I know this preacher guy who every time he speaks I can't help but think he is telling on himself, an open air confession of his thoughts, be they pretty or not. I usually get a little squirmy, not because I am convicted, as he might hope, but because I think he's depressed and overwhelmed with life. I'm no psychologist, but I'm thinking the dude needs some help.
And who doesn't?
I heard on the comedy channel the other day George Carlin's "List of Things to Watch Out For." (http://www.totalobscurity.com/smile/carlin/carlin.html) I laughed - loudly - in part because of my own anxiety issues, but also - and mainly - because of the absurdness of it all. We are told so many things every single day. It's no wonder the preacher guy is overwhelmed!
A friend of mine received this "honest question" from an old high school friend the other day. I found it especially moving, if not symbolic of what is occurring across the nation.
Hi "Friends" (individual names replaced!!
I don't know how to go about this but to come right out and ask if I am the only one, but I guess I should preface it by giving you a little insight as to my life.
Well, since I had my heart attack in 2005, I was put on three different medications and I gained 25 pounds. I lost my sex drive, I lost much of my hair. I cry soo much over everything my heart hurts. I went through empty house syndrome when My daughter left. Its like.. It can't get worse. and then it does. My relationship with (my husband) is, like always, up and down. We made a bad financial decision during the housing boom that cost us our life savings. Now my oldest is in (another state) with the love of my life, my grand(child) and I can't go. My other two (children) are never home. I am just so sad all the time because of everything... I decided to get off my meds myself since I finally read up on them and two major side effects was rapid weight gain and the other was rapid hair loss. I hate my 40's, I don't really have friends outside of (my children). They are my life and they are all growing up and moving on.
I guess I just want to say hi! This just isn't the kind of stuff I can say to a neighbor or my mom or (my children), ya know? Nothing like old friends to help you put life in perspective. Anyways all advice is appreciated and thanks for reading and I hope you write back.
(Your Friend)
(Dear Friend),
I think honestly that you and a lot of us have been going through changes. One might say that economic changes, marital status, medical issues, children growing up, and death accompanied by pre-menopause and mid-life crisis could have something to do it (our group age 44 & 45). Together at an Anniversary Party, remember how our small group of girls uttered more than once, "Is this it? " speaking about our lives at that point. I was quite surprised listening to everyone, and since then it has been a common feeling shared by others that were not at the party. My husband, and my (child) swear that I am Menopausal, I am in denial. I just read an article recently that the age 44 was a prime time for woman to start mid life crisis, (and not what we might typically think of) but the tears, sadness, and "Is this all there is?" kind of thinking. (Friend), I think this is a stage in our lives, and probably not the best stage in our lives, but I think things are going to get better, and contentment and happiness will follow. Expectations, disappointments, hormones are probably huge factors in the way we feel.
(Friend), I know you are not in this boat alone, lots of us our experiencing some of the same things. If we could just get together, ride around, swim at (a friend's pool), maybe go dancing, and go back to the simple times. Remember we were going to be together everyday, and then my mother told us that we would all grow up, have our own lives, and we would never see each other. Who knew?
My advice, (Friend) is to take one day at time, pray or meditate spend quiet time, and try to look at all the positive and good things in your life. I have book I love "Simple Abundance" that helped me in my life about 10 years ago, and Sunday morning church always helps to see things in a more positive light.
I have been thinking about you all week.
Your Old Pal
Well, I have been thinking about her, too.
And about this article recently published by ABC News; ABC News: "Middle-Aged Misery: Why 44 Is Worst Age." Not that it is all that uplifting, frankly, but it validates the preacher guy's doom, if not the despair of my friend's friend. It reads:
"Middle age makes you miserable, so don't blame your job, your kids, your spouse, your income or lack of it, suggests an international study of 2 million people from 80 nations.
"Researchers from Great Britain and the USA analyzed data spanning more than 35 years on measures such as depression, anxiety, mental well-being, happiness and life satisfaction.
"They found that men and women in their 40s were more likely to be depressed and weren't as happy as other ages. Middle age is such a low point for well-being that it's at the bottom of a U-shaped curve that indicates greater happiness among the young and old.
"It's midlife per se," says co-author Andrew Oswald, an economist at the University of Warwick in Coventry, England. "It's something deep beyond all the controls in our equation. It's a developing midlife low. It doesn't just happen one year and go away another."
For both sexes, the probability of depression peaks around age 44.
Oswald doesn't have any concrete answers on why such a slump occurs.
"My best conjecture is that people eventually learn to quell their infeasible aspirations," he says. "They manage to get their expectations into line with what they can actually achieve."
The study by Oswald and fellow economist David Blanchflower of Dartmouth College in Hanover, N.H., being published in the journal Social Science & Medicine found the same U-shape by age for 72 of 80 countries studied.
"You can be almost certain you will follow this U-shaped curve," Oswald says. "If you are finding life tough in your 40s, maybe it's useful to know this is completely normal."
Research by Angus Deaton, a Princeton University economist, has found a similar U-shaped curve in some countries, but he says it doesn't hold true globally.
"Young people are happier in some countries, and in some countries middle-aged are happy. It depends on which country," he says. "In my data, it's true if you look some places, older people are really miserable relative to younger people. It's not U-shaped. (Happiness is) just going down."
Despite the skepticism, Oswald says the age factor appears real.
"We're correlating mental well-being with age, having factored out 100 other influences," Oswald says.
"In 2008, social science can't do better than this."
Great, right?
I am left to ponder a quote I once heard from the great philosopher Cher: "I've been 30 and I have been 40. 30 is better."
And I wanted to blame it on our economy...
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Monday, March 10, 2008
Colt the news maker
Listen, Colton has been on my mind a lot lately, not just because he has been laying beside me for the last couple of days trying to recover from the flu. He keeps saying this "stuff" that I have to take a double take on, looking to see if in fact it was him who said this "stuff" or someone who does a darn good impersonation. Of course, it's not an impersonation, but it seems like it should be. I have no idea how this "stuff" lodges in his brain let alone floats out of his mouth. When I look at him in disbelief - actually I am looking deep, deep into his eyes to see if he is for real - he simply stares back at me with that "what??" kind of look. I have to just shake my head...
This morning, 4 am, he screams, "Dad" from his loftbed next door. All I can think is, "Whew, it's not me!" (I know, I am a very loving parent.) Next thing I know they both are in the bathroom, "expelling" the Egg Drop soup from earlier. David sets him up on the floor and by 4:15 is crawling back into bed. 15 minutes later, we hear, "Somebody!" I guess that brought me into the mix and I wondered if in fact David admonished him to call out my name next time, but Colton simply couldn't bring himself to do it. In David's world, "Somebody" means me. He didn't move. I crawl out of bed, walk over Colt's floor bed, and sit on the bathtub to support him... Colt, head in the toilet, says "I hope this isn't the end of the road..." Not sure I heard him right, I say, "End of the road? What do you mean?" He says, "I hope I don't throw up my heart and die." He also asked me if it was possible he could throw up his liver. I told him, I didn't think so - or at least, I had never heard of that happening.
It reminded me of last time he was sick, screaming from the bathroom for his Dad first, then, next time, "Somebody!" In between one of his "expulsions," he said with great exasperation, "Lord, save me from this misery."
He has a wonderful spiritual side to him. Last week, we were saying our bedtime prayers. I typically ask if he has a special request, just in case there is something on his mind. He invariably prays for a classmate's diabetes and sometimes has an unspoken request. That night, it was just Andrew's diabetes. I leave, walk into my room and hear very loudly, "Isn't somebody going to pray with me??" Again, "Somebody."
I calmly go in and remind him that we just prayed two minutes ago, if not less. "Oh, yeah," he says. Clearly, he has something else on his mind. "Soooo, did you have something else you wanted to pray about?"
He went on to tell me that in school that day he learned about purgatory. I see, I say, not knowing much about it due to my non-Catholic upbringing. He tells me that it is a place between earth and heaven where the dead people go and God decides if they go to heaven "or down." He then says people need to pray for them. I say, "Ok, good. Well, let's hit it." He prays a very sweet, thoughtful prayer, ending with "And Lord, I pray that you let all the people in purgatory have good lives in heaven." He is passionate, sincere and very convincing. "Amen," we say together.
I tell him that I don't know a lot about purgatory, but I do know that some people don't believe in it. I added, however, that I know Catholics do. "Oh, I do believe," he said with great enthusiasm. "I believe."
So, tenderly, I ask, "Do you think Grampy is in purgatory," thinking of my Dad who died unexpectedly four years ago. "Nope," he said with great glee. "I just got him out!"
What a joy Colton is to me...
I will end with this, as he lays here beside me on the bed, still recovering ... It's an article that appeared this weekend that quotes him. Beside the Wide Awake Club, I think it is the first time - though I am sure it will not be his last. Please read my PS comment at the end.
Scouts' pancake breakfast provides ray of light, full stomach to needy
THE FLINT JOURNAL FIRST EDITION
Sunday, March 09, 2008
By Beata Mostafavi
FLINT - Ed Hinman took a break from chilly air Saturday morning to enjoy a plate of hot pancakes, sausage links and coffee inside St. Paul Episcopal Church.
The former union carpenter, 40, who lives in a homeless shelter in Flint, said it was nice of the Boy Scouts to spend a day helping the community by providing a free hearty breakfast.
"I think it's good for them, and it's definitely good for us," he said at the Scouts' annual "Feed the Hungry Breakfast." "I wasn't going to eat at all."
More than 30 Cub and Boy Scouts ages 7-18 helped cook and serve roughly 100 pounds of donated food to more than 200 people at the church at 711 S. Saginaw Street.
"I just like helping out," said Joe Latavis, 16, a junior at Swartz Creek High School, as he whipped up pancake batter under a tent outside the church. "At times, it makes me sad to see that so many people are here ... but I like to see the smiles on people's faces."
Wearing a hairnet while dressed in his full blue Cub Scout uniform, Colton Frownfelter scooped up ready-to-serve steamy hot cakes.
"There are a lot of people here, and this could really help the community," said Colton, 10, a fourth grader at St. John Vianney Catholic School.
The efforts definitely helped such residents as Brian Smith, 37, who was happy to see children getting involved.
"I think it's very nice and thoughtful," said Smith, who lives in a Flint homeless shelter after getting laid off from a temporary staffing firm in Brighton.
"I think it's good for them to do that because it teaches them at a young age to be caring about other people and teaches them about humanity.
"Being jobless and homeless and not having adequate funds to eat, this breakfast definitely helps me out."
The breakfast was organized by Tall Pine Scout Council Boy Scouts of America in partnership with the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan, along with co-sponsors Great Giant IGA and Country Fresh Dairy.
Erica Hall of Flint Township watched as son Myles, 7, excitedly carried milk and juice cartons through the room.
She said it's a good lesson for him after a fire wrecked their family's home in November.
"A lot of people reached out to help us, so I think it's important that, whenever possible, he help others," she said. "It provides them with a sense of community and involvement with others who are less fortunate."
Anthony Watson, executive of the Tall Pine Council's Baden Powell District, said the experience should give the young men an up-close view of what's happening around them.
"It's important that they understand the necessity of giving back and that we're all interrelated and that it's important to help other people meet their needs," he said.
PS - When I asked Colt about quote, noting how proud I was of him to say such a thing, he just laughed. "I didn't really say it," he said. I immediately assumed he was misquoted or the kid next to him said it instead. "Oh," I ask. "What do you mean? Who said it?" "Well, I said it, but it is actually something I heard someone else say on television."
Who said TV isn't educational??
This morning, 4 am, he screams, "Dad" from his loftbed next door. All I can think is, "Whew, it's not me!" (I know, I am a very loving parent.) Next thing I know they both are in the bathroom, "expelling" the Egg Drop soup from earlier. David sets him up on the floor and by 4:15 is crawling back into bed. 15 minutes later, we hear, "Somebody!" I guess that brought me into the mix and I wondered if in fact David admonished him to call out my name next time, but Colton simply couldn't bring himself to do it. In David's world, "Somebody" means me. He didn't move. I crawl out of bed, walk over Colt's floor bed, and sit on the bathtub to support him... Colt, head in the toilet, says "I hope this isn't the end of the road..." Not sure I heard him right, I say, "End of the road? What do you mean?" He says, "I hope I don't throw up my heart and die." He also asked me if it was possible he could throw up his liver. I told him, I didn't think so - or at least, I had never heard of that happening.
It reminded me of last time he was sick, screaming from the bathroom for his Dad first, then, next time, "Somebody!" In between one of his "expulsions," he said with great exasperation, "Lord, save me from this misery."
He has a wonderful spiritual side to him. Last week, we were saying our bedtime prayers. I typically ask if he has a special request, just in case there is something on his mind. He invariably prays for a classmate's diabetes and sometimes has an unspoken request. That night, it was just Andrew's diabetes. I leave, walk into my room and hear very loudly, "Isn't somebody going to pray with me??" Again, "Somebody."
I calmly go in and remind him that we just prayed two minutes ago, if not less. "Oh, yeah," he says. Clearly, he has something else on his mind. "Soooo, did you have something else you wanted to pray about?"
He went on to tell me that in school that day he learned about purgatory. I see, I say, not knowing much about it due to my non-Catholic upbringing. He tells me that it is a place between earth and heaven where the dead people go and God decides if they go to heaven "or down." He then says people need to pray for them. I say, "Ok, good. Well, let's hit it." He prays a very sweet, thoughtful prayer, ending with "And Lord, I pray that you let all the people in purgatory have good lives in heaven." He is passionate, sincere and very convincing. "Amen," we say together.
I tell him that I don't know a lot about purgatory, but I do know that some people don't believe in it. I added, however, that I know Catholics do. "Oh, I do believe," he said with great enthusiasm. "I believe."
So, tenderly, I ask, "Do you think Grampy is in purgatory," thinking of my Dad who died unexpectedly four years ago. "Nope," he said with great glee. "I just got him out!"
What a joy Colton is to me...
I will end with this, as he lays here beside me on the bed, still recovering ... It's an article that appeared this weekend that quotes him. Beside the Wide Awake Club, I think it is the first time - though I am sure it will not be his last. Please read my PS comment at the end.
Scouts' pancake breakfast provides ray of light, full stomach to needy
THE FLINT JOURNAL FIRST EDITION
Sunday, March 09, 2008
By Beata Mostafavi
FLINT - Ed Hinman took a break from chilly air Saturday morning to enjoy a plate of hot pancakes, sausage links and coffee inside St. Paul Episcopal Church.
The former union carpenter, 40, who lives in a homeless shelter in Flint, said it was nice of the Boy Scouts to spend a day helping the community by providing a free hearty breakfast.
"I think it's good for them, and it's definitely good for us," he said at the Scouts' annual "Feed the Hungry Breakfast." "I wasn't going to eat at all."
More than 30 Cub and Boy Scouts ages 7-18 helped cook and serve roughly 100 pounds of donated food to more than 200 people at the church at 711 S. Saginaw Street.
"I just like helping out," said Joe Latavis, 16, a junior at Swartz Creek High School, as he whipped up pancake batter under a tent outside the church. "At times, it makes me sad to see that so many people are here ... but I like to see the smiles on people's faces."
Wearing a hairnet while dressed in his full blue Cub Scout uniform, Colton Frownfelter scooped up ready-to-serve steamy hot cakes.
"There are a lot of people here, and this could really help the community," said Colton, 10, a fourth grader at St. John Vianney Catholic School.
The efforts definitely helped such residents as Brian Smith, 37, who was happy to see children getting involved.
