Was That Comment Supposed to Make Me Feel Better?

          I am so amazed by the ignorance and the gullibility of some people.  Just after we started phase one (which by the way did not nor does not apply to the entire state as there are currently seven counties still on lockdown.  Since the protests started there has been an increase in numbers with those counties entering phase two come Monday.  Really?  We are still going forward opening the essentials such as bowling alleys and movie cinemas.  Really? 

          Shortly after Nevada started phase one Corey had sent a text out to all family members that three of Joh’s family had tested positive for COVID.  That has snowballed into five.  Normally I don’t comment on facebook posts when my opinion differs with that which is posted, but I was saddened and not excited by the opening of phase 1.  An acquaintance had posted about the opening of different resteraunts.  I did not share her enthusiasm but posted my thoughts on social distancing.  I believe Joh’s brothers were working the frontline and were infected by others who had not bothered to protect themselves.  My acquaintance came back with this reply: 

Really?  Did she really believe her words would offer comfort?  Did she think that spending countless days and weeks in the hospital would be okay whether it meant death or not?  I know that I have been guilty of this myself when I was an ignorant youth.  I hope that I have matured since then.  I do know how to check references.  I would have thought she would have had written a few essays sometime during her life.  But I have no proof of her ever checking sources.  I wonder which four of her family members she would pick to have this "undeadly" disease. I had to stop following her before the end of the month. 

Jenna had suggested to me to join the page “Worldwide Fast” when it was called that.   The name has been changed to “Worldwide Unified” and has almost 600,000 members.  It’s great to have so much support, faith, prayers, thoughts of healing.  Yesterday I shared this thought:

 I am overwhelmed by the support of so many.  Most of the names I see belong to people I have yet to meet.  What an amazing group.

 

Sidenote:  Just so my readers are aware I am taking a break from the internet for a couple of weeks.  That means I won’t be posting anything to facebook or here for a while.  I just need a break.  Don’t we all?

Under Whose Authority?

They don’t look anything alike,

but their ruling seems similar. 

Donald Trump promoted HATE before

he was voted into office – and yet

there were so many who

really believed in his promise to

make Germany America “great again”

 

Now there are Nazis protester movements

in other countries – supporting a cause

that should never have been an issue.

It should not matter if we are black, Jewish

Chinese, American, Italian, red, orange, green

Whatever!

We are all a part of the human race – even

though some may act like they’re not.

I hope the protesters in other countries are

more peaceful and don’t end in violent riots.

 

Our nation has a curfew just as those

during World War II.

Hitler wanted to keep his people

in the dark by taking away their radios,

limiting their transportation, taking away

any freedoms that may have existed.

Trump wants to do the same thing. 

He sends messages to the nation by

texting so that everybody with a

cell phone (or a smart phone anyway)

so they will see his message.

 

He doesn’t want citizens to have the right

to vote by mail.  That would mess up

his corrupted system. He wants to

get rid of facebook and twitter

as thought that is his right.

 

It isn’t just American’s who use

social media.  It’s a worldwide thing

for those who can afford it.

There will always be hackers

and creators.  People will find

a way to communicate.  If he

can use a system that will control

all private cell phones couldn’t another? 

Say someone smarter than him? 

Which is just about everybody.

 

And yet he’s part of the plan that

I had heard about since my youth.

It’s got to end.  Surely there couldn’t

be that many Trump supporters to

keep him in office again.

To keep our nation from

broken

 

to repaired.

Fire Season Around the Corner

There are patches of green throughout the county. 

But now a lot of brown and dry. 

And winds which could easily spread a fire.

COVID, earthquakes, floods, hornets, riots

 

Bring it on!

Invitation Answers post 2

         A year in April I had started a class called Sociology of Ageism.  A class that seemed more to do with life than with career choice. It was during this class that I was able to meet one of my favorite instructors that I had during my three years online.  She was really quite animated and did her entire lecture with the camera on. 

          I had seen other instructors use the camera before the lecture started, but not for the entire lecture.  I don’t know how many students watched the video.  I was the only one present for her live lectures.  I had become familiar with Zoom during those three years at school.  I did not realize that this year it would be an essential for so many.

          I’ve had several instructors who cared about their students as well as the subject they were teaching.  I didn’t have many who didn’t seem to care, but I do remember a couple that didn’t seem like they wanted to be there and expressed a “whatever” attitude.  But at times I understood the tone in their voice.  Either the subject was boring or else they just weren’t getting the feedback that they were looking for.

          I think it was during my last year that the students were required to elaborate on the quote of an instructor and to ask a question related to the lecture.  Thus I was forced to take notes which actually helped me to retain more.  What a concept, right?

          I have written posts about many of the classes that I had taken.  Some I did not.  I can’t seem to find any mention of my entrepreneur assignments.  I think entrepreneurship is the American Dream for many, but not for me.  I never wanted to own a business or invent something in order to gain profit.  There are so many advertisements right now that are related to Covid19 or current situation.  Some offer product out of concern for their clients but I think overall companies are taking advantage of marketing by preying on weaknesses or necessities even that volunteers have given but of course the company product is much better and so you should buy.

