The five year old just wound up to punch me in the face for calling his sister "missy".
What is this world coming to really? When I was five I had a little attitude but only to my own parents. If another adult ever told me to do something, I feel like I would listen. If another adult tried to chastise me at all I would probably be mortified. I just literally do not get kids today.
They have such attitude its crazy. They truthfully do not care about anything anyone says.
I have been here an hour and the kids have already yelled at me, insulted me, and called me names. The new name I have been given is apparently "lazy lady". I was given this by the seven year old girl while cooking them both dinner while simultaneously trying to do my homework, and nurse my burnt hand from trying to cook dinner.
So rude.
I understand she is seven, but this sass is getting out of hand. They also told me they would starve because I was only giving them each 6 chicken nuggets instead of 10 like they each wanted. I'm twenty years old and I eat 4 maybe 5 chicken nuggets for a meal. These 50 pound kids seriously cannot tell me they each need ten chicken nuggets for dinner?
Nannying is a thankless and brutal job. Tomorrow is the little boys birthday which I was naturally unaware of since I havent been here in weeks. The little girl was like "um arent you going to do something nice for him and give him a special prize in his snack for school?" Uhh..maybe if I had any idea it was his birthday I could have thought ahead..Or maybe if your Dad wasn't such a jerk he could have set something aside. Obviously I would never voice such things to the children BUT I am not a parent and I probably do not have the right to judge- but again I am judging him. UGH. Someone save me from this underpaid torturous hell.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Bruins Girl
Now I realize this is old news by now, however, I never got to voice my opinion on the matter.
A girl from my high school was the girl on the news that kicked in that plaster column in the bathroom at the Bruins game a couple weeks ago.
I know it certainly was not the smartest thing to do- and I doubt it was her proudest moment. Yet, the girl is a good kid. She was drinking and being stupid and made a mistake.
Yet, it was her face posted as the TOP news story of the night on seven news when the video surfaced. Kind of crazy? I just feel like there are so many more important things to focus on than petty vandalism that cost 8 bucks worth of plaster to patch up.
The news literally stated "the Boston Police are looking for more information regarding the woman in the video, if you have any information please contact the Boston Police."
A little much. She ended up turning herself in and when she walked into the police station I was told the police were laughing at her. It wasn't as big of a deal as the media made it out to be- although I feel like thats a common trend these days.
A girl from my high school was the girl on the news that kicked in that plaster column in the bathroom at the Bruins game a couple weeks ago.
I know it certainly was not the smartest thing to do- and I doubt it was her proudest moment. Yet, the girl is a good kid. She was drinking and being stupid and made a mistake.
Yet, it was her face posted as the TOP news story of the night on seven news when the video surfaced. Kind of crazy? I just feel like there are so many more important things to focus on than petty vandalism that cost 8 bucks worth of plaster to patch up.
The news literally stated "the Boston Police are looking for more information regarding the woman in the video, if you have any information please contact the Boston Police."
A little much. She ended up turning herself in and when she walked into the police station I was told the police were laughing at her. It wasn't as big of a deal as the media made it out to be- although I feel like thats a common trend these days.
Keep a Child Alive
There is a new campaign in the works that is intended to raise AIDs awareness and also the Keep a Child Alive organization.
In an event created by Alicia Keyes an ambassador for the organization- she plans to have a great deal of celebrities delete their facebooks and twitters on World Aids Day. The celebrities will not come back to the technological world until the group has raised 1 million dollars for the charities.
Going alongside this campaign many of the celebrities have been posing in ads in coffins. Kim Kardashian, as one celebrity is seen laying in an open coffin with the words KIM KARDASHIAN IS DEAD. Granted the message is blunt, and I am not truly sure how I feel about it but it might be slightly brilliant.
Aids does effect insane amounts of people throughout the world and if society needs to use celebrities to put that into perspective then I guess so be it. Sometimes thats what people need to realize things. Celebreties whether it is all earned or not, have a great deal of power. They have a podium, and a pedestal, and if they are willing to use that voice for the benefit of others than more power to them.
Alicia Keyes stated that out of all of the celebrities she asked to help in her crusade and take part in deleting their social media venues, no one turned her down. Justin Timberlake and Lady Gaga are among those taking part. Maybe it is a cheesy way to do things and sad that people would only donate money to get celebrities twitter accounts reinstated- but if thats what it takes to spread awareness and raise money, then why not?
In an event created by Alicia Keyes an ambassador for the organization- she plans to have a great deal of celebrities delete their facebooks and twitters on World Aids Day. The celebrities will not come back to the technological world until the group has raised 1 million dollars for the charities.
Going alongside this campaign many of the celebrities have been posing in ads in coffins. Kim Kardashian, as one celebrity is seen laying in an open coffin with the words KIM KARDASHIAN IS DEAD. Granted the message is blunt, and I am not truly sure how I feel about it but it might be slightly brilliant.
Aids does effect insane amounts of people throughout the world and if society needs to use celebrities to put that into perspective then I guess so be it. Sometimes thats what people need to realize things. Celebreties whether it is all earned or not, have a great deal of power. They have a podium, and a pedestal, and if they are willing to use that voice for the benefit of others than more power to them.
Alicia Keyes stated that out of all of the celebrities she asked to help in her crusade and take part in deleting their social media venues, no one turned her down. Justin Timberlake and Lady Gaga are among those taking part. Maybe it is a cheesy way to do things and sad that people would only donate money to get celebrities twitter accounts reinstated- but if thats what it takes to spread awareness and raise money, then why not?
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Tea-Partiers Needing a Life.
Apparently there are a slew of people that believe the tea partiers are somehow keeping Bristol Palin on the Dancing with the Stars show.
I don't watch the show personally, but the fact that there are people out there seriously considering that this whole sabotaging and swinging the vote stuff is going on is pretty crazy. If it is actually true thats crazier. And the fact that this is even a news story that I took the time to read is the craziest part.
There are so many things in the world to feel strongly and passionately about and work your hardest to promote and to help- keeping the daughter of a former vice president candidate on a tv show about dancing- is not one of them.
I truthfully have never even paid attention to the tea partiers or their political views but now that I hear that THIS is one of the things they possibly may be striving for- for Bristol to win dancing with the stars- I feel their time and energy clearly must never be put to that great of use- if these are the types of things they are focusing on.
Just found it a little ridiculous and a little sad if these claims are at all true.
But Bristol- you on the other hand seem to be disconnected from any of this bizzarre behavior..so just keep dancin girl. Why not?
I don't watch the show personally, but the fact that there are people out there seriously considering that this whole sabotaging and swinging the vote stuff is going on is pretty crazy. If it is actually true thats crazier. And the fact that this is even a news story that I took the time to read is the craziest part.
There are so many things in the world to feel strongly and passionately about and work your hardest to promote and to help- keeping the daughter of a former vice president candidate on a tv show about dancing- is not one of them.
I truthfully have never even paid attention to the tea partiers or their political views but now that I hear that THIS is one of the things they possibly may be striving for- for Bristol to win dancing with the stars- I feel their time and energy clearly must never be put to that great of use- if these are the types of things they are focusing on.
Just found it a little ridiculous and a little sad if these claims are at all true.
But Bristol- you on the other hand seem to be disconnected from any of this bizzarre behavior..so just keep dancin girl. Why not?
Fired Over Assetts.
http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2010/11/17/amy-erin-blakely-busts-devereux-foundation-with-large-breasts-la/?icid=maing%7Cmain5%7C4%7Clink1%7C26496
There is a story currently making headlines about a woman who is claiming she was fired for having "large breasts". She claims after constantly being sexually harassed and having her body be commented on that that lead to her eventual firing.
