[Karen] My previous post on the Nebraska safe haven legislation had me thinking. Sometimes a person gets into a situation that can leave them with a feeling of desperation when they try to do everything right and it just does not work the way it is supposed to work.
You know what I mean.
Have you even gone to motor vehicle when you had a problem or tried to get help from city hall? Can you imagine the desperation when you need help and have no where to turn?
I have a neighbor who is new on the block. Actually, she is in the process of renovating a house on my block to move in as she also attempts to sell the house where she presently lives. Her problems began when a neighboring house that overlooks her back yard began having rock slides into her back yard. Pardon my error, I should say small boulders. She attempted to go to the other owner who did nothing to stop the damage. Her next trip was to city hall, who went to the owner to address the problem with threats and warnings. The neighbors response, "I don't have the money, take your best shot". I don't think the city is going to take another shot.
I have another neighbor, Sam, who lives next to a house. I should really say garbage dump but I guess you get the gist. My neighbor has been to the city. The city has fined the owner for the truck in the street overflowing with garbage and construction supplies. The owner has been fined for illegally paving his front yard and the list goes on and on. The city has threatened to tow the car and pile on the fines. Six months later and the over flowing truck is still sitting right in front of their two houses.
I understand that this is not the equivalent to dropping off children but feelings by anyone in despair are feelings of desperation just the same. Where do you turn?
Of course, returning to Nebraska, I am reminded that this is America and so the pendulum swings in the other direction. There was one father who dropped off his 9 children. The mans wife of 17 years had died about a year ago. The reason for the drop off, the kids are just too much work.
Like I said, there seem to be levels of desperation
Friday, November 14, 2008
Thursday, November 13, 2008
[Shirley] I am experiencing burnout -- in fact my whole family is, I'm not sure if we're coming down with colds from the sudden change in weather, or the fact that I in particular have been exposed to germ carrying co-workers who can't afford to stay home because they've no sick days left, either way all of this has definitely contributed to the dull achy feeling I've been experiencing. Hubby's just as bad, he has threatened GBH (greivous bodily harm) to half of Queens motorists if he doesn't get a change of environment... and quick.
The list of things I promised myself I would get to by time of my next women's meeting has hardly been touched, and that old feeling of drowning in a sea of 'unfinishedness' and 'half-starts' has taken up residence in achy body. Still I know myself well enough to know, this is the time where I must take inventory and stock of all the things I have done to make sense of what didn't get done...
Like attending Laurie's gallery solo opening in Chelsea Market this past Thursday--had to go, she one of oldest and dearest friends. I had a great time sampling good wine and great gourmet food. Savoring the various snippets of conversations and discussions I entertained the notion of making blog entry about all this as soon as I got home. However, when I finally sat down to the computer there is a huge note on it with "Mommy you promised to help me with my science project, its due tomorrow". Laid out on the guest bed is a huge poster board with what I believe was collage of a cell. Strewn all over that were loose leaf scribbled handwritten pages each with page numbers in red felt pen from 1-12 in each corner, begging to be typed.
Well Ladies, I wish I could blog saying this was an easy task and that I knocked it out in 20 mins, then blogged for another 20 mins and was in bed just under an hour... but I can't. I was ankle deep in 4" books, including Webster (dictionary), and bitched and moaned between why this educational system does not make Handwriting, an academic school requirement and where on God's green earth did some of the money I spent on private school education actually go! So 3 hours later I drag myself to bed and pray Friday, I can accomplish something on my list. Goodnight.
The list of things I promised myself I would get to by time of my next women's meeting has hardly been touched, and that old feeling of drowning in a sea of 'unfinishedness' and 'half-starts' has taken up residence in achy body. Still I know myself well enough to know, this is the time where I must take inventory and stock of all the things I have done to make sense of what didn't get done...
Like attending Laurie's gallery solo opening in Chelsea Market this past Thursday--had to go, she one of oldest and dearest friends. I had a great time sampling good wine and great gourmet food. Savoring the various snippets of conversations and discussions I entertained the notion of making blog entry about all this as soon as I got home. However, when I finally sat down to the computer there is a huge note on it with "Mommy you promised to help me with my science project, its due tomorrow". Laid out on the guest bed is a huge poster board with what I believe was collage of a cell. Strewn all over that were loose leaf scribbled handwritten pages each with page numbers in red felt pen from 1-12 in each corner, begging to be typed.