          I never did take the marketing class that was a part of the agenda when I had first started taking courses.  The agenda was changed and the marketing class was removed.  In Salt Lake marketing was always in my face.  In this little town of Myrtle Creek, only a handful of people understand what marketing is.

Invitation Answers post 1

          It has been less than a year since I graduated from the online college that I attended.  Recently I received an email from the school with an interest in candid photos in which I could share my personal story.  I am usually the one behind the camera – or was.  Jenna has taken over that job and has taken countless photos.  I don’t know that any of them say “success” as far as “look where our student is now”. 

          Included was a list of questions which I was more interested in answering with words than with photos.  The first five wanted reasons about why I had gone to college – specifically their school.  Umm . . . because my husband is an underpaid employee who works for your company and thus we took advantage of getting an expensive education for his time. 

          Roland had majored in graphic arts when we were living in Utah.  He was also working from home.  He would spend hours on end at the computer – though he had initially said that the university only expects you to sign in four days a week and then you’re only on the computer for a couple of hours.  NOT true.  He spent more time on the computer with his assignments than he did for work – or so it seemed.  Actually he didn’t.  But he did spend more than 18 hours a week with graphic arts. 

          Graphic arts may be a more demanding field than accounting – especially since he asked to have two classes at a time.  Sometimes two classes felt overwhelming to me – but often one class wasn’t enough for me personally.  I don’t know how people working full time were able to manage.

           I chose accounting – not because I love business and figures.  I don’t.  But I certainly wasn’t willing to go into business or graphic arts.  The other alternative was health care which I believe has to have hands on classes as well.  I mean, it’s not like you can lean into the screen and demonstrate CPR or check vitals or what have you.  I have been trying to balance our personal budget since before Roland and I were married.  I figured maybe I could learn to apply things into my own personal records without actually seeking work in that field. 

           The first two courses I had were computer basics and learning soft skills.  Although I seemed to butt heads with the instructor of the latter, and really didn’t understand why the class was a requirement at first, I did learn from it.  As I have mentioned countless times, my favorite classes had absolutely no connection to accounting other than life skills and the “how to”s for working with people.  I applied these principals into my church callings and later on as a teacher’s aide with the school district.  I had even allowed myself to use my current situations to apply to whatever I happened to be learning.  I truly learned a lot.  Particularly about referencing.  I may have not appreciated it at the time but with all the hoax postings and gullible friends, it has become quite apparent who understands what reliable sources are and who remains clueless. 

                   I have brainstormed over many of these questions and have three pages of notes which should make for at least three more posts.  I don’t wish to ignore what is going on in the states but don’t wish to dwell on it either.  Trump’s promise to “make America great again” has been no different thah Hitler’s promise to Austria or Germany.  Did you know that swastika used to be a symbol of peace? But Hitler was quick about changing that concept. (see here) I know many of my friends already view the American flag in a similar manner.  Trump did not make America great again.  It’s been torn apart since before he got into office.  The tears are bloody and fiery now.

Thoughts Triggered in Just Two Minutes on Facebook

There was a post from Joh pleading for his family with an attachment for gofundme.  Both Corey and Joh are aware that it is a hard time for everybody and raising money has been an issue for everyone towards one cause or another and probably struggling themselves.  I reposted his gofundme plea along with my own words that his mom and I share the same birthday.  I was able to enjoy eating cake and playing games.  She could not.  She has been in the hospital for two weeks.

          The next post I saw was a mother and a son spending time in an amusement park enjoying themselves while social distancing.  They were on a ride in the air.  The ride itself offers a large space between each “lift”  -  my first thought was, “Yes, there’s an essential – to open the amusement parks” but I did not leave my snarky comment.  Outdoor activities seem like they are less risky than indoor.

This particular family who had gone to the amusement park has had a hard go at staying afloat.  Perhaps someone had given them complimentary tickets.  Perhaps someone could see their need for something that I don’t fully understand.  Perhaps she had some pressing issues that she needed a break from and saw the amusement park as an opportunity to do so.  I have never walked in their shoes and hope not to.  I have never walked in Joh’s shoes either.  I just feel closer to his situation as he is family.

          His father had passed away in June 2013.  Two months later my mom passed.  Both had dementia.  Joh’s mother had offered to take in my mom.  Of course that did not come to pass.  I have always been appreciative of her offer – as well as Corey who told me about her offer.

          Next post was Corey’s concerns that aren’t COVID related.  So many racial prejudices and slanders going on our country right now.  He shared these words by Langston Hughes:

 

"What happens to a dream deferred?
Does it dry up
like a raisin in the sun?
Or fester like a sore—
And then run?
Does it stink like rotten meat?
Or crust and sugar over—
like a syrupy sweet?