Now I am not sure exactly how I feel about this story. The company obviously claims that there was certainly no connection between her body and her eventual termination.
I feel as though that its probably true that comments had been made to her in the past about her breasts, and those were definitely out of line in general and definitely out of line the workplace. However, if she did have an issue those things should have been addressed when they happened so those in charge of the company could have dealt with the problem.
Her being fired however, I WOULD HOPE, should not have anything to do with the way she looks whether it is good or bad. If the claim is that she "was distracting" fellow employees at meetings than that is just assanine.
Women should dress in a professional manner in the workplace and I understand that. However, if she felt that those set social standards did not apply to her and chose to dress as if she was going to the club everyday- then she could be asked to dress differenty. This though, is a free country. She may be unprofessional in doing so but she does have the right to dress how she wants without her coworkers saying rude comments to her.
I truly hope that she is just a pissed off former employee trying to create a publicity stunt to to get her job back or find a new one. But if this is true and she was let go solely based on how she looks then that is disgusting. Women have worked so hard to get into great positions in society and just because men cannot control their comments ( or wandering eyes) that should NEVER hinder the accomplishments women have made and positions they have strived so long to hold.
There is a story currently making headlines about a woman who is claiming she was fired for having "large breasts". She claims after constantly being sexually harassed and having her body be commented on that that lead to her eventual firing.
Now I am not sure exactly how I feel about this story. The company obviously claims that there was certainly no connection between her body and her eventual termination.
I feel as though that its probably true that comments had been made to her in the past about her breasts, and those were definitely out of line in general and definitely out of line the workplace. However, if she did have an issue those things should have been addressed when they happened so those in charge of the company could have dealt with the problem.
Her being fired however, I WOULD HOPE, should not have anything to do with the way she looks whether it is good or bad. If the claim is that she "was distracting" fellow employees at meetings than that is just assanine.
Women should dress in a professional manner in the workplace and I understand that. However, if she felt that those set social standards did not apply to her and chose to dress as if she was going to the club everyday- then she could be asked to dress differenty. This though, is a free country. She may be unprofessional in doing so but she does have the right to dress how she wants without her coworkers saying rude comments to her.
I truly hope that she is just a pissed off former employee trying to create a publicity stunt to to get her job back or find a new one. But if this is true and she was let go solely based on how she looks then that is disgusting. Women have worked so hard to get into great positions in society and just because men cannot control their comments ( or wandering eyes) that should NEVER hinder the accomplishments women have made and positions they have strived so long to hold.
I quit.
So I realize i haven't chronicled the wonderful adventures of my babysitting life in a while. However this weeks events seem to top all.
Monday I babysat the kids. I picked them up from the rec center, made the dinner, eventually got them to go to bed. Although for atleast an hour after I went downstairs it sounded like a carnival up there, but I figured I would just let them tire themselves out by whatever raucous they were causing.
Four A.M. comes and I am awoken by the crying and yelling little girl. I looked at my cell phone and was not too pleased by what time it was for her to be up. I get up and try walking her back to her room, just to hear the little boy yell " Ashleyyy...I threw up in my bed" So not only were both kids up at 4 in the morning I then had to clean up throw up.
As if that wasn't bad enough the little girl continued crying because she missed her father for the next hour. Its hard when they don't see him enough and I never know really what to say to make her feel better. After an hour of trying to calm her down I text her Dad to see if he would talk to her. He calls and in an angry voice barks at me to put her on the phone. With no compassion whatsoever he sternly told her to go to sleep.
We hang up the phone, I re-tuck her in, and within ten minutes she was sprinting to the bathroom throwing up too.
So brutal. The poor kids. I spent the next few hours cleaning up and trying to help the kids. I told them if they were sick they didn't need to go to school in the morning, that their Dad would understand.
He came home at 8 A.M and the first thing he said was "Welll..they don't look that sick".
UGGHHHH..He would know if he had spent the last 4 hours cleaning up their throw up. RUDE.
Monday I babysat the kids. I picked them up from the rec center, made the dinner, eventually got them to go to bed. Although for atleast an hour after I went downstairs it sounded like a carnival up there, but I figured I would just let them tire themselves out by whatever raucous they were causing.
Four A.M. comes and I am awoken by the crying and yelling little girl. I looked at my cell phone and was not too pleased by what time it was for her to be up. I get up and try walking her back to her room, just to hear the little boy yell " Ashleyyy...I threw up in my bed" So not only were both kids up at 4 in the morning I then had to clean up throw up.
As if that wasn't bad enough the little girl continued crying because she missed her father for the next hour. Its hard when they don't see him enough and I never know really what to say to make her feel better. After an hour of trying to calm her down I text her Dad to see if he would talk to her. He calls and in an angry voice barks at me to put her on the phone. With no compassion whatsoever he sternly told her to go to sleep.
We hang up the phone, I re-tuck her in, and within ten minutes she was sprinting to the bathroom throwing up too.
So brutal. The poor kids. I spent the next few hours cleaning up and trying to help the kids. I told them if they were sick they didn't need to go to school in the morning, that their Dad would understand.
He came home at 8 A.M and the first thing he said was "Welll..they don't look that sick".
UGGHHHH..He would know if he had spent the last 4 hours cleaning up their throw up. RUDE.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
She's not gone yet
Sarah Palin and her family are now getting an 8 week special on TNT documenting their lives.
As much as people can't stand Sarah Palin, I still am on the fence about how I feel about her.
I do think that she is a very average mother, with children, living a fairly typical life.
Yes, she had her bout of political fame but that is seemingly fizzling out.
What I can't decide is if this is a show just to expose her and show her life to the world so people can simply better understand her or if it is some sort of ditch effort in gaining the publics respect in the event she runs for office in 2012 as she has threatened in the past.
I realize she has said a WIDE host of stupid things in the past, but who hasn't? Granted George Bush was not a great president in any sense but hell he did get elected-and I don't think I have ever heard anyone say such assanine things as some of the things that have come out of his mouth. So if he can get elected- its certainly not our of the realm of possibility that she could too?
It is definitely a shot in the dark but its possible this show could potentially shed a new light on her and maybe she will earn the respect of some people in the country?
As much as people can't stand Sarah Palin, I still am on the fence about how I feel about her.
I do think that she is a very average mother, with children, living a fairly typical life.
Yes, she had her bout of political fame but that is seemingly fizzling out.
What I can't decide is if this is a show just to expose her and show her life to the world so people can simply better understand her or if it is some sort of ditch effort in gaining the publics respect in the event she runs for office in 2012 as she has threatened in the past.
I realize she has said a WIDE host of stupid things in the past, but who hasn't? Granted George Bush was not a great president in any sense but hell he did get elected-and I don't think I have ever heard anyone say such assanine things as some of the things that have come out of his mouth. So if he can get elected- its certainly not our of the realm of possibility that she could too?
It is definitely a shot in the dark but its possible this show could potentially shed a new light on her and maybe she will earn the respect of some people in the country?
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Impossible to Graduate:
I feel that recently with registration coming soon everyone is frazzled discussing classes, myself included.
I was hoping to graduate from college on time and with two minors. Now, that I have looked through my classes and the ones I need to take thats literally impossible. I would have to take like 5 summer classes (which I dont think is possible), and still have some semesters where I take 6 classes (also fairly impossible).
