Retirement Rant

One of the ads that just pisses me off is the ad where the “financial advisor” talks to the woman and asks ‘when do you want to retire?’ and she says ‘I don’t know, 78?’  Are you kidding me?  Who actually wants to work until they are 78 (unless you are in Congress and you hold on to your office with all the ferocity of a 2 year old with a candy bar)? 

Wouldn’t it make sense that as older workers retire, middle aged people move into those jobs, and leave the entry level jobs available for younger workers who are looking to gain experience and support themselves? 

We continually look for things to “fix” the problems faced by our youth.  The age when people can actually move out of their parents homes and support themselves keeps going up.  30 is the new 20 we are told.  So we send these new high school graduates to college, saddle them with huge debt, and then put them in a world where there are no jobs that will actually provide them a way to make a living and actually pay back that huge college debt.  So they are forced into living at home and delay their independence.  Do we really think they just enjoy living at home?  No I don’t think so.

Meanwhile we continue to move the retirement age, steal money from the social security system and keep these older workers in jobs that they really don’t want.  We stifle innovation because these older workers (and I am quickly becoming one) do not adapt to change as quickly as they once did.  So they try to hang on to status quo.  And if the company does move forward with changes and the older workers can’t keep up – they are quickly laid off and now are 55+ looking for a new job.  Most companies do not want to invest in an older worker, especially technology centric workforces.  So now these people who used to make $90K+ are looking for customer service jobs, entry level jobs that historically went to young people trying to gain experience and move up the ladder.  Do you see a problem here? 

It makes more sense to me to have workers retire at a better age while they are healthier and able to enjoy the retirement.  They can travel (spend $$), remodel their home (spend $$), buy a new car (spend $$) basically still live a life, and contribute to our national economy in a way other than just putting money into their medical bills.  

The younger crowd now has jobs to move into and start making more money which will contribute to the social security system and help keep it solvent.  And since they will now be making money they can move out of their parent’s homes, start families, and generally be moving forward instead of stuck in low paying service jobs.  And these jobs can now go back to what they have historically been – jobs for high school kids who are trying to make money.  People keep saying that we shouldn’t raise the minimum wage because these jobs aren’t meant to be permanent – but that is exactly what they have become.  There are people who work their whole careers in fast food places, because there are no other jobs.  Or they are back to working in fast food places because they are over 50 and can’t get a job in their field anymore due to age discrimination. 

Just my two cents. 

Musings

I know it's only 9AM but this is already where I'm at today.  Flu has me knocked off my game.  Had some coffee and that may not have been a great idea.  I really hate feeling so miserable, but then that kinda is the definition of the word miserable.


Turned on Morning Joe for a few minutes and now watching Stephanie Ruhle regarding the FB / Russia information.  And I'm surprised (but I guess I shouldn't be) by the people who seem to think this is new information.  Did people really think that it all just stopped after Trump got elected?    It wasn't that Russia wanted Trump - it was that they wanted the USA in chaos.  He was only one piece of the puzzle.  Think of it as a giant game of Jenga...yes Trump put a great big hole in the stability but all of the disinformation around him - and sowing all of the real "fake" news stories is what will finally destabilize us and bring us down. 


For a long time I've said that dystopian futures are closer everyday to happening.  And in all honesty I don't like to feel that way.  By nature I try to stay upbeat, centered, grounded.   I like to see the good in people, the beauty in the world.  I want to put on a beautiful piece of music and read a book, or sit and crochet while watching a good classic movie.  Go to a play, have a glass of wine with friends.  Watch videos of my beautiful grandchild as he learns about the world around him.


But I can't put my head in the sand and pretend that the things going on around us aren't really there.   Unfortunately not enough people are there yet.  People want to live in their little thought bubble and just imagine the world is just the way they want to see it.  We are in a week where the POTUS kicked a reporter out of a press event because he didn't like the questions she asked.   Where is the outrage among the public?  


Oh well - another day.   Maybe I'll write more musings later.

Wasted day

Today I have been down with the flu - really not feeling well.  I tried to watch a movie, watch some useless tv, do some laundry, even my go to activity and try to crochet.  But nothing helped - I really hate these wasted days.  I feel like you only have so many days to do things in your life and days like this, where I don't even want to get out of bed are just sad.

