Who Woke You From Your Slumber?
19 May 2012 Leave a Comment
in christian, Entertainment/News, political, spiritual Tags: department of justice, disabled, Untouchables, grave robbers, funeral trust funds, special needs trust funds, social security, lights will guide you, fix you, Coldplay, Sacred Trust, Will and Testament, us department of treasury, federal whistleblower, fincen, one third of the angels, Judas the treasurer, betrayed for 30 pieces of silver, angels left their heavenly abode, reside in the world system, demonic angels rule power and economic system of the world, ruling spirits drawn to death, they have no souls, bind the strongman, rob him of his goods, the anointed ones, Honor your father and your mother, The Fifth Commandment, desecration of graves, honoring last wishes, sacred rest
Our sacred rest. I was speaking to my friend one day and she spoke of her running around and how her husband had joked about “the American dream, and its meaning, is No sleep!” I laughed at that. Of course I told her that my grandfather always said, “I’ll sleep enough, when I’m dead.” I’m afraid, I’v found out, that’s not always true.
To my father, a laborer, his identity was his job. And it was abruptly taken from him. It is the saddest thing to a man like my father.It was one of the saddest moments of my life. To see him with that empty look in his eyes. The last moments.
A man who had served his country and his corporation with loyalty. And pushed out the door in the end. This is how a veteran and loyal worker is treated? Our own government has the greatest responsibility in this mess. A life of which, in his tormented mind only offered the grave as a solution to his peace.
But that would be short-lived, as well. It seemed he was roused from his sleep, to be put to work, from his grave. Yes, what he could not have in his life, he was now forced to do in his death, and for others.I guess it’s true, he was more valuable, dead, than alive. While his disabled son was also being robbed at the hands of these parasites.
And when people have spoken to me on this subject, they mention legal terms, such as, what it takes to “make someone whole,” or someone “having deep pockets.” In my mind the thought of such compromise makes me want to vomit. Could there be enough money to make someone whole from such experience? Could anyone’s pocket’s be deep enough to replace what my father lost? What we lost as a result of losing him? Whats been done to my brother and others like him? No, there’s really no way of calculating those damages, and to try to analyze the impact on whole generations.
As I’ve said many times, just the loss, I feel while watching my son playing baseball and wondering, what it would be to have my father sitting with me to see him. I’ll never know. And all because of a job, whose corrupt practices forced him out.
Who wouldn’t be more than a little traumatized to find that he has been secretly employed, all along, to fill the pockets of someone else? No, there isn’t any money that makes me feel better. I think Benjamin Netanyahu said it best, “You don’t negotiate with terrorists.” And I sure don’t make a pact with the devil.
But I have promised my father, I will live out my days, to offer him his sacred rest which he deserves. The days that we are living in are evil. These are grave robbers. But, my Lord will guide our steps and this will come to an end. And one day I will be able to say, “Go back to sleep dad.”
Snapshots of My Mind
11 Feb 2012 Leave a Comment
in comedy, Entertainment/News, family, humor, miscellaneous, political, relationships Tags: Bob Dylan, Dairy State, Don Cornelius, Eve of Destruction, National Guard, Parklawn, Peace Love and Soul, Political Activist, Sherman and Congress, Snapshots, Soul Train, Stevie Wonder, Tang, The Bump, The Funky Chicken, The Hesitation, The Meditation, The Popcorn, The Temptations, Time Magazine
A 60's kid
Yea, I was a mishmash of everything. Look at me. Trying to find identity.
This picture was from 8th grade and I still can’t believe I let my friend Ann, chop off my hair like this. I went with my friend, Carol and her, to her house, and she pulled out the scissors, to do her work.Even at that time, I was adventurous. Always willing to experiment.
She was sharing the story about her stepmother, finding this green stuff, called, ‘marijuana, in her brother’s bedroom, and flushing it down the toilet. Then she told us he was into taking, ‘orange sunshine’ (LSD) Hmm, they made it sound so much like a dessert. Kind of like Tang. Don’t even think that stuff is around anymore. I mean, Tang, of course. However, we knew it was taboo, even then. But the stories, were exciting to listen to. We were the next generation.
Then one day we came over for lunch, and her mom gave my friend, Miriam, and me liver! That is the ultimate kiss of death! I mean come on. You know a person’s parent is giving you a pretty clear message with a meal like that.I was almost tempted to ask if they had any of that Tang, around, to doctor it up! My friend Miriam kept telling me, “just cut it up in small pieces and eat it with milk.” Well, I also hate milk. So that was a problem. Yea, I know. I’m from the dairy state, and that should be against the law. But so far, they haven’t charged me. But, I just couldn’t do it. So Miriam, ate mine. But, as much as I insisted, Ann’s mom couldn’t possibly like us, she said, “Oh sure she does. She just loves liver, and assumed we did too. “Yea, right. Cause we all know. Kid’s just love liver.”
Anyway, these were my friends, at this time in my life. But a few years before, which are like decades, in kid years, it was Romaine Reed. She was my best friend. She was black. Well, of course that wouldn’t even need to be a statement, now, but we were in the midst of racial tensions at that time. But as children, our worlds, didn’t know anything but friendship.