Its just crazy. Also, there are classes within my major that EVERYONE needs and yet they are only offered in one or two sections in one or two time slots and sometimes they are only offered in the fall?
My parents do not fully understand any of these troubling scenarios. They fully expect me to graduate on time because they are not paying or contributing to pay or taking out ANY more loans after my four year allotted education.
I now need to drop one of my minors, and simply pray that I can manage to get everything I need done in the next three semesters in order to leave this school in a timely manner- otherwise I could literally be here forever.
I'm sure a great deal of other students feel the same.
I was hoping to graduate from college on time and with two minors. Now, that I have looked through my classes and the ones I need to take thats literally impossible. I would have to take like 5 summer classes (which I dont think is possible), and still have some semesters where I take 6 classes (also fairly impossible).
Its just crazy. Also, there are classes within my major that EVERYONE needs and yet they are only offered in one or two sections in one or two time slots and sometimes they are only offered in the fall?
My parents do not fully understand any of these troubling scenarios. They fully expect me to graduate on time because they are not paying or contributing to pay or taking out ANY more loans after my four year allotted education.
I now need to drop one of my minors, and simply pray that I can manage to get everything I need done in the next three semesters in order to leave this school in a timely manner- otherwise I could literally be here forever.
I'm sure a great deal of other students feel the same.
The Bashing of Christine O'Donnell:
Foolish : http://gawker.com/5674353/i-had-a-one+night-stand-with-christine-odonnell
This article is literally one of the worst pieces of news I have come across ( and there certainly have been some awful news stories.)
I think the story here is obvious: this guy is CLEARLY just pissed that she wouldn't have sex with him and now because of her fame he believes he has the opportunity to bash her.
Celebrity, politician, drunk or not- He ( who is obviously a loser) has no right bashing her. It is immature, stupid, and just makes him look like an asshole-which he blatenly is.
I don't believe nearly half of the things written because none of it seems all that genuine, I think he may have seen her based on the pictures, but all of the events seem very fabricated and certainly not authentic.
I hadn't heard about any of this prior to reading this article and I hope that the media doesn't draw any attention to it. Although maybe they are even realizing that it could be a load of crap too.
I just think its completely wrong to bash someone for one, and this is (if it is true) is a completely unprovoked attacked on her.
Yeah it makes her look bad, and everyone can ask the media question of "Do we want her representing us?" blah blah blah- but this "author" wasn't writing this to "save the public" from this woman- he was doing it to try and get his 15 minutes of fame by being a D-bag. NO thanks.
This article is literally one of the worst pieces of news I have come across ( and there certainly have been some awful news stories.)
I think the story here is obvious: this guy is CLEARLY just pissed that she wouldn't have sex with him and now because of her fame he believes he has the opportunity to bash her.
Celebrity, politician, drunk or not- He ( who is obviously a loser) has no right bashing her. It is immature, stupid, and just makes him look like an asshole-which he blatenly is.
I don't believe nearly half of the things written because none of it seems all that genuine, I think he may have seen her based on the pictures, but all of the events seem very fabricated and certainly not authentic.
I hadn't heard about any of this prior to reading this article and I hope that the media doesn't draw any attention to it. Although maybe they are even realizing that it could be a load of crap too.
I just think its completely wrong to bash someone for one, and this is (if it is true) is a completely unprovoked attacked on her.
Yeah it makes her look bad, and everyone can ask the media question of "Do we want her representing us?" blah blah blah- but this "author" wasn't writing this to "save the public" from this woman- he was doing it to try and get his 15 minutes of fame by being a D-bag. NO thanks.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Policing Facebook:
I was an orientation leader for the freshman students this past summer. We do an activity called the Social Barometer. The two OL's say a statement and then the students go to a designated side of the room where there is a sign saying "Strong Agree, "Strongly Disagree", "Agree" and "Disagree". If you came to freshman orientation here a Bridgewater, you probably remember it.
One statement that always caused a great deal of controversy was "College Administrators should be policing my facebook page".
People typically either felt really strongly in agreement or very strongly in disagreement. My partner and I were not allowed to voice our opinions at all during the entire exercise-which was impossibly hard- being extremely opinionated.
I personally though, feel like they should not be policing our facebooks. If I accept you as a friend it is then my responsibility to be aware of the things that I put online. HOWEVER, the word policing dictates that they are going on there looking for something wrong with the intention of taking action when they do find something.
We are in college. We partake in "college" behavior. I do not think that should make people think any differently of me or anyone else on a professional level. What I write in a resume is me on a professional level, what I put on facebook is me on a social level. The two don't need to be seen on the same scale right now in my life.
When I go to find a job after college, I realize jobs can look at what I have done and scan through my pictures. However, I am not ashamed or trying to hide anything I have done in college. If they wouldn't want to hire me based on the parties I went to when I was in college, then I guess so be it, thats trivial and will be-in my opinion- irrelovent then.
One statement that always caused a great deal of controversy was "College Administrators should be policing my facebook page".
People typically either felt really strongly in agreement or very strongly in disagreement. My partner and I were not allowed to voice our opinions at all during the entire exercise-which was impossibly hard- being extremely opinionated.
I personally though, feel like they should not be policing our facebooks. If I accept you as a friend it is then my responsibility to be aware of the things that I put online. HOWEVER, the word policing dictates that they are going on there looking for something wrong with the intention of taking action when they do find something.
We are in college. We partake in "college" behavior. I do not think that should make people think any differently of me or anyone else on a professional level. What I write in a resume is me on a professional level, what I put on facebook is me on a social level. The two don't need to be seen on the same scale right now in my life.
When I go to find a job after college, I realize jobs can look at what I have done and scan through my pictures. However, I am not ashamed or trying to hide anything I have done in college. If they wouldn't want to hire me based on the parties I went to when I was in college, then I guess so be it, thats trivial and will be-in my opinion- irrelovent then.
Everybody Calm Down.
I stayed home sick yesterday and spent the entirety of the day watching t.v. (which is a rare). On the news- on day time talk shows-on night time talk shows-and on late night talk shows- everyoneee was talking about Charlie Sheen. Apparently he caused a big ruckus at a hotel over the weekend, and everyone has a comment and play by play on what happened.
Literally I could tell you the hotel he was at, how much damage he caused to the hotel ($7000), literally every unimportant detail. It's crazy how the media takes one story and turns it into this giant dramatic thing. I am not sure who said it but on TMZ they quoted another celebrity saying "if he had done this at the Marriot, no one would even be talking about it" VERY TRUE.
The hotel Sheen was staying at was a $1000 a night hotel room. Celebrities trash hotel rooms. This isn't the first time this has happened. He is obviously a big drinker, possibly doing drugs, possible there was a hooker in his cloest (?), its ridiculous, yes, but this isn't taboo celebrity behavior.
I just think its nuts- there MUST be better news out there that just clearly gets bypassed because people would rather hear about celebrities trashing hotel rooms. CRAZY.
What I did find respectful and also sad was that his ex-wife Denise Richards was literally three doors down the hall with Sheens two young children. She refused to make any negative comments about her ex on camera or in a radio interview the following day. Trash talking is never classy so two points for her for not bashing him-when clearly it would have been easy to!!
Literally I could tell you the hotel he was at, how much damage he caused to the hotel ($7000), literally every unimportant detail. It's crazy how the media takes one story and turns it into this giant dramatic thing. I am not sure who said it but on TMZ they quoted another celebrity saying "if he had done this at the Marriot, no one would even be talking about it" VERY TRUE.