Sigh

Today is a ramble: 




Some days it just seems darker than other days.  I am trying to have hope that as a country we will find our way out of the woods that we seem to be lost in. 


Being kind and compassionate seems to have disappeared.  I can put blame on our countries leaders because they seem to have lost their ability to talk, compromise, be nice to each other.  But when I really get down to the bottom of it - it's all of our faults for accepting this behavior.  It's a slippery slope - someone runs a red light we let it go, when someone says something snarky we walk away.  And each time it's worse and worse until we get to the point that it's so very bad we start pushing back but as the pendulum swings wide we push back on anything and everything.   So now everything offends someone.   And everyone jumps on anyone who says anything because they can get away with calling it offensive and they feel very empowered to do so.  Even if the punishment doesn't fit the crime. 


What we have yet to learn as a society is that sometimes when people wish for things to go back to the good old days - it isn't about putting women back in the kitchen, or putting people of color at the back of the bus.  Sometimes its just about going back to being nice to each other,  putting down your cell phone and having a conversation.  Get out of your influence bubble and actually engage with others.  Women aren't returning to the kitchen, people of color aren't going to go away.  Their rights are just the same as your rights.  You cannot impose your will on them, and they cannot impose theirs on you. 


We have to be able to come to an understanding that people are equals - and that your beliefs may not be the same as someone else's.  But they are entitled to their beliefs the same as you are entitled to yours.  You can have a conversation with people who are different than you - you don't have to shout.  You may not change their minds and they may not change yours...but you may have a better understanding of why they think the way they do. 


Smile at someone today...do something nice for someone today.  Have a conversation with someone different than you.   We only have one planet. 

Wild?

I posted this image on FaceBook earlier today because I loved the sentiment it presented.  I've always been a little bit of a free spirit and more than a little stubborn.  I'm not sure I qualify outwardly as "wild" anymore.   But there is definitely still a wild child somewhere inside me.  Age and arthritis have tempered it somewhat. 

Political Rant ahead:  I saw an article online today about our Attorney General smiling and laughing at a young leadership convention where the kids all started chanting "Lock Her Up".  It made me absolutely sick - and I don't mean metaphorically.  I actually felt sick to my stomach and my head started hurting.  I wondered about the people in Germany who were watching their country descend into madness and wondered how powerless did they feel while they watched?  These are children - and they have been indoctrinated - you will never convince me that the Trump regime (his word not mine) is not a cult.  His "base" could just as easily be called his "followers" or his "bretheren".  They believe anything that comes out of his mouth even when presented with facts.  And that is horrible if you are an adult but FFS these are CHILDREN!   This should be listed as abuse just the same as any other mental abuse. 

I think I need to go sit somewhere quiet and just try and meditate - it's been so hard to find peace since this administration. 



Reboot

Let's try this again:

When you last heard from me things were very different.  I've moved three times - changed jobs twice, made new friends, lost some old friends.

Ranted about politics - felt helpless.   Marched and protested - felt empowered.

I am going to try and work from a place of empowerment.

A friend recently was musing about starting a blog and it made me realize how long I had neglected mine.  I can give all kinds of excuses, I was in a bad place emotionally (true), I was lazy (also true), I was too busy (very true). 

But this blog is more of a way for me to blast out my emotions, my thoughts, my ravings - sometimes it is funny, sometimes it's not.  But it helps me clear my head and show me the way to go forward.

If you read it I hope you enjoy it.  If you don't how would I even know?

:)

Maybe I will put a reminder on my calendar so I can update this more often.  hmmm?  it's a start.

What I am thankful for...2013 version.

So as Thanksgiving approaches I take the time like most Americans to reflect on what I am thankful for.

 I am thankful for my family, and will again miss Jeffrey and Jessica very much.   But I know they are healthy and safe and will have good Thanksgivings where they are.

We have had quite a year; some health issues with family members but those things seem to have been taken care of, or are being taken care of and this makes us all very thankful.