I met her after I had just moved into Parklawn. This was the project down the street from my school, Atonement Lutheran. She was in my second grade class. I lived on Sherman Boulevard and Congress. My house faced Sherman Boulevard, and I had some vivid memories of those days.
We had a whole cast of characters, living in that project. Although, Romaine was my best friend, I would say, Kathy was also another, best friend, if you could have two. I never liked saying, best, because it always kind of excluded someone. But you seemed to have people for seasons in your life.
Kathy became a best friend by my own stupid actions. I was sitting on a dumpster with a girl, Georganne. Georganne, clearly had a rivalry with Kathy, which I didn’t know about, and I was the new girl. And as Kathy approached, Georganne said, “here come Kathy, she think’s she’s so cool.”so. I really don’t know what it was she said, but she inspired such evil in me, that I took a rock I had in my hand, and I threw it. Never thinking I would actually land it. But land, it did. Right in her eye. I was mortified.
She turned around running into her house, crying. I had never been so mean. I left and ran into my own house to tell my mother what I had done. And my mom, made me go over to say I was sorry. I was scared. I thought she may look like a pirate with a patch or something.
As her mother opened the door, I realized how sweet an soft-spoken she was. There I saw, Kathy laying on the couch with an ice pack on her eye. Her eye was black and blue and swollen. Now I really felt terrible. I couldn’t believe I did that. I had always been extremely shy and compassionate. Yes, I could see how easy it was to swing, from the timid to the bully on the flip of a coin. I was precariously balancing on the need for this girls approval, and I didn’t like the way I was manipulated by her little voice in my ear. I learned a valuable lesson that day which I carried with me. I didn’t need to be liked by someone that much, that I would hurt someone else.
Now all I wanted to do was make it right. I felt so bad and just a little angry that I let Georganne get the best of me. Of course she was long gone and I’ve seen a lot of people like her in my life. Those kind, create trouble. They’re divisive and run at the first sign of trouble. They’ll leave you hanging when the storm begins to blow. Kathy forgave me, and her and I became very good friends after that.
I became friends with Georganne too, but always felt she was somewhat insecure, and kept her at arm’s-length Knowing that she couldn’t be fully trusted. I’m sure everyone has friends like this in their lives. And I’ve kind of used this as metaphors in my own. I see them come and go. I’ve been able to assess relationships in this way. The ones you know are keepers, and the ones you know are just around for a good time. But I am very cynical about those, who seem to call when they only need something.
But my friend Romaine and I never had such drama. She didn’t live in Parklawn either. She lived on the other side of the creek. She would come over to visit and I would visit her. I have some vivid memories that I recall and as my cousin was asking a question on Facebook the other day I had to think of one in particular. He said, he had memories of things like pictures in his mind.
I have always thought of one memory with Romaine, which seemed like a picture which should have been on the cover of Time, or some such magazine. I thought of this the other day, when my cousin brought up the vivid memories we carry with us during our lives. I’ve always had this one for some reason. The Snapshot. Frozen in my memory. A piece of history. Her and I had no idea of what we were experiencing. We were so close. We were sitting on the corner of Congress and Sherman Boulevard and down the street were rumbling army tanks. One after another. We were two little girls. One black and one white. “Wow!” I said. “I wonder what is happening.” We were in awe. But many years later as I learned we were witnessing the National Guard on their way downtown to try to squash the ‘race riots.’
I had to think of the snapshot of that moment. What a picture of us on that corner from up above. And even the names of the streets. A Sherman tanks, and an act of Congress to call out National Guards. All of it a play on words.
This was our favorite corner to play on and once she told me, “Girl, you need to get you some soul! On that corner, she taught me how to dance. She showed me how to do dances of that time. Right before Soul Train had it’s beginnings. Don Cornelius, rest his soul. There was ‘The Popcorn. The Mother Popcorn, The Hesitation, The Meditation, and who could forget the Funky Chicken? Well, actually how many of you are old enough to remember this? But man when the Bump came along, we were in heaven. That girl taught me everything.
The music was divine. A beautiful mix of love, peace, soul and political activism with, The Temptations, Stevie Wonder, and even Bob Dylan. Songs like ‘Eve of Destruction,’ which, I might add, would be very timely for today. So many artists responsible for the birthing of this great movement.
It was the generation which brought about change.A torch which has been passed down to the next generation. The snapshots were indelibly burned upon my mind and I did ‘get that soul, my friend Romaine talked about. But it was more than the dance.
She inspired so much more in me. I have always loved those who are the underdog. The beaten down. The forgotten ones. My friend Romaine and me, were friends no matter what color our skin.
I can still hear her laugh. I remember our trip to Capitol Court. It was an outdoor mall, before they had indoor malls. We would all go there to hang out when we were kids. We were about 10 years old and I probably was about 80 pounds. I tried on a pantsuit. It was cute. I remember thinking I liked the print. As she watched me put it on I looked down and asked her, “what the heck is this square thing in the front of the pants?” We both started laughing so hard. Everything seemed to fit, but there was this huge panel in the front of the pants, and we were cracking up at this very strange defect.
A saleswoman heard us and started yelling into the dressing room, for us to get out immediately. “Stop fooling around in there right now!” she said. I came out with Romaine, and we were both still laughing so hard, and the woman snatched the outfit from me. “What are you doing with that?” She said. “What is this?”" I asked her. “You know darn well that’s a maternity outfit. Now get out of here!” She said. “Oh my gosh!” Now we started laughing even harder.
