This belt doesn't get much tighter...

My father wrote a blog post about this editorial from the St. Paul Pioneer Press.

As a state worker myself, I feel it necessary to give my input as well since this has the potential to affect me directly.

I've been working for the state for 7 years now and I have worked my way up in the ranks to a somewhat more stable income level. However, I have been denied cost of living increases (usually 2%) for more than half of that time. I have also been denied my mandatory step pay increase (usually around .45 more an hour) half of that time as well. Now, this may not sound like a big deal to most of you, (I am grateful to have a job at all) however, I am making significantly less than I would in the private sector and I have a family to care for where I am the sole income provider. It has been a rough few years for us, barely scraping by. Even resorting to selling possessions to make ends meet.

I love my job dearly. I enjoy what I do. I am already very under paid for what I do. If I could make it in the private sector I absolutely would go there, but it is a VERY vicious market right now, and I am secure where I am.

While I can somewhat accept that state workers will always be the scapegoats in a budget crisis, I find it hilarious and depressing that the people calling for our heads refuse to take ANY cuts in pay themselves. In fact, they're usually issuing massive bonuses to each other. Yes, legislators, why don't YOU take one for the team this time. Sacrifice your income for a few years. End the ridiculously large bonuses you issue, cut down on the excessive spending on your food or chauffeurs... (Learn to drive and bring a lunch, it's not the end of the world if you do!) I wonder how much that would save the state each year. My guess is quite a hefty number.

Cutting down on the state workforce is not the solution. Neither is cutting our pay. Especially with the increasing number of retirements recently. In case you hadn't noticed the boomers are starting to retire en masse. I have seen so many employees at my workplace retire in the last two years, or planning to retire this year, I can barely keep track. The problem with this is, we are losing a lot of management and a lot of knowledge. Why? Because the state doesn't pay diddly squat compared to the private sector so younger workers straight out of college don't stick around for more than a year. They get the experience on their resumes and bolt for the private market to make three times what they did here.

I have a solution for that. Instead of continually trying to hire new people who you KNOW aren't going to stay, promote from within. Give the people without the degrees but who do the same darn jobs the better paying jobs. Let us work our way up to management positions. That way you won't keep losing very vital knowledge that can take years to regain.

Instead of cutting pay, perhaps offer better pay for the jobs that bring money into the state, like mine does. Give some incentive for the younger generation to stick around. If this retirement rate keeps up and the mass exodus of young people continues, there will be half the workforce here trying to do the job of the full one. I realize this is the ideal for you, budget wise, but I can tell you right now, where I work, that is an AWFUL idea. This agency brings in more money than any other in the state. Losing that many workers will mean huge delays in getting work done, and massive losses on income. Bad idea.

In the end, if you really really really want to eliminate the deficit without sacrificing the jobs of hard working employees, legalize marijuana and tax the hell out of it.

Problem. Solved.
You're welcome.

Merry Birthanksmasoween!

It is the undisputed favorite time of year for most people. Most people being blissfully ignorant yuppie soccer moms with assloads of debt under their $350 pleather belt they got at Macy's. For the rest of us, who live here well below the clouds, this time of year is a snowball of stress chasing us down a steep hill. Only luck will keep us from being swept away to our demise. I don't mind the holidays. I enjoy seeing family, and the food is fantastic (I love me some taters). I do however dislike the fact that it costs so darn much money to actively participate in anything holiday related.

Currently we live in a single income household. The job market is still crap, so my husband isn't having much luck getting work. That means that it's cheap presents for those lucky enough to get any at all, and not much else. I am awed by those who can buy extravagant gifts for everyone they know. I am not awed by the debt they gather buying such things. I don't have any credit cards, and even if I did, I know well enough to not use them except for emergencies or important things like food or bills if I have no other means to afford such items.

Getting back to my point, the holidays are insanely expensive, and this year is even worse. My new unit at work has decided that everyone here must be rich despite the fact that we are public workers and most of them make less than I do. No, that doesn't matter! They can spend spend spend! Those of us with families or other financial responsibilities be damned! We are scrooges! Bah Humbug on us! They've had numerous luncheons in the last couple of weeks, with several more planned before Christmas. They're asking a minimum of $20 secret Santa participation, a monetary donation to buy presents for the holiday party in two weeks, and the real cherry on the cake, a donation for a gift for the bossman. The best part about that last one is, if you don't donate, you don't get to sign the card, and the bossman will then know exactly who kisses his ass, and exactly which employees don't.