We got to do some travelling this year; in March we went to Chicago to see Jeffrey’s graduation from basic training.  This was especially wonderful (other than the cold and snow!) because it was the first time in a couple that I got to see all my kids at the same time.  And we were very lucky because Dad came over from Iowa to join us too.  It was wonderful, very proud of him.   In May I got to fly up and spend a week with Dad, and then again August, Shelli and I went up and spent a week with Dad (Picked up Jayson), and then another quick impromptu trip in September when Dad had gallbladder surgery.   (So glad he came through that relatively unscathed  J )  In October we went on a cruise with Jay and Shelli – 8 wonderful days in the Caribbean.  I warned everyone at work that I may just find an island and stay, it was a distinct possibility!

I’m very thankful that as parents we seem to have raised wonderful, well balanced, accepting kids who are adults that make us proud.   At breakfast with Jay and Shelli the other day the comment was made that we have raised our children correctly, and I believe this is true.  They are all moving forward in their lives toward their goals.  While sometimes they may have questions, they still go take chances.  We welcomed Pablo officially into the family this year with his and Mandi’s marriage!  HOORAY!  Looking forward to Jess and Adam’s wedding which will be here quicker than we can imagine.  Cameron’s college is progressing well it’s fun to hear the geekspeak every so often in our house.  And even though he was born last he certainly isn’t least – Jayson is growing into a fun young adult that I enjoy talking to and spending time with. 

This year when Shelli and I went to Iowa for our visit we were so very lucky to get there in time for the Price family reunion!  We got to see our Aunt and Uncles and so very many of our cousins…it has been YEARS since we got to spend time together and it was wonderful, so very much fun.  Great memories and I hope it won’t be so long next time. 

I can’t even begin to express my thankfulness for my friends; they are all such a big part of my life.  I cannot imagine not being able to share my sarcasm with them.   I love them all they make my family a big beautiful world.  This year brought weddings, parties, visits, whispered conversations, tears, fears, and laughter,  LOTS of laughter.   I am grateful that I can lean on them all and that when I am needed I can be the one leaned on.

And I am so very thankful that I live in a country that I can feel free to state my opinions without fear of my government’s repercussion. That I am working and have a roof over my head and that all of my family is also clothed, housed, and fed. I am thankful that when we sit down to our Thanksgiving feast I know the food will be wonderful and plentiful. And I wish that everyone could also have this joy.

 And finally I am happy if any of my friends or family took the time to read my long, self serving ramblings of what I am thankful for this year.

 Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I love you all!

Weekend Lag

I had a really nice weekend; manicure, pedicure, breakfast with Sprinkles on Saturday.  Also spent time setting up new desktop and working in the new cloud environment of Photoshop.  I'm trying to work through some online tutorials.  I am determined to actually learn Photoshop - not just for quick fixes.  So I downloaded the trial version since everything has gone to "cloud" now.

We also got our high end printer set up, we haven't used it for a while and I was worried that the print head would need replaced.  But everything worked and I was very happy. 

Small steps working towards an end.  Hoping to get some prints done for sale soon.   Step by step.

It's been a lovely cruise

Last week we went on an eight day cruise - my husband, my sister, and my brother in law all together in the Caribbean.  A wonderful time was had by all.  I have tons of pictures and will upload a few. 

We walked in a jungle in Honduras, and climbed Mayan ruins in Mexico, and I let a monkey climb on my head!  

But best of all - we relaxed.  It was an amazing adventure and I can't wait for the next one!

A Job Well Done?

Well the work I did over the weekend was appreciated by the Project Manager on my project, and my Manager...not sure if it was appreciated by the Sr. Quality Analyst on the project as to my knowledge she hasn't read it yet.

Lots going on at work - lots of moving parts projects moving back and forth.  Nothing new same things go on all over corporate America.  I may be a bit of a freak but sometimes I enjoy all the commotion.  But sometimes I really just don't understand people who are so high on their own fumes they don't understand that everyone is on the same team and trying to just create the best product for the company.  And even though I know the "why" it drives me crazy that people who revel in being a roadblock get to keep their jobs.

Hello, Dolly!

Sitting at home today watching Hello, Dolly! I'm so glad they used this moving in Wall-E (The Streisand version - not Carol Channing)

I think this is where I learned how to work in Corporate America.  LOL  You have to be a friend to everyone and understand every little plot and subplot going on around you.  If you can understand and follow everything going on you will soar in the corporate world.  :)  Well at least you can try to.

This is the first weekend in months that I haven't been completely booked.  It's been a very busy year so far...I worked almost all day yesterday so it was good I wasn't planning on going anywhere.    Still not sure if I'm going to watch the Superbowl or not...recording it so I can see the commercials but just not that interested in the game.