Neither Romaine or I had any idea what this thing was. And it’s not like, even with all the kids my mom had, that she had ever worn something like this. That’s what made it even funnier. We were crying by the time we left this store,and the saleswoman made it all the funnier.
The thought of Romaine’s long legs in fetal position, laughing til she was in tears, in that dressing room, leaves me with just one more ‘snapshot,’ for the archives.
Black Friday on the Crazy Train!
27 Nov 2011 1 Comment
in christian, comedy, Entertainment/News, family, humor, miscellaneous, political Tags: 12 Days of Christmas, Bernie Madoff, Black Friday, Christmas, Crazy Train, Goodwill, government bailouts, greed, instant gratification, It is more blessed to give than to receive, Jesus in the Temple, Jesus is the reason for the season, Occupy Wall Street, Ozzie Osborne, Partridge in a pear tree, pepper spray, Small Merchant Saturday, Solyndra, unemployment, Walmart, Xbox
The Prince of Darkness beckons you!
And who would be a better representative of this momentous day, other than Ozzie? The Prince of Darkness to promote this day. Come on out folks. Take your chances and board, ‘The Crazy Train,’ to shop on Black Friday!
Yes, I continue my rant. I can’t resist. I went to the Swap Shop on Black Friday. So, I’m not a legitimate, Black Friday, shopper. But I just had to get into the murky waters, of river rats, swarming to the malls.
Now, my son knows. I’ve given him the drill, “no yelling at bad driver’s,unless he’s driving. So, as is his custom, when he sees my tension rising because someone cut me off, etc; he touches my steering wheel and yells, “Moron!”
I go to the local Flea Market, to check out some things. I hate to pay full price for anything. And besides, I have a good friend, who works there. He lives solely from the proceeds, he brings in from selling things donated to him.
I love the hunt that comes with looking for that certain thing, which is too ridiculous to buy at a retail store. Most people who go to bazaars and flea markets, know, it’s all about bartering. I learned a long time ago, that people redecorate, and just get rid of things, which are in brand new condition. I’m not going to pay way more than an item is worth, just to say, “it’s new.” I don’t care about, “the story,” and I sure don’t care about impressing anyone.
Then the icing on the cake, confirmed every ill feeling I had about our new excuse to spend, Black Friday. I was watching the news, later. People trampling each other, and a woman, pepper sprayed a crowd, at a Walmart. Why? Oh, well, don’t you know? She had to get that X-Box. Well of course. Everyone, should have one. Honestly, I could have been watching, Wall Street, and the Occupy movement. It looked identical. Except in this case, a shopper sprayed other shopper’s. At least the 1%, stay at home with the $$$, until the chaos of the poor, greedy people, has subsided. While those in the media and marketing, who had created this blitz, probably sit back with their golden bowls of popcorn and watch in amusement. I’d think very similar to the gladiators, of old.
I watched with amazement, to see what greed, caused such actions. And it’s just this greed, which is the root of our problem in this country and in the world. The need for instant gratification. It’s not isolated to those in the top echelon of society. It all begins in the heart.
Yes, Ozzie was right. This is really, The Crazy Train! I’m sure not boarding. No one seems to notice, that, Black Friday, is just a new term, to turn this season into a ‘vampire holiday.’ It’s another ploy to get the people in red, to put them in the black! Playing right into their greedy hands.
Now, we also have, “Small Business Saturday.” Oh, great. Let’s not forget about those poor small businesses. Yes, it reminds me of my daughter. The other morning she came home at the wee hours and I was irritated. She went to work and didn’t return. I knew she hadn’t worked 12 hours and I was concerned. “Mom, I was helping to set up so we could feed the orphans tomorrow. I would think you’d be happy about that!” Oh, here we go. A table-turning??? You think I can be manipulated that easy? I had to point out that I wished she were that considerate. If she was, she’d think about her own family and the turmoil she’s been causing. “Well, you better help with the orphans,” I said, because you may be standing out on a corner with a sign yourself!” Like everyone else, I pointed out, her priorities were a little messed up.
Now, these marketing strategies, seem to be working. All these people spending money we don’t have. Wait, last I heard, we were supposed to have a huge deficit. But then we have corporations, getting bailouts, only to turn around and declare bankruptcy. (Solyndra) All the corporate people probably helped the economy, by plugging it back in during their shopping sprees, this Christmas.
Now, I think we need to use every day of he week, just to get that economy pumping again. I mean, if we’re going to be played, how about taking advantage of this, and guilt people into spending, for 7 days? We can really be tapped out by Christmas. Wonderful. And think about how much interest, the bankster’s can make from all the bankrupt people. Then when the bills come, which no one can pay, we’ll just increase the deficit. Yes, I definitely think we need to add some more incentives to spend.Ahh, the heart of man. Just persuade them to get the latest gadget. The ‘must have, for this season. And I love the fact that we’re supposed to actually feel sad, for those poor businesses.
