Enough with the Attacks on Women

What's with the attacks on women of late...are they trying to take women back decades? Is there any sense whatsoever to this nonsense? In reality, 55% of voters in this country are women. Attacking women's rights and health care is simply not very smart. 

When Sandra Fluke testified about contraceptives then, of course, Rush Limbaugh had to get in on it, and take it completely out of hand. He not only insulted her, but showed a complete lack of understanding of how the birth control pill works (it isn't Viagra - the pill is a daily prescription, whether you're having sex or not). The women I know who use the pill are actually in committed relationships. 

There was simply no reason to insult Ms. Fluke with inflammatory and degrading comments - not to mention the fact that they were untrue. With Limbaugh's use again of "Feminazi" (this is not new, he has done this for years), one has to wonder why he is so threatened by strong women.  As Fluke commented in the Washington Post:

"I understand that I'm stepping into the public eye," said Fluke, 30, a third-year student studying public interest law. "But this reaction is so out of bounds of acceptable discourse...these types of words shouldn't be applied to anyone."

Birth control is responsible. It should be a prescription that is covered like any other needed prescription. This should not be a political issue, and it certainly isn't paid for with taxes. Why in the world was this tacked on to a transportation bill in the first place? And the committee of all men? Really?

I say bravo to Sandra Fluke for her courage. She informed a congressional committee that the pill is not only used for birth control, but for other serious health issues as well. She's a student at a very reputable law school, and delivered her message in a classy, well-spoken, and articulate manner. That's much more than we can say for Rush.

Enough with the gross comments and absolute stupidity from this man. He has said ridiculous things for a long time and, unfortunately, there are people out there who agree with him. But, he gets paid a great deal of money to do this. This is not entertainment. It is sexist, insulting, and ignorant. The women of today are highly educated and intelligent. Men like Rush can't handle this.

I suspect he - and the politicians he seems to have in his pocket - don't realize they have awakened a sleeping giant.

Gifts, Love & Karma

After a rough couple of weeks, and after a post about gratitude, I was pretty happy when I got the mail yesterday. First, I had two things I had been waiting for in the mailbox...one that will make things a lot less of a struggle for now. But, the best thing I got was a wonderful surprise and note from an Etsy seller.

I've found some wonderful things on Etsy over the years...from some very nice, talented, artistic people - as well as some great vintage pieces. In the process, I've met some great people, and even made some friends.

In this particular case, somehow a vintage scarf I ordered didn't make it to my address. I was bummed out about this - as was the seller - but I said that it would either show up later, as it somehow went to the wrong address, or someone would be blessed with not only a beautiful scarf but the extra gift the seller had so graciously put in the package.

But, what a wonderful surprise when I opened a large envelope on Friday that had a gorgeous silk scarf in it. It was a gift from the seller who had sent the original package that was lost. Now, it certainly wasn't the seller's fault the package was lost, and I never expected this extra surprise present. I just had to take a photo of the gift, and the beautiful note that was enclosed. With a burgundy bow tied around the card, the note said: "I believe in love and karma. You deserve both."

It's a keeper, and she's an absolute sweetheart. It brought tears to my eyes when I read it. Thank you for ending an awful week on such a high note. Your generosity, and especially your thoughtful words, were such a blessing...received at just the right time.

Good Advice

I've always been a pretty positive person. I try to always see the best in people, and I try to look at even the tough things in life as a learning experience.  But, the last couple of weeks, and especially today, I've been really negative.

Losing my long-term job a couple of weeks ago probably pushed this into full gear. I suppose the downright dishonesty and cruelty that was turned toward me from the management at that aforementioned job didn't help - nor did the fact that I am the last in a long line of long-term employees to go. But, as one of them reminded me, "They're the ones who are dysfunctional, not us." We all got thrown under the bus. 

Unfortunately, stress does a number on all people, but for people with Multiple Sclerosis, it can bring on major symptoms like headaches, blurred vision, and an overwhelming fatigue. In the blog, Yoga-Love-Multiple Sclerosis, she says:

"I choose not to talk about my symptoms all the time, cos talking about them gives them power and turns me into a victim. I am not a victim nor will I ever be. Period. I am strong, I'm a Rugby midlands girl (think Trainspotting with an English accent, and ecstasy instead of heroin), we can take care of ourselves. Sure, I'm soft, gentle and very patient, but I will not be controlled by any disease or anyone. You can push and push and push me, but when push comes to shove, I will find my inner fire and will power and I will get what I need to survive with grace and integrity."

The fact is, the job was eating me up - the crisis situations and ridiculous expectations made me neglect taking care of myself for way too long. I know the stress of late is causing some pretty major headaches, but the negativity isn't helping. It's scary to suddenly be without health insurance for the first time in many years, especially when you have a chronic illness. But, after reading the end of her post, I knew it was time to pick myself up, and print this out to keep in front of me:

"Every morning I say a prayer asking for help and strength for a safe and positive day. I offer gratitude for my life, for my kids, parents, friends, teachers, career, abundance, nature, safety, strength and health. And, throughout the day, I work at catching myself going into negative thought patterns and consciously turn them into positive thoughts when I notice them.

Throughout the day, as often as I can, I say thank you for anything I can think to thank. The wind in the trees, the cozy sweater I'm wearing, the computer I'm typing on. Then, at the end of the day, when I'm falling asleep, I go through a mental thank you list for the day that's been, my safe travels, the phone call from my friend, the unexpected gift, the great parking spot."

