Procrastination

Procrastination. It’s never a good thing. I say this as I sit here at my computer wracking my brain for an article topic. And how, you ask did I find myself in this predicament once again? It is because of my old nemesis procrastination. I tell myself I work best under pressure. That if it weren’t for the last minute, I would never get anything done. But really, it’s an excuse. Just a way of enabling myself instead of trying to fix my dilly-dallying character defect.

Over the years I have grown up, became more organized (barely) and more responsible. This has helped some, but I still find myself wondering how the time slipped by as I try and play catch up with my life. The American poet, Don Marquis said that procrastination is the art of keeping up with yesterday. Truer words have never been spoken. My life is controlled chaos, though I blame only part of that on my procrastination problem. My other big fault is my habit of taking on too much. Spreading myself too thin. I call it my superwoman complex. I am driven by a need to take on more than I should. I have a desire to nurture others, sometimes to the point of not talking care of myself.

I am often told by loved ones that they don’t see how I manage the schedule I do . To be honest, often times I don’t know either. But I just can’t see myself being any other way. I sometimes like the frantic pace. Don’t get me wrong, I want to improve myself. Especially the procrastination habit. I’m sure my husband would like that, as would the very tolerant editors who haven’t complained. Too loudly. Yet. So as I turn this in to you, in the wee hours of Friday morning, I promise to improve on my procrastination. Tomorrow. Just sayin’.

So if anyone actually reads this feel free to comment. I would love some feedback. 

For the Girls

My son is growing up. He is seventeen and thinks he is ready to fly from the nest. Much too soon for me of course. How quickly the time passes. It seems like only yesterday that he was my little man, running through the yard with a beagle puppy hanging from the seat of his pants. But this isn’t about him. This is for his girlfriend, and her friends.This is to all young ladies struggling to make it through adolescence alive, so please take a few minutes and listen. Don’t just read this, really hear what I have to say and know that it comes with the best of intentions.

First and foremost, slow down. Teens today, and in my opinion especially girls, are trying to mature way too soon. I know that growing up and becoming a self sustaining adult is the point of your teenage years, but it seems to me that this generation is in such a hurry. I’m not even going to go into the statistics about teen pregnancy. Anyone with a tv can see it is not just an issue , but it is almost glorified with shows like Teen Mom and The Secret Life of an American Teenager. That is Hollywood. After 30 - 60 minutes, the show is over, and problems are solved. I realize that teen Mom is a reality show, but once cameras and a production crew are involved, it is no longer actually “reality”. So take a minute and slow down. Enjoy these years. They may not be the best time in your life, and they certainly aren’t the easiest, but they are important. This time in your life is vital in preparing you for the realities of adulthood. Make the most of it, you will never get it back.

It is important that you know you are beautiful. Some in more obvious ways than others, but it is still beauty and don’t ever let anyone convince you otherwise. As a society we are often times too caught up in physical appearance, but as you grow up, you will understand that inner beauty can be just as, if not more radiant than outer appearances. Always keep in mind, you may be judged at first by what you look like on the outside, but it is what you are inside that you will be remembered by.

And finally, you are worthy. You are special, and important, You have so much potential to be great at whatever you chose to do. Don’t sell yourself short and settle for less than what you deserve. Life is long and not easy. It will only be harder if you never learn to expect the best for yourself. Get your education. A lot of amazing women came before us and fought long and hard for our rights to educate and better ourselves. No matter what you do, or where you end up in life, no one can ever take your knowledge away from you.

So I ask that you listen to what I have to say. Hear my words and think about them. I know I am not the first person to tell you these things, but maybe the more you hear them, the more they will stick. It is important to love yourself so others can give you the love you deserve. Life is a harrowing journey. Learn now to expect the best from it and yourself because you are worth it. I’m just sayin’.

The Right to Vote

When the polls open on Election Day, every citizen over the age of 18 will be able to cast a vote and have their voice heard. It is a right that defines our nation as a democracy, and one that we take for granted. A little over 200 years ago, only wealthy, white men had this privilege. Thanks to the dedication and perseverance of those who came before us, we have universal suffrage. Where universal suffrage exists, the right to vote is not restricted by race, sex,  religious belief, wealth, or social status.

The right to vote in colonial America was based on the idea that voters should have a stake in society. This meant that only men who paid taxes or owned property could vote. It was believed that having a financial interest in the community made them committed. Many colonies also put other restrictions into place such as religious beliefs. Our right to vote and represent ourselves was one of the reasons behind the revolutionary war. No taxation without representation.

In 1870 the constitution was ratified to include the 15th amendment. This amendment, which came about in the aftermath of the civil war, prohibited state and federal governments from infringing on a person’s right to vote based on “race, color or previous condition of servitude.” It also gave the federal government, and not the state, the right to decide the qualifications for voting. It wasn’t until 50 years later that the 19th amendment was added giving men and women equal rights to vote. This was introduced to congress in 1878, though it took over 40 years of demonstrating and campaigning from the Women’s Suffrage movement to get it passed.

In 2008 during the last Presidential election, there was only a 56% turnout of voters. Though these numbers are on the rise, it is still not enough. Just over half of our population is being represented. Our voice is being diluted by people not exercising their right to vote. Our country is at a turning point. People are Occupying the nation demanding change. This election year is one of the most important in our history. Don’t let the hard work, the blood, sweat and tears of all the men and women who fought to gain us this right go to waste. When November rolls around and it is time to chose this nation’s leaders, exercise your rights, enjoy the hard won privileges, do your duty as a citizen of this great country, and vote. I’m just sayin’.

“To laugh often and much; To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; To appreciate beauty, to find the best in others; To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.” 
~~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

My Village

Feed them, change them, and don’t shake them. That the basic instructions you are given when you have a baby. Sure, they go a little more in depth than that, but nothing will ever prepare you for the reality of parenthood. There is no instruction manual, no money back guaranty. Not even a reset button if you think you might have made a mistake and want to try again. No, we just roll with the punches and hope that they don’t need too much therapy when it’s all said and done.

Now  some may argue with me and point out the abundant amount of parenting books out there. All of which are meant to help us and guide us happily along our parenting journey. But those are not actual instruction manuals. No, these books are just suggestions. There’s not even a troubleshooting guide in the back of any of them. Trust me, I’ve looked. So with no precise, step by step instructions telling parents exactly what to do in any given situation, where does one go to get good, sound advice? Some moms might turn to books, and television shows. Other moms may go on instinct alone. Me? When the going gets rough and I start second guessing myself, I look to my village for advice.

I’m sure you are wondering where I live right about now. My village is not where I live. You see, I very strongly believe in the proverb, “It takes a village to raise a child.” My village is the small group of friends and family whose opinions I trust. Mothers who have successfully raised a child and lived to tell the tale are my village elders. My husband has his own village. His network of friends and family that he talks to. I know that everyone has their own approach to parenting. I’m all for using what works. My village sure works for me, and I’m grateful for all the support I get from them. I don’t know what I would do with them. I’m just sayin’.