How about, “Spend your unemployment, Sunday? Food Stamp gift cards, Sunday. Madoff, Get Out of Jail Cards, Monday. Bail out your favorite corporation, Tuesday.Repossess your purchases, Wednesday.Oh, and my favorite, “Bail Out an Occupy Wall Streeter, Thursday.
Yes, there are just so many opportunities to give. And didn’t our Lord say, “It is better to give than to receive?” And I guess some people think, you should run people down to get that gift. Well, at this rate, “on the 12th day of Christmas, I’ll be eating my partridge in my pear tree.”
Oh, I am really starting to understand that the Lord was literal, when He said, “Peace on Earth, Goodwill, to all men.” Yep, that’s where I shop, and so will you, if you keep squandering. Hope you remember the real meaning of this occasion. That’s right….His name is Jesus! The reason for the season!
Embracing My Inner Cheese
26 Oct 2011 Leave a Comment
in Entertainment/News, family, humor, miscellaneous, political, sports Tags: Brady Street, Cheeseheads, Dry Hootch, Green Bay Packers, Harley Davidson, Leinenkuel, milwaukee, Milwaukee Brewers, Occupy Milwaukee, Oktoberfest LaCrosse, Wisconsin Badgers
Welcome to Milwaukee!
I just went back to Milwaukee. It’s where I was born and raised. I appreciate it more, each time I visit.
Who wouldn’t love this place? The staple food’s are, cheese, brats, and let’s not forget….beer. It’s the place where the field trips are to the museums, festival’s and breweries.
I didn’t appreciate it so much, until I’ve gotten older, and seen more of the world. I felt I was stifled, in a sense. When I first moved away and started my flying career, I was always met with, “Are you from Wisconsin?” Not so strong an accent anymore. But what touched me more than this, was the response, “Oh, people from Wisconsin are so nice!” I have found that this is true. When I go back, I’m aware of the difference in culture. The people are so approachable, and are more than happy to help others.
Of course, my irritations, in my younger years, has been replaced by a feeling of endearment. I was envious of cities, with current fashions. Since Milwaukee seemed to be about 4 years, behind the curve. The fashion hasn’t changed one bit, since I was a teenager. Which means, you don’t have to spend a lot on clothing. It’s a standard pair of jeans, a flannel shirt, and boots, or sh**kickers) as we used to call them.
I seemed to be an alien, as I would not abide by those dictates. I had my own style and refused to be bound by the opinions of my peers. I still remember a friend, who had given me a pair of his camouflaged pants from the military. I wore these with a red turtleneck to Oktoberfest, in LaCrosse. The streets were littered with beer, paper cups and a mob of college students. The sneers of the girls told me, I was not following the rules. I didn’t care. I loved it, that I seemed an alien from another planet.
I hated it when I would tell people where I was from and they would say, “Oh, you have a lot of cows there, don’t you?” I never saw cows, unless, I went into a town. It’s not as if Milwaukee was a big farm. Yet, this is the impression that most people had.
I worked downtown and it was a city, like any other. I loved the feel of this city. In fact, when I did finally visit my friend, who had moved from Milwaukee to New York, she said, “It’s like a big, downtown.” She was right. New York, felt exactly like our downtown, only bigger. And, as I said, they actually had the latest fashions, displayed in their storefront windows.
But, still, I couldn’t help but laugh, when I walked through the General Mitchell Field Airport, and saw the souvenirs. One t-shirt, “Nothing tips like a cow,” with a cow, lying on its back. I bought it for my daughter, as she’s in the service industry. She thought this so funny and said, her friends, are going to crack up when they see it.
The truth is; I never saw anyone tip a cow. I didn’t even hear of any friends doing it, until I had a trip down to Ormond Beach, Florida. We were visiting a friend. Her brother was going out with his friends, to tip cows. They asked if we wanted to go, cow tipping. I didn’t believe it at first. I sure was too afraid to do that, and thought it was pretty mean. Now, I’m not a vegan or anything. And I don’t mind eating burgers, but come on. The poor things are asleep and they get knocked over. I secretly hoped that a bull was standing nearby to give them a run for their money.
I seemed to notice new things all around me, which I’d never seen before. I loved the old blue, fire/police call boxes. I had to get a picture. my cousin told me that these are being stolen. “What? Who can steal something this big?”
When I was a kid, we heard that if you pulled one of these, a dye would cover your hand, which could only be detected with a black light. In my neighborhood, they were constantly going off. I can only wonder, what in the world, anyone would do with one of these, in their home. Probably use it for a clothing rack, like I do my treadmill.
I was talking with a guy who used to coach my son’s baseball team, yesterday. He’s a firefighter. “Hey, I said, I have a picture with one of those old call boxes, for the fire department. I showed him, the picture, with the blue box. He then pulled up a picture on his phone. There he was standing with two other guys, next to a red one. “This one is from Boston,” he said. My buddies are also, firefighter’s, and when we go somewhere, and we see them, we pose next to it.” I laughed, that I thought I was the only one who noticed these antiques. Now I’m wondering if he has one in his house as well. Being used as a coat rack or something.