"I think it's very nice and thoughtful," said Smith, who lives in a Flint homeless shelter after getting laid off from a temporary staffing firm in Brighton.
"I think it's good for them to do that because it teaches them at a young age to be caring about other people and teaches them about humanity.
"Being jobless and homeless and not having adequate funds to eat, this breakfast definitely helps me out."
The breakfast was organized by Tall Pine Scout Council Boy Scouts of America in partnership with the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan, along with co-sponsors Great Giant IGA and Country Fresh Dairy.
Erica Hall of Flint Township watched as son Myles, 7, excitedly carried milk and juice cartons through the room.
She said it's a good lesson for him after a fire wrecked their family's home in November.
"A lot of people reached out to help us, so I think it's important that, whenever possible, he help others," she said. "It provides them with a sense of community and involvement with others who are less fortunate."
Anthony Watson, executive of the Tall Pine Council's Baden Powell District, said the experience should give the young men an up-close view of what's happening around them.
"It's important that they understand the necessity of giving back and that we're all interrelated and that it's important to help other people meet their needs," he said.
PS - When I asked Colt about quote, noting how proud I was of him to say such a thing, he just laughed. "I didn't really say it," he said. I immediately assumed he was misquoted or the kid next to him said it instead. "Oh," I ask. "What do you mean? Who said it?" "Well, I said it, but it is actually something I heard someone else say on television."
Who said TV isn't educational??
Thursday, February 28, 2008
On my mind...
As if you cared - the following represents just a titch of my mental ponderings these days.
Bush Says No Recession; Economists Differ
Honest to God? Bush really said publicly that the United States was not bound for a recession? Truly? I want what he's having!
Prince Harry On Front Lines in Afghanistan
Oh Good Lord! Take him off the front line! What are they thinking??
FBI Launches Clemens Perjury Investigation
I can't imagine caring any less about whether or not a baseball player took human growth hormones or steroids. Please - people, someone lied about weapons of mass destruction and then proclaimed to the world, mission accomplished. Hello! Which is worse - steriods to speed recovery or allowing thousands to die for a lie? I say, let Clemens go and start investigating some real crime!
Hasselbeck: Obama's Life Is in Danger
Why do I care anything about what Elizabeth Hasselbeck says? I don't - and I won't, ever. Now if she has insider information, that's one thing, but it's her young, white Republican opinion. Why doesn't she focus on McCain??
Cafferty: McCain not U.S.-born; does it matter?
Citizenship is citizenship. Why are we just now finding this out? Did he lie on his resume?? If we let him in, why not Granholm? She Canadian and holds far more promise than the 71-year-old Panamanian!
McCain Goofs, Calls Himself a Liberal
This one I laughed out loud on! You say goof, I say ploy. He's got to do something to compete with the Obama train...
Drew Peterson: 'I Controlled My Family'
No kidding?? He seems so docile! What is taking so long to lock this guy up??
1 in 100 Americans is behind bars
Notice they did not say what KIND of bar!!
Oil prices set new record above $102
Say it with me - 4 bucks for a gallon of gas. And yes, while we have all heard that the Bush oil dynasty has nothing to do with the elevated prices, why does my mind always go there?
Miley Cyrus likes to drink ketchup from bottle
This one I had to take a second look at. Yes, it truly is a news story. Did someone really get paid for that piece? Is it really worth the time, energy or paper used to compose the sentences? Again, I do not care. Why would anyone care about that ridiculous fact?
Court date delayed in latest dispute between Flint Clerk Inez Brown and Mayor Don Williamson's administration
I had to throw one in from the local media. This one promises to be a box office favorite. Who is going to win? The fact is, the contenders share the same audience. I'm predicting loyalties will be tested in this matter - Inez is going to see who her true friends are - and Williamson might be the only one who is surprised. Are you ready to rummmmbbbllleeee???
Bush Says No Recession; Economists Differ
Honest to God? Bush really said publicly that the United States was not bound for a recession? Truly? I want what he's having!
Prince Harry On Front Lines in Afghanistan
Oh Good Lord! Take him off the front line! What are they thinking??
FBI Launches Clemens Perjury Investigation
I can't imagine caring any less about whether or not a baseball player took human growth hormones or steroids. Please - people, someone lied about weapons of mass destruction and then proclaimed to the world, mission accomplished. Hello! Which is worse - steriods to speed recovery or allowing thousands to die for a lie? I say, let Clemens go and start investigating some real crime!
Hasselbeck: Obama's Life Is in Danger
Why do I care anything about what Elizabeth Hasselbeck says? I don't - and I won't, ever. Now if she has insider information, that's one thing, but it's her young, white Republican opinion. Why doesn't she focus on McCain??
Cafferty: McCain not U.S.-born; does it matter?
Citizenship is citizenship. Why are we just now finding this out? Did he lie on his resume?? If we let him in, why not Granholm? She Canadian and holds far more promise than the 71-year-old Panamanian!
McCain Goofs, Calls Himself a Liberal
This one I laughed out loud on! You say goof, I say ploy. He's got to do something to compete with the Obama train...
Drew Peterson: 'I Controlled My Family'
No kidding?? He seems so docile! What is taking so long to lock this guy up??
1 in 100 Americans is behind bars
Notice they did not say what KIND of bar!!
Oil prices set new record above $102
Say it with me - 4 bucks for a gallon of gas. And yes, while we have all heard that the Bush oil dynasty has nothing to do with the elevated prices, why does my mind always go there?
Miley Cyrus likes to drink ketchup from bottle
This one I had to take a second look at. Yes, it truly is a news story. Did someone really get paid for that piece? Is it really worth the time, energy or paper used to compose the sentences? Again, I do not care. Why would anyone care about that ridiculous fact?
Court date delayed in latest dispute between Flint Clerk Inez Brown and Mayor Don Williamson's administration
I had to throw one in from the local media. This one promises to be a box office favorite. Who is going to win? The fact is, the contenders share the same audience. I'm predicting loyalties will be tested in this matter - Inez is going to see who her true friends are - and Williamson might be the only one who is surprised. Are you ready to rummmmbbbllleeee???
Friday, February 15, 2008
Homeless and living in a service truck...
A friend just phoned and told me they found a homeless man living in their service truck. It's clear he has been there a while and was likely going to return. He left his coat and some belongings in a garbage bag.
The truck is parked in Grand Blanc.
While she was telling me of their plight (what should they do, call the police, leave food?), my thoughts went to Josiah, the 18-year-old contestant who told the American Idol world last week that he lives in his car. While he said he wasn't exactly homeless, he cried moments later and said he was lonely and often scared. Looking at him sprawled out (or crammed into) the front seat of that car was heartbreaking. At least he was living in his car in a warm climate. The homeless man in my friend's truck hasn't been so fortunate with windchills dropping to way, way below zero in recent weeks.
And so we have it in this recession-bound nation of great wealth. We have a growing number of people who no longer have an appropriate shelter, whether it be in Los Angeles or Grand Blanc. With the mortgage crisis breathing down our necks, I can't help but wonder how many more will be seeking warmth in parked service vehicles. How long before entire families are cramming themselves into cars and trucks to survive the elements of their daily lives?
This issue of diminishing resources across the country is, in part, why I was so interested in attending the State of the County address last evening. What are our local leaders doing to help us survive? What hope do we have as the nation is only beginning to realize (or admit) there is a problem?
The address included the important fact that Genesee County is not alone in grappling with vexing financial challenges. Board Chair Woodrow Stanley said our political leaders in Lansing and Washington will have to play a large role in finding answers to these issues which if left unchecked, will become a major crisis for counties across our state.
Other exerpts include:
"Genesee County’s future and Flint’s future are bound tightly together.
"But what gives me cause for guarded optimism is the knowledge that we have been on this road before. We faced recession before. We faced plant closings before. We have faced double digit unemployment before. We have faced negative national press before.
"And friends, we’re still standing.
"Maya Angelou said it best when she stated, “and still I rise.”
"I believe with every fiber in my being that our community will continue to rise.
"We refer to ourselves as Genesee County, but isn’t Genesee community a more accurate description? Whether you live in Montrose or Mt. Morris, Goodrich or Genesee, Fenton or Flint, we all have the same hopes, dreams, and desires. We all want safe neighborhoods, safe schools, well-maintained roads, timely emergency response, good health care, and a robust economy. It is quite apparent that regardless of our zip codes, we are a community of common heritage and a shared destiny.
"In this historic presidential election year, it’s not uncommon to hear talk – a lot of talk – about the need for change. It seems this year especially people across this nation are looking for change, for hope, for a break with the status quo.
"For years, we have talked of economic transitions, especially in this community where we have been so closely linked to the automotive industry. Doing more with less has been a mantra we all have grown weary of hearing. I think it is safe to say we need something else. In fact, we need to move beyond transition to transformation, a fundamental change in how we approach public service delivery.
"Indeed, I feel a sense of transformation.
"... This transformation that I’m talking about isn’t just an upgrade of equipment and processes for county employees ... Going forward, we must, as an organization and community, embrace a cultural reorientation, a new way of thinking, a more entrepreneurial way of doing things – a more competitive way of doing things. This mindset must permeate every part of our community.
"Finally, consider that two weeks ago, the New York Giants were 14 point underdogs in the Super Bowl and they now own the Lombardi Trophy. Consider further that a mere two years ago, few people seriously believed that a freshman Senator by the name of Barack Obama could ever be a legitimate presidential candidate. Today he is the front runner for the Democratic presidential nomination.
"Our community has been the proverbial 14-point underdog, the candidate given no chance of ever being competitive. Someone once said, however, “With but few exceptions, it is always the underdog who wins through sheer willpower.”
"Our nation stands on the brink of major political transformation. So too must Genesee County adopt this new attitude of transformation. We must activate our willpower. There is a time to let things happen, and a time to make things happen. It has been said, “You can never change things by fighting the existing reality. To change something, build a new model that makes the existing model obsolete.”
"I believe we are a community of destiny. I've never lost faith in our resiliency, our capacity to overcome. This community understands what it takes to survive- it's more than money, it's more than jobs- not that both are unimportant- we can survive without a lot of things, but we can't survive and be successful without heart, without compassion, without the reach down deep determination to succeed against all odds. We are best when we are watching out for one another, when we share our resources with others in need. When we turn to each other rather than on each other. When your hardship becomes my hardship. That kind of success and grit and determination can't be quantified in a magazine, in a newspaper, in the wrong opinions of people who say our survival defies logic.
"I do not ask to walk smooth paths nor bear an easy load. I pray for strength and fortitude to climb the rock-strewn road. Give me such courage and I can scale the hardest peaks alone, and transform every stumbling block into a stepping-stone."
I feel hope -- for me, for my family, for the homeless man living in my friend's vehicle. We are all in desperate need of transformation.
The truck is parked in Grand Blanc.
While she was telling me of their plight (what should they do, call the police, leave food?), my thoughts went to Josiah, the 18-year-old contestant who told the American Idol world last week that he lives in his car. While he said he wasn't exactly homeless, he cried moments later and said he was lonely and often scared. Looking at him sprawled out (or crammed into) the front seat of that car was heartbreaking. At least he was living in his car in a warm climate. The homeless man in my friend's truck hasn't been so fortunate with windchills dropping to way, way below zero in recent weeks.
And so we have it in this recession-bound nation of great wealth. We have a growing number of people who no longer have an appropriate shelter, whether it be in Los Angeles or Grand Blanc. With the mortgage crisis breathing down our necks, I can't help but wonder how many more will be seeking warmth in parked service vehicles. How long before entire families are cramming themselves into cars and trucks to survive the elements of their daily lives?
This issue of diminishing resources across the country is, in part, why I was so interested in attending the State of the County address last evening. What are our local leaders doing to help us survive? What hope do we have as the nation is only beginning to realize (or admit) there is a problem?
The address included the important fact that Genesee County is not alone in grappling with vexing financial challenges. Board Chair Woodrow Stanley said our political leaders in Lansing and Washington will have to play a large role in finding answers to these issues which if left unchecked, will become a major crisis for counties across our state.
Other exerpts include:
"Genesee County’s future and Flint’s future are bound tightly together.
"But what gives me cause for guarded optimism is the knowledge that we have been on this road before. We faced recession before. We faced plant closings before. We have faced double digit unemployment before. We have faced negative national press before.
"And friends, we’re still standing.
"Maya Angelou said it best when she stated, “and still I rise.”
"I believe with every fiber in my being that our community will continue to rise.
"We refer to ourselves as Genesee County, but isn’t Genesee community a more accurate description? Whether you live in Montrose or Mt. Morris, Goodrich or Genesee, Fenton or Flint, we all have the same hopes, dreams, and desires. We all want safe neighborhoods, safe schools, well-maintained roads, timely emergency response, good health care, and a robust economy. It is quite apparent that regardless of our zip codes, we are a community of common heritage and a shared destiny.
"In this historic presidential election year, it’s not uncommon to hear talk – a lot of talk – about the need for change. It seems this year especially people across this nation are looking for change, for hope, for a break with the status quo.
"For years, we have talked of economic transitions, especially in this community where we have been so closely linked to the automotive industry. Doing more with less has been a mantra we all have grown weary of hearing. I think it is safe to say we need something else. In fact, we need to move beyond transition to transformation, a fundamental change in how we approach public service delivery.
"Indeed, I feel a sense of transformation.
"... This transformation that I’m talking about isn’t just an upgrade of equipment and processes for county employees ... Going forward, we must, as an organization and community, embrace a cultural reorientation, a new way of thinking, a more entrepreneurial way of doing things – a more competitive way of doing things. This mindset must permeate every part of our community.
"Finally, consider that two weeks ago, the New York Giants were 14 point underdogs in the Super Bowl and they now own the Lombardi Trophy. Consider further that a mere two years ago, few people seriously believed that a freshman Senator by the name of Barack Obama could ever be a legitimate presidential candidate. Today he is the front runner for the Democratic presidential nomination.
"Our community has been the proverbial 14-point underdog, the candidate given no chance of ever being competitive. Someone once said, however, “With but few exceptions, it is always the underdog who wins through sheer willpower.”
"Our nation stands on the brink of major political transformation. So too must Genesee County adopt this new attitude of transformation. We must activate our willpower. There is a time to let things happen, and a time to make things happen. It has been said, “You can never change things by fighting the existing reality. To change something, build a new model that makes the existing model obsolete.”
"I believe we are a community of destiny. I've never lost faith in our resiliency, our capacity to overcome. This community understands what it takes to survive- it's more than money, it's more than jobs- not that both are unimportant- we can survive without a lot of things, but we can't survive and be successful without heart, without compassion, without the reach down deep determination to succeed against all odds. We are best when we are watching out for one another, when we share our resources with others in need. When we turn to each other rather than on each other. When your hardship becomes my hardship. That kind of success and grit and determination can't be quantified in a magazine, in a newspaper, in the wrong opinions of people who say our survival defies logic.
"I do not ask to walk smooth paths nor bear an easy load. I pray for strength and fortitude to climb the rock-strewn road. Give me such courage and I can scale the hardest peaks alone, and transform every stumbling block into a stepping-stone."
I feel hope -- for me, for my family, for the homeless man living in my friend's vehicle. We are all in desperate need of transformation.
Monday, February 04, 2008
Dr. Phil on the line
So if you don't know it, you probably should. I don't answer the phone at the house. It rings and rings. None of us seem to ever really hear it. I remember as a kid jumping and running to hear who was on the other end. My kids don't have the same fascination.
