About Last Night
Friday,
28
AUGUST
2009
Last night was my birthday and it went by a lot more fun than I thought it would. After debating over if I was going to go out or stay in, I decided to go out and not spend the evening alone. Surprisingly, it was fairly easy to grab a bunch of people for last minute plans and go on a pub crawl in the west village. It was a great mix of people that made the evening go well and I got to meet someone upcoming famous (Upcoming Macy's day Parade, singing with Kermit).
From Tavern on Jane, to an underground bar called Von, to bit of fun dive called Swift Hibernian Lounge, and some random last stop with a near scuffle with other drunks before heading home, it was a good night all around.
The well wishes online from so many and the camaraderie of the group last night lifted my spirits enormously.
Thanks friends.
How to Care for your Unemployed Friend
Wednesday,
26
AUGUST
2009
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Being without a full time job with benefits can suck, especially when the whole country is facing a time of high unemployment rate. First no one is hiring, then a few people are hiring but the few positions available are being fought over with a great zeal of competitiveness. It can be frustrating and discouraging at times and even with the best of intentions, there are a few things that are probably best avoided to talking about with your unemployed friend.1. If the friend shared with you an exciting interview coming up, that means they wanted you to know that they had some high hopes this would go well. After the interview happens, you may want to show this friend that you are thinking about them by asking about how the interview went. If the interview went well and is leading to another interview, you are probably going to be the first to hear back about it. If you hear nothing and then ask, it could be like picking a scab off an emotional wound. No word back can feel like a rejection and to stay positive, you have to focus on the next interview.
2. Don't keep asking how your unemployed friend how they are doing. Although you have the best of intentions, this makes them feel like a leper when they have to keep saying "hanging in there." and forcing a smile when they may in fact, and probably are, a bit worried and scared. Talking about it doesn't always help, in fact sometimes, it can let some of the depression of not having found that awesome job yet overwhelm them when they were doing a pretty good job before on focusing on the positive.
3. Be open to if they want to vent. Let them lead the "I need to talk" conversation, don't force it on them. Even those who are reserved in sharing their emotion sometimes take refuge in quiet self introspection.
4. Buy them a beer and/or a meal occasionally. This does wonders when you find yourself accounting for every dollar a bit more closely, a beer or a meal out becomes more of a luxury. It's nice to feel human again and get out for a bit to forget about the issues that worry you.
5. Know that your concern is appreciated, even if they seem to be a bit reserved in wanting to communicate sometimes.
* This guide may differ from vagrant to vagrant. Please consult with a professional if these steps do not achieve the appropriate positive response.
The Lion Sleeps Tonight
Wednesday,
26
AUGUST
2009
America lost the last of it's royalty today. By that I mean, as a nation that prides itself to be free of a monarchy, we had this family that championed themselves as a matter of duty to be a voice to help shape and guide America though some challenging times in it's history. To this effort, the Kennedy family paid a great price. A few years ago I took a road trip through the American West. I spent a day in San Francisco and took a few hours to relax in Union Square. A pollster came up to me and made some chat and asked me who my personal hero was as part of her polling question. I had to think about it for a bit and came up with John F. Kennedy. When she asked why I chose him, I said it was because he was our last idealist President. That idealism actually branched out to his brothers, and this country owes that family a great deal of gratitude for it.
The peace Corps, Immigration rights, Civil rights, Health care, Labor rights, and Space exploration, are just a few ways in which this country benefited from this family's calling.
Ted Kennedy was the only brother out of four that died a non violent death for this country. He served in the Senate since 1962 and was known as a Democratic leader who could reach across party lines to get things done. As the rest of his family, he served his country in service and in politics, was raised in privilege but championed the average American in government.
Senator Edward Moore "Ted" Kennedy (February 22, 1932 August 25, 2009)