It is not a comfortable position to be in, here, in poorsville. But I am not going to degrade myself, or overdraw my bank account to kiss up to my boss. I am hoping he has enough sense to know that those of us (there are several) who didn't chip in, cannot afford to. It is nothing against him, it's just that we have priorities. I can't even get my husband his birthday gift until my next paycheck.

To the people fortunate enough to participate in all of these holiday whatnots, I am happy for you. I however, am not happy at being called cheap behind my back because I am opting out of most of them. I am not pleased with the fact that rather than be understanding that not all of us have money to throw around this time of year, you choose to whisper about us and make us sound like bad people. I am pretty sure the pregnant girl is more concerned with having money for her new baby and toddler. I am pretty sure the guy who has to pay high child support to an ungrateful shrew of an ex is more concerned with keeping a roof over his head than spending over a hundred bucks on office parties and presents. I am also pretty sure that the old ladies saving for retirement don't see the worth of your silly little gatherings.

Isn't the holiday season supposed to be about being with loved ones? Friends and family. Coworkers. Whatever. Why then, are you excluding everyone who can't afford to pay for everything you're asking? Why not let them play games too and have laughs? Why do we have to buy our way into the fun? What the hell kind of holiday spirit is that?

I don't get it.

Literary (Over)analysis

One of the things that always bothered me growing up and going to school were English classes. Not so much the classes themselves, but the fact that teachers all seemed to be of the mindset that analyzing a book to death was the best way to inspire kids to read more, or appreciate the literary works they were forcing us to read.

Myself, I am an avid reader. I love reading more than most other things in life. Most would argue my literary tastes are nothing spectacular, or they are uncultured and juvenile. I don't particularly care. If I want to read Harry Potter or Stephen King instead of Nietzsche or Dickens, so be it. It isn't that I don't have an appreciation for the classics, I absolutely do, I also happen to think a lot of them are overrated, long-winded snotty drivel.

I also loathe Shakespeare. Loathe.

There is a reason I have dislike for so many "great works". It goes back to my school days full of over analyzing the hell out of every book we were told to read. Is it a requirement when getting your degree to become an English teacher that you must create lesson plans where you force the students to read too heavily into every little word? Is that some sort of unwritten code I am not aware of? Or is it as simple as the fact that trying to create discussion without analyzing what the author was "thinking" would be far too difficult?

I cannot fathom how teaching us what the authors were "thinking" when they wrote their novella is even taken seriously. How the hell do you know what they were thinking? How do you know they intended all this insanely deep analytical meaning behind their words? How do you know they're not just telling a story? Were you there? Did you or do you know the authors? Did the authors create student education guides to go along with their works? What is the point of hanging onto every word like it's a lifeline? What is the point of finding out the hidden meaning behind Piggy's glasses in Lord of the Flies? Your opinion on the theme behind the book is not fact. Issuing poor grades to those who dare challenge you is ridiculous.

When did basing an entire lesson plan on opinion become actual education. I am all for debate around books. I actually encourage it. Debate how the book made you feel. How the books made you think. But don't tell me how the books are supposed to affect me. If you tell me how to read the book to see things a certain way, I am inevitably going to dislike said book. It will leave a bad taste in my mouth, and that saddens me. I don't enjoy disliking some of the supposed greatest works of literature. But they were shoved down my throat and I was told over and over how to feel and how to absorb them. I was told how I was supposed to enjoy certain passages and how I was supposed to think less of others. If I disagreed I was told I was wrong.

I am not wrong. No one is wrong. People interpret things differently. People attach themselves to literary works differently. Who the hell are you English teachers of America to tell me otherwise? Who the hell told you your word was infallible? You're out of your fucking gourds if you think your opinion matters above anyone else and you should be ashamed of yourselves.

Smoke gets in your eyes

It's another beautiful cool rainy day here in Minnesota. It's been raining on and off for the better part of a week now. As much as I love rain and how clean everything smells after a nice rain, I do miss the sun. There have also been many empty promises of nasty storms this week, yet I sit here disappointed. How very drab. It's been a few years since we really had a nice big boomer. I wonder what's up with that? The rest of the Midwest is getting its fair share, so where are mine?! I don't want tornadoes or anything horrific like that. I just want a nice strong, loud, wind-filled storm. Maybe toss a little hail in there for ambiance!