And we don't have an answering machine. It's surprising how many people chide us for not being able to leave a message - as if it is our obligation to provide the service for them. It's not - and we don't. We would highly recommend it. It has simplified our life immensely.
That's why it was surprising the other night when Isi picked up the phone on the third or fourth ring. She runs upstairs and says it is Paramount Pictures on the line - the Dr. Phil Show.
Riiiggghhtttt.
I shake off my lethargy and reached for the cordless, wondering which wiseguy friend was getting me back for some practical joke I played on them.
Jennifer introduces herself as a producer for the Dr. Phil Show. Jennifer, I think to myself, clever name for a ruse. Jennifer says she read the article the other day featuring my comments about technology.
Ah-ha, I shout to myself, it's Dawn since she was the one who hooked me up to the AP writer several weeks ago. She was the only one I told about responding to the antidotal experience request. As Jennifer went on, however, it became clear that it wasn't a payback after all. I truly was talking with someone from Dr. Phil.
We spent about 15 minutes on the line as I described my experiences with popular technology today, including myspace, twitter and of course, my chumby. What she zeroed in on was my relationship with my kids, whom I typically introduce to the fascinations of cyberspace.
"No, they don't have a myspace," I respond, noting that they would love one. "Yes, I think it is dangerous for kids their age. Yes they have seen mine. Yes, I have been spurned by at least one young person for having a myspace. While the 20-something politely accepted me as a friend, I think I am at the bottom of her list, hidden, hoping a reader might get bored before they discover the only 46-year-old on the list."
The bottom line is an article sharing my thoughts on the "gadget wars" between adults and youth has been published by the Associated Press. For kicks, I googled myself and discovered that it was actually featured in numerous papers across the country and beyond. Australia and Vietnam actually picked it up and I think it was on some sort of listserve in the UK. To spare you the work of looking it up on your own, and because I am shameless, I went ahead and copied it into this post. It ain't much, but it's all I got. My comments are near the bottom - and yes, she quoted me accurately.
For what it is worth, Jennifer requested photos of me and the kids in case they decide to pursue the topic. She also asked if they could call back with more questions. Of course, I said.
I just hope someone in my house answers the phone if they do!
********
The Associated Press
Youth Vs. Adults in Gadget Wars
By MARTHA IRVINE – Jan 22, 2008
CHICAGO (AP) — Scott Seigal was awakened one recent early morning by a cell phone text message. It was from his girlfriend's mother.
His friends' parents have posted greetings on his MySpace page for all the world to see. And his 72-year-old grandmother sends him online instant messages every day so they can better stay in touch while he's at college.
"It's nice that adults know SOME things," says Seigal, an 18-year-old freshman at Binghamton University in New York. He especially likes IMing with his grandma because he's "not a huge talker on the phone."
Increasingly, however, he and other young people are feeling uncomfortable about their elders encroaching on what many young adults and teens consider their technological turf.
Long gone are the days when the average, middle-aged adult did well to simply work a computer. Now those same adults have Gmail, upload videos on YouTube, and sport the latest high-tech gadgets.
Young people have responded, as they always have, by searching out the latest way to stay ahead in the race for technological know-how and cool. They use Twitter, which allows blogging from one's mobile phone or BlackBerry, or Hulu.com, a site where they can download videos and TV programs.
They customize their cell phones with various faceplates and ringtones. And, sometimes, they find ways to exclude adults — using high-frequency ringtones that teens can hear but most adults can't, for instance.
Nowhere are the technological turf wars more apparent than on social networking sites, such as MySpace and Facebook, which went from being student-oriented to allowing adults outside the college ranks to join.
Gary Rudman, a California-based youth market researcher, has heard the complaints. He regularly interviews young people who think it's "creepy" when an older person — we're talking someone they know — asks to join their social network as a "friend." It means, among other things, that they can view each others' profiles and what they and their friends post.
"It would be like a 40-year-old attending the prom or a frat party," Rudman says. "It just doesn't work."
It's a particular quandary for image-conscious teens, says Eric Kuhn, a junior at Hamilton College in upstate New York, who's blogged about the etiquette of social networking.
He accepted his mom's invitation to be Facebook friends and has, in turn, become online friends with other adults she knows. But so far, he says, his 16-year-old sister has declined to add their mom "because she thinks it is not cool."
Lakeshia Poole, a 24-year-old from Atlanta, says "my Facebook self has become a watered down version of me." Worried about older adults snooping around, she's now more careful about what she posts and has also made her profile private, so only her online friends can see it.
"It's somewhat a Catch-22, because now I'm hidden from the people I would really like to connect with," she says.
Lauren Auster-Gussman, a freshman at Juniata College in Pennsylvania, says it's particularly awkward when one of her parents' friends asks to join her social network. She thinks Facebook should only be used by people younger than, say, 40.
"I mean, I'm in college," she says. "There are bound to be at least a few drunken pictures of me on Facebook, and I don't need my parents' friends seeing them."
There are ways around the problem.
It's possible on some sites, for instance, to limit what someone can see on your profile, though some users think it's a pain to have to deal with that.
"That is the beauty of Facebook and other online social networks. If you want to only interact with your peers, then you can adjust the settings to only allow that," says Katie Jones, a senior at Ohio Wesleyan University, who's studied ways prospective students use Facebook to contact students at colleges and universities they're interested in attending.
It's also possible to simply decline or ignore an adult's request to be an online friend. Or adults could back off and only use social networking to contact their own peers.
But it's not always so easy to relinquish that control, especially for parents of teens, says Kathryn Montgomery, the author of "Generation Digital: Politics, Commerce and Childhood in the Age of the Internet" and mother of a 14-year-old.
"As parents, we have to figure out where to draw the line between encouraging and allowing our teens to have autonomy, to experience their separate culture, and when we need to monitor their use of media," says Montgomery, a professor of communication at American University.
She says it's especially important to help young people understand that social networking is often more public than they think. Sometimes monitoring them is the best way to do that.
Sue Frownfelter, a 46-year-old mom in Flint, Mich., thinks it's less of an issue for parents who discover technology with — or even before — their children. Among other things, she has a blog, uses Twitter and has a Chumby, a personal Internet device that displays anything from news and weather to photos and eBay auctions.
Her children, ages 9 and 11, begged her to allow them to have a MySpace page, because she does. Instead, she suggested Imbee.com, a social networking site for kids that allows parental monitoring.
"I can't imagine my life without technology! It has truly become an extension of who I am and who my family will likely be," says Frownfelter, who works at a community college.
Still, in today's world, parents are finding that the urge to stake out technological turf is starting at a very young age.
Jennifer Abelson, a mom in New York, says her 2-year-old daughter asks every day if she can play on the "'puter" on such kid-oriented sites as Noggin.com and Nickjr.com.
"She's constantly telling us 'I will do it!' and 'Go away!' if we try to interfere with her 'working,'" Abelson says.
"It's pretty amazing to see technology ingrained at such a young age. But I know she's learned so much from being able to use technology on her own."
Martha Irvine is an AP national writer. She can be reached at mirvine(at)ap.org or via http://myspace.com/irvineap
Hosted by Google
Copyright © 2008 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
And we don't have an answering machine. It's surprising how many people chide us for not being able to leave a message - as if it is our obligation to provide the service for them. It's not - and we don't. We would highly recommend it. It has simplified our life immensely.
That's why it was surprising the other night when Isi picked up the phone on the third or fourth ring. She runs upstairs and says it is Paramount Pictures on the line - the Dr. Phil Show.
Riiiggghhtttt.
I shake off my lethargy and reached for the cordless, wondering which wiseguy friend was getting me back for some practical joke I played on them.
Jennifer introduces herself as a producer for the Dr. Phil Show. Jennifer, I think to myself, clever name for a ruse. Jennifer says she read the article the other day featuring my comments about technology.
Ah-ha, I shout to myself, it's Dawn since she was the one who hooked me up to the AP writer several weeks ago. She was the only one I told about responding to the antidotal experience request. As Jennifer went on, however, it became clear that it wasn't a payback after all. I truly was talking with someone from Dr. Phil.
We spent about 15 minutes on the line as I described my experiences with popular technology today, including myspace, twitter and of course, my chumby. What she zeroed in on was my relationship with my kids, whom I typically introduce to the fascinations of cyberspace.
"No, they don't have a myspace," I respond, noting that they would love one. "Yes, I think it is dangerous for kids their age. Yes they have seen mine. Yes, I have been spurned by at least one young person for having a myspace. While the 20-something politely accepted me as a friend, I think I am at the bottom of her list, hidden, hoping a reader might get bored before they discover the only 46-year-old on the list."
The bottom line is an article sharing my thoughts on the "gadget wars" between adults and youth has been published by the Associated Press. For kicks, I googled myself and discovered that it was actually featured in numerous papers across the country and beyond. Australia and Vietnam actually picked it up and I think it was on some sort of listserve in the UK. To spare you the work of looking it up on your own, and because I am shameless, I went ahead and copied it into this post. It ain't much, but it's all I got. My comments are near the bottom - and yes, she quoted me accurately.
For what it is worth, Jennifer requested photos of me and the kids in case they decide to pursue the topic. She also asked if they could call back with more questions. Of course, I said.
I just hope someone in my house answers the phone if they do!
********
The Associated Press
Youth Vs. Adults in Gadget Wars
By MARTHA IRVINE – Jan 22, 2008
CHICAGO (AP) — Scott Seigal was awakened one recent early morning by a cell phone text message. It was from his girlfriend's mother.
His friends' parents have posted greetings on his MySpace page for all the world to see. And his 72-year-old grandmother sends him online instant messages every day so they can better stay in touch while he's at college.
"It's nice that adults know SOME things," says Seigal, an 18-year-old freshman at Binghamton University in New York. He especially likes IMing with his grandma because he's "not a huge talker on the phone."
Increasingly, however, he and other young people are feeling uncomfortable about their elders encroaching on what many young adults and teens consider their technological turf.
Long gone are the days when the average, middle-aged adult did well to simply work a computer. Now those same adults have Gmail, upload videos on YouTube, and sport the latest high-tech gadgets.
Young people have responded, as they always have, by searching out the latest way to stay ahead in the race for technological know-how and cool. They use Twitter, which allows blogging from one's mobile phone or BlackBerry, or Hulu.com, a site where they can download videos and TV programs.
They customize their cell phones with various faceplates and ringtones. And, sometimes, they find ways to exclude adults — using high-frequency ringtones that teens can hear but most adults can't, for instance.
Nowhere are the technological turf wars more apparent than on social networking sites, such as MySpace and Facebook, which went from being student-oriented to allowing adults outside the college ranks to join.
Gary Rudman, a California-based youth market researcher, has heard the complaints. He regularly interviews young people who think it's "creepy" when an older person — we're talking someone they know — asks to join their social network as a "friend." It means, among other things, that they can view each others' profiles and what they and their friends post.
"It would be like a 40-year-old attending the prom or a frat party," Rudman says. "It just doesn't work."
It's a particular quandary for image-conscious teens, says Eric Kuhn, a junior at Hamilton College in upstate New York, who's blogged about the etiquette of social networking.
He accepted his mom's invitation to be Facebook friends and has, in turn, become online friends with other adults she knows. But so far, he says, his 16-year-old sister has declined to add their mom "because she thinks it is not cool."
Lakeshia Poole, a 24-year-old from Atlanta, says "my Facebook self has become a watered down version of me." Worried about older adults snooping around, she's now more careful about what she posts and has also made her profile private, so only her online friends can see it.
"It's somewhat a Catch-22, because now I'm hidden from the people I would really like to connect with," she says.
Lauren Auster-Gussman, a freshman at Juniata College in Pennsylvania, says it's particularly awkward when one of her parents' friends asks to join her social network. She thinks Facebook should only be used by people younger than, say, 40.
"I mean, I'm in college," she says. "There are bound to be at least a few drunken pictures of me on Facebook, and I don't need my parents' friends seeing them."
There are ways around the problem.
It's possible on some sites, for instance, to limit what someone can see on your profile, though some users think it's a pain to have to deal with that.
"That is the beauty of Facebook and other online social networks. If you want to only interact with your peers, then you can adjust the settings to only allow that," says Katie Jones, a senior at Ohio Wesleyan University, who's studied ways prospective students use Facebook to contact students at colleges and universities they're interested in attending.
It's also possible to simply decline or ignore an adult's request to be an online friend. Or adults could back off and only use social networking to contact their own peers.
But it's not always so easy to relinquish that control, especially for parents of teens, says Kathryn Montgomery, the author of "Generation Digital: Politics, Commerce and Childhood in the Age of the Internet" and mother of a 14-year-old.
"As parents, we have to figure out where to draw the line between encouraging and allowing our teens to have autonomy, to experience their separate culture, and when we need to monitor their use of media," says Montgomery, a professor of communication at American University.
She says it's especially important to help young people understand that social networking is often more public than they think. Sometimes monitoring them is the best way to do that.
Sue Frownfelter, a 46-year-old mom in Flint, Mich., thinks it's less of an issue for parents who discover technology with — or even before — their children. Among other things, she has a blog, uses Twitter and has a Chumby, a personal Internet device that displays anything from news and weather to photos and eBay auctions.
Her children, ages 9 and 11, begged her to allow them to have a MySpace page, because she does. Instead, she suggested Imbee.com, a social networking site for kids that allows parental monitoring.
"I can't imagine my life without technology! It has truly become an extension of who I am and who my family will likely be," says Frownfelter, who works at a community college.
Still, in today's world, parents are finding that the urge to stake out technological turf is starting at a very young age.
Jennifer Abelson, a mom in New York, says her 2-year-old daughter asks every day if she can play on the "'puter" on such kid-oriented sites as Noggin.com and Nickjr.com.
"She's constantly telling us 'I will do it!' and 'Go away!' if we try to interfere with her 'working,'" Abelson says.
"It's pretty amazing to see technology ingrained at such a young age. But I know she's learned so much from being able to use technology on her own."
Martha Irvine is an AP national writer. She can be reached at mirvine(at)ap.org or via http://myspace.com/irvineap
Hosted by Google
Copyright © 2008 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
The best of 2007!
Our annual list of favorites of the previous year. Do you have a list???
May 2008 be even better!
******
Best of 2007
2 couples: David S surprise birthday trip to Florida.
new job @ Umicore (after long wait!)
Goodbye to Delphi and GM account
Daughtry @ Machine Shop March 11
Property inheritance: Lapeer lot
August Knights to Charity Island
new van (David)
Tighter bond with Dan & John and their families since passing of parents.
