Friday, June 12, 2015
Out of my shell part 1.
I though I'd type on something that I'm sure many can relate to or may not but it was my experience and the way I express this may be different then what another person may say regarding it. I don't know how to say it, but growing up as a child I was rather shy and to be honest w/ you it wasn't until I got to middle school that I really begin to come out of my shell.
Elementary years, I was very self conscious and it seemed that the further I got into my elementary years to more self conscious I was. I don't know if it was because I was taught to surpress my emotions or when I did express myself I often looked like an idiot. Sometimes the expressions were not even legit but I guess it was to assert myself as an individual, even looking back some of those moments I cringe. I cringe at my outbursts and I cringe at how self conscious I was in other areas, like I hardly participated in PE at school and in music I was basically absent (probably b/c I hate the sound of my own voice). I was always worried about being laughed at. Recess was fun but that was about it. My fifth grade year sucked. One, I didn't care for the school I had to go to for that last year when we moved to the south end of town. Two, I missed my old friends and the ones who I knew. That year, I reunited w/ some of my classmates from preschool. OTOH I felt like I was the token black guy in my class when I came from a school that was almost all black. Summer could not get her fast enough. Not to mention I barely passed that year.
I remember my orientation for my middle school and how shy I was when mom was trying to introduce me to a really cute girl who could have been my potential classmate, now me and this girl are still friends however we don't see each other as often and unfortunately even when I got to my middle school we never had any classes together. Moving on..............Sixth grade, I was a loner for what thought would be the next three years of my life. To be honest, it appeared that I did not have any friends or any one to confide in, then suddenly it happened. It started w/ a guy around my age that I befriended in my P.E. class. Seeing that P.E. was the last class I took during the day, it gave us more time to get acquainted then say a social studies class would. It started off w/ small talk walking the football field while the other guys were playing soccer and then it got to getting involved in the four square games that the mute button on my mouth (or the tape on my mouth) was gradually released. I gradually got to forcing myself into the in crowd until I was known my most of my sixth grade class. It was as if I went from geek to sheek, except I never felt so much like a geek but I was sort of an outsider. I certainly wasn't sheek because I never managed to score a date. I was invited to many parties, though I hardly went to any of them. I went to 3 my eighth grade year and one of them was an end of the year party and even at that I was usually picked up before they ended.
Part two to follow
Sunday, April 19, 2015
Short stories, Actors, and Gay characters.
Good morning everyone,
As you can see I'm trying to pick up the blogging thing again. Growing up I loved the show Degrassi:The Next Generation and I loved that it tackled teenage issues that teens faced, though sometimes it got to be a bit dramatic. Once it became "The Boiling Point" at season 10, the show just got to be a bit ridiculous but now Degrassi has just gotten ridiculous. You do not have that many gay students that come out of the closet in such a short period. To be honest they should have left the gay characters alone after Marco. However they did include Riley and Zayne. Okay fair enough, but now we have the homosexual male characters who are the girly/stereotypical queens, the transgender character, and gothic/melodramatic (well.........Ellie toned down towards the end of her run on the show) characters who are of no interest. I'm also not fond of them turning Claire into a whore just to make good TV. Anyway......................................We also had South Of Nowhere which was a good show, yes the protagonista was a character dealing with her sexuality as she later on discovers that she is not into guys. The show tackled other issues as well and unlike Degrassi, it did not need a million characters to do it. Did I mention that the actors were like in their mid-twenties playing teenagers? The youngest two actors were Chris Hunter who plays Glen and Eileen April Boylan who plays Kyla. They're both younger than I am in real life and they were college aged at the time of the show playing high school characters. Aasha Davis who played Chelsea was like 32 or 33 years old filming at the time. It seems that when you have older actors play the parts they stories are a bit more conveying but at the same time in the back of your mind you think "damn, you play 16 so well but you're like 22" lol. What I like about SON is that while the main character is lesbian, they did not make her the primary character of the show.
It seems that when gay characters are added into the mix, they seem to be the character that everybody is interested in. YES gay people exist, YES they are people, but you do not need them in every TV show just to create diversity. It seems that gay characters are now placed in TV shows simply to fill a void or satisfy a quota and at one time it was needed, but now that we have entire channels catering to the LGBT population (teens included), the token gay guy is no longer needed in every show. If you are going to put one in, let it happen naturally and for ONCE, I'd like to see a gay character who is not over the top and does not display the ridiculously stereotypical girly manners.
Okay I've ranted enough, but I'm in the process of writing short stories, I'd like to focus on adolescents and adolescent issues similar to the shows listed, but put more emphasis on friendship and trials than sexuality. Perhaps have it a bit more family integrated as well. I need to create a tumblr page see where that takes me. If the stories were ever picked up, maybe some good actors could play the parts. The is IF sexuality and orientation are discussed in the series the focus would be more as a whole vs one character. I'd like for it to be raw. I think it could work out.
As you can see I'm trying to pick up the blogging thing again. Growing up I loved the show Degrassi:The Next Generation and I loved that it tackled teenage issues that teens faced, though sometimes it got to be a bit dramatic. Once it became "The Boiling Point" at season 10, the show just got to be a bit ridiculous but now Degrassi has just gotten ridiculous. You do not have that many gay students that come out of the closet in such a short period. To be honest they should have left the gay characters alone after Marco. However they did include Riley and Zayne. Okay fair enough, but now we have the homosexual male characters who are the girly/stereotypical queens, the transgender character, and gothic/melodramatic (well.........Ellie toned down towards the end of her run on the show) characters who are of no interest. I'm also not fond of them turning Claire into a whore just to make good TV. Anyway......................................We also had South Of Nowhere which was a good show, yes the protagonista was a character dealing with her sexuality as she later on discovers that she is not into guys. The show tackled other issues as well and unlike Degrassi, it did not need a million characters to do it. Did I mention that the actors were like in their mid-twenties playing teenagers? The youngest two actors were Chris Hunter who plays Glen and Eileen April Boylan who plays Kyla. They're both younger than I am in real life and they were college aged at the time of the show playing high school characters. Aasha Davis who played Chelsea was like 32 or 33 years old filming at the time. It seems that when you have older actors play the parts they stories are a bit more conveying but at the same time in the back of your mind you think "damn, you play 16 so well but you're like 22" lol. What I like about SON is that while the main character is lesbian, they did not make her the primary character of the show.
It seems that when gay characters are added into the mix, they seem to be the character that everybody is interested in. YES gay people exist, YES they are people, but you do not need them in every TV show just to create diversity. It seems that gay characters are now placed in TV shows simply to fill a void or satisfy a quota and at one time it was needed, but now that we have entire channels catering to the LGBT population (teens included), the token gay guy is no longer needed in every show. If you are going to put one in, let it happen naturally and for ONCE, I'd like to see a gay character who is not over the top and does not display the ridiculously stereotypical girly manners.
Okay I've ranted enough, but I'm in the process of writing short stories, I'd like to focus on adolescents and adolescent issues similar to the shows listed, but put more emphasis on friendship and trials than sexuality. Perhaps have it a bit more family integrated as well. I need to create a tumblr page see where that takes me. If the stories were ever picked up, maybe some good actors could play the parts. The is IF sexuality and orientation are discussed in the series the focus would be more as a whole vs one character. I'd like for it to be raw. I think it could work out.
IT'S BEEN FOREVER
Wow,
It's been forever since posting anything and really to be honest w/ you my job had me so burned out that I had actually lost motivation to post anything for a while, however being a member of Toastmasters and in conjunction w/ needing to get it off of my chest has prompted me to begin posting. This last year at work has been a living hell. My initial supervisor left, and I was assigned another supervisor. Things were going smoothly initially however as time went by I got to see this person for the vindictive individual that she really is. To be honest w/ you I believe she may be a sociopath. She lacked empathy, she was vindictive, she saw no wrong in how she treated others, she was one of those individuals who was on a power trip, who wanted all of the respect in the world, however when it came to giving respect, she did not want to give any. Last year, there was not one day that I was not raked over the coals, for every little thing. Things that other workers in the group could get away w/, I was taken through the ringer. It was to the point that my health was compromised! I developed a huge knot on my neck that ultimately bursts ( I believe God removed it because the doctors certainly did not). It got to the point that this particular supervisor begin to nitpick anything and everything I did. She begin no only downgrading me to my coworkers, my clients, but other agencies as well (hence the reason jobs that I was a applying for at other agencies/companies were not calling me). Not only that she wanted to know all of my whereabouts at work. The demands got more ridiculous [and demeaning] until she retired. She did not return after the Thanksgiving holiday and I have another supervisor now. He's not as demanding as she was but for some reason I just do not trust anybody at the office now. I'm always walking on eggshells, and I don't get excited about much of anything anymore. Right now, I'm going to leave it at that.
