Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Thanks to Love! Thankfulness blog, day 1.
Hello everyone!
It's been like 4 months since I last posted but life got busy... blah, blah, blah. It's now November, which I've recently decided is one of my favorite months. The weather, generally, is still pleasant and we're not thrown into the craziness of the holidays just yet. I think it may also be one of my favorite months because of Thanksgiving. When else can you pig out on a TON of food for no other reason than some pilgrims decided to invite their Indian neighbors to dinner?
As I've noticed a lot on Facebook, many people are doing a month of thankful statuses. I respect the effort of my fellow Facebookians but to be honest, I'm the most forgetful person on the planet. My boyfriend recently downgraded my memory span from a guppy to a category all by myself. There's NO way I could remember to post a thankful status everyday of November and then I'd just feel guilty the rest of the month for not feeling thankful enough.
Now I know to many of you, this seems like a no-brainer but shouldn't we be thankful every month of the year? You were given a gift of life, you have clothes on your back, a roof over your head and as many non profit organizations will remind in the next month, you make more than like 80% of the world. So why are we just now getting around to telling everyone what we're thankful for?
But I digress, the real point of this blog (or this week of blogs.. since I'm on vacation!) is to tell you all what I'm truly thankful for and to join the bandwagon.
Let's see. I'm thankful for Cookie Monster, chocolate, the color green, blue satin sashes, snowflakes that stay on my nose and eyelashes, silver white winters that melt into spring... oh wait... sorry.
But today, what I'm truly thankful for is my ability to love. It sounds incredibly boastful but hopefully my explanation won't be so prideful.
For some unknown reason, God blessed me with the ability to love people. It doesn't matter what you do to me or how you treat me, I will still love you at the end of the day. I don't understand the capacity to hate each other. We're all human beings and our blood is all the same color. I don't care your skin color, religious affiliation, disability or even your sexual orientation (yes, I said it.. get over it). If you're human, I love you.
I can honestly say that I've never truly hated anyone (this includes my ex-boss from the bank who was awful to everyone). I'm so thankful to have this God-given ability to love people and to just love on others. I'm frequently told I'm too nice or too generous... but for me, that's what love really means. It's how I express my love to other people. Yea, I might not complain when people cut me in line or I may have just donated a rather large portion of my paycheck to missions but love compels me to do it. And I'm happier for it.
Now understand that I still get angry (I've got an awful case of road rage) and I still get hurt. I also let a lot of stuff annoy me but I don't know if I just made a choice not to let this stuff bug me long term or if I'm somehow wired that it just can't. Zack will vouch for this but I really don't think I can stay mad for longer than 10 minutes. Is it possible that loving people opens me up to being used? Yes, but I don't really care.
People always told me to be careful how I say I love you because love is a powerful thing. And I truly believe it is but it's raw honesty when I tell you all that I love you. I can't begin to tell you each what you mean to me, how much being around you all has blessed my life immensely. So really I'm thankful for all of you guys and for allowing me to love you. For giving me the chance to learn from you, to speak with you, to laugh with you, or even to cry with you. And if nothing else, if everything else in your world is falling apart and you don't know what the heck you're supposed to do, just remember that somewhere in Illinois there is a girl named Alison Burge, who truly cares for you. When something makes you happy, I'm happy... when you suffer a tragedy in your life, I will probably be sitting there at my computer crying with you. I'm an emotional softie and if you hurt, I hurt too.
And I know I don't talk to many of you on a regular basis, if there is anything I can ever do to help... just let me know. Good heavens, even if I haven't talked to you in like 5 years, I'll do what I can simply because you are in my life (yes, if we are friends on Facebook, you are apart of my life) and I care for you.
So thank you for blessing me and letting me be apart of your lives. I'm sending you all HUGE hugs from Edwardsville!
I LOVE YOU ALL!!!!! (And I mean every word of it...).
P.S. I hope it wasn't too boastful, I just wanted you to know that I love you and why.
Monday, July 16, 2012
Legs Galore!
I've been thinking about what angle to use for this blog but I can't really think of anything creative. At this moment, I'm stuck somewhere between incredibly annoyed and amused by my situation. Right now, I'm leaning toward incredibly annoyed. As it sits right now, I'm down about 30 hours at work trying to get my leg fixed. I guess that's what I get for working in a sandwich shop where to perform my job I have to be able to move quickly between our stations.
Despite my annoyance of being down like 1/3 of my bi-weekly paycheck, I'm trying to keep my head up. On the bright side, I was able to spend the entire weekend with my older sister and my mother. I hadn't seen my mom since Father's Day so it was nice to spend time with her. I was also able to do some trip planning since I'm going to Yellowstone in 12 days (I booked our campground and finalized flight arrangements... I'm currently in the process of trying to find a cab company to take me to the airport).
So here's my long story fit into just a few sentences: Thursday morning I woke up and put my leg on like I normally do. As I walked around my house, I heard this odd clicking noise. Odd noises from my leg aren't really anything new because my knee squeaks. I didn't really think anything of it until I got to work and it just felt off. So I sat down and did the only thing I could think of wiggle my foot. Generally, feet can wiggle but when mine does, something is seriously wrong. No wiggling allowed. I tried not to move but it's SO difficult working as a manager at a sandwich shop. It got looser as the night when on and I could feel it. Then at about 7:30, I tried to go back to our "office" and I was stuck. Couldn't really move forward without falling, couldn't really move backwards without falling. The foot is still technically attached to my leg but barely. It's like when you were a kid and that pesky loose tooth was hanging out on by that last corner... that's how my foot is attached to my leg. If I wiggle it at all, it will fall off.
So Friday I called the leg people to get it fixed and I needed a prescription. I called the drs office and they told me to I needed an appointment and I couldn't be fit in until Monday at 3:30. So I automatically missed two days of work because I was supposed to close Saturday and Sunday. I called the leg people again this morning since I was pretty sure my doctor wasn't going to deny my plea to get a prescription and they said, "How about Friday?"