The hotel Sheen was staying at was a $1000 a night hotel room. Celebrities trash hotel rooms. This isn't the first time this has happened. He is obviously a big drinker, possibly doing drugs, possible there was a hooker in his cloest (?), its ridiculous, yes, but this isn't taboo celebrity behavior.
I just think its nuts- there MUST be better news out there that just clearly gets bypassed because people would rather hear about celebrities trashing hotel rooms. CRAZY.
What I did find respectful and also sad was that his ex-wife Denise Richards was literally three doors down the hall with Sheens two young children. She refused to make any negative comments about her ex on camera or in a radio interview the following day. Trash talking is never classy so two points for her for not bashing him-when clearly it would have been easy to!!
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Still Good People Out There!
So last Friday I was babysitting (per usual) and I was watching that show "What would you do?". Its where they set up hidden cameras and run social experiements to see what regular people will do in different situations.
I always want to be put on the show because I feel like I would act completely different that the typical people they have on- the people who just don't seem to care at all.
This week they showed a nicely dressed lady pass out on a busy sidewalk and it took on average 3 seconds for someone to help her. They then had a poorly dressed man do the same, and it took people 3 minutes (!!) to respond. Then they made the mad look homeless and had him hold a beer can and pass out. NO ONE DID ANYTHING. They just walked right by him as he lay on the ground, having just passed out in front of people walking by.
The only person that helped was an actual homeless woman who just stood beside him for a half an hour just asking people who walked by if they would call him an ambulance. No one even listened to her or acknowledged her. Here is this lady who has absolutely nothing to offer this man, and nothing in general, and yet she's standing there trying to get someone to help him.
I sat there literally sobbing for like 15 minutes. It breaks my heart that people would walk by another human being who could be dying and no one even acknowledges it. I know sitting here I can say I would help him and whose to say what I would do in that situation. I wouldn't say I'd bend down and begin giving this stranger mouth to mouth but I would atleast take the 30 seconds to call him and ambulance and to see that he was okay.
Its nice to see that there are still (a few) good people out there,but its very sad that there aren't more people willing to help out another human being. What if it were you in that mans shoes? You would want someone to help you.
I always want to be put on the show because I feel like I would act completely different that the typical people they have on- the people who just don't seem to care at all.
This week they showed a nicely dressed lady pass out on a busy sidewalk and it took on average 3 seconds for someone to help her. They then had a poorly dressed man do the same, and it took people 3 minutes (!!) to respond. Then they made the mad look homeless and had him hold a beer can and pass out. NO ONE DID ANYTHING. They just walked right by him as he lay on the ground, having just passed out in front of people walking by.
The only person that helped was an actual homeless woman who just stood beside him for a half an hour just asking people who walked by if they would call him an ambulance. No one even listened to her or acknowledged her. Here is this lady who has absolutely nothing to offer this man, and nothing in general, and yet she's standing there trying to get someone to help him.
I sat there literally sobbing for like 15 minutes. It breaks my heart that people would walk by another human being who could be dying and no one even acknowledges it. I know sitting here I can say I would help him and whose to say what I would do in that situation. I wouldn't say I'd bend down and begin giving this stranger mouth to mouth but I would atleast take the 30 seconds to call him and ambulance and to see that he was okay.
Its nice to see that there are still (a few) good people out there,but its very sad that there aren't more people willing to help out another human being. What if it were you in that mans shoes? You would want someone to help you.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Activism is fashionable?
I dont really get the way society thinks sometimes. There have been issues with gay teen suicide prior to the recent tragedies. Now though with the extreme media coverage of the cases, it appears more people are deciding to stand up against bullying. I think it is great that people are making a stand and realizing how wrong bullying is.
What bothers me though, is that these things arent new? These issues have been occuring for years. It is tragic that it takes a crisis like this where 5 young lives have been lost in one short period for people to realize that something more needs to be done.
Had we as a country taken more action a year ago or five years ago how many lives could have potentially saved? I hope that now that people are recognizing how wrong bullying is that those who witness it occuring will stop it. If someone had stepped it at any time while those young men were being harassed daily- even just one time- maybe they would still be around today.
It breaks my heart that these things are happening- that young people with so much life left and so much potential are taking their own lives because they feel there is no other way- that dying is the only resolution to their problems. There is hope, and there are people out there who will stand up for you and accept you, and be there for you.
The world is changing everyday and I'd like to think its for the better.
What bothers me though, is that these things arent new? These issues have been occuring for years. It is tragic that it takes a crisis like this where 5 young lives have been lost in one short period for people to realize that something more needs to be done.
Had we as a country taken more action a year ago or five years ago how many lives could have potentially saved? I hope that now that people are recognizing how wrong bullying is that those who witness it occuring will stop it. If someone had stepped it at any time while those young men were being harassed daily- even just one time- maybe they would still be around today.
It breaks my heart that these things are happening- that young people with so much life left and so much potential are taking their own lives because they feel there is no other way- that dying is the only resolution to their problems. There is hope, and there are people out there who will stand up for you and accept you, and be there for you.
The world is changing everyday and I'd like to think its for the better.
Who Knew?
So in a fit of stress, my roommate and I went to the Bridgewater town police department to try and get some reporting done for our wonderful feature story assignments. They weren't very nice to us. The officer told us they were far too busy with the high schoolers just getting out of school. Lame.
HOWEVER, we then decided to chance it and go over to the BSU police station. We talked to the officer at the desk who told us there probably wasn't anyone around to speak to us, but he did give us an extension to leave a voicemail and hopefully speak with the detective in the morning.
He was really nice and asked when our paper was due, when we said tomorrow- (as in today) another officer opened the door and said "since its due tomorrow you can come in and I'll try and help you." ( I realize I shouldnt be admitting to all of this- but they were just so nice.)
All together three sargents spoke to us, one for nearly an hour asking all our questions and talking about all different things pertaining to the school.
I normally had a kind of negative connotation with the police at this school. (having been pulled over here numerous times..with multiple cruisers for a broken tail light?) But anyway- the officers yesterday gave me a much better impression of them and we actually had a good time speaking with them.
:)
HOWEVER, we then decided to chance it and go over to the BSU police station. We talked to the officer at the desk who told us there probably wasn't anyone around to speak to us, but he did give us an extension to leave a voicemail and hopefully speak with the detective in the morning.
He was really nice and asked when our paper was due, when we said tomorrow- (as in today) another officer opened the door and said "since its due tomorrow you can come in and I'll try and help you." ( I realize I shouldnt be admitting to all of this- but they were just so nice.)
All together three sargents spoke to us, one for nearly an hour asking all our questions and talking about all different things pertaining to the school.
I normally had a kind of negative connotation with the police at this school. (having been pulled over here numerous times..with multiple cruisers for a broken tail light?) But anyway- the officers yesterday gave me a much better impression of them and we actually had a good time speaking with them.
:)
Class Reading:
This weeks chapter was about the structure and formatting of an article and how to format works of journalism.
This is can say is my sole reasoning for not particularly liking journalism. I took this class because I knew I didn't love that kind of structured writing- but I knew it would be challenging and I do want to become a better writer so here I am.
My dream in life is to write books. Granted you need to excel in writing and grammar and certainly punctuation (which I realize I need to work on), but I want to be able to write the way I want to write. I take a creative non-fiction writing class where people write one or two word sentences. Those students spend pages writing about anything and nothing and half the time it doesn't make sense- but its brilliant. I have learned so much as a writer from being in that class.
I like that freedom of writing how and what you want. I feel like journalism where it has to be so unbiased the majority of the time, and follow such stringest guidelines and rules, takes away from any sort of creativty of writing.