It's been forever since posting anything and really to be honest w/ you my job had me so burned out that I had actually lost motivation to post anything for a while, however being a member of Toastmasters and in conjunction w/ needing to get it off of my chest has prompted me to begin posting. This last year at work has been a living hell. My initial supervisor left, and I was assigned another supervisor. Things were going smoothly initially however as time went by I got to see this person for the vindictive individual that she really is. To be honest w/ you I believe she may be a sociopath. She lacked empathy, she was vindictive, she saw no wrong in how she treated others, she was one of those individuals who was on a power trip, who wanted all of the respect in the world, however when it came to giving respect, she did not want to give any. Last year, there was not one day that I was not raked over the coals, for every little thing. Things that other workers in the group could get away w/, I was taken through the ringer. It was to the point that my health was compromised! I developed a huge knot on my neck that ultimately bursts ( I believe God removed it because the doctors certainly did not). It got to the point that this particular supervisor begin to nitpick anything and everything I did. She begin no only downgrading me to my coworkers, my clients, but other agencies as well (hence the reason jobs that I was a applying for at other agencies/companies were not calling me). Not only that she wanted to know all of my whereabouts at work. The demands got more ridiculous [and demeaning] until she retired. She did not return after the Thanksgiving holiday and I have another supervisor now. He's not as demanding as she was but for some reason I just do not trust anybody at the office now. I'm always walking on eggshells, and I don't get excited about much of anything anymore. Right now, I'm going to leave it at that.
Monday, September 16, 2013
Day 4-Career Paths (part 1)
I currently work as a caseworker, however I sporadically look at other jobs and I still put my resume out there. Monster sucks! The only jobs that respond are those sales jobs, which want you to sell products that nobody is really buying in this economy.
Anyway, I was driving one day when I came across a Cenikor (Briscoe Treatment Facility) agency. I checked the site and saw a position for a counselor, unfortunately the position required a certification that I did not have. I have been considering getting a master's in psychology for a while or school counseling in addition to the master's degree that I have in Instructional Technology. With that being said, I'm sick of school! I just like to have a back up plan in case the current ones fail.
I'm still trying to learn some more instructional design skills so that I can really put my master's degree to use and do some freelancing creating training packages and modules.Perhaps I'll be able to create some for the current agency that I'm in. I'd like to learn web design and the like so I could get some clients and do this line of work for and perhaps train others how to do these things as well.
I tried court research for a bit, I tried to get some clients of my own via craigslist, etc and I've realized that craigslist is only good for spam and prostitution. So that did not work, then I got a job as a caseworker where I am currently.
I'm out for the night, I'll talk more on my next day. Night.
Anyway, I was driving one day when I came across a Cenikor (Briscoe Treatment Facility) agency. I checked the site and saw a position for a counselor, unfortunately the position required a certification that I did not have. I have been considering getting a master's in psychology for a while or school counseling in addition to the master's degree that I have in Instructional Technology. With that being said, I'm sick of school! I just like to have a back up plan in case the current ones fail.
I'm still trying to learn some more instructional design skills so that I can really put my master's degree to use and do some freelancing creating training packages and modules.Perhaps I'll be able to create some for the current agency that I'm in. I'd like to learn web design and the like so I could get some clients and do this line of work for and perhaps train others how to do these things as well.
I tried court research for a bit, I tried to get some clients of my own via craigslist, etc and I've realized that craigslist is only good for spam and prostitution. So that did not work, then I got a job as a caseworker where I am currently.
I'm out for the night, I'll talk more on my next day. Night.
Sunday, September 15, 2013
FINALLY! A SELF ASSESSMENT (Day 3)
Good afternoon peeps,
Short blog.
I think I've got it. I've found an accurate way to describe this blog, and I did that via inspiration from a member of one of my google + groups. After evaluating my personality I've realized that I'm bluntly soft-spoken. I have a rather soft personality, however I can only take so much before I tell you the truth about yourself and will not back down. While I will try not to cuss you out, I can't continue to just let an individual treat me any kind of way that they wish.
The most recently memory of the realization is a former co-worker pointing out my soft personality and then there was an incident at a Toastmasters meeting. This guy said that it kind of makes people want to listen to what I have to say.
Unfortunately this is not w/o consequences. At work, this causes several client to try to pull a fast one on me. While I can't say names, this client stated that her husband was collecting unemployment, THEN later after reviewing this case, I saw that the unemployment stopped months ago. She then confessed that the husband recently started work! Seriously???? My laid back personality has also caused me to be an unfortunate target of pestering and berating, and I will confess y'all that I am at a point that I am on the verge of cussing someone at that place out and I'm not going to worry about status or the age difference. I stated this on an earlier blog, however this is me going public with a lot of what I've been wanting to say and I'm not holding back. I can't just say "fuck off" but I can say "that's a lie or that's not true". I don't get paid enough to just take any treatment from anyone be it a co-worker or a supervisor. My observation is that young adult workers are not taken seriously by administration at the agency that I'm at and if one does not appear to be always angry or their personality is not aggressive enough, then they are seen as easy to treat like dirt. I'm not asking to be exempt from any and all consequences, however I am asking to be treated with dignity and not be ripped to shreds every time I make a mistake.
Blunt yet soft spoken, confidently self-conscious the latter will be discussed in a later blog.
Sound off! If you like, follow the blog!
Short blog.
I think I've got it. I've found an accurate way to describe this blog, and I did that via inspiration from a member of one of my google + groups. After evaluating my personality I've realized that I'm bluntly soft-spoken. I have a rather soft personality, however I can only take so much before I tell you the truth about yourself and will not back down. While I will try not to cuss you out, I can't continue to just let an individual treat me any kind of way that they wish.
The most recently memory of the realization is a former co-worker pointing out my soft personality and then there was an incident at a Toastmasters meeting. This guy said that it kind of makes people want to listen to what I have to say.
Unfortunately this is not w/o consequences. At work, this causes several client to try to pull a fast one on me. While I can't say names, this client stated that her husband was collecting unemployment, THEN later after reviewing this case, I saw that the unemployment stopped months ago. She then confessed that the husband recently started work! Seriously???? My laid back personality has also caused me to be an unfortunate target of pestering and berating, and I will confess y'all that I am at a point that I am on the verge of cussing someone at that place out and I'm not going to worry about status or the age difference. I stated this on an earlier blog, however this is me going public with a lot of what I've been wanting to say and I'm not holding back. I can't just say "fuck off" but I can say "that's a lie or that's not true". I don't get paid enough to just take any treatment from anyone be it a co-worker or a supervisor. My observation is that young adult workers are not taken seriously by administration at the agency that I'm at and if one does not appear to be always angry or their personality is not aggressive enough, then they are seen as easy to treat like dirt. I'm not asking to be exempt from any and all consequences, however I am asking to be treated with dignity and not be ripped to shreds every time I make a mistake.
Blunt yet soft spoken, confidently self-conscious the latter will be discussed in a later blog.
Sound off! If you like, follow the blog!
Friday, September 13, 2013
Day 2-job burnout rant.
Ugh.....so 4 or 5 days have passed since my last post, however I'm trying to blog as often as I can within this 90 day challenge that I have set upon myself. I'm currently sitting in starbucks drinking one of those Valencia orange refreshers, they're so good! Anyways....I guess I can count this one as day two, I'm going to talk about job burnout. This is a confession, I'm currently dealing with the burnout right now and some days I really want to run out. I'm a caseworker working in the social service field. I deal with SNAP (supplemental nutritional assistance program) benefits....referred by most as "food stamps" Now I like my job some days other days I can't stand it. Some days I feel like I just babysit adults, while other days I meet clients who I can't help but feel bad for when I hear their stories.
