Sunday, April 30, 2006
The One Percent
Jamie Johnson, Johnson & Johnson heir, recently spoke about his movie, now showing in the Tribeca Film Festival. He spoke of the growing gap between the rich and the average American. The average American makes about $35,000 a year.
In Connecticut, you cannot raise a family on that if you have to pay for health insurance, shelter, food and clothing. Heck, even a single individual would have problems living on that income with the cost of housing around here.
While I do not know the solution, I do understand the problems of just trying to have a decent life. The stress that the average American is under just to meet basic needs is tremendous. In the past 50 years we have gone from one income families to being necessary to have two incomes just to make ends meet.
While most of the people are proud, they are forced to seek assistance just to survive. Also, choices are as limited (or nonexistent) as their income.
Johnson also mentioned that in past history, when societies have such a large gap the generally end up collapsing.
Any realistic solutions?
Saturday, April 29, 2006
Life changes
This semster is drawing to a close. But my precious first born will not be returning home. He has an internship out of state. Hopefully we will be able to go and visit him.
Motherhood is a strong force. When I found out that he was not feeling well, I could not help those maternal feelings. Yes he is grown, but he's still my baby and he has exams next week.
Friday, April 28, 2006
Increasing costs
Living within one’s means it is increasing difficult. Just to meet basic needs is challenging. The 21st century has brought those that were formerly in the middle class here in Connecticut, into the class of the working poor. The quality of life has been deteriorating for the average family.
Living on a fixed income and with not only gasoline prices rising, utilities, health insurance have also increased dramatically recently, has resulted in not only reduced driving, planning out necessary trips; the increased costs has impacted what is spent on groceries, postponing dental, vision and medical visits, and buying clothing. I pray that the kids do not get sick. Saving is not possible. What will the quality of life will be like in five years?
It appalls me that corporations are posting huge profits and the executives are getting richer at the expense of the little guy.
Thursday, April 27, 2006
The Wall
The opportunity to visit a replica of the Vietnam Memorial Wall presented itself. It was truly incredible the number of names that were listed. Deep emotions erupt from the past.
Wednesday, April 26, 2006
Time
Time is precious. If we do not use it wisely it slips through our fingers just like the sand in an hourglass. It is our choice on how we use it or waste it.
There are many ways to waste time; playing games on the PC or worrying about things that may be beyond your control. Fear and procrastination are the main culprits when wasting time.
Once the time is gone, they may be regrets. So forge ahead and get things done.
Tuesday, April 25, 2006
The incredible shrinking act
Buying staples is not what it used to be. When you needed a quart of something you could find a quart. Now you find a jar of 26-28 ounces. Although things may still be priced by the pound, they now come in 12 ounce containers.
I wonder if the double rolls of toilet tissue are in reality the actual normal size they were twenty years ago. Now I hear that triple size rolls are being made.
New and improved? New because the size is smaller and improved price point for them.
Monday, April 24, 2006
Back to School
We are in the home stretch for summer vacation now that Spring vacation is over. Not much was accomplished, but some R&R was.
Now it time to slip back into the comfort of the usual routine.
Sunday, April 23, 2006
Wedding
This wedding was especially poignant and pink. Memories of both Mother and Grandmother of the Bride filled our hearts and minds, both died of breast cancer a few years ago.
The ceremony was delayed because the brother of the bride forgot to bring the ring. The rest of the wedding was wonderful. The bride was stunningly beautiful and the wedding was elegant. It was truly an honor to share in the joy and promise of the beginning of their life together.
Saturday, April 22, 2006
Rainy Day
Today was a great day for sleeping. I do not know what came over me but all I wanted to do today was sleep.
Friday, April 21, 2006
Flying Low
Driving south through the Pioneer Valley yesterday, I spied a strange sight. There was a very low flying large aircraft. It seemed so out of place and I was concerned especially since the C 5 was flying though a heavily populated area and it was below the hilltops of the valley. As I arrived at my destination in West Springfield, it flew overhead three times.
After doing a bit of research I found out that Westover Air Reserve Base / Metropolitan Airport is located in Chicopee ( I thought it was located some 15 miles to the WSW.) Another tidbit that I found out is that it is a backup landing site for the Space Shuttle. What a sight that would be!
After doing a bit of research I found out that Westover Air Reserve Base / Metropolitan Airport is located in Chicopee ( I thought it was located some 15 miles to the WSW.) Another tidbit that I found out is that it is a backup landing site for the Space Shuttle. What a sight that would be!
Thursday, April 20, 2006
Bringing in the Sheep
There are several charming things about the Vermont Rest Area on 91, five miles north of the Massachusetts border. Besides clean restrooms and the usual tourist information, they have a wonderful garden and on the inside exhibits of the artisanship of its citizens and products made.
Here are some incoming items.