I completely respect journalists, I don't think that is an easy job by any means, and I commend those that do it and do it will. I however, do not think that it is the profession for me. I actually did like the reporting aspect but I feel like there is just so much red tape that goes along with that. There are so many things you can not do or say, and rules and regulations you must abide by and I feel like its just a very difficult field to get into alone let alone be successful.
This is can say is my sole reasoning for not particularly liking journalism. I took this class because I knew I didn't love that kind of structured writing- but I knew it would be challenging and I do want to become a better writer so here I am.
My dream in life is to write books. Granted you need to excel in writing and grammar and certainly punctuation (which I realize I need to work on), but I want to be able to write the way I want to write. I take a creative non-fiction writing class where people write one or two word sentences. Those students spend pages writing about anything and nothing and half the time it doesn't make sense- but its brilliant. I have learned so much as a writer from being in that class.
I like that freedom of writing how and what you want. I feel like journalism where it has to be so unbiased the majority of the time, and follow such stringest guidelines and rules, takes away from any sort of creativty of writing.
I completely respect journalists, I don't think that is an easy job by any means, and I commend those that do it and do it will. I however, do not think that it is the profession for me. I actually did like the reporting aspect but I feel like there is just so much red tape that goes along with that. There are so many things you can not do or say, and rules and regulations you must abide by and I feel like its just a very difficult field to get into alone let alone be successful.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Parties?
So my feature story assignment is on Burrill Ave and how some people feel that there are more parties there this year than there were last year.
I have talked to the Liutenant asking him for the police records, which he told me he can not give me. I know Copeland wants us to like basically make them give us the records but I'm like super uncomfortable doing that.
I mean I do go to this school and the last thing I want to do is be a bitch to one of the cops. So I feel like my story is kind of at a stand still right now while I figure out exactly how I want to approach that whole situation.
I also need to go do some door to door action and interview people that live on the street next week and see what they say on the matter. Also a little awkward.. but that I can hopefully manage to do.
Honestly, I dont think the partying situation down there is any worse or better than it was last year. I go out on Thursdays but Burrill typically isn't my scene I feel like there are always a lot of freshman out and its always like really drunk chicks being messes and I dont know..maybe thats just been my few experiences.
I'd just much rather go to other people's houses where I atleast know the majority of the people at the parties and I feel a little better about being there ( less girls giving dirty looks.. which I can't tolerate). Not to mention whether the parties are more often or not- cops are always creeping down there..and I'd rather not cause any trouble or be questioned walking home at 2am.
But I mean if any of you reading this are frequent flyers of Burril Ave feel free to comment on this and I could certainly quote you in my story/ talk to you more for your opinions on this matter. Also, if any of you know anyone that lives down there maybe I could grab some contact info and talk to them a little! Thanks :) Hope all your stories are coming along!!
I have talked to the Liutenant asking him for the police records, which he told me he can not give me. I know Copeland wants us to like basically make them give us the records but I'm like super uncomfortable doing that.
I mean I do go to this school and the last thing I want to do is be a bitch to one of the cops. So I feel like my story is kind of at a stand still right now while I figure out exactly how I want to approach that whole situation.
I also need to go do some door to door action and interview people that live on the street next week and see what they say on the matter. Also a little awkward.. but that I can hopefully manage to do.
Honestly, I dont think the partying situation down there is any worse or better than it was last year. I go out on Thursdays but Burrill typically isn't my scene I feel like there are always a lot of freshman out and its always like really drunk chicks being messes and I dont know..maybe thats just been my few experiences.
I'd just much rather go to other people's houses where I atleast know the majority of the people at the parties and I feel a little better about being there ( less girls giving dirty looks.. which I can't tolerate). Not to mention whether the parties are more often or not- cops are always creeping down there..and I'd rather not cause any trouble or be questioned walking home at 2am.
But I mean if any of you reading this are frequent flyers of Burril Ave feel free to comment on this and I could certainly quote you in my story/ talk to you more for your opinions on this matter. Also, if any of you know anyone that lives down there maybe I could grab some contact info and talk to them a little! Thanks :) Hope all your stories are coming along!!
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Class Readings
A great deal of this chapter discusses the different ways to report news.
I truly wonder what the future of news will even be like. Today, if something is breaking news and you
happen to be watching the news channels then you will see it. But what are the real odds of that these days?
I feel like the majority of news- if it was that dyer- would scroll across the AOL.com screen or on google.
If you don't see it there you will certainly see it posted as someones facebook or twitter status.
We have discussed time and time again how important it is to the media and journalists it is to be the FIRST to break a story. I feel like someday they will eventually just have people from news channels use their personal websites to post that what news is breaking.
Granted people will probably always appreciate the full news coverage eventually- the initial breaking news aspect of news may soon no longer be as effective.
Its definitely great in states of emergency that people are so ridiculously connected to the rest of the world. However in every other scenario- technology seems to be limiting a lot of other things people used to value (news, personal communication, etc). Only time will tell but it certainly something to consider for the future and certainly when some people are planning their lives around these potential careers.
I truly wonder what the future of news will even be like. Today, if something is breaking news and you
happen to be watching the news channels then you will see it. But what are the real odds of that these days?
I feel like the majority of news- if it was that dyer- would scroll across the AOL.com screen or on google.
If you don't see it there you will certainly see it posted as someones facebook or twitter status.
We have discussed time and time again how important it is to the media and journalists it is to be the FIRST to break a story. I feel like someday they will eventually just have people from news channels use their personal websites to post that what news is breaking.
Granted people will probably always appreciate the full news coverage eventually- the initial breaking news aspect of news may soon no longer be as effective.
Its definitely great in states of emergency that people are so ridiculously connected to the rest of the world. However in every other scenario- technology seems to be limiting a lot of other things people used to value (news, personal communication, etc). Only time will tell but it certainly something to consider for the future and certainly when some people are planning their lives around these potential careers.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
I think I'm being punked?
Ever since we moved into our apartment its been basically the biggest shitshow I have ever been a part of.
Our original landlord sold the apartment building two weeks after we signed our one year lease. Consequently, he signed it over to the two hugest a-holes I ever met.
They immediately began demolitioning throughout the entire building while we were living there. They drilled giant holes into the floors of our bedrooms..cut down trees in the front yard with chainsaws at 6AM..and would shut off our water at random times of the day. That was the start.
After two weeks of being fed up and us plotting their deaths within our ghetto apartment walls..we politely asked them when all this stupid shit would be done. They said two weeks. It is now the SECOND WEEK of October..
and I kid you not there is a man digging a six foot trench around the entire outside of our building.
Last week a man on a ladder was working on god knows what right outside our bathroom window, and we now have over 12 cameras conveniently place around the outside and inside of our building- one nicely placed outside our apartment door.
Not to mention- that our water is third degree burn hot when on the cold part of the dial. We nicely put up a message on the maintence wall that our water was hot enough to hospitalize us to which they replied- turn it down- Its on COLD- We Arent Stupid- is what I left on the board this morning.
I'm currently contemplating ways to get evicted because as much as living at home with my siblings and parents makes me want to take a long walk off a short cliff- atleast their is running normal temperature water and no nazi landlords trying to be slumlord millionaires..
So any eviction suggestions by all means- Im open to anything.
Our original landlord sold the apartment building two weeks after we signed our one year lease. Consequently, he signed it over to the two hugest a-holes I ever met.