Maybe it just sags
like a heavy load.

Or does it explode?"

 

          Have we learned nothing while in this pandemic?  I think some of us have grown stronger while others have been creating a past that shouldn’t be forgotten but certainly not embraced.  Why do these things have to happen? 

 

          And then I come across this post.  Seriously?  Who’s bright idea was this?  Have they ever been to a public school classroom?  How is anybody supposed to learn in this kind of environment?  Can you feel the depression? 

          Another post shows a woman in the pool happy to be in the swimming pool on an overly warm day.  Not me.  There is no way I am getting into a public swimming pool any time this year. I’d feel like I was climbing into a giant petri dish. 

           We can try putting ourselves in the shoes of another but still will never fully understand their point of view or why they do certain things or why they don’t.  I am amazed by the actions of others.

A Chocolate Birthday

         Tossing and turning because I was hot.  It isn’t right for the weather to be so warm on my birthday – especially when you consider the start of the month was always overcast – sometimes raining. 

            The wind has been blowing – even though it’s been warm.  The winds have been cool – but not cool enough to keep us from turning on the A/C.

            I finally left the room at 3:45.  Jenna said “Happy Birthday, mommy!”  quite loudly. 

I’d forgotten it was my birthday – even though I had been reminded of it last night when I called the RS pres. 

My stomach was growling.  I had a glazed doughnut as Roland had brought them home and we have to eat them before they go stale – right?

Jenna bopped into the living room about 15 minutes later bearing gifts wrapped in Christmas paper.  I was not allowed to open any of them until Roland joined us – which wasn’t until four hours later. Meanwhile she played an array of music beginning with “Celebration” by Kool and the Gang.  Jenna never seems to love her own birthday as her enthusiasm increases for others’ birthdays.  She seemed particularly excited for my birthday yesterday.

Before I opened the gifts, Roland, Jenna and Alexa sang “Happy Birthday” to me. We didn’t take any pictures of me opening the gifts.  The first one Jenna handed me was a bag (which was a birthday bag) that contained two puzzles – one which I was certain I could finish in just one day and another hard looking one that I’m not as anxious to start to be honest. 

We still have another puzzle that is too long for our table.  I would like to put that one together. 

After I opened the puzzles, Jenna handed me a large box which contained wireless keyboard and mouse.  I now have three keyboards, though the oldest I will be throwing away as it is temperamental about if it wants to work or not depending on what position I have it in.  I cannot deal with it and have been using a smaller keyboard that I kept around for the laptop (as I prefer a raised keyboard to the built-in flat that frustrates me whenever I accidentally touch something that wipes out my screen) though number 7 has been sticking for quite some time and now the letter C seems to be having a mild attitude also. 

the paper she had used for the keyboard didn't quite make it
all around the box, so she taped this piece onto it to patch it up

The last gift was a game Jenna had picked out – one that we decided to play right away.  

 Of course she skunked me.

 I signed in to facebook to comment on a message my brother had left me.  While there I also said a thank you to those who had sent birthday greetings.  

I heard Jenna unloading the dishwasher, singing, and baking a cake.  Well, I didn’t actually hear her making it.  I heard her set the timer for it.  And then she started a conversation with Alexa and eventually triggered the 'echo' in my room to join in.  Thus I returned to the kitchen.

I don’t know if Melanie stopped by before or after the cake.  She brought me some flowers and four candy bars with the message:

You bring a mountain of joy wherever you go.  I really scored 100 grand when I got you as a RS counselor.

Randy, my youngest son, had called to wish me happy birthday and after I hung up with him, Roland said I had to come and get some cake.  They put three candles on the cake and sang “Happy Birthday” for a second time (but without Alexa) and we had cake at 9:00 a.m.

German chocolate cake with German chocolate frosting

But do not fret thinking I ate so poorly on my birthday.  Before we ended the “Meme” game, Jenna and I both had bowls of Cheerios and after cake we had scrambled eggs and sausage links.

 Jenna and I put the Mickey Mouse puzzle together in just a couple of hours.  It was a challenge using three different size puzzle pieces.  Though Minnie, Mickey and Donald seemed to work up rather quickly, Goofy and Pluto did not. (What am I talking about?  Jenna really did the majority of the puzzle)

My eldest son, Biff called to wish me happy birthday while we were putting the puzzle together.  Meanwhile I really enjoyed Jenna's enthusiasm as we listened to music and swayed and danced to a wide assortment of songs.

After Roland got off work we went to the big city of Roseburg where the majority of personal were wearing masks but the majority of clients were not.  No such thing (or room) for social distancing at some places.  Though some businesses have started to open in phase one most summer activities have been cancelled. No summer fairs, outdoor movies (which I would think would be safer than the indoor cinema if that should open) and music in the park. 

We stopped off at Arby's on the way home.  After we returned we played another game of "What Do You Meme" this time with Roland.  My other son, Tony, was the last of my boys to call with his birthday wish.

What an odd year.