Lakisha Jones on American Idol
Colt & daddy "Boy who sailed around the world" book
iPhone
Chumby
Kalahari with Pam, Diane families
Webkins (isi/colt)
Nicki for birthday (isi)
Christmas vacation (isi)
Cellphones
Excaliber
King Arthur Show
Phantom of the Opera
Bryce Canyon
Learning chess
Trip up north with Janelle (isi’s favorite of the year)
Secret Santas in School
Fiesta at Our Lady of Guadalupe (Isi)
The Big Valley
Ipod
Applebees with Stephensons
Runescape (colt)
Falling off cliff (colt)
Winning basketball game (colt)
Wrestling (colt)
Hairspray and accessories
Harry Potter premiere
Harry Potter book release/party
Going to Alysia’s house
Inheritance
Segways in Sarasota
John Lennon at St. Armands Circle
Ring-ling, Ring-Ling
Finding a wifi signal
Red Rooster
Auction
Weight Watchers with Stephensons
David France
David in Germany
First class
SJV Playground
Kids in soccer, basketball
Merry Maids
Isi hair highlighted
Spa for couples massage
New York City with Shari and Diane
Lauber’s condo
Hollister
Morton’s Steak House
David’s birthday adventure
Great summer camps
Camp Copneconic (colt)
Daddy Daughter Dance
Family Halloween Dance Party
Japanese Steak House
Tim and Diane’s for New Year’s
Guitar Hero
Stephensons under the stars
New camera
Enchanted with Giselle
Garage sales at the cottage
SJV PTO
SJV TPO
SJV TPO Trip
Icarly premiere
Twitter
Mt. Pleasant with Mom, Jan
Scratch offs with Grandma
Seeing Paul twice
Tubing at Big Fish Lake and Eikeys
Kevin’s recovery
Frankenmuth with Rodriguez and Jessica party
Dawn Hibbard’s birthday party
Liesel Cramer’s birthday party
Ivid
the Wii
Pennsylvania (Isi)
4.0 Honor Roll for Isi
new glasses for kids
new Select Comfort bed
May 2008 be even better!
******
Best of 2007
2 couples: David S surprise birthday trip to Florida.
new job @ Umicore (after long wait!)
Goodbye to Delphi and GM account
Daughtry @ Machine Shop March 11
Property inheritance: Lapeer lot
August Knights to Charity Island
new van (David)
Tighter bond with Dan & John and their families since passing of parents.
Lakisha Jones on American Idol
Colt & daddy "Boy who sailed around the world" book
iPhone
Chumby
Kalahari with Pam, Diane families
Webkins (isi/colt)
Nicki for birthday (isi)
Christmas vacation (isi)
Cellphones
Excaliber
King Arthur Show
Phantom of the Opera
Bryce Canyon
Learning chess
Trip up north with Janelle (isi’s favorite of the year)
Secret Santas in School
Fiesta at Our Lady of Guadalupe (Isi)
The Big Valley
Ipod
Applebees with Stephensons
Runescape (colt)
Falling off cliff (colt)
Winning basketball game (colt)
Wrestling (colt)
Hairspray and accessories
Harry Potter premiere
Harry Potter book release/party
Going to Alysia’s house
Inheritance
Segways in Sarasota
John Lennon at St. Armands Circle
Ring-ling, Ring-Ling
Finding a wifi signal
Red Rooster
Auction
Weight Watchers with Stephensons
David France
David in Germany
First class
SJV Playground
Kids in soccer, basketball
Merry Maids
Isi hair highlighted
Spa for couples massage
New York City with Shari and Diane
Lauber’s condo
Hollister
Morton’s Steak House
David’s birthday adventure
Great summer camps
Camp Copneconic (colt)
Daddy Daughter Dance
Family Halloween Dance Party
Japanese Steak House
Tim and Diane’s for New Year’s
Guitar Hero
Stephensons under the stars
New camera
Enchanted with Giselle
Garage sales at the cottage
SJV PTO
SJV TPO
SJV TPO Trip
Icarly premiere
Mt. Pleasant with Mom, Jan
Scratch offs with Grandma
Seeing Paul twice
Tubing at Big Fish Lake and Eikeys
Kevin’s recovery
Frankenmuth with Rodriguez and Jessica party
Dawn Hibbard’s birthday party
Liesel Cramer’s birthday party
Ivid
the Wii
Pennsylvania (Isi)
4.0 Honor Roll for Isi
new glasses for kids
new Select Comfort bed
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
Stanley wins top spot on County Commission
The Flint Journal is reporting:
Woodrow Stanley was elected quickly this morning as the new chairman of the Genesee County Board of Commissioners.
Less than years after he was recalled as mayor of Flint, he easily moved into the top spot in county government.
"I'm humbled and honored," Stanley told commissioners. "This is an awesome opportunity and daunting challenge. It's simply my turn to carry the baton."
It's not unusual to maneuver through rounds of voting before a leader is elected to head the nine-member board. Stanley was elected on the first ballot.
Stanley, D-Flint, received five votes to best the three votes for former Chairman Archie Bailey, D-Flushing, and one vote cast for Clayton Township's Ted Henry.
Stanley takes the post immediately.
Woodrow Stanley was elected quickly this morning as the new chairman of the Genesee County Board of Commissioners.
Less than years after he was recalled as mayor of Flint, he easily moved into the top spot in county government.
"I'm humbled and honored," Stanley told commissioners. "This is an awesome opportunity and daunting challenge. It's simply my turn to carry the baton."
It's not unusual to maneuver through rounds of voting before a leader is elected to head the nine-member board. Stanley was elected on the first ballot.
Stanley, D-Flint, received five votes to best the three votes for former Chairman Archie Bailey, D-Flushing, and one vote cast for Clayton Township's Ted Henry.
Stanley takes the post immediately.
Friday, December 07, 2007
All I want for Christmas ...
“In the end we are all separate: our stories, no matter how similar, come to a fork and diverge. We are drawn to each other because of our similarities, but it is our differences we must learn to respect.”
Is that quote good or what??
I like it because it blows holes in the old "opposites attract" theory, which never felt right to me. I don't think they attract - they annoy. I so dislike crinkling my brow and squinting my eyes a bit while someone pointificates exactly the opposite position I have taken - or I am thinking, for that matter. I mean, I try to be polite and manipulate my expression to one of feigned listening rather than complete dismay at their stupidity.
I know, I am bad that way. I nod in polite agreement while calling them bad names in my head. My husband calls it judgementalism. I think he thinks I am bad in a lot of ways. His brow is full of crinkled lines.
He said all he wants for Christmas is a clean bedroom. I knew I shouldn't have asked if he wanted anything special. I'd rather go buy something for him. It would be so much easier.
We were talking around the Thanksgiving table about what we would like for Christmas. So many good people said with a settled contentment that they don't want anything this year. They have everything they need. They are grateful. Happy. Nothing needed under the ole tree.
Crinkled brow.
Well I want things! I told them all so. I want an iphone, a tivo, a new fancy remote control. (My list is on Amazon, by the way!) I'd take a couple dvds of old shows like, Here Comes the Brides and The Big Valley. I think I have my favorite colognes on there - and the upgrade for my Mac...
Everyone was staring at me with squinted eyes - so I threw in, World Peace (I do want that! I think it is after the iphone!)
And so we come to that fork, the diverengence of paths. When the yes, yes, yes suddenly turns to now-wait-a-minute-here. Crinkled brows and squinted eyes. And tears. Life is so big, so full. It's unsettling to find that one who we have journeyed with on a similar path went a different direction at the last fork in the road.
And then they are gone. And in our hearts we wish them well. And we will one day forget the pain and remember only the good, the laughter, the hopes and the dreams - and hope our paths will one day cross again.
It's a crazy life, isn't it? In the midst of the insanity - the diverging paths, the end of friendships, gas prices, parents dying, the hopelessly ongoing war, Larry Craig, the droning of political debates, dead cell phone batteries, the constant closing of businesses, diabetes, the loss of thousands of homes - all my husband truly wants is a clean bedroom!! Is that asking too much??
Oh, and I want an iphone!!!
Is that quote good or what??
I like it because it blows holes in the old "opposites attract" theory, which never felt right to me. I don't think they attract - they annoy. I so dislike crinkling my brow and squinting my eyes a bit while someone pointificates exactly the opposite position I have taken - or I am thinking, for that matter. I mean, I try to be polite and manipulate my expression to one of feigned listening rather than complete dismay at their stupidity.
I know, I am bad that way. I nod in polite agreement while calling them bad names in my head. My husband calls it judgementalism. I think he thinks I am bad in a lot of ways. His brow is full of crinkled lines.
He said all he wants for Christmas is a clean bedroom. I knew I shouldn't have asked if he wanted anything special. I'd rather go buy something for him. It would be so much easier.
We were talking around the Thanksgiving table about what we would like for Christmas. So many good people said with a settled contentment that they don't want anything this year. They have everything they need. They are grateful. Happy. Nothing needed under the ole tree.
Crinkled brow.
Well I want things! I told them all so. I want an iphone, a tivo, a new fancy remote control. (My list is on Amazon, by the way!) I'd take a couple dvds of old shows like, Here Comes the Brides and The Big Valley. I think I have my favorite colognes on there - and the upgrade for my Mac...
Everyone was staring at me with squinted eyes - so I threw in, World Peace (I do want that! I think it is after the iphone!)
And so we come to that fork, the diverengence of paths. When the yes, yes, yes suddenly turns to now-wait-a-minute-here. Crinkled brows and squinted eyes. And tears. Life is so big, so full. It's unsettling to find that one who we have journeyed with on a similar path went a different direction at the last fork in the road.
And then they are gone. And in our hearts we wish them well. And we will one day forget the pain and remember only the good, the laughter, the hopes and the dreams - and hope our paths will one day cross again.
It's a crazy life, isn't it? In the midst of the insanity - the diverging paths, the end of friendships, gas prices, parents dying, the hopelessly ongoing war, Larry Craig, the droning of political debates, dead cell phone batteries, the constant closing of businesses, diabetes, the loss of thousands of homes - all my husband truly wants is a clean bedroom!! Is that asking too much??
Oh, and I want an iphone!!!
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Williamson earns heavyweight title
I bet someone $1000 that Williamson was going to win this election. Well, I almost did. I remember standing there looking at this guy who was absolutely convinced that Walling was going to trounce Williamson. I was mystified by his confidence - he's too old for that kind of pie in the sky optimism. Then I thought twice about shaking on the bet. I mean, what if I was wrong? David would kill me for a $1000 mistake on top of the $1100 mistake I had last week when I backed into my neighbor's car. The truth is, I just don't get this community - I don't trust their decision making skills.
Not that I was all that hep on Walling. Don't get me wrong, I voted for the guy and I urged others to vote for him also. Anyone would be better than Williamson at this critical time in our city. Yes, Walling was propped up by the good old boys, but this time around, I think the good old boys have the best plan. I think the positive steps occurring in this community are the steps taken by that enclosed system of those that have, and who are white, and have a fair degree of intelligence. Walling's Rhodes Scholarship fits in well. His experience on various governmental support teams at least provides some insight into government operations. And his youthful optimism - it could provide the necessary fuel for Flint's recovery.
But it became clear in the live debate a week ago that Dayne doesn't understand Flint. While Williamson bumbled his way up and around the questions, he captured the voting appeal of the average citizen, the automotive workers who have provided sweat labor for endless hours to provide for their families. Many of them don't have a degree; some, like their now two-term leader, never graduated from high school. What could a Rhodes Scholar do for them? They don't care that he has a vision for an educational center for downtown Flint. The only economics they care about is their own - and I don't blame them. Too many in this community can't even afford to feed their families, they are loosing their homes in historic numbers - and Walling is talking of his vision to turn Flint's downtown around.
He didn't connect.
Williamson did. He told viewers that at least he paved their streets. He took credit for other pavement projects as well even though they were completed by the state and federal government.
The Journal reported that Williamson and Walling lobbed barbs at one another during the debate. I have to tell you, I didn't see a single barb and I was watching for them! It was another way that Walling failed to capture the necessary votes to win. This town is gritty. It likes a good fight. Walling had 60 minutes of opportunity after opportunity to tell the city what most of us already know - Williamson lies. He had the facts. He should have used that forum to unload the truth while completely destroying the credibility of the 72-year-old babbling about farms and marriages - and streets and highways and bridges. If Walling would have given even a little push, the audience would have seen just how unbalanced and truly frightening Williamson can be.
Finally, I have to say, Walling also missed an outstanding opportunity to use the ads featuring Woodrow Stanley against Williamson. Those running his campaign should have recognized that the images truly reflected the mindset of the Williamson camp. A simple switch-a-roo of the photos with Williamson on top puppeting his tax-paid criminal friends at City Hall, not to mention Conroy and Larry Ford as well as the unbelievable number of clergy who came out in support. Oh, yes, puppeting indeed.
Instead, Walling's team stayed the course. No fight. No punch. No hit. No win.
Flint likes a fight. And I am afraid Williamson just earned his belt as a heavyweight.
I so wish I would have shook on that $1000 bet!
Not that I was all that hep on Walling. Don't get me wrong, I voted for the guy and I urged others to vote for him also. Anyone would be better than Williamson at this critical time in our city. Yes, Walling was propped up by the good old boys, but this time around, I think the good old boys have the best plan. I think the positive steps occurring in this community are the steps taken by that enclosed system of those that have, and who are white, and have a fair degree of intelligence. Walling's Rhodes Scholarship fits in well. His experience on various governmental support teams at least provides some insight into government operations. And his youthful optimism - it could provide the necessary fuel for Flint's recovery.
But it became clear in the live debate a week ago that Dayne doesn't understand Flint. While Williamson bumbled his way up and around the questions, he captured the voting appeal of the average citizen, the automotive workers who have provided sweat labor for endless hours to provide for their families. Many of them don't have a degree; some, like their now two-term leader, never graduated from high school. What could a Rhodes Scholar do for them? They don't care that he has a vision for an educational center for downtown Flint. The only economics they care about is their own - and I don't blame them. Too many in this community can't even afford to feed their families, they are loosing their homes in historic numbers - and Walling is talking of his vision to turn Flint's downtown around.
He didn't connect.
Williamson did. He told viewers that at least he paved their streets. He took credit for other pavement projects as well even though they were completed by the state and federal government.
The Journal reported that Williamson and Walling lobbed barbs at one another during the debate. I have to tell you, I didn't see a single barb and I was watching for them! It was another way that Walling failed to capture the necessary votes to win. This town is gritty. It likes a good fight. Walling had 60 minutes of opportunity after opportunity to tell the city what most of us already know - Williamson lies. He had the facts. He should have used that forum to unload the truth while completely destroying the credibility of the 72-year-old babbling about farms and marriages - and streets and highways and bridges. If Walling would have given even a little push, the audience would have seen just how unbalanced and truly frightening Williamson can be.
Finally, I have to say, Walling also missed an outstanding opportunity to use the ads featuring Woodrow Stanley against Williamson. Those running his campaign should have recognized that the images truly reflected the mindset of the Williamson camp. A simple switch-a-roo of the photos with Williamson on top puppeting his tax-paid criminal friends at City Hall, not to mention Conroy and Larry Ford as well as the unbelievable number of clergy who came out in support. Oh, yes, puppeting indeed.
Instead, Walling's team stayed the course. No fight. No punch. No hit. No win.
Flint likes a fight. And I am afraid Williamson just earned his belt as a heavyweight.
I so wish I would have shook on that $1000 bet!
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
A gentle quietening of African Americans in Flint?
I'm getting old. Admittedly, I sometimes wonder if my hearing is getting a little bad as I find myself asking more and more people to repeat what they just said. I have even done so two and three times, depending upon the registration of their voice. After that many times, I felt so uncomfortable asking once more that I gave up, smiled, and pretended like I heard them. I usually nod my head affirmingly just to look a little more convincing... Whatever it was they were trying to communicate didn't get through. I left the conversation hearing only myself.
Frankly, I fear the same types of "conversations" are going to happen more and more between whites and African Americans in Flint. We are losing far too many African American voices that speak loud enough for white folk to hear them.
My heart sank when I learned that Fran Cleaves had died. I worked with Fran on various projects in the past, and while we were not friends, I had the utmost respect for her. Every time I saw her, regardless of the situation, she was strong, she was smiling, she was honest. When I saw her in the stands at Mateen's games, I saw the same - anyone watching - even from afar - could see those qualities about her. I never had to listen closely to Fran Cleaves. She spoke loudly enough for all of us to hear - and we were better for it.