They immediately began demolitioning throughout the entire building while we were living there. They drilled giant holes into the floors of our bedrooms..cut down trees in the front yard with chainsaws at 6AM..and would shut off our water at random times of the day. That was the start.
After two weeks of being fed up and us plotting their deaths within our ghetto apartment walls..we politely asked them when all this stupid shit would be done. They said two weeks. It is now the SECOND WEEK of October..
and I kid you not there is a man digging a six foot trench around the entire outside of our building.
Last week a man on a ladder was working on god knows what right outside our bathroom window, and we now have over 12 cameras conveniently place around the outside and inside of our building- one nicely placed outside our apartment door.
Not to mention- that our water is third degree burn hot when on the cold part of the dial. We nicely put up a message on the maintence wall that our water was hot enough to hospitalize us to which they replied- turn it down- Its on COLD- We Arent Stupid- is what I left on the board this morning.
I'm currently contemplating ways to get evicted because as much as living at home with my siblings and parents makes me want to take a long walk off a short cliff- atleast their is running normal temperature water and no nazi landlords trying to be slumlord millionaires..
So any eviction suggestions by all means- Im open to anything.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
A Little Manners, Please?
Now I've never taken any sort of etiquette class. I'm not certified in finishing school and I've never read Manners for Dummies. HOWEVER, I appreciate those in society who still have some remnants of politeness.
I always say thank you. ALWAYS. I mean that may seem extreme or that I am lying but its true. If I eat dinner at home I say thank you after. If someone holds the door for me, I say thank you. If someone lets me walk through the cross walk- I still say thank you. I thought that these things were standard to do.
Now my irritation today comes from one of my many jobs. I babysit overnights as I have mentioned before. Now I watch this mans children for over 15 hours. Not only does he not call to check in on his kids- who are only 5 and 7, but he never says thank you.
I normally pick his kids up from the rec center in their town bring them home, feed them dinner, make sure their homework is done, have them brush their teeth, get on pajamas, wake them up in the morning, feed them breakfast, pack their snacks, get them dressed, brush their teeth again, and get them on the bus.
RARELY, does their Dad call to even check on his kids. That alone- is sad. Yesterday he was home when I got to their house he handed me my money, said bye to the kids and walked out. A THANK YOU wouldnt kill you?
How many times do you hold the door for someone, and they just walk by you? Or when you let someone go in your car and they dont even wave to acknowledge it? I know these things arent a big deal, but it takes literally a second to say thank you.
I just wish people had more manners, it wouldn't hurt.
I always say thank you. ALWAYS. I mean that may seem extreme or that I am lying but its true. If I eat dinner at home I say thank you after. If someone holds the door for me, I say thank you. If someone lets me walk through the cross walk- I still say thank you. I thought that these things were standard to do.
Now my irritation today comes from one of my many jobs. I babysit overnights as I have mentioned before. Now I watch this mans children for over 15 hours. Not only does he not call to check in on his kids- who are only 5 and 7, but he never says thank you.
I normally pick his kids up from the rec center in their town bring them home, feed them dinner, make sure their homework is done, have them brush their teeth, get on pajamas, wake them up in the morning, feed them breakfast, pack their snacks, get them dressed, brush their teeth again, and get them on the bus.
RARELY, does their Dad call to even check on his kids. That alone- is sad. Yesterday he was home when I got to their house he handed me my money, said bye to the kids and walked out. A THANK YOU wouldnt kill you?
How many times do you hold the door for someone, and they just walk by you? Or when you let someone go in your car and they dont even wave to acknowledge it? I know these things arent a big deal, but it takes literally a second to say thank you.
I just wish people had more manners, it wouldn't hurt.
Interviewing/Class Reading
The world of interviewing has certainly changed in the recent years. With more attention being brought to the new media outlets and technology it is no surprise that people are using such venues as skype and others to conduct online meetings and interviews. As great as it is to have such capabilities I think these should really only be used as a last resort.
UCLA conducted research that states 93% of communication is nonverbal. How much of this would we be missing through a computer screen or over the phone?
I feel like people would feel more comfortable being part of an interview that is in person- it is obviously more personal and people may be more apt to share things or explain things easier knowing if they area face to face.
This is a great tool though if someone is physically miles away or countries away. To be able to speak with the people directly involved in whatever you are working on regardless of distanct is certainly invaluable to the world of journalism.
I just hope that the standard means of conducting interviews will remain something that is practiced in the future.
Sometimes when I watch shows like Oprah and she is interviewing people through skype I dont think it is as impressive as when she has those people sitting directly with her. Maybe thats a weird way to think of things- but I feel like its much more legitimate when they are there with her during the interview versus answering her questions at a 30 second delay.
UCLA conducted research that states 93% of communication is nonverbal. How much of this would we be missing through a computer screen or over the phone?
I feel like people would feel more comfortable being part of an interview that is in person- it is obviously more personal and people may be more apt to share things or explain things easier knowing if they area face to face.
This is a great tool though if someone is physically miles away or countries away. To be able to speak with the people directly involved in whatever you are working on regardless of distanct is certainly invaluable to the world of journalism.
I just hope that the standard means of conducting interviews will remain something that is practiced in the future.
Sometimes when I watch shows like Oprah and she is interviewing people through skype I dont think it is as impressive as when she has those people sitting directly with her. Maybe thats a weird way to think of things- but I feel like its much more legitimate when they are there with her during the interview versus answering her questions at a 30 second delay.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Coming Home
Last night I had an event with my sorority. One of my sorority sisters brothers had recently come home from Iraq and shared his experiences with us. He was over there for a total of 12 months.
Autumn's brother Christian basically worked as an aid to the Iraqi Police. He would work with them through translators as well as working with the inmates. It was a really strange concept even for him to grasp. He basically was saying that he would have to make sure that the inmates were being treated properly, given enough food and water etc. However, most of these inmates were in jail for having tried to kill American soldiers.
He told us about a time when he and his unit were going to the dining halls for dinner. When they were in the dining hall they heard something fly by them. It was a rocket, that was intended for a Iraqi officials helicopter right outside where his unit was eating dinner. They all evacuated the dining hall and went back to their rooms. They all sat there laughing and joking about the rocket while eating their food. He said it was then he realized just how much he had changed since being there.
He said how he realizes that that isnt normal behavior for people not exposed to this to act so nonchalant about it. My sisters and I sat there listening in silence as he was chuckling about it. Its crazy how people can become so desensitized to such things, which he pointed out to us.
I am always so grateful when I hear about soldiers making it home. I love watching families be reunited, and cry everytime I watch those youtube videos of soldiers coming home. However, I sometimes forget to realize that just because they made it home certainly doesnt mean they are coming home the same person they were when they left. There are constant residual effects of what they have seen over there. Even when they are home for many they are still fighting a battle just now the battle is internal.
I have nothing but utmost respect for soldiers and those who are willing to risk their life for this country and its citizens. I may not agree with this war or with the governments decisions in dealing with it, but I will always support the troops.
Autumn's brother Christian basically worked as an aid to the Iraqi Police. He would work with them through translators as well as working with the inmates. It was a really strange concept even for him to grasp. He basically was saying that he would have to make sure that the inmates were being treated properly, given enough food and water etc. However, most of these inmates were in jail for having tried to kill American soldiers.
He told us about a time when he and his unit were going to the dining halls for dinner. When they were in the dining hall they heard something fly by them. It was a rocket, that was intended for a Iraqi officials helicopter right outside where his unit was eating dinner. They all evacuated the dining hall and went back to their rooms. They all sat there laughing and joking about the rocket while eating their food. He said it was then he realized just how much he had changed since being there.
