will try to remain hopeful. I see that the AARP is not as enamoured of the program as it was in the beginning. Perhaps they will put their lobbyists to work to get the program changed or deleted. We can only hope...
Finally, all the i's have been dotted and t's crossed and my medicare advantage card has arrived! I am insured! Of course, I have to meet a $500 deductible (family) before anyone but me actually pays for prescriptions or Doctor visits. But still, I am insured. Finally!
In the mail the day that the insurance card arrived, was a second letter. This letter stated that it had been determined that I had been without prescription insurance from July 1, 2008 through November 30, 2008. Yes that was true. According to the letter, by law, in order, to be sure that people signed up for Medicare Part D, I will be fined! for the months that I Did not Have prescription insurance. So I not only had to pay for all my prescriptions during that time, but I am to be fined for doing so.
How can this be?! I guess that the 435 people who are our Government decided that it was legal to be dishonest! It is dishonest to penalize some one for Not partcipating in the program! Legal, only because our Government, our representatives, our senate, and our President, were more interested in protecting the profits of the insurance companies than in protecting the constituents! We did not count! This Medicare Part D was supposed to lessen the burden of prescription drugs on people on Social Security. In reality though it added to the burden while guarenteeing profits for the insurance companies. It was bad legislation, but even the AARP was in favor of it at the time it was enacted! We were sold down the river! Besides the above problem, there is also the dreaded 'doughnut hole' where the insurance company still gets paid, but doesn't provide prescription coverage! Good job people! Not one of you should have been re elected.
Perhaps the upcoming administration will take a long hard look at Medicare Part D. I hope so. But will meaningful changes be made? I am skepical about that. Medicare Part D is entrenched. It will be difficult to change it, and most likely impossible to get rid of it.
But I will try to remain hopeful. I see that the AARP is not as enamoured of the program as it was in the beginning. Perhaps they will put their lobbyists to work to get the program changed or deleted. We can only hope...
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Well
It has been some time since I have posted...I have had some trouble trying to find something to blog about. It is not that there is not a whole lot going on in the world to talk about, it is that I, for some reason, am having trouble getting fired up about things! Unheard of!
Maybe I have been infected by the Christmas spirit! What has happened to my 'Bah! Humbug!' attitude? Am I mellowing? Doubtful...so it must be the Christmas Spirit thing. Merry Christmas everyone! And notice that I said Merry Christmas not Happy Holidays, it is important.
I remain not Politically Correct! This is Christmas time! We are celebrating the birth of Christ. I know other religions have celebrations this time of year as well. That is good. I am all for it. I believe in religious freedom. If I get a Happy Hanukkah card in the mail I will be happy. It is unlikely though, I only know a few people that are Jewish. I am probably not on their card list. Kwanzaa cards are OK with me as well. Send them if you want, but you will get a Christmas card back from me. If there are any other holidays practiced out there now, by all means send me a card. It is not necessary to send me a generic card to keep from offending me. I will Not Be Offended. The more the merrier!
I know there is some controversy about whether or not Christmas actually occurred on Dec. 25th. At this late date, 2008 years after the fact, the actual date is not important. The celebration is. So celebrate! Do the family Christmas get-togethers. Eat too much! Visit with each other! Get all frazzled and out of sorts! It is worth it. I am sure that there is way too much happening right now...there always has been. Kick back and enjoy anyway. If you do kick back you will enjoy. Words of wisdom from an old guy.
Merry Christmas!
Maybe I have been infected by the Christmas spirit! What has happened to my 'Bah! Humbug!' attitude? Am I mellowing? Doubtful...so it must be the Christmas Spirit thing. Merry Christmas everyone! And notice that I said Merry Christmas not Happy Holidays, it is important.
I remain not Politically Correct! This is Christmas time! We are celebrating the birth of Christ. I know other religions have celebrations this time of year as well. That is good. I am all for it. I believe in religious freedom. If I get a Happy Hanukkah card in the mail I will be happy. It is unlikely though, I only know a few people that are Jewish. I am probably not on their card list. Kwanzaa cards are OK with me as well. Send them if you want, but you will get a Christmas card back from me. If there are any other holidays practiced out there now, by all means send me a card. It is not necessary to send me a generic card to keep from offending me. I will Not Be Offended. The more the merrier!
I know there is some controversy about whether or not Christmas actually occurred on Dec. 25th. At this late date, 2008 years after the fact, the actual date is not important. The celebration is. So celebrate! Do the family Christmas get-togethers. Eat too much! Visit with each other! Get all frazzled and out of sorts! It is worth it. I am sure that there is way too much happening right now...there always has been. Kick back and enjoy anyway. If you do kick back you will enjoy. Words of wisdom from an old guy.
Merry Christmas!
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Dollar Coin
I just read the web page by the US Mint about the new? one dollar coin. It is expected to last on the average of about 30 years, and most coins are in circulation for longer than that.
So should we use them?
I can see nothing wrong with using the $1 coin. It could save the treasury department lots of money considering that new $1 bills have to be printed often. Millions of them are burned each year and have to be replaced.So using the new coin could be cost effective. That would be refreshing, for a change.
I believe that I could get used to carrying a $1 coin. They seem to not be colored the same as quarters,so even I could tell them apart when I was using, or receiving change. That would be good as well.
I don't remember to ask for them when I am getting change back, though, that would take some planning ahead. When I am getting back change, I just wait for the cashier to give it to me. I count it every time though. Right now I can tell by looking at the coins if I am getting back the correct change. The $1 coin would take some getting used to. I could do it though even at my age.
So all in all, I am in favor of the new $1 coin. Surprised?
So should we use them?