Anyway, the problem is that some days I don't feel like I'm really appreciated at the agency. It seems lately that I get reported for things that others do not, and sometimes I feel like the situations are DISTORTED to make it seem far worse than what they really are. Currently I'm at a point that I'm about to cuss someone out and I'm not going to feel bad about it.
Some days, I don't know who is worse clients or the adults who act like children. I'm not going to address anyone by name, I don't feel the need to because to me if you know who you are and that this blog applies to you then you need to check YOURSELF, not me for simply reporting the truth. It's one thing to be cussed out by a client or to deal with a ton of call center calls, on top of the disaster of a system that the agency has recently adopted. It's another thing to be told that "If you can't keep up then you need to find another job" or to be spoken to as if you are in the fourth grade when something is not done flawlessly. I do appreciate having a job in the recession and I understand the line of work I'm in is high stress and is fast paced, however sometimes I feel that administration forgets that we only have two hands and cannot be in multiple places at once. It would be nice if I could, but that's not the case. With the document imaging system that the agency has recently adopted, all of the mail that clients send to caseworkers is now being sent to a processing center, and okay but to have ALL THE MAIL FROM THE ENTIRE STATE go to one processing center has proven to be a disaster.Let me tell you why in the next paragraph.
In the past, clients could mail stuff to the local P.O. BOX or drop their paperwork off in a drop box kept in the lobby with the security and confidence that it most likely would get to their worker in time, however now everything is being sent to a processing center and as a result of having so much mail to process. There are clients who are not getting their benefits because their documents are not being received on time and one can only deal with so many calls with conducting interviews and processing change reports. IT'S A MESS! On top of internet that takes FOREVER. It's hard enough to have the basic programs open that we use, let along two new software products added.
On the other hand, there are those clients who just do not want to do their part and when their benefits are cut off they want to come up to the office and cause a scene. I had one client say she wanted to e-mail the congressman. I'm like okay...you do that. There was another situation, not one of my clients, she reported the incident to KPLC. What the hell could KPLC do? I have no clue! However if a client can't update their address, how the hell are we supposed to know how to get in contact with them. "Nobody ever informed me my renewal period was here" Well we sent you a letter, but it was returned with no forwarding address. UPDATE YOUR DAMN ADDRESS!
I think that sometimes administration forgets that we have two hands and that we can only do our part if the client does theirs as well. It takes both sides to be successful.
Anyone else experiencing or experienced burnout? Sound off!
Anyway, the problem is that some days I don't feel like I'm really appreciated at the agency. It seems lately that I get reported for things that others do not, and sometimes I feel like the situations are DISTORTED to make it seem far worse than what they really are. Currently I'm at a point that I'm about to cuss someone out and I'm not going to feel bad about it.
Some days, I don't know who is worse clients or the adults who act like children. I'm not going to address anyone by name, I don't feel the need to because to me if you know who you are and that this blog applies to you then you need to check YOURSELF, not me for simply reporting the truth. It's one thing to be cussed out by a client or to deal with a ton of call center calls, on top of the disaster of a system that the agency has recently adopted. It's another thing to be told that "If you can't keep up then you need to find another job" or to be spoken to as if you are in the fourth grade when something is not done flawlessly. I do appreciate having a job in the recession and I understand the line of work I'm in is high stress and is fast paced, however sometimes I feel that administration forgets that we only have two hands and cannot be in multiple places at once. It would be nice if I could, but that's not the case. With the document imaging system that the agency has recently adopted, all of the mail that clients send to caseworkers is now being sent to a processing center, and okay but to have ALL THE MAIL FROM THE ENTIRE STATE go to one processing center has proven to be a disaster.Let me tell you why in the next paragraph.
In the past, clients could mail stuff to the local P.O. BOX or drop their paperwork off in a drop box kept in the lobby with the security and confidence that it most likely would get to their worker in time, however now everything is being sent to a processing center and as a result of having so much mail to process. There are clients who are not getting their benefits because their documents are not being received on time and one can only deal with so many calls with conducting interviews and processing change reports. IT'S A MESS! On top of internet that takes FOREVER. It's hard enough to have the basic programs open that we use, let along two new software products added.
On the other hand, there are those clients who just do not want to do their part and when their benefits are cut off they want to come up to the office and cause a scene. I had one client say she wanted to e-mail the congressman. I'm like okay...you do that. There was another situation, not one of my clients, she reported the incident to KPLC. What the hell could KPLC do? I have no clue! However if a client can't update their address, how the hell are we supposed to know how to get in contact with them. "Nobody ever informed me my renewal period was here" Well we sent you a letter, but it was returned with no forwarding address. UPDATE YOUR DAMN ADDRESS!
I think that sometimes administration forgets that we have two hands and that we can only do our part if the client does theirs as well. It takes both sides to be successful.
Anyone else experiencing or experienced burnout? Sound off!
Thursday, September 5, 2013
90 Day Blog Challenge. Day 1-Why I am doing this.
Okay, so I have decided to take a 90 day blogging challenge. Why am I doing this you may wonder? Well, I'm thinking that blogging might be a bit therapeutic for me and it could help me when it comes to speaking more comfortably when I'm around someone I don't really know. Oh and of course, I looked over this page and realized that I had not posted anything in quite some time so I figured hey why not challenge myself to devote some time to this, and perhaps build my fan base? I could gain followers that I know personally as well as some that I do not.
Some of these blogs may be long, some may be short, others may be in between, however I'm going public with my mind (for the most part anyway). I've linked my main blogs with face book and twitter and currently trying to get it on linked-in. I plan on ranting (of course), giving an honest perspective on other things, and maybe just MAYBE, giving a shoutout here and there. I may share some photos, making some posts like a scrap book.
What I hope to get out of this challenge is more confidence when it comes to blogging and also I'm hoping to build my fan base. Looking forward to this, and I'll see you tomorrow. If this really takes off, this could be like a paid hobby.
Some of these blogs may be long, some may be short, others may be in between, however I'm going public with my mind (for the most part anyway). I've linked my main blogs with face book and twitter and currently trying to get it on linked-in. I plan on ranting (of course), giving an honest perspective on other things, and maybe just MAYBE, giving a shoutout here and there. I may share some photos, making some posts like a scrap book.
What I hope to get out of this challenge is more confidence when it comes to blogging and also I'm hoping to build my fan base. Looking forward to this, and I'll see you tomorrow. If this really takes off, this could be like a paid hobby.
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
MOVING ON-TIME FOR NEW BEGINNINGS
Wow, been a while since blogging about anything lately. I've been devoting a little time to my youtube life and I'm trying to build my fan base via social media. Twitter so far has not gotten me much views, so I'm going to look into google plus. I'm building circles as I type this and I'm trying to promote my post like that. I blog about real things affecting me and I try to be totally honest w/ myself and really think about how I'm feeling at the moment.
Anyway, I've finally been offered a job, and I'm very excited about that. Now I'm really thinking about saving up for about six months and trying to get my own place. I've looked a couple of new rental house developments built but the rent is quite high, as well as the one apartment complex that I looked at today. It seems that the nicer ones are quite pricey even if they aren't in necessarily safe parts of town. The cheaper ones tend to be in need of desperate repair. I may have to see how much money I can save w/ the job and then try to find a second job to make my ideal place come true. The real moment came with realizing that I am 25, I've been in college for seven years, I feel like my parents kind of micromanage everything or take over many things like I'm five years old! Most of my friends have gone on with their lives while I'm stuck living w/ my folks, I realize that the only way to get some real experience is via getting my own place. Think about it, I've never had a fulltime job, never had a steady date mate, I'm a virgin (though I don't make a big deal about it). I mean there are guys and girls 7 years or more younger than I do that I have the tools needed to survive on their own. I have to get my own place. I need to learn some self-reliance. I mean I can wash dishes, wash clothes, iron to some extent, but I need to make it out on my own. I need to start a new chapter in my life. It's that simple. I'm getting too old for this. Many of my friends are married off with children and even if they aren't, they are working and they've got income of their own.