I guess there is one upside to the rain today, it means I don't feel nearly as bad for missing the Fark party tonight. My husband and I were supposed to go, and very much looking forward to it but financial obligations come first. Unfortunately due to these obligations, we literally don't have a dime to spend right now. Hopefully there will be another Fark party this summer we can attend. I like the summer Fark parties much more than the winter ones now that smoking is banned in bars. It's always a blast standing outside in -30 windchill to have a cigarette.

Now, before anyone jumps up my ass on smoking, it is my life choice, and does not affect you in any way. As far as smoking in bars is concerned you have every right to not go to a smoking bar, instead opting for one of the dozens of non-smoking bars that existed before this oppressive law was passed. I am not one of those rude smokers who stands around non-smokers blowing smoke into their faces. I can't say I've honestly ever seen a smoker that does do such a thing, yet it is a favorite retort for the smoke-free folk. I ask you this non-smokers, how many of you have honestly had someone blow smoke into your faces? How often does this happen? Maybe us Minnesotans are just too nice for such things.

Another argument I love to get thrown at me is that smoking is bad for me. No, really? I had no idea! I'm not a moron. I've been well aware the adverse effects of smoking since I was able to comprehend what that meant. So, I was pretty damn young when I figured it out. I knew all about it when I started smoking, I hear all about it all the time. I don't care. It's my body, my choice. If I suffer because of it, so be it. Besides, I'm not a quitter! My smoking affects me and me alone. Second hand smoke isn't pleasant, but guess what! All of those supposed studies saying it causes cancer are bullshit. In fact, Penn & Teller did an excellent episode of their show Bullshit! covering this exact topic. The studies are inconclusive at best, and were so limited in their research that no legitimate medical journal or organization acknowledges these studies as fact. Hate to burst that bubble for you, but if you did a little research before spouting off about things like this, you'd be taken more seriously.

Oh well, it's impossible to please everyone.

The Monotony of Monogamy

This article was linked on Fark today. Now, it's the National Enquirer and I take it with a grain of salt. However, the conservatives sure aren't. They're latching onto it the way they did in the Clinton days when he cheated on Hilary. And, much like when Clinton was in power, there are much more important things to be worried about.

Monogamy goes against nature. That is my opinion on it, and I know I am not alone in that belief. It's a controversial one, but I stand by it. Very few animals actually mate for life. Human beings are not one of them. Ask anyone you know. Chances are they've been cheated on. Now, I am not justifying having affairs by any means. I think that's a prick thing to do. I just wish people had the ability to be completely honest with their partners regarding "illicit" feelings. I also wish that people would be more willing to accept that they have those feelings as well.


On the most recent episode of House this issue was addressed. Most of the characters seemed very accepting of the idea of having an honest and open relationship, while others were curious about it, they were horrified at the thought. The show had a very typical take on the whole idea, in the end saying it will only hurt one of the partners. While that may be true, I find that insecurity tends to be the real reason people get hurt. If you're comfortable with who you are and you can trust yourself, why always fear the worst? Trust and honesty is not a hard thing to achieve.

Back to the whole Obama affair debacle. Most of the reasoning behind people being so offended by it is because they've been raised in society and religion that tells them that going with your natural urges is immoral, even evil. For one thing, having sex with another human being in no way impedes your ability to lead the country. For another, in no way is it anyone's business but the people who are directly involved. I am tired of "morality" being shoved down our throats all the time. Being told the "proper" ways to lead ones life. Mind your own business, what people do in the privacy of their homes (or in these cases, hotel rooms) is no concern of yours.

Two of the best Presidents were ladies men. Kennedy and Clinton. Two men that I think did exceptionally well with their time in office. Does the fact that they cheated on their spouses have anything to do with that? No. The only reason it is relevant is because to me, it shows that it does not affect the ability to be a good leader for this country. Now, if Obama did have an affair, I am confident he will still keep fighting the good fight. I am pretty sure he's not going to stray from his actual job just because he may have gotten his rocks off in some woman's bed.

Bottom line is that it is not the end of the world, it's not our business, and it is most definitely not our place to judge him.

What a sight to see!

You know it's time for new glasses when the above image is what you see all the time. Having to focus in order to read a computer screen or a book gets exhausting. So, growing weary of having headaches at night, and seeking a new look, I decided it is time for new specs.

Today I went to the eye doctor, six years after my last appointment, to update my prescription. I was in pretty bad shape when I couldn't even read the third line on the largest text sheet of the eye exam. It is definitely time for a new pair of eyes.

