Well I guess 2nd Career isn't really all that interested in my son and daughter's money....just mine should I make any. It seems silly that they want you to get educated and get a job but make it so darned difficult to live while you do that you want to scream at them "hey why don't you trade places and give it a go....see how long you last for". Not that it would do much good, they'd simply stay calm and ma'am me to death LOL.
Meeghan still has heard nothing about an interview for a potential part time job at the cafe she just finished doing her training at. It is very stressful for her, she hasn't enough money to pay for medication for the next month, so she will likely have to miss a month. We are still trying to see if the ODB will now cover her since she is now without work...but since our file with OW would have been closed after 2 months off....it doesn't seem like there is much hope there. We can't afford to pay into the Trillium premiums up front so it's leaving things hanging quite a bit.
Then I listened to a radio broadcast yesterday where they were talking about all the people who went to St. Mary's seeking employment. About a 1000 applicants for 300 some odd jobs. Of course the radio host (why did I put on the radio when there was no power yesterday...I must be nuts LOL) he was wondering why it wasn't more. Well let me think...when you have a family you have to look at the big picture.
The way EI is set up and now OW (no more help with moving expenses) taking a job "anywhere" doesn't seem like an option if you have NOTHING you can use to pay for the trip. Family is great if you have one, or if they have money and no struggles either. For the St. Mary's one, a working car and gas money is likely a requirement. I know we have problems trying to do the job bit in the city where we need to use a bus to get to places. A lot of work is "not on a bus route" and it is frustrating beyond all reason.
On another topic, my weaving has been steadily improving...I'm hoping to someday, maybe...turn it into a way to make money to help out with expenses around the house. Not sure about the sketching bit...I'm a bit rusty now from lack of use LOL.
Anyway that's about it from the stuggling to survive family of nuts here. Take care!
Friday 6 December 2013
Monday 25 November 2013
update: otherwise known as where the heck have you been?
Okay I know I've been away too long and I'm sure that for the most part no one has noticed LOL. I'm good with that I suppose since I'm not generally lucky enough to get noticed anyway.
Well life has been quite a rollercoaster since the last post. My two oldest had found temporary employment training opportunities which of course meant that our income in the house went up enough to ditch us off the system. That means the ODB otherwise known as the Ontario Drug Benefit card was ditched as well. Now I know the Trillium Drug Program exists, but there is a "co pay" you have to finish before you can get medication at a reduced price. As someone on a very small income (yes their income plus my husband's Second Career is very small when you consider the family size here), I wonder where the chunk of money to purchase our deductible will come from first.
My daughter has medications that run into the $300 dollars a month range and that is a huge chunk of money to contemplate. Now to understand why this happened you have to understand how the system works.
When the kids got their jobs they were both evaluated as if they were a single person living on OW. If their income was above the single person line, they were booted off. BUT when it comes to trying to extend our Drug Benefit....my daughter is considered a "dependent adult" go figure huh? It works to the advantage of the system from both directions. It also means she can't get help for her meds. IF she lived on her own, which there is no way she could afford to do, OW would allow her to continue to receive a Drug Benefit card for herself.
Also we are now waiting to see what happens with 2nd career. They also need to know when family members earn money "to avoid overpayments". I'm almost afraid they will take money from my husband's amount. Yet my spouse does not "qualify" for ANY bursaries or work programs through his college. He's left adrift and on his own, applying here and there hoping sometime soon, someone will give him a call.
The system we have in place is crazy, they give you nothing to support your family with while you go to 2nd career, yet could potentially deduct money if my family makes too much. I really don't want to be asking my kids to give me all their money and there is no way they could afford that and manage to keep on getting clothes etc for work.
So I'm going to keep the fingers crossed that it works out for us and in the meantime try to get better, because well....if you don't have your health it can be a problem for getting anywhere in life.
Well life has been quite a rollercoaster since the last post. My two oldest had found temporary employment training opportunities which of course meant that our income in the house went up enough to ditch us off the system. That means the ODB otherwise known as the Ontario Drug Benefit card was ditched as well. Now I know the Trillium Drug Program exists, but there is a "co pay" you have to finish before you can get medication at a reduced price. As someone on a very small income (yes their income plus my husband's Second Career is very small when you consider the family size here), I wonder where the chunk of money to purchase our deductible will come from first.
My daughter has medications that run into the $300 dollars a month range and that is a huge chunk of money to contemplate. Now to understand why this happened you have to understand how the system works.
When the kids got their jobs they were both evaluated as if they were a single person living on OW. If their income was above the single person line, they were booted off. BUT when it comes to trying to extend our Drug Benefit....my daughter is considered a "dependent adult" go figure huh? It works to the advantage of the system from both directions. It also means she can't get help for her meds. IF she lived on her own, which there is no way she could afford to do, OW would allow her to continue to receive a Drug Benefit card for herself.
Also we are now waiting to see what happens with 2nd career. They also need to know when family members earn money "to avoid overpayments". I'm almost afraid they will take money from my husband's amount. Yet my spouse does not "qualify" for ANY bursaries or work programs through his college. He's left adrift and on his own, applying here and there hoping sometime soon, someone will give him a call.
The system we have in place is crazy, they give you nothing to support your family with while you go to 2nd career, yet could potentially deduct money if my family makes too much. I really don't want to be asking my kids to give me all their money and there is no way they could afford that and manage to keep on getting clothes etc for work.
So I'm going to keep the fingers crossed that it works out for us and in the meantime try to get better, because well....if you don't have your health it can be a problem for getting anywhere in life.
Tuesday 8 October 2013
A sad State of Affairs
I've been watching the whole fiasco with the USA and their recent government shut down. At first I thought it would be like proroguing Parliament. That life and everything else would go on but the politicians wouldn't get anything done. What it is in actuality is a whole lot worse. NOTHING gets done, everything "governmental" gets shut down and you can't get information on anything, you can't get money if you are poor and trying to survive and people are out of work because of places being shuttered.
I thought it was crazy when I heard that their system seems to keep everything so close together that it in fact seems to harm everyone when the great wheels stop turning. At the center of this is a controversy that seems so asinine that it goes beyond the pale.
One side is saying that they want to see the Obamacare or Affordable Healthcare Act underfunded or defunded altogether because it is "bad, awful, takes away your rights etc".
Other side is saying that these people are nuts, that the plan just makes things better for everyone but allowing all people to finally get some health insurance.
The one side doesn't seem to care about the fact that people are going hungry etc....they just seem to want to win their little concession especially with regards to women's rights to contraception among other stupidity.
The other side doesn't want to give in and be seen as weak. They definitely don't wish to negotiate with "hostage takers". I just think it is sad that the INNOCENT are being caught in the middle of this.
I know from personal experience that Social medicine isn't always a good thing, but it is infinitely better than your family starving or being put on the street because you can't pay your doctor/hospital bills.
I also know that this new plan for "ObamaCare" is NOT social medicine. It is something else entirely, something meant to appeal to those fools who can't bring themselves to pay more taxes so that everyone can benefit from better medical care.
It puzzles me that no one can seem to trust their news sources etc to report what Obama care REALLY means. Some have tried only to be called liars.
So when does this foolishness end? Does it end with the winter? I just hope things get sorted before EVERYTHING goes to heck. I'll keep my fingers crossed.
I thought it was crazy when I heard that their system seems to keep everything so close together that it in fact seems to harm everyone when the great wheels stop turning. At the center of this is a controversy that seems so asinine that it goes beyond the pale.
One side is saying that they want to see the Obamacare or Affordable Healthcare Act underfunded or defunded altogether because it is "bad, awful, takes away your rights etc".
Other side is saying that these people are nuts, that the plan just makes things better for everyone but allowing all people to finally get some health insurance.
The one side doesn't seem to care about the fact that people are going hungry etc....they just seem to want to win their little concession especially with regards to women's rights to contraception among other stupidity.
The other side doesn't want to give in and be seen as weak. They definitely don't wish to negotiate with "hostage takers". I just think it is sad that the INNOCENT are being caught in the middle of this.
I know from personal experience that Social medicine isn't always a good thing, but it is infinitely better than your family starving or being put on the street because you can't pay your doctor/hospital bills.
I also know that this new plan for "ObamaCare" is NOT social medicine. It is something else entirely, something meant to appeal to those fools who can't bring themselves to pay more taxes so that everyone can benefit from better medical care.
It puzzles me that no one can seem to trust their news sources etc to report what Obama care REALLY means. Some have tried only to be called liars.
So when does this foolishness end? Does it end with the winter? I just hope things get sorted before EVERYTHING goes to heck. I'll keep my fingers crossed.
Thursday 29 August 2013
Something that made me think for a bit today.
This poem was shared today on Facebook. It was part of a post that was a hoax but I felt that the poem itself should be kept, because someone wrote it. From the way it was written, I'd say it was written by someone who had experience with the drug, or someone who had a loved one who takes it or died while taking it.