I wouldn't call myself ungrateful but damn man, I need to do some things on my own. It's one thing to get help from somebody, I mean everybody wants help to some extent, but it's completely different to TAKE OVER the whole assignment or task at hand. It's just been three long years since getting my bachelor's degree and I've finally landed a job and I feel that it's time to just move on. Get a fresh start. Get some real freedom and some real independence. I love my parents as most who had good parents do but enough is enough! I feel like I always have to check in or check out. It's as if I'm incapable of doing anything w/o anyone's opinion. Just time to move on. Not going away, but it's time to get a place of my own and really learn the skill of paying bills, budgeting, etc, etc, et..al.
Anyone else feel like this at times? Sound off!
Anyway, I've finally been offered a job, and I'm very excited about that. Now I'm really thinking about saving up for about six months and trying to get my own place. I've looked a couple of new rental house developments built but the rent is quite high, as well as the one apartment complex that I looked at today. It seems that the nicer ones are quite pricey even if they aren't in necessarily safe parts of town. The cheaper ones tend to be in need of desperate repair. I may have to see how much money I can save w/ the job and then try to find a second job to make my ideal place come true. The real moment came with realizing that I am 25, I've been in college for seven years, I feel like my parents kind of micromanage everything or take over many things like I'm five years old! Most of my friends have gone on with their lives while I'm stuck living w/ my folks, I realize that the only way to get some real experience is via getting my own place. Think about it, I've never had a fulltime job, never had a steady date mate, I'm a virgin (though I don't make a big deal about it). I mean there are guys and girls 7 years or more younger than I do that I have the tools needed to survive on their own. I have to get my own place. I need to learn some self-reliance. I mean I can wash dishes, wash clothes, iron to some extent, but I need to make it out on my own. I need to start a new chapter in my life. It's that simple. I'm getting too old for this. Many of my friends are married off with children and even if they aren't, they are working and they've got income of their own.
I wouldn't call myself ungrateful but damn man, I need to do some things on my own. It's one thing to get help from somebody, I mean everybody wants help to some extent, but it's completely different to TAKE OVER the whole assignment or task at hand. It's just been three long years since getting my bachelor's degree and I've finally landed a job and I feel that it's time to just move on. Get a fresh start. Get some real freedom and some real independence. I love my parents as most who had good parents do but enough is enough! I feel like I always have to check in or check out. It's as if I'm incapable of doing anything w/o anyone's opinion. Just time to move on. Not going away, but it's time to get a place of my own and really learn the skill of paying bills, budgeting, etc, etc, et..al.
Anyone else feel like this at times? Sound off!
Sunday, November 18, 2012
RHOA changes made and soon to come
Greetings housewives fans. The southern belles are back on and we are two episodes into season five with the departure of one housewife and the addition of two new housewives. Sheree Whitfield does not return, however Kenya Moore and Porsha Williams-Stewart have joined the cast. Kenya is a former fashion model who holds the title of miss USA 1993. She's also an actress, author, and producer and Porsha is the granddaughter of civil rights activist Hosea Williams. Porsha willl introduced in episode three which will air later tonight! There is also news that this will be Kim's final season. While she appears in the promos, you will notice that she's not in any of the new pictures [though it is said that she was in the hospital when those photos were taken]. She will appear in the first few episodes and then she will exit the series much like Lisa did with season three. Word is that she had a falling out with production and as a result her storyline is diminished. Once this happens, Nene will be the only original housewife of Atlanta left on the show. Back to that statement I made about Nene. Think about it, DeShawn did not return after season 1, Lisa did seasons 1-2 and the first few episodes of season 3, and now Sheree did not return for the fifth season. This also means that the RHOA cast will be entirely chocolate. I just hope that Kim is not replaced with Marlo. We've got Kenya and Nene and that's all the drama that we need. What do you guys think of Kim's exit on the show? I personally wish she could have left w/ a little more dignity b/c it seems like she got hammered on the season four reunion. I wish her well, and I really hope now that she's got a husband that she will settle down.
Thursday, October 25, 2012
Up and Coming Developments in Lake Charles
OAK CROSSING
Oak crossing is a retail park that currently under construction w/ the first phase just being completed. I emailed the company when the sign was placed on the tract of land that would eventually become the site of this development and ask what kind of businesses we could expect to see. The response I got was they were talking with several medical offices, restaurants, and retail stores. So far the park has four buildings which have been constructed, though the insides are not quite ready yet. The only thing open right now that I know of is the leasing office for the park. However, checking the Facebook page recently, I see that there is plans for expansion to include ten additional buildings. The development is located at the corner of Nelson Road and Ham Reid Road, across from a future charter academy. I hope to see some good mom and pop shops, I'd like to see a coffee and beinget shop open up in there. I digress, but this looks like a nice development. The buildings are actually set up sort of like living quarters minus much windows.
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MORGANFIELD
Morganfield is a TND planned for the southeast part of the city. From what I know, Morganfield is going to be constructed along McNeese Street and Corbina Road once the extension of these two roads is completed. Once the extension is completed, McNeese and Corbina will intersect. The community will be approximately 2000 acres and from the data that I've found out, the first 350-500 acres will be mixed use w/ retail, apartments, live work units and the link, while the remaining acres will be residential. I'm dying to know what kind of architecture we can expect. McNeese Street is complete and the Corbina Road extension is under construction right now. The two streets will intersect at the new roundabout once both are completed.
The three pictures below give us a better view of what to expect in this TND
IMPERIAL POINTE
This medical complex will be built at Nelson Road and Imperial Pointe Boulevard. It's going to be in the same area that the hospital on Imperial Pointe Boulevard is. There will be two new hospitals, medical offices, a bank, a hotel, a cafe, two restaurants, town homes, shops, and retail. IP blvd will ultimately be extended to a town center which will include a nice water feature, leading to some assisted living housing. The company behind this develop is Derek Development based in Lafayette, LA.
http://www.louisianamedicalnews.com/imperial-pointe-merging-medical-retail-and-residential-cms-1898
http://tonycornner.com/pdf/imperialpointe.pdf
Friday, September 7, 2012
North Lake Charles Getting Life Again
I never thought we would see it, but it looks like North Lake Charles may finally be getting some life back into it. I'm a follower of city planning and I try to keep up with that market and when I began looking at the revitalization plans of downtown Lake Charles, I came across a PDF drawing of the plans for the North Lake Charles Riverwalk and Riverfront Parkway. Later on, it was removed from the Lake Charles website, but Idid find it archived so I downloaded the PDF and saved on google docs (gotta love web 2.0). Currently that portion of Enterprise Blvd is under construction where they are trying to develop the parkway which will be extended to Fitzenreiter Road and then to Highway 171, providing an alternate evacuation route as well as a road for business. The road will include bike paths, parks, and drinking fountains. . There are also plans to replace some of the decaying homes with newer ones as well as open up the neighborhood adjacent to the Calcasieu River. Once all is said and done, city officials hope to see real estate and retail along the river front and new road. The plans look great, and years later, I imagine that it would be a great improvement to this city, plus it takes away some of the negative stigma that North Lake Charles currently has. What do lake area residents think about this plan?
https://docs.google.com/open?id=0Bz0t_caOq0NNb0d0MWpjYS00SHc
http://www.jfds.com/portPlanning06.htm
http://www.kplctv.com/story/5142319/north-lake-charles-a-diamond-in-the-rough
http://www.cityoflakecharles.com/egov/apps/document/center.egov?rand=1oldpage=5&oldfDD=7-0&oldaction=&oldid=1&oldpath=browse&oldfCS=&path=detail&id2=189
https://docs.google.com/open?id=0Bz0t_caOq0NNb0d0MWpjYS00SHc
http://www.jfds.com/portPlanning06.htm
http://www.kplctv.com/story/5142319/north-lake-charles-a-diamond-in-the-rough
http://www.cityoflakecharles.com/egov/apps/document/center.egov?rand=1oldpage=5&oldfDD=7-0&oldaction=&oldid=1&oldpath=browse&oldfCS=&path=detail&id2=189
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Stop Mixing Politics and Faith!
