16 October 2012

Saying "no"

Sometimes saying no is a good thing.   It means that one loves themselves enough to know there are limits and boundaries they are not willing to cross.  And once it is said, it ought to be respected.

No thanks....

This is an email I wrote to a cousin, whose family I have discovered I want nothing to do with.  Those issues involve race, class, morals and ethics, which could be a best selling book.  She found me on Facebook -- again.  I had to remind her of my wishes.

Dear Renelita,

Please respect that I wish not to have contact with you and your family.

When I found out certain things -- some of which I knew, some I didn't -- I decided I cannot have that kind of drama in my life.  I have too much in my professional life, I do not need it in my personal life.  Which means I do not wish to have contact with you or your family.

I owe it to my mother -- God rest her soul in heaven -- to meet and get to know you.  But I do not want to be hurt or used like she was when she was alive.  My life is full of hurt and pain, which I do not wish to be subject to anymore.  I want to be happy, and having contact with you will not enhance my happiness.

Thank you.  Please do not contact me anymore.

10 October 2012

Take some responsbility!

Do people know how to read, ask questions, do their research, comprehend the information they are being given? Geez people! Have we turned into a bunch of brainless, useless drones?

I am tired of people assuming things they shouldn't, not reading the fine print, asking questions, or taking the time to understand what's being read or heard.  People need to take responsibility -- and not force the information giver into this trap -- for understanding these things, concepts or ideas before they commit to them, make a purchase, or 'objectively' come to a conclusion. 

Without the ability for critical and independent thinking, we will turn into brainless, useless drones, much like the outsourced workers overseas answering our customer service lines when we call.  Unable to think outside the box, unable to see that there are truly ways around obstacles, and unable to understand that things are not as black and white as they seem or supposedly should be.

Even the converse pisses me off.  The lack of information, transparency and the attitude of working with the information given is pretty bad.  This leads to assumptions, and the attitude of being forced to believe that the information available is gospel.  Most of the time, it can be.  However there are people don't take the initiative to ask questions, because apparently "That's all there is to know".  

Sure whatever. 

Don't blame me if your mind refuses to work a little harder to be a little better informed.  It just shows that you're lazy and really don't care until it affects you.

It tis a dangerous thing being a drone.

08 October 2012

People and their bad juju

I just don't have time to deal with those who think that their behavior is acceptable, when it really isn't. I just don't want to be around those people, as they are engaging in a type of negativity that is damaging. My life is full of many different types of bad juju, I don't need other people's on my plate either.

Shop creepiness

Processing the never ending mound of eBay orders late last night. Leaving the shop, turning off the lights, I noticed a glow from one of the shelves. Was it a creature waiting to devour me? Was it a spirit of a former occupant? Was it a fire waiting to happen? No, it was glow in the dark makeup. Tee hee!

01 October 2012

Ann Coulter is a moron!

This from Upworthy....

This proves that Ann Coulter is a dumb white cunt.  Not to throw race in it, but I really hate it when white people think that they are the experts on the race issue, it shows that they are really clueless like this idiot.  They can be empathetic and supportive, but they should never dare to speak for us and our struggles.  Those who 'advocate' in the manner that Ms Coulter is in this segment, needs to open their eyes and see how hurtful and harmful they are really being.

I guess what makes this infuriating is that her 'authoritative' stance comes from her white, presumably upper class privilege.  She doesn't understand that engaging in this really messed up power play really hurts people nor does she understand how it hurts people.

Read and watch:  Ann Coulter Tries To Tell Whoopi Goldberg How Black People Feel About Things. It Does Not Go Well.

30 September 2012

A baby shower cake

I have no idea how appropriate this cake is for the occasion, but its funny! Thanks Kristen!

Halloween Glut

So driving around town, I noticed that there were at least 8 Halloween stores within a 5 mile radius. That doesn't include my shop, Target and Wal-Mart, and all the arts and craft shops. And there's 2 Spirit Halloween stores within 3 miles of each other.

I understand that the Halloween industry is a $13 billion industry. But this is overkill. No one is going to make the dinero people think they are going to make.

21 September 2012

A joke

I noticed driving on I-4, that people can't center their cars in the lanes. Instead, they tend to drive towards the left side of the lanes. Does this mean they are left-leaning?

(insert moan and throw tomatoes here)

20 September 2012

Facebook post

Here's something I posted on Facebook today:

Just helped someone register to vote. Remember that we all need to exercise our voice to get the government we want and speaks for the will of the majority.

Here's a conversation that ensued.  It wasn't good or bad, it was voicing frustration at the system as it is, and the importance of holding on to the ideal that voting is important.