Did some laundry - and some dishes...surfed some internets and now hmmm...what to do.  Think I will crochet for a while.  Have a couple things I'm working on creating.

Busy busy

I cannot believe how busy January is turning out to be. I thought things would slow down after Christmas but nope!

Concerts, plays, party's, dinners, and topping things off with a wedding!! Am I complaining?

NO!

Smiles
- T


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What I am thankful for...2012

So as Thanksgiving approaches I take the time like most Americans to reflect on what I am thankful for. This year’s Thanksgiving celebration will be a bittersweet celebration of the holiday as much about who isn’t at the table as it is about who is at the table.

 I am thankful for my family, those who are here and those who aren’t. I miss my son and daughter who will be celebrating Thanksgiving at other tables this year, but I’m happy that they have those other tables to join. Jessica’s got a wonderful extended family and Jeffrey will be with my dad and brother’s family. And I miss my mom who’s been gone from our tables for two years now and I miss my Father-in-law who is away from our table for the first time. I think of the foods we made for him because he liked them – Brussels sprouts, deviled eggs, and the year I made him a mince meat pie. I think of the fact that Shelli and I know how to prepare a wonderful meal because of our mom teaching us to cook at a young age. Like I stated a bittersweet celebration.

 I am so happy that Jeff is here for this holiday and not travelling – I missed him so much when he was gone. We have had a rollercoaster year so far – highest ups and lowest downs. But we have each other to lean on and share our joys and heartaches together. This year we got to travel together and make dreams come true that we have had since we first met. We walked the streets in Prague something we have talked of doing together since we first met. We watched our daughter receive her college degree. And now have the opportunity to make other dreams come true. I love you bb!

 I am thrilled with my children – all strong and wonderful adults. Jeffrey will soon be home for a visit before going to basic training for his time in the US Navy. I will miss him and worry about him every day, but am happy for him to be able to pursue his dreams. Jessica who graduated college this year, and has set the date for her wedding. Cameron for going to college and work toward his goals. And my newest child – Adam whom I am so glad has joined us. They all make me so proud and I love them all so much.

 I’m glad that my Dad will have family with him and that he has wonderful friends around him. I miss him so much, but am so happy that I get to talk to him on the phone often. Yay for technology that allows me not to have $500 phone bills just to call him and hear his voice.

 I’m grateful that my mother-in-law has been my friend as well as my family for 27 years. I love her and am so glad that I have always felt a part of this family from the first day we met. She has had a rough year this year but I’m glad I can be here for her to lean on.

 I am thankful that it is my sister’s birthday on Thanksgiving this year. I am so lucky to have her in my life and I’m glad we are close. I am grateful that we can laugh and cry together, she is someone I can vent to and lean on and I am glad to be that person for her also. I am happy that Jeff’s brother Jay whom I felt an immediate friendship with, and love for 27 years ago when we went out for a long night full of fun at Pizza Man so that we could get to know each other, married my sister and we’ve had wonderful long years of fun and frivolity since then. I love their children Mandilee and Jayson I’m so happy to be their aunt and watch them grow from beautiful little babies to wonderful people. And Pablo my brown nephew whom I love as much as if he was born into our family.

 I’m grateful that my brother Allen joined our family all those years ago and that he brought Josie and their kids, Cody, Dylan and Logan into the fold. I wish so much that we lived closer and I could be there to watch them grow up also.

 I am glad to have re-connected with Rick and Roni. Even though we don’t see each other much but it does feel better not to have walls anymore.

 I am grateful for Jeff’s aunt Tootie whom has always been a wonderful joy in my life. And my uncle Jerry who reminds me so much of my Grandma that it makes me smile to see her in his face. Also my aunt Wilma, uncle James, and uncle Paul who have added wonderful memories to my childhood. I’m so grateful to have them all.

 I am also so happy that I have re-connected with so many of my cousins – I love them all so much and all the years that we have lived all over the country had taken their toll on staying in contact. But I am so glad to be in contact with them now. They are wonderful people and a great big part of my heart.