This morning, I was awoken out of a sleep so I decided to grab my phone and check out my twitter timeline. I noticed a tweet from an individual who stated that he tried but could not separate his political choice from his faith. Once I clicked on it, I noticed several retweets and a few responses, one in particular [from a woman] stuck out to me b/c the woman stated that this was one of those campaigns that we would have to pray about.
Me being the guy that I am, I decided to respond to him by saying that just because the political candidate that you vote for believes in something against your religion does not mean you are suddenly supporting the belief that they do. If we only voted for someone who supported our faith 100%, nobody would ever vote. That's why I really hate it when ministers, priests, and those who oversee the religious practices of a place of worship try to connect politics and religion. I can understand a christian not voting for an atheist, but to tell someone, "Read the Bible and see who lines up closest to the Bible and vote for that one" is basically telling them who to vote for. They are essentially saying vote for the Republican candidate, even if you are not republican. I voted for Obama this past campaign but I don't have a problem with ppl who voted for McCain, that's their choice. But don't try to make me feel guilty or make me feel like less of a Christian because I did not vote for McCain. I would also like the same respect and rights to vote for who I wish during this campaign.
Recently Obama stated that he supported gay marriage, and now many are saying that they are not sure that they can vote for him. Prior to that it was abortion that he was supporting and ppl did not like that. Now before I get any further let me say something: I do NOT support abortion, but I realize that if it were made illegal, ppl would just be performing them themselves. I say if you absolutely MUST have one, make sure it's a life or death situation. Don't use it as a contraception. I don't buy into the idea that it's "not a life" b/c IMO, once the fetus has a heartbeat and a sense of touch, it is a life! With that being said, I am 100% in support of birth control medications when used correctly (which is why I was offended at the accusation towards Sandra Fluke, that she just wanted to get paid to have sex).
Just because one votes for someone that supports abortion does not mean that suddenly that every individual is going to suddenly support abortion. Likewise with same-sex marriage, just b/c the president supports it does not mean that every state is going to jump on the bandwagon and support it. Obama never once stated that he would demand each state, legalize same sex marriage, so if that's what people are worried about, I say get a grip!
What do you think about Presidential votes? Do you base it on your religion?
Me being the guy that I am, I decided to respond to him by saying that just because the political candidate that you vote for believes in something against your religion does not mean you are suddenly supporting the belief that they do. If we only voted for someone who supported our faith 100%, nobody would ever vote. That's why I really hate it when ministers, priests, and those who oversee the religious practices of a place of worship try to connect politics and religion. I can understand a christian not voting for an atheist, but to tell someone, "Read the Bible and see who lines up closest to the Bible and vote for that one" is basically telling them who to vote for. They are essentially saying vote for the Republican candidate, even if you are not republican. I voted for Obama this past campaign but I don't have a problem with ppl who voted for McCain, that's their choice. But don't try to make me feel guilty or make me feel like less of a Christian because I did not vote for McCain. I would also like the same respect and rights to vote for who I wish during this campaign.
Recently Obama stated that he supported gay marriage, and now many are saying that they are not sure that they can vote for him. Prior to that it was abortion that he was supporting and ppl did not like that. Now before I get any further let me say something: I do NOT support abortion, but I realize that if it were made illegal, ppl would just be performing them themselves. I say if you absolutely MUST have one, make sure it's a life or death situation. Don't use it as a contraception. I don't buy into the idea that it's "not a life" b/c IMO, once the fetus has a heartbeat and a sense of touch, it is a life! With that being said, I am 100% in support of birth control medications when used correctly (which is why I was offended at the accusation towards Sandra Fluke, that she just wanted to get paid to have sex).
Just because one votes for someone that supports abortion does not mean that suddenly that every individual is going to suddenly support abortion. Likewise with same-sex marriage, just b/c the president supports it does not mean that every state is going to jump on the bandwagon and support it. Obama never once stated that he would demand each state, legalize same sex marriage, so if that's what people are worried about, I say get a grip!
What do you think about Presidential votes? Do you base it on your religion?
Friday, August 31, 2012
POMS
Okay, you know about PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome) that women deal with? Well damn it, I'm dealing with something that I would like to call POMS:Pissed-Off Male Syndrome (or symptoms b/c sometimes there may be more than one sign). Basically, it's those moments when you don't want to talk to anyone, you snap at any given moment, even at your loved ones and you don't give a shit who is offended. You just mad as hell. That's it in a nutshell. Right now It's the job hunt. I feel like It's three years down the road and I'm doing the same shit that I was doing then. I feel like I'm working a full time job w/ no pay. Professional Job hunting sucks, there is no pay, no rewards, just tiresome bullshit and frustrations when no one responds or when your application is rejected. It's like everyone in my circle is passing me up but I'm expected to cover up my resentment for the sake of being humble. It's not that I don't want anyone to be happy, but fuck man! What about me? It feels like I've busted my ass for seven years (undergrad and grad school) and all I have to show for it is some student loans and credit debt. It's like my younger brother, cousins, and everyone else (it seems) have passed me up and they are working full time, and yet I cannot pay someone to hire me. Through all of this, would you believe that people still have the audacity to ask me if I want to get my doctorate or go back to school??? Oh also I'm dealing w/ anxiety attacks and intrusive thoughts. I feel like God has abandoned me in many moments and it's to the point that I'm contemplating a spiritual hiatus. Fellas, are you dealing with POMS? Alternative name, POMGD (Pissed-Off Male Gender Disorder).
POMS symptoms include but are not limited to:
1. Constant anger, regardless of the situation
2. Upset about 80%-95% of the time, and it seems that not even doing the things that you love can make you happy or bring you joy
3. You find yourself happier when you are thinking dark thoughts than you do thinking positively.
4. Nobody, not even your best friend can cheer you up.
5. You've reached a point that even prayer does not mean anything to you, in fact just the thought of it makes you want to throw up!
6. When you snap at others and you don't care if they are hurt (for the moment), though you might regret it later
7. You've relied on ranting on Facebook and twitter about the situation
8. You use sites such as Justrage.com to vent and say the shit that you cannot say on general social media networks.
9.You get the thought to throw things across the room regardless of who or what is in the way, even glass!
10.Nothing inspirational helps you, it just makes you angrier and more enraged!
11. You just want to be left alone.
POMS symptoms include but are not limited to:
1. Constant anger, regardless of the situation
2. Upset about 80%-95% of the time, and it seems that not even doing the things that you love can make you happy or bring you joy
3. You find yourself happier when you are thinking dark thoughts than you do thinking positively.
4. Nobody, not even your best friend can cheer you up.
5. You've reached a point that even prayer does not mean anything to you, in fact just the thought of it makes you want to throw up!
6. When you snap at others and you don't care if they are hurt (for the moment), though you might regret it later
7. You've relied on ranting on Facebook and twitter about the situation
8. You use sites such as Justrage.com to vent and say the shit that you cannot say on general social media networks.
9.You get the thought to throw things across the room regardless of who or what is in the way, even glass!
10.Nothing inspirational helps you, it just makes you angrier and more enraged!
11. You just want to be left alone.
Sunday, August 26, 2012
RHONJ Hot Tub Disaster!
Whew! Tonight's episode was quite intense. The majority of this episode is devoted to Teresa's last attempt to reconcile with Caroline Manzo and it seems that Caroline just was not having it. She would not look at her, she barely said a word while Teresa is practically begging and repeating the same thing over and over. It began with Tre having a conversation with Kathy while Caroline was listening from inside. Tre then got up to make the attempt, which did not go so well. Kathy tried to come to the rescue and see where Caroline was coming from, but still tried to stick by her cousin so that she would not feel attacked. Jacqueline, pretty much tuned them out, she said she was done (read her tweets). Melissa sat back, while narrating that Caroline needs to just move on. It was said, you've been mad long enough move on! Joe Guidice admits to the fact that they were paid for those tabloids. The "1/16 Italian" comment was perhaps was perhaps inappropriate, but Teresa could have said and done much worse. She could have committed adultery with Caroline's husband (not gonna happen Im just making a point), she could have made a false rape claim, she could have done so much more. I mean, I understand Caroline's disappointment, but I don't think that comment in a cookbook is a reason to cut someone out of your life. I do find it funny that she had no problem with Teresa when Teresa was flipping tables and calling Danielle a prostitution whore and a stupid bitch, but when it's not cosigning w/ her (Caroline) the deal's off. Anyway, Bravo fans, what do you think? Should Caroline move on or is Teresa still in denial here?