UHHHHHHH... no. So I told her I couldn't go back to work until it was fixed and the soonest they had was Wednesday at 3. I partly wish I had a job where I could go to work and not need the leg but oh well. So I get an unexpected week vacation and get to spend more time on my crutches than I have in the last 13 years.
So here are a couple thing they never tell you about crutches:
1. Ladies, don't ever try to wear a shoulder purse on crutches... not only is it inconvenient, it doesn't work. Get an over the shoulder purse that will sit at your hips or better yet, carry a small backpack. Your armpits will thank you later.
2. If your going to be on crutches on an extended period of time, don't be afraid to ask for a handicap parking permit. There's no reason to strain your entire body hobbling across the parking lot (this is ESPECIALLY important in winter). Ice + crutches = back to the doctor very quickly. It will make your life easier and your whole body will thank you.
3. You think you don't enough hands now... once crutches come your way, you have no hands. Enlarge your purse, carry a backpack, and don't be afraid to ask for help. Trust me, when you are on crutches people will be more than willing to help.
4. If you find yourself hungrier than usual, it's normal. Using crutches is great exercise (definitely for the arms) and expect to tire more quickly, and probably eat more. This will happen if you're incredibly active on your crutches or if your more of a couch potato.
5. Crutches aren't toys, don't treat them as such. This comes from first hand experience. Crutches are meant to keep you moving and on your feet. Don't swing on the crutches, don't attempt to run on them and DO NOT let your friends use them as weapons. As a kid, I used my crutches ALL the time. My leg never really fit good (or I was too lazy too use it) and one time in 3rd grade I was running out to the playground on my crutches and face planted. It was bad. We're talking emergency dental surgery, two black eyes, one very messed up lip and I wouldn't be surprised if I broke my nose... although at the time, the two teeth hanging on by threads were of more concern. I still have those two teeth and if you look closely, you can see the line where they cracked. So please take it from me and stay safe. If you're already hurt, don't make it worse.
And random side note: legs are very hard to transport, I didn't really have a bag big enough. This is a conundrum that I haven't solved. And does anyone know how much a foot costs these days? Yea, it worries me too. I couldn't sleep last night because of it.
Despite my annoyance of being down like 1/3 of my bi-weekly paycheck, I'm trying to keep my head up. On the bright side, I was able to spend the entire weekend with my older sister and my mother. I hadn't seen my mom since Father's Day so it was nice to spend time with her. I was also able to do some trip planning since I'm going to Yellowstone in 12 days (I booked our campground and finalized flight arrangements... I'm currently in the process of trying to find a cab company to take me to the airport).
So here's my long story fit into just a few sentences: Thursday morning I woke up and put my leg on like I normally do. As I walked around my house, I heard this odd clicking noise. Odd noises from my leg aren't really anything new because my knee squeaks. I didn't really think anything of it until I got to work and it just felt off. So I sat down and did the only thing I could think of wiggle my foot. Generally, feet can wiggle but when mine does, something is seriously wrong. No wiggling allowed. I tried not to move but it's SO difficult working as a manager at a sandwich shop. It got looser as the night when on and I could feel it. Then at about 7:30, I tried to go back to our "office" and I was stuck. Couldn't really move forward without falling, couldn't really move backwards without falling. The foot is still technically attached to my leg but barely. It's like when you were a kid and that pesky loose tooth was hanging out on by that last corner... that's how my foot is attached to my leg. If I wiggle it at all, it will fall off.
So Friday I called the leg people to get it fixed and I needed a prescription. I called the drs office and they told me to I needed an appointment and I couldn't be fit in until Monday at 3:30. So I automatically missed two days of work because I was supposed to close Saturday and Sunday. I called the leg people again this morning since I was pretty sure my doctor wasn't going to deny my plea to get a prescription and they said, "How about Friday?"
UHHHHHHH... no. So I told her I couldn't go back to work until it was fixed and the soonest they had was Wednesday at 3. I partly wish I had a job where I could go to work and not need the leg but oh well. So I get an unexpected week vacation and get to spend more time on my crutches than I have in the last 13 years.
So here are a couple thing they never tell you about crutches:
1. Ladies, don't ever try to wear a shoulder purse on crutches... not only is it inconvenient, it doesn't work. Get an over the shoulder purse that will sit at your hips or better yet, carry a small backpack. Your armpits will thank you later.
2. If your going to be on crutches on an extended period of time, don't be afraid to ask for a handicap parking permit. There's no reason to strain your entire body hobbling across the parking lot (this is ESPECIALLY important in winter). Ice + crutches = back to the doctor very quickly. It will make your life easier and your whole body will thank you.
3. You think you don't enough hands now... once crutches come your way, you have no hands. Enlarge your purse, carry a backpack, and don't be afraid to ask for help. Trust me, when you are on crutches people will be more than willing to help.
4. If you find yourself hungrier than usual, it's normal. Using crutches is great exercise (definitely for the arms) and expect to tire more quickly, and probably eat more. This will happen if you're incredibly active on your crutches or if your more of a couch potato.
5. Crutches aren't toys, don't treat them as such. This comes from first hand experience. Crutches are meant to keep you moving and on your feet. Don't swing on the crutches, don't attempt to run on them and DO NOT let your friends use them as weapons. As a kid, I used my crutches ALL the time. My leg never really fit good (or I was too lazy too use it) and one time in 3rd grade I was running out to the playground on my crutches and face planted. It was bad. We're talking emergency dental surgery, two black eyes, one very messed up lip and I wouldn't be surprised if I broke my nose... although at the time, the two teeth hanging on by threads were of more concern. I still have those two teeth and if you look closely, you can see the line where they cracked. So please take it from me and stay safe. If you're already hurt, don't make it worse.