Rich or poor, drugs can destroy us all, but when it is the poor....people want to see them "pee in a jar" to get their welfare benefits. IF the person comes out as an addict, they lose their benefits. Do they get help? Probably not. Instead everyone uses it to point and say "see I told you THOSE people were all bad, using OUR tax money to do drugs. We were so right to test them.
Those who are addicted to drugs deserve our patience and understanding. Drugs and drug use can make people who would normally have been your best friends, into people you don't know anymore. It can make a lover into a killer, an honest person into a thief.
I don't know what the answer to drugs is...I don't think anyone really does. I don't think that making it illegal has helped. It only creates more criminals...not less incentive to use them. Laws harm those who are using drugs to help them with pain.
Would legalizing drugs help? I don't really know...maybe. I mean humans do have a habit of wanting to do something just because it is "rebellious" to do. If you take away it's illegal status it's just like alcohol and tobacco. Those are also drugs, they do as much harm to people and cost just as much as the street drugs that are taken.
Perhaps legalizing drugs means you can issue permits and licenses to sell them, tax the profits made and use the taxes to pay for programs to help get people off them. I don't know. I don't pretend to know the answer to this problem.
I just know that shaming and blaming people for not being like everyone else has got to STOP.
Shame and blame doesn't cure people. It just hurts them more. Driving them deeper into whatever it is they are doing that hurts themselves and their communities.
Pretend you have a heart, act like you have some compassion.....stop making people feel bad so you can make yourself feel better.
LECTURE OVER: Now here is the poem. (if anyone knows who the writer is, feel free to share below), IF you have any poetry etc you'd like to share about this topic or any other, feel free to comment. I won't bite you. ( I promise).
My Name Is "Meth"
I destroy homes, I tear families apart, take your children, and that's just the start.
I'm more costly than diamonds, more precious than gold,
The sorrow I bring is a sight to behold.
If you need me, remember I'm easily found,
I live all around you - in schools and in town.
I live with the rich; I live with the poor,
I live down the street, and maybe next door.
I'm made in a lab, but not like you think,
I can be made under the kitchen sink.
In your child's closet, and even in the woods,
If this scares you to death, well it certainly should.
I have many names, but there's one you know best,
I'm sure you've heard of me, my name is crystal meth.
My power is awesome; try me you'll see,
But if you do, you may never break free.
Just try me once and I might let you go,
But try me twice, and I'll own your soul.
When I possess you, you'll steal and you'll lie,
You do what you have to -- just to get high.
The crimes you'll commit for my narcotic charms
Will be worth the pleasure you'll feel in your arms,
your lungs your nose.
You'll lie to your mother; you'll steal from your dad,
When you see their tears, you should feel sad.
But you'll forget your morals and how you were raised,
I'll be your conscience, I'll teach you my ways.
I take kids from parents, and parents from kids,
I turn people from God, and separate friends.
I'll take everything from you, your looks and your pride,
I'll be with you always -- right by your side.
You'll give up everything - your family, your home,
Your friends, your money, then you'll be alone.
I'll take and take, till you have nothing more to give,
When I'm finished with you, you'll be lucky to live.
If you try me be warned - this is no game,
If given the chance, I'll drive you insane.
I'll ravish your body, I'll control your mind,
I'll own you completely, your soul will be mine.
The nightmares I'll give you while lying in bed,
The voices you'll hear, from inside your head.
The sweats, the shakes, the visions you'll see,
I want you to know, these are all gifts from me.
But then it's too late, and you'll know in your heart,
That you are mine, and we shall not part.
You'll regret that you tried me, they always do,
But you came to me, not I to you.
You knew this would happen, many times you were told,
But you challenged my power, and chose to be bold.
You could have said no, and just walked away,
If you could live that day over, now what would you say?
I'll be your master, you will be my slave,
I'll even go with you, when you go to your grave.
Now that you have met me, what will you do?
Will you try me or not? It's all up to you.
I can bring you more misery than words can tell,
Come take my hand, let me lead you to hell.
Rich or poor, drugs can destroy us all, but when it is the poor....people want to see them "pee in a jar" to get their welfare benefits. IF the person comes out as an addict, they lose their benefits. Do they get help? Probably not. Instead everyone uses it to point and say "see I told you THOSE people were all bad, using OUR tax money to do drugs. We were so right to test them.
Those who are addicted to drugs deserve our patience and understanding. Drugs and drug use can make people who would normally have been your best friends, into people you don't know anymore. It can make a lover into a killer, an honest person into a thief.
I don't know what the answer to drugs is...I don't think anyone really does. I don't think that making it illegal has helped. It only creates more criminals...not less incentive to use them. Laws harm those who are using drugs to help them with pain.
Would legalizing drugs help? I don't really know...maybe. I mean humans do have a habit of wanting to do something just because it is "rebellious" to do. If you take away it's illegal status it's just like alcohol and tobacco. Those are also drugs, they do as much harm to people and cost just as much as the street drugs that are taken.
Perhaps legalizing drugs means you can issue permits and licenses to sell them, tax the profits made and use the taxes to pay for programs to help get people off them. I don't know. I don't pretend to know the answer to this problem.
I just know that shaming and blaming people for not being like everyone else has got to STOP.
Shame and blame doesn't cure people. It just hurts them more. Driving them deeper into whatever it is they are doing that hurts themselves and their communities.
Pretend you have a heart, act like you have some compassion.....stop making people feel bad so you can make yourself feel better.
LECTURE OVER: Now here is the poem. (if anyone knows who the writer is, feel free to share below), IF you have any poetry etc you'd like to share about this topic or any other, feel free to comment. I won't bite you. ( I promise).
My Name Is "Meth"
I destroy homes, I tear families apart, take your children, and that's just the start.
I'm more costly than diamonds, more precious than gold,
The sorrow I bring is a sight to behold.
If you need me, remember I'm easily found,
I live all around you - in schools and in town.
I live with the rich; I live with the poor,
I live down the street, and maybe next door.
I'm made in a lab, but not like you think,
I can be made under the kitchen sink.
In your child's closet, and even in the woods,
If this scares you to death, well it certainly should.
I have many names, but there's one you know best,
I'm sure you've heard of me, my name is crystal meth.
My power is awesome; try me you'll see,
But if you do, you may never break free.
Just try me once and I might let you go,
But try me twice, and I'll own your soul.
When I possess you, you'll steal and you'll lie,
You do what you have to -- just to get high.
The crimes you'll commit for my narcotic charms
Will be worth the pleasure you'll feel in your arms,
your lungs your nose.
You'll lie to your mother; you'll steal from your dad,
When you see their tears, you should feel sad.
But you'll forget your morals and how you were raised,
I'll be your conscience, I'll teach you my ways.
I take kids from parents, and parents from kids,
I turn people from God, and separate friends.
I'll take everything from you, your looks and your pride,
I'll be with you always -- right by your side.
You'll give up everything - your family, your home,
Your friends, your money, then you'll be alone.
I'll take and take, till you have nothing more to give,
When I'm finished with you, you'll be lucky to live.
If you try me be warned - this is no game,
If given the chance, I'll drive you insane.
I'll ravish your body, I'll control your mind,
I'll own you completely, your soul will be mine.
The nightmares I'll give you while lying in bed,
The voices you'll hear, from inside your head.
The sweats, the shakes, the visions you'll see,
I want you to know, these are all gifts from me.
But then it's too late, and you'll know in your heart,
That you are mine, and we shall not part.
You'll regret that you tried me, they always do,
But you came to me, not I to you.
You knew this would happen, many times you were told,
But you challenged my power, and chose to be bold.
You could have said no, and just walked away,
If you could live that day over, now what would you say?
I'll be your master, you will be my slave,
I'll even go with you, when you go to your grave.
Now that you have met me, what will you do?
Will you try me or not? It's all up to you.
I can bring you more misery than words can tell,
Come take my hand, let me lead you to hell.
Wednesday 21 August 2013
Wow it has been a long time since I posted my last bit. I feel red faced about that but I was really busy. I had many courses on the go at Coursera (never ever going to do that again), as well as things in my real world taking up my time that I forgot to check in here.
The latest news from our corner of the world is simple. My older two found work. It is only temporary so don't start celebrating yet. The jobs are ones created by work programs but I remain hopeful that they will get something after these jobs expire (or perhaps that they will get hired on by the company that took them in).
I was busy trying to get a response back from our worker about getting clothes for work. Now before the worker just said "submit the amount you need to me and I will get it to you", but at some point they changed their minds or realized that they were doing it all wrong, and instead of responding to the email request for money for pants and shoes, we got no responses at all. A quick email saying "you need to get a written letter from the store with the amount you need in order for us to process your request" would have been much better than that and would have allowed us to get right on it.
I think that having a letter from a store is simply humiliating. Imagine having to go to the store, look at the merchandise and then having to find someone (good luck with that in Walmart), and have them write or sign a note saying that the cost of the clothing is x amount and that the total will be y amount. Then having to submit that to a worker who will then decide if you qualify for the clothing help you need.
