What Grinds My Gears....a Tribute

Sorry it's been a while since I've posted, I guess once it stopped being a requirement I just....well, stopped. With all that is going on, it may be good for me to get back into blogging (if you can call it that, maybe amateur blogging?) Anyways, you be the judge....

Well, to start off, Julianna’s godfather likes to post tidbits on FB regarding What Grinds (his) Gears….so I thought it only be fitting to pay tribute to him and his wisdom and share some of my own tidbits.

A couple days ago, an old school friend posted on FB that she was pulled over for a seatbelt ticket (obviously she isn’t in AZ since that’s a secondary violation) on her way to Church. She complained how it was the first time in 16 years that she had been pulled over, and “doesn’t the cop know her kids need stuff for school?” (JFI: the ticket I guess if $60) And that he “wasted her time because she was on her way to Church.” Oh, and can’t forget how she thought the Cop “needed to go to church himself.” 

First off, I will do anything in my power to defend our brothers and sisters in blue. (that is unless they were truly in the wrong, which of course, is few and far between) Heaven forbid a person do the job they were hired (and in this case SWORN) to do. I forgot that police officers were only supposed to do what WE want and enforce the laws WE feel are necessary. 

She then proceeded to post how the last ticket she received was for speeding and the “idiot cop was in front of her, she was going 80-something, and he wrote her for 60-something….he didn’t even know how fast (she) was going.” Again, obviously a waste of time. 

Besides the “unnecessary” bashing, what really grinds my gears is the fact she kept throwing out the fact she was on her way to Church, or Church this, Church that. I am all for those that attend Church and have faith, but how can someone say they are a God-fearing person, living by the Bible, and bash another human being (without cause, not that it matters). 

I am ALL for venting, but there is no need, never a need to put another person down in the process. It’s not like he cited her for doing something she DIDN’T do….he was DOING HIS JOB! Oh, and a job not many would do. Most get paid shit, and horrible hours, risk their lives for ungrateful pieces of “work” like my example. And the most important, he was upholding the law he was sworn to stand behind. HE DID NOT create the law, so don’t bash him for it…seriously. Anyone who has to say “well, there’s more important things….he could be out catching murders instead of pulling me over for a broken taillight….” needs to take a hard look in the mirror and ask themselves why they are so darn special that the law doesn’t apply to them? 

A final word for the evening (ok, who am I kidding….morning), take responsibility for YOUR actions! Quit blaming others, quit blaming society, and quit blaming anything other THAN YOURSELF! YOU broke the law no one MADE you do it! And for goodness sake, please don’t blame the cop who caught you!

So much news....so little time....sigh

This is the final blog for my class, but I am sure I will try to continue to post (since I know you LOVE reading what I have to say)

Although this week there is so much on my mind, so many topics to choose from….so forgive me in advance for my random ramblings this week.

On the top of everyone’s mind is the killing of Osama (Usama) Bin Laden (by the way, Usama is believed to be the “literal” translation) I am glad he is dead; I know it may sound wrong to wish death on someone, but he has hurt soooo many people. What he ready deserved though, was to be tortured, and to receive a slow and agonizing death. 

Another topic on the minds of Arizonans, at least those in the Phoenix area, is the death/killing of a local Buckeye officer. This brutal slaying just shows how heartless criminals can be. They have absolutely no regard for life. It is especially affecting the community of Buckeye because the slain officer was also an SRO (School Resource Officer) which means he was on campus to assist the students. These officers (both men and women) give their lives each and every day they work; even when they’re not “working” they are still “on duty”. And I especially hate those that have no regard for how hard they work, and the sacrifices they make so we can be safe. Not ALL cops are bad apples, not ALL cops ignore the Constitution and Civil Liberties. We need to RESPECT authority! These are jobs that not everyone could do, not everyone can be a cop. It’s a tough tough job, just like teachers, nurses, doctors, firefighters and others. Jobs no one wants and only a select few can fill. May the officer rest in peace knowing he has done his job to the fullest. And may the injured officer have a speedy recovery. The last I heard the dirtbag who ran is in custody. May the officers get the justice they deserve!

