Jan 25, 2012 |
I’m absolutely dreading what the news and chatter will be on Wednesday. I’m already thinking of ways to avoid the internet. I just know no matter what, there will be an abundance of smack-talk leaning one way or another.
As I write this, I’m waiting for the President’s State of the Union Address to begin. I’ve been more interested in political events this past year than ever before in my life. I’ve learned a lot about the workings of the world. And I’ve learned to keep my mouth shut.
I’m not a political person. I like facts, not attacks. I listen to all sides. I research and investigate. But no matter what stance I take, I’d be certain to offend and alienate people.
So I don’t discuss politics.
I have my basic views: what’s right is right, what’s wrong is wrong. The Bible tells us to simply let our “yes” be “yes” and our “no” be “no”. (Matthew 5:37). Not, “I’ll scratch your back, you scratch mine.” Not, “What have you done for me lately?”
So I don’t understand politics.
I’ll end up voting for who I believe to be the best Candidate. I don’t care about crossing party lines. I care about my Country. I will study and watch and observe and learn and choose who I believe in.
So I don’t trust politics.
I believe in the American Dream. I strive to do the best for my family. I don’t resent anyone else who does the same. I like doing my best. I like doing my part and not being stifled.
So I don’t agree with politics.
I don’t like excuses. I don’t like lies. I don’t like games. I like honesty. I like responsibility. I like authenticity.
So I don’t like politics.
And Frankly, My Dear… that’s all she wrote!
Jan 24, 2012 |
Okay, not really.
I don’t have a solid post for today. I was busy all day running errands, doing paperwork, and job searching. So I didn’t think about this blog post until it was almost too late.
But it’s not – repeat: not – the end of the world.
But the title did get me thinking of those epic stories and movies.
So here’s a little compilation of my favorite “end of the world (or our little corner)” stories that I really like:
“The Poseidon Adventure”
“Volcano”
“2012”
“Armageddon”
“Left Behind”
“The Matrix”
“Independence Day”
and my favorite…
“The Day After Tomorrow”
But since there is a tomorrow (or so we hope), maybe in 24 hours I’ll write a short story about the end of the world as I’d see it. And maybe I’ll even share it with you.
What end-of-world scenarios do you fear?
And Frankly, My Dear… that’s all she wrote!
Jan 23, 2012 |
I still don’t have a day job. It’s been just over six months since my boss decided he couldn’t afford to keep me. And since I don’t publicly vent, that’s all you get on that subject.
I’ve been unemployed before. I’m a legal secretary. A licensed insurance agent. I’ve worked for large corporations and sole practitioners. I’m excellent at sales, customer service, administrative duties and, no surprise, communications.
But I can’t seem to find a job. So I’m praying for income. Which is not the same thing.
A job is something you do to earn a paycheck. Income is money you earn. A job typically requires you to put forth constant effort. Income can be residual funds after the effort has been completed.
I want to provide for my family through income. And I’d of course love for that income to come through writing and publishing. Of course, for me, that would be an ongoing effort. I could pick and choose which hours of the day to work. I could work Saturday at midnight or 6 a.m. on Tuesday. As one effort pays off, I could be working on the next. A regular office job doesn’t offer that flexibility. But it does offer stability (or so it should). I’m willing, and looking for, any kind of income/job that will accomplish my financial tasks.
I’d love to have a savings account again some day. I’d love to take a real vacation again this year. Those things don’t look too promising, right now. But I figure as long as each month I can take care of my mortgage, car payment, utilities, fuel, and groceries… anything else is a bonus.
I’ve been blessed to be able to use this time to head toward that goal. I’m working on the final drafts of the Unemployment Cookbook. Megan and I have ideas to grow our one story into at least a nine-book series. And my house gets cleaner and more organized every week.
I’ve spent this time learning: Learning discipline to sit and write. To cook better. To take care of myself and family better. To clean and not let things stockpile. Learning what works for me and my household, and what doesn’t. Learning to learn: researching recipes and writings and crafts and any- and every-thing that needs researching.
I’ve spent this time developing my drive: Driving around town to accomplish errands. Spending quality time with friends and volunteering my abilities to help when I can. Developing that inner drive that pushes me to accomplish goals instead of keeping them on the To-Do List.
And I’ve spent this time enjoying this time. Not having a paycheck is stressful, but it doesn’t mean my entire life is. I’ve enjoyed having coffee at Mom’s nearly every morning. I like the quiet time I have in the middle of the day with my Bible. I look forward to being creative with whatever foods are already in my pantry.
I may be unemployed; but I am certainly not out of work.
And Frankly, My Dear… that’s all she wrote!
