Happy Thanksgiving!

It's that time of year again. Turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce and grandma's pumpkin pie. By tomorrow everyone will be on the road to homes of family members and close friends. Me, I'll be home making pumpkin pies for both sides of the family and little pumpkin tarts for my kid cousins. I'll hit the road on Thursday morning with my husband as we venture up to Connecticut to spend time with his family. But as we all get ready for our trips and feasts, we should take time to remember what's important and what we're thankful for.

Most people go through life too busy and hurried to look at the little things. I like to take walks with my husband, and when we do, we always seem to discover some little magical thing, whether it be a tiny flower, a strange bug we've never seen before or a beautiful sunset. Too many people just look down at the pavement they're pounding and never around them to see what else is out there. Look up people! We live in a beautiful world that you take for granted. Be thankful that we're here and that the earth is here for us live on and enjoy. Whether you believe in God, some other higher being or just pure science, there's too much out there not to take the time to stop and, yes, smell the roses.

Another thing people seem to be too busy for is their family. My husband and I are very close to our families and likewise, we have become very close to each other's families. I'm an only child, so I'm very thankful to now have three sisters and a brother. Though there have been two recent marriages in the family, so I guess that now makes it four sisters and two brothers. It's a wonderful feeling to know that I don't have to dread going to visit my husband's family. Too many people dread their in-laws, and it's a shame. Sure, everybody gets on everyone else's nerves sometimes, but that's no reason to hate them. It's called family life! Give everyone a chance. There's for more there to love than you think.

Today is my grandmother's birthday, and I miss her very much. She passed away almost three years ago from complications due to diabetes (and the doctors poor treatment and diagnosis, but that's another story). Mamie was always a happy person, always going here and there, keeping up on the town news and keeping the family in order. We always had a great times, especially at the holidays. She would cook big meals and everyone would come over. If we couldn't be there on Thanksgiving, she would have a second dinner, just as big, the Sunday after.

The one lesson I would like to pass on to my readers is not to take your family for granted. You never know when they won't be there. Take time to call someone you haven't spoken to for a long time. Apologize for age old family feuds. Be kind and loving and always ask if you can help. Say "I love you" before you hang up the phone or leave the house, and don't be afraid to give your mom or dad a hug. Don't go to bed angry or after a fight. It will only make things worse in the morning (and you'll probably have a bad night's sleep, too!). Always answer the phone with a smile. Everything you do affects your family, whether you like to think so or not. You're worth more to your family than you know, and deep down inside, they're worth more than all the world to you.

So many people don't have what most of us have, and even then, most of us don't have in a lifetime what the wealthy can have in one year. Take a minute to talk to a homeless person. Let them know you care. It doesn't hurt to give them a few dollars or a cup of coffee. They need to eat, too. Read a book to your child. They value the time they can spend with you because for every hour you're at work, you're not with them, teaching them and showing them the world. Donate some old clothes to the Salvation Army or donate some dog food to the local SPCA. Give a little of yourself everyday. Give a little hope to those who need it the most.

This Thanksgiving, don't just be thankful that you had a good commute to work or that you had $2.00 left on your MetroCard or that there was enough coffee left in the pot for one more cup. Take time to look around and be thankful for all you have in life--your family, your children, their love, God. A few seconds to think about these things everyday won't take away too much time from your busy schedule. I promise.

Happy Thanksgiving, maties!

The Value of Education

I deal with a lot of people everyday. Young, old, you name it, I've probably worked with someone like that. I don't always come across the smartest people either. I often wonder what goes on in people's minds (or what doesn't for that matter), and why they say and do the things they do. My mother recently started working again for our local school system, and perhaps her daily accounts of working with the children, yes, our future, could provide a little more insight as to why the value of education is drastically dropping.

My mother substitutes for grades from K-8. She worked in the same school system for almost 15 years as a lunch monitor and suspension officer, as well as at times working with special needs children. When my grandmother became ill, she took a few years off to take care of her. In that small amount of time, it seems as though the kids are being taught less and less.

My favorite story is when mom first started back, and she was substituting for the grammar school computer teacher the first week school opened. She was left instructions, and she was working with the kids on their daily projects. One project asked them to begin by typing their names on the screen. A boy raised his hand and said he didn't know how to spell his own name. I'm sorry, but isn't there something wrong with this picture? One of the first things you learn in school is how to spell your name. In fact, any good parent would teach their kids how to spell their name before they get to school. Mine did, and if I remember correctly, all of my classmates knew how to spell their names.