Now one of my favorite things, in Milwaukee, is Leinenkugel. I actually put a bunch in my suitcase once, just to ship back to myself. I can’t find these, where I live. I remembered, having a trip to Germany and going to a beer garden. I had a banana beer, which was pretty good. I went straight from there to Milwaukee, where I visited the state fair. I had marveled at the strong German influence. It seemed I never left Germany. I had a Leinenkugel for the first time, in Milwaukee, and have loved them ever since. They have, berry, lemon, and wheat. I love the flavored ones. As I was sharing this with my friend, he said, “Oh, I have a lifetime supply.” “What?” I was asking how I could become a member. “Oh, I won this.” He said. But you have to go to the Leinenkugel Lodge, to get them.” “Wait a minute. There’s a lodge for Leinekugel Members?” “Yea, he said, it’s in Chippewa Falls.” Geesh! “Only in Wisconsin.
Now I realize, why my daughter made the remark when she was very young. “All people in Wisconsin do in the winter, is stay in the house, smoke and drink beer.” I laughed so hard at that statement, as this was the impression she had, and it wasn’t too far off.
Now, I don’t mean to brag, (Bragging Jackass), but gotta love them Packers! Come on. Undefeated? They continue to shock and awe. No one plays like they do, and the fans are the best.
I went to a real Milwaukee bar, on Saturday night. My cousins friend was celebrating his birthday, and there were a bunch of Harley’s out front. I was amused to see the middle-aged biker’s all over place. But, they knew I was a transplant. They could tell that I’d lost a little cheesie-ness. Some big people live in Wisconsin. I attribute this to all the dairy and beer. As I looked around, the guy had a ton of food and they’re not embarrassed to pig out. I got to watch the Badger’s play, and they got ripped off, at the end of the game. Coming from behind to tie it up, only to have a bad call in the end. Hey, that’s my opinion after watching the replays. The bar went crazy. “This is the life,” I thought. In a bar in Milwaukee, surrounded by biker’s, watching the Badger’s game. The only thing I could have asked for is that they would have gotten that call right. Because we all know, Wisconsin won.
My cousin complains about the girls being to big. But hey, they have to keep warm in the winter. Besides, my cousin, isn’t very small himself. At one point, he pointed out his picture window and said, “Hey, there goes a Milwaukee hot guy!” The guy was huge, with a flannel shirt, jeans and his sh**kicker’s.
The bars, have something for everyone. Dry Hootch, is a place on my list. They are ready to welcome all the soldiers back from war. Brady Street, is where all the action is. And on a trip to Milwaukee, these are my old stomping grounds.
I watched the Occupy Milwaukee march, with pride. The whole movement had its inception with Wisconsin and Ohio. My people, are always ready to fight the powers. I still have that in me. The friendly people of the Midwest, have a true fighting spirit, when you back them into a corner. It’s a toughness, developed by the hard-work ethic, and tempered by the spirit of empathy.
As I share my experiences with my children, I always remind them, that they are not, cheeseheads, in the true sense of the word. But they are, processed cheese. And mixed with my stepchildren, we are now more of a blended cheese. They have the cheese inside, and it’s not something you can ignore.
I have finally arrived at a place in my life, where I am proud to be part of The Cheesehead Nation. I understand why my mom, keeps saying, “I want to go back to Wisconsin.” Dorothy was right, “There’s No Place Like Home!”
Don’t Back Down!
19 Oct 2011 2 Comments
in christian, Entertainment/News, political Tags: agreement, anti-Semitic, FOX news, media, Occupy Wall Street, The Tower of Babel, unity
Hey Occupy Wall Street, don’t be distracted and don’t fall for media focus on the negative.
This latest news about the woman in LA, spouting anit-semitic remarks, is just one more reason, that is being exploited to shine a negative light on the 99%.
We have real issues on the table and the proof is the pitiful attempts to discredit the whole movement.
This is enough to prove that this movement is scaring the movers and shakers into action.
The reports I had seen on FOX news, the other day, was ridiculous. Their attempts to portray the OWS people as dirty hippie, drug addicts, was beyond silly.
All it did was make me see, that OWS, is intimidating, the 1%, and I have to believe that it’s just going to grow.
Now, after reading this statement by the woman of ignorance, ranting against the Jews, I have to wonder, of all the people, why did they interview her?
I think it’s pretty incredible to see this many people organize in agreement in one place, let alone cities across the country, and even the world.
There is great power in unity and of course, those who would try to destroy this unity,must thrust a divisive person into the forefront.
It’s not going to work.
I had a union doing the same thing to our member, once. They kept telling us that “we need to stand together!” As they still tried in vain to lead all of us, with intimidation and scare tactics.
I responded, “Well, they’ve finally succeeded in bringing us all together, AGAINST THEM!”
The reports of the oddball, here and there, throughout this movement, (perhaps even plants), would only serve to strengthen the bond of the people.
I have yet to march, but I stand with the 99% and I’m ready. Why wouldn’t I?
This is historical and we are a democracy. This is the purest form of democracy.
We are the majority, injured by corruption. We are the ones who bring about change.
Now the Lord reminded us of our power, when we agree. He has spoken of this all through His word.
He spoke of this, same experience in Genesis, with The Tower of Babel. “If people agree, with one mind and one language, then nothing, that they seek to do, will be impossible to them!”
That’s right. One mind, and one language, is true unity.
And we have all the power of the universe at our disposal, with this one-ness!
Stay strong and Don’t Back Down!
