I have had a tumultuous couple of weeks and I have neglected this blog. My apologies.
The good news is that I finally have a part time job. But it has resulted in me neglecting some things at home while getting my training squared away and also hopefully taking on another part time job so that I can more readily support my household.
SS is working on school stuff and the animals and I have been taking every opportunity to sleep while that is occurring. But I finally have some time off so I am hopefully going to start a couple of new projects.
I finished a scarf I was knitting for SS's birthday and feeling confident about how that turned out I'm hopefully going to start something a bit more challenging in the days to come. I also got a new bike to ride to work, I nearly side swiped a car while testing it in the parking lot so here's hoping I remember how to ride one! Fingers crossed!
The weather has cooled down quite a bit. The trees are loosing their leaves far too fast to sit back and enjoy it for some reason. We'll have to go for a brisk walk soon so we can take it all in before its too late. I'm hoping to get some cooking and baking under my belt in the days to come. As soon as I decide what I want to make. Something autumnal for sure, and vegan of course. Any suggestions?
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Sunday, October 16, 2011
Friday, September 23, 2011
Privilege and racial profiling
Something has been bothering me since September 11th this year. As this year was the tenth anniversary everyone was on edge. I find the whole affair exhausting since I find it hard to focus on the everyone come together patriotism camaraderie of it and tend to think about how difficult it has been for everyone in the aftermath with the increase in security efforts, racial profiling, and increase in American forces "spreading democracy" overseas.
What has been bothering me is this ordeal of the Jewish-Arab woman who, flying on 9/11 this year was among a couple of other people, was racially profiled by someone and was then escorted off the plane. Her story has been getting a lot of attention lately, especially by news sources such as CNN but it seems presented in a way that I find disturbing.
What frustrates me about this situation is that it seems as if her situation has attracted more attention because she is also Jewish, which puts her accuser and the law enforcing officials in a difficult place. In a time when President Obama is being criticized by Republican Presidential candidates for not being supportive enough to Israel everyone is so scared to be anti-semitic that although other people were indeed in this situation they haven't even been discussed.
Why in the ten years since 9/11 do we still think there isn't something wrong with a system that racially profiles innocent people. And if someone who seems even slightly white is accused of acts of terrorism it is all of a sudden a shameful thing and it should be blasted all over the news. But what about the people who are accused every day and are just as innocent? Racial profiling isn't just wrong when you accidentally profile someone who you have deemed to be "white" enough, it is ALWAYS wrong.
Not only that but what about the person who accuses? Not just institutional accusation, such as body scanning or detaining individuals in the terminal. There is something inherently wrong with a society that ingrains in people's minds that there is something dangerous about those who look, talk, or worship differently than you. I remember a few years ago when someone on a cross Atlantic flight accused a teenage boy of suspicious activities. When it turned out what he was doing was praying in the back of the plane, and his accuser cited scary looking things attached to his body, which turned out to be his tefillin.
Ignorance is dangerous. I sometimes find it frustrating when people ask me numerous questions about my beliefs or my diet or my relationship. But I need to remember, as should you, that it is important to stay open to the effort of abolishing ignorance and know that living your life as a example is the best way to do so.
Here is a picture of my goofy dog to lighten the mood.
What has been bothering me is this ordeal of the Jewish-Arab woman who, flying on 9/11 this year was among a couple of other people, was racially profiled by someone and was then escorted off the plane. Her story has been getting a lot of attention lately, especially by news sources such as CNN but it seems presented in a way that I find disturbing.
What frustrates me about this situation is that it seems as if her situation has attracted more attention because she is also Jewish, which puts her accuser and the law enforcing officials in a difficult place. In a time when President Obama is being criticized by Republican Presidential candidates for not being supportive enough to Israel everyone is so scared to be anti-semitic that although other people were indeed in this situation they haven't even been discussed.
Why in the ten years since 9/11 do we still think there isn't something wrong with a system that racially profiles innocent people. And if someone who seems even slightly white is accused of acts of terrorism it is all of a sudden a shameful thing and it should be blasted all over the news. But what about the people who are accused every day and are just as innocent? Racial profiling isn't just wrong when you accidentally profile someone who you have deemed to be "white" enough, it is ALWAYS wrong.
Not only that but what about the person who accuses? Not just institutional accusation, such as body scanning or detaining individuals in the terminal. There is something inherently wrong with a society that ingrains in people's minds that there is something dangerous about those who look, talk, or worship differently than you. I remember a few years ago when someone on a cross Atlantic flight accused a teenage boy of suspicious activities. When it turned out what he was doing was praying in the back of the plane, and his accuser cited scary looking things attached to his body, which turned out to be his tefillin.
Ignorance is dangerous. I sometimes find it frustrating when people ask me numerous questions about my beliefs or my diet or my relationship. But I need to remember, as should you, that it is important to stay open to the effort of abolishing ignorance and know that living your life as a example is the best way to do so.
Here is a picture of my goofy dog to lighten the mood.
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Lost Generation
I read recently that the recession is hitting particular groups harder than others. My group, Gen Y or Millennials, are apparently one of these groups. Unemployment rates are rather high and many are facing tough decisions. Some are giving up higher education, others are moving in with their parents after graduating, I know many who have taken jobs that aren't related to their field.