Yesterday, my mother was reprimanded by the superintendent for saying the word "dead". How is a teacher supposed to teach about "dead" historical figures, if they can't say they're "dead"? Death happens. Yes, it's a touchy subject when it's someone you know, but it happens. George Washington isn't holed up somewhere being pumped full of chemicals and vitamins to keep him alive. Abe Lincoln doesn't actually live in the White house anymore. John F. Kennedy was shot in the head and isn't coming back. Elvis, now that's still a possibility. History can't be taught as history if the schools don't allow the teachers to talk about dead people. I take it our kids will never learn about the horrors of war because, oh my, people die in war. Give it up people!

If teachers are restricted in what they can teach because it may hurt little Johnny's feelings, then what's the point of even having an education system anymore. It's gone so far down the drain, there's hardly a chance to save it. Are test scores going up? Really? I can't see how it's helping society in general.

Another example: My husband and I worked a local university. He was the pub manager, so he was able to interact with the students more than I could (I was in administration). He used to come home and tell me how the math major student employee who worked for him couldn't make change for a $2.25 beer from $5.25. I remember one girl who could barely keep a thought in her brain for more than 3 seconds. Guess what her major was? Education, of course! Part of the downfall of the mental level of this country is the fact that colleges and universities are letting anyone graduate. As long as they get your money, you're good to go. I bet if you gave them four years tuition up front they'd just hand you a diploma.

Another problem is that students are being made to learn things that they can't always learn. For example, not every child is able to comprehend physics and calculus. Instead of trying to help these kids, teachers continue to cram the facts and formulas down their throats until they become so pressured that they start to take drugs, drink, smoke and become violent. Vocational schools are looked down on, because "nobody should have to be just a plumber; instead, everyone should aim to be a lawyer or a doctor." My mom always likes to say, if no one is allowed to become a plumber or a carpenter or an auto mechanic, who will fix the pipes, build the homes and repair the cars. We all know that lawyers and doctors don't do those things on their own.

And finally, let the kids have some guts. They can't be shielded from every little negative thing that happens in a day. If you're so concerned about them witnessing violence and drugs or guns, then take away their video games and don't let them watch horror movies. Studies have been done for years that claim violence on television and in video games will make a child become more violent in real life. I bet little Mikey didn't kick Jimmy in the head until you allowed him to have Mortal Combat for his PSP. Oh yeah, and Mommy and Daddy shouldn't curse so much at home. If you're that concerned, make the changes yourself. People die, and most people in history are dead. You can't change that and it's not going to help your kids learn anymore if you don't allow them to know Lincoln is already dead! He was shot in the head, brains spewing all over Fords Theatre and Mary Todd, his wife. How about that for historical violence and death?!?

Lesson for the day: Let your kids learn. Don't be so concerned that they'll become mental cases because people who lived hundreds of years ago are dead. Guide them through their education. Don't force them to learn something they can't. Find a strong point and go with it. Maybe it will be physics, but maybe it'll be shop class. Did you ever consider how much a Lamborghini mechanic actually makes?

And now for my violent tidbit of the day--

Pirate fact: "[Grainne O'Malley] ruthlessly avenged the murders of her husband and of her lover, divorced her second husband, gave birth to her youngest son on board her ship as it was being attacked by North African pirates. She kidnapped the grandson of an Earl when he refused her the hospitality of his castle. Her ransom was that he and his descendants would forever lay an extra place at his dinner table for the unexpected arrival, a demand that is still fulfilled to this day. " (Thanks to Anne Chambers for this bit of info. Argggggg!)

Smoking and Dwindling American Freedom

Smoking. Some love it, most hate it. Either way you look at it, though, it's a personal choice, as are many rights in this great (and bite my tongue as I type) country of ours. It's becoming more and more obvious, though, that certain freedoms are dwindling from our sights. Why smoking? It's simple. You can't force someone make a choice if they don't want to. In this case, word is being spread that there is a push to now ban smoking outside in New York City. As if restaurants and bars aren't good enough? Oh, I'm just beginning...

As an employee of a New York company, I walk through a number of smokers on my way to work, to lunch or just on a brisk afternoon walk. I don't mind the smoke. My father smoked until I was about 19, I have always been surrounded by smokers in the company I keep and I, too, (yes, innocent little me) occasionally smoke when I'm out for a night on the town. What I find funny, though, are the people who intentionally walk through the smoking sections outside Penn Station or the Port Authority and feel they have to cough to make a point. We all know, it's bad for your health. Don't be jerks about it. If you don't like it, go around it. It's not like you're in a contained area, like a bar, for example. You're outside. The smoke will dissipate within seconds. There's no need to make that little statement, "Cough! Cough!"

