I figured that since I don't post much anymore, I'd just say what is on my mind in the title, and if it piques your interest, then you'll read, or you'll ignore it.
Either way, it doesn't really matter to me, since it's my blog, and I can make the rules as I see fit!
Something really bothered me this week as I was driving to a work location.
See, I am going to classes three days a week, and the other "free" days I spend doing odd jobs for the income to keep myself afloat. Recently, that job has been as an installer and cleaner for a graphics company. I've been doing audits of banners, signs, window vinyl and various other graphic forms. It's interesting work, and the pay pretty much keeps me where I need to be as a full-time student needing to support himself.
Anyway, I was on my way to a jobsite when I read a billboard and the accusatory statement that was on it. The general gist of the saying was "Iraq, Pakistan and Libya.. What will Obama's next tour of duty look like?"
Honestly, that really rubbed me the wrong way. You see, in my viewpoint there isn't much that the US as a whole gets into that hasn't been festering for quite a while on a global level. You can't lay the entire blame of Iraq on Obama, since George Jr and Sr both had a hand in that conflict, along with Clinton. You can't blame Pakistan on him as well, since there's been unrest in that country since well before Jimmy Carter's time. And Libya? PLEASE. That's like blaming Obama for Vietnam, even though we all know that Kennedy, Johnston and Nixon were the ones manning the helm during that one. However the buildup of that one dates back to Eisenhower, if you get technical with it.
So my point here is that just because the conflict became something that couldn't be ignored does not mean that the person in office at the time is the one fully responsible for the resulting actions. That would mean that whomever is the head of Fannie Mae, or any other institute would be to blame for the failures of their predecessors. It's unreasonable and quite childish.
In my opinion, Obama isn't that bad of a president. True, there are things he's tried to do that I don't agree with, but his intentions seem to be in the right place. However, the worst thing to do is blame him for everything that is wrong, or worse, give him credit for everything that's going right, and then objectify him as either a prodigy or a devil.
I mean, when Obama was up for election, EVERY media outlet was treating him like some kind of national religion.. "You can say something bad about Obama, but then say 50 'Hail Obamas' and do three touchy-feely pieces later". He was hailed as the next Lincoln, Roosevelt and Washington before he ever stepped foot in office, let alone elected!
This is what I have a problem with in the media anymore. I mean, they want a good story, and aren't afraid to totally villify someone if the sales are good enough. They'll print a retraction or apology later (on page 12 as a blurb) and keep sensationalizing stories that really don't need embellishment or anything elaborate.
When did we stop reporting the truth, and start becoming a nation of storytellers?
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Classes Redux
Well, I aced my first quarter. All A's, and perfect attendance! I'm quite proud of that, really. Now I've got some more interesting classes, and I'm sure as the course goes onward that they'll get more diffficult. However, there's still review stuff and I'm hoping that I'll be able to remember enough of what I learned that I can still pull off the good grades.. But for now, my biggest hurdle isn't classes. It isn't the instructors, and it isn't the homework. No, my biggest trial right now is getting work. I need a steady job that is able to work around my school scedule, and yet also give me the income I need to keep going. Pray for me. Pray that I have the patience. Pray that I keep an open mind. Pray that I don't go postal on these younger kids who act like I should find a corner to go off and die in. Most of all, pray that I'll be able to see this thing through to the finish. Because right now? I'm not sure if I can yet.
Saturday, March 5, 2011
The end of the beginning..
Well, my first quarter as a returning student is over, and I'm glad I've got a chance to take a breath.
After this week, I have a new appreciation for those who are able to dedicate all of their time to schooling, and don't have to divide their attention between a career and their studies.
However, that being said, those who are able to juggle both work and school and still excel in both completely ASTOUND me. I mean, I've been working on and off during my classes, and I can't honestly understand how some folks can work full-time, go to full-time classes, and still do excellent in school plus do an outstanding job at work. For those, I honestly bow in awe and admiration.
I finished this quarter with perfect attendance, and a 4.0, so I'm happy with the results. However, this is just the head of the beast, and I know that the classes are going to become more troublesome and difficult as the weeks progress. I'm just looking forward to the opportunity to learn what I need, and gain the holy relic that employers are looking for now instead of experience: a school degree.
I recall when I first entered my job market, there wasn't any kind of specialized degree for my field of work. As long as you knew what a computer was, and could operate it, you were hired. Now? If you don't have a specialized degree in a specific field or area of expertise in that specialized field with the corresponding degree, you aren't even considered for the position, much less hired for it!