At first I thought these were cows, like the ones I have seen on Michigan Avenue in Chicago. I was told that they were sheep.
Here is my favorite of the two.
Wednesday, April 19, 2006
Day tripping
Looks like the price of gas will make me change my habits. While grocery shopping, the price went up four cents.
One of my life's little pleasures is taking day trips. It appears that those out of state trips will now end. Granted New England is small, but your car can still consume quite a bit of gas.
Normally this change would be upsetting, however it gives me the opportunity to explore things closer to home.
Tuesday, April 18, 2006
English
With all this talk about immigration, one thing keeps coming to my mind. In the past, most of the immigrants had to learn English.
Recently while traveling in CONNECTICUT, there was an electronic sign giving some information. One problem, it was in Spanish. How the heck am I supposed to know what it says? Perhaps it only applied to those that can read Spanish? ? Also, there has been a few times when the only printed material still left in an office was in Spanish, the English was gone. It would save on trees if informational materials only had to be printed in English.
In order to get a badge in Boy Scouts, my son wrote Senator Lieberman about making English the official language. I am still peeved about a response that Senator Lieberman gave. In essence the response was that he didn’t want to offend anyone by making English the official language.
Well I was offended. Most of my family had to learn English, no accommodations were made for them. I am not saying that there should have been, what I am saying is that everyone should learn English. There will be more opportunities for them.
Monday, April 17, 2006
Back to the grind
The holiday is over. The guys did not have too much of a sugar high. We do not have anything special planned for their vacation this week, just appointments and other boring stuff. Hopefully I will be able to run away on Thursday.
Sunday, April 16, 2006
Wesołego Alleluja
Happy Easter
Easter brings me joy because it is a time that our family comes together. Even though my eldest was still up on campus, and was sorely missed, dinner with everyone was wonderful.
Easter brings me joy because it is a time that our family comes together. Even though my eldest was still up on campus, and was sorely missed, dinner with everyone was wonderful.
Saturday, April 15, 2006
Święconka
Holy Saturday is the day for the blessing of the food. When I was a child, the house was cleaned for Easter and our Easter meal was set on a special table waiting for the priest to arrive to bless the food. Sometimes the Priest would come in the morning, other times late in the afternoon.I remember an enevolpe and a shot of vodka being offered to him. If he came in the afternoon, the Priest would be a bit unsteady, slurring his words and his aim with the holy water was off during the blessing of the food.
The priests do not come to the home anymore, so now we bring our basket to be blessed at the church. It is a tradition with a twist as the Priest is Irish, not Polish. Father is getting rather old now, the once rather portly man is thin and frail looking. the morning is spent preparing the basket for church. The basket for blessing usually contains the following:
Maslo / Butter
Chleb / Bread / Babka
Chrzan / Horseradish
Jajka / Eggs
Kielbasa / Sausage
Sol / Salt
Ser / Cheese
The blessed food is set aside for Easter Sunday, waiting is difficult for everyone.
The priests do not come to the home anymore, so now we bring our basket to be blessed at the church. It is a tradition with a twist as the Priest is Irish, not Polish. Father is getting rather old now, the once rather portly man is thin and frail looking. the morning is spent preparing the basket for church. The basket for blessing usually contains the following:
Maslo / Butter
Chleb / Bread / Babka
Chrzan / Horseradish
Jajka / Eggs
Kielbasa / Sausage
Sol / Salt
Ser / Cheese
The blessed food is set aside for Easter Sunday, waiting is difficult for everyone.
Friday, April 14, 2006
Baranek Wielkanocny
It just would not be Easter without certain things. This morning I baked the lamb cake. It was decorated late afternoon.
Eggs were colored this evening. One egg is kept white. Tomorrow morning the Easter basket will be assembled.
Eggs were colored this evening. One egg is kept white. Tomorrow morning the Easter basket will be assembled.
Thursday, April 13, 2006
Getting ready for Easter
All my shopping is done. Babka, Easter kiebasa, butter lamb. Baking the lamb cake starts tomorrow. Eggs also need to be boiled and colored to be ready to take to the church for the blessing of the food.
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
Exercise
Tonight I was livid until I jumped into the pool and worked off my frustration and anger. What a blessing it is to have that kind of outlet. As the water soothed me, the tension slipped away. After arriving home I really wanted a to have a glass of wine.
The key for me is not to be angry, but to do homework and become impowered. I now understand what is driving the school district now to find out the State's role. After tomorrow's meeting I have two weeks to get my act together, so I will probably be comsumed with this and not get much done.
But the pool was devine tonight.
Tuesday, April 11, 2006
Pussy Willows
Taking a walk down by the river, my mother sister and I keep our eyes open looking for signs of buds. We spy some early buds. The swampy water makes access difficult. It’s good that we were wearing our boots.