And now, the fact that all the smokers in New York state, Connecticut, California and a number of other states, have been pushed outside to smoke is not good enough. Now they shouldn't be allowed to smoke outside either. So what then? You'll have to go all the way home for a nicotine fix? Sure, that'll happen (in New Jersey, you're no longer allowed to smoke in your own car--that's private and personal property, right?). No, instead, we (smokers and non-smokers alike) are letting the government take away a basic, simple choice. It's not even really a right by government standards, but hey, if you want to slowly kill yourself with nicotine and tar, that's technically your personal right. This is where it gets good.

Rights. Let's see. What are some basic American rights? The right to freedom of speech and religion. The right to bear arms. The right to be secure against unlawful searches and seizures. The right to a speedy trial. These are just a few of the first 10 amendments, a.k.a. The Bill of Rights. Yes, that fateful document that this country's government was founded on. If only our forefathers could see us now. Talk about turning in their graves!

So, where to begin. Well, my favorite, freedom of speech. How often do we hear cases where "he said this" and "she said that"? That's be cause they can. Because they're allowed to by our foremost governing document. Sure, you may not like what was said, but that's up to a matter of opinion (and yes, that's a basic personal right, too). Little by little our freedom of speech is being taken away. Politically correct terms are replacing our everyday vocabulary. Hmmm, what sounds better: the bald eagle or the follicly-challenged eagle? Press reporters are being repressed in what they write. In some places, even blogs are being censored. So it's basically coming down to what the government says you can say is all you can say (or what you can't say for that matter).

Ahh yes, and the right to bear arms. If you read my earlier blog about Civil War reenacting and competitive shooting, you'll probably gather that we're a shooting family. My grandfather has been doing it for years, my cousins do it and my husband was an expert marksman in the military. We don't shoot to kill. In fact, we don't even hunt. We shoot targets, and that's it. I don't believe in owning a gun to kill, but everyone should have the right to protect their home and family. Semi-automatic weapons are not a necessity unless you're involved in a war, and they certainly do not belong on the streets. However, firearms can be effective (granted theyneed to be kept out of children's reach and with the safety on). But not these days. Too many gun-runners and criminals who shoot to kill have ruined that right, and now the government is fighting to take this right away, too.

I could go on all night about rights and freedoms. Come on, the right to a speedy trial? When was the last time that happened? I think in today's world that only applies to traffic court--if you're lucky. Freedom of religion? There's more religious persecution today than there has been since the Spanish Inquisition. You can go anywhere you want, but God, yeah, he's not allowed to go with you. Sorry. And unlawful searches and seizures--what's a warrant again? As long as you've got a badge, you can do anything you want and you act as self-righteous as you want. Probable cause is as good as anything these days--warrant or no. But, there is one thing I feel is not a right, nor should it ever become one.

I'll come right out and say it: I am fully and completely opposed to abortion. Abortion is not a right. Murder is not a right, so how is it that people fight for the "right" to kill an unborn child? Between 23-28 days, the heart of an unborn child is beating. By three months, the fetus is able to cover its ears when it gets to loud. You're going to tell me that the life forming in your womb is not a living being? No. If you feel you have the right to do anything to your body, go out and get a tattoo or a piercing. Smoke or drink yourself into a cancer-ridden, drunken mess. But just because you weren't responsible enough to use a condom or some sort of contraception doesn't mean you have the right to take someone else's life. When you decide to have that little person ripped from your womb, you're not doing anything to your body. You're destroying, limb from limb, head from shoulders, heart from soul, a little tiny being that can't even defend itself. Getting away with murder is not a right, and if you want to get it on that bad, spend the $4 or whatever it takes to get some condoms. Is 15 minutes of pleasure worth the life of someone who could love you so much and call you mommy? No.

So, I've said my piece. I'm not saying that we should all go out, start smoking and get cancer just to protest the possible (and probably definite) bans on smoking, but we should all be aware that with each little thing the government takes away, it gives them the strength and power to take away bigger freedoms and rights. Political correctness has the ball rolling on diminishing our freedom of speech. No God in public places--no more freedom of religion. It's happening. But hey, if you didn't like what I just said, remember, I'm still exercising my basic rights. Are you?