Worse yet, they put my kid's jobs in jeopardy since the employer requires the clothing, in one kid's case black pants for the other kid...jeans. It seems to me that they could simply ask for an estimate, then we go and get the clothing, because if we find it cheaper ELSEWHERE then we could get it there. Then submit receipts as proof we used the money as it was intended. It would save the humiliation and allow us to go forward with dignity.
Other news...we were suspended again because they didn't have enough information. We submitted a letter from me stating I earned money from my artwork, and the paystub from my son. My daughter only got her first pay AFTER their deadline...so now I sit and wait for a phone call to try to straighten out this mess once again.
Why is it when WE have a problem we have a hard time or long wait hearing back from them, but the instant they lose a report or they don't think they have enough information the check is INSTANTLY cut off?
The latest news from our corner of the world is simple. My older two found work. It is only temporary so don't start celebrating yet. The jobs are ones created by work programs but I remain hopeful that they will get something after these jobs expire (or perhaps that they will get hired on by the company that took them in).
I was busy trying to get a response back from our worker about getting clothes for work. Now before the worker just said "submit the amount you need to me and I will get it to you", but at some point they changed their minds or realized that they were doing it all wrong, and instead of responding to the email request for money for pants and shoes, we got no responses at all. A quick email saying "you need to get a written letter from the store with the amount you need in order for us to process your request" would have been much better than that and would have allowed us to get right on it.
I think that having a letter from a store is simply humiliating. Imagine having to go to the store, look at the merchandise and then having to find someone (good luck with that in Walmart), and have them write or sign a note saying that the cost of the clothing is x amount and that the total will be y amount. Then having to submit that to a worker who will then decide if you qualify for the clothing help you need.
Worse yet, they put my kid's jobs in jeopardy since the employer requires the clothing, in one kid's case black pants for the other kid...jeans. It seems to me that they could simply ask for an estimate, then we go and get the clothing, because if we find it cheaper ELSEWHERE then we could get it there. Then submit receipts as proof we used the money as it was intended. It would save the humiliation and allow us to go forward with dignity.
Other news...we were suspended again because they didn't have enough information. We submitted a letter from me stating I earned money from my artwork, and the paystub from my son. My daughter only got her first pay AFTER their deadline...so now I sit and wait for a phone call to try to straighten out this mess once again.
Why is it when WE have a problem we have a hard time or long wait hearing back from them, but the instant they lose a report or they don't think they have enough information the check is INSTANTLY cut off?
Saturday 27 July 2013
Some news to report.
Well we have YOU (Youth Opportunities Unlimited) to thank for the two new jobs that have come to our home. Both my older kids found temporary placement employment through this group. I hope it's enough to kick start them and give them some extra money to save towards their education etc.
Husband...he's still looking. It's hard to do here, especially when you aren't 20 yrs old anymore. He tries though, I'll give him credit for that. Always updating and sending resumes out and always searching both online, and on foot for the next job. Also still attached to a temp agency and waiting for a call from them.
The not so good news...it means that come September, the deductions from both those jobs will throw us off the system. It is fine as far as paperwork, and "sponging off the taxpayer" (don't forget my husband is one while in school and receiving 2nd career money). The downside is, medical expenses are no longer covered, neither is transportation allowance. My daughter's prescriptions are not cheap and we are going to hope that Trillium benefits cover it. (OW might cover our medical for a month or so, I'll have to check into it and let you know how it goes for us).
I'll also keep you posted as to how much gets deducted when a person on workfare begins to bring home money. When my husband had a temp job a year or so ago...it wasn't enough to boot us off the system. But this is 2 incomes plus his 900 a month income. I think it's going to be sufficient to keep us as we have been living so far.
Husband...he's still looking. It's hard to do here, especially when you aren't 20 yrs old anymore. He tries though, I'll give him credit for that. Always updating and sending resumes out and always searching both online, and on foot for the next job. Also still attached to a temp agency and waiting for a call from them.
The not so good news...it means that come September, the deductions from both those jobs will throw us off the system. It is fine as far as paperwork, and "sponging off the taxpayer" (don't forget my husband is one while in school and receiving 2nd career money). The downside is, medical expenses are no longer covered, neither is transportation allowance. My daughter's prescriptions are not cheap and we are going to hope that Trillium benefits cover it. (OW might cover our medical for a month or so, I'll have to check into it and let you know how it goes for us).
I'll also keep you posted as to how much gets deducted when a person on workfare begins to bring home money. When my husband had a temp job a year or so ago...it wasn't enough to boot us off the system. But this is 2 incomes plus his 900 a month income. I think it's going to be sufficient to keep us as we have been living so far.
Tuesday 23 July 2013
How we spent our sunday
When the sun stays out to play and the birds are happily chirping and flying around, the festivals come to town. We seem to get so many festivals that there is always something going on somewhere.
Just this weekend pass my husband and I had the opportunity to go to the Home and County Folk Festival. We didn't go for long but we did have a fun time looking around and listening to a few different groups.
It was a bit muggy outside so it made for a challenge, but I did notice something amazing....no smoke. Not a puff not a whiff just pure, clean air. It was a relief not to have to fight the humidity and tobacco too.
Thought I'd share a few pictures of the spouse having fun on "birthday weekend".
This is the bus ride down. He's looking at me like that because I snapped a fast shot of him. LOL
We sat for a few minutes in the park and listened to an interesting Celtic sort of group. They had an interesting take on some different songs. Sorry I'm not sure of group names because well....we didn't look for the information and didn't have a book to tell us :).
Favorite pick of the day for "different". Someone had brought a "petting zoo" to the festival. It was a GREAT idea and I hope the do it again. Off to the left side there were guitars and drums etc. While in the tent.....
there were some other interesting instruments to try out. Most of the rest of the festival was vendors selling everything from Cold Pressed Olive Oil (delicious, but not in our budget at the moment), to soaps and dresses and linens. There were the usual Henna artists there as well.
It was an enjoyable day and I'm glad my hubby and I got to spend it together. Won't be long before it's "back to school" and nights filled with homework.
Just this weekend pass my husband and I had the opportunity to go to the Home and County Folk Festival. We didn't go for long but we did have a fun time looking around and listening to a few different groups.
It was a bit muggy outside so it made for a challenge, but I did notice something amazing....no smoke. Not a puff not a whiff just pure, clean air. It was a relief not to have to fight the humidity and tobacco too.
Thought I'd share a few pictures of the spouse having fun on "birthday weekend".
It was an enjoyable day and I'm glad my hubby and I got to spend it together. Won't be long before it's "back to school" and nights filled with homework.
Sunday 21 July 2013
You know there are problems when...
When the UN sends someone to check on the condition of those who are poor in your country, and he has nothing but negative reports to give...you know it's time to make a change
.http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2013/03/04/un_food_envoy_olivier_de_schutter_says_canada_starves_many_of_its_citizens_porter.html
I just wonder when the day for change will come. There are actually some people who feel awful at the way things are turning out for those with less money. Of course there are a few who aren't too sure of the rules either.
Both spouses on welfare have to share the same check, that goes double for any adult children on the system. ALSO anyone who gets child tax like me will get some money. In my case it seems like a lot, but I also don't get any money for that one child from welfare AT ALL.
Where do they expect me to get the school supplies, shoes, books, paper and pens/pencils etc from? End of the school year I wanted to help my youngest to get his certification for both First Aid and a Lifeguarding course (Bronze Medallion I think), but I couldn't afford to pay for it. He has the training and none of the papers to prove it.
That could have been a job for him, but without the proof it is useless. It frustrates me that I can't pay for anything he might need because he's also a "non contributing member". Yes IF he finds work he can pay for his own clothes etc, they don't deduct money from my check as long as my kid is in school. BUT he has to get that job first.
It saps your strength to go hungry, and it saps your strength of spirit to always ask for help. Maybe that is why I can't bring myself to ask for something as simple as a ride from people....I'm so used to asking for something that I want to have at least ONE thing I can have someone offer.
This sapping of spirit floods into your private life as well and makes it hard for you to relate to other people. How do you say "I can't (Fill in blank). There is no money for that.". It's embarrassing to have to say these things. It's almost like admitting you have failed.
The public in general doesn't have to shame those who are poor, we can feel embarrassed plenty on our own. I just can't wait for the day that my husband graduates and "hopefully" finds a position in that trade. Then perhaps I can have my earth ship in the countryside, and help others who are just like we are right now.
.http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2013/03/04/un_food_envoy_olivier_de_schutter_says_canada_starves_many_of_its_citizens_porter.html
I just wonder when the day for change will come. There are actually some people who feel awful at the way things are turning out for those with less money. Of course there are a few who aren't too sure of the rules either.
Both spouses on welfare have to share the same check, that goes double for any adult children on the system. ALSO anyone who gets child tax like me will get some money. In my case it seems like a lot, but I also don't get any money for that one child from welfare AT ALL.