I can see nothing wrong with using the $1 coin. It could save the treasury department lots of money considering that new $1 bills have to be printed often. Millions of them are burned each year and have to be replaced.So using the new coin could be cost effective. That would be refreshing, for a change.
I believe that I could get used to carrying a $1 coin. They seem to not be colored the same as quarters,so even I could tell them apart when I was using, or receiving change. That would be good as well.
I don't remember to ask for them when I am getting change back, though, that would take some planning ahead. When I am getting back change, I just wait for the cashier to give it to me. I count it every time though. Right now I can tell by looking at the coins if I am getting back the correct change. The $1 coin would take some getting used to. I could do it though even at my age.
So all in all, I am in favor of the new $1 coin. Surprised?
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Some amazing thngs (Thankful, me)
OK, maybe this isn't appropriate, but, as I was standing at an urinal in the Methodist Church, I became aware of a sign posted at eye level. This was not the first time I had seen urinal advertising, but it was the first one I had seen in church! I think that was amazing! You may disagree, and think that it was awful. I caution you to remember that awful and awesome are really the same word. They are just used as opposites for some reason. I know amazing doesn't quite enter in, except amazing could mean awesome...or awful.
The bulletin was about being thankful this Thanksgiving. It even told how to get in a thankful frame of mind. There were several bullets but the first, or maybe the second, this was in church after all so maybe praying (praying while peeing? praying about peeing?) was the first; was to make a list of all the things for which one was thankful.
OK
#1...I am thankful that...I have two good eyes to read the advertising over the urinal! Two years ago, that was not a sure thing.
#2...that everything was working well as I was standing there reading. Another not so sure thing at my age.
#3...that Lori is in my life.
#4...that she is not afraid to disagree with me, or have differing ideas of what should and should not be done. She is willing to put up with my disregard for her planning.
#4a...that I can put up with her planning everything.
#5...Seriously this should be closer to the top of the list... I am thankful for my children who are grown and doing quite well thank you. Financial success is important and they are successful; but more importantly they are Good People! I am proud of them!
#6...I am thankful that I have friends.
#7...that I am an American
#8...that Lori encouraged me to 'find' music again. I am thankful too, that she was able to start fiddling and that together we can make life a little better for other people by playing our music.
#9...that maybe we in the United States are on the cusp of a new era. And that I can be hopeful at this less that stellar time in US history.
#10...and the last on this list although I know there are a lot more things that I am thankful for and probably should list as well. I am thankful that my mind is still alive and well. I am able to blog and even, at times, maybe make some kind of sense. I am thankful that I have not completely fallen into the grouchy old man mode of thinking/acting. Hopefully, I will not become one of those very soon. I am thankful that I am still amazed at things.
Well, that is my list incomplete as it is. So perhaps the advertising over the urinal was beneficial. Isn't that amazing!
The bulletin was about being thankful this Thanksgiving. It even told how to get in a thankful frame of mind. There were several bullets but the first, or maybe the second, this was in church after all so maybe praying (praying while peeing? praying about peeing?) was the first; was to make a list of all the things for which one was thankful.
OK
#1...I am thankful that...I have two good eyes to read the advertising over the urinal! Two years ago, that was not a sure thing.
#2...that everything was working well as I was standing there reading. Another not so sure thing at my age.
#3...that Lori is in my life.
#4...that she is not afraid to disagree with me, or have differing ideas of what should and should not be done. She is willing to put up with my disregard for her planning.
#4a...that I can put up with her planning everything.
#5...Seriously this should be closer to the top of the list... I am thankful for my children who are grown and doing quite well thank you. Financial success is important and they are successful; but more importantly they are Good People! I am proud of them!
#6...I am thankful that I have friends.
#7...that I am an American
#8...that Lori encouraged me to 'find' music again. I am thankful too, that she was able to start fiddling and that together we can make life a little better for other people by playing our music.
#9...that maybe we in the United States are on the cusp of a new era. And that I can be hopeful at this less that stellar time in US history.
#10...and the last on this list although I know there are a lot more things that I am thankful for and probably should list as well. I am thankful that my mind is still alive and well. I am able to blog and even, at times, maybe make some kind of sense. I am thankful that I have not completely fallen into the grouchy old man mode of thinking/acting. Hopefully, I will not become one of those very soon. I am thankful that I am still amazed at things.
Well, that is my list incomplete as it is. So perhaps the advertising over the urinal was beneficial. Isn't that amazing!
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Hmmm???
This morning as I was driving home from coffee, I listened to Paul Harvey. Jr was talking about a new wonder drug something 1720. It appears to be a wonder drug for taking off weight. It even, according to the studies, increases stamina without exercise! Of course it does than in lab rats and mice, never has it been tried on people. It is an analog of revesitrol, which is found in red wine.
It will be several years still until the drug will be available to people if ever. Revesitrol is found in red wine, naturally, and this would be the real thing not an analog. So does it not make sense that I should drink a glass (or so) of this wonder drug each day? Wouldn't that make me lose weight? Wouldn't that increase my stamina? I believe I have heard that it reduces cholesterol as well.
So there must be only advantages to drinking red wine. Right? And of course, if one glass is good for you, two glasses must be twice as good, correct? If that were true, then logically, a whole bottle per day would be super better for you/me. Is that not logical?
Somehow I sense disagreement. Perhaps if I did follow the above logic and did drink a bottle, or several per day, I would become a skinny alcoholic with low cholesterol? Following this line of thinking farther, I could see that it would be possible to become a skinny alcoholic with low cholesterol who was also homeless. I am sure that the one with whom I make my home would not be entirely happy with the above scenario. That could also lead me to become homeless. So I could become homeless from drinking up my money as well as causing my wife to want me to leave. Perhaps drinking a glass of wine a day could turn out detrimental to my health rather than beneficial. Has this scenario been part of any studies?