Dirty Glove’s
26 Sep 2011 Leave a Comment
in Entertainment/News, miscellaneous, political Tags: access agent, Bal Harbor, Bart Star, CIA, Coffee Tea or Me, corporate greed, Eastern Airlines, Eilzabeth Arden, flight attendant, Frank Borman, Frank Lorenzo, Green Bay Packers, investigator, Miami Springs, Pan Am, spy, stewardess, under cover agent, Viscount Hotel, white gloves
Flygurl!
Well, tonight, the long-awaited premier of Pan Am, is on. I’m a little curious to watch. I have so many Pan Am colleagues, as friends. I am formerly Eastern Airlines. And my saying goes, “In the airline industry, we’re all recycled.”
I believe that I came into my flying career, right at the tail end, (pun intended) of the glamour. I trained with Eastern Airlines, in 1984. We stayed at a little hotel right on NW 36th Street, in Miami Springs. It was right across from the airport. And Pan Am’s training facilities, were literally side-by side, with our own. We used to see them and felt equal in our stature as an airline. Although, to be honest, I was from the Midwest, so United Airlines, was the premier airline, in my part of the country. I had really not heard much about Eastern, at the time, I accepted their offer. But the thought of training in Miami, was the best thing going. To escape the winter blast. I flew down, in the middle of March.
I never intended to move back. I loved the hot weather, and would gladly exchange it for the bitter cold. I missed my friends and family, but they couldn’t even compete with Miami.
I read a few articles about the show. It is a career, which, I believe, may have been planted in my subconscious. I remember someone giving me a copy of, Coffee, Tea, or Me, when I was in middle school. And I read, The Flygirl’s, right after this.
Coffee, Tea Or Me
Of course, these books, were pretty racy, even at this particular time. But hey, it was the 60′s. Besides, I’m thinking they embellished a little, for the readers. At any rate, I can’t really say, that I had a burning desire to become a flight attendant, Or Stewardess. As many claimed, when they spoke at the orientation. I think I just naturally gravitated to this position. I hated office work, and realized early on, that I was happiest with people. And the daily routine of any corporate structure, is what I loathed. The micro-managing, and petty gossip. It all made me weary to think I would spend my days, in such a manner.
I was actually in a bar, with a friend, after work one day. I was in my early 20′s and I was getting bored with retail. A guy that we knew, came in and he was just back from collecting information from Northwest Airlines. He was going to fill out the applications. ”He said to me, “You should do this! I think you’d love it.” “I’m not sure,” I said. “Besides, I’d have to move away and I don’t know if I’m ready for that.” This was a reason for my not wanting to work in Lake Geneva, Playboy Club, among other reasons. Come to think of it, that’s another show which previewed, to a not so popular audience. Thankfully, I avoided the stigma. Even though to some, it may have been a privilege.
Well, a few years later, I was sitting at my typewriter, in my office, and I typed up all my resumes to the different airlines.
I heard from Eastern Airlines first. And like a Wisconsin snowstorm, the other airlines, followed. But I had already started training with Eastern, and was quite happy with the fact that I would be based in Miami. Who would have thought that years later, I’d be with my favorite airline.
This is all a big gamble in the airline industry. But it is the flexibility of the job, which attracts most. It had been the glamour as well. But that faded at the first meal service. As I saw a male flight attendant, just throwing dirty trays, into a cart. While he was on his knee’s, sweating. We were flying the Atlanta/Miami, route. He asked me, “Is this the glamour, you were looking for?” I still remember this, as if it was yesterday.
Yes, I had a great time, in the training. We were at the Viscount Hotel. And it was very reminiscent of the stories, I’d read. Especially when we had the training in the swimming pool. I would go running around the park, right by our hotel. And we would all hang out together. We were a tight-knit, group.
We were all sent to Bal Harbor, for a makeup and hair session, with a woman named, Miss Ginny. She was a representative for Elizabeth Arden. I always wore makeup, so I wasn’t intimidated. However, we were all issued, standard, bright red, lipstick. And some had their hair chopped off. I saw a lot of girls crying, as if they’d been traumatized. Nevertheless, we all were expected to have the red lips and nails.
At graduation, Colonel Frank Borman, pinned on our wings. It was very special to all of us. Having a former astronaut, doing the honors. He stood with his sidekick, Ms. Winnie Gilbert. No one really understood her position.
I remembered, years, later, when my ex-husband, had a carpet job for the ivory tower. He called to tell me that there was a safe in Frank Borman’s bathroom. I replied, “Well, that’s where he hides all the money, he’s stealing from us.” I used to say it about Bart Star, and I used the comparison with Frank Borman. “Bart Star was a great quarterback, for the Green Bay Packer’s, but he sucked as a coach, of the team. Just shows you, that you may be very successful at playing the game, but not, steering the ship.” Ahh, some things never change.