And random side note: legs are very hard to transport, I didn't really have a bag big enough. This is a conundrum that I haven't solved. And does anyone know how much a foot costs these days? Yea, it worries me too. I couldn't sleep last night because of it.
Sunday, June 17, 2012
Salut!
Since
I wasn’t asked to do a toast at the wedding, I decided the best way to
give the toast that will never happen is through my blog… that way it’s
immortalized! HA! I also haven’t written anything in 5 months… ☹.
Be that as it may, I figured why not give myself the opportunity to say
a few words of love and encouragement and embarrass the crap out of one
of my best friends. Plus this way, everyone not at the wedding gets to
read it… hehehehe….
To be fair, it’s hard to embarrass Megan Reilly. She’s sassy, sweet and a one of the BUSIEST busybodies I’ve ever met. This is the girl, who at her own bridal shower totally cleared everyone else’s plates. While she was supposed to be relaxing and enjoying the moment, she was busy cleaning up after her guests and trying to help her aunt who was hosting the party. I kept insisting she sit down and stop doing things until Will’s mom told me “It really is pointless trying to get her to stop. She always has to be doing something. You might as well let her.” The great thing about Megan is she’s one of the first to arrive and one of the last people to leave. Even if I was the world’s greatest tap dancer, Megan would still be able to tap dance circles around me while doing the spinning-plates-on-sticks trick. Although she’d be the last to admit it, Megan Reilly Is very hard to outdo because she’s just that awesome.
When I first met Will, I was worried. Mostly for his sake because I wasn’t sure anyone male or female could handle the Megan ball of energy. I think I was impressed that Megan would even consider dating a guy who was 1. The fitting description of tall, dark and handsome and 2. The Joker asked it best when he said “Why so serious?” Not that I ever remotely believed that Will was bad looking but rather the tall, dark and handsome only seemed to make him more intimidating. All I could think was why would crazy little Megan date someone so stiff? Of course after getting to know Will, I know he’s wonderfully mellow, congenial sort of fellow with a great sense of humor. Of course, I believe that Megan brought out the best in him. And he in turn, mellow out our lovable ball of energy.
I wish I’d known that fateful fall semester of 2008 what I was getting myself into when I befriended Megan. All the crazy moments we would share, all the nights we would lie awake talking about creative ways to get rid of annoying roommates, watching each other giggle evilly while playing Grand Theft Auto and all the weight I would gain from eating Megan’s cakes. P.S. Don’t forget my birthday is next month and I really like strawberry jello. However, I’m not sure I could have ever avoided becoming friends with Megan. I think our personalities are too similar, just two busybodies trying to make our way through life without killing anybody.
When Megan called me to say a year ago January that she was getting married, I was SUPER excited! I love her to pieces and as one of the sweetest, craziest people I’ve ever met she deserves the best. At the time, I figured the reason I was one her first friends she told was because she wanted me to in her wedding. Well, that didn’t happen during that phone call or the next two times I saw her. It wasn’t until almost 6 months later during a visit to Eastern, Megan looks at me and says, “So we’re getting married June 23, 2012 at TPC in Moline. I’m so excited about it, Alison! It looks like a castle and the bridesmaids are going to wear red. My mom is making the dresses so you’ll have to come out in the fall to be fitted for one.” In typical Megan-fashion, I wasn’t asked if I would be her bridesmaid, I was told (not that asking would’ve made a difference, I would’ve immediately squealed and said yes). So it honors me deeply to be standing by her side in a week watching her start a new journey with the tall, dark and handsome man of her dreams.
I think this is the part where I give some advice about life and love or whatever. However, I don’t claim to be an expert on either so I’ll pass out advice given to me by people who are.
A very wise aunt told me the day I graduated that life is really about two things: work and love and equally balancing the two. Give your work the time it requires but never forget that love is truly what makes the world go round.
A pastor’s wife several years ago at a convention said, “Any mediocre relationship can have good communication but at the basis of all GREAT relationships is the poop talk.” She went on to tell everyone about how her and her husband decided to talk about their habits going number two before getting married but I won’t gross you out with any details. She finished her seemingly gross story by saying, “If you can comfortably talk about poop, farting or other habits that may seem disgusting, then you won’t have issues tackling the truly uncomfortable problems together.”
My last blessing comes from the misty-eyed father at the wedding I attended only two weeks ago. To Megan and Will, may God bless all the days to come and help you embrace the days that have passed. May he bless this road you’re embarking on together, lead you safely through the journey ahead and help you to live long and prosper.
P.S. I’m including this in here because Zack spent a whole day coming up with advice for you. So here is Zack’s “Platinum” Matrimonial Advice (a.k.a. Zackisms):
There isn’t such a thing as too much flattery… only too little flattery.
Buy a dog. That way when someone cooks a bad meal, you can smile and say “It’s great.” Then when the cook turns around, feed it to the dog.
Will, this is directly for you, wake up every morning look into your wife’s eyes and say, “Honey, I love you, please don’t kill me.”
Megan- Whenever Will does something stupid, and we both know he will, instead of thinking ‘I’m going to kill him’. Think ‘Because he did this… I’m going to get a new pair of shoes, or a new purse, or a new shotgun or better yet, a new RPG.”
To be fair, it’s hard to embarrass Megan Reilly. She’s sassy, sweet and a one of the BUSIEST busybodies I’ve ever met. This is the girl, who at her own bridal shower totally cleared everyone else’s plates. While she was supposed to be relaxing and enjoying the moment, she was busy cleaning up after her guests and trying to help her aunt who was hosting the party. I kept insisting she sit down and stop doing things until Will’s mom told me “It really is pointless trying to get her to stop. She always has to be doing something. You might as well let her.” The great thing about Megan is she’s one of the first to arrive and one of the last people to leave. Even if I was the world’s greatest tap dancer, Megan would still be able to tap dance circles around me while doing the spinning-plates-on-sticks trick. Although she’d be the last to admit it, Megan Reilly Is very hard to outdo because she’s just that awesome.