I believe that exercise and eating correctly would also cause one to lose weight, increase stamina, and lower cholesterol. If that were a life style a wonder drug would not be necessary. (No I do not like to exercise...and eating right is subject to interpretation) So, the wonder drug already exists and it is Free! Well, it is available at no additional cost anyway.
I'll bet though, if the drug company gets it's new wonder drug approved Americans will flock to it's doors trying to get it, at whatever the cost may be. We have been conditioned to rely on pills to get healthy. We like quick and easy rather than slow and Work. We just don't want to take the time. Isn't that sad???
Hmmm????
It will be several years still until the drug will be available to people if ever. Revesitrol is found in red wine, naturally, and this would be the real thing not an analog. So does it not make sense that I should drink a glass (or so) of this wonder drug each day? Wouldn't that make me lose weight? Wouldn't that increase my stamina? I believe I have heard that it reduces cholesterol as well.
So there must be only advantages to drinking red wine. Right? And of course, if one glass is good for you, two glasses must be twice as good, correct? If that were true, then logically, a whole bottle per day would be super better for you/me. Is that not logical?
Somehow I sense disagreement. Perhaps if I did follow the above logic and did drink a bottle, or several per day, I would become a skinny alcoholic with low cholesterol? Following this line of thinking farther, I could see that it would be possible to become a skinny alcoholic with low cholesterol who was also homeless. I am sure that the one with whom I make my home would not be entirely happy with the above scenario. That could also lead me to become homeless. So I could become homeless from drinking up my money as well as causing my wife to want me to leave. Perhaps drinking a glass of wine a day could turn out detrimental to my health rather than beneficial. Has this scenario been part of any studies?
I believe that exercise and eating correctly would also cause one to lose weight, increase stamina, and lower cholesterol. If that were a life style a wonder drug would not be necessary. (No I do not like to exercise...and eating right is subject to interpretation) So, the wonder drug already exists and it is Free! Well, it is available at no additional cost anyway.
I'll bet though, if the drug company gets it's new wonder drug approved Americans will flock to it's doors trying to get it, at whatever the cost may be. We have been conditioned to rely on pills to get healthy. We like quick and easy rather than slow and Work. We just don't want to take the time. Isn't that sad???
Hmmm????
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Bailout!?
Let me say first, that I am against government bailouts. I thought the bailout of the banks (Wall Street)was not a good move. I cannot see how that bailout will translate into anything good for us the people of the US. I read the converstations at the time. None of those were particularly convincing. When I hear that one bank has kept on having meetings at cushy resorts, I am even more convinced that the bailouts are not a good thing.
I am also sure that bailing out the auto industry is not, in and of itself, a good thing. There should be other ways to keep the auto industry afloat. Restructuring would be a good thing for example. There is/has been a lot of bloat in the auto industry. Finding a way to make the industry less clumsy would be helpful. There are many places that changes could be made that would help the auto makers keep going.
But, if it makes sense to bail out the banking industry, why does it not make sense to bail out the automakers? Could the only difference be which party is bringing the idea forward? It believe that is the case. I believe the bank bailout was a Republican idea, and the auto maker bailout is a Democratic idea. So then the measure of worth of an idea becomes, 'if my party thought of it...it's good. If not, not.' Which is politics as usual.
Politics as usual is an even worse thing than bailouts are. It is evident that there was no message delivered by the last election. Too many of the old school politicians were re elected. Life will go on as usual. Nothing good will come out of Washington.
We desperately need new blood in DC. We have a new President, we need a new Senate, a new Congress, and new Judges as well. We need people in our government more concerned with us, their constituents than with the lobbyists. We do not need more life as usual. We need to let our congressmen and senators that we are not going to put up with their 'all for the party' politics, no matter to which party they belong. We need them to be Americans first, not Republicans or Democrats.
After the election, I had hopes that perhaps politics as usual would become a thing of the past. It is too bad that I have been disappointed. Again.
I am also sure that bailing out the auto industry is not, in and of itself, a good thing. There should be other ways to keep the auto industry afloat. Restructuring would be a good thing for example. There is/has been a lot of bloat in the auto industry. Finding a way to make the industry less clumsy would be helpful. There are many places that changes could be made that would help the auto makers keep going.
But, if it makes sense to bail out the banking industry, why does it not make sense to bail out the automakers? Could the only difference be which party is bringing the idea forward? It believe that is the case. I believe the bank bailout was a Republican idea, and the auto maker bailout is a Democratic idea. So then the measure of worth of an idea becomes, 'if my party thought of it...it's good. If not, not.' Which is politics as usual.
Politics as usual is an even worse thing than bailouts are. It is evident that there was no message delivered by the last election. Too many of the old school politicians were re elected. Life will go on as usual. Nothing good will come out of Washington.
We desperately need new blood in DC. We have a new President, we need a new Senate, a new Congress, and new Judges as well. We need people in our government more concerned with us, their constituents than with the lobbyists. We do not need more life as usual. We need to let our congressmen and senators that we are not going to put up with their 'all for the party' politics, no matter to which party they belong. We need them to be Americans first, not Republicans or Democrats.
After the election, I had hopes that perhaps politics as usual would become a thing of the past. It is too bad that I have been disappointed. Again.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
John
I visited my brother John today. He is about 18 months younger than I. Monday he had his prostate removed because it had become cancerous.
He is doing really well after surgery and seems entirely himself. He is not moving real fast, but he is moving. He is upbeat and positive and so I believe he will continue to do well. All of that is good news!