Where do they expect me to get the school supplies, shoes, books, paper and pens/pencils etc from? End of the school year I wanted to help my youngest to get his certification for both First Aid and a Lifeguarding course (Bronze Medallion I think), but I couldn't afford to pay for it. He has the training and none of the papers to prove it.
That could have been a job for him, but without the proof it is useless. It frustrates me that I can't pay for anything he might need because he's also a "non contributing member". Yes IF he finds work he can pay for his own clothes etc, they don't deduct money from my check as long as my kid is in school. BUT he has to get that job first.
It saps your strength to go hungry, and it saps your strength of spirit to always ask for help. Maybe that is why I can't bring myself to ask for something as simple as a ride from people....I'm so used to asking for something that I want to have at least ONE thing I can have someone offer.
This sapping of spirit floods into your private life as well and makes it hard for you to relate to other people. How do you say "I can't (Fill in blank). There is no money for that.". It's embarrassing to have to say these things. It's almost like admitting you have failed.
The public in general doesn't have to shame those who are poor, we can feel embarrassed plenty on our own. I just can't wait for the day that my husband graduates and "hopefully" finds a position in that trade. Then perhaps I can have my earth ship in the countryside, and help others who are just like we are right now.
Thursday 18 July 2013
Some good news
My husband talked to someone in our caseworker's department. (our caseworker is absent today). He managed to get some emergency bus tickets which I will use tomorrow. She also suggested trying for a "medical buspass" hopefully I'll be able to qualify with a doctor's note and get out of the heat more often.
It was too bad he didn't get the tickets while it was cooler out but if I left here now I'd have to be medicated and wouldn't breathe very well. Tomorrow I'm getting up early and running away to the library where cool air prevails.
It is currently 44 C or 111 F outside and about ten degrees colder in my house. I have a "permanent pool" set up in my bathroom LOL. Just trying to stay cool. Might study for a bit and then have a nap to keep from exerting in the hot.
My advice to others on OW/ODSP is to ask your worker for some tickets to get OUT of the heat while the weather is this bad. Ask, and if your worker won't give you an answer or if you want to try again, try talking to their manager and see if the answer changes. It may be all you can do to escape the dreaded muggy monster.
It was too bad he didn't get the tickets while it was cooler out but if I left here now I'd have to be medicated and wouldn't breathe very well. Tomorrow I'm getting up early and running away to the library where cool air prevails.
It is currently 44 C or 111 F outside and about ten degrees colder in my house. I have a "permanent pool" set up in my bathroom LOL. Just trying to stay cool. Might study for a bit and then have a nap to keep from exerting in the hot.
My advice to others on OW/ODSP is to ask your worker for some tickets to get OUT of the heat while the weather is this bad. Ask, and if your worker won't give you an answer or if you want to try again, try talking to their manager and see if the answer changes. It may be all you can do to escape the dreaded muggy monster.
Tuesday 16 July 2013
Just when you thought it was great to be hot....it really is not.
Feeling a bit sleepy right now, and slightly out of breath ...but I thought I'd write this post up before I contemplate a little nap.
It is HOT in this apartment right now. Of course it doesn't help that there is hot and humid conditions outside, that is true enough but the fact that our apartment is on the North West corner of the building means that we get more sun from about 2pm to sunset, which helps to heat the apartment up even further.
I have a thermometer in the bedroom, it is reading at around about 30C. (86F) and that is with the methods we have utilized in an attempt to keep our home cooler. Every summer we put up window sun blockers. What they are is simply white foamboard with tinfoil (shiny side out) and black bristol board on the inside. What it does is keep the rooms darker and hopefully the temperature down by reflecting the sun back outside. It does work...after a fashion. We tried before without it and were left feeling as hot as the outside or hotter once the sun started to shine through our windows. But it still isn't a drastic improvement.
We still feel the humidity, it seems to seep right in and it causes headaches and for me with my asthma...some degree of discomfort as well as requiring me to slow down my daily activity. That isn't too great for trying to exercise now is it?
I'm almost tempted to reverse my night and day while the weather holds this way, so that I can sleep through the entire day, problem is...life is set to daytime up and nighttime down so it doesn't work out so well.
The reason I decided to write about this was because when the weather heats up, the poor are the ones caught in it. Where I live hydro costs MORE during the hottest part of the day. I get why that is...it is an effort to conserve electricity and was meant to curb "over use of air conditioners while you are not in the home". Problem is, the only ones who are paying for it, are those who can't afford to PAY for the hydro.
We are talking here about the elderly, those on welfare and those on disability. Yeah I know what you are thinking...go to a "cooling center". Well that would work, if these three groups could in fact AFFORD the bus fare. Problem is...only one group gets busfare consistently...Ontario Works. You only get bus fare with OW IF you are an active participant (read here, engaged in job search). If you are on a disability deferral, you can't get busfare unless you have a good reason for needing it. If you need to go to a doctor, you have to get the doctor to sign a letter saying that you need to go regularly and require bus fare to do so. On ODSP I'm sure its quite similar. You likely have to prove you are regularly attending a doctor to qualify.
So where does that leave the rest of us? In the sweltering heat and very poor air quality trying to get along as best we can. If you are lucky and live near a mall, you can head there on foot and hide there for the day. If like me you are distant from a mall and no cooling centers are nearby...you don't get to go anywhere. 6 cooling centers in our city are open on a sunday....our local libraries are CLOSED on sundays during the period from May to about October? until the students come back and need it. That leaves them out as an option.
We get told that heading to a cooling center is a good idea on this kind of day, but the reality is most of us can't reach them without money, which we are not allowed to have on the current system.
This is a reality for many of the poorest citizens in our cities across Canada and yep, down there in the USA as well. I guess staying cool and healthy is only for the wealthy :/ NOTE: I would like to remind people that they SHOULD check on their neighbors if they are low income or you know they have medical conditions....in this weather it's the right thing to do.
This is the report for today and the rest of the week for my City courtesy of the Weather Network.
It is HOT in this apartment right now. Of course it doesn't help that there is hot and humid conditions outside, that is true enough but the fact that our apartment is on the North West corner of the building means that we get more sun from about 2pm to sunset, which helps to heat the apartment up even further.
I have a thermometer in the bedroom, it is reading at around about 30C. (86F) and that is with the methods we have utilized in an attempt to keep our home cooler. Every summer we put up window sun blockers. What they are is simply white foamboard with tinfoil (shiny side out) and black bristol board on the inside. What it does is keep the rooms darker and hopefully the temperature down by reflecting the sun back outside. It does work...after a fashion. We tried before without it and were left feeling as hot as the outside or hotter once the sun started to shine through our windows. But it still isn't a drastic improvement.
We still feel the humidity, it seems to seep right in and it causes headaches and for me with my asthma...some degree of discomfort as well as requiring me to slow down my daily activity. That isn't too great for trying to exercise now is it?
I'm almost tempted to reverse my night and day while the weather holds this way, so that I can sleep through the entire day, problem is...life is set to daytime up and nighttime down so it doesn't work out so well.
The reason I decided to write about this was because when the weather heats up, the poor are the ones caught in it. Where I live hydro costs MORE during the hottest part of the day. I get why that is...it is an effort to conserve electricity and was meant to curb "over use of air conditioners while you are not in the home". Problem is, the only ones who are paying for it, are those who can't afford to PAY for the hydro.
We are talking here about the elderly, those on welfare and those on disability. Yeah I know what you are thinking...go to a "cooling center". Well that would work, if these three groups could in fact AFFORD the bus fare. Problem is...only one group gets busfare consistently...Ontario Works. You only get bus fare with OW IF you are an active participant (read here, engaged in job search). If you are on a disability deferral, you can't get busfare unless you have a good reason for needing it. If you need to go to a doctor, you have to get the doctor to sign a letter saying that you need to go regularly and require bus fare to do so. On ODSP I'm sure its quite similar. You likely have to prove you are regularly attending a doctor to qualify.
So where does that leave the rest of us? In the sweltering heat and very poor air quality trying to get along as best we can. If you are lucky and live near a mall, you can head there on foot and hide there for the day. If like me you are distant from a mall and no cooling centers are nearby...you don't get to go anywhere. 6 cooling centers in our city are open on a sunday....our local libraries are CLOSED on sundays during the period from May to about October? until the students come back and need it. That leaves them out as an option.
We get told that heading to a cooling center is a good idea on this kind of day, but the reality is most of us can't reach them without money, which we are not allowed to have on the current system.
This is a reality for many of the poorest citizens in our cities across Canada and yep, down there in the USA as well. I guess staying cool and healthy is only for the wealthy :/ NOTE: I would like to remind people that they SHOULD check on their neighbors if they are low income or you know they have medical conditions....in this weather it's the right thing to do.