Yes, we had the experience of dealing with Frank Lorenzo, and allof his, low-blow tactics. We were not the airline we used to be. Corporate greed, replaced, the need for glamour. It became the bottom line. and that was us. We did indeed, become, flight attendants, and not, inflight stewards and stewardesses. The mantra, was , “you can be replaced.” This coveted position, is no longer so coveted. And the people in marketing haven’t yet figured this out. The traveling public, still, longs to see an element of aesthetics, in our industry. Especially the business travelers. But this comes at a price, which has been compromised by the desire for profits. The attendants, were expected to live in poverty, while taking care of the needs, of the public. We were supposed to “sell the dream, while living the nightmare.” Frank Lorenzo’s remarks, were constantly repeated, “That flight attendant’s were not important. And their career’s should only span a few years.” He went on to say that they should only own a record-player (?) and a car.” And a very cheap car, at that. He revealed his own ignorance and disrespect of the job we do. I have worked with many professionals, and highly intelligent people. They have even left lucrative careers, to become a flight attendant.
Then 9/11, happened. It was painfully obvious that, we were expendable. And although, we had sympathy for our position and responsibilities. It didn’t last long.The fun and excitement of our career. The glamour. But it’s also a stark reminder, that flight departed, long ago.
Although, the show was fun to watch. It is a reminder of how far we’ve fallen, at the hands of terrible management. I like the quirky, story-line, which incorporates, a stewardess, operating as an access agent. I wonder how they came up with this. Although to some, it may seem a little cheesy, in my own life, it doesn’t seem too far-fetched. I’m not sure Frank Lorenzo, would approve. He never thought, any of us had the intelligence, to investigate anything. Especially his own, corrupt practices. This was almost his ‘undoing,’ for underestimating his work force.
Smart senior management, in the airline industry today, should realize, as far as ‘The Brand, is concerned; We ARE the Brand. It’s not the coffee, or the tea. It’s me!
So, the final analysis, is this movie, may leave people longing for those days. The glitz, the class. The fun. But there’s a price. And we’ve paid it. The profits, went into the pocket’s of a select few. But what has been lost is immeasurable. I wonder if they would like to interview, those who had lives invested in their career’s to see them crumble. The tragic events, surrounding people, who had been loyal to this iconic, company. After, closer inspection; those pretty ‘white glove’s,’ reveal the dirt, which was left in the aftermath, of Pan Am’s demise.
When Shiloh Comes
06 Feb 2011 Leave a Comment
in Entertainment/News, Messianic Christian, messianic jew, political Tags: Egypt, Isaac, Ishmael, Israel, Judah, Lost tribes of Israel, Mount of Olives, Shiloh, storms, Tent of Meeting, The Lion of Judah, the Spirit and the Bride, Year of Jubilee
My Beloved
Judah will come and set up His government. He is coming very soon.
The stage is being set and only those with the spiritual eyes can see that the events are happening to usher in His kingdom. Read His words and you will see these things that He has spoken as markers.
Everything was to take place as a signal of His arrival. “Let all who have the eyes and ears to see and hear, the Spirit discern the times, He has told us. He did not want us to be unaware, of His coming. There would always be earthly signs as a precursor, of the spiritual battles raging. Many people don’t understand what is happening. I tell them to look back in history. Egypt played a role in holding Israel captive once before. It was a picture of captivity and the world system. They enslaved the Israelites and challenged God.
Now, thousands of years later, Ishmael and Isaac,will be at war again, just as God had spoken. It is the ancient covenant, that will bring them into battle. There is no man who can stop this. It is written in God’s word. It’s end is in Revelation and only the Lord’s foot will bring an end to this battle. On the Mount of Olives. Then Shiloh will come.
The storms raging on the earth. Egypt, typhoons, winter blasting across the nation. Economic storms. It all comes together to point to His coming, to set up His perfect kingdom.
The first seat of government on this earth was, Shiloh. Perfect in its operation. “The Tent of Meeting.” Set up in order by God. And man corrupted it. As sin crept in, everything began to degrade.
Now we wait for Judah. The Lord, Jesus Christ. He will return. And the “government will rest upon His shoulders, and His kingdom shall have no end.”
He is the ultimate king. The king of all kings. The Groom!
When Shiloh Comes, we will all be free from this tyranny! It will be the Year of Jubilee!
The Spirit and the Bride Say Come!!!!!!
And Every Nation Shall Gather
01 Feb 2011 Leave a Comment
in christian, Entertainment/News, Messianic Christian, messianic jew, miscellaneous, political Tags: Abraham, covenant, deliverance, Egypt, Exodus, Isaac, Ismael, Israel, Passover, Pharoah, Pray for peace of Jerusalem
Against Israel….
Well how is this going to happen? Everyone would wonder when and how these words could come to pass. But look, in the days that we are living in, and Daniel had spoken of the times of the end, “when people would be running to and fro, seeking knowledge.” In other words, the information highway. The internet.
When the chaos broke out in Egypt, it was the first medium to be cut off, making sure that all ties to the outside world be disconnected, immediately, with the hopes that Twitter, Facebook, and social outlets, be disconnected. Gone are the days of propaganda, and brainwashing. The power is in the hands of the people.
Now, the scrolls which were given to Daniel, are being translated. “These are meant for the times of the end.” The angel of the Lord had spoken to him. They are not meant for you. Well, we are most certainly in these times. And how do we know? Because, as I have spoken so many times before, it has, and always shall be, about the covenant with Israel.
The war that will ensue, is not about anything else. Although, it will be a great deception. My friend today mentioned something about the great oil reserves and the land in one breath. And she is a believer. I had to gently remind her that although these may be great assets, it has never been about either of these things. That is just smoke and mirrors in the hands in the enemy.