Whatever happened to that adage that experience provides the best teacher? Some of the class sessions I sat in strongly disagreed with me. Why? Because school tries to teach each student absolutes. However, in the workplace you don't get that luxury. What might be black and white in a classroom is quite often clouded with many shades of gray in the real world. Thus, there were quite a few times where my angest and "bitter" real world experience kept me from sitting still and listening, and giving an opinion that quite often ended in a nice long debate session. However, in most cases what I disagreed with was also seen as true by my instructors, and I wasn't belittled or degraded for offering my experiences. In this, I'm really looking forward to further classes. However, I'm also wondering at which instructors are going to be more close-minded than the ones I previously had. Each teacher has their own teaching style, and I'm sure not all are going to be as easy-going as my first instructors.
We'll see.
I'll keep you posted, and can't wait for my two week vacation, but much more for my second set of classes!
Cheers!
After this week, I have a new appreciation for those who are able to dedicate all of their time to schooling, and don't have to divide their attention between a career and their studies.
However, that being said, those who are able to juggle both work and school and still excel in both completely ASTOUND me. I mean, I've been working on and off during my classes, and I can't honestly understand how some folks can work full-time, go to full-time classes, and still do excellent in school plus do an outstanding job at work. For those, I honestly bow in awe and admiration.
I finished this quarter with perfect attendance, and a 4.0, so I'm happy with the results. However, this is just the head of the beast, and I know that the classes are going to become more troublesome and difficult as the weeks progress. I'm just looking forward to the opportunity to learn what I need, and gain the holy relic that employers are looking for now instead of experience: a school degree.
I recall when I first entered my job market, there wasn't any kind of specialized degree for my field of work. As long as you knew what a computer was, and could operate it, you were hired. Now? If you don't have a specialized degree in a specific field or area of expertise in that specialized field with the corresponding degree, you aren't even considered for the position, much less hired for it!
Whatever happened to that adage that experience provides the best teacher? Some of the class sessions I sat in strongly disagreed with me. Why? Because school tries to teach each student absolutes. However, in the workplace you don't get that luxury. What might be black and white in a classroom is quite often clouded with many shades of gray in the real world. Thus, there were quite a few times where my angest and "bitter" real world experience kept me from sitting still and listening, and giving an opinion that quite often ended in a nice long debate session. However, in most cases what I disagreed with was also seen as true by my instructors, and I wasn't belittled or degraded for offering my experiences. In this, I'm really looking forward to further classes. However, I'm also wondering at which instructors are going to be more close-minded than the ones I previously had. Each teacher has their own teaching style, and I'm sure not all are going to be as easy-going as my first instructors.
We'll see.
I'll keep you posted, and can't wait for my two week vacation, but much more for my second set of classes!
Cheers!
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Random Ramblings..
Pet Peeves..
Yup, we've all got them. From the way someone talks, to the way a sandwich is made to how someone dresses/smells/behaves. It's all there, and most times it's not pretty when something sets us off, and the angst and peevishness comes out.
Today, I'm going to vent about one of my pet peeves.
Being a commuter, there is one thing that REALLY sets me off.
Arrogant drivers.
Don't get me wrong. I'm not the world's best driver myself. I'm sure that if everyone drove like I do, the entire world will crash and burn in a fiery ball and horrific crash.
What I tend to do is know where I'm going, and how much time it's going to take me to get there. Then I plan accordingly, and try to get there with the least amount of stress and bother. Granted, there are times when I oversleep, or forget about the time, and then try to race to make up for my lapse in attention. But for the most part, I do try to keep myself under control when behind the wheel of my car. I pay attention to the other drivers, and try to keep out of the way of everyone else.
What really bothers me is when you have that person that A) Really doesn't care, and drives their own way, and slows everyone down; or B) just can't figure out how a car works, and drives like the car is driveing itself, and not the driver of the car.
These two types of drivers annoy me in more ways than I can possibly explain, but I'll make the attempt.
We've all been caught behind that driver who insists on driving 10 or more miles UNDER the speed limit, and refuses to allow folks to get past in order to get to their destination. Now imagine this type of person doing this same exact thing to THREE LANES of traffic on a freeway! Yes, I've had to deal with this, and I still don't understand what their motivation for this was. As long as they stay out of my way, I'm good, but unfortunately this driver decided that they needed to show everyone that they aren't only slow, but that they also didn't care for any other drivers on the road, and were more important than anyone else.
Secondly, I can't stand those folks who are arrogant enough to try to bully other drivers. Everyone's made mistakes. With a little luck, you don't pay for a driving mistake, and can feel bad about it, but no harm, no foul.
Now take that minor mistake, add road rage, and you get my second pet peeve. Say you accidentally cut off a driver who's speeding, and trying to cut around some traffic. You don't get into any kind of wreck, but you feel bad for cutting off the driver, and the driver now has to slow down for a short period of time before getting to his destination. Now, this driver finds a way to get around you, then proceeds to do to you what you accidentally did to him. He then cuts you off, and slams on his brakes to jockey you around. I hate, and I _do_ mean HATE those type of drivers. Yes, we make mistakes, we don't need you to then add to it by being an asshole and making a potential show out of it, thanks.