It is however, really scary to have a younger brother with cancer. It gets me in touch with my own mortality in a real and personal way. Like all men I prefer to believe I am invincible. I know that there is much evidence to the contrary, but as long as I don't think about it, I still feel invincible.
Evidently, I am not. In this case, evidently means 'the evidence shows'. My older brother by 9 months died of a liver ailment in September. My younger brother's body had started to fail him. A good friend died 2 weeks ago. All this is negative evidence. We are not invincible, I am not invincible.
Darn it!
So how do I feel about this? Frankly I am trying hard not to feel about this at all. I do not want to consider that I am getting old, older, no longer young. As far as I know I am in good health, and yes, I did go see a doctor and have a physical. I am on a statin drug for cholesterol, a beta blocker to keep my heart from beating irregularly, and an acid blocker for my heartburn. Otherwise I am as good as I ever was. All of this is an attempt to slow down aging or to keep the effects of aging to a minimum.
I walk my dog a couple of miles every day. Once every couple of days I do the exercises prescribed to keep my back in good shape. All these things are helpful, I fully believe.
The best thing that keeps me young (smiley face here) is dancing with Lori and playing music with her for whoever will listen. Then I am invincible!, no matter what contrary evidence might exist. How do I feel about no longer being young? I feel like continuing to dance and not think about it all....
He is doing really well after surgery and seems entirely himself. He is not moving real fast, but he is moving. He is upbeat and positive and so I believe he will continue to do well. All of that is good news!
It is however, really scary to have a younger brother with cancer. It gets me in touch with my own mortality in a real and personal way. Like all men I prefer to believe I am invincible. I know that there is much evidence to the contrary, but as long as I don't think about it, I still feel invincible.
Evidently, I am not. In this case, evidently means 'the evidence shows'. My older brother by 9 months died of a liver ailment in September. My younger brother's body had started to fail him. A good friend died 2 weeks ago. All this is negative evidence. We are not invincible, I am not invincible.
Darn it!
So how do I feel about this? Frankly I am trying hard not to feel about this at all. I do not want to consider that I am getting old, older, no longer young. As far as I know I am in good health, and yes, I did go see a doctor and have a physical. I am on a statin drug for cholesterol, a beta blocker to keep my heart from beating irregularly, and an acid blocker for my heartburn. Otherwise I am as good as I ever was. All of this is an attempt to slow down aging or to keep the effects of aging to a minimum.
I walk my dog a couple of miles every day. Once every couple of days I do the exercises prescribed to keep my back in good shape. All these things are helpful, I fully believe.
The best thing that keeps me young (smiley face here) is dancing with Lori and playing music with her for whoever will listen. Then I am invincible!, no matter what contrary evidence might exist. How do I feel about no longer being young? I feel like continuing to dance and not think about it all....
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Old Dogs New Tricks
So is 66 years old to old to learn to play a new musical instrument? I hope not! I took my first lesson on the bass guitar yesterday. I have been talking for some time with a bassist who plays in one of the bands that Lori and I dance to. He had been taking me to task for never having played the 'new' bass guitar I purchased 6 months or so ago. That bass is a 1960's vintage Fender Squire Bass Guitar I picked up from a fellow who had more need of some money than he did of the bass. I think I got a good deal. I had it appraised by a guitar store. They said I did not pay too much for it.
We exchanged phone numbers and promised to get in touch, because I need some basic instruction on the bass. I have been on line several times and there are several places there that indicate they will provide basic information, but in fact do not. Some are on line lesson sites for pay, and some actually don't have any bass information on them. Google is wonderful, but not always accurate.
We made arrangements to meet yesterday so he could help me get started. We spent about an hour and a half together. I played along to a Merle Haggard CD, with DW (the bassist) giving verbal clues. He did a good job of showing me the basics of two different styles of bass playing. There are hundreds of styles left to learn, I am sure.
We had a lot of fun, and I learned quite a bit. Playing bass is not nearly so intimidating now. Lori played her fiddle today while I worked on playing bass along with her. We stuck with the key of D, and I soon found that I needed to find still another way to play those basics I learned yesterday. I think I was 'getting it'... It is a blast to learn new things, especially with music.
We exchanged phone numbers and promised to get in touch, because I need some basic instruction on the bass. I have been on line several times and there are several places there that indicate they will provide basic information, but in fact do not. Some are on line lesson sites for pay, and some actually don't have any bass information on them. Google is wonderful, but not always accurate.
We made arrangements to meet yesterday so he could help me get started. We spent about an hour and a half together. I played along to a Merle Haggard CD, with DW (the bassist) giving verbal clues. He did a good job of showing me the basics of two different styles of bass playing. There are hundreds of styles left to learn, I am sure.
We had a lot of fun, and I learned quite a bit. Playing bass is not nearly so intimidating now. Lori played her fiddle today while I worked on playing bass along with her. We stuck with the key of D, and I soon found that I needed to find still another way to play those basics I learned yesterday. I think I was 'getting it'... It is a blast to learn new things, especially with music.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
On a Personal note
Yesterday afternoon, Lori and I played music at one of our local Senior Citizen homes. There were about 30 people in attendance. I played guitar and sang, while Lori played fiddle. We sang for just over an hour.
That was a most appreciative audience! There was some singing along with us, and much applause. The people did not want us to leave, even though their dinners were ready! Sometimes we have wondered if the people were even aware we were there. Yesterday proved that they are very aware! And happy that we came to play music for them!
I am thankful that we are able to provide some sunshine in those lives!
