Happy birthday, guys!

Happy birthday to my daughter (20 on the 24th), husband (January 26), and baby brother (January 26)!

Photo credit: Idea go

Party on, guys!  Love you all!

Oy

It’s been a while, eh? Holiday season, last few weeks of school, pain, and projects are harshing my mellow. But no fear, I’m getting things back under control and will be back with you regularly starting now.

How is your schedule so far?

Bigotry

It’s an ugly word and an even uglier state.  I read an article and shared it on Facebook yesterday.  Over 300 comments later (some deleted by the poster), I’m not sure some people get it.

An upstate South Carolina soup kitchen denied an atheist group’s request to pass out care packages to the patrons.   It’s well within the soup kitchen’s rights to deny the request, but the director’s comments about it we’re anything but Christian:

“This is a ministry to serve God” she said. “We stand on the principles of God. Do they (atheists) think that our guests are so ignorant that they don’t know what an atheist is? Why are they targeting us? They don’t give any money. I wouldn’t want their money.”

I take issue with her comments and see them as bigoted.  Some agree with me and some disagree.   I understand not wanting an outside group helping in a church-sponsored facility.   I don’t understand why a difference in belief translates into ‘a disservice to the community’ when the groups share a common goal.

Is it a denial based on the myth that atheists only care about themselves?  Is it a superiority thing?  Is it just the old lesson I was taught about not associating with the unequally yoked?  I am honestly asking, not looking for a fight.

Maybe I just expect too much from people in general.  I believe we all are equal.  Our different points of view, ways of life, sizes, and flavors are beautiful.  Anytime we can recognize and celebrate our similarities is beautiful as well.

Catching up – meeting Joshua Radin!

It’s amazing to me how easily I can fall behind when hubby takes a day off.  It’s not really on him.  I enjoyed our day on Wednesday and it’s not his fault that a migraine decided to crash our rare midweek day of rest.

Hubs and I had date night and took in a concert.   We enjoyed the show, ran into a old buddy, and got to meet Joshua Radin.

Unflattering shot all around, but I still love it. Why a red light, Music Farm?

If you haven’t heard of him, take a listen.  He was even better live.

I’ve realized that I will always look larger than I  am in pictures since my boobs are bigger than my head.

I digress,  Today’s soundtrack is Radin’s Wax Wings.  I’m old school – the CD is playing now.

What are you listening to?

Wordless Wednesday: Charleston, SC

I hate bridges in general, but for some reason I like this view.

A quick holiday break

Happy Holidays!

Postercize photo.

I’m planning to take a short break from posting, but not from spams and scams.   In keeping with the holiday spirit, I’ll be spreading as much joy and cheer as I can.  To do so, I need to avoid the negativity that comes with the spam filling my inbox.  I’ll be back to my regular posts in a few days.  Until then, make sure you ignore any messages claiming your electronic transfer or direct deposit did not go through unless it comes directly from your bank.   Don’t believe it when a friend or family member emails you from some vacation spot abroad with a sob story about being robbed.  And of someone contacts you because God told them to leave you their estate, dream about what you’d do with that cash and laugh, but don’t share your information with them.

Be safe, be well, celebrate whatever you celebrate with love, joy, and food.

Peace.

Dilemma – What to do when things change

This is probably a little more of a ramble than usual.  I felt the need to write about this and get feedback from others who may or may not be in a similar situation.

I was a fairly active member of a wahm community that I liked a lot.   More of a lurker since the kids went back to school, but before lurkdom I would read and comment on member posts and blogs, search out members when I wanted to shop, and so on.  It is a supportive group for the most part, and I liked being a part of it.   Recent group changes have changed my feelings on it.

I tend to keep religion out of business for the most part.  I don’t scream about my path from the rooftops, but I don’t hide or pretend to be something I’m not either.  I tend to stay away from groups with religious undertones because the focus tends to stray from business to religion.   I personally believe that the two should not necessarily mix, but there is something comforting about the common bond.  But what if a group starts one way and becomes another?

When I joined, the group was not religion-based, just wahm-based.  Over time, however, the change became clear and became part of the group description and mission.  While I enjoyed my time there, I could not in good faith remain a part of it.  I was not excluded or made to feel unwelcome; I felt somewhat like a fraud for being there.  I did not feel comfortable in a group that gave me a  label that did not fit.

Before anyone sees this as an attack on religion-focused groups, let me assure you that it is not.  This is about my take on the subject.  If one chooses to make religion a factor in how one advertises, so be it.  I’m fine with that.  I have issue with someone refusing to do business with a potential client or customer because of religion, but that’s another story.  It’s a question of character for me.  I will continue to be the person that I am and treat my fellow man as I wish to be treated.  I will continue to network and shop with other independent business owners, both on and offline.  I will market my business as I have in the past.  I will not knowingly participate in these activities under a label that does not reflect my true beliefs.

If leaving the group affects my relationships with the wonderful women I met there, then it will happen. I would rather lose contact with them than live a lie and lose respect for myself.

Yes, I’m making up for lost time.

Summer vacation is insane for me.  The kids are home and require more attention than they would like.  Hubby takes time off and makes road trip plans.  Extended family and friends drop by unexpectedly, and other call repeatedly (you know who you are).

I’ve been any and everywhere it seems but here.  The kids’ return to school next week will be a big help – my day will be mine again!

I can’t speak for all telecommuting parents, but for me, having the kids nearby is both a blessing and curse.   I still wouldn’t change it.  Well, except to occasionally wish for year-round school schedules.

What about you – would you change anything about your telecommuting schedule?

It’s time for another cup of coffee.

Happy Canada Day!

Just thought I’d send a little love to our northern neighbors.

Earth Hour is coming – March 28, 2009!

And this Green Biz Mama will be participating, just like last year!

I started living a greener life before it became the thing to do.  I recycle, reduce consumption, walk or take public transportation whenever I can, use my canvas bags, etc.  Before partnering with Shaklee I made a lot of my own household cleaners.

It makes my family a little crazy at times, but they understand why I do what I do and that every bit helps.

So, will you join me this year?  All you have to do is shut off the lights for an hour starting at 8:30 pm your time.

http://www.earthhour.org/