I feel the same way about losing Pam Loving, I must say. While she has not died, she has suffered a personal and professional death that will undoubtedly have an impact on this community. Pam, too, is a strong woman with a legacy of activism starting with her father. She once spoke loudly in this community. Many people listened to her, both black and white... Now it seems that even her friends have trouble hearing her.
Flint is in trouble, people. I fear as the African American voices grow more quiet, white people will grow more weary of not being able to hear exactly what is being said - we will feel foolish asking to have it repeated one more time - and we will smile, nod our heads in affirmation, and walk away, having heard only ourselves.
For the first time since the city adopted a strong mayor form of government, both mayoral nominees are white. This majority black city seems to be losing its voice.
Some claim the votes in the primary election were split among four black candidates. Yes, that is troubling, however, to me there is a real lack of African American leadership in a city in desperate need of voices like Fran Cleaves and Pam Loving. I'll go one step further and suggest that since the recall of Mayor Woodrow Stanley in 2002, no other black leader has boldly stepped in to ensure that African Americans were at the table, making policy decisions, being counted as important to the decision-making process. Don't get me wrong, there have been a few who have been loud -- but more loud than useful. There have been some who have been quiet -- and yes, they have made quiet progress, but quiet don't cut it in Flint politics. Quiet leaders don't force loud issues that demand courage and respect and equality.
It isn't rocket science - race remains a powerful force in this community - sheer numbers indicate it is a powerful force in Flint's voting booths. The Journal reported more than 55 percent of the vote in predominantly black precincts went to one of the four black candidates on the ballot. And 88 percent of the votes in predominantly white neighborhoods went to one of the three white candidates. Predominantly black precincts accounted for almost 50 percent of the votes cast Tuesday. Votes from predominantly white precincts accounted for 41 percent. The other 9 percent came from racially mixed precincts.
Something is being communicated loud and clear - are we listening?
I was 30 when I met Woodrow Stanley for the first time for an interview for a local magazine; 31 when he appointed me to his cabinet. For 10 years, I was granted an opportunity to not only observe our racial problem, that I quickly learned was far greater than I ever felt, but also experience life in two Flints (borrowing the imagery from John Edwards). Working closely with Woodrow Stanley granted me access to discussions, if not situations, where I as a white person would have never been invited if it were not for him. Not that I fault the restrictions. On the contrary, now I understand all too well why the problem remains today, nearly 50 years since the Civil Rights upheaval of the '60s.
Many times I listened as Woodrow Stanley described the need for African American leaders today to live above the standard of white leaders, how the scrutiny and expectations of black leaders was far more intense, that there are those people in this city and country who will stop at nothing to remove an African American from a position of power. He said all that before he was recalled, likely many times as the local FBI wiretapped his phone and installed video cameras in his office to find something that simply was not there.
I heard one African American executive recently say, "We just sit and wait our turn."
My guess is, in the months and years to come, fewer and fewer African Americans will be given their turn. I fear that the quietening of African American voices through death of one kind or another will lead to a deafening silence.
May God help us all...
Frankly, I fear the same types of "conversations" are going to happen more and more between whites and African Americans in Flint. We are losing far too many African American voices that speak loud enough for white folk to hear them.
My heart sank when I learned that Fran Cleaves had died. I worked with Fran on various projects in the past, and while we were not friends, I had the utmost respect for her. Every time I saw her, regardless of the situation, she was strong, she was smiling, she was honest. When I saw her in the stands at Mateen's games, I saw the same - anyone watching - even from afar - could see those qualities about her. I never had to listen closely to Fran Cleaves. She spoke loudly enough for all of us to hear - and we were better for it.
I feel the same way about losing Pam Loving, I must say. While she has not died, she has suffered a personal and professional death that will undoubtedly have an impact on this community. Pam, too, is a strong woman with a legacy of activism starting with her father. She once spoke loudly in this community. Many people listened to her, both black and white... Now it seems that even her friends have trouble hearing her.
Flint is in trouble, people. I fear as the African American voices grow more quiet, white people will grow more weary of not being able to hear exactly what is being said - we will feel foolish asking to have it repeated one more time - and we will smile, nod our heads in affirmation, and walk away, having heard only ourselves.
For the first time since the city adopted a strong mayor form of government, both mayoral nominees are white. This majority black city seems to be losing its voice.
Some claim the votes in the primary election were split among four black candidates. Yes, that is troubling, however, to me there is a real lack of African American leadership in a city in desperate need of voices like Fran Cleaves and Pam Loving. I'll go one step further and suggest that since the recall of Mayor Woodrow Stanley in 2002, no other black leader has boldly stepped in to ensure that African Americans were at the table, making policy decisions, being counted as important to the decision-making process. Don't get me wrong, there have been a few who have been loud -- but more loud than useful. There have been some who have been quiet -- and yes, they have made quiet progress, but quiet don't cut it in Flint politics. Quiet leaders don't force loud issues that demand courage and respect and equality.
It isn't rocket science - race remains a powerful force in this community - sheer numbers indicate it is a powerful force in Flint's voting booths. The Journal reported more than 55 percent of the vote in predominantly black precincts went to one of the four black candidates on the ballot. And 88 percent of the votes in predominantly white neighborhoods went to one of the three white candidates. Predominantly black precincts accounted for almost 50 percent of the votes cast Tuesday. Votes from predominantly white precincts accounted for 41 percent. The other 9 percent came from racially mixed precincts.
Something is being communicated loud and clear - are we listening?
I was 30 when I met Woodrow Stanley for the first time for an interview for a local magazine; 31 when he appointed me to his cabinet. For 10 years, I was granted an opportunity to not only observe our racial problem, that I quickly learned was far greater than I ever felt, but also experience life in two Flints (borrowing the imagery from John Edwards). Working closely with Woodrow Stanley granted me access to discussions, if not situations, where I as a white person would have never been invited if it were not for him. Not that I fault the restrictions. On the contrary, now I understand all too well why the problem remains today, nearly 50 years since the Civil Rights upheaval of the '60s.
Many times I listened as Woodrow Stanley described the need for African American leaders today to live above the standard of white leaders, how the scrutiny and expectations of black leaders was far more intense, that there are those people in this city and country who will stop at nothing to remove an African American from a position of power. He said all that before he was recalled, likely many times as the local FBI wiretapped his phone and installed video cameras in his office to find something that simply was not there.
I heard one African American executive recently say, "We just sit and wait our turn."
My guess is, in the months and years to come, fewer and fewer African Americans will be given their turn. I fear that the quietening of African American voices through death of one kind or another will lead to a deafening silence.
May God help us all...
Wednesday, August 08, 2007
Michael Moore & Me
I talked with Michael Moore once. He called the office, hoping to speak with the Mayor. As the Director of Communications for the City, I often fielded his calls when he wasn't available.
Lucky me.
Or so I was feeling as the receptionist put the call through. I was aware Michael was likely recording the call. Just what would he do with the tape???
This, of course, took place in the wake of Roger & Me, a movie that made all of us left in Flint feel a great deal of shame - like orphans, I suppose - like our wealthy parents had decided to quit providing us our necessary food and shelter, and embarrassed that some of our family members didn't know how to act in front of a camera.
Now, having grown up a little, some of us can look at bit more objectively at the movie and understand it was the parental abandonment of General Motors that Michael was filming about.
What do we do when the kids are left to their own accord?
But I was still bitter when Michael called the office that morning, having fielded so many calls, letters and questions from people who wondered if the show actually portrayed the community correctly. Back then, I said NO!, always adding that there are so many wonderful parts of the community - and so many wonderful family members who actually present themselves quite well whether it be on camera or not. Today, I say yes and no, especially as I see us in Flint repeatedly miss the point to so many issues. The show portrays a painful truth. When I was being honest, even then, I couldn't deny it.
But I still didn't want to talk to Michael Moore on the phone.
Sure enough, Michael was the guest on a radio show and he did inform me up front that I was live and on the air. He asked to talk to the Mayor. I explained that he was away at a conference, but offered to take a message for him. He then asked about the Mayor's efforts to improve the community. While I don't remember the exact phraseology, I do remember explaining to him that I - that we - simply wanted to be a part of a solution.
A couple people told me they heard me that morning - and that I didn't sound like a complete jackass.
I feel differently about Michael now, not because I made it through the phone call, mind you. Fahrenheit 911 was a powerful show. And I was among the few of my friends and family that found myself cheering at his "acceptance" speech at the Academy Awards.
As I read and heard of Davison voting against recognizing Michael, despite his Emmys and Academy Award, I once again became ashamed of my community. They voted to not recognize the achievements of Michael Moore when so many in the country - including myself - believed he was something of a hero. He alone was bold enough to take on the government and share with America very important truths about the war, about our country and its leadership.
I was pleased to be be able to work with his wife, Kathleen Glynn, when she was a guest of the Women in Education at Mott Community College last year. I spoke with her several times to arrange for her appearance. Surprisingly, she said it was the first time she had ever been invited to speak anywhere in the Flint area, despite being an Academy Award-winning producer and a voting member for the prestigious Academy Awards. We were pleased when we packed out the facility the day of her appearance, so many well wishers and fans she likely never knew she had in this city. She kept wonderfully humble as she described her success and the challenges that came with it. She and Michael have truly been partners in every endeavor.
Last night, I saw their latest effort, Sicko.
And again I feel shame.
As I walked out with my friends, I struggled with what I could do to make a difference, to improve not just health care offerings in this country, but also the human interactions to prove that I care about others as least as much as I care about myself. At the same time, I wondered how quickly I could move my family to Canada or France or Cuba, where there seemed to be a humanity Americans have lost, excepting the brief moments following a crisis. It's not just about health care and it is all about health care. It's not just about bad leadership and it is all about bad leadership. It's not just about money and it is all about money.
This I know - America needs to change. I want to be a part of the solution. I want you to help me be a part of the solution. If you haven't seen Sicko, I urge you to see it. If you have seen it, please do not let it's impact upon your heart and spirit fade. There is so much to distract us. There are many who want to distract us. Let's do something to show we care, to prove we care. I still believe we can be the change we all so desperately need in this country, in this community.
Tonight, I join many other Americans and applaud the man I once dreaded speaking to on the phone. If only I had another chance ...
I wish I could thank him in a more meaningful way...
Lucky me.
Or so I was feeling as the receptionist put the call through. I was aware Michael was likely recording the call. Just what would he do with the tape???
This, of course, took place in the wake of Roger & Me, a movie that made all of us left in Flint feel a great deal of shame - like orphans, I suppose - like our wealthy parents had decided to quit providing us our necessary food and shelter, and embarrassed that some of our family members didn't know how to act in front of a camera.
Now, having grown up a little, some of us can look at bit more objectively at the movie and understand it was the parental abandonment of General Motors that Michael was filming about.
What do we do when the kids are left to their own accord?
But I was still bitter when Michael called the office that morning, having fielded so many calls, letters and questions from people who wondered if the show actually portrayed the community correctly. Back then, I said NO!, always adding that there are so many wonderful parts of the community - and so many wonderful family members who actually present themselves quite well whether it be on camera or not. Today, I say yes and no, especially as I see us in Flint repeatedly miss the point to so many issues. The show portrays a painful truth. When I was being honest, even then, I couldn't deny it.
But I still didn't want to talk to Michael Moore on the phone.
Sure enough, Michael was the guest on a radio show and he did inform me up front that I was live and on the air. He asked to talk to the Mayor. I explained that he was away at a conference, but offered to take a message for him. He then asked about the Mayor's efforts to improve the community. While I don't remember the exact phraseology, I do remember explaining to him that I - that we - simply wanted to be a part of a solution.
A couple people told me they heard me that morning - and that I didn't sound like a complete jackass.
I feel differently about Michael now, not because I made it through the phone call, mind you. Fahrenheit 911 was a powerful show. And I was among the few of my friends and family that found myself cheering at his "acceptance" speech at the Academy Awards.
As I read and heard of Davison voting against recognizing Michael, despite his Emmys and Academy Award, I once again became ashamed of my community. They voted to not recognize the achievements of Michael Moore when so many in the country - including myself - believed he was something of a hero. He alone was bold enough to take on the government and share with America very important truths about the war, about our country and its leadership.
I was pleased to be be able to work with his wife, Kathleen Glynn, when she was a guest of the Women in Education at Mott Community College last year. I spoke with her several times to arrange for her appearance. Surprisingly, she said it was the first time she had ever been invited to speak anywhere in the Flint area, despite being an Academy Award-winning producer and a voting member for the prestigious Academy Awards. We were pleased when we packed out the facility the day of her appearance, so many well wishers and fans she likely never knew she had in this city. She kept wonderfully humble as she described her success and the challenges that came with it. She and Michael have truly been partners in every endeavor.
Last night, I saw their latest effort, Sicko.
And again I feel shame.
As I walked out with my friends, I struggled with what I could do to make a difference, to improve not just health care offerings in this country, but also the human interactions to prove that I care about others as least as much as I care about myself. At the same time, I wondered how quickly I could move my family to Canada or France or Cuba, where there seemed to be a humanity Americans have lost, excepting the brief moments following a crisis. It's not just about health care and it is all about health care. It's not just about bad leadership and it is all about bad leadership. It's not just about money and it is all about money.
This I know - America needs to change. I want to be a part of the solution. I want you to help me be a part of the solution. If you haven't seen Sicko, I urge you to see it. If you have seen it, please do not let it's impact upon your heart and spirit fade. There is so much to distract us. There are many who want to distract us. Let's do something to show we care, to prove we care. I still believe we can be the change we all so desperately need in this country, in this community.
Tonight, I join many other Americans and applaud the man I once dreaded speaking to on the phone. If only I had another chance ...
I wish I could thank him in a more meaningful way...
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
Flint's Mayoral candidates need to push a little
I got a random call the other day at the office, someone touting the skills of Dayne Walling, one of seven folks running for Mayor. No question about it, Walling has been out there. I have received numerous mailings, emails (I have no idea how he got THAT!), phone calls - my street is lined with Walling signs. I learned early on, however, that signs don't necessarily mean a thing in an election. People agree to let a candidate put up a sign simply because they don't like saying no to someone standing at their door.
So the caller asks if I have any questions or concerns for Mr. Walling on the eve of the primary... Well, as a matter of fact I do... I told Walling's volunteer that I really wanted to see him come out AGAINST Williamson, the current Mayor, who appears to have this election wrapped up based upon the lack of questions being asked publicly about so many of his actions and activities.
I suppose that is why I read the Journal's account of the forum held this week. The headline caught my eye: Mayor, foes trade barbs at forum.
First, I am shocked that Williamson appeared. He doesn't usually. Makes me wonder if he isn't feeling some heat despite the relative calm. Secondly, I knew the account would be good. He can't help himself. A few pokes and he explodes and doesn't care who hears the tirade...
Why aren't the other candidates using that? They have to do so little. A little push and he does the rest...
The Journal's account didn't disappoint me - How shocking that it turned into a shouting match!! After a few short minutes, the incumbent yelled at one audience member to "shut up while I'm talking."
Later, her reportedly told the audience, "I feel like I need to apologize for you. It's too bad you have to be so small."
Then he left the building.
And people like this guy??
I feel stuck in this rendition of the Emperor has No Clothes. The newspaper doesn't trumpet the ongoing faults of this guy - so different from the constant attacks against the former Mayor, made up as they were. It's rare to see or hear a negative piece about him. In fact, it seems nary a week goes by when I hear of another someone who extols his virtues! WHAT?? Why oh why do I seem surprised?