That was a most appreciative audience! There was some singing along with us, and much applause. The people did not want us to leave, even though their dinners were ready! Sometimes we have wondered if the people were even aware we were there. Yesterday proved that they are very aware! And happy that we came to play music for them!
I am thankful that we are able to provide some sunshine in those lives!
Election Day + 1
All Right! Change is in the air! Will that change happen??? I hope so... I remember though, that even though Mr Obama is elected president, the Democratic National Committee will be lurking around. Like the Republican National Committee, the DNC would prefer that there not be too much change. Unfortunately for us, the same or almost the same people are at work behind the scenes doing their best to maintain the status quo, business as usual. IMNSHO....
I really hope that our new president can honor the promises made during this campaign. I really hope that there can be real unity in our country. I hope that there can be bipartisan politics rather than the 'follow the party line no matter what' way things have been done. Both parties have been guilty of that kind of thinking in the past. I really hope that there can be some kind of ending to the war in Iraq. I am hopeful that the economy will become much better; that jobs will be forthcoming soon. Perhaps there will be a improved situation in health care in this country.
I am hopeful...but... past elections have not brought much positive change. Campaign rhetoric has been just that, rhetoric. So many times I have been disappointed by the difference between what was promised and what actually was. So I am doubtful as well.
Hopeful, but doubtful...doubtful, but hopeful. I am holding my breath. I want the change to be positive. I would like this time for my cynicism to be Wrong! I am trying to shut down that voice in the back of my head that is saying those negative things that I am often accused of voicing. But that voice is still there and is still talking, and too often has been proven correct...
But today is a day for hoping... Mr Obama was elected!
I really hope that our new president can honor the promises made during this campaign. I really hope that there can be real unity in our country. I hope that there can be bipartisan politics rather than the 'follow the party line no matter what' way things have been done. Both parties have been guilty of that kind of thinking in the past. I really hope that there can be some kind of ending to the war in Iraq. I am hopeful that the economy will become much better; that jobs will be forthcoming soon. Perhaps there will be a improved situation in health care in this country.
I am hopeful...but... past elections have not brought much positive change. Campaign rhetoric has been just that, rhetoric. So many times I have been disappointed by the difference between what was promised and what actually was. So I am doubtful as well.
Hopeful, but doubtful...doubtful, but hopeful. I am holding my breath. I want the change to be positive. I would like this time for my cynicism to be Wrong! I am trying to shut down that voice in the back of my head that is saying those negative things that I am often accused of voicing. But that voice is still there and is still talking, and too often has been proven correct...
But today is a day for hoping... Mr Obama was elected!
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Election Day
Lori had figured that we would get up early and vote before I took her to work this morning. Well that didn't work. There was an amazing amount of voters there before us. Our polling place has a large parking lot, two drives. The parking lot was full, cars were parked on both sides of both drives, and there were many cars parked along the edge of the road. I estimate more than a hundred cars. Perhaps that would not be so many in the cities, but here in rural Michigan, that is a bunch of cars on election day! One recent election I voted about 4 PM and I was voter number 39. The obvious conclusion is that this election turnout will be Huge! Let's face it people around here don't get excited by elections, but it sure looks like they are excited today.
I talked with a couple in McDonald's this morning and they had spent 45 minutes in line before they had a chance to vote. But they did vote. (and canceled each other out by the way) They said the line was much shorter when they were done voting than at 7 AM. Lori and I will vote this evening. I am not checking on the results until after we vote. Not even the results from those small New Hampshire towns that are all done voting by now. Frankly I don't want to know ahead of time who and what the winners will be. I feel that knowing the predicted results will make me feel that my vote is not important.
While everyone maintains that my vote is very important...I often feel that voting is a waste of time. That is my cynicism taking hold of my thinking. I know that. But I still feel that way sometimes. (well, maybe I feel that way often) It is hard to maintain a positive attitude when so many decisions made lately have negative effects on my life and livelyhood. I try to maintain a positive attitude, really. Honest. That is very difficult to do though.
I do feel that a large turnout of voters will be a good thing for this country. Perhaps it will make the lobbyists and those of that ilk sit up and take notice. We the people need to take control of our lives and our country again. One way to do that is to vote in all elections. Huge turnouts of voters will make a difference. For that difference to become permanent though, there needs to be huge amount of voters always. We need to make our voices heard! Even when our voices are disagreeing with each other.
I talked with a couple in McDonald's this morning and they had spent 45 minutes in line before they had a chance to vote. But they did vote. (and canceled each other out by the way) They said the line was much shorter when they were done voting than at 7 AM. Lori and I will vote this evening. I am not checking on the results until after we vote. Not even the results from those small New Hampshire towns that are all done voting by now. Frankly I don't want to know ahead of time who and what the winners will be. I feel that knowing the predicted results will make me feel that my vote is not important.
While everyone maintains that my vote is very important...I often feel that voting is a waste of time. That is my cynicism taking hold of my thinking. I know that. But I still feel that way sometimes. (well, maybe I feel that way often) It is hard to maintain a positive attitude when so many decisions made lately have negative effects on my life and livelyhood. I try to maintain a positive attitude, really. Honest. That is very difficult to do though.
I do feel that a large turnout of voters will be a good thing for this country. Perhaps it will make the lobbyists and those of that ilk sit up and take notice. We the people need to take control of our lives and our country again. One way to do that is to vote in all elections. Huge turnouts of voters will make a difference. For that difference to become permanent though, there needs to be huge amount of voters always. We need to make our voices heard! Even when our voices are disagreeing with each other.