Anyway, that's my rant for today. Hope y'all have a great week, and I'll wander back in later and talk about something else that bothers me.
Peace.
Yup, we've all got them. From the way someone talks, to the way a sandwich is made to how someone dresses/smells/behaves. It's all there, and most times it's not pretty when something sets us off, and the angst and peevishness comes out.
Today, I'm going to vent about one of my pet peeves.
Being a commuter, there is one thing that REALLY sets me off.
Arrogant drivers.
Don't get me wrong. I'm not the world's best driver myself. I'm sure that if everyone drove like I do, the entire world will crash and burn in a fiery ball and horrific crash.
What I tend to do is know where I'm going, and how much time it's going to take me to get there. Then I plan accordingly, and try to get there with the least amount of stress and bother. Granted, there are times when I oversleep, or forget about the time, and then try to race to make up for my lapse in attention. But for the most part, I do try to keep myself under control when behind the wheel of my car. I pay attention to the other drivers, and try to keep out of the way of everyone else.
What really bothers me is when you have that person that A) Really doesn't care, and drives their own way, and slows everyone down; or B) just can't figure out how a car works, and drives like the car is driveing itself, and not the driver of the car.
These two types of drivers annoy me in more ways than I can possibly explain, but I'll make the attempt.
We've all been caught behind that driver who insists on driving 10 or more miles UNDER the speed limit, and refuses to allow folks to get past in order to get to their destination. Now imagine this type of person doing this same exact thing to THREE LANES of traffic on a freeway! Yes, I've had to deal with this, and I still don't understand what their motivation for this was. As long as they stay out of my way, I'm good, but unfortunately this driver decided that they needed to show everyone that they aren't only slow, but that they also didn't care for any other drivers on the road, and were more important than anyone else.
Secondly, I can't stand those folks who are arrogant enough to try to bully other drivers. Everyone's made mistakes. With a little luck, you don't pay for a driving mistake, and can feel bad about it, but no harm, no foul.
Now take that minor mistake, add road rage, and you get my second pet peeve. Say you accidentally cut off a driver who's speeding, and trying to cut around some traffic. You don't get into any kind of wreck, but you feel bad for cutting off the driver, and the driver now has to slow down for a short period of time before getting to his destination. Now, this driver finds a way to get around you, then proceeds to do to you what you accidentally did to him. He then cuts you off, and slams on his brakes to jockey you around. I hate, and I _do_ mean HATE those type of drivers. Yes, we make mistakes, we don't need you to then add to it by being an asshole and making a potential show out of it, thanks.
Anyway, that's my rant for today. Hope y'all have a great week, and I'll wander back in later and talk about something else that bothers me.
Peace.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Mid-Term!
Yes, I'm halfway through my first quarter of classes. Personally, I'm doing well, mainly because for me most of the classes right now are review, and I'm really learning how to get back into the "school" swing of things. However, I'm sure as the year goes on I'll be trying to catch my ass as the classwork and teachings become more in-depth and detailed about my chosen field of study.
As of yesterday, I became single yet once again. So, for the second time I'm now alone, aside from my kids, who are again living with their mom. I try to get to see them as much as I'm able, but with school and the frantic searching for work I really don't get much time to see them as I'd like to.
Speaking of work, I really.. REALLY need to find a job. For those of you who are inclined, I wouldn't frown if some prayers were sent up in my stead for me to find some kind of employment. I'm searching daily, plus using temporary hiring agencies, and the employment services of the school, but so far there's been no joy in Mudville for this blogger.
I hope to start writing a bit more frequently as I get a handle on my schedule and whatnot, but as of now all I can promise is the occasional post while I struggle with the juggling I have to do to get money in my pocket and scribbleing of answers on my homework papers.
Best wishes to all of you, and thanks for the read!
As of yesterday, I became single yet once again. So, for the second time I'm now alone, aside from my kids, who are again living with their mom. I try to get to see them as much as I'm able, but with school and the frantic searching for work I really don't get much time to see them as I'd like to.
Speaking of work, I really.. REALLY need to find a job. For those of you who are inclined, I wouldn't frown if some prayers were sent up in my stead for me to find some kind of employment. I'm searching daily, plus using temporary hiring agencies, and the employment services of the school, but so far there's been no joy in Mudville for this blogger.
I hope to start writing a bit more frequently as I get a handle on my schedule and whatnot, but as of now all I can promise is the occasional post while I struggle with the juggling I have to do to get money in my pocket and scribbleing of answers on my homework papers.