I am lucky that I have had community to fall back on in the past and knew people who could help me with finding part time work or introducing me to jobs that I wouldn't have been able to find without their help. But now that we have moved and I don't have that same community I am definitely feeling the unemployment stress that has hit the rest of the country.
I went on a few interviews for a job in the retail industry that SS thought I was a shoe in for. I was supposed to find out this week and training was supposed to start this weekend. I haven't heard anything positive or negative and I've hesitated to call. It looks like its back to writing cover letters.
They say the loss in over all income will be substantial. Not just now but for my generation it will go on into future jobs and affect our careers long term. Its so frustrating knowing that there are things that can be done and many initiatives that have been put forward but that have been hindered due to petty party politics.
I am lucky that I have had community to fall back on in the past and knew people who could help me with finding part time work or introducing me to jobs that I wouldn't have been able to find without their help. But now that we have moved and I don't have that same community I am definitely feeling the unemployment stress that has hit the rest of the country.
I went on a few interviews for a job in the retail industry that SS thought I was a shoe in for. I was supposed to find out this week and training was supposed to start this weekend. I haven't heard anything positive or negative and I've hesitated to call. It looks like its back to writing cover letters.
They say the loss in over all income will be substantial. Not just now but for my generation it will go on into future jobs and affect our careers long term. Its so frustrating knowing that there are things that can be done and many initiatives that have been put forward but that have been hindered due to petty party politics.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Busy Busy Busy
This has been a busy and distracting week already. I intended on posting earlier in the week and then got distracted by my birthday among other things.
But first things first, SS and I are dealing with major issues with Bear. Or rather I am and SS is along for the ride. Bear has been demolishing our apartment every day the past week. Saturday we went grocery shopping and we came home and Bear ate one of SS's lunch box. I got him a pen to be in when we're gone, in addition to his thundershirt and some potty training pads. Before we even left Bear peed in his bed and started to drink it.
Sunday night SS had a DJ gig that went really well. But when we got back that night Bear had somehow dragged the pen to the adjoining room, defecated all over himself and the floor, and ripped up the training pads, but not without peeing on them first. How is he even capable of all this??? Not only had I taken him for a long walk on Sunday afternoon his legs are so arthritic that he can barely stand up!
So the pen is a no go and I apparently need to return it. Other than that we're leaving him be and hoping that he doesn't eat any more random things. Apparently exhausting him with a walk doesn't work.
So far there are lots of things going on, my birthday was Tuesday, SS is starting to feel sick, ugh! I also had a job interview yesterday, got a second interview for tomorrow so we'll see how that turns out. Saturday SS and I are going apple picking! Yay! Hopefully Bear wont eat the couch or cat while we're gone.
But first things first, SS and I are dealing with major issues with Bear. Or rather I am and SS is along for the ride. Bear has been demolishing our apartment every day the past week. Saturday we went grocery shopping and we came home and Bear ate one of SS's lunch box. I got him a pen to be in when we're gone, in addition to his thundershirt and some potty training pads. Before we even left Bear peed in his bed and started to drink it.
Sunday night SS had a DJ gig that went really well. But when we got back that night Bear had somehow dragged the pen to the adjoining room, defecated all over himself and the floor, and ripped up the training pads, but not without peeing on them first. How is he even capable of all this??? Not only had I taken him for a long walk on Sunday afternoon his legs are so arthritic that he can barely stand up!
So the pen is a no go and I apparently need to return it. Other than that we're leaving him be and hoping that he doesn't eat any more random things. Apparently exhausting him with a walk doesn't work.
So far there are lots of things going on, my birthday was Tuesday, SS is starting to feel sick, ugh! I also had a job interview yesterday, got a second interview for tomorrow so we'll see how that turns out. Saturday SS and I are going apple picking! Yay! Hopefully Bear wont eat the couch or cat while we're gone.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Chugging Along
Today has made me very aware of how much of a wuss I am going to be when the winter comes. It is only in the 60's here and I feel already freezing. I feel very unprepared for what lies ahead.
I have plans on getting Bear a coat since he is so old and his arthritis is so advanced. I think I want to get him the Mission coat from Ezydog but I don't know yet if its worth it. Is it normal to have coats on dogs in places with winters like DC? The idea of a coat on an animal that has fur seems odd. However Bear is of a breed from Australia so maybe not so odd, plus because of his health and legs it seems more reasonable. I plan on getting him a harness as well if I can so the leash doesn't strain on his neck. We took him for a walk in his K9 cart the other day and he has slowed down so much, his hind legs to seem to be able to take more than a few feet if hes not supported.
I have made them an appointment with a vet on Friday so we shall see how that goes. When Bear started to show signs of arthritis and hip dysplasia there was a vet who we went to that suggested I crate Bear for the rest of his life so as not to exacerbate the issue. That was over 4 years ago. I can't imagine what life would have been like for any of us had I followed her suggestion. After that bull I have a hard time trusting medical personnel with them simply because they wear a white coat. Our vet in our previous town was so great that it was hard to leave that practice. Hopefully we wont have any problems here.