I’ve also thought about potty training this week and other disciplines (for your child). I’ve been losing my temper a lot lately, and I know it doesn’t do any good for my daughter; but I’m sure we can all agree, it’s really hard sometimes. My daughter is almost 3 and is “barely” potty training. She still wears diapers to bed (to prevent accidents) and she will sometimes wear a diaper in public (or at home with me) but for the most part she is going on the potty. Can’t wait til she can do it 100% by herself (right now she needs us to “help” her in the restroom)

Oh, and I got her ears pierced a couple weeks ago too. She LOVES them. I thought hubby would be mad at me, but instead he was excited that she looks more like a girl now (she has short hair) my dad, however, thought my mom and I were idiots for doing it. I guess because Jules is so young and was it really “her decision” to do it. And of course because my hubby and I have to “take care” of them. But it’s what she wanted, she has been asking my mom and I to get pretty earrings for a while now. J And it turns out she was ready; she did SUPER and has done so well keeping up on them. Score one for moms!

And lastly there’s the matter of motivation. I have just completely LACKED in that area for a while now. I’m not sure what it is. I don’t know if it’s an imbalance, or what. I really need to get a handle on it though, I have my last weeks of the semester (next week is it for Spring) and then I only  have 2 semesters left til I graduate. I have cleaning to do; it’s not fair my hubby come home and cleans after working all day (outside of the home). Granted, he is always telling me taking care of our daughter is FT time, many would agree, some would disagree, and I still feel I should be able to maintain the home. I feel like less of a mom/woman not being able to keep up on household chores (and here I sit writing a blog lol) Oh well, maybe this new month will bring change, I certainly hope so. Our one goal we can both agree on is moving into a house (another rental though, sigh) instead of staying in this apartment. I’m hoping that will help alleviate some challenges, although it will bring about others (a tad bit more expensive) Good luck! Right? J

Being "green" IS "easy"!!

I saw this article last week and thought about my own recycling habits.  I used to think it was a “pain” to lug around my reusable bags and oftentimes forgot them in my house. Then, I started keeping them in my trunk and I forgot less and less. It really helps too when the store gives you a “discount” for using a reusable bag,

               Growing up we’ve always recycled. My dad always had a separate can for our recyclables and would “yell” at us if we accidentally threw something out in the garbage. When we lived in Surprise, I was upset to find out they didn’t accept glass in their recycle program. I guess I just don’t understand why a plant will accept one “thing” but doesn’t accept another. Is it different to recycle/sort glass products?

               That’s why I was so glad to move to Peoria, and even then our apartment complex started recycling as well (they didn’t at first). And still better yet! They have a trash collection service! So all I have to do is put my garbage in a white bag and my recyclables into a black bag! I have NO excuse to not recycle…

               I think everyone should recycle. There really is no excuse!! 

               What do you think about some places “banning” plastic bags? I believe I heard about it in Cali. I know I’ve seen a few stores in my area that “recycle” the plastic bags (which aren’t usually recyclable in normal recycle programs) which I think is an excellent start. 

               Anything we can do to reduce our consumables and footprint on this earth will be better in the longrun for everyone. In Arizona I think we could utilize what we have an over-abundance of, SUNLIGHT! Why don’t we have more solar-powered items? I know ASU West just installed a BUNCH of solar panels on a project (I believe funded through APS) and they also combined it with covered parking. Now that’s what we should be doing!

Bipolar Disorder

               This article caught my eye on AOL news today. It was especially “attractive” because I know someone who is bi-polar, more specifically, it’s a family member. It’s not something that is “easily” talked about or even easily recognized. That is another reason why I liked this article; it talks about some of the signs to look for.

               When you think or talk about bi-polar disorder, it’s more than just someone being depressed over a life event. Bi-polar disorder is something that is chronic and lasts from a few weeks, to months, to longer. A person can have depression without the manic episodes (and therefore would not be diagnosed as bi-polar) but sometimes a person does have manic episodes. When someone is having a manic episode it isn’t just them being in a “good” mood. They may talk quickly, jump from one thought to another, jump from one task to another (possibly without finishing the first task), and they can also participate in potentially dangerous activities as well (such as taking risks, engaging in impulsive sexual activities, or even go on spending sprees) That is why it is so very important to be able to recognize the signs and assist them in seeking help for their disorder. 

               Do you know someone, or are you bi-polar? Have you been clinically diagnosed or is it a self-diagnosis? What have you done to help “manage” the symptoms? Do you find that there are certain triggers for your episodes (mania and depression)? Such as stress?

               Oftentimes disorders will come in “pairs” or more, such as depression and anxiety, etc. Some of the symptoms may not be so “clear cut”. It’s important to speak to a professional, and it never hurts just to talk to someone and get information.