It was quite difficult finding some buds this year, the buds above have already gone into flower.
Monday, April 10, 2006
Education?
Do not tell me that something cannot be done, especially when it comes to my children. When backed into a corner like that, I will prove them wrong. IEP’s (Individualized Education Plan) are supposed to be geared for the individual student, not mass produced with goals picked from a list.
Then I reviewed the 10th grade testing scores from last year. Our schools are letting our boys down. Granted the focus has been to improve the performance of girls, but the focus should be on the performance of all students.
Teaching to tests, instead of raising expectations, it seems to me that there is a dumbing down going on.
Also the media does a wonderful job of teaching comsumerism, perhaps the schools should teach fiscal responsibility, living within one's means, and so many young will not end up in debt. But I digress.
Then I reviewed the 10th grade testing scores from last year. Our schools are letting our boys down. Granted the focus has been to improve the performance of girls, but the focus should be on the performance of all students.
Teaching to tests, instead of raising expectations, it seems to me that there is a dumbing down going on.
Also the media does a wonderful job of teaching comsumerism, perhaps the schools should teach fiscal responsibility, living within one's means, and so many young will not end up in debt. But I digress.
Sunday, April 09, 2006
Warmer Weather
Beautiful sunshine, basking in the warmth on my face. It makes me want to be a cat and take a nap in the warm spot. There is so much to be done, but my body says to rest. Hopefully, I will be well tomorrow.
Saturday, April 08, 2006
A gift from my youngest
The aches pervade my body. My head throbs. I withdraw to the comfort of a pillow and quilt.
Friday, April 07, 2006
Getting together
I am back to my old pro-active self. Taking the opportunities that present themselves to me and making a few on my own. Sometimes surprises are right under our nose like this….
Occasionally we get to see plates with Alaska, but to see a Hawaiian plate in Connecticut is truly a rare sight.
It is Social night for the boys, so it is wine and whine time for the moms. No wine for me, my choice is below.
Occasionally we get to see plates with Alaska, but to see a Hawaiian plate in Connecticut is truly a rare sight.
It is Social night for the boys, so it is wine and whine time for the moms. No wine for me, my choice is below.
Thursday, April 06, 2006
ARGH!
From a strong stance, I turn into jelly in less than a day.
At a pre-IEP meeting, I am told that Bush’s “No Child Left Behind” and the State Department of Education (SDE) is the cause for all the changes in his transition plan.
In order to be an informed participant, research needs to be done and ferreting through the volumes of paper, giving myself a crash course on the latest. Hopefully, most of the information will be online at the SDE’s website and I can use the FIND feature and search engines.
I really did not need another project to work on.
Wednesday, April 05, 2006
Journeys
One good thing about railroad tracks is that you know where you are going. Your journey is laid out for you.
Tuesday, April 04, 2006
Probate Court
Things went well in court. It seems wrong to have to go through all this because some jerks ruined it for the good people. Now it costs money to make sure that we can continue to care for our son who cannot care for himself. Granted there should be precautions, however things are in now place that could prevent us for taking care of our son if we were not granted guardianship, things like HIPPA. Now instead of saying “I’m his Mother.”, a piece of paper will have to be produced that proves I am his guardian.
Now I get to find out the full meaning of what it is to be his plenary guardian instead of just his mother.
Now I get to find out the full meaning of what it is to be his plenary guardian instead of just his mother.
Monday, April 03, 2006
Happy Smurf Day
How delightful! True enjoyment of a cake is when you have frosting on your face. However trying to take off said frosting is more of a challenge. Wiping it off with a napkin only smears it, leaving a bluish cast on your face. The only problem is will it come off before court on Tuesday?
The answer is yes. The lovely shade of blue did come off with soap and water.
Sunday, April 02, 2006
Party Animal
S. loves parties, anytime, anywhere. He is a festive joyous soul. For a child that has limited speech, he manages to get his message across. Last night he stated that he wanted to call his best friend. While on the telephone, I hear him say:
Party
Pizza
Birthday
Cake
This was to be just a family gathering. However after that call it became apparent that the celebration of his eighteenth birthday would not be complete without his best friend.
He reminds me that the joys in life are simple and should be shared with friends.
Party
Pizza
Birthday
Cake
This was to be just a family gathering. However after that call it became apparent that the celebration of his eighteenth birthday would not be complete without his best friend.
He reminds me that the joys in life are simple and should be shared with friends.
Saturday, April 01, 2006
Fools
Games are played, but this year I am not in the mood for nonsense. Things need to get done, I am tired of being surrounded by fools or being made the fool.
I am tired of:
- media hype (buy me, I’m the latest and greatest)
- insurance company games (you are not covered)
- sky-rocketing gas prices (creeping back up toward $3)
So this April begins with new found determination to regain control.