Saturday, November 1, 2008
All Hallows Day
Last night Lori and I saw so many elaborate costumes. No we didn't watch the kids trick or treating, we saw High School Musical 3! That movie is Just Plain Fun! I don't remember my High School days with fondness...in fact until the movie last night I had forgotten that I tried our for and got a part in our High School play. I got injured and missed several practices and my understudy actually played the part on stage. But I did have the part first! Amazing! I don't remember practice as being as much fun as those kids were having in the movie either. Disney studios has a major hit I am sure
Lori hurt her knee dancing last Saturday night. It popped out of place and she was unable to dance that last hour and a half. I did dance with some other ladies. That is not the same as dancing with Lori, but it beats sitting on the sidelines. She went to work as usual on Monday but took her walker and used it all day. She had it available Tuesday as well. Since Wednesday she has managed on her own. She sees Dr Horton on Wednesday for an evaluation. Meanwhile, we are going dancing again tonight (Saturday). She is anticipating dancing far less than normal. Sigh.
Andrew was just home from college this afternoon. Actually he is interning at a hospital in Grand Rapids. He has almost ran out of time on his mobile phone. I refilled that for him online while he was here. He had no signal so it wasn't completely finished, but I have hopes that technology is a great thing and as soon as he gets a signal he will have his minutes updated. That's the way it should work. We'll see... I am (according to my daughter and my wife a 'the glass is half empty' kinda guy. I'm not a cynic... I just know that things seldom work the way they are supposed to work. Being right so often is the main problem with cynicism. It would be nice to be proven wrong, in this case especially.
Speaking of cynicism...I'll bet when this economy thing shakes all out and is all over that the same people that caused the problem will be the ones that profit the most from the problem. Another case of when I would like to be proven wrong. I am pretty sure I won't be though. Darn it! Or maybe Sigh...
OK enough of that! Lets Dance!
Lori hurt her knee dancing last Saturday night. It popped out of place and she was unable to dance that last hour and a half. I did dance with some other ladies. That is not the same as dancing with Lori, but it beats sitting on the sidelines. She went to work as usual on Monday but took her walker and used it all day. She had it available Tuesday as well. Since Wednesday she has managed on her own. She sees Dr Horton on Wednesday for an evaluation. Meanwhile, we are going dancing again tonight (Saturday). She is anticipating dancing far less than normal. Sigh.
Andrew was just home from college this afternoon. Actually he is interning at a hospital in Grand Rapids. He has almost ran out of time on his mobile phone. I refilled that for him online while he was here. He had no signal so it wasn't completely finished, but I have hopes that technology is a great thing and as soon as he gets a signal he will have his minutes updated. That's the way it should work. We'll see... I am (according to my daughter and my wife a 'the glass is half empty' kinda guy. I'm not a cynic... I just know that things seldom work the way they are supposed to work. Being right so often is the main problem with cynicism. It would be nice to be proven wrong, in this case especially.
Speaking of cynicism...I'll bet when this economy thing shakes all out and is all over that the same people that caused the problem will be the ones that profit the most from the problem. Another case of when I would like to be proven wrong. I am pretty sure I won't be though. Darn it! Or maybe Sigh...
OK enough of that! Lets Dance!
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Rantings
Or maybe this should be titled Rantings Part One. There will be, for sure more...
Today's is about the economy, mostly; and the election, partly...just in case you want to stop reading.
I see that Exxon Mobile posted the highest profits ever last quarter...surprise surprise! This makes several highest profits ever for a quarter for them. Although the price of fuel is down right now I don't expect that E-M's profit will drop much. Crude oil is costing them less. I would be surprised if oil company profits started falling any time soon.
But if oil company profits are high it would seem to indicate that the economy is in good shape. High profits means that things are going along swimmingly, right? But check around...we the people are not doing so great economically right now. Senior citizens are losing the money they intended to get them through the rest of their lives. Young people are worried about their jobs. Middle aged people are just plain worried. (Of course, that is nothing new, middle aged people have a lot to worry about.)
Consumers are cutting back on purchases. Another indication that the economy is not doing well. Consumers have to cut back, they have just about no choice. If the money is not available...if one has to decide between eating and buying goods, then buying goods is going to lose it's priority. Senior citizens have to decide between eating, purchasing health services and buying goods. I am surprised whenever one of us seniors buys anything remotely considered consumer goods. ( I have noticed that there still are a lot of Senior Citizens at McDonalds every morning though...of course senior coffee is not very much money.)
Personally, I have thought for some time that the economy would slow down. And that it would hurt when it did. I think that the adjustment had to come. It should have come much sooner in fact, and if it had it would not have been as harmful. It would have still hurt, but perhaps not as much. It is no surprise that the 'little' people bear more than their share of the burden. It is just the way it is...the 'little' people always pay the freight in this world. It isn't right but it just the way it is.
Which brings me to the politics part of this Rant, or Raving. Mr McCain is always taking Mr Obama to task for wanting to 'redistribute the wealth', and being a 'socialist'... Which indicates to me that it is alright with McCain that the 'little' people 'pay the freight'. He seems to be saying that is the American way. I can see that is the way it is, but does that mean that it cannot change? Or if that it changes we are 'heading down the slippery slope' of socialism? I believe that changing what is incorrect about this country is an important goal. And it is wrong that the few wealthy people can protect their wealth and the many poor people have to give their 'wealth' up...to the very same wealthy people that are protecting their wealth. I admit I don't know how that change should be manifested. Only that change is needed. McCain is wrong! And please don't get me started on Ms Palin!
So then Mr Obama is right??? Well, maybe he is more right, in my opinion. Unfortunately, there is only a more right-more wrong type of choice this election. IMNSHO...Mr Obama is the most right. He is the most right for the economy, for health care, senior citizens, and the rest of America as well. It is time for a change! And I pray that the change is the right one for us all...Amen.