He has the ear of the average citizen I'm afraid. They like that he paves streets and ignores laws. They think shiny new garbage trucks are better than fulfilling campaign promises of jobs with his own firm, cutting funding for social service agencies, refusals of partnering with other organizations. What ever happened to his sports center or the idea of starting a business using city employees?
Recently, my husband and kids went to Williamson's recycling center on Grand Traverse, or so they thought. The sign outside said it was his recycling center - and they had a trunk full of newspapers to unload. When they asked the woman attendant if they should just leave the stacks in the semi-trailer, she said sure, but added they were really going to the landfill. Mr. Williamson doesn't actually recycle them.
What??
She then offered a $10 bill if they left the newspapers and asked them not to tell anyone.
They didn't take the money. They took them to CBC Recycling on Saginaw Street. But I am quite sure that many people have taken the money whether it be at the recycling center or elsewhere. And they love Don Williamson for the way that he is cleaning up this city.
Following the forum the other night, one resident commented, "The people in the back kind of got going, but maybe (Williamson) shouldn't have told them what he did because, as the mayor, that doesn't present a very good look for himself."
Whoever wins the primary needs to capitalize on that. Be it Walling, or Bryant or Weighill, they need to realize that they are running AGAINST Don Williamson -- and he's not in the habit of making himself look good.
So the caller asks if I have any questions or concerns for Mr. Walling on the eve of the primary... Well, as a matter of fact I do... I told Walling's volunteer that I really wanted to see him come out AGAINST Williamson, the current Mayor, who appears to have this election wrapped up based upon the lack of questions being asked publicly about so many of his actions and activities.
I suppose that is why I read the Journal's account of the forum held this week. The headline caught my eye: Mayor, foes trade barbs at forum.
First, I am shocked that Williamson appeared. He doesn't usually. Makes me wonder if he isn't feeling some heat despite the relative calm. Secondly, I knew the account would be good. He can't help himself. A few pokes and he explodes and doesn't care who hears the tirade...
Why aren't the other candidates using that? They have to do so little. A little push and he does the rest...
The Journal's account didn't disappoint me - How shocking that it turned into a shouting match!! After a few short minutes, the incumbent yelled at one audience member to "shut up while I'm talking."
Later, her reportedly told the audience, "I feel like I need to apologize for you. It's too bad you have to be so small."
Then he left the building.
And people like this guy??
I feel stuck in this rendition of the Emperor has No Clothes. The newspaper doesn't trumpet the ongoing faults of this guy - so different from the constant attacks against the former Mayor, made up as they were. It's rare to see or hear a negative piece about him. In fact, it seems nary a week goes by when I hear of another someone who extols his virtues! WHAT?? Why oh why do I seem surprised?
He has the ear of the average citizen I'm afraid. They like that he paves streets and ignores laws. They think shiny new garbage trucks are better than fulfilling campaign promises of jobs with his own firm, cutting funding for social service agencies, refusals of partnering with other organizations. What ever happened to his sports center or the idea of starting a business using city employees?
Recently, my husband and kids went to Williamson's recycling center on Grand Traverse, or so they thought. The sign outside said it was his recycling center - and they had a trunk full of newspapers to unload. When they asked the woman attendant if they should just leave the stacks in the semi-trailer, she said sure, but added they were really going to the landfill. Mr. Williamson doesn't actually recycle them.
What??
She then offered a $10 bill if they left the newspapers and asked them not to tell anyone.
They didn't take the money. They took them to CBC Recycling on Saginaw Street. But I am quite sure that many people have taken the money whether it be at the recycling center or elsewhere. And they love Don Williamson for the way that he is cleaning up this city.
Following the forum the other night, one resident commented, "The people in the back kind of got going, but maybe (Williamson) shouldn't have told them what he did because, as the mayor, that doesn't present a very good look for himself."
Whoever wins the primary needs to capitalize on that. Be it Walling, or Bryant or Weighill, they need to realize that they are running AGAINST Don Williamson -- and he's not in the habit of making himself look good.
Friday, July 27, 2007
So digging up bodies for sex is legal??
This stuff just irritates me... I mean, come on!!
The Associated Press is reporting that THREE men dug up a young woman's corpse to have sex with it after seeing her obituary photo!!!
You've got to be kidding me!!
And, get this, the trio cannot be charged with attempted sexual assault because Wisconsin has no law against necrophilia!
The story reads, "A judge was correct to dismiss the charges against twin brothers Nicholas and Alexander Grunke and Dustin Radke, all 21, because lawmakers never intended to criminalize sex with a corpse, the District 4 Court of Appeals said in a 3-0 ruling."
Soooo - people can dig up bodies and have sex with them in Wisconsin?? Can they do that in Michigan??
Apparently, the graverobbers went to a cemetery to remove the body of a 20-year-old female who had been killed the week before in a motorcycle crash. The men had seen an obituary with her photo and wanted to dig up her body to have sexual intercourse.
I suppose they didn't care the condition of the motorcycle crash victim!!
The men used shovels to reach her grave. They abandoned their plan and were eventually arrested after a vehicle drove into the cemetery and reported suspicious behavior, authorities said.
And I thought the dude having sex with the pool filter was bad!!!
The men were charged with attempted third-degree sexual assault and misdemeanor attempted theft charges. But Grant County Circuit Judge George Curry dismissed the sexual assault charges in September, saying no Wisconsin law addressed necrophilia. Prosecutors appealed his ruling.
The appeals court said the law was ambiguous but the most reasonable interpretation was that it does not ban necrophilia. Instead, the court said, the law was meant to make sure prosecutors could bring sexual assault charges in rape-murder cases in which the victim ends up dead.
So the graverobbers are out and prowling around cemeteries, right?? I mean, it's not against the law!!!
What about copy cat crimes???
I am so glad my Grandmother does not yet have a headstone!!!
The Associated Press is reporting that THREE men dug up a young woman's corpse to have sex with it after seeing her obituary photo!!!
You've got to be kidding me!!
And, get this, the trio cannot be charged with attempted sexual assault because Wisconsin has no law against necrophilia!
The story reads, "A judge was correct to dismiss the charges against twin brothers Nicholas and Alexander Grunke and Dustin Radke, all 21, because lawmakers never intended to criminalize sex with a corpse, the District 4 Court of Appeals said in a 3-0 ruling."
Soooo - people can dig up bodies and have sex with them in Wisconsin?? Can they do that in Michigan??
Apparently, the graverobbers went to a cemetery to remove the body of a 20-year-old female who had been killed the week before in a motorcycle crash. The men had seen an obituary with her photo and wanted to dig up her body to have sexual intercourse.
I suppose they didn't care the condition of the motorcycle crash victim!!
The men used shovels to reach her grave. They abandoned their plan and were eventually arrested after a vehicle drove into the cemetery and reported suspicious behavior, authorities said.
And I thought the dude having sex with the pool filter was bad!!!
The men were charged with attempted third-degree sexual assault and misdemeanor attempted theft charges. But Grant County Circuit Judge George Curry dismissed the sexual assault charges in September, saying no Wisconsin law addressed necrophilia. Prosecutors appealed his ruling.
The appeals court said the law was ambiguous but the most reasonable interpretation was that it does not ban necrophilia. Instead, the court said, the law was meant to make sure prosecutors could bring sexual assault charges in rape-murder cases in which the victim ends up dead.
So the graverobbers are out and prowling around cemeteries, right?? I mean, it's not against the law!!!
What about copy cat crimes???
I am so glad my Grandmother does not yet have a headstone!!!
Thursday, July 26, 2007
How very random...
I've frequently been accused of being "random" by the younger generation that usually follows me around. They say it so derisively: "Ahh, THAT'S raannndom!"
It usually isn't. It's simply that they have missed half the conversation - their fault for not listening -- or could even be my fault for not verbalizing the ongoing conversation in my head. It's personal! I'm not going to tell everybody!
The following thoughts, however, ARE random.
Is the summer half empty or half full?? I kept thinking it was almost over until one of the short ones who often hitch a ride with me said she is so glad that we are only half way through. Yesss. The thought brings greater comfort...
Only to be whoosed away by the report this week that "dry runs" for terror strikes are being held at airports across the country. My thought: Terror begins when the uniformed dudes rifle through my suitcases looking for a bomb. If I am a suspect, what about the would-be passenger behind me who looks a little whacked on something besides Red Bull. I don't want to judge, but ...
And another thing. I find the only place I pray anymore is in a plane, flying above the clouds. For some reason it always hits me, I just might be the only one on the plane who would utter a prayer. Think He hears me better when I am in the heavens??
Anyway, I can't help but wonder who gains more from the "increased traffic" regarding terrorism. Seems like a win-win for ALL interested parties... Did they really report that a block of cheese was thought to be a bomb??
I don't know whether to be afraid - very afraid - or more cynical - very cynical. Seems like everything is a suspected tool for terrorism - or cause of cancer.
What about stress?? I think we should find ways to eliminate stress in this world. Less stress, less stressed out people who want to commit an act of terrorism just to even the score.
Some schools have raised tuition by $7000 this year!! Is anyone looking at the unemployment stats these days?? What about the debt??
And why isn't anyone talking about economic recovery anymore?? Hey, I live in Flint! Throw us a bone!
The stocks tumble again. Why do right-wingers not consider "investing" in stocks gambling? I continue to "invest" in education with my scratch offs! Thank you Grandma that I continue to win on that initial investment the day of your funeral!!
I wish I would have known Pat Tillman. His story is one of the most moving I have ever heard.
I HATE this war... When oh when will it ever end?
Yes, the politics of hope! That is what I want!!
Is Rove really being subpoeanaed?? For real?? I can't even read the article for fear it may be another inaccurate headline...
God bless, Tammy Faye. If you haven't seen it, rent it: The Eyes of Tammy Faye. It will make you miss her -- I'm not kidding. She was one of a kind and a true inspiration...
I'm so glad the summer is only half way through!!
It usually isn't. It's simply that they have missed half the conversation - their fault for not listening -- or could even be my fault for not verbalizing the ongoing conversation in my head. It's personal! I'm not going to tell everybody!
The following thoughts, however, ARE random.
Is the summer half empty or half full?? I kept thinking it was almost over until one of the short ones who often hitch a ride with me said she is so glad that we are only half way through. Yesss. The thought brings greater comfort...
Only to be whoosed away by the report this week that "dry runs" for terror strikes are being held at airports across the country. My thought: Terror begins when the uniformed dudes rifle through my suitcases looking for a bomb. If I am a suspect, what about the would-be passenger behind me who looks a little whacked on something besides Red Bull. I don't want to judge, but ...
And another thing. I find the only place I pray anymore is in a plane, flying above the clouds. For some reason it always hits me, I just might be the only one on the plane who would utter a prayer. Think He hears me better when I am in the heavens??
Anyway, I can't help but wonder who gains more from the "increased traffic" regarding terrorism. Seems like a win-win for ALL interested parties... Did they really report that a block of cheese was thought to be a bomb??
I don't know whether to be afraid - very afraid - or more cynical - very cynical. Seems like everything is a suspected tool for terrorism - or cause of cancer.
What about stress?? I think we should find ways to eliminate stress in this world. Less stress, less stressed out people who want to commit an act of terrorism just to even the score.
Some schools have raised tuition by $7000 this year!! Is anyone looking at the unemployment stats these days?? What about the debt??
And why isn't anyone talking about economic recovery anymore?? Hey, I live in Flint! Throw us a bone!
The stocks tumble again. Why do right-wingers not consider "investing" in stocks gambling? I continue to "invest" in education with my scratch offs! Thank you Grandma that I continue to win on that initial investment the day of your funeral!!
I wish I would have known Pat Tillman. His story is one of the most moving I have ever heard.
I HATE this war... When oh when will it ever end?
Yes, the politics of hope! That is what I want!!
Is Rove really being subpoeanaed?? For real?? I can't even read the article for fear it may be another inaccurate headline...
God bless, Tammy Faye. If you haven't seen it, rent it: The Eyes of Tammy Faye. It will make you miss her -- I'm not kidding. She was one of a kind and a true inspiration...
I'm so glad the summer is only half way through!!
Sunday, July 08, 2007
There will never be another like her...
There are no words that come close in describing the loss I feel with the passing of my Grandma. To describe it as a hole in my heart seems so small, so inadequate. She was always there. Now she is not.
Fredia Mulcahy was the greatest grandma in all the world...
Thank you for your prayers and warm thoughts during these dark days...
Fredia M. Mulcahy
MULCAHY, Fredia M. - Of Flint, age 87, died Sunday, July 1, 2007 at McLaren Regional Medical Center. Funeral service will be held at 11AM Thursday, July 5, 2007 at the Swartz Funeral Home, 1225 West Hill Road, Pastor Jim Vogel officiating. Burial in Crestwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to South Baptist Church General Fund. Visitation 11AM-4PM Wednesday at the funeral home. Fredia was born in Clare County, Michigan on September 1, 1919, the daughter of Adam and LaVinia Reger. She was an active member of South Baptist Church. Mrs. Mulcahy was employed by General Motors for 21 years, retiring from Fisher Body II Truck & Bus in 1971. Surviving are children, Sam and wife Mary Ann; daughter-in-law, Janet Owens; Edward and wife Betty Mulcahy, Dennis Mulcahy, Philip and wife Nina Mulcahy, Phyllis and husband Darrell Glazier; 14 grandchildren; 27 great-grand-children; sister, Mary and husband Cliff Trotter; many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Lyle Owens, in 1963; second husband, Philip Mulcahy, in 2000; son, Tom Owens, in 2003; 4 sisters and 8 brothers.
Friday, June 15, 2007
No break(s) on this runaway summer!
I had my excuse all prepared, knowing that my doctor was certain to end my travels. Yes, I drove myself to the follow-up appointment, despite the pain in my right foot and the huge cumbersome boot desensitizing the ordinary pressure necessary to move forward without a jolt - not to mention breaking! In the good old days, they broke with their left foot AND worked the clutch!!
I was certain the check-in nurse would ask how I arrived after watching me wobble in. I simply avoided eye contact. The doc checked the foot, announced my cholesterol had dropped (ye-ha!), and then sent me on my way to get it re-rayed! Didn't she wonder how I would get there??? I hobbled out, holding my excuse very close at hand, knowing the question was imminent. I set next appointment, paid the bill, grabbed the crutches ... nadda. Nope. Despite my best efforts, no one cared that I drove to and from the doctor's office that day, let alone to and from the kids' school!
BUT if anyone would have asked, I would have told them I had a cab out front. It certainly wasn't a lie!
You cannot imagine what it is like driving the Frownie Cab on a daily basis, my husband's idea of fun and surprises! What better way to adorn a bright yellow Aztec than to add checkerboard and lettering officially designating my role as cabbie for the kids in need of being all over this town for various activities. When I opened the door to the garage and discovered it, I screamed - loudly. How in the world could I drive that thing? It was bad enough driving it without the checkerboard announcement on the side of the car!
The kids, strangely, loved it. They didn't mind having everyone see them coming and going. Their friends think it is cool. In fact, one of the kids at the school begs her mom every day to park next to the Frownie Cab. I truly do not understand why...
So one day, David takes the car to get a tire fixed (he rarely drives it - in fact, once after spending the day driving it, he came home and asked if we should remove the lettering. He felt uncomfortable having everyone staring at him, I guess. There is no way we could change a thing and still drive the car. We would look so weak, don't you agree??) Come to find out, the repairman's daughter had been on a search for a yellow cab for prom. (Of course, none can be found in Flint!) She is REALLY into yellow cabs. Her dress is cabbie yellow with a checkerboard shawl, the dad goes on to say. Her date has a yellow shirt, yellow socks with his black tux.