When I first met Will, I was worried. Mostly for his sake because I wasn’t sure anyone male or female could handle the Megan ball of energy. I think I was impressed that Megan would even consider dating a guy who was 1. The fitting description of tall, dark and handsome and 2. The Joker asked it best when he said “Why so serious?” Not that I ever remotely believed that Will was bad looking but rather the tall, dark and handsome only seemed to make him more intimidating. All I could think was why would crazy little Megan date someone so stiff? Of course after getting to know Will, I know he’s wonderfully mellow, congenial sort of fellow with a great sense of humor. Of course, I believe that Megan brought out the best in him. And he in turn, mellow out our lovable ball of energy.
I wish I’d known that fateful fall semester of 2008 what I was getting myself into when I befriended Megan. All the crazy moments we would share, all the nights we would lie awake talking about creative ways to get rid of annoying roommates, watching each other giggle evilly while playing Grand Theft Auto and all the weight I would gain from eating Megan’s cakes. P.S. Don’t forget my birthday is next month and I really like strawberry jello. However, I’m not sure I could have ever avoided becoming friends with Megan. I think our personalities are too similar, just two busybodies trying to make our way through life without killing anybody.
When Megan called me to say a year ago January that she was getting married, I was SUPER excited! I love her to pieces and as one of the sweetest, craziest people I’ve ever met she deserves the best. At the time, I figured the reason I was one her first friends she told was because she wanted me to in her wedding. Well, that didn’t happen during that phone call or the next two times I saw her. It wasn’t until almost 6 months later during a visit to Eastern, Megan looks at me and says, “So we’re getting married June 23, 2012 at TPC in Moline. I’m so excited about it, Alison! It looks like a castle and the bridesmaids are going to wear red. My mom is making the dresses so you’ll have to come out in the fall to be fitted for one.” In typical Megan-fashion, I wasn’t asked if I would be her bridesmaid, I was told (not that asking would’ve made a difference, I would’ve immediately squealed and said yes). So it honors me deeply to be standing by her side in a week watching her start a new journey with the tall, dark and handsome man of her dreams.
I think this is the part where I give some advice about life and love or whatever. However, I don’t claim to be an expert on either so I’ll pass out advice given to me by people who are.
A very wise aunt told me the day I graduated that life is really about two things: work and love and equally balancing the two. Give your work the time it requires but never forget that love is truly what makes the world go round.
A pastor’s wife several years ago at a convention said, “Any mediocre relationship can have good communication but at the basis of all GREAT relationships is the poop talk.” She went on to tell everyone about how her and her husband decided to talk about their habits going number two before getting married but I won’t gross you out with any details. She finished her seemingly gross story by saying, “If you can comfortably talk about poop, farting or other habits that may seem disgusting, then you won’t have issues tackling the truly uncomfortable problems together.”
My last blessing comes from the misty-eyed father at the wedding I attended only two weeks ago. To Megan and Will, may God bless all the days to come and help you embrace the days that have passed. May he bless this road you’re embarking on together, lead you safely through the journey ahead and help you to live long and prosper.
P.S. I’m including this in here because Zack spent a whole day coming up with advice for you. So here is Zack’s “Platinum” Matrimonial Advice (a.k.a. Zackisms):
There isn’t such a thing as too much flattery… only too little flattery.
Buy a dog. That way when someone cooks a bad meal, you can smile and say “It’s great.” Then when the cook turns around, feed it to the dog.
Will, this is directly for you, wake up every morning look into your wife’s eyes and say, “Honey, I love you, please don’t kill me.”
Megan- Whenever Will does something stupid, and we both know he will, instead of thinking ‘I’m going to kill him’. Think ‘Because he did this… I’m going to get a new pair of shoes, or a new purse, or a new shotgun or better yet, a new RPG.”
Friday, February 17, 2012
House Republicans Want to Regulate Women's Health Issue by Talking to Men... Fail.
I've been kind of mum on the whole birth contol insurance issue because I don't like talking politics that often. Usually it leads to arguements that no one can ever win. I don't expect you to agree with my views and I don't plan on changing my opinion because yours differs. However, I think the whole topic presents an interesting problem for a Christian woman. What makes it an even bigger interesting problem, is that I'm a what you might call a liberal, uberly feminist Christian woman. My family tends to be more moderate Conservatives but for some reason my life experiences have put me toward the far left. I'm very anti-Republican, which isn't something you hear very often from born-again evangelicals, but then again, I'm incredibly untraditional.
Anyway, I was reading an article in the New York Times about the Birth Control debate on Capitol Hill. If you have no idea what I'm talking about, here's the read-it-in-a-minute version: Obama signed a bill requiring all insurance companies to cover birth control through employer insurance plans. Many religions organizations are upset because it requires them to offer insurance coverage for certain birth control options that they consider to cause abortions.
One of the big arguements from religious organizations is by offering the insurance coverage for birth control, they are supporting abortion, and EVERY Christian organization is vehemently against it. So they feel like it's impeding on their religious freedom. I do understand this concern. It'd be like forcing a cattle rancher from Texas to drive a SMART car.
Even for those of us who see this arguement as slightly ridiculous, religious freedom is guaranteed in the Constitution. We are guaranteed to worship who or whatever we want without the government regulating that. As a Christian, I don't ever want the government telling me what I believe or stand for is wrong. If you forget your personal convictions and look at this from their standpoint, the point is valid. In essence, the government is telling religious organizations what they stand for is wrong and it has to be changed through offering birth control that might cause an abortion. Looking at the situation through a black and white lens, it's religious discrimination.