He said how he realizes that that isnt normal behavior for people not exposed to this to act so nonchalant about it. My sisters and I sat there listening in silence as he was chuckling about it. Its crazy how people can become so desensitized to such things, which he pointed out to us.
I am always so grateful when I hear about soldiers making it home. I love watching families be reunited, and cry everytime I watch those youtube videos of soldiers coming home. However, I sometimes forget to realize that just because they made it home certainly doesnt mean they are coming home the same person they were when they left. There are constant residual effects of what they have seen over there. Even when they are home for many they are still fighting a battle just now the battle is internal.
I have nothing but utmost respect for soldiers and those who are willing to risk their life for this country and its citizens. I may not agree with this war or with the governments decisions in dealing with it, but I will always support the troops.
Friday, October 1, 2010
Accuracy Not Needed?
From this last reading and from class- I had never realized that television stations and other journalism sources are more concerned with who broke the story first rather than the stories actual accuracy. Sure it is great to be the first to get coverage on something, but what does it matter if the coverage is only half right- if that?
People watch the news and read papers to find out things they DON'T know- but they are reading it and watching it because they trust that what is being shown is the truth, is valid, and is real.
I feel like its almost an abuse of power by putting something out in the world that could later be found partially if not totally wrong, when the public is depending and relying on these sources.
Professor Copeland told us about the man that wrote about the jail being over populated and the huge issues surrounding that and then come to realize that he wrote his article without finding out the actual truth- and that jail was actually one of the best kept and properly populated ones in the country. Thats not only a egregious error but its an utterly embarrasing one. Not only did this mans story run- but it ran on the front cover that everyone reads.
It is no surprise that this man eventually left the profession- its certainly unfortunate- but thats not exactly a spelling error and missing punctuation, thats kind of a big deal.
This definitely makes me question what I see on television and what I read now. Before I would have relied solely on the one source I watch on TV or just one article I read, when in reality to really know the truth I guess sometimes we need to look into it ourselves..maybe we'd be better off.
People watch the news and read papers to find out things they DON'T know- but they are reading it and watching it because they trust that what is being shown is the truth, is valid, and is real.
I feel like its almost an abuse of power by putting something out in the world that could later be found partially if not totally wrong, when the public is depending and relying on these sources.
Professor Copeland told us about the man that wrote about the jail being over populated and the huge issues surrounding that and then come to realize that he wrote his article without finding out the actual truth- and that jail was actually one of the best kept and properly populated ones in the country. Thats not only a egregious error but its an utterly embarrasing one. Not only did this mans story run- but it ran on the front cover that everyone reads.
It is no surprise that this man eventually left the profession- its certainly unfortunate- but thats not exactly a spelling error and missing punctuation, thats kind of a big deal.
This definitely makes me question what I see on television and what I read now. Before I would have relied solely on the one source I watch on TV or just one article I read, when in reality to really know the truth I guess sometimes we need to look into it ourselves..maybe we'd be better off.
Crisis in America
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Br7nbQSIyhg
Ellen Degeneres made a profound and much needed address to the country today on her show. After the recent suicide by a Rutgers College student, the 4th suicide of a gay teen in 3 weeks- she felt it was neccesary to acknowledge this tragedy.
I dont understand people's desire to ruin the lives of other people. It was evident this Rutgers student Tyler Clementi, hadn't done anything to provoke others. Yet, someone felt the need to video tape him with another male and broadcast it. What is wrong with the world?
These gay teenages and often even younger are tormented, tortured, and made to feel inferior wherever they are, and for what purpose? Does it make others feel better about themselves knowing they are hurting someone who is obviously having a hard time already? Do these people feel remorse for what they have done?
I feel like it is so much easier to simply accept others, accept difference, and even embrace diversity, than to hate. People who are openly gay are well aware of the troubles they will have to deal with in telling people. They know not everyone will accept them. They realize that by choosing to admit to who they really are, that they are choosing the harder path, but they are atleast being true to themselves. Why is society today not embracing these people for being brave instead of ostracizing them from the rest of society?
People are people. Everyone deserves respect. No one is walking around dictating who straight people can love, yet people full of hate feel justified in telling gay people who they should and shouldnt love. Something needs to be done about the bullying problem in this country. I realize there is more and more coverage of these tragedies, but clearly that isn't enough. Gay teens need to realize that there is support for them, and there is life past high school, past college, past bullies, past hardships. Things will get better and taking your own life is never the right answer.
Ellen Degeneres made a profound and much needed address to the country today on her show. After the recent suicide by a Rutgers College student, the 4th suicide of a gay teen in 3 weeks- she felt it was neccesary to acknowledge this tragedy.
I dont understand people's desire to ruin the lives of other people. It was evident this Rutgers student Tyler Clementi, hadn't done anything to provoke others. Yet, someone felt the need to video tape him with another male and broadcast it. What is wrong with the world?
These gay teenages and often even younger are tormented, tortured, and made to feel inferior wherever they are, and for what purpose? Does it make others feel better about themselves knowing they are hurting someone who is obviously having a hard time already? Do these people feel remorse for what they have done?
I feel like it is so much easier to simply accept others, accept difference, and even embrace diversity, than to hate. People who are openly gay are well aware of the troubles they will have to deal with in telling people. They know not everyone will accept them. They realize that by choosing to admit to who they really are, that they are choosing the harder path, but they are atleast being true to themselves. Why is society today not embracing these people for being brave instead of ostracizing them from the rest of society?
People are people. Everyone deserves respect. No one is walking around dictating who straight people can love, yet people full of hate feel justified in telling gay people who they should and shouldnt love. Something needs to be done about the bullying problem in this country. I realize there is more and more coverage of these tragedies, but clearly that isn't enough. Gay teens need to realize that there is support for them, and there is life past high school, past college, past bullies, past hardships. Things will get better and taking your own life is never the right answer.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Ignorance is not bliss.
In class the other day Professor Copeland mentioned the Westboro Baptist Church. Prior to what he said I hadnt really known anything about them. It honestly doesnt take a lot to bother me- but this completely horrifies me.
Fact is it 2010. Haven't we moved beyond such ignorant people? Looking back in history the whole country feels like assholes for having treated black people so poorly, and for treating women so poorly, and yet here we are. There is still this complete and utter disrespect going on and in OUR own country.
I will be the first to defend and support freedom of speech. However, when you are protesting at a persons funeral (like this church did to the family of Matthew Shepherd, after he was murdered), when you are doing this can't you see that you are going too far?
Granted that was not a recent event, but its evident these people havent changed their ways nor feel any sort of remorse. This isn't just some cult group (although it clearly is), but these people are congregating and telling people they are a "church"? I thought a church was a place of worship? Not a place so you can plan your next evil event.
It just completely disgusts me that these people even exist in this world. People are free to feel and think however they want, but when your thoughts are ruining, and hurting, and destroying the lives of other people, I feel that someone should be stepping in to stop them.
These people that you are protesting, most of them are deceased. Protesting soliers funerals? Are you kidding me. Those soldiers, American soldiers, lost their lives defending this country, the same country these sick people are residing in. If you don't like it here, in America,or the way we do things here, then leave, and good riddance to you. The world and this country would be a much better place with a lot less hate and a lot less people like that.
Fact is it 2010. Haven't we moved beyond such ignorant people? Looking back in history the whole country feels like assholes for having treated black people so poorly, and for treating women so poorly, and yet here we are. There is still this complete and utter disrespect going on and in OUR own country.