Saturday, August 25, 2012
RHONJ Teresa Drama & Amendment Attempts
Okay, this is how you know I'm not like most guys. Most guys I know are not watching Bravo, let alone drama shows that center around women. Thursday I was feverish and had a sore throat all day so I spend much of my time on our recliner in the den watching the Real Housewives of New Jersey. Yea, it was a Marathon that lead up to the final day of the vacation that the housewives took to California.
So far this season, we've seen Teresa go from hot to cold off and on. She's been a bitch for much of first half of the season, thus we can see where all this tension was coming from during the last reunion because around the time of that reunion (the one that Jacqueline was apparently too distraught to attend) they were filming the current season. Many felt that Teresa was being ganged up on even by Andy, but I did not feel bad for here in the reunion b/c I felt like it was karma coming back to get her (do we need to go into how she treated Danielle during the season 2 reunion?). It seemed at the beginning of this season Teresa and Melissa bumped heads because Teresa's obsession with Joe Gorga (her brother). Tre misses when her brother was at her house daily and had dinner with her more often, but she needs to understand that he is married with children now. I did not like how she suggested that Melissa would cheat if a guy with more money came by. She seems sincere in her love for Teresa's brother, but I do wish she would put the microphone done. Caroline is still upset about what was said in the book.
Fast forward, a few episodes, we see her trying to make [family] amends all while her and Jacqueline have a falling out. Teresa and her brother ultimately agree to therapy, however Teresa being the delusional woman that she is, she goes into the office stating that there was nothing wrong with her and that it was all her brother's problems, however the brother states that he is trying, but at the same time, Teresa is not his only family anymore. At Teresa's book signing, Kathy made some comments about her mom's deserts in the Teresa took offense too. NEWSFLASH: Teresa, they may be your mom's recipes, but that does not mean that your mom and Kathy did not share the recipe and often make the same baked goods, give it a rest!
Going on to the vacation now, Teresa is still trying to make amends, however she keeps bringing the damn cookbook event up with Kathy and all the while Caroline who I think is just as bitter as they come narrates the entire marathon like it's a Godfather movie. I've always had this problem w/ her, she's so dramatic, as if she's in a Mafia movie of some sort. Hun, nobody cares that you hold on to your words and draw them out longer than they need to be, it's not that impressive! Much of her narrations have to do with Teresa, making accusations that the conversations are taking to long, and she's worried that Jacqueline is going to be hurt, even when Kathy was doing Caroline's hair, it was just another way for her to talk about Teresa. For someone whom she's supposedly gotten out of her life, she sure does talk about her quite a bit. Speaking of that, I do find it odd that you want to get her out of your life now, but you were siding with her when she was treating Danielle like a dog. Now that Danielle is not on the show anymore, she just needs someone else she can bash or cut lose. She needs to focus more on making amends with her sister than she does bashing Teresa so much. It seems that no matter what Teresa is doing, Caroline criticizes it.
With that being said, Teresa does need to own up to her wrong as well. It's like she can't stand to see anyone else happy. She throws accusations out but when it comes back to haunt her she runs away. She talks about everyone but yet she can't take it back. She is a deluded individual, she lies to herself until she believes her lies. I don't doubt her sincerity is wanting to make amends with her brother, sister-in-law and her cousin, but I do question her mindset. Why does she think she's totally innocent in this? She does seem to want nobody to succeed but her. Even with that, I could not help but feel terrible for where when her husband called her a bitch and a cunt and rejects her advances later on. He treats her like crap (we get to see this throughout the season). One thing I can agree with Caroline about is the divorce coming between Teresa and Joe Guidice soon. And a well needed on at that. Anyway I'm waiting on the final fall out between her and Caroline on Sunday's episode. What do you think about Teresa? Do you believe there is some underlying motive for this family reconciliation? What do you think about Caroline? Should she let to book comment go? I've love your input, feel free to comment.
So far this season, we've seen Teresa go from hot to cold off and on. She's been a bitch for much of first half of the season, thus we can see where all this tension was coming from during the last reunion because around the time of that reunion (the one that Jacqueline was apparently too distraught to attend) they were filming the current season. Many felt that Teresa was being ganged up on even by Andy, but I did not feel bad for here in the reunion b/c I felt like it was karma coming back to get her (do we need to go into how she treated Danielle during the season 2 reunion?). It seemed at the beginning of this season Teresa and Melissa bumped heads because Teresa's obsession with Joe Gorga (her brother). Tre misses when her brother was at her house daily and had dinner with her more often, but she needs to understand that he is married with children now. I did not like how she suggested that Melissa would cheat if a guy with more money came by. She seems sincere in her love for Teresa's brother, but I do wish she would put the microphone done. Caroline is still upset about what was said in the book.
Fast forward, a few episodes, we see her trying to make [family] amends all while her and Jacqueline have a falling out. Teresa and her brother ultimately agree to therapy, however Teresa being the delusional woman that she is, she goes into the office stating that there was nothing wrong with her and that it was all her brother's problems, however the brother states that he is trying, but at the same time, Teresa is not his only family anymore. At Teresa's book signing, Kathy made some comments about her mom's deserts in the Teresa took offense too. NEWSFLASH: Teresa, they may be your mom's recipes, but that does not mean that your mom and Kathy did not share the recipe and often make the same baked goods, give it a rest!
Going on to the vacation now, Teresa is still trying to make amends, however she keeps bringing the damn cookbook event up with Kathy and all the while Caroline who I think is just as bitter as they come narrates the entire marathon like it's a Godfather movie. I've always had this problem w/ her, she's so dramatic, as if she's in a Mafia movie of some sort. Hun, nobody cares that you hold on to your words and draw them out longer than they need to be, it's not that impressive! Much of her narrations have to do with Teresa, making accusations that the conversations are taking to long, and she's worried that Jacqueline is going to be hurt, even when Kathy was doing Caroline's hair, it was just another way for her to talk about Teresa. For someone whom she's supposedly gotten out of her life, she sure does talk about her quite a bit. Speaking of that, I do find it odd that you want to get her out of your life now, but you were siding with her when she was treating Danielle like a dog. Now that Danielle is not on the show anymore, she just needs someone else she can bash or cut lose. She needs to focus more on making amends with her sister than she does bashing Teresa so much. It seems that no matter what Teresa is doing, Caroline criticizes it.
With that being said, Teresa does need to own up to her wrong as well. It's like she can't stand to see anyone else happy. She throws accusations out but when it comes back to haunt her she runs away. She talks about everyone but yet she can't take it back. She is a deluded individual, she lies to herself until she believes her lies. I don't doubt her sincerity is wanting to make amends with her brother, sister-in-law and her cousin, but I do question her mindset. Why does she think she's totally innocent in this? She does seem to want nobody to succeed but her. Even with that, I could not help but feel terrible for where when her husband called her a bitch and a cunt and rejects her advances later on. He treats her like crap (we get to see this throughout the season). One thing I can agree with Caroline about is the divorce coming between Teresa and Joe Guidice soon. And a well needed on at that. Anyway I'm waiting on the final fall out between her and Caroline on Sunday's episode. What do you think about Teresa? Do you believe there is some underlying motive for this family reconciliation? What do you think about Caroline? Should she let to book comment go? I've love your input, feel free to comment.
Monday, August 13, 2012
My Primerica Perspective.