 For my friends both old and new – friends I’ve reconnected with through Facebook and am able to converse with there. As well as the friends whom I actually get to see because they live close. The people I laugh with, cry with, hug and sometimes want to shake! I am happy that their lives are moving forward and dreams are coming true among the group. I love that these are people whom I can be myself with – without reservation, my strengths and weaknesses are all open for this group of people and I love that I don’t feel judged among them. In return they can share their true selves with me without fear of judgment or condemnation. And that they all know they can count on me for whatever they need – I will always try to be there for them.

 And I am so very thankful that I live in a country that I can feel free to state my opinions without fear of my government’s repercussion. That I am working and have a roof over my head and that all of my family is also clothed, housed, and fed. I am thankful that when we sit down to our Thanksgiving feast I know the food will be wonderful and plentiful. And I wish that everyone could also have this joy.

 And finally I am happy if any of my friends or family took the time to read my long, self serving ramblings of what I am thankful for this year.

 Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I love you all!

Pirates

Happy International Talk Like A Pirate Day! I may finish my work day in pirate speak!


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UGH Day

Woke up this morning with a migraine, hate when this happens because it doesn't take much to upset plans you already had for the day / weekend. It's been a lovely weekend so far though, got roses from my love on Friday and spent Saturday with my Sis, creating and crafting. Today is the Packer's season opener and I am looking so forward to it. This headache has got to go away.

Projected

When asked what's new in my life sometimes it's easier to say nothing than to try and give a real answer.

Life is a moving target and rarely the same from one minute to the next.


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Time?

At this point in my day I start watching the clock and wishing for quitting time. Then I am reminded of a conversation I had with a older lady.

When she asked how my day was I responded I wish it was over. She quickly told me not to wish my life away. As I get older I realize how true those words are. And I try not to wish my life away- but dang I wish work was over today! LOL



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Location:Still at work

Catching up

Well installed blog app on my phone. So maybe now I will be able to update more often and actually keep this up to date - not one or two updates a year!

The posts may be small but will try to be current and entertaining! LOL



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Hopes make things happen....

I am hopeful that one day this week I will be able to write my resignation letter. I hope to be moving on into a new position...well old position new company. I'm hoping to get back into IT as a Service Desk Manager. It could mean a lot of good things - good for me, good for my family.

I hold no ill feelings for my current company - but I want to be back doing what I love to do, and honestly be paid for doing it...right now I'm doing a lot of IT duties that I'm in no way compensated for.

It's not a done deal getting the new job, but I'm hopeful and hope that putting the resignation letter out into the universe will lead to all good things in the near future.

:)

Something Borrowed - Something New

I read a recent article on line about bloggers using their blogs to help them lose weight. So I'm going to borrow a page from them and try something new for me.

Most people I know understand that I am not happy with my weight, but they may not understand how I've struggled with it my entire life. At graduation I was about 30lbs overweight.

When I went to college I was very active - exercising at school and going out dancing every night. Small meals partially due to not spending the money on food, partially because I just didn't take the time and really didn't need to eat a lot of food. During that time I lost 35lbs - when I went home for my first visit after 3 months I had to buy all new clothes because nothing fit me anymore. I weighed 123lbs. And was really happy with my weight for the first time I can ever remember, I wore a size 8.

After I had my first baby I still was a size 10-12...still active and was still happy with my weight. I was still active and my weight stayed fairly steady- it went up a little but not so much I even really noticed it. But then I had 2 more babies in rapid succession, was no longer active and had to make sure I prepared full meals everyday so that Jeff and the kids were all fed. And if they were fed - so was I.

It's never been what I eat - or how much, as much as the fact I don't get enough exercise. I friend of mine who is also overweight went to lunch with me at a former job. Finally one day she looked at me and told me she was throwing me out of the Fat Ladies Club because I had no business being overweight with as little as I actually ate.

Now in the intrest of being honest with myself - and also anyone reading this - I have a terrible sweet tooth. I have convinced myself on more than one occasion that if I'm going to eat 250 calories - it may as well be a snickers bar instead of lunch...or a few cookies have as many calories as a sandwich and are tastier. Or like last night when instead of dinner - I talked Jeff into ice cream. (It was late and it was really yummy ice cream though).

So my 250lb self is now being totally honest and trying to reduce myself. I know it's not going to be easy - I've had way too much stress in my life lately and it's way to easy to just eat a cookie to deal with it instead of go for a walk. But I'm trying.