Best wishes to all of you, and thanks for the read!
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Dedication..
Well, I'm writing again, just to say that I'm here, still kicking, and trying to get things done.
I'm doing well in school. I never really thought I'd enjoy it, but being one of the oldest guys in the classroom does tend to bring out the competative side in me. I refuse to let these young bucks think that they can have their cake and eat it too!
This Christmas was a bit disappointing for me, but at least I am able to move into the New Year with my head high, and full of hope.
I was able to get a couple of things for each of my kids, and I was able to meet expectations for bills. I'm still unemployed, so there's no income to help, but I have been able to find work from day to day and help defray the worries of making ends meet. I only hope some kind of employment rears it's ugly head at some point so that I can stop chasing my tail very shortly.
For quite a few years, I was always told that I wouldn't make it in school. That I needed to get a job that would teach me a trade, and then get on with my life. I was told that even though I'm an intelligent person, I just am not cut out for classrooms, and needed to put actions in place of lessons.
Now, I find that all to be a bit insulting.
I can do whatever I put my mind to. If I want to study, I study. If I want to work, I work. If I want to sleep, I sleep. If I want to stay up to ungodly hours typing on my computer for a blog, then so be it!
I dictate my actions, my actions do NOT dictate me. Other people do not tell me how to live my life. There are only three people who can influence my actions, and they honestly don't know about it.
Because of this, I am working hard at making a better life not only for myself, but for them as well. I only hope that at some point the work won't seem like work, but more like something I can easily do, and choose to do because it's right, and not a chore.
Here's to hope..
Hoping that you and yours have a very Merry Christmas, and best wishes in the New Year!
I'm doing well in school. I never really thought I'd enjoy it, but being one of the oldest guys in the classroom does tend to bring out the competative side in me. I refuse to let these young bucks think that they can have their cake and eat it too!
This Christmas was a bit disappointing for me, but at least I am able to move into the New Year with my head high, and full of hope.
I was able to get a couple of things for each of my kids, and I was able to meet expectations for bills. I'm still unemployed, so there's no income to help, but I have been able to find work from day to day and help defray the worries of making ends meet. I only hope some kind of employment rears it's ugly head at some point so that I can stop chasing my tail very shortly.
For quite a few years, I was always told that I wouldn't make it in school. That I needed to get a job that would teach me a trade, and then get on with my life. I was told that even though I'm an intelligent person, I just am not cut out for classrooms, and needed to put actions in place of lessons.
Now, I find that all to be a bit insulting.
I can do whatever I put my mind to. If I want to study, I study. If I want to work, I work. If I want to sleep, I sleep. If I want to stay up to ungodly hours typing on my computer for a blog, then so be it!
I dictate my actions, my actions do NOT dictate me. Other people do not tell me how to live my life. There are only three people who can influence my actions, and they honestly don't know about it.
Because of this, I am working hard at making a better life not only for myself, but for them as well. I only hope that at some point the work won't seem like work, but more like something I can easily do, and choose to do because it's right, and not a chore.
Here's to hope..
Hoping that you and yours have a very Merry Christmas, and best wishes in the New Year!
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Changes!
Well, it's final. I filed papers, and in January, I become single yet again!
However, I'm not one to just sit around and mope. No, I decide to do things when I'm frustrated and irritated.
What did I do this time you might ask?
Only got myself into debt about $50k.
That's right. This old man is going back to school.
I can't believe it, and to be honest it scares me a bit. I mean, I like school, but I was never really good at paying attention and following rules ordered to me by someone who never really stepped outside of a classroom to actually put what they preach into action.
The "do as I say, not as I do" approach doesn't work with parenting, so why should some professor expect it to work in life??
Anyway, that's my goal, and I'm hoping for a fresh start, and new opportunities to make something more of myself not only for me, but for my kids as well.
Only time will tell, and I'm of the mindset that nothing can stop me now but myself.
Here's to hoping that I don't stop!
However, I'm not one to just sit around and mope. No, I decide to do things when I'm frustrated and irritated.
What did I do this time you might ask?
Only got myself into debt about $50k.
That's right. This old man is going back to school.
I can't believe it, and to be honest it scares me a bit. I mean, I like school, but I was never really good at paying attention and following rules ordered to me by someone who never really stepped outside of a classroom to actually put what they preach into action.
The "do as I say, not as I do" approach doesn't work with parenting, so why should some professor expect it to work in life??
Anyway, that's my goal, and I'm hoping for a fresh start, and new opportunities to make something more of myself not only for me, but for my kids as well.
Only time will tell, and I'm of the mindset that nothing can stop me now but myself.
Here's to hoping that I don't stop!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