Sunday 14 July 2013
All this from just ONE article
I clicked on a link from OCAP today, for those of you who don't know OCAP stands for Ontario Coalition Against Poverty. This is a group made up from people who actually CARE about other people. The article was about the possibility of merging Ontario Works with Ontario Disability Support Program. As a recipient of OW who has tried to get on ODSP, I can honestly say, I have no idea how this merger would work. I mean does that mean that those on OW get to make decisions about ODSP, or does it mean that eventually all people on ODSP will be working...no matter if they are able to or not.
I fear for those who are like my family, struggling to get by and it makes me saddened and sickened that these people....my fellow human beings had this much to say in the comments section.
Along with the free money, they get free dental, free glasses, free meds. Not a bad deal from where I am sitting as a part-time worker that gets noting for free and taxed highly because I am single...the government forgets I have thousands of children in Hamilton I help support..it is called my tax dollars to those on welfare.
REPLY: What free money? You mean the money that we have to report our income every month and have deductions taken from? Your tax dollars, you mean the ones like my husband has paid while taking temp jobs that didn't give him enough earnings to break free of this damn trap? Free glasses....yeah from the two stores they give you a choice between, every two years. The frames are the ones that either don't sell or are so hideous or don't fit your face that you look awful. (remember appearances are important when it comes to job interviews). Free meds? Not always and not all of them. I get that part time work is not nearly as good as a full time job would be, complain to the politicians about that, about the fact that most jobs today are part time and / or handled by temp agencies where the only value you have is that you don't cost them extra. As for the children you help feed with your tax money....you mean to tell me you are such a miser you can't afford to help a few kids? I'm surprised that as a part time employee you aren't having more of a struggle though, since it isn't nearly enough to pay rent and buy food. You make about the same amount of money we'd make in a month...perhaps less. Perhaps you should apply for welfare to top your amounts off, or are you too proud to ask for help.
They have spoken to 118 groups who have a vested interest and 80% don't like whats in the report. Have they spoken to the group that is expected to PAY FOR IT and discovered what they think??? Didn't think so.
Fascinating, you aren't the only ones paying for it. So are those on welfare who work but don't earn enough to break free.
Why do we bring in workers from other countries to work the farms? Oh ya, free money with no questions asked for those that inhabit the sidewalks downtown. 'I don't like that kind of work'..... As for the $600 figure quoted, please add in all the freebies they get ON TOP of that amount.
This one might take a few minutes to think about. Oh yeah...bringing in cheap immigrant labor is something that is done in a lot of places. They don't want to have to pay those "people on the street" minimum wage, so they bring in people they can pay HALF that amount to. I've never yet to date heard of a job on a farm doing anything that has been OFFERED to me. NOT ONCE. It isn't about "I don't like that kind of work." You don't know those people, you never even talked to any of them I'm sure. You probably just stuck your nose in the air and walked on by. As for all the freebies on top of that amount. That is the money for a DISABLED ADULT on ODSP that was quoted. Those folks are no more lazy than those on welfare, and they might actually have a problem that prohibits them from working. As for the "extras" . The only extra they get is a "wee bit better" dental plan and thats all. The same drug plan as welfare, the same vision care. Instead of 2 fillings every six months they get cleanings every 6 months. Wow sign me up right away for all those freebies.
I agree $600 a month isn't much... but it is STILL my tax dollars and I see NO REASON an able bodied person should be allowed to sit on their butt and collect free money. In many cases it IS a choice as well as the choice to have more children to increase the benefit. I believe everyone who is on OW should have to put in 8 hours, 5 days a week, even if it is sitting in a conference room looking at the walls. Income is an exchange of time for money. It is what the majority of us do. We go to our jobs and get paid. If we don't put in the hours we don't get paid. PERIOD. Those on OW should be no different.
This one's gonna be fun. You agree 600 isn't much...well that is pretty much the SUM and TOTAL amount that ODSP folks get. OW gets less. "Still my tax dollars and I see no reason an able bodied person should be allowed to sit on their butt and collect free money". REALLY?? The person said that the amount was for an ODSP (DISABILITY) claimant for a month. Umm abled bodied...nope. Sit on butt...perhaps, that would depend on if they have a mobility issue wouldn't it? A choice to be on ODSP? Not likely. A choice to be on OW, nope. Having more kids to increase the benefit?? In my whole life of knowing people on welfare I've only known ONE person out of over 40-50 people on it, to do that. ONE person in 50 (AT LEAST). Sitting in conference room staring at walls. SO you'd like to put us in the corner like naughty kids? Umm we already have to do a full time job search. Full time hours like a person who IS working. How exactly should a welfare person LOOK for work if they are staring at walls? We have to do what we have SIGNED AN AGREEMENT to do. If we fail...we...as you so aptly put it....DON'T get paid.
Here`s the problem. $8.3 billion dollars. Social work has become a lucrative career choice for many, compliments of tax payer`s and the lazy, uninspired, unmotivated, "are the cheques going to be out today," bums, with no ambition. Here`s the solution. Hold a recipient`s cheque back a few days and witness inspiration, motivation, determination and ambition magically appear. Then tell them about the one year limit to collect. It`s almost criminal seeing an able bodied person hanging out on their porch month to month counting done the days. 16 more to go. At least most goes right back to local merchants.
Hmm I can "almost" agree with you. Since I have dealt with some workers who don't seem to have much experience in dealing with people living under stressful conditions in circumstances of in some cases DEEP poverty. Lazy? Uninspired? Unmotivated? How about we change that to depressed, emotionally and PHYSICALLY depleted by lack of adequate nutrition and relief from the stress of knowing that if they screw up down at the office YOU don't get PAID. "are the checks going to be out today?" bums? We already know the time when they go out...usually its done by direct deposit. Bums with no ambition? Hmm let me think my oldest child bum wants to go into floristry or into greenhouse work. The need to ask for 100 bucks for the APPLICATION fee put her behind by a couple of months and she is now on a "wait list" for college. My second oldest BUM would like to have a job someday saving people LIKE YOU. He'd like to get into the military and join SARTECH. BUT...a problem with overexertion a couple of summers ago means that he has to wait till December to apply again. Meanwhile, he has a job he's starting tomorrow. It is a job created by a program so it might last only 6 months but at least he has a chance. My youngest BUM is 17 and desperately wants to find work but...there isn't much for teens, and he tried to apply for one job but was told that he would have to wait on a list, because he LIVES IN THE WRONG AREA OF TOWN. My husband is seeking work while waiting to return to school for the 2nd half of SECOND CAREER to start. (don't get me started on that damn program). It is only marginally better than having to go from temp job to temp job because our city has NOTHING to do for work. NOTHING. I am disabled (yes I have a doctor's note mommy). I DON'T have a porch...I have a small apartment, that is quickly losing pace with the amount of rent money we are given to pay for it. We are already digging into our food budget...it will eventually get worse. But perhaps you will have your happiness when we are all finally OUT ON THE STREET because our city hasn't got anything cheaper. Not much goes back to the local merchants from us...we don't have much to spend.
OW (welfare) was initially meant to be temporary financial assistance but now seems to mean permanent financial assistance. Too many on OW have turned it into an income and make no effort for it to be a temporary form of assistance. OW needs to be reformed to ensure those receiving it are making serious attempts at working as those receiving unemployment insurance are required to do. At least those receiving EI benefits have paid into it, those on OW are just freeloading.
Yes it was meant to be temporary. It is a shame that so many have had to spend so many years on it because there is in fact NO WORK to be had in some cities. Make no effort? Umm if we DON'T make an effort we WILL be booted off. WE MUST fulfill the contracts we are under or else. EI has less stringent rules (or at least it used to). Yes my husband did draw EI at first when he was LAID OFF thanks to the damn recession. OW freeloaders? You mean like the banks that get free money when they need to be bailed out? Like the businesses that get free money "supposedly" to hire US but DON'T?? They instead use CHEAP OVERSEAS labor? Perhaps your anger would be best serviced by getting pissed off at those who truly are WELFARE BUMS.
ODSP = Ontario Disability Support Program... OW = A Program to address "Temporary Financial Need" There is no reason to integrate these into one program. They are completely different programs designed to meet completely different needs. What needs to happen is to address OW abuse. Set a firm time limit on accessability instead of being open ended. STOP the abuse.
Firm time limit for OW eh? Okay let me hear how much time you think we should need. A year? 6 months? What if there is no work in your city? Too bad go live in a stupid cardboard box just so you can feel like you aren't being used?? What abuse? The only abuse I have seen is by those who have jobs against those who are LOOKING. That is the abuse I see. The comments about being lazy bums, the comments about not working, the comments about LIMITING money so that you can send CHILDREN packing onto the streets so you can get angry because those "damn bums" are now littering your corners asking for money. So that you can say "isn't there a place you can put those damn bums" so I don't have to look at them? C'mon there must be a PRISON or a WORKHOUSE somewhere that needs them.