Well Ladies, I wish I could blog saying this was an easy task and that I knocked it out in 20 mins, then blogged for another 20 mins and was in bed just under an hour... but I can't. I was ankle deep in 4" books, including Webster (dictionary), and bitched and moaned between why this educational system does not make Handwriting, an academic school requirement and where on God's green earth did some of the money I spent on private school education actually go! So 3 hours later I drag myself to bed and pray Friday, I can accomplish something on my list. Goodnight.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Pass it On -- Abundance
[Shirley] "The path that lies before you is one of unlimited abundance. And it begins by SEEING the abundance available all around you. As you begin to experience life through the new lens of abundance, you'll find that many of the problems you face today will simply disappear. As for the ones that remain, your relationship to them will have changed profoundly, empowering you to take actions that are congruent with and support abundance" -- Author Unknown.
I came across this saying recently, during a period where I was questioning my motives for being at the church where I give service and help lead its basketball ministry. From church politics and personalities to dealing with 20 male teenagers age range 16-22, but who behave like 8-10 year-olds gone wild, I had to step back and ask myself how does this fit into my big picture -- "Financial Independence!!" Gratefully, in an instance these words soothed my doubts and I was soon able to see the 'abundance' of the situation as part of my path in my journey. I pass it on to you.
I came across this saying recently, during a period where I was questioning my motives for being at the church where I give service and help lead its basketball ministry. From church politics and personalities to dealing with 20 male teenagers age range 16-22, but who behave like 8-10 year-olds gone wild, I had to step back and ask myself how does this fit into my big picture -- "Financial Independence!!" Gratefully, in an instance these words soothed my doubts and I was soon able to see the 'abundance' of the situation as part of my path in my journey. I pass it on to you.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Integrity
[Karen] Integrity in a fellow human being is often a hard value to come by. When you do chance upon it, it is quite refreshing.
On Thursday, October 23rd I had to go out of town. I received a witness subpoena broke into one of my houses, stole copper pipes and fortunately, was caught in the act as he exited and was making his way down the street. No, this is not where the integrity was found.
After I left court, I met with my property manager. We talked about business and future plans. After a couple hours, it was time for me to leave. I pulled out of my space on the corner, drove through the intersection and 20 feet into the next block, it happened. A man and his passenger were pulling out of a space and hit me. It was as simple as that. I was stunned. I bought the car about two months before and it was immaculate. His SUV already looked as though it was held together with spit.
What happened afterwords has been very interesting. I took photos, waited for police and talked with my property manager who had come to my aid. The man who hit me, Chris, was apologetic but also said he was in a hurry. He read between the lines when I said that I wanted to file a report. I said "I don't live here and you are not going to disappear on me". Not today. Maybe he shouldn't have been in such a hurry in the first place.
I will try to keep this short but we were there for at least 2 hours. Apparently, the police were looking for someone because we saw about 20 police cars passing at various rates of speed but they all said the same thing, not now. During this time, we all began to talk. I had calmed down, the man realized I am getting my police report if it takes all night and he resigned to the fact that he had no choice. We began to talk about a home repair business that he and his passenger/partner were trying to get off the ground. Although he doesn't know it, I own properties. My property manager handles about 150 properties. The more he talked, the more we were impressed by his ambition and honesty.
The police finally arrived. The first thing that Chris said was "It was all my fault". As I mentioned, his car isn't a good specimen so he had to really insist that there was no fresh damage on his own car. After the police finished their report, we continued to talk. Eventually, Chris suggested that I should get an estimate for the work. I don't want to report an accident no matter who caused it so I was thrilled. Before we left, he had my managers business card. He still has no idea what it meant for her to hand it to him. She had listened to him and made up her own mind. We all parted company and I headed for the turnpike.
I was busy on Friday and Saturday and did not have time to get estimates. Chris had already called me twice on Saturday to find out the price. I had three estimates by Monday afternoon and they ranged from $950 to $2950. Big difference and I needed a tie breaker. Chris called me for the estimate twice on Tuesday to explain that he would be sending me some money on Friday and needed to know the cost of the damage to see where he stood financially. I explained the huge gap and that I was going out on Wednesday to a fourth shop. The tie breaker came out at $967. We had a winner.