I'm still considering getting the training set for the cat to use the toilet. Especially every time I step into the bathroom and have to deal with litter between my toes. Yuck! I don't know anyone who has used it so I'm hesitant to get it without hearing any results. I shall have to look into it and see what the consensus is on the internet.
I have plans on getting Bear a coat since he is so old and his arthritis is so advanced. I think I want to get him the Mission coat from Ezydog but I don't know yet if its worth it. Is it normal to have coats on dogs in places with winters like DC? The idea of a coat on an animal that has fur seems odd. However Bear is of a breed from Australia so maybe not so odd, plus because of his health and legs it seems more reasonable. I plan on getting him a harness as well if I can so the leash doesn't strain on his neck. We took him for a walk in his K9 cart the other day and he has slowed down so much, his hind legs to seem to be able to take more than a few feet if hes not supported.
I have made them an appointment with a vet on Friday so we shall see how that goes. When Bear started to show signs of arthritis and hip dysplasia there was a vet who we went to that suggested I crate Bear for the rest of his life so as not to exacerbate the issue. That was over 4 years ago. I can't imagine what life would have been like for any of us had I followed her suggestion. After that bull I have a hard time trusting medical personnel with them simply because they wear a white coat. Our vet in our previous town was so great that it was hard to leave that practice. Hopefully we wont have any problems here.
I'm still considering getting the training set for the cat to use the toilet. Especially every time I step into the bathroom and have to deal with litter between my toes. Yuck! I don't know anyone who has used it so I'm hesitant to get it without hearing any results. I shall have to look into it and see what the consensus is on the internet.
Saturday, September 3, 2011
New Beginnings
It's been about 3 weeks since we moved to DC and we're still getting settled. A few boxes have yet to be officially unpacked but for the most part this is home now.
I think Bear, our Queensland Heeler, prefers this to our previous apartment since he can now keep tabs on everyone much easier with less space for us to wander. This of course leads to the inevitable dog toes being stepped on and cries of frustration when you just want a moment without a four legged companion underfoot.
Our other quadruped of the feline variety, Max, also seems to enjoy it. But he is the most laid back cat I have ever met. You could put him in a sweat lodge and I think he'd be cool with it, as long as he had room to stretch out.
SS has settled nicely in classes and seems to like it so far. I haven't met very many of our neighbors yet, a few here and there. Bear has more friends already than I do, which isn't surprising given his friendly demeanor.
We have found some nice vegan fair. Last night we went to Pizzeria Paradiso for dinner. I had the Paradiso with vegan mozzarella. It wasn't bad, I'm not too big of a fan of vegan cheese though. I think it was daiya. I have had good experiences with daiya in the past and it was satisfying to eat pizza. The crust was amazing! I'm pretty picky about crusts so I was surprised. I was excited to see that it is right across the street from another veg friendly spot, Harmony Cafe. I hope we get to go there again soon. Our friend Amy took us to a place on H St. called Sticky Rice, although the best thing about it was the giant bucket of tater tots that you can order along with the spicy mayonnaise sauce, veganizable!
We're thinking about training Max to use the toilet. We've never had to share our bathroom space with a litter box before. We're getting used to the idea but I remember seeing a product that helped train cats to use the toilet and I know for a fact that my parents had a cat that used the toilet when I was little so I have hopes that it can be done. Although I don't know how I'd feel walking into the bathroom and seeing someone had gone without flushing! Maybe that should be the next frontier after toilet training!
I think Bear, our Queensland Heeler, prefers this to our previous apartment since he can now keep tabs on everyone much easier with less space for us to wander. This of course leads to the inevitable dog toes being stepped on and cries of frustration when you just want a moment without a four legged companion underfoot.
Our other quadruped of the feline variety, Max, also seems to enjoy it. But he is the most laid back cat I have ever met. You could put him in a sweat lodge and I think he'd be cool with it, as long as he had room to stretch out.
SS has settled nicely in classes and seems to like it so far. I haven't met very many of our neighbors yet, a few here and there. Bear has more friends already than I do, which isn't surprising given his friendly demeanor.
We have found some nice vegan fair. Last night we went to Pizzeria Paradiso for dinner. I had the Paradiso with vegan mozzarella. It wasn't bad, I'm not too big of a fan of vegan cheese though. I think it was daiya. I have had good experiences with daiya in the past and it was satisfying to eat pizza. The crust was amazing! I'm pretty picky about crusts so I was surprised. I was excited to see that it is right across the street from another veg friendly spot, Harmony Cafe. I hope we get to go there again soon. Our friend Amy took us to a place on H St. called Sticky Rice, although the best thing about it was the giant bucket of tater tots that you can order along with the spicy mayonnaise sauce, veganizable!
We're thinking about training Max to use the toilet. We've never had to share our bathroom space with a litter box before. We're getting used to the idea but I remember seeing a product that helped train cats to use the toilet and I know for a fact that my parents had a cat that used the toilet when I was little so I have hopes that it can be done. Although I don't know how I'd feel walking into the bathroom and seeing someone had gone without flushing! Maybe that should be the next frontier after toilet training!
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