Today's is about the economy, mostly; and the election, partly...just in case you want to stop reading.
I see that Exxon Mobile posted the highest profits ever last quarter...surprise surprise! This makes several highest profits ever for a quarter for them. Although the price of fuel is down right now I don't expect that E-M's profit will drop much. Crude oil is costing them less. I would be surprised if oil company profits started falling any time soon.
But if oil company profits are high it would seem to indicate that the economy is in good shape. High profits means that things are going along swimmingly, right? But check around...we the people are not doing so great economically right now. Senior citizens are losing the money they intended to get them through the rest of their lives. Young people are worried about their jobs. Middle aged people are just plain worried. (Of course, that is nothing new, middle aged people have a lot to worry about.)
Consumers are cutting back on purchases. Another indication that the economy is not doing well. Consumers have to cut back, they have just about no choice. If the money is not available...if one has to decide between eating and buying goods, then buying goods is going to lose it's priority. Senior citizens have to decide between eating, purchasing health services and buying goods. I am surprised whenever one of us seniors buys anything remotely considered consumer goods. ( I have noticed that there still are a lot of Senior Citizens at McDonalds every morning though...of course senior coffee is not very much money.)
Personally, I have thought for some time that the economy would slow down. And that it would hurt when it did. I think that the adjustment had to come. It should have come much sooner in fact, and if it had it would not have been as harmful. It would have still hurt, but perhaps not as much. It is no surprise that the 'little' people bear more than their share of the burden. It is just the way it is...the 'little' people always pay the freight in this world. It isn't right but it just the way it is.
Which brings me to the politics part of this Rant, or Raving. Mr McCain is always taking Mr Obama to task for wanting to 'redistribute the wealth', and being a 'socialist'... Which indicates to me that it is alright with McCain that the 'little' people 'pay the freight'. He seems to be saying that is the American way. I can see that is the way it is, but does that mean that it cannot change? Or if that it changes we are 'heading down the slippery slope' of socialism? I believe that changing what is incorrect about this country is an important goal. And it is wrong that the few wealthy people can protect their wealth and the many poor people have to give their 'wealth' up...to the very same wealthy people that are protecting their wealth. I admit I don't know how that change should be manifested. Only that change is needed. McCain is wrong! And please don't get me started on Ms Palin!
So then Mr Obama is right??? Well, maybe he is more right, in my opinion. Unfortunately, there is only a more right-more wrong type of choice this election. IMNSHO...Mr Obama is the most right. He is the most right for the economy, for health care, senior citizens, and the rest of America as well. It is time for a change! And I pray that the change is the right one for us all...Amen.
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Who????
The Election is less than two weeks away. So once again I need to decided which candidate is most likely to do the least harm...er, do the most good.
John McCain is talking a lot about Barack Obama being a socialist. He often remarks that Obama wants to 'redistribute' wealth. I have always thought that working hard should be rewarded with monetary gains. For over thirty years, I worked hard -farming- and the monetary gains mostly ended up in someone elses wallet. But none the less I believe in trying to get ahead. I am not at all sure that is possible however.
It seems to me that John McCain also wants to 'redistribute' the wealth. Distributing wealth from those who are earning wages to those who already have most of the money in the world. In fact, that seems to be the goal of most. To move more money out of the wallets of wage earners and into the bank accounts or stock accounts of the people who are running the companies.
I maintain that if moving money up the ladder is a good thing, then mmoving it down is as well. There has to be money in the wallets folks or there is none available to move up. I'm not sure that concept is realized by those who have the money. Maybe if all the money was in those hands, whether or not there was more money would not be important? Or would the few that had it just try to redistribute is amongst themselves? The latter is more likely I think.
McCains health care plan seems to be to give the insurance companies some money and then to tax the insured on that money. That may be simplified somewhat. But it once again is 'redistributing' wealth from the many to the few. The few in this case being both the Treasure Department and the Insurance companies. I am not at all sure what Obama's health care plan would be. I have no confidence that any health care plan presented by the US Government or insurance companies would be beneficial to us people.
So for whom should I vote. Well, I have two weeks nearly left to decide. I wonder if Pat Paulson is running this year? I guess not. Sigh.
John McCain is talking a lot about Barack Obama being a socialist. He often remarks that Obama wants to 'redistribute' wealth. I have always thought that working hard should be rewarded with monetary gains. For over thirty years, I worked hard -farming- and the monetary gains mostly ended up in someone elses wallet. But none the less I believe in trying to get ahead. I am not at all sure that is possible however.
It seems to me that John McCain also wants to 'redistribute' the wealth. Distributing wealth from those who are earning wages to those who already have most of the money in the world. In fact, that seems to be the goal of most. To move more money out of the wallets of wage earners and into the bank accounts or stock accounts of the people who are running the companies.
I maintain that if moving money up the ladder is a good thing, then mmoving it down is as well. There has to be money in the wallets folks or there is none available to move up. I'm not sure that concept is realized by those who have the money. Maybe if all the money was in those hands, whether or not there was more money would not be important? Or would the few that had it just try to redistribute is amongst themselves? The latter is more likely I think.
McCains health care plan seems to be to give the insurance companies some money and then to tax the insured on that money. That may be simplified somewhat. But it once again is 'redistributing' wealth from the many to the few. The few in this case being both the Treasure Department and the Insurance companies. I am not at all sure what Obama's health care plan would be. I have no confidence that any health care plan presented by the US Government or insurance companies would be beneficial to us people.
So for whom should I vote. Well, I have two weeks nearly left to decide. I wonder if Pat Paulson is running this year? I guess not. Sigh.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
I woke up this Morning
Today when I woke up, I was in that fog which comes almost remembering a dream. Exactly what I dreamed does not seem to be available, but the anxiety is still messing with my mind, and body as well.