However, that's as far as my support of the issue goes. The main problem that should truly upset society is not so much the yelling coming from religious Conservatives but the Republicans trying to overthrow the whole bill. Instead of trying to alleviate concerns from religious organizations, they're trying to get rid of the whole bill. Now it is an election year and most Republicans are trying to pander to their voters but forgive me, most of the American public supported the bill, including probably some Republicans. I can understand trying to reach some compromise to help religious organizations but reversing the whole bill is probably only going to make the bipartisan divide even worse.
As an uber feminist, it bothers me that at these House hearings only 2 women (both of them oppose the bill) were interviewed. That's mean every other person who stepped up to testify was male. Sigh, I have lots of respect for the opposite sex but you can't regulate something you don't understand. It's easy for men because they can go to the store and spend $6 on condoms. Male contraception isn't regulated by the government and you don't need a prescription to buy it. And, the men in these house hearings are assuming women only use birth control for sex, which is wrong. Birth control isn't necessarily used to prevent pregnancy.
Personally, I see birth control as a way to stay competitive in the workplace. My periods are bad enough that I'm crazy, hormonal witch for a week and a half each month. I'm not nice when I start PMSing and when my cramps finally hit, I'm out for three days. I like to say that men can never understand what it's like to have your uterus cut out every month with rusty knives. It's painful and makes even the nicest girls mean. If I'm trying to stay competitive in a world where men have the advantage, I'm going to use every resource I have to my advantage, including birth control. If I can reduce or eliminate the whole crazy period thing, then by golly I'm going to do it. And, yea I think my insurance company should cover it.
Oh and to all my Christians out there, just because your teenage daughter goes on birth control doesn't mean she's going to go out and have sex. And just because I want to use it, doesn't mean I'm having sex. Birth control doesn't always equal sex. Look at it this way, birth control isn't even 100% effective in preventing pregnancy. As my older sister says (who uses birth control) "If God wants me to get pregnant, I'm going to get pregnant." You can still get pregnant using birth control. Not likely but it happens.
I'm not sure what to think of the birth control and abortion issue. I do believe abortion should be a women's choice. I don't see myself personally getting an abortion, unless maybe I got raped or my health was seriously at risk. Now, I'm very much against late-term abortions because at this point, you might at well carry the baby another few weeks and then let some loving family adopt them. My roommate Crystal had a funny point about this, "If you go out and choose to do something stupid, then you should be stuck with the consequences."
So to sum up my blog: 1. The religious organizations are right and just to bring up their concerns. 2. The House hearings were pointless because only 2 women talked about a women's health issue. If you want to regulate a women's health issue, then TALK TO WOMEN NOT MEN! 3. The House Republicans are stupid for trying to overturn the whole bill, but what else it new?
P.S. I will still love you if you vote Republican in the 2012 election and will not hold it against you, because that's even dumber.
Anyway, I was reading an article in the New York Times about the Birth Control debate on Capitol Hill. If you have no idea what I'm talking about, here's the read-it-in-a-minute version: Obama signed a bill requiring all insurance companies to cover birth control through employer insurance plans. Many religions organizations are upset because it requires them to offer insurance coverage for certain birth control options that they consider to cause abortions.
One of the big arguements from religious organizations is by offering the insurance coverage for birth control, they are supporting abortion, and EVERY Christian organization is vehemently against it. So they feel like it's impeding on their religious freedom. I do understand this concern. It'd be like forcing a cattle rancher from Texas to drive a SMART car.
Even for those of us who see this arguement as slightly ridiculous, religious freedom is guaranteed in the Constitution. We are guaranteed to worship who or whatever we want without the government regulating that. As a Christian, I don't ever want the government telling me what I believe or stand for is wrong. If you forget your personal convictions and look at this from their standpoint, the point is valid. In essence, the government is telling religious organizations what they stand for is wrong and it has to be changed through offering birth control that might cause an abortion. Looking at the situation through a black and white lens, it's religious discrimination.
However, that's as far as my support of the issue goes. The main problem that should truly upset society is not so much the yelling coming from religious Conservatives but the Republicans trying to overthrow the whole bill. Instead of trying to alleviate concerns from religious organizations, they're trying to get rid of the whole bill. Now it is an election year and most Republicans are trying to pander to their voters but forgive me, most of the American public supported the bill, including probably some Republicans. I can understand trying to reach some compromise to help religious organizations but reversing the whole bill is probably only going to make the bipartisan divide even worse.
As an uber feminist, it bothers me that at these House hearings only 2 women (both of them oppose the bill) were interviewed. That's mean every other person who stepped up to testify was male. Sigh, I have lots of respect for the opposite sex but you can't regulate something you don't understand. It's easy for men because they can go to the store and spend $6 on condoms. Male contraception isn't regulated by the government and you don't need a prescription to buy it. And, the men in these house hearings are assuming women only use birth control for sex, which is wrong. Birth control isn't necessarily used to prevent pregnancy.
Personally, I see birth control as a way to stay competitive in the workplace. My periods are bad enough that I'm crazy, hormonal witch for a week and a half each month. I'm not nice when I start PMSing and when my cramps finally hit, I'm out for three days. I like to say that men can never understand what it's like to have your uterus cut out every month with rusty knives. It's painful and makes even the nicest girls mean. If I'm trying to stay competitive in a world where men have the advantage, I'm going to use every resource I have to my advantage, including birth control. If I can reduce or eliminate the whole crazy period thing, then by golly I'm going to do it. And, yea I think my insurance company should cover it.
Oh and to all my Christians out there, just because your teenage daughter goes on birth control doesn't mean she's going to go out and have sex. And just because I want to use it, doesn't mean I'm having sex. Birth control doesn't always equal sex. Look at it this way, birth control isn't even 100% effective in preventing pregnancy. As my older sister says (who uses birth control) "If God wants me to get pregnant, I'm going to get pregnant." You can still get pregnant using birth control. Not likely but it happens.