Today I went to a coffee shop after running some errands and I came across somebody who is kind of in the same boat that I am. Or better yet, I should say about two years ago. She got her bachelors degree in Public Relations in the fall of 2011 and right now she cannot find a job. She's currently working at the coffeeshop and me and her got to talking and she was telling me how hard it is for her. I just finished graduate school and I'm kind of back where I was. I hope and pray that it goes better this time, however, I was reflecting on my apst and just how sucky it was for me and now she's there. She got her degree in three years and she's debating whether she wants to go to grad school in Louisiana or not. Since she still has a semester for TOPS she can use, I suggested that she try one semester here and then see if she can transfer to an out of state university. Later in the conversation I went back to a job fair that I attended shortly after I got my bachelors degree, where I was told that I could take an unpaid internship for as long as I wanted. I recall telling her that PRIMERICA has been at pretty much every job fair that I have been too since the April of 2010. Lets just say, she had some words, she got a call from a representative who refused to even tell her what the hell he was selling and what kind of business he was running. He told her how she'd be able to set her own schedule, yadiyada
Yeah, okay, my experience was somewhat different, however, in the since that I was expecting the call as I had a friend of mine refer me to a representative, and I was warned by my friend prior to it. I met the representative at a local diner and the presenatation on how money works seems interesting. And I had heard about them in the past, they used to be owned by citi financial services but in April of 2010 they broke off and became their own company. Anyway, back to my experience. Prior to the actual Primerica meeting, there were several reschedules. I ultimately met my same representative at his home. 45 minutes later than the scheduled time might I add? Oh yeah, I felt like I was being held hostage, b/c I was held in there forever. Also, I was not told about selling insurance the first time that I met my repersentative. I ultimately opted out of the program b/c at the time I just had a lot going on and I really could not afford it. I already did the $99 just to start out. Plus $25/month to maintain my own Primerica website? Yeah, okay. I don't doubt that there are some who make good money doing this, but in this economy I just don't see many people buying this kind of insurance at the moment.
Yeah, okay, my experience was somewhat different, however, in the since that I was expecting the call as I had a friend of mine refer me to a representative, and I was warned by my friend prior to it. I met the representative at a local diner and the presenatation on how money works seems interesting. And I had heard about them in the past, they used to be owned by citi financial services but in April of 2010 they broke off and became their own company. Anyway, back to my experience. Prior to the actual Primerica meeting, there were several reschedules. I ultimately met my same representative at his home. 45 minutes later than the scheduled time might I add? Oh yeah, I felt like I was being held hostage, b/c I was held in there forever. Also, I was not told about selling insurance the first time that I met my repersentative. I ultimately opted out of the program b/c at the time I just had a lot going on and I really could not afford it. I already did the $99 just to start out. Plus $25/month to maintain my own Primerica website? Yeah, okay. I don't doubt that there are some who make good money doing this, but in this economy I just don't see many people buying this kind of insurance at the moment.
Thursday, August 9, 2012
Orlando Lopez 311 year prison sentence.
Well folks, we have another murder case, this time it was at a neighborhood barbeque. This even took place in northern California and apparently there had been a feud going on between two families for some time. So rather than talking it out, putting aside differences, signing a peace treaty, 24 year old Orlando Lopez and another guy, 22 year old Paul Braden fire shotguns at the family which kills a four year (Skyler Rapp) old boy and wounds five other individuals including the boy's mother. A mom loses her child, is injured, however, I bet the injury is no where near the pain of losing her child at such a young age. Lopez was handed a 311 year sentence (why not just say life w/o parole?). I don't believe he intentionally killed that child, but I do believe that the motives behind the shooting rampage were probably ridiculous. Now I know some may say the justice system is kind of screwed b/c there are people who kill much more and get a lighter sentence. That's true, and 311 years does seem a bit much when you first hear it. However, I think it's nice that not all judges operate the same and this judge handed a well justified sentence. So why argue about that, the point is a child died, a mom lost her child all because of a feud between two families. What do you think? Was the sentence a bit harsh? Do you think it was justified? Why?
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/08/09/orlando-lopez-sentenced_n_1761067.html?ncid=edlinkusaolp00000003
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/08/09/orlando-lopez-sentenced_n_1761067.html?ncid=edlinkusaolp00000003
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
Chick Fil A Controversy
Okay so today, I was asked if I was going to eat at Chick-Fil-A for the appreciation day. Call me naive, however, I was not aware that such a day existed. I know about the controversy surrounding the fast food chain at the moment because one of the executives expressed [after he was asked] his opinion on marriage and announced that he supported the biblical viewpoint of marriage. Once he said that, all hell broke lose, in fact the mayor is suggesting that the chain not even open a restaurant in the city. I've been following this on my twitter timeline since I saw one tweet posted by one of my celebs that I follow. I did a little search afterwards, and lets just say it was a wrap from there. Anyway....moving back to the appreciation day, I thought, hmmmm they giving away food? Giving a discount on meals? If so then hell yeah I would have gone, however, shortly afterwards, I forgot that it was the appreciation day.
Now, that that's out of the way, I want to state how I feel about this whole thing! I think it's B.S. I mean, for one, I have to ask, why the hell do people INSIST on asking others their opinion on gay marriage when they already know the answer that they want. They asked that man that question knowing damn well the answer they wanted, and when they did not get that answer, they were pissed. The same with MISS USA a few years back when Perez Hilton popped that question. (Shame on me for even giving him more attention). It's like they just look for something to get pissed about and look for something to screw someone over for. I did not know that Chick-Fil-A was run by a devout christian family until I did the searching around myself. But again, I still this is nonsense because I'm sure that these gay individuals have family members who may not approve of gay marriage, however they can still show RESPECT for that them (i.e. the family members can still, hopefully show respect and love for their gay family member). To me boycotting this chain for their lack of support of same sex marriage is just as ridiculous as boycotting the Oreo for their supporting of gay marriage. Again, I go to Chick-Fil-A a because it's a good fast food meal. Not once have I ever gone and wondered "hmmm.....I wonder what their religious beliefs or their politics are". If we avoided every restaurant or business that did not agree with our personal viewpoints, we would not get very far in life. I mean, you don't see me avoiding professors who happen not to be christian because I'm a christian do you? Or avoiding/boycotting Disney World because much of the people behind the scenes are gay?
That's all I have to say is I think that it's nonsense and if I want a sandwich from Chick-Fil-A and I'm near one, I will get one, regardless of their stance. Just because one individual disagrees with it does not mean that person is not worth associating with. It's not like they are actively going out of their way to make it illegal or picketing gay weddings. I say grow up! What do you think? How do you feel about same-sex marriage? What do you think about this boycotting of Chick-Fil-A? I've love your input! Goodnight. Deuces!
Now, that that's out of the way, I want to state how I feel about this whole thing! I think it's B.S. I mean, for one, I have to ask, why the hell do people INSIST on asking others their opinion on gay marriage when they already know the answer that they want. They asked that man that question knowing damn well the answer they wanted, and when they did not get that answer, they were pissed. The same with MISS USA a few years back when Perez Hilton popped that question. (Shame on me for even giving him more attention). It's like they just look for something to get pissed about and look for something to screw someone over for. I did not know that Chick-Fil-A was run by a devout christian family until I did the searching around myself. But again, I still this is nonsense because I'm sure that these gay individuals have family members who may not approve of gay marriage, however they can still show RESPECT for that them (i.e. the family members can still, hopefully show respect and love for their gay family member). To me boycotting this chain for their lack of support of same sex marriage is just as ridiculous as boycotting the Oreo for their supporting of gay marriage. Again, I go to Chick-Fil-A a because it's a good fast food meal. Not once have I ever gone and wondered "hmmm.....I wonder what their religious beliefs or their politics are". If we avoided every restaurant or business that did not agree with our personal viewpoints, we would not get very far in life. I mean, you don't see me avoiding professors who happen not to be christian because I'm a christian do you? Or avoiding/boycotting Disney World because much of the people behind the scenes are gay?
That's all I have to say is I think that it's nonsense and if I want a sandwich from Chick-Fil-A and I'm near one, I will get one, regardless of their stance. Just because one individual disagrees with it does not mean that person is not worth associating with. It's not like they are actively going out of their way to make it illegal or picketing gay weddings. I say grow up! What do you think? How do you feel about same-sex marriage? What do you think about this boycotting of Chick-Fil-A? I've love your input! Goodnight. Deuces!