A friend of mine was very angry. Why was I working so hard to get estimates? This guy had better not complain. Didn't I have any thing better to do? Was he going to take months to pay off the debt? Well?
Chris called me on Friday October 31st to clarify my name and address because he was sending a money order for $300. He would pay in three installments and the worst case scenario would be that he would be finished by November 28th. I say worst case because he said that if he gets any home improvement jobs between then and the end of November, he would take his share it give it straight to me. I can live with that.
Okay, I didn't get the money order on Monday. What is taking so long? People who know the situation are asking. Could you be wrong? You should have received it if he mailed it on Friday.
Chris called on Monday November 3rd to clarify my name again. He called me on November 6th to find out if the money was received. I hadn't checked my box. He called me again on the 6th and 7th. I hadn't checked my box.
I finally checked my box on the 8th and there it was. He had mailed it on the 3rd.
I called Chris to let him know that it was received.
Was there every really a doubt
Nah!
Integrity
On Thursday, October 23rd I had to go out of town. I received a witness subpoena broke into one of my houses, stole copper pipes and fortunately, was caught in the act as he exited and was making his way down the street. No, this is not where the integrity was found.
After I left court, I met with my property manager. We talked about business and future plans. After a couple hours, it was time for me to leave. I pulled out of my space on the corner, drove through the intersection and 20 feet into the next block, it happened. A man and his passenger were pulling out of a space and hit me. It was as simple as that. I was stunned. I bought the car about two months before and it was immaculate. His SUV already looked as though it was held together with spit.
What happened afterwords has been very interesting. I took photos, waited for police and talked with my property manager who had come to my aid. The man who hit me, Chris, was apologetic but also said he was in a hurry. He read between the lines when I said that I wanted to file a report. I said "I don't live here and you are not going to disappear on me". Not today. Maybe he shouldn't have been in such a hurry in the first place.
I will try to keep this short but we were there for at least 2 hours. Apparently, the police were looking for someone because we saw about 20 police cars passing at various rates of speed but they all said the same thing, not now. During this time, we all began to talk. I had calmed down, the man realized I am getting my police report if it takes all night and he resigned to the fact that he had no choice. We began to talk about a home repair business that he and his passenger/partner were trying to get off the ground. Although he doesn't know it, I own properties. My property manager handles about 150 properties. The more he talked, the more we were impressed by his ambition and honesty.
The police finally arrived. The first thing that Chris said was "It was all my fault". As I mentioned, his car isn't a good specimen so he had to really insist that there was no fresh damage on his own car. After the police finished their report, we continued to talk. Eventually, Chris suggested that I should get an estimate for the work. I don't want to report an accident no matter who caused it so I was thrilled. Before we left, he had my managers business card. He still has no idea what it meant for her to hand it to him. She had listened to him and made up her own mind. We all parted company and I headed for the turnpike.
I was busy on Friday and Saturday and did not have time to get estimates. Chris had already called me twice on Saturday to find out the price. I had three estimates by Monday afternoon and they ranged from $950 to $2950. Big difference and I needed a tie breaker. Chris called me for the estimate twice on Tuesday to explain that he would be sending me some money on Friday and needed to know the cost of the damage to see where he stood financially. I explained the huge gap and that I was going out on Wednesday to a fourth shop. The tie breaker came out at $967. We had a winner.
A friend of mine was very angry. Why was I working so hard to get estimates? This guy had better not complain. Didn't I have any thing better to do? Was he going to take months to pay off the debt? Well?
Chris called me on Friday October 31st to clarify my name and address because he was sending a money order for $300. He would pay in three installments and the worst case scenario would be that he would be finished by November 28th. I say worst case because he said that if he gets any home improvement jobs between then and the end of November, he would take his share it give it straight to me. I can live with that.
Okay, I didn't get the money order on Monday. What is taking so long? People who know the situation are asking. Could you be wrong? You should have received it if he mailed it on Friday.
Chris called on Monday November 3rd to clarify my name again. He called me on November 6th to find out if the money was received. I hadn't checked my box. He called me again on the 6th and 7th. I hadn't checked my box.
I finally checked my box on the 8th and there it was. He had mailed it on the 3rd.
I called Chris to let him know that it was received.
Was there every really a doubt
Nah!