I'm not sure what to think of the birth control and abortion issue. I do believe abortion should be a women's choice. I don't see myself personally getting an abortion, unless maybe I got raped or my health was seriously at risk. Now, I'm very much against late-term abortions because at this point, you might at well carry the baby another few weeks and then let some loving family adopt them. My roommate Crystal had a funny point about this, "If you go out and choose to do something stupid, then you should be stuck with the consequences."
So to sum up my blog: 1. The religious organizations are right and just to bring up their concerns. 2. The House hearings were pointless because only 2 women talked about a women's health issue. If you want to regulate a women's health issue, then TALK TO WOMEN NOT MEN! 3. The House Republicans are stupid for trying to overturn the whole bill, but what else it new?
P.S. I will still love you if you vote Republican in the 2012 election and will not hold it against you, because that's even dumber.
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
To Mr. Cooper, CEO of TCF National Bank
Mr. Willam A. Cooper
TCF National Bank
801 Marquette Ave
Minneapolis, MN 55402
Dear Mr. Cooper,
I want to bring to your attention a problem I see in the way your bank conducts business. While I find the tellers at your bank courteous and locations convienent, I came across a problem that troubles me greatly. On January 18, 2012, I went to my nearby branch to deposit $260.00 in cash. After making this deposit, I headed home to pay some bills online. After balancing my checkbook, I noticed I had an extra $20 and chose to transfer it to my other checking account. It has always been my understanding that cash is available immediately after a deposit.
However, I received a letter a few days later stating my account had gone negative. I noticed the letter also stated that "only the cash portion of deposits after the branch cutoff is available for withdrawal the same day." When I checked my account, none of my online payments had gone through and the only two recent transactions were my deposit and the $20 transfer. I took the letter into the bank and to alleviate my confusion. I was told again that my cash was available immediately but I was being charged a $28 daily overdraft fee for the transfer I made after I deposited cash. I must admit, Mr. Cooper, this only made me more confused. How can cash be available for immediate withdrawal but yet I cannot go home to transfer my cash 30 minutes later?
I was then given a 15-minute explanation by the assistant manager about how the business day ends at 2 p.m. and anything transaction after 2 p.m. goes on the following business day. Mr. Cooper, if this is true, then how come my the transfer I made at roughly 8:15 p.m. was counted on the Jan. 18th business day but the depost I made 30 minutes earlier was counted as part of the Jan. 19th business day? I am under the impression that the assistant manager at the branch was not entirely sure because when I asked that very question, she told me I should have come into the bank to make the transfer. Mr. Cooper, the bank closes at 8 p.m., I would be forced to wait until the following morning, which seems a little extreme.
She then explained that the business date for online banking is different than the business date in the branches. I understand deposit availability and the whole 2 p.m. cutoff concept but I don't understand why the business date should differentiate between the branch and online. Nor do I see why this should matter if I make a cash deposit into my account. I was told to avoid an overdraft fee like this again, I should do my transfers at the bank. Forgive me Mr. Cooper but I must admit I find this hardly convienent nor was this explained to me when I opened the account. I was told online banking was supposed to make my life more convienent and now I'm being told the complete opposite.
As a result of the $28 fee I was charged, my bill payments caused me to go negative and I was given 4 days of overdraft fees resulting in a negative balance of $ -130. I believe I was charged these overdrafts unfairly because I acted under the pretense my $260 deposit was available immediately, which your overdraft letter claims it is available for same day withdrawal. Please, Mr. Cooper, explain to me why 1. your online business date is different than the branch business dates 2. why my cash wasn't available for same-day withdrawal and finally, why I'm now being told to avoid another overdraft fee of this kind that I should do all my transfers at a branch, which is quite inconvienent.
My displeasure Mr. Cooper has led me to end my business relationship with TCF Bank and recommended that all my family members and friends do the same. Many of whom have already done so upon learning of my troubles. Why should they keep their money at a bank that claims same day withdrawal for cash deposits when really that's not true? I really think you should reconsider your business model and the claims that are written on your branch pamphlets and letters.
Sincerely,
Alison Burge
TCF National Bank
801 Marquette Ave
Minneapolis, MN 55402
Dear Mr. Cooper,
I want to bring to your attention a problem I see in the way your bank conducts business. While I find the tellers at your bank courteous and locations convienent, I came across a problem that troubles me greatly. On January 18, 2012, I went to my nearby branch to deposit $260.00 in cash. After making this deposit, I headed home to pay some bills online. After balancing my checkbook, I noticed I had an extra $20 and chose to transfer it to my other checking account. It has always been my understanding that cash is available immediately after a deposit.
However, I received a letter a few days later stating my account had gone negative. I noticed the letter also stated that "only the cash portion of deposits after the branch cutoff is available for withdrawal the same day." When I checked my account, none of my online payments had gone through and the only two recent transactions were my deposit and the $20 transfer. I took the letter into the bank and to alleviate my confusion. I was told again that my cash was available immediately but I was being charged a $28 daily overdraft fee for the transfer I made after I deposited cash. I must admit, Mr. Cooper, this only made me more confused. How can cash be available for immediate withdrawal but yet I cannot go home to transfer my cash 30 minutes later?
I was then given a 15-minute explanation by the assistant manager about how the business day ends at 2 p.m. and anything transaction after 2 p.m. goes on the following business day. Mr. Cooper, if this is true, then how come my the transfer I made at roughly 8:15 p.m. was counted on the Jan. 18th business day but the depost I made 30 minutes earlier was counted as part of the Jan. 19th business day? I am under the impression that the assistant manager at the branch was not entirely sure because when I asked that very question, she told me I should have come into the bank to make the transfer. Mr. Cooper, the bank closes at 8 p.m., I would be forced to wait until the following morning, which seems a little extreme.