Sunday, July 29, 2012
An ode to Orlando, FL
Orlando!!!! Okay, where to begin? This is my first trip to the orlando area in four years and I have to say that I am in love! It's a hot spot for a vacation, and if you stay at a resort such as Orange Lake or a Disney resort, you are pretty much set. The shopping opportunities are infinite as well as the dining and swimming, and theme parks. My first experience with the orlando area and vacationing in florida was 2001, I had just finished the eight grade and we went to the orlando area just about every year until about 2006. Not that this necessarily matters, but just something I'd throw. I'd say about 2003 is when we purchased the timeshare home at the Orange Lake Resort and Country Club, and I had my first experience of staying at the resort in the summer of 2005. The pool opportunities are superb though I personally like the west and north village pools best. River Island was fun and all but it can get a bit crowded after a while. Outside of the resort was a grocery store, target and several restaurants and shopping areas that I had been built since our last stay. This trip, we did not do any of the theme parks, it was just a seven day leave the house kind of trip. Though I do wish we would have gone to downtown Disney or Epcot to watch some fireworks. On the plus side though, from our resort, we were able to see the fire works from our room.
What to do in the Orlando area.
Disney World-Epcot, Downtown Disney, Hollywood Studios (formerly MGM), Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom(we never actually did this one). While we did not do any theme parks this time around, I have some fond memories of getting on the Tower of Terror,
The Rockin Roller Coaster, going see Cirque De Solei, watching the fireworks at Epcot, taking a journey, Visiting Typhoon Lagoon (man, that wave pool has some strong waves!), Riding Spaceship Earth and the Test Track, also visiting the set where Pear Harbor was filmed.
The Rockin Roller Coaster, going see Cirque De Solei, watching the fireworks at Epcot, taking a journey, Visiting Typhoon Lagoon (man, that wave pool has some strong waves!), Riding Spaceship Earth and the Test Track, also visiting the set where Pear Harbor was filmed.
Universal Studios-Wanna see where Nickelodeon shoots much of their shows or just ride a few rides on the other end?
Celebration-is a TND in the orlando area that literally looks like something from a storybook. No lie, the place does not look real, it looks like something that could have been drawn in one of those interactive storybooks, except it has actually come to life. To be honest with you, some parts, of the area, remind me of a garden district here in Louisiana. There is also a hotel within the development. The lifestyle really reminds you of the stefford wives or beaver days with kids riding their bikes down the sidewalk or stopping at the local ice cream shop for dessert or an afternoon snack.
Water parks-Okay, I don't care how old you are, if you can walk w/o a cane you are still young enough to enjoy a water park. IMHO there is no such thing as "too old" to enjoy a water park. Water parks have rides that cater to people from every age group. Though for most rides you do have to be at least 4 feet tall. Just the thrill of going down a slide where the water pressure is so strong that you can barely hold on to the rails before the lifeguard gives you the okay to slide down is an exciting thing for me. So far I've been to Wet N' Wild and Typhoon Lagoon (which is a Disney water park). Have yet to go to Blizzard Beach, and unforturnately I never got to experience the now closed, River Country.
Chill at the resort-If you are looking to go on a trip where you don't have to do anything, you can just sit at the resort and enjoy a day at the pool w/ a margarita.
Play Golf-Any golfers out there? Orlando is loaded w/ the opportunities for you. In fact some resorts may have several golf courses for you to choose from. Wanna do it as a family, there are several miniature golf courses to select from as well.
Dine Out-Whether you want to dine at a resort or grab some seafood the options are there. We went to this grill where I got a meal that I would not have thought to get. The restaurant was right outside of the resort, next to a longhorn steakhouse. It was this meal with two friend chicken breast with this layer of vegetables, spinach and melted cheese. Actually quite good, and that is probably the only way that I would eat spinach (w/ the exception of getting it at subway on a sandwich or a pizza).
House Look-This would be what my mom likes to do, when we were younger, we would take one day out of the trip to ride around the area looking at model homes. We would find neighboorhoods and if there was a home available to view we most likely were there.
Enjoy the diversity-Being from a town w/ not much diversity, I love the diversity of the tourists and the residence of the area. It's a beautiful thing to see so many ethnic backgrounds enjoying each other's company.
If you really want to relax-just take a ride to the city itself away from all the chaos. Orlando is one of those cities who's suburbs are more chaotic than the city itself. The actual city of Orlando is rather quiet. If you choose not to do this, go sit at a Barnes and Noble bookstore or an outdoor cafe w/ a beverage.
What I realized this year that I did not realize in the past:
Okay, I knew about the gay pride event at Disney World, but I had no idea that the Orlando area had such a large metrosexual scene. Out here you see alot of guys rocking the tank tops, shorts, and sandals. Now don't get me wrong, I like sandals as much as the next person, but I usually keep mine a conservative colour. I stay w/ the browns, tans, blacks, and maybe navy blue. Out here the guys are rocking the whites, light blues, yellows, and to top it all off, those damn murses (man purses) lol. Did I mention that I say a COACH men's store in one of the outlet malls. You see those really tight shorts on guys that almost look like capris. You see heavy dudes wearing that damn spandex. I try to be a somewhat progressive individual, and to some extent maybe my wardrobe is somewhat metro, but I still try to keep it conservative. Just sayin. Anyway, love Orlando, I personally would not live there, though I would vacation there, and perhaps being away from Orlando for such a long period is just what I needed to appreciate it again.
http://www.universalorlando.com/Theme_Parks/Universal_Studios_Orlando/universal_studios_florida.aspx
Friday, July 20, 2012
What should have been a nice outing, turns into a deadly disaster!
Hey blogger, I thought I would take this time to rant on the school shooting that took place at the midnight opening of Batman in Aurora, CO. This won't really include any new light on the topic, though I must say that I saw a tweet about this on twitter this morning while on the road (gotta love the apps that androids have), and I did not know just what was going on. Mom then talks to my brother and she said he had been watching CNN, so me being curious, I asked what was going on, she said something about the batman opening at midnight and how this lunatic went on a shooting rampage. Anyways........moving on, this kid James Holmes was only 24 years old, hails from San Diego, and was a ph.D candidate that has now thrown his life away because of a very sick deed. According to one article this is the worst mass shooting in over five years. James Holmes (the gunman) purchased 4 guns at local gun shops and then over 6000 rounds of ammunition int he past two months. How the hell he got that much money, I have not the slightest idea, I mean I don't have that kind of money, and right now there are not too many jobs that someone that young can work that would afford them that much explosives, so I'm curious as to where the hell he got that much money? Not that it matters, regardless of how money source, it was a vile, sick, cruel, sadistic act of violence and he fucked his life up as a result. There were 12 people killed, according to what I'm reading, and there is a total of 70 injured. I'm even reading post on twitter on from CNN on victims who were attempting to shield their children. Looking at this picture and a few select videos, this guy appears to come from a middle-class family, with parents who appeared to do their best, but yet he does this shit. I really would not care if he gets the death penalty, in fact I'd be happy to watch, and executions are nothing that I desire to see. Anyway, whatever happens to him, he fucked his life up. I mean, damn yall, working on your doctorate at 24 and you throw it all away with this! And for what? What pleasure could you have gotten out of it? Then he set's traps at his home for when the police come. Okay, I'm out, I realize this was not the best written blog, but damn it, I'm at a loss for words at this moment.
http://abcnews.go.com/US/aurora-colo-batman-shooting-71-victims-largest-mass/story?id=16817842#.UAoQ_aOnffU
http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/video/aurora-colorado-dark-night-shooting-suspect-james-holmes-16820789
http://abcnews.go.com/US/aurora-colo-batman-shooting-71-victims-largest-mass/story?id=16817842#.UAoQ_aOnffU
http://www.latimes.com/news/nation/nationnow/la-na-nn-colorado-shooting-update-batman-20120720,0,5201212.story
http://abcnews.go.com/US/aurora-colo-batman-shooting-71-victims-largest-mass/story?id=16817842#.UAoQ_aOnffU
http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/video/aurora-colorado-dark-night-shooting-suspect-james-holmes-16820789
http://abcnews.go.com/US/aurora-colo-batman-shooting-71-victims-largest-mass/story?id=16817842#.UAoQ_aOnffU
http://www.latimes.com/news/nation/nationnow/la-na-nn-colorado-shooting-update-batman-20120720,0,5201212.story
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