Now it is afternoon and the anxiousness is still with me. I have been thinking all day about H&R Block. I think that some (most) of the dread I feel is coming from that direction. (The economy, also). Last Monday's class featured a lot of 'corporation speak'. My instructor is an evangelist from the Block Church. She is a true believer. That is OK for her, but 'Corp Speak' means 'corp thinking' and 'corp thinking' is one of the things I hate most in this world. I worked under that type of thinking for 10 years, and it is not happy, healthy, or beneficial at all. Yes, I can exist in that environment...do I want to exist there? Not at all! Never Again!
Monday's class was filled with buzz words and phrases which mean something to my instructor. But every one of them set my mind on edge. I feel that 'corp speak' is a bane on individualism, and to me individually. I DO NOT want to be a part of that at all. Corporate thinking is one of the big items that is wrong with the USA today. We, as Americans, go along with too much of that type of thinking. Why should Block's bottom line be of any importance to me? I don't believe there Is a reason why it should. Corporate thinking all too often equals greed. That type of thinking is why we the people of America (not the government!) had to bail out the banks. Has that bail out worked? Well, check out today's market to see. That bailout was instigated by the same people that caused the problem in the first place. Have any of those ideas been good? I think not!
I do feel that helping people prepare their income tax is a worthy endeavor. But maybe I would be better off in another setting? I am beginning to believe that is the truth. Anywhere else might be a better place to be. I will have to think on that some more.
I have never quit anything I have started. That is one thing I do not do. But! I don't believe I can stay with the class and also stay true to myself. I am convinced that the anxiety I am feeling is directly related to the 'corporation think/speak' I have been hearing and feeling at that class. I have always been good at being stubborn. This time however, I am not going to hang in there just to prove that I can. I am tired of the anxiousness. I am tired of the feeling that this is just wrong. I am not going to finish my class. I will keep the book. I paid for it-it is mine. I will do the reading and the exercises. But I am not going to finish the class and I am not going to be one of H&R Block's People. This is my effort to remain true to what I believe!
Now I do feel better...
Now it is afternoon and the anxiousness is still with me. I have been thinking all day about H&R Block. I think that some (most) of the dread I feel is coming from that direction. (The economy, also). Last Monday's class featured a lot of 'corporation speak'. My instructor is an evangelist from the Block Church. She is a true believer. That is OK for her, but 'Corp Speak' means 'corp thinking' and 'corp thinking' is one of the things I hate most in this world. I worked under that type of thinking for 10 years, and it is not happy, healthy, or beneficial at all. Yes, I can exist in that environment...do I want to exist there? Not at all! Never Again!
Monday's class was filled with buzz words and phrases which mean something to my instructor. But every one of them set my mind on edge. I feel that 'corp speak' is a bane on individualism, and to me individually. I DO NOT want to be a part of that at all. Corporate thinking is one of the big items that is wrong with the USA today. We, as Americans, go along with too much of that type of thinking. Why should Block's bottom line be of any importance to me? I don't believe there Is a reason why it should. Corporate thinking all too often equals greed. That type of thinking is why we the people of America (not the government!) had to bail out the banks. Has that bail out worked? Well, check out today's market to see. That bailout was instigated by the same people that caused the problem in the first place. Have any of those ideas been good? I think not!
I do feel that helping people prepare their income tax is a worthy endeavor. But maybe I would be better off in another setting? I am beginning to believe that is the truth. Anywhere else might be a better place to be. I will have to think on that some more.
I have never quit anything I have started. That is one thing I do not do. But! I don't believe I can stay with the class and also stay true to myself. I am convinced that the anxiety I am feeling is directly related to the 'corporation think/speak' I have been hearing and feeling at that class. I have always been good at being stubborn. This time however, I am not going to hang in there just to prove that I can. I am tired of the anxiousness. I am tired of the feeling that this is just wrong. I am not going to finish my class. I will keep the book. I paid for it-it is mine. I will do the reading and the exercises. But I am not going to finish the class and I am not going to be one of H&R Block's People. This is my effort to remain true to what I believe!
Now I do feel better...
Friday, October 17, 2008
Oh Yeah
I got 95% on my second attempt on the H&R Block midterm exam. Hurrah! My reading skills are improved? or maybe I just paid more attention! My instructor was estatic. She was feeling low because of the first 5 tests only 2 'passed'... I for sure am feeling terrific right now....
OH Nooooo!
This is not Good! I am taking a class at H&R Block. Last night I took the midterm exam. And I did not score high enough! I can't believe it! Some how my mind did not get itself around a couple of concepts, I guess...This 66 yr old mind is not as sharp as I thought! I am PO'd bigtime. If there is any good news in this it is that I got the part of the exam that was actually preparing someone's taxes all correct. So does that mean I can do the work, but I can't read the test? It does look that way right now. I get to try again tonight...Hopefully those results will be much better..
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
rainy Wednesday night
It is a rainy night here in Michigan... and I am brand new to Blogging...but here goes.
I am taking a break from thinking about the mess this country is in. Just letting the rain soothe away all my worries. It is good to step back and just let things go, sometimes. Just let Nature/God/or Whatever (One and the Same)Be and forget my petty worries. It is time to get out the old flattop and make some music with my favorite fiddler.
I am taking a break from thinking about the mess this country is in. Just letting the rain soothe away all my worries. It is good to step back and just let things go, sometimes. Just let Nature/God/or Whatever (One and the Same)Be and forget my petty worries. It is time to get out the old flattop and make some music with my favorite fiddler.
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