She then explained that the business date for online banking is different than the business date in the branches. I understand deposit availability and the whole 2 p.m. cutoff concept but I don't understand why the business date should differentiate between the branch and online. Nor do I see why this should matter if I make a cash deposit into my account. I was told to avoid an overdraft fee like this again, I should do my transfers at the bank. Forgive me Mr. Cooper but I must admit I find this hardly convienent nor was this explained to me when I opened the account. I was told online banking was supposed to make my life more convienent and now I'm being told the complete opposite.
As a result of the $28 fee I was charged, my bill payments caused me to go negative and I was given 4 days of overdraft fees resulting in a negative balance of $ -130. I believe I was charged these overdrafts unfairly because I acted under the pretense my $260 deposit was available immediately, which your overdraft letter claims it is available for same day withdrawal. Please, Mr. Cooper, explain to me why 1. your online business date is different than the branch business dates 2. why my cash wasn't available for same-day withdrawal and finally, why I'm now being told to avoid another overdraft fee of this kind that I should do all my transfers at a branch, which is quite inconvienent.
My displeasure Mr. Cooper has led me to end my business relationship with TCF Bank and recommended that all my family members and friends do the same. Many of whom have already done so upon learning of my troubles. Why should they keep their money at a bank that claims same day withdrawal for cash deposits when really that's not true? I really think you should reconsider your business model and the claims that are written on your branch pamphlets and letters.
Sincerely,
Alison Burge
Monday, January 23, 2012
The truth is...
Growing up, I was always taught "the truth will set you free." However, I probably lied quite a bit as a child to keep from getting out of trouble. Usually I just blamed what I did on one of my sisters. Although I'd like to believe that for the most part, we were well behaved, which really didn't give my parents a lot of reason to punish us. I remember being grounded only once and that was lifted like a day later. Maybe my parents were pushovers or maybe I never did anything that really required grounding. I did have a temper as a kid, which resulted in me hitting my younger sister a lot. Although the beating was mutual so I gave as good as I got and included a few times (I kid you not...) Kristin threatening me with kitchen knives. Luckily, Kristin is now terrified of knives and we've both mellowed out. So this blog is dedicated to the truth about my life right now, with the hopes that it will help me feel better. And the truth is life really sucks right now and I'm far from ok.
The truth is I've been unemployed almost 3 months and only had 5 interviews (most of which have been since Jan. 1).
The truth is I can hardly get anyone to call me or return my phone calls (no matter how pesky I decide to be), including a part time job at McDonald's.
The truth is that being unemployed totally blows and is killing my confidence.
The truth is I'm tired of listening about recent grads (like ones from December) complain they can't find a job... you've been out a month! Shut up and take a number!
The truth is I LOVED working at the Halloween store and miss it desparately. It was the first time since leaving EIU that I felt appreciated at work.
The truth is I'm tired of hanging out with my friends and hearing about their work stories. I'd rather stay home than be reminded that I'm still unemployed.
The truth is my confidence in my ability to find a job is pretty well shot.
The truth is since I can't pay my own bills, my mother has been helping me and I feel so incredibly guilty about it.
The truth is I'm horribly embarassed that I'm 23, living at home and can't even afford to buy my own food (my mom is making sure I'm fed).
The truth is this whole situation has me SO stressed out I've started having panic attacks.
The truth is I'm terrified of panic attacks.
The truth is that I've been reading my Bible, praying and trying to find God but for some reason, he's not answering and I'm beyond frustrated.
The truth is I'm tired of hearing Pastor Ron say "God's got a big plan for you in 2012."
The truth is I just want to feel God again. I don't need a job, I just want to know he's there.
The truth is without my mom and Zack, I'm very sure I would be much worse than I am now.
The truth is I feel like I've lost all independence and that's what is killing me the most.
The truth is I'm tired of companies telling me that I don't have enough experience to be an assistant manager, try for the shift supervisor position (which I've already got 3 years of experience... 2 in college and 1 post college).
The truth is I know I can do it and I know I can be the best.
The truth is this is probably the most difficult blog I've ever written.
The truth is I've only been able to listen to Kirk Franklin for the last month. Anyone else just makes me more depressed.
But the truth is simple: I just want to feel like Alison again.
The truth is I've been unemployed almost 3 months and only had 5 interviews (most of which have been since Jan. 1).
The truth is I can hardly get anyone to call me or return my phone calls (no matter how pesky I decide to be), including a part time job at McDonald's.
The truth is that being unemployed totally blows and is killing my confidence.
The truth is I'm tired of listening about recent grads (like ones from December) complain they can't find a job... you've been out a month! Shut up and take a number!
The truth is I LOVED working at the Halloween store and miss it desparately. It was the first time since leaving EIU that I felt appreciated at work.
The truth is I'm tired of hanging out with my friends and hearing about their work stories. I'd rather stay home than be reminded that I'm still unemployed.
The truth is my confidence in my ability to find a job is pretty well shot.
The truth is since I can't pay my own bills, my mother has been helping me and I feel so incredibly guilty about it.
The truth is I'm horribly embarassed that I'm 23, living at home and can't even afford to buy my own food (my mom is making sure I'm fed).
The truth is this whole situation has me SO stressed out I've started having panic attacks.
The truth is I'm terrified of panic attacks.
The truth is that I've been reading my Bible, praying and trying to find God but for some reason, he's not answering and I'm beyond frustrated.
The truth is I'm tired of hearing Pastor Ron say "God's got a big plan for you in 2012."
The truth is I just want to feel God again. I don't need a job, I just want to know he's there.
The truth is without my mom and Zack, I'm very sure I would be much worse than I am now.