Now, I have an irrational fear (or am I actually quite rational) of having things put into my eyes. For that reason I will never be able to wear contact lenses or have Lasik surgery. My loving husband was beside himself with amusement as the doctor was putting the yellow glaucoma drops in my eyes and I was tense and ready to flee at moment's notice. After that horror, I thought I was in the clear, but no! The doctor had to stick a pointy light thisclose to my eyeball. I was not a happy camper, however I do not have glaucoma and that is good. Finally! I am free and clear! What's this? More drops? How dare you trick me doctor man! Not the dreaded dilation drops! I hate those! I can't see for hours afterwords. Everything hurts to look at... Heck, I can barely read what I am typing now. Fine, I'll take your stupid drops, but I sure won't like it!

After sitting in the lobby for 20 minutes to let those puppies make it look like I am having a really bad trip, the doctor was ready to take one more peek at the eyeballs. At this point I have given up being afraid of more objects being jabbed into my eyes and ready to move on so I can go shop for new glasses. The doc shines many blinding lights into my eyes, from every which direction. Once he had finished I couldn't see for all the spots burned into my retina. Eesh. The doc handed over my fancy new prescription and off I go! Also in my gift bag was a shiny new pair of old lady sunglasses to protect me from the burning ball of light that was clearly trying to kill me. Fun! Now I am half-blind and I look like a dork! My favorite!

Next we headed to the part of the trip I was looking forward to. The Spectacle Shoppe has the most unique selection of glasses I have ever seen. I spent a good part of an hour just browsing the shelves for the perfect frames for me. They had some very bizarre and hilarious frames that I would love to own, but know I could never pull off. Frames of every color, shape, size, and style. I loved it! When all was said and done I had selected a smaller lens pinkish purple square frame that suits my face nicely.



They don't really look like the ones above, I just grabbed a random image from the googles.

They were very affordable, considering how ungodly expensive glasses usually are. The customer service was excellent at The Spectacle Shoppe, and this weekend I get to pick up my new eyes! Hooray! I highly recommend shopping there if you are ever in need of glasses or sunglasses. Heck, even if you just want a pair of frames for costume glasses, I would go there. They're fantastic.

Hello, is it me you're looking for?

My husband and I moved a few weeks ago into a beautiful and affordable condo. It's an upgrade from the house we were living in before. It's smaller, but feels bigger since the rooms are larger and more open, and there are modern amenities the house was lacking. I never thought I would be so grateful to have a dishwasher and garbage disposal, but after nearly 2 years of hand washing all of our dishes, it is a major relief and time saver.



The best thing about the condo is the security. It is a highly secured building in a very safe, low crime city. We previously lived in one of the worst neighborhoods in the Twin Cities which became obvious mere months after moving in when someone was murdered in a drive by shooting only a couple of hundred feet from where I had been sleeping. Besides the daily bursts of gunfire, there were almost weekly police raids in the neighborhood drug houses and immense amounts of gang activity. I couldn't leave the windows open at night to breathe fresh air, nor did I feel safe even having the blinds open if I was sitting in a room alone. Those feelings are gone now that we are here.

The windows stay open, the tension is gone. I haven't heard a gunshot since we moved.

There's a small pond in our back yard as well which is full of wildlife. It's so relaxing after a long and stressful day at work to be able to come home and sit on the patio swing just watching the ducks, geese, and cranes toddle around. The pond is surrounded by weeping willows, which happen to be my favorite tree. I have never lived in a place that had any nearby so I am pleased with the view to say the least. Kitty seems to love it here too. He highly enjoys the hours and hours of watching all of the avian wildlife. If only he could get out... Too bad!


Our landlord is amazing. She and her boyfriend lived here previously and remodeled quite a bit. They put in hardwood floors in the dining area, and mirrors on every single closet door. They also installed the appliances and they build a lovely oak divider/shelf between the dining room and living room. They even installed a separate vanity and sink in the large bedroom closet so my husband and I don't have to spend our mornings fighting over bathroom time.

So, we lucked out like crazy getting this place. The timing was perfect, and we are quite happy and relieved to be here.

We take advantage of the gym and swimming pool on an almost daily basis since it is no extra cost to use. It will be nice to start losing some of the weight Spider put on me. He is an excellent cook and I cannot turn down his meals no matter how hard I try. Now I can enjoy them and not worry about fitting into my pants the next day!

Well, that's all I feel like writing for the moment. I am off to play some video games before dinner and South Park. Take care!