This is nothing new, but on a day of way too many negative thoughts and words, it's most definitely timely.

No More Daily Crisis

After over seven years at a crazy job, I'm now on my own to make a fresh start. I knew it was coming...and had been warned I'd be the next to go. I watched several excellent people leave before me. With all the self-created drama of that place, working with mentally ill clients was actually a cake walk in comparison. I do thank my former clients. What an opportunity to work with such interesting, strong, great people with wonderful stories...who have, in turn, inspired me for the next chapter. 

Admittedly, I won't miss the constant phone calls, the constant crisis situations, and the total lack of appreciation from a clueless and repeatedly cruel employer. Take it as a learning experience...moving on. They didn't even see me cry, because I didn't.

Finally, the free spirit in me won't be beaten down, and squelched any longer. Or, let's just say it in French: Au revoir à la dysfonction et dramatiques! 

By Gary Larson, The Far Side, FarWorks, Inc. 

 

French Blogs

Most of my friends know I've always loved Paris. When I was in Europe a few years ago with a couple of friends, we had visited several cities (and countries), and ended up very close to Paris in  Luxembourg. When my friends said "We're not so sure we want to go to Paris," I was shocked. "We are four hours away from a city I've always wanted to go to," I said. "I will spring for the room there, and I really want you to go, but I'm going with or without you."  

They ended up going to Paris with me, and loved it. From the four hour train ride there, to the visit to the Eiffel Tower, to walking through the streets, to the Louvre, to Notre Dame, to the boat ride on the Seine, I was enchanted.  I've always vowed I would not only go back, but I would live there someday - for awhile at least.

Since that time, my French has gotten rusty (I'm working on it), and my house is full of treasures I got there, and have collected since...from mini Eiffel Towers to French books to other decorations.  Perhaps it's the language. Perhaps it's the history. Perhaps it's the wonderful food (I chose to ignore the McDonald's stuck right in the middle of wonderful bakeries smelling of fresh-baked bread). I've talked to people that hated it, but I can't understand. But then, I always make a point of being really respectful when visiting somewhere, making an effort to speak their language, and trying to not act like a stereotypical American. I loved it - and can't wait to go back. 

I have found a couple of excellent French blogs recently that I started to list on my blog.  This one in particular, La Coquette ("Don't hate me because I live in Paris"), is really fun. And I love this post on Fair Trade, a Wednesday night book swap...even though I have a terrible time parting with my precious books. But, what a wonderful idea....and, incidentally, I don't hate her at all - I just want to be her neighbor.

Happy New Year!

I'm pretty glad it's 2012.  As it turns out, 2011 was a rough year. Not the roughest, but rough. One of those "Okay, so I learned a few things" types of years (that's the good part). But, 2012 is a new year.  Better year. I'm starting old habits again (like good workouts and regular writing) that I somehow got too busy for. Both are good for me, and both are part of who I am.

On the workout front, frankly, having aches and pains because I'm not getting workouts in compared to that tight-muscle, invigorating feeling of exercise aches...well, I'll take the exercise ache. I needed that realization. Every year we all think of resolutions. This year I'm sticking to this one...recreating an old and very strictly followed habit of the not so distant past.

So, here's to everyone meeting their resolutions too. It's my hope that all of you have a happy, healthy, prosperous, and joyous new year. May it be a year when a dream or two come true with many blessings, much love, and peace. 

 

Fashion Faux Pas

There are some articles of clothing that rarely seem to work. What's that old joke...no woman's article of clothing can ever be as bad as a man's Speedo? Unless you are an Olympic swimmer, this is probably true.

This can also be true for capri pants on really short women and super short miniskirts on really tall women...and bike shorts are a whole other story. Naturally, there are exceptions, and people should definitely be themselves and dress the way they want to. But, there are a few things that just scream ridiculous:

1) If you're a man out on a date with a woman who's dressed in a beautiful dress and high heels, leave the old football t-shirt, baggy shorts, and baseball cap at home. At least make an effort - she made a big one.

2) Flannel pajama pants and slippers are really not appropriate attire for shopping, well, anywhere. If you have to run out in an emergency situation, of course that's different. But to be out shopping on a Saturday afternoon in big fluffy slippers and pajamas is just taking it a bit too far. Is it really that hard to pull on a pair of jeans? 

3) Pajama Jeans. Their ads say they are so comfy and flattering. Seriously? No, they actually look like pajamas made to look like jeans. My Levi's are quite comfortable. If your jeans are as uncomfortable as the girl in the commercial who's squeezing into jeans so tight that they've left bright red indentations on her stomach, perhaps it's time to buy a bigger size of jeans. There's so many different brands and styles to choose from that are actually flattering.

4) Forever Lazy Suits. Yes, forever lazy. They look like a baby's onesie for adults. I'm sure they're comfortable, warm, and the bright colors make you easy to find in your house. But, do we really need something to be called "Forever Lazy" in America? It doesn't do well for our reputation in other countries as being lazy with such a high percentage of obesity.  And, again, just wait...people will think that they're okay to wear out of the house.

Sometimes weekend errands require a good sense of humor. I don't shop at Walmart, but I can only imagine what you see there...if you've seen the hilarious "People of Walmart" pictures, you know what I'm talking about. I suppose you can at least find it entertaining when you're out shopping...but then it does pay to have a camera along.