Volunteering

I believe it should be easy to volunteer, yet I find it often to be very difficult. I have limited amounts of time in small segments, but I want what I do to be meaningful nonetheless. I am thinking on this and hope to come up with a solution. Any you may have would be helpful. Thanks.

Politics is not my area, but for this I could not restrain myself:

There's America—and Then There's Washington

Does the prosperity of the capital region color the perspectives of the journalists and lawmakers who live there?

Politics | Andrew Cohen   found at http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2011/10/theres-america-and-then-theres-washington/247442/

A very good article by Andrew Cohen which I could not help commenting on.

My thoughts are:

This is straight talking. It is amazing how some can be so unaffected by what happens outside of DC. People are struggling and giving up because there is no clear sense of an end to these problems.
Yet, at the same time, I find it difficult to understand that people expect the government to create jobs. People create jobs. Businesses create jobs. Demand creates jobs.
What doesn't create jobs is outsourcing or the inability to get investors or loans. Communities need to support their local businesses, even if it costs a dollar or two more. This is returned through taxes being paid, salaries being paid, and local supplies being ordered.
People create jobs. Your choice in spending creates jobs. YOU are the answer, not the government.

Glamorizing Domestic Violence

Today I read an article about a Glee actress that posed for a photographer with a make-up black eye, 50's dress, and odd things with a clothes iron. The girl is in her early 20's. I cried. Literally. As the silent tears fell I thought about my sister who has been in the hospital numerous times with injuries, who attempted suicide to get away from the abuse, and who eventually went to prison for pulling a gun on her husband. She had never pressed charges.

I've read of other actresses and models glamorizing abuse and it hurts my heart. When Hollywood ok's abuse, people minimize it. Our children get the message that it is ok to hurt someone "they love". Too many children have seen their parents as aggressor or victim - what does this tell them.

I have not specifically been the victim of domestic abuse. 

Unfortunately, I've received plenty of abuse in other facets - but only two times - from two different men in my life had I received any abuse. The minor events - a shove and a twisted arm were enough for me to send them packing.  

I have taught my children it is not ok to inflict abuse and it is not ok to take it. I pray you teach them the same.

Values promoted in unusual places

My husband and I were watching Scoobie Doo 2 (I love that movie) last night and it made us both think about the verbal and non-verbal messages the movie was sending. Verbal messages like, "friends don't quit," and non-verbal ones as in the sense of belonging Velma seeks, the benefits of teamwork, the importance of family and friends, the wonder of forgiveness and trust. It's interesting to discover that type of message co-mingled with a crazy puppy attempting world domination!

After we watched the movie I think we both thought about the ideals and values the movie presented. I didn't recall them from the first movie (I'll watch it to check), or maybe I wasn't receptive to them. I wonder, how receptive I am to those around me? Do I portray happiness, give a sense of belonging, make sure my friends and family know they are important to me? I think I need to work on the latter. I am thankful for what I have and will improve communicating that.

And yes, I think I'll have a Scoobie Snack.

Best, Lorraine

Day Seven A.D.D. or What?

Wow, it's morning and I'm writing. I have a confession. Normally when I write my thoughts it is at 11:30PM, and I always fall asleep. Not because I bore myself, but because it's 11:30 at night and I am not 18 anymore. I am not a blogger that thinks up stuff way in advance and then posts it, so you get what is fresh on my mind.

Today though, it is funny. People in my family have Attention Deficit Disorder (A.D.D.), but I don't. At least, I don't like to think I do - I just call it "many interests". But this morning, me and hubby wake up early and get out of bed at 7AM (it is Saturday). After we have our coffee together (a very pleasantt time we can only manage on the weekend) I am filled with purpose.

After breakfast (an Isangenix shake), it's about 9AM, and I am raring to go! I figure I'll get laundry started, work on homework, exercise, work on homework, go to the pool, work on work stuff, etc. I walk in the room, to change clothes. Oh! I need to hang up some clothes and put previous laundry away. Oh! I need to change the sheets on the bed. Let me pick up Ken's clothes too, and take all to the laundry room. Oh! the recycles need to go out. Oh! the cat box needs to be cleaned. Oh! the floor needs to be swept. Oh! The bathroom and bedroom floor need to be swept. Oh! the vacuum colander needs to be cleaned out. Oh! my Merrell house shoes need to be cleaned. Oh! the cat downstairs needs to be cleaned out. Oh! the laundry Ken did needs to be folded. Oh! the dogs need water. Oh! The washers done and the clothes need to go in the dryer. Now a new load. Oh! the dogs need to be petted. There's the cat, she needs loving too.

Oh! I am exhausted and it's only 10:30AM.  And I still haven't exercised. Is it A.D.D. or too many to-do things? I don't know, but I am still in my jammies and haven't done any homework.  Wish me luck!

Day Six - A Great Blog by Scott Eblin

Great? Yes, if you are into good writing about leadership and business.

One of my dreams is to have a successful business. My vision of a successful business is probably similar to most peoples, if not more conservative. I would like my business to be financially sound, have a long product cycle, meet people's emotional needs while aiding in positive development. I would like my business to pay me a good income and provide the benefits I feel are important.

In exchange for this successful business I am more than happy to do my part; more even.

Today I came across a column I always enjoy reading. It is a leadership column by Scott Eblin, http://www.eblingroup.com/ 

When I read his column I want to go out and lead! just kidding. He has a great way of writing and informing that is both educational and entertaining. The column isn't how too's, it teeters on information and common sense, but either way - his thoughts are just plain smart and provide a ah-ha moment. I know when my business becomes successful enough to hire employees - his column will be something I turn to often.

I highly recommend the column to business people.

Day five: Belief

One of my many endeavors that did not work the way I planned was Beauty Seminars. For those that know me I am passionate about a great many things. Music - Love it! Dance - Love it! Reading - Love it! Teaching / Training - Love it! Learning new knowledge - Love it! And helping other people - particularly women, is important to me. I may approach it from a different angle than others, or I may be spot on with some. Irregardless, it hurts me terribly to hear people (male or female) berate themselves for something; or lack the belief in their potential. Maybe, because it is thoughts like those that are so close to things I have thought about myself.
In my class, I had to write a personal statement, and I have another one to write in another month or two (I can't use the same one). I am not sure what went through my instructors mind when she read it, but to me - it was an out pouring of feelings I didn't know was there, or I have never explored.
I wrote about where I've come from to be where I am today - academically. If you knew me as a child - you would have never, ever correctly predicted my outcome. I realized as I wrote my statement I had no aspirations for anything (pretty-much) as I grew up, and I didn't think or plan for my future.
I had no goals and no belief in my self. It is this lack of confidence that has caused problems for me. It is this void that has kept me from succeeding at things.
Today, as I am 39 and counting, I look back and see where I could have chosen another path and gone after my dreams. If I had had belief in myself or if I had had someone close to me that believed in my potential, or if I had had a mentor to guide me down a path - I could be different.
What about you? Do you have the belief in yourself to try new things, make a mark and color outside the lines, or compete in something you are passionate about, or go after the dreams you nourish?

I hope so. If not, there is nothing like today to start. Need baby steps? Here's a plan: get a book. Read the book, find ways you can use the information. Use the guidelines and make them yours.