I cut paste these comments as they were MADE I did no alteration to their content. http://www.thespec.com/news-story/3891191-mcmeekin-says-welfare-report-getting-push-back/ The fact that HUMAN beings are saying such things gives me such a feeling of utter sorrow that I can hardly believe what I am seeing. Do you think that SHAMING people gets them to work faster?? Do you think that hurling insults and making derogatory statements about them makes you stand taller? When does the bullying come to an END???? At what point do we say ENOUGH abuse stop bitching and start helping. At what point do we treat ALL humans like they are people, worthy enough of dignity and respect?
At what point do we see that the system is broken, but not in the way the taxpayer thinks. This system is broken because people starve on it. People go to bed in boxes because there are no more rooms at the local hostel.
I guess it's okay to say such terrible things if you haven't had to live it. I just hope you never have to find out just how awful things can truly be.
Thursday 11 July 2013
An update
Well I checked the email today and the person who said the terrible remarks about those on welfare changed his mind (if you can call it that), he apologized and said he didn't mean all are lazy but that a lot can work but just chose not to. Said maybe 50% were legitimate, and well the rest of us could either work part time ( I suppose that would be those who are disabled. Or don't wish to or who are dead beat dads trying to avoid paying support. He did confirm for me though, that there are legitimate people who he is not bashing.
It's too bad that this person DID in fact state that a certain lady running for mayor would mean " more people on social assistance, more low cost housing for lazy people and a whole lot of free handouts". I think I missed the part where he said that it was only those "not so legitimate" people he was talking about.
I've said this before and I guess I can't say it enough...I don't think anyone is truly lazy. IF and I say IF there are people who are lazy it is likely 1/50 people who are like that. There are so many various reasons why people are unable or unwilling to find work that it would take more than one blog to discuss them all. Perhaps I can restate a partial list....
mental illness (also a great reason why someone "might" be a drug/alcohol user)
physical illness (most of the time caused by lack of good diet)
loss of self-esteem after having been let go due to downsizing etc
lack of opportunities available in your field of expertise
turnaround due to holidays in retail stores
too many temporary jobs as opposed to what used to exist (the full time job)
lack of transportation to/from work, employers desire for employee to have a license or car, or simply doesn't want you to rely on a form of transportation that could potentially go on strike and leave you with scrambling to find a way to get out to the middle of nowhere (which is usually where the jobs end up)
child care and lack thereof
lack of energy thanks to our wonderful "not enough money for food diet" and /or "nothing that could truly classify as being really good for you diet"
the "jumping through hoops" that workers sometimes make you do in order to qualify for said benefits (things like repeating a visit to a doctor once per year for an update of medical condition papers to qualify for special diet which nets you maybe another 30 bucks on the ole check, and my personal favorite (doctor does a permanent sign out of your ability to work and they still need you to confirm that every couple years)
going through special job development programs that are supposed to help you find and keep that job
wandering from place to place putting in your resumes, etc
the blues from not being able to find work as quickly as you would have liked to, or only being able to secure temporary jobs which leave you feeling like a schmuck when their time is up (which sometimes you just don't know in advance)
age (too old too young take your pick you are always TOO something)
too fat, not pretty enough, a transgender in either direction who is in transition, someone without nice enough clothes for an interview, someone with a disability
stress from worrying about food for the family, clothing, whether or not you soon won't be able to afford your home
and last but certainly not least in love...TOO MUCH COMPETITION for one job
So apparently there are so very many reasons why we are stuck in this trap we call welfare. It doesn't feel like this money contributes much to the "well fare" of my family but it is what it is.
I just wish that more people could truly SEE what it means to be on this system. What it means to be under constant stress. What it means to think about how comfortable your life used to be BEFORE you ended up in this leaky boat with broken oars. I wish they could feel how it feels to be insulted, shamed, ridiculed and have awful, despicable and cruel, hateful things said about you constantly just because things are not going as you would have hoped.
I would NEVER wish this type of life on anyone (well okay maybe just on the politicians who set these policies) but not anyone else. It makes me angry to think that a politician pretends to care about you while he looks you in the face and then does other things as soon as the cameras are all gone. It makes me angry to think my fellow HUMAN beings seem to think it is okay to make such terrible comments. It is truly a sad thing to see and I can only hope that people can and will change. Until then...I guess I'll just keep writing about my life and my family's life on a system that doesn't seem to care, led by politicians who don't care and backed by taxpayers who believe everything they are told by these politicians instead of getting to know us.
It's too bad that this person DID in fact state that a certain lady running for mayor would mean " more people on social assistance, more low cost housing for lazy people and a whole lot of free handouts". I think I missed the part where he said that it was only those "not so legitimate" people he was talking about.
I've said this before and I guess I can't say it enough...I don't think anyone is truly lazy. IF and I say IF there are people who are lazy it is likely 1/50 people who are like that. There are so many various reasons why people are unable or unwilling to find work that it would take more than one blog to discuss them all. Perhaps I can restate a partial list....
mental illness (also a great reason why someone "might" be a drug/alcohol user)
physical illness (most of the time caused by lack of good diet)
loss of self-esteem after having been let go due to downsizing etc
lack of opportunities available in your field of expertise
turnaround due to holidays in retail stores
too many temporary jobs as opposed to what used to exist (the full time job)
lack of transportation to/from work, employers desire for employee to have a license or car, or simply doesn't want you to rely on a form of transportation that could potentially go on strike and leave you with scrambling to find a way to get out to the middle of nowhere (which is usually where the jobs end up)
child care and lack thereof
lack of energy thanks to our wonderful "not enough money for food diet" and /or "nothing that could truly classify as being really good for you diet"
the "jumping through hoops" that workers sometimes make you do in order to qualify for said benefits (things like repeating a visit to a doctor once per year for an update of medical condition papers to qualify for special diet which nets you maybe another 30 bucks on the ole check, and my personal favorite (doctor does a permanent sign out of your ability to work and they still need you to confirm that every couple years)
going through special job development programs that are supposed to help you find and keep that job
wandering from place to place putting in your resumes, etc
the blues from not being able to find work as quickly as you would have liked to, or only being able to secure temporary jobs which leave you feeling like a schmuck when their time is up (which sometimes you just don't know in advance)
age (too old too young take your pick you are always TOO something)
too fat, not pretty enough, a transgender in either direction who is in transition, someone without nice enough clothes for an interview, someone with a disability
stress from worrying about food for the family, clothing, whether or not you soon won't be able to afford your home
and last but certainly not least in love...TOO MUCH COMPETITION for one job
So apparently there are so very many reasons why we are stuck in this trap we call welfare. It doesn't feel like this money contributes much to the "well fare" of my family but it is what it is.
I just wish that more people could truly SEE what it means to be on this system. What it means to be under constant stress. What it means to think about how comfortable your life used to be BEFORE you ended up in this leaky boat with broken oars. I wish they could feel how it feels to be insulted, shamed, ridiculed and have awful, despicable and cruel, hateful things said about you constantly just because things are not going as you would have hoped.
I would NEVER wish this type of life on anyone (well okay maybe just on the politicians who set these policies) but not anyone else. It makes me angry to think that a politician pretends to care about you while he looks you in the face and then does other things as soon as the cameras are all gone. It makes me angry to think my fellow HUMAN beings seem to think it is okay to make such terrible comments. It is truly a sad thing to see and I can only hope that people can and will change. Until then...I guess I'll just keep writing about my life and my family's life on a system that doesn't seem to care, led by politicians who don't care and backed by taxpayers who believe everything they are told by these politicians instead of getting to know us.
Wednesday 10 July 2013
Just a quick post
Just thought I'd make a quick post to highlight my other blog about the Fugitive Slave Chapel excavation and conservation currently going on in my city.
http://archaeologychapel.blogspot.ca/
http://archaeologychapel.blogspot.ca/
Tuesday 9 July 2013
Why oh why do I look at the comments?
I should know better by now. You'd think I'd have learned to avoid these little irritations but I haven't. I can't help myself, I have to read everything when I read a news article...not just the article itself.
We are due for a new Mayor soon, and while most everyone I know of is relieved at the thought of replacing our current humiliating con artist, some do not prefer the ideas others have come up with for replacing him.
One in particular argued that if a certain person took over, social assistance rolls would go up and there would be more low cost housing for "lazy" people and a whole (he spelled it hole) lot more free handouts. I wanted to reach through my computer screen and slap him silly.
The other part of me, the sane sensible part of me wanted to just accept the fact that this was a jerk who just liked to say awful things just to be heard. He didn't care who he might hurt with his mean spirited, acidic commentary, he just felt the need to have everyone and anyone pay attention to him.
The sad part is...he's not alone. There are many more like him out there, many more mean spirited people who seem to think that living on welfare is some sort of big payday. That we must get too much money and be living a life of luxury and freedom from all employment.
They don't see us having to go to food banks, they don't see us struggling to make ends meet or trying to fight our way out of what feels like a dead-end system. They don't see us at all. They walk through their lives with dark glasses on and turn their heads when they see us.
They either lost or never had human compassion and a desire to give all people dignity and respect as they struggle with situations that for many are far beyond their own control. I guess they figure if they are working we should all be working without thinking about the logic of their own arguments.