Person PLEASE show me a candidate worth voting for instead of the lessor of two evils.
 
Me  Until the state of American politics changes, it will continue to be the lessor of both evils. Until things change, we, regardless of our beliefs, must use our vote and voice, to start a conversation about the direction we, collectively as a nation, want to take.
 
Person Drew, I agree with you to a point, However, I have always felt that to vote for someone is the same as me saying I approve of them. I cannot even begin to say I approve of either candidate.
 
Me For me it was like choosing the iPad or Kindle Fire. I chose the Kindle because, despite certain things, it was the best way to go for the money and I'm a diehard Apple fan. We all have to make value judgements, and that doesn't mean approval or acceptance. It's about what will work.  In my old age, I've learned that it is important to be pragmatic and prudent.

-----
 
So if he wants candidates worth voting, he should consider doing the following:
--Become a candidate himself.  We currently have the left and the far right covered.  We're missing center, center right and center left.  (Americans will never go to the far left on principle.)
--Start another political party.  See above.
--Become an activist and start lobbying politicians and educate the public that change is necessary.
 
Basically, the point is:  
People need to be a part of solving of a problem or effecting change.  Their inaction or apathy makes them part of the problem.   I don't care if they're marching in protests once a week or engaging in laptop activism.  At least they're doing something to make it better.
 
 
 

Help someone register to vote....

I did!

It was interesting.  It was a conversation with someone about the state of politics today.  Then I mentioned that they should exercise to their right to vote. 

This person didn't even know who was running for president.  I said, just remember -- the black guy is President Obama, and the white guy is Mitt Romney.  You want to consider Obama as your guy.

This person asked, why?

As a student with student loans, and still under your parent's health insurance, a Romney government would change a few things about your loans and your ability to have insurance.  Since this person was also worked for one of the theme parks here in Orlando, they do have access to insurance, but their parent's plan is a lot better.

This person said that they have never voted before. 

Well, I said, turning to my laptop, it's easy.  I found the Orange County Supervisor of Elections website, clicked a few buttons, and the voter registration form appeared.  I even said I'd give them the envelope and stamp for it.

It's important to exercise the right to vote.  Many people in many countries, including ours, have fought and died for the right to vote.  It is one of the few ways we can legally have a say in the governance in our nation.

And if you can help someone to register to vote, especially in Florida, it is important.  Especially since our worthless governor, has instituted voter suppression tactics.  (Thank god the Republican Party is in the process of writing him off!)

15 September 2012

James Taylor Sings "Romney & Bain" ("Fire & Rain" Parody) - Jimmy Fallon

A Vagina Monologue



It's my body....  Hers, rather....

Wrong Direction's "Disclosure" - A Full Frontal Freedom production



 

A parody of New Directions "Beautiful", a commentary on Mitt Romney.  Well, the guys are doing what they can for the cause....  Yum!

Thank you!

After getting my hair colored to hide the grey, massaged so my muscles are relaxed, had my traditional hot pot meal, and had as much Bud Light as I can stomach,  I'd like to say:
 

Thank you all once more for the birthday wishes whether by email, Facebook post, text or phone call. It means so much to me knowing that you all are, in one form or another, part of my life. Especially for an 40-something that still looks and sometimes acts like a 20-something! Love and hugs to you all....

14 September 2012

Happy Birthday to me!






Happy Birthday to me!

No on 8

https://www.facebook.com/VoteNoOn8

Wow!  I didn't know this stuff was going on in my home state! 

06 September 2012

Hot Pot In Orlando

www.hottopotto.com

I liked the atmosphere.  The food is great, though not quite what I'm used to, from Hong Kong.  I miss Saan Gam (Puffed Tofu Balls), Kobe beef, and salted fish skins with my hot pot.

But I've learned to enjoy the dining experience for what it is, as every restaurant, every city, and even ingredients are going to be different.


Navigating politics with friends on Facebook can be tricky

Dear Abby,
I have this friend that habitually posts stuff on social media reflecting his personal views.  Isn't social media supposed to be social?
Unfriended

Dear Unfriended,
Read this article from the Orlando Sentinel.  Click on the link to read.
Navigating politics with friends on Facebook can be tricky

(Drew's note:  I'm trying to be cute about such an unpleasant topic.)

02 September 2012

Have an opinion....

Just have an opinion, and not be afraid to voice it, right or wrong. If it gets shot down, it gets shot down. If it turns out to be an inspiring rallying cry, then it does. And just like performing, it's hard to talk about one's feelings out loud, so be supportive, even if you don't agree or understand. It's OK. We as a society need to recreate that space where one can voice their opinion freely, without the world converging upon them and suffocating them because they don't agree.