Integrity
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Desperation
[Karen] It is a sad state of affairs when you begin to be apathetic towards all the bad that happens in the news. Could it be that after a while you have just heard it all and nothing can surprise you?
I was just reading an article that surprised me. It was in regard to Nebraska's take on creating a new law to prevent "dumpster babies". If you are not familiar with this, there are laws in all states. These other states have created safe havens for infants to be left (abandoned) at hospitals when the parents think that they have no other choice. Remember this key point, in every other state the laws specify infants.
Apparently, in Nebraska, legislators have no idea what their constituencies are going through on a day to day basis. They don't understand their own citizen's level of desperation. Did I say their constituencies? Well, I meant to say the nation.
Parents began dropping off their children and as of November 13th, there have been 31 children dropped off from 1 year old to 17. The reasons vary but a common thread was in parents with troubled children who claimed to have sought out help to no avail and who out of desperation made decisions to turn their children over to the state. As I read one particular article, there is one story that illustrates this issue very well. According to the article a "Lincoln mother who dropped off her 18-year-old daughter said she was repeatedly turned down when she sought help from police, state social services authorities and the girl's school. The woman said her daughter had been diagnosed with a mental illness when she was 12 and had deep psychological scars from childhood abuse and from being left alone with her dead biological mother for a week."* In this case, the mother left with the child because the law only covers up to 17 years old.
The mother still does not know where to turn.
*http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/safe_haven;_ylt=AuHh7gxUNVY_ZGonNazaNBRsaMYA
I was just reading an article that surprised me. It was in regard to Nebraska's take on creating a new law to prevent "dumpster babies". If you are not familiar with this, there are laws in all states. These other states have created safe havens for infants to be left (abandoned) at hospitals when the parents think that they have no other choice. Remember this key point, in every other state the laws specify infants.
Apparently, in Nebraska, legislators have no idea what their constituencies are going through on a day to day basis. They don't understand their own citizen's level of desperation. Did I say their constituencies? Well, I meant to say the nation.
Parents began dropping off their children and as of November 13th, there have been 31 children dropped off from 1 year old to 17. The reasons vary but a common thread was in parents with troubled children who claimed to have sought out help to no avail and who out of desperation made decisions to turn their children over to the state. As I read one particular article, there is one story that illustrates this issue very well. According to the article a "Lincoln mother who dropped off her 18-year-old daughter said she was repeatedly turned down when she sought help from police, state social services authorities and the girl's school. The woman said her daughter had been diagnosed with a mental illness when she was 12 and had deep psychological scars from childhood abuse and from being left alone with her dead biological mother for a week."* In this case, the mother left with the child because the law only covers up to 17 years old.
The mother still does not know where to turn.
*http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/safe_haven;_ylt=AuHh7gxUNVY_ZGonNazaNBRsaMYA
Sunday, November 2, 2008
NYC Marathon 2008
The NYC Marathon runs right past our door in East Harlem at around the 20th mile. The first women and men to run by are going SOOO fast you can hardly see their legs. So every year, I go out on the fire escape and watch from there. This year, 2008, the shadows were amazing and I took this cool photo, among others. Inspiration in action!
Saturday, November 1, 2008
What did they say?
[Karen] In case you are interested in the Ron Clark Academy and the great video, I simply don't blame you. They are a group of 6th and 7th graders simply saying get out and vote, whoever you vote for, just get out and vote. If that is the case, you must want the lyrics so here they are.
“You Can Vote However You Like”
Obama on the left
McCain on the right
We can talk politics all night
And you can vote however you like, I said
You can vote however you like, yeah
Democratic left
Republican right
November 4th we decide
And you can vote however you like, I said
You can vote however you like, yeah
(McCain supporters)
John McCain is the man
Fought for us in Vietnam
You know if anyone can
Help our country he can
Taxes droppin low
Dont you know oils gonna flow
Drill it low
I’ll show our economy will grow
I want Obama
FORGET OBAMA,
Stick with McCain you gone have some drama
MORE WAR IN IRAQ
Iran he will attack
CAN’T BRING OUR TROOPS BACK
We gotta vote Barack!