There are more people in need of work than there are jobs available to be had. There is no room for love in the hearts and minds of these selfish individuals. They could care less that without welfare more people would be sleeping on the street and eating once a day if they are lucky. They don't seem to care that without affordable housing, more people including WORKING people would be unable to afford a place to live and be forced out on the streets.
For those of you who have no room in your hearts for others think about it...CHILDREN on the street, men and women with no where to go because you are too cheap to open your wallet. Someday, given the way the economy is going YOU might be in my family's shoes....YOU will be the one needing a cheaper place to live, YOU will need me to help you with some money until you get back on your feet, and you might need me to pay taxes so that YOU can get your teeth cleaned and see a doctor when you are sick.
Perhaps when it's YOUR turn, you won't be so quick to judge my family and those like us who are right now struggling to put the pieces of our lives back together again. So just shut up, listen to the voices of those around you and maybe you might just learn something.
We are due for a new Mayor soon, and while most everyone I know of is relieved at the thought of replacing our current humiliating con artist, some do not prefer the ideas others have come up with for replacing him.
One in particular argued that if a certain person took over, social assistance rolls would go up and there would be more low cost housing for "lazy" people and a whole (he spelled it hole) lot more free handouts. I wanted to reach through my computer screen and slap him silly.
The other part of me, the sane sensible part of me wanted to just accept the fact that this was a jerk who just liked to say awful things just to be heard. He didn't care who he might hurt with his mean spirited, acidic commentary, he just felt the need to have everyone and anyone pay attention to him.
The sad part is...he's not alone. There are many more like him out there, many more mean spirited people who seem to think that living on welfare is some sort of big payday. That we must get too much money and be living a life of luxury and freedom from all employment.
They don't see us having to go to food banks, they don't see us struggling to make ends meet or trying to fight our way out of what feels like a dead-end system. They don't see us at all. They walk through their lives with dark glasses on and turn their heads when they see us.
They either lost or never had human compassion and a desire to give all people dignity and respect as they struggle with situations that for many are far beyond their own control. I guess they figure if they are working we should all be working without thinking about the logic of their own arguments.
There are more people in need of work than there are jobs available to be had. There is no room for love in the hearts and minds of these selfish individuals. They could care less that without welfare more people would be sleeping on the street and eating once a day if they are lucky. They don't seem to care that without affordable housing, more people including WORKING people would be unable to afford a place to live and be forced out on the streets.
For those of you who have no room in your hearts for others think about it...CHILDREN on the street, men and women with no where to go because you are too cheap to open your wallet. Someday, given the way the economy is going YOU might be in my family's shoes....YOU will be the one needing a cheaper place to live, YOU will need me to help you with some money until you get back on your feet, and you might need me to pay taxes so that YOU can get your teeth cleaned and see a doctor when you are sick.
Perhaps when it's YOUR turn, you won't be so quick to judge my family and those like us who are right now struggling to put the pieces of our lives back together again. So just shut up, listen to the voices of those around you and maybe you might just learn something.
Sunday 7 July 2013
Oh what a day.
It all started with a bag of chips. My son was working for a while and he bought some with his money. That was fine and okay but then I wanted to have some of my own, since I didn't ask and since he shared his with his siblings. The problem was I said something to my spouse about wanting to get some, but it was late at night and so there was no way he could get anything. So I figured he'd just figure it out in the morning, but he opted not to go out. So I got a bit upset about it and thought to myself FINE I'll just go get some myself. Then it hit me....
No I won't. We don't like spending a fortune at the corner store for stuff we can get at a grocery store for less than half the cost. I can't GO to the grocery store because I have a limited amount of bus tickets a month. I have a limited amount of tickets because I am unable to look for work (deferral for disability) and so I don't get to have a buspass, and they don't have to give me bus tickets. Also...since I don't know HOW much we have available to spend in a month, I couldn't go anyway. I wouldn't be able to buy anything even if I took money from what my son gave me as his "portion of the earnings" that will come off our check for his employment income.
I couldn't decide about a simple snack. I was powerless.
That got me to thinking about how I am generally stuck in my house. We don't have a pet, and it used to be when I was all alone before I had a pet to keep me company. But ours died and we can't afford another one.
So then I thought...what am I supposed to do? The computer and the internet are not enough companionship for me. I don't get to talk to many people there, my friends all "have a life". yeah okay so I started to feel sorry for myself. But then again I was also angry because I thought what did I do so wrong that I am forced to stay in my home? Why can't I get out and have something to do. Why can't I just have a stupid "bad for me" snack if I want to have one. I've been good about it for months now.
It really got to me. In a profound way I have absolutely no control over anything. I suck at the budget so I let him handle that, and I have no money of my own, and no way to go anywhere without counting my tickets and budgeting them out to ensure I have enough to get to the important things each month.
So while I didn't intend to...I did get rather frustrated, and I did get upset at my spouse because I have to depend on him for anything I want, and I didn't want to really ask him to go out "just for me", I wanted there to be something else we had to have first. I wanted him to say don't worry about it, because we didn't have the money anyway, but I didn't hear anything and it made me feel like he wasn't even listening.
I don't want to ask for permission to buy a snack.
I don't want to ask for permission to leave my house because we don't have enough money for me to take the bus whenever I want to go out.
I want to have some say in what I do.
I want to have some money of my own.
I don't want to be alone all the time.
I want to feel like I have some control over my life.
I was being a bit silly/selfish today...but I guess I really did just feel like I am trapped in a box.
Friday 5 July 2013
A question of election
Our City has a spot opening soon in the representation for Minister of Provincial Parliament and I decided that I would email the Green Party, Liberal Party, Conservative Party and NDP Party to see what their take on my family's life would be.
I want to know what their thoughts are about how people on Welfare and Disability are to survive on the pathetic amount of money given. I want to know if they think that what has been done to us over the years is an acceptable thing to do or not. After all in our system of government, this person will likely give more power to that party in our Government, so I want to be sure that what I choose and what my 3 other ADULTS of voting age choose....will be the right decision to make for all of us.
By all of us I don't just mean my own family but my family of poor and supposedly "undeserving" people who are told daily by those around us and those in political power that we are "lazy", "bums", that we take drugs or drink too much. That we LEECH off the system. That we LIKE being unemployed and drawing money from the rest of the taxpayers.
Politicians are the reason we are having to put our groceries where our rent is. Politicians are the reason why my husband's income comes of DOLLAR FOR DOLLAR even though it is taxed like REGULAR income. Politicians are the reason that every dollar we earn from a job comes off at 50%. Politicians are the reason I sometimes can't sleep at night because I know that my kids go to bed hungry, have to visit organizations to get extra meals, and why we have to get vouchers to get shoes and clothing. Why we have to budget our electricity like MISERS, why I have to take food money to pay for bus tickets. The list goes on.
So I guess I finally decided it was time to ask them the same question. I expect to get back the same "form letter" answer, but I'm going to give it a try. I'll let you know how it works out.
I want to know what their thoughts are about how people on Welfare and Disability are to survive on the pathetic amount of money given. I want to know if they think that what has been done to us over the years is an acceptable thing to do or not. After all in our system of government, this person will likely give more power to that party in our Government, so I want to be sure that what I choose and what my 3 other ADULTS of voting age choose....will be the right decision to make for all of us.
By all of us I don't just mean my own family but my family of poor and supposedly "undeserving" people who are told daily by those around us and those in political power that we are "lazy", "bums", that we take drugs or drink too much. That we LEECH off the system. That we LIKE being unemployed and drawing money from the rest of the taxpayers.
Politicians are the reason we are having to put our groceries where our rent is. Politicians are the reason why my husband's income comes of DOLLAR FOR DOLLAR even though it is taxed like REGULAR income. Politicians are the reason that every dollar we earn from a job comes off at 50%. Politicians are the reason I sometimes can't sleep at night because I know that my kids go to bed hungry, have to visit organizations to get extra meals, and why we have to get vouchers to get shoes and clothing. Why we have to budget our electricity like MISERS, why I have to take food money to pay for bus tickets. The list goes on.
So I guess I finally decided it was time to ask them the same question. I expect to get back the same "form letter" answer, but I'm going to give it a try. I'll let you know how it works out.
Wednesday 3 July 2013
We moved....without moving
We decided that my daughter needed a room of her own and to that end moved two bedrooms around. My middle born son opted to take the living room as his own and so while he was away for the weekend we began.
Let me just say this, I NEVER want to do that again. I couldn't believe how much trouble one "simple little move" could be. I figured no problem simply move a piece of furniture out, vacuum floor, move another piece into it's place and so on. I forgot to anticipate the "stuff" that accumulates in a bedroom when you aren't looking. The clothes, games, the figurines and stuffed toys and books. The laundry that almost got mixed in with the clean stuff.
Oh and trying to separate two different people who were sharing a room was a terror. My daughter opted for the expedience of grabbing a bin and shoving everything off a shelf into the bin.....literally. The bin was then moved out the door and down to the dining room.