But no cab.
Well, you can probably see where this is going. David offers up his services for prom, complete with this cabbie hat and fake cabbie suit. In Flint, the proms are like the Academy Awards complete with limos, caddies and that year, a yellow cab. (I got the pictures to prove it!!)
That's one of the good stories - and while I have more, the number of other stories is higher, including just the sheer fortitude one needs to keep driving while everyone cranes their necks around and stares as we drive by. It took me months to stop wondering why everyone was staring at us. I kept thinking there must be something wrong with the car, a seat belt dragging on the ground, the kids making faces at other drivers as they passed, grafitti? Why in the world was everyone looking at us??
Now I just smile - like I'm nuts.
Sometimes the kids wave...
Once, we were driving the back roads of Jackson. Dirt roads lined with gorgeous trees, hardly room for another car, but we rarely saw one so it didn't matter. A truck full of toothless guys suddenly appear. Yup, at the next stop sign, they slide up next to us, motion to roll down the window. I'm thinking, oh no. I've seen this episode on COPS. I smile and turn my head back to the road.
BEEEP! I look over, trying not to give off that scent of fear. The toothless driver motions to roll down the window. So, because I forgot what the woman did wrong on that COPS episode, I rolled it down part way. All the guys then squeeze their heads to their open window to listen. What's it gonna be, I'm thinking. Hope the kids don't learn another evil of the world...
Where's the racetrack, the driver belches out.
The what-did-he-say?? Excuse me, I respond, raising my fake dumb blonde eyebrows necessary in a moment like this. Racetrack, he says, with all his friends nodding in approval. Where is the race track?
HOW IN THE HECK AM I SUPPOSE TO KNOW WHERE THE RACE TRACK IS?? DO I LOOK LIKE AN INFORMATION DESK?? I'M NOT EVEN FROM HERE!!!
Then it occurs to me, this truck load of drunken guys think I am a cab - OF COURSE THEY DO!! (Thank you, David!)
So, I laugh, and politely smile because I think they might have a gun rack.
I am sorry. I don't know where the race track is. I am not really a cab. You see, my husband thought it would be funny if -
They interrupt.
Sure, sure. Lady, where is the race track??
I assure you, drunk guys, I am not a cab for anyone other than my precious children in back. See them (kids roll down your windows!). They smile and wave. I smile and wave and then proceed to slowly pull away hoping they don't ram us from behind.
It truly is amazing how often we are stopped for directions. On a near daily basis, someone asks us if we are a real cab. Not too long ago, I was sitting at a stop light over by Genesee County Mental Health and I noticed an old man in an even older suit hobbling toward our car. Hey, under normal circumstances, I am observant, but become especially so while driving any more. (I keep thinking someone is going to rob me with this thing!!) Out of the corner of my eye, I see him reach for the back door on the passenger side. Needless to say, I put the pedal to the metal and ran the red!
At Horton's drive thru the other day, the attendant asked how many vehicles we have in our fleet.
Fleet, I wondered? This person must know David and his thirst for cars (see - I forget I am driving it!!). She must of seen my puzzled face because then she said, I see your cabs all over town.
OHHHHHHH - DUHHHHHHH! I smile.
Just this one, you see, my huband thought it would be funny -
Your kidding, she said interrupting the explanation. You are not a cab? There is only this one?
Yes, just me, driving my kids to and fro. Smile.
You are all over this city, she said. (Tell me about it, I think.)
Anyway, on the eve of trading in the cab for a new car (note husband's thirst above!), I decided I could make the cab work for me for a change - came up with my excuse for the doc, the nurse, the xray tech - anyone who might try and bar me from driving due to my impaired right foot. It didn't happen. No one cares that I can barely move my foot to push the gas pedal or step on the brake. SO I DIDN'T GET TO USE MY LINE!!!!!
Can't I get a break??
(BTW, xrays came back, no breaky for my footy either! Just a bad sprain and a fracture scar from previous trauma!)
For the record, I'm not letting my husband near my next car!! I hate surprises!!
I was certain the check-in nurse would ask how I arrived after watching me wobble in. I simply avoided eye contact. The doc checked the foot, announced my cholesterol had dropped (ye-ha!), and then sent me on my way to get it re-rayed! Didn't she wonder how I would get there??? I hobbled out, holding my excuse very close at hand, knowing the question was imminent. I set next appointment, paid the bill, grabbed the crutches ... nadda. Nope. Despite my best efforts, no one cared that I drove to and from the doctor's office that day, let alone to and from the kids' school!
BUT if anyone would have asked, I would have told them I had a cab out front. It certainly wasn't a lie!
You cannot imagine what it is like driving the Frownie Cab on a daily basis, my husband's idea of fun and surprises! What better way to adorn a bright yellow Aztec than to add checkerboard and lettering officially designating my role as cabbie for the kids in need of being all over this town for various activities. When I opened the door to the garage and discovered it, I screamed - loudly. How in the world could I drive that thing? It was bad enough driving it without the checkerboard announcement on the side of the car!
The kids, strangely, loved it. They didn't mind having everyone see them coming and going. Their friends think it is cool. In fact, one of the kids at the school begs her mom every day to park next to the Frownie Cab. I truly do not understand why...
So one day, David takes the car to get a tire fixed (he rarely drives it - in fact, once after spending the day driving it, he came home and asked if we should remove the lettering. He felt uncomfortable having everyone staring at him, I guess. There is no way we could change a thing and still drive the car. We would look so weak, don't you agree??) Come to find out, the repairman's daughter had been on a search for a yellow cab for prom. (Of course, none can be found in Flint!) She is REALLY into yellow cabs. Her dress is cabbie yellow with a checkerboard shawl, the dad goes on to say. Her date has a yellow shirt, yellow socks with his black tux.
But no cab.
Well, you can probably see where this is going. David offers up his services for prom, complete with this cabbie hat and fake cabbie suit. In Flint, the proms are like the Academy Awards complete with limos, caddies and that year, a yellow cab. (I got the pictures to prove it!!)
That's one of the good stories - and while I have more, the number of other stories is higher, including just the sheer fortitude one needs to keep driving while everyone cranes their necks around and stares as we drive by. It took me months to stop wondering why everyone was staring at us. I kept thinking there must be something wrong with the car, a seat belt dragging on the ground, the kids making faces at other drivers as they passed, grafitti? Why in the world was everyone looking at us??
Now I just smile - like I'm nuts.
Sometimes the kids wave...
Once, we were driving the back roads of Jackson. Dirt roads lined with gorgeous trees, hardly room for another car, but we rarely saw one so it didn't matter. A truck full of toothless guys suddenly appear. Yup, at the next stop sign, they slide up next to us, motion to roll down the window. I'm thinking, oh no. I've seen this episode on COPS. I smile and turn my head back to the road.
BEEEP! I look over, trying not to give off that scent of fear. The toothless driver motions to roll down the window. So, because I forgot what the woman did wrong on that COPS episode, I rolled it down part way. All the guys then squeeze their heads to their open window to listen. What's it gonna be, I'm thinking. Hope the kids don't learn another evil of the world...
Where's the racetrack, the driver belches out.
The what-did-he-say?? Excuse me, I respond, raising my fake dumb blonde eyebrows necessary in a moment like this. Racetrack, he says, with all his friends nodding in approval. Where is the race track?
HOW IN THE HECK AM I SUPPOSE TO KNOW WHERE THE RACE TRACK IS?? DO I LOOK LIKE AN INFORMATION DESK?? I'M NOT EVEN FROM HERE!!!
Then it occurs to me, this truck load of drunken guys think I am a cab - OF COURSE THEY DO!! (Thank you, David!)
So, I laugh, and politely smile because I think they might have a gun rack.
I am sorry. I don't know where the race track is. I am not really a cab. You see, my husband thought it would be funny if -
They interrupt.
Sure, sure. Lady, where is the race track??
I assure you, drunk guys, I am not a cab for anyone other than my precious children in back. See them (kids roll down your windows!). They smile and wave. I smile and wave and then proceed to slowly pull away hoping they don't ram us from behind.
It truly is amazing how often we are stopped for directions. On a near daily basis, someone asks us if we are a real cab. Not too long ago, I was sitting at a stop light over by Genesee County Mental Health and I noticed an old man in an even older suit hobbling toward our car. Hey, under normal circumstances, I am observant, but become especially so while driving any more. (I keep thinking someone is going to rob me with this thing!!) Out of the corner of my eye, I see him reach for the back door on the passenger side. Needless to say, I put the pedal to the metal and ran the red!
At Horton's drive thru the other day, the attendant asked how many vehicles we have in our fleet.
Fleet, I wondered? This person must know David and his thirst for cars (see - I forget I am driving it!!). She must of seen my puzzled face because then she said, I see your cabs all over town.
OHHHHHHH - DUHHHHHHH! I smile.
Just this one, you see, my huband thought it would be funny -
Your kidding, she said interrupting the explanation. You are not a cab? There is only this one?
Yes, just me, driving my kids to and fro. Smile.
You are all over this city, she said. (Tell me about it, I think.)
Anyway, on the eve of trading in the cab for a new car (note husband's thirst above!), I decided I could make the cab work for me for a change - came up with my excuse for the doc, the nurse, the xray tech - anyone who might try and bar me from driving due to my impaired right foot. It didn't happen. No one cares that I can barely move my foot to push the gas pedal or step on the brake. SO I DIDN'T GET TO USE MY LINE!!!!!
Can't I get a break??
(BTW, xrays came back, no breaky for my footy either! Just a bad sprain and a fracture scar from previous trauma!)
For the record, I'm not letting my husband near my next car!! I hate surprises!!
Saturday, June 09, 2007
No foot ball here!
Ouch! My foot hurts! Broke it on Thursday, rushing to get the kids. Missed a step and down I went. I felt like one of those dudes on Scarred - have you seen it? I watched one episode where a guy thought it would be cool to ski downhill backwards - and I think he did a backwards flip - on purpose! He landed like I did on Thursday 'cept both his ankles were broke! He screamed - and it echoed - through the snowcapped mountains. I hated that show, though I felt a bit of a kindred spirit with the skiier that afternoon.
And so I sit - actually, lay prone most of the day, keeping my leg raised above my heart. When the kids are here, Isi is vigilant about bringing cold ice packs. David, poor guy, needs a vacation keeping up with my demands. I really hate being this way -
Especially when there is nothing on tv except Paris and whether on not she deserves to be in or out. My friend keeps telling me she feels sorry for her - I haven't yet decided. While it interesting to me to see her crying in the back of the squad car, it feels more peculiar than interesting. Then, of course, hearing of her "medical condition" or emotional condition or mental condition - I just keep thinking there is more to the story.
Of course, there must be more to the story on Paris anyway. After all, there has to be more. I've watched Simple Life more times than I care to admit. I have seen her and Nicole "tough it out" before and after their breakup. It was the breakup that truly left me puzzled, especially after watching Nicole tell of her addiction to heroin while doing Simple Life. She was clear when she was clean that she could no longer hang with her BFF.
They are friends, again, of course. And Nicole continues to cause great speculation about her return to drugs.
My brother suggests reading a book rather than listening to the drivel. I wish I felt like picking one up!
My foot hurts. Did I mention that??
And so I sit - actually, lay prone most of the day, keeping my leg raised above my heart. When the kids are here, Isi is vigilant about bringing cold ice packs. David, poor guy, needs a vacation keeping up with my demands. I really hate being this way -
Especially when there is nothing on tv except Paris and whether on not she deserves to be in or out. My friend keeps telling me she feels sorry for her - I haven't yet decided. While it interesting to me to see her crying in the back of the squad car, it feels more peculiar than interesting. Then, of course, hearing of her "medical condition" or emotional condition or mental condition - I just keep thinking there is more to the story.
Of course, there must be more to the story on Paris anyway. After all, there has to be more. I've watched Simple Life more times than I care to admit. I have seen her and Nicole "tough it out" before and after their breakup. It was the breakup that truly left me puzzled, especially after watching Nicole tell of her addiction to heroin while doing Simple Life. She was clear when she was clean that she could no longer hang with her BFF.
They are friends, again, of course. And Nicole continues to cause great speculation about her return to drugs.
My brother suggests reading a book rather than listening to the drivel. I wish I felt like picking one up!
My foot hurts. Did I mention that??
Monday, April 30, 2007
Facts of life
This sex stuff is unbelievable. I don't understand why men are willing to lose everything for a "massage" with a sexual fantasy service.
The Blotter
Not that Randy Tobias is the only fool in the lineup. It's a long list, including the guy I watched one night on Cops who was receiving "a massage" from a pool! There he was, on camera, stuck in the throes of lust ... with a pool!
And I hate to say this, I really do, but we thought Bill Clinton was bad. But not really. I'm not sure anyone really thought that Bill Clinton was that bad. Certainly not Newt, who at the time had his own thing going, come to find out. I think most men didn't blame Clinton despite what they might have said to their wives or in front of their church friends. And most women didn't really blame Monica. We think she got a little kooky in the end, but given the chance to tryst with the most powerful man in the world... It is an age-old tale.
I think most people think that this stuff happens all the time. Especially with the politicos. They are like rock stars tripping on the aphrodisiac of power. Women are drawn to them, trippin' on their own Delilah fantasy. What could be better than having power over the most powerful?
What gets me, however, is the lies about it all. Randy Tobias calling for abstinence, while trafficing on a sexually moral road. Ted Haggard preaching against homosexuality -- pushing for legislation -- while relaxing with "a massage" from a male prostitute. Why do they always seem so smug?
I am reminded this morning of a verse that I have come to believe as a truth, simply because I have seen it proven time and time again. "God resists the proud and gives grace to the humble."
I'm looking for humble.
I'll listen to humble.
It's the pridefulness we can all do without.
The Blotter
Not that Randy Tobias is the only fool in the lineup. It's a long list, including the guy I watched one night on Cops who was receiving "a massage" from a pool! There he was, on camera, stuck in the throes of lust ... with a pool!
And I hate to say this, I really do, but we thought Bill Clinton was bad. But not really. I'm not sure anyone really thought that Bill Clinton was that bad. Certainly not Newt, who at the time had his own thing going, come to find out. I think most men didn't blame Clinton despite what they might have said to their wives or in front of their church friends. And most women didn't really blame Monica. We think she got a little kooky in the end, but given the chance to tryst with the most powerful man in the world... It is an age-old tale.
I think most people think that this stuff happens all the time. Especially with the politicos. They are like rock stars tripping on the aphrodisiac of power. Women are drawn to them, trippin' on their own Delilah fantasy. What could be better than having power over the most powerful?
What gets me, however, is the lies about it all. Randy Tobias calling for abstinence, while trafficing on a sexually moral road. Ted Haggard preaching against homosexuality -- pushing for legislation -- while relaxing with "a massage" from a male prostitute. Why do they always seem so smug?
I am reminded this morning of a verse that I have come to believe as a truth, simply because I have seen it proven time and time again. "God resists the proud and gives grace to the humble."
I'm looking for humble.
I'll listen to humble.
It's the pridefulness we can all do without.
Thursday, April 26, 2007
25 Avril 2007
Another installment I thought you might want to read...
**************
Today was my last day in France. We had success at work, with positive feedback on our work from the customers. I have an action item, from discussion, to follow up within a few weeks of getting home.