It goes back to the beginning in the Garden of Eden, and the curse spoken and the inception of the covenant began with Ismael and Isaac.
Isaac, fathered the nation of Israel and Abraham, being his father was known as the “father of faith.” All who accepted ‘by faith,’ this sacrifice made by the blood of Christ, became inheritors of the covenant.
Ismael, was the half-brother and therefore he was not the inheritor of the covenant. Although the Lord did not cut Him off. God did say he would be the father of a great nation. However, the Lord did say that Ismael and Isaac would always be at war with one another. And this has been a struggle that would take place until His return to end this.
It is the epic battle of good and evil. Satan against God Himself. He will bring all of his forces against God’s forces and the Lord will prevail. He has already said that He has written Israel upon the palm of His hand and I would challenge anyone or anything to come against them. Because in so doing, you are coming against the Lord Himself. So I urge you to pray for the peace of JerUSAlem!
“I will bless those who bless you(Israel), and I will curse those who curse you.”
Beware of My Tantrum
15 Jan 2011 1 Comment
in Entertainment/News, family, miscellaneous, political, relationships Tags: Alzheimer's, dementia, earthquake Haiti, elderly in China, entitlement, global, humility, missions, New York Times, status, vip
It happened again today. It never ceases to amaze me. No matter how terrible the tragedies in this country, there are always people, who seem to go about their lives, in a total funk, oblivious to what is happening in this world. We all seem to exist to make their every wish come true, and when that doesn’t happen, they will make sure we hear about it. This is most miserable for all of us, when it takes place on that metal tube.
This morning, Ms. Sour Grapes, had her turn. She started out pleasant enough as I briefed her about her emergency exit, and made a few jokes with her. She seemed pleasant. But, as I gathered later, it was only a ruse, for the ambush, at dinner.
I came up from the back to help the flight attendants working Business Class. And as I served her the meal, she didn’t seem to say anything. It was later, as I passed by, when she called me over, and pointed to her tray, “please take this,” she said, in disgust. “I’m not going to eat this.”
I was quite surprised, as it was the most popular meal we offered, and she hadn’t touched it. As I brought it into the galley, I set it down and asked the galley flight attendant about her. “Oh, she was all upset because she didn’t get her first choice.”
“Oh,my gosh! Not that again” I said. “I’m getting so tired of this.” “Yes,” he said,”I took them in order of status, and asked her what her second choice would be, and she told me, and that’s what she got. She seemed fine with it.” “Well,she sure wasn’t when she called me over.”
Now I was still running meals out, when she called me over again. “Excuse me,” she said. “Could you please tell me why, I got that meal, when people behind me are getting the meal I chose?” “Yes, I will be happy to explain. We take meal orders according to mileage status. It is our policy. We take a first meal order and a secondary order to ensure you have another choice. In mid-sentence she cut me off and said, “I don’t want to hear this. I’m writing a letter.” I bit my tongue, as I wanted to say, Excuse me, but you’re the one who called me over to ask me a question, so obviously, you did want to hear this!”I think that what she didn’t want to hear was that she didn’t have status. And the baby in the car seat behind her carried more status than she did.
Yes, that was a family of 4, and I carried those trays past her, but she was so sarcastic, I just wanted to parade it right up to her seat and stop in front of her and say, “Oops! I’m at the wrong seat. It’s not my fault you’re not as successful as that little toddler back there! Maybe you should have tried harder!”
I’m just a little tired of people acting so entitled. And just plain rude. She wouldn’t take anything for the rest of the flight, as if it was our fault. Those little kids had more manners. Every time we gave them something they said please and thank you. And the woman was just angry. Over a meal choice? Really? Is this really worth it?
I went to the back later and I was talking with the flight attendant about the issue of the epidemic in China and the elderly crisis. It seems because they had allowed couples to only have one child, the elderly population with Alzheimer’s and dementia is outnumbering the population, which is able to care for them. Because I have my elderly mother living with me, I was thinking about this dilemma. What a terrible crisis. They are trying to come up with solutions to the problem. I couldn’t help but think of this woman, I had just dealt with. I thought, yes, perhaps we might have to step up to the plate, and instead of bringing babies back from China, we may have to bring the elderly back.
Then the thought occurred to me. You know, that just might be a trip to cure this crotchety women. She should go to China and bring some of these elderly people back. Perhaps our government could assign people like her to some kind of a post. Then she could really feel important. It would be a win-win, situation. She would get a very important title, she would get her first meal choice, and she would be a government employee, with all those perks. Even though her real job would be babysitting. Who cares? It wouldn’t be long before she needs the services herself, and then they would be paid for.
By the time she had done enough of these trips, I’m sure she would be humbled enough, to stop acting like spoiled brat!
Yes, we are supposed to give out little compensatory coupons to customers every now and then, but I don’t agree with giving them to people like this. It just encourages the very worst in behavior. If I had my way, I would be giving out tickets to do work in mission camps to people like this. It would be like a game show. We could simply take a vote by working crew and announce to the lucky customer; “Congratulations! You are the customer who needs a character makeover! You have a ticket to Haiti for one month! We bought you this nice shovel, as a going away present. Buh-Bye!!!!”