Obama on the left
McCain on the right
We can talk politics all night
And you can vote however you like, I said
You can vote however you like, yeah
Democratic left
Republican right
November 4th we decide
And you can vote however you like, I said
You can vote however you like, yeah
McCain’s the best candidate
With Palin as his running mate
They’ll fight for gun rights, pro life,
The conservative right
Our future is bright
Better economy in site
And all the world will feel our military might
(Obama supporters)
But McCain and Bush are real close right
They vote alike and keep it tight
Obama’s new, he’s younger too
The Middle Class he will help you
He’ll bring a change, he’s got the brains
McCain and Bush are just the same
You are to blame, Iraq’s a shame
Four more years would be insane
Lower your Taxes - you know Obama Won’t
PROTECT THE LOWER CLASS - You know McCain won’t!
Have enough experience - you know that they don’t
STOP GLOBAL WARMING - you know that you won’t
I want Obama
FORGET OBAMA
Stick with McCain and you’re going to have some drama
We need it
HE’LL BRING IT
He’ll be it
YOU’LL SEE IT
We’ll do it
GET TO IT
Let’s move it
DO IT!
Obama on the left
McCain on the right
We can talk politics all night
And you can vote however you like, I said
You can vote however you like, yeah
Democratic left
Republican right
November 4th we decide
And you can vote however you like, I said
You can vote however you like, yeah
I’m talking big pipe lines, and low gas prices
Below $2.00 that would be nice
But to do it right we gotta start today
Finding renewable ways that are here to stay
I want Obama
FORGET OBAMA,
Stick with McCain you gone have some drama
MORE WAR IN IRAQ
Iran he will attack
CAN’T BRING OUR TROOPS BACK
We gotta vote Barack!
Obama on the left
McCain on the right
We can talk politics all night
And you can vote however you like, I said
You can vote however you like, yeah
Democratic left
Republican right
November 4th we decide
And you can vote however you like, I said
You can vote however you like, yeah
“You Can Vote However You Like”
Obama on the left
McCain on the right
We can talk politics all night
And you can vote however you like, I said
You can vote however you like, yeah
Democratic left
Republican right
November 4th we decide
And you can vote however you like, I said
You can vote however you like, yeah
(McCain supporters)
John McCain is the man
Fought for us in Vietnam
You know if anyone can
Help our country he can
Taxes droppin low
Dont you know oils gonna flow
Drill it low
I’ll show our economy will grow
I want Obama
FORGET OBAMA,
Stick with McCain you gone have some drama
MORE WAR IN IRAQ
Iran he will attack
CAN’T BRING OUR TROOPS BACK
We gotta vote Barack!
Obama on the left
McCain on the right
We can talk politics all night
And you can vote however you like, I said
You can vote however you like, yeah
Democratic left
Republican right
November 4th we decide
And you can vote however you like, I said
You can vote however you like, yeah
McCain’s the best candidate
With Palin as his running mate
They’ll fight for gun rights, pro life,
The conservative right
Our future is bright
Better economy in site
And all the world will feel our military might
(Obama supporters)
But McCain and Bush are real close right
They vote alike and keep it tight
Obama’s new, he’s younger too
The Middle Class he will help you
He’ll bring a change, he’s got the brains
McCain and Bush are just the same
You are to blame, Iraq’s a shame
Four more years would be insane
Lower your Taxes - you know Obama Won’t
PROTECT THE LOWER CLASS - You know McCain won’t!
Have enough experience - you know that they don’t
STOP GLOBAL WARMING - you know that you won’t
I want Obama
FORGET OBAMA
Stick with McCain and you’re going to have some drama
We need it
HE’LL BRING IT
He’ll be it
YOU’LL SEE IT
We’ll do it
GET TO IT
Let’s move it
DO IT!
Obama on the left
McCain on the right
We can talk politics all night
And you can vote however you like, I said
You can vote however you like, yeah
Democratic left
Republican right
November 4th we decide
And you can vote however you like, I said
You can vote however you like, yeah
I’m talking big pipe lines, and low gas prices
Below $2.00 that would be nice
But to do it right we gotta start today
Finding renewable ways that are here to stay
I want Obama
FORGET OBAMA,
Stick with McCain you gone have some drama
MORE WAR IN IRAQ
Iran he will attack
CAN’T BRING OUR TROOPS BACK
We gotta vote Barack!
Obama on the left
McCain on the right
We can talk politics all night
And you can vote however you like, I said
You can vote however you like, yeah
Democratic left
Republican right
November 4th we decide
And you can vote however you like, I said
You can vote however you like, yeah
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