The truth is I feel like I've lost all independence and that's what is killing me the most.
The truth is I'm tired of companies telling me that I don't have enough experience to be an assistant manager, try for the shift supervisor position (which I've already got 3 years of experience... 2 in college and 1 post college).
The truth is I know I can do it and I know I can be the best.
The truth is this is probably the most difficult blog I've ever written.
The truth is I've only been able to listen to Kirk Franklin for the last month. Anyone else just makes me more depressed.
But the truth is simple: I just want to feel like Alison again.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
My motto for 2012: Bring it.
So I haven't posted in a LONG time much to my chagrin. Unfortunately a pesky thing called the holidays got in the way. I had a pretty good Christmas, Thanskgiving and New Years. I got to watch my boyfriend of almost 4 years (longest 4 years of my life...) walk across the stage to get his Bachelors of Business. He likes to tell me he's now edumacated, but I think it's still up for debate (just kidding!).
Normally I don't make a New Years resolution because I don't really see the point. I've never actually completed any of my resolutions. So why make one if I never stick to it? But this year, I did. I'm tired of this stupid cycle of unemployment that I'm stuck in. My last day at the Halloween store was over 2 months ago and I'm SO tired of sitting around the house. As a result of this unemployment, I feel like I'm accomplishing nothing. For a girl who's a busy body, it's difficult and depressing. So my resolution is simple but has 3 parts: find a job, buy a car, move out. I'm going to be 24 in July and it's about time I begin to accomplish something.
In my search for a career, I've made some decisions about my views on work. I've been doing management for close to 3 years now and honestly, I actually enjoy it. I like being in charge. My ultimate career goal in management is to prove that you don't have to be a jerk to be a manager. I can work harder and faster and still treat the rest of my employees with the utmost respect. A lot of managers tend to lose touch with the fact that they too were at the bottom of the totem pole. I don't want that to be me. I've had one too many jerk managers and there's no reason for it.
For the most part, I've been pretty luck with my managers. My manager at the Halloween store told me I was the sole reason she didn't quit. After a VERY bad manager, she gave me confidence again. I don't think she'll ever know how grateful I am for her confidence in me. My assistant manager at the bank was pretty cool and had our backs, unlike the actual branch manager. But my favorites ex-bosses are still Susan and Sheila. They gave me my first shot at being a manager and supported me all through it.
Some people see work as a chore but for the most part, I actually like it. I like being successful and you know, the money isn't bad either. I've also come to realize that I'm going to work my butt off no matter how much I get paid. It's just how I'm wired. You'll get the same work out of me if I'm being paid $8 or $18.
The job search is going very slowly. Not getting a lot of phone calls but I'm trying to keep my spirits up. But I have two potential interviews. I'm really looking at management training programs because you get promoted a lot faster and a lot of times you get to relocate. And I'm all about relocation. But somebody, somewhere will eventually give me job.
And it sounds like I'm bragging but I do work INCREDIBLY hard. I know very few people who can out work me. I'm high octane and usually go about 100 mph at work. My last district manager kept telling me to stop because I was moving too fast. So lookout employers... I know I'm the best and when you hire me, you'll know it too.
But I guess the biggest thing right now is... I'm just tired of feeling like I'm not accomplishing anything. God must having something big in store for me because this is one heck of a storm. And here's the song that's been getting me through the hard days. Enjoy! It's actually pretty funny.
Normally I don't make a New Years resolution because I don't really see the point. I've never actually completed any of my resolutions. So why make one if I never stick to it? But this year, I did. I'm tired of this stupid cycle of unemployment that I'm stuck in. My last day at the Halloween store was over 2 months ago and I'm SO tired of sitting around the house. As a result of this unemployment, I feel like I'm accomplishing nothing. For a girl who's a busy body, it's difficult and depressing. So my resolution is simple but has 3 parts: find a job, buy a car, move out. I'm going to be 24 in July and it's about time I begin to accomplish something.
In my search for a career, I've made some decisions about my views on work. I've been doing management for close to 3 years now and honestly, I actually enjoy it. I like being in charge. My ultimate career goal in management is to prove that you don't have to be a jerk to be a manager. I can work harder and faster and still treat the rest of my employees with the utmost respect. A lot of managers tend to lose touch with the fact that they too were at the bottom of the totem pole. I don't want that to be me. I've had one too many jerk managers and there's no reason for it.
For the most part, I've been pretty luck with my managers. My manager at the Halloween store told me I was the sole reason she didn't quit. After a VERY bad manager, she gave me confidence again. I don't think she'll ever know how grateful I am for her confidence in me. My assistant manager at the bank was pretty cool and had our backs, unlike the actual branch manager. But my favorites ex-bosses are still Susan and Sheila. They gave me my first shot at being a manager and supported me all through it.
Some people see work as a chore but for the most part, I actually like it. I like being successful and you know, the money isn't bad either. I've also come to realize that I'm going to work my butt off no matter how much I get paid. It's just how I'm wired. You'll get the same work out of me if I'm being paid $8 or $18.
The job search is going very slowly. Not getting a lot of phone calls but I'm trying to keep my spirits up. But I have two potential interviews. I'm really looking at management training programs because you get promoted a lot faster and a lot of times you get to relocate. And I'm all about relocation. But somebody, somewhere will eventually give me job.
And it sounds like I'm bragging but I do work INCREDIBLY hard. I know very few people who can out work me. I'm high octane and usually go about 100 mph at work. My last district manager kept telling me to stop because I was moving too fast. So lookout employers... I know I'm the best and when you hire me, you'll know it too.
But I guess the biggest thing right now is... I'm just tired of feeling like I'm not accomplishing anything. God must having something big in store for me because this is one heck of a storm. And here's the song that's been getting me through the hard days. Enjoy! It's actually pretty funny.
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