Pirate fact: Count Maurycy Beniowski took part in the Polish uprising to liberate Poland from the Russian rule and was sentenced to Siberia. After escaping, he made his way (with a crew) to Eastern Africa. He soon declared himself King of Madagascar. Though his stronghold was on an island off of Madagascar, he frequently attacked shipping vessels and held no real authority. Mauritius, a small nearby island, is named in his honor.

Acts of God

It's hard not to notice how many tragedies the world has experienced over the past year. We've seen bombings, hurricanes, earthquakes, tsunamis. Even the volcanoes are rumbling more that usual. You have to wonder what's going on. Why now? What's happening on earth to make the heavens angry? I think it's time we all take a step back and look at what we're doing to the world and to each other.

We all know that terrorism is running rampant throughout the world, and bombings, fighting and deaths are happening everyday. The United States is losing soldiers on a daily basis, as is the Iraqi people (regardless of whether they are guilty or not). We recently had the bombings in London, and today there were bombings in Thailand. Reports showed the other day that thousands of corporations worldwide had been funding Saddam Hussein in a supposed oil for food program that was supposed to help suffering Iraqis. Let's do the math: Saddam Hussein + corporations + billions of dollars + oil = trouble and corruption. What were they thinking?

Our own almighty powerful US government is now so full of corruption, you can't even joke about it anymore. It's gone way beyond politicians taking expensive vacations to secluded islands. How many indictments are there now? I've lost count. Who do you turn to when you can't even trust the people who are supposed to (and are paid to) look out for you? Well, for those who have any morals left at all, the answer would be God. And isn't he ticked off!

I'm an Episcopal turned Catholic, and I go to church as often as I can, sometimes even making masses during my lunch hour to make up for missed weekend masses. I believe in God and I'm not afraid to admit it. I'm not one to judge, so if you believe in Allah or Buddha, you have every right to. My family and I have made our choice and we're happy with what we believe. But in the end, you have to admit that there is someone up there looking over us and keeping track of all the evil in the world. Even the atheists can't deny that the number of natural disasters in the past year are just a mere coincidence. Or how do the lawyers say it, "Acts of God"?

Natural disasters are good for one thing: pulling people together. The world flocked to southeast Asia for the tsunami last Christmas and to the aid of Pakistan after the devastating earthquake last month. People made donations and sent supplies. My husband spent hours sending messages of hope to people via MySpace after the tsunami. In return he received many thanks and made some friends along the way. It was an innocent, caring way to show the world he cared. The lost and displaced people in southeast Asia took time to remember him in their prayers. You mean to tell me that decency still exists? Of course, though, we can't forget the United States and the record number of hurricanes this past season.

The last time I checked, we were up to Hurricane Beta. We have had more hurricanes this season than in the entire time they have been tracked and recorded since the mid-1800's. Hurricanes Katrina and Rita tore apart the American Gulf Coast, and recently Wilma unleashed her wrath on Florida. How sad is it to know that our very own government took as long as they did to get down there and help those people stranded and dying in the disease infested flood waters. And where was God when this all happened?

God was there. He watched it happen. He's watching the corruption everyday, and He's trying to send us a message, but because so many people don't believe, don't care to believe or just don't give a damn about anything, it's going to keep happening. God hasn't verbally spoken with someone on earth (other than Jesus) since the Old Testament. Granted, that's a long time, but just because He isn't being verbal doesn't mean he isn't communicating. What's that age old communication 101 question: One cannot not communicate. Well, God is communicating but no one is paying attention.

The corruption in this world, and I mean the entire world, is so great that it's clouding our vision. We can't see the good because we can only see the bad. We have no option. We're fed it everyday through the television, the radio, the internet. We're so used to it, we don't know what else to look for anymore. And of course this is the time when people want the phrase "In God We Trust" removed from government buildings. They want the Ten Commandments removed from the courts and judicial system. They want God removed from the Pledge of Allegiance and from schools. I'm sorry, but I'm not pledging allegiance to anything as corrupt and dysfunctional as this country. Call me unpatriotic or an anarchist, but I refuse. God has been around far longer, and He has a far bettee track record.

It's going to keep happening. The world is crumbling under our feet and we refuse to accept that it is. I check the volcano-cams and geological surveys everyday. It's happening. The storms are getting bigger and more destructive. The winters are getting colder and the deaths are growing in number. Open your eyes, open your ears. A message is being sent to try to get us to change our ways. God is watching and he's keeping score.

Pirate fact: It is highly unlikely that pirates kept parrots as pets. Parrots would be too messy if left on the shoulder of a pirate, would probably get in the way of work and would most definitely be consumed during rough times at see. Fancy a wing or a breast?