I am a little sad to leave France behind. Every morning it is customary to say a bright “Bonjour” to everyone you see. I’m coming to understand, though, that “Bonjour” is more than just the French version of our word “hello.” It’s a respect of people thing. It’s an acknowledgement of the presence of the individual, and the wishing of them to have a good day (Bon = good, jour = day). If you look them in the eye when you say it (most people do), it really packs a punch. It is so warm and welcoming, to me. I feel like it may even heal the common cold. Best way: deliver it from the gut, with French gusto….Tres bien!
What a contrast! In the states many people don’t bother to look up or even grunt when another person enters their presence.
One more thing about “Bonjour:” once you’ve said it, DON’T say it again to that person the rest of the day. To do so seems to imply you might not have cared much in the first place. If all this seems like a big responsibility, it is. But—what’s more important than taking a moment to acknowledge people? Think of the richness of relationship of your best friend, or the laughs you’re shared with a really funny person….how about the time a deeply kind word brought warmth and comfort to your soul, perhaps during a time you ached from one of life’s hurts? Did that matter to you? If people matter to you, today (and every day) is a good time to express it.
One reason this is all being put into writing is to remind myself that I must come back. Though it’s a lot of effort, time and $$ to get here, there is NOTHING LIKE it, being in a country where they speak French, and have all their interesting French ways.
I think I was meant to be born French, but got dropped off by the Stork in the wrong country?? Actually, Grandpa Glen’s great-grandfather was born near the border of France and Germany, in the 1800’s. They emigrated to Canada and later generations to the US. So we have French blood in us?
A couple more things about French sites before I forget: Walking through the city of Metz is like opening a big storybook, with ornate gold leaf on the cover, and as your eyes fall on the inside, colors that brighten, the moment you look at them. We used a French Curve in drafting class (engineering school) and now I know why the French get credit for the graceful curves: the streets, the inset paver stone patterns inset in the streets, and the disposable plastic lunch trays. And of course the cars but you’ve already had to read about that.
Somehow, I’ve got to come back to Metz (pronounced “mess” J ), and when I do, I’ve got to see the inside of the cathedral. My room, #333, had a nice view of it, but now my appetite is whetted.
-----------------------------------------------
After I left Florange (France), it was 40 minutes to a new country: Luxembourg. Luxembourg is a big name but a very small country; a principality, I understand. About the size of Chicago? I was hoping they’d stop us at the border and I’d get the thrill of “crossing the border,” complete with passport stamp, but no, it’s part of the European Union, so apparently whoever is OK with France is OK to be in Luxembourg.
Luxembourg has a King and Queen; I saw their pictures in the lobby of the hotel. I asked the girl at the counter whether or not he did a good job. I wonder what exactly he does? In the picture, he was holding a sword, but it didn’t look like it had gotten much use--No disrespect intended.
There have been many questions from Delphi comrades as to how I’m going to get from my hotel (next to the airport) to Bascharage (city 17 miles away where Delphi Tech Center is located). Their concern is appreciated. The two most common offered ideas offered have been:
renting a car
calling a taxi.
Either one costs about €100 (100 Euros, or about $135.00), and neither seems like an interesting way to get there. It’s the inefficiency of those ideas I don’t like. What a ridiculously large sum of money, simply to get a short bit of transportation. I mean, how incredibly helpless are we here, people?
My idea: I spotted a BUS STOP outside my hotel, which apparently I can ride for about €3 each way, with a bus change in the city center. I think I’ll try it. I’ll be able to tell you when I get home whether this was such a smart idea. J There is no certain time I have to be at the Delphi building tomorrow so if I get a little turned around, hey, I’ll get to see more of the area??
“Things we deeply feel” is what I’d like to write more about, but with the long hours I’ve been working all week, the lack of sleep, overeating, lack of exercise, missing my family, and uncertainly of staying in a strange land, it has me feeling a little out of place and wiped out.
I’m thankful for some focus that recently came from my bible, informing me that we are “strangers and aliens” anyhow, in this life, passing through, and to live now with God, closely, letting him tenderly lead us, while looking for that next, better land. So maybe this travel is good training for that. Truly, that reference about being a “stranger” is helping me find my place in this world anyhow. It helps a person rest from the work of trying to “fit in” or be “acceptable.” The point is that achieving business success, looking a certain way, or expressing yourself a certain way is an irrelevant distraction from the life we are meant to lead: with a deep acceptance of ourselves and then other people.
Thanks for listening,
Goodnight, or as we say in France, Bon nuit,
Love always,
David
PS I am sending you this note from the Delphi building, after riding the bus successfully this morning. :)
**************
Today was my last day in France. We had success at work, with positive feedback on our work from the customers. I have an action item, from discussion, to follow up within a few weeks of getting home.
I am a little sad to leave France behind. Every morning it is customary to say a bright “Bonjour” to everyone you see. I’m coming to understand, though, that “Bonjour” is more than just the French version of our word “hello.” It’s a respect of people thing. It’s an acknowledgement of the presence of the individual, and the wishing of them to have a good day (Bon = good, jour = day). If you look them in the eye when you say it (most people do), it really packs a punch. It is so warm and welcoming, to me. I feel like it may even heal the common cold. Best way: deliver it from the gut, with French gusto….Tres bien!
What a contrast! In the states many people don’t bother to look up or even grunt when another person enters their presence.
One more thing about “Bonjour:” once you’ve said it, DON’T say it again to that person the rest of the day. To do so seems to imply you might not have cared much in the first place. If all this seems like a big responsibility, it is. But—what’s more important than taking a moment to acknowledge people? Think of the richness of relationship of your best friend, or the laughs you’re shared with a really funny person….how about the time a deeply kind word brought warmth and comfort to your soul, perhaps during a time you ached from one of life’s hurts? Did that matter to you? If people matter to you, today (and every day) is a good time to express it.
One reason this is all being put into writing is to remind myself that I must come back. Though it’s a lot of effort, time and $$ to get here, there is NOTHING LIKE it, being in a country where they speak French, and have all their interesting French ways.
I think I was meant to be born French, but got dropped off by the Stork in the wrong country?? Actually, Grandpa Glen’s great-grandfather was born near the border of France and Germany, in the 1800’s. They emigrated to Canada and later generations to the US. So we have French blood in us?
A couple more things about French sites before I forget: Walking through the city of Metz is like opening a big storybook, with ornate gold leaf on the cover, and as your eyes fall on the inside, colors that brighten, the moment you look at them. We used a French Curve in drafting class (engineering school) and now I know why the French get credit for the graceful curves: the streets, the inset paver stone patterns inset in the streets, and the disposable plastic lunch trays. And of course the cars but you’ve already had to read about that.
Somehow, I’ve got to come back to Metz (pronounced “mess” J ), and when I do, I’ve got to see the inside of the cathedral. My room, #333, had a nice view of it, but now my appetite is whetted.
-----------------------------------------------
After I left Florange (France), it was 40 minutes to a new country: Luxembourg. Luxembourg is a big name but a very small country; a principality, I understand. About the size of Chicago? I was hoping they’d stop us at the border and I’d get the thrill of “crossing the border,” complete with passport stamp, but no, it’s part of the European Union, so apparently whoever is OK with France is OK to be in Luxembourg.
Luxembourg has a King and Queen; I saw their pictures in the lobby of the hotel. I asked the girl at the counter whether or not he did a good job. I wonder what exactly he does? In the picture, he was holding a sword, but it didn’t look like it had gotten much use--No disrespect intended.
There have been many questions from Delphi comrades as to how I’m going to get from my hotel (next to the airport) to Bascharage (city 17 miles away where Delphi Tech Center is located). Their concern is appreciated. The two most common offered ideas offered have been:
renting a car
calling a taxi.
Either one costs about €100 (100 Euros, or about $135.00), and neither seems like an interesting way to get there. It’s the inefficiency of those ideas I don’t like. What a ridiculously large sum of money, simply to get a short bit of transportation. I mean, how incredibly helpless are we here, people?
My idea: I spotted a BUS STOP outside my hotel, which apparently I can ride for about €3 each way, with a bus change in the city center. I think I’ll try it. I’ll be able to tell you when I get home whether this was such a smart idea. J There is no certain time I have to be at the Delphi building tomorrow so if I get a little turned around, hey, I’ll get to see more of the area??
“Things we deeply feel” is what I’d like to write more about, but with the long hours I’ve been working all week, the lack of sleep, overeating, lack of exercise, missing my family, and uncertainly of staying in a strange land, it has me feeling a little out of place and wiped out.
I’m thankful for some focus that recently came from my bible, informing me that we are “strangers and aliens” anyhow, in this life, passing through, and to live now with God, closely, letting him tenderly lead us, while looking for that next, better land. So maybe this travel is good training for that. Truly, that reference about being a “stranger” is helping me find my place in this world anyhow. It helps a person rest from the work of trying to “fit in” or be “acceptable.” The point is that achieving business success, looking a certain way, or expressing yourself a certain way is an irrelevant distraction from the life we are meant to lead: with a deep acceptance of ourselves and then other people.
Thanks for listening,
Goodnight, or as we say in France, Bon nuit,
Love always,
David
PS I am sending you this note from the Delphi building, after riding the bus successfully this morning. :)
Monday, April 23, 2007
Parlez-vous Francais?
Not sure what the subject line says, but the content of this entry may be of interest. It is actually an email that David sent to me and the kids (I took out MOST of the mushy stuff!) Call it a guest entry. As much as I keep suggesting, he doesn't create his own blog - and he should. I'll let him borrow mine for now...
*************
I absolutely can't believe what I am experiencing. I left Paris behind this afternoon and now am in the small town of Metz. Look it up! Find it on a map, or on Mapquest. The hotel's address is Cetre Saint Jacques, Metz FR 5700.
The night sky is beautiful, clear with stars and moon.
France is all about beauty and creativity: the architecture (buildings), the flowers, the people, the styles, the food. And the language is like poetry, the beautiful way it rolls out of the mouths of the people.
I want to show you Paris and also a smaller French town, like this Metz that I'm in. The streets are all cobblestone, winding, with TALL 3-story storefronts all along. And most stores only sell 1 type of thing: knives. Or CDs. Or sandwiches. Or jewelry.
NO STRAIGHT LINES, the streets are curvy, the paver stones are curvy the bridges are curvy…..it's like a big cartoon.
And the cars-----------HA! You wouldn't believe all the funny (goofy!) French cars. Renault Twingo, Citroen (my favorite is the C6), Smart car (2 seater, very upright, shorter than a mini Cooper). Very quirky and interesting (creative) styling, like cartoons. And most of the cars are small over here, because the streets are narrow and parking is difficult (congested). But they drive FAST, like shot out of a cannon.
I am on the 3rd (top) floor of the Nootel Metz Centre hotel, looking out over a mall/courtyard that is vacant and almost silent. Except for the bells that chime every 15 minutes, from the HUGE GORGEOUS HISTORIC cathedral, lit up with beautiful lights, and I am looking STRAIGHT OUT MY WINDOW at it. Picture Tim & Diane's beautiful church, x2. It is a cathedral, that almost seems to compare to Notre Dame and Sacre Coeur (which I went in yesterday and today; the 2 most famous and beautiful Catholic cathedrals in Paris). I paid the extra today and took the EXTREMLY NARROW, spiral staircase up to the top of Sacre Coeur. AMAZING.
And I've done something I rarely do: took LOTS of pictures. So I can't wait to get home and show you the whole show. Susie: you've got to help me find the right French background music for the slideshow.
I even saw Moulin Rouge today, during the day, from the outside. Wow, quite a bit goes on over there.
The saw the famous Mona Lisa wow(!) at the Louvre. They would not let me borrow it. The Arc de Triumphe, of course the Eiffel Tower (at day AND at night), flooded with glorious golden light and flashing (for 5 minutes every half hour) with hundreds of strobe lights, from top to bottom.
We've been "on the go" so much that I fall into bed exhausted every night. It is about 9:15 pm here (I'm writing this to save, then send tomorrow when I can hook up to internet), and I'm lucky to have lasted till 10. Oh here goes the cathedral bells again. Now bonging 10:00
The only thing that's missing you 3. We must come here one day, when you kids have had some time to take some French in school. To be able to communicate (I am getting the very basic hello, thank you, and a few other things, but not much else. Bummer!) It takes time to study and master, but it's worth it.
I am SO blessed to get to experience this.
Tomorrow I must "hunker down" and get to work for Delphi, at our Florange plant. This is, of course, the reason they paid to send me over here.
With all my love and fondness,
David (Daddy)
*************
I absolutely can't believe what I am experiencing. I left Paris behind this afternoon and now am in the small town of Metz. Look it up! Find it on a map, or on Mapquest. The hotel's address is Cetre Saint Jacques, Metz FR 5700.
The night sky is beautiful, clear with stars and moon.
France is all about beauty and creativity: the architecture (buildings), the flowers, the people, the styles, the food. And the language is like poetry, the beautiful way it rolls out of the mouths of the people.
I want to show you Paris and also a smaller French town, like this Metz that I'm in. The streets are all cobblestone, winding, with TALL 3-story storefronts all along. And most stores only sell 1 type of thing: knives. Or CDs. Or sandwiches. Or jewelry.
NO STRAIGHT LINES, the streets are curvy, the paver stones are curvy the bridges are curvy…..it's like a big cartoon.
And the cars-----------HA! You wouldn't believe all the funny (goofy!) French cars. Renault Twingo, Citroen (my favorite is the C6), Smart car (2 seater, very upright, shorter than a mini Cooper). Very quirky and interesting (creative) styling, like cartoons. And most of the cars are small over here, because the streets are narrow and parking is difficult (congested). But they drive FAST, like shot out of a cannon.
I am on the 3rd (top) floor of the Nootel Metz Centre hotel, looking out over a mall/courtyard that is vacant and almost silent. Except for the bells that chime every 15 minutes, from the HUGE GORGEOUS HISTORIC cathedral, lit up with beautiful lights, and I am looking STRAIGHT OUT MY WINDOW at it. Picture Tim & Diane's beautiful church, x2. It is a cathedral, that almost seems to compare to Notre Dame and Sacre Coeur (which I went in yesterday and today; the 2 most famous and beautiful Catholic cathedrals in Paris). I paid the extra today and took the EXTREMLY NARROW, spiral staircase up to the top of Sacre Coeur. AMAZING.
And I've done something I rarely do: took LOTS of pictures. So I can't wait to get home and show you the whole show. Susie: you've got to help me find the right French background music for the slideshow.
I even saw Moulin Rouge today, during the day, from the outside. Wow, quite a bit goes on over there.
The saw the famous Mona Lisa wow(!) at the Louvre. They would not let me borrow it. The Arc de Triumphe, of course the Eiffel Tower (at day AND at night), flooded with glorious golden light and flashing (for 5 minutes every half hour) with hundreds of strobe lights, from top to bottom.
We've been "on the go" so much that I fall into bed exhausted every night. It is about 9:15 pm here (I'm writing this to save, then send tomorrow when I can hook up to internet), and I'm lucky to have lasted till 10. Oh here goes the cathedral bells again. Now bonging 10:00
The only thing that's missing you 3. We must come here one day, when you kids have had some time to take some French in school. To be able to communicate (I am getting the very basic hello, thank you, and a few other things, but not much else. Bummer!) It takes time to study and master, but it's worth it.
I am SO blessed to get to experience this.
Tomorrow I must "hunker down" and get to work for Delphi, at our Florange plant. This is, of course, the reason they paid to send me over here.
With all my love and fondness,
David (Daddy)
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