I will be the first to defend and support freedom of speech. However, when you are protesting at a persons funeral (like this church did to the family of Matthew Shepherd, after he was murdered), when you are doing this can't you see that you are going too far?
Granted that was not a recent event, but its evident these people havent changed their ways nor feel any sort of remorse. This isn't just some cult group (although it clearly is), but these people are congregating and telling people they are a "church"? I thought a church was a place of worship? Not a place so you can plan your next evil event.
It just completely disgusts me that these people even exist in this world. People are free to feel and think however they want, but when your thoughts are ruining, and hurting, and destroying the lives of other people, I feel that someone should be stepping in to stop them.
These people that you are protesting, most of them are deceased. Protesting soliers funerals? Are you kidding me. Those soldiers, American soldiers, lost their lives defending this country, the same country these sick people are residing in. If you don't like it here, in America,or the way we do things here, then leave, and good riddance to you. The world and this country would be a much better place with a lot less hate and a lot less people like that.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Take 2.
So I babysat overnight again. The night went relatively smoothly but come this morning, I again was woken up at 6:30 AM by a 7 year old in hysterics. After I calmed her down I told her I needed to go put in new contacts. She asked me how do they make contacts, and I told her I didnt know.
To this, she replied "you dont know anything". She said "you dont know how to make contacts, you dont know what time it is in Hawaii, and you dont know how many stars there are..." To which I replied much like a seven year old.."yeah..well...no one just knows that stuff."
She told me I drove her crazy and I was making her insane today because she has gym and needed to wear jeans..and again refused. I did my best. Again though Kids: 2 Ashley: 0
This morning..I was supposed to drop a check off to the study abroad office. I asked my roommate to just drop me off in the library in my car cause Ive been super sick and was already late for work. So she dropped me off I dragged myself up the three flights of stairs-panting- and realized my check was in the wallet connected to my keys.
I called my roommate, had her come back went down the stairs got my check, walked all the way back up and managed to get my check in. On the bright side though- If I manage to take out many loans- there is a spot for me on the trip to Paris in January!!! :)
To this, she replied "you dont know anything". She said "you dont know how to make contacts, you dont know what time it is in Hawaii, and you dont know how many stars there are..." To which I replied much like a seven year old.."yeah..well...no one just knows that stuff."
She told me I drove her crazy and I was making her insane today because she has gym and needed to wear jeans..and again refused. I did my best. Again though Kids: 2 Ashley: 0
This morning..I was supposed to drop a check off to the study abroad office. I asked my roommate to just drop me off in the library in my car cause Ive been super sick and was already late for work. So she dropped me off I dragged myself up the three flights of stairs-panting- and realized my check was in the wallet connected to my keys.
I called my roommate, had her come back went down the stairs got my check, walked all the way back up and managed to get my check in. On the bright side though- If I manage to take out many loans- there is a spot for me on the trip to Paris in January!!! :)
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Still Not Over
While still amidst my 24 hour babsyitting adventure, following dinner I had to then get the kids off to bed.
Their dad said they would have needed atleast a half hour to get ready which I thought was a little lengthy. I let the kids watch TV til about 745 only 15 minutes past their set "get ready for bed" time slot.
We all went upstairs. The little girl in her room. The little boy in his room. She immediately is jumping on her bed. He immediately is smashing his legos together. After thirty five minutes of coaxing, book reading, story telling, teeth brushing, and promises of the fun to be had tomorrow, they finally were in bed. The little girl cried for about 25 minutes (while I tried to help the situation and failed miserably) and eventually they were asleep.
I slept in the guest room and was woken up at 6:30 a.m. by the crying of the little girl. Im a pro sitter so I wasnt too concerned, she missed her Dad and I understood.
30 minutes later, still crying. 45 minutes later still crying. Literally one hour later...stilllll cryinggg.
Clearly my skills are not as great as I thought.
She wanted her Dad. She was mad I wasnt trying to find her Dad. She did not want to wear jeans. She refused any kind of cereal & told me I sucked at making waffles.
We grabbed their bags, their snacks, their notes for afterschool, and I wished them both a great day.
Day 1 of babysitting- Kids: 1 Ashley: 0
Their dad said they would have needed atleast a half hour to get ready which I thought was a little lengthy. I let the kids watch TV til about 745 only 15 minutes past their set "get ready for bed" time slot.
We all went upstairs. The little girl in her room. The little boy in his room. She immediately is jumping on her bed. He immediately is smashing his legos together. After thirty five minutes of coaxing, book reading, story telling, teeth brushing, and promises of the fun to be had tomorrow, they finally were in bed. The little girl cried for about 25 minutes (while I tried to help the situation and failed miserably) and eventually they were asleep.
I slept in the guest room and was woken up at 6:30 a.m. by the crying of the little girl. Im a pro sitter so I wasnt too concerned, she missed her Dad and I understood.
30 minutes later, still crying. 45 minutes later still crying. Literally one hour later...stilllll cryinggg.
Clearly my skills are not as great as I thought.
She wanted her Dad. She was mad I wasnt trying to find her Dad. She did not want to wear jeans. She refused any kind of cereal & told me I sucked at making waffles.
We grabbed their bags, their snacks, their notes for afterschool, and I wished them both a great day.
Day 1 of babysitting- Kids: 1 Ashley: 0
Too Much Work
So my weekend was not as fun as I would have liked nor anticipated. I work at a townie breakfast place in my hometown every saturday. This weekend I covered someones shift so it was double the fun. I hostess there which means my job could easily be replaced by a sign- since all I say is- "you can sit wherever you want". I basically do that along with everything the busgirl does except she makes double the money. Im too poor to complain so every saturday- there I am.
Following my two days of cleaning up after everyones leftover eggs and pancakes (which is certainly not as glamourous a job as it sounds), my new boss for my babysitting job called me seeing if Id like to start working a day early. He is a fire fighter and wanted to me to watch the kids overnight.
I of course need the money so I said yes. He said "my sister will drop the kids off between 530 and 6" and then hungup. So there I am 5:28pm letting myself in their house, that I have been to once before two days prior to meet the kids for a total of about 13 minutes.
So I walked in sat on their couch awkwardly eating my salad waiting for the childrens arrival. Six oclock rolls around..still just me..on the couch. Six thirty strolls up..still me. Phone rings its the Dad.
"So how are the kids?"
"Uh..yeah their not here yet"
"What the hell..I'll call my sister"
Ten minutes later a white SUV comes speeding into the driveway. She stumbles into the house with the two children, mumbles to me that she never fed them dinner, but they have some candy they can eat -if I'll allow it- and walks out. Great.
Following my two days of cleaning up after everyones leftover eggs and pancakes (which is certainly not as glamourous a job as it sounds), my new boss for my babysitting job called me seeing if Id like to start working a day early. He is a fire fighter and wanted to me to watch the kids overnight.
I of course need the money so I said yes. He said "my sister will drop the kids off between 530 and 6" and then hungup. So there I am 5:28pm letting myself in their house, that I have been to once before two days prior to meet the kids for a total of about 13 minutes.
So I walked in sat on their couch awkwardly eating my salad waiting for the childrens arrival. Six oclock rolls around..still just me..on the couch. Six thirty strolls up..still me. Phone rings its the Dad.
"So how are the kids?"
"Uh..yeah their not here yet"
"What the hell..I'll call my sister"
Ten minutes later a white SUV comes speeding into the driveway. She stumbles into the house with the two children, mumbles to me that she never fed them dinner, but they have some candy they can eat -if I'll allow it- and walks out. Great.
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