We might be poor but we certainly did accumulate a lot of clutter. In the end to give my son some sense of "my room" in the living room, I moved all my craft and art supplies and even my bookshelves into my bedroom. There is still a shelf out there, but it is all books related to that particular area of the building LOL. I have all my fiction books and so forth here now. I even dropped the old futon mattress onto my floor to use as a comfortable way to do my work during the day.
Picture hanging fell to my spouse. It isn't his favorite job, but he does it anyway. The worst part of this is, when he and I traded sides of the bed, he re-hung the wall shelves, then a week later I said "hey lets change rooms" poor guy looked so unhappy. I'm happy to report though that he did in fact move all the pictures around and now everything looks great. It feels less cluttered than it did in my other room in spite of all the 'extras" around. (yep those are puzzles on the walls)
Sunday 30 June 2013
What a Friday!
Friday was a busy day for us. My father-in-law took us to a berry farm where we picked ourselves loads of strawberries to make jam with. We used honey and apples for the pectin so the jam is a bit runnier than store jam, but at least I know where my food came from. It left me a bit sore but I'm glad I went. It was nice to get out and pick the fruit fresh rather than having it shipped in.
We also visited our local food bank. This one is the "larger" food bank and thus the "extra" food. I thought I'd keep my word and show you what was in this month's gifting. (there was also some other items for the bathroom but I didn't think we needed to share that).
Anyway here it is:
We also visited our local food bank. This one is the "larger" food bank and thus the "extra" food. I thought I'd keep my word and show you what was in this month's gifting. (there was also some other items for the bathroom but I didn't think we needed to share that).
Anyway here it is:
Tuesday 25 June 2013
Discrimination and disdain are alive and well and living in some of us.
Discrimination and disdain don't seem to be dead, they are simply hiding deep inside people. Like great beasts they lurk deep in some people, frustrated at the world that said "no, that isn't the right way to behave". They gnawed at the bars of their prison striving for freedom. They waited patiently for a day when people would have the freedom to say what they wanted...without fear of discovery.
I have a friend who I met through a course, she's a wonderful woman. Kind, compassionate and willing to share with others. She cares for friend and stranger alike. I've never met her in person...but I like her. Well she wrote an article for Yahoo about the recent change in the AMA (American Medical Association) and it's policy concerning obesity. Obesity....now there's a word I hate. It makes a person sound like they are a creature, a "beast" with no feelings, just a problem with weight. She put herself out there, photo and all. She bared her soul and shared her world with us. What did she get in return for her bravery? Kudos? Cheers? No. She got rude comments. Harsh words. Critical statements. Compassion seemed to be dead.
I have been struggling with weight since I was small. The reasons I am big are many, they could take an entire book to try to sort through. Doctors like to simplify things, put them into boxes with labels and then diagnose them. Being fat is just not that simple. Now I know what you are going to say "it's a matter of eating healthier and exercising more", but believe me when I say it isn't that easy. Many different factors can come into play when it comes to being fat. Genetics, medical conditions, unhealthy diet, lack of exercise due to lack of desire, injury or ailment, emotional trauma, addiction to food, other emotional issues, poverty and shaming.
Ahh I surprised you with those didn't I? I bet you thought it was less complex than that. I am not going to go into details about ALL the reasons, Google exists and you can use it to explore all the various ways people have become fat as well as some of their pain and struggles with it. My own weight is a combination of many of those factors all interwoven like a tapestry. I can't see the actual design, I can't find the individual threads, but I'm trying.
Poverty I can't do anything about at this moment. We eat...what we can afford. Previous blog posts on here have shown you just ONE example of a food bank donation. We try to make the quality of our food better but money only goes so far so quantity can sometimes suffer. When our checks get cut...ANY chance of food suffers. I do get out to walk as much as I am physically able, but a gym membership or getting as far away as the local pool are out of the question.
Shaming is another one I have experience with. Shaming involves the kind of cruel, petty, mean, hurtful and harsh words said to someone who is fat (or poor) without regard for whether or not they have feelings and can be hurt by these words. You might think that shaming will make a fat person lose weight but I can assure you the OPPOSITE is true. When you criticize, comment rudely, laugh, harass, stare at what we eat and how much and offer unwanted advice...it can make the person who is on the receiving end feel much worse. It can lead to that person wanting to go back to the old habits, or if the person is an emotional type of eater, it can make them eat to numb the pain. So what results will you have? None.
I suppose I should be angry with those who decide that being hidden behind a user name and computer screen means they have a right to voice their harsh and hateful words....but I'm not. I think that those who do it, do so because of fear. Let me explain. We all look at others and think "I would not want to be that person for anything." We also look at other people and say "Oh what I'd give to be that person". The problem is, the person we envy is our ideal, the person we would not want to be...is the thing we fear could happen to us.
You have to comment about welfare recipients being lazy because you don't want to believe that the world could be so bad, that there are not enough jobs to go around. You don't want to believe that IF you ever ended up like that you would be stuck in the same situation. You want to reassure yourself that YOU would handle things differently.
The same goes for weight. You want to believe that you could NEVER get fat...but you can. You want to believe that if that person you are insulting only "tried" they could lose weight, because you don't want to believe that you would never be able to yourself.
I hope that is the reason you'd be so cruel. I wouldn't want to believe that the world could be filled with selfish, spiteful, mean-spirited people who say things only to hurt others. I want to believe that we all are capable of thinking of our fellow travelers on this planet with love and compassion.
We fat (fabulous and talented) people don't want your pity. We don't want your advice. We also don't want to hear the latest fat joke (we've probably already heard them all). What we want...is to be accepted the way we are, whether we are losing weight, or we're skinny, or we're fat.We deserve to be treated like other human beings.
When I was younger, I was only 40 lbs overweight and I was always teased. Believe me when I say the sticks and stones may hurt for a while and bruises fade. Names ALWAYS hurt, and they remain as echos of the one(s) who hurt us. It reverberates inside of the mind never giving us a moment of freedom. We are chained to the words until we find a way to open the door and let the demons out.
So do the world a favor...DON'T be a demon. Be that voice that will echo inside the minds of others and say "I care about you, I like you for whatever reason, I don't care what you look like or how much you make. You are WONDERFUL." You'll feel better about yourself, and if someday you do have the misfortune of falling into my world, perhaps I'll be the first to extend my hand to help you stand again. I'll be the one waiting with a smile and a hug for you, telling you how wonderful you are.
I have a friend who I met through a course, she's a wonderful woman. Kind, compassionate and willing to share with others. She cares for friend and stranger alike. I've never met her in person...but I like her. Well she wrote an article for Yahoo about the recent change in the AMA (American Medical Association) and it's policy concerning obesity. Obesity....now there's a word I hate. It makes a person sound like they are a creature, a "beast" with no feelings, just a problem with weight. She put herself out there, photo and all. She bared her soul and shared her world with us. What did she get in return for her bravery? Kudos? Cheers? No. She got rude comments. Harsh words. Critical statements. Compassion seemed to be dead.
I have been struggling with weight since I was small. The reasons I am big are many, they could take an entire book to try to sort through. Doctors like to simplify things, put them into boxes with labels and then diagnose them. Being fat is just not that simple. Now I know what you are going to say "it's a matter of eating healthier and exercising more", but believe me when I say it isn't that easy. Many different factors can come into play when it comes to being fat. Genetics, medical conditions, unhealthy diet, lack of exercise due to lack of desire, injury or ailment, emotional trauma, addiction to food, other emotional issues, poverty and shaming.
Ahh I surprised you with those didn't I? I bet you thought it was less complex than that. I am not going to go into details about ALL the reasons, Google exists and you can use it to explore all the various ways people have become fat as well as some of their pain and struggles with it. My own weight is a combination of many of those factors all interwoven like a tapestry. I can't see the actual design, I can't find the individual threads, but I'm trying.
Poverty I can't do anything about at this moment. We eat...what we can afford. Previous blog posts on here have shown you just ONE example of a food bank donation. We try to make the quality of our food better but money only goes so far so quantity can sometimes suffer. When our checks get cut...ANY chance of food suffers. I do get out to walk as much as I am physically able, but a gym membership or getting as far away as the local pool are out of the question.
Shaming is another one I have experience with. Shaming involves the kind of cruel, petty, mean, hurtful and harsh words said to someone who is fat (or poor) without regard for whether or not they have feelings and can be hurt by these words. You might think that shaming will make a fat person lose weight but I can assure you the OPPOSITE is true. When you criticize, comment rudely, laugh, harass, stare at what we eat and how much and offer unwanted advice...it can make the person who is on the receiving end feel much worse. It can lead to that person wanting to go back to the old habits, or if the person is an emotional type of eater, it can make them eat to numb the pain. So what results will you have? None.
I suppose I should be angry with those who decide that being hidden behind a user name and computer screen means they have a right to voice their harsh and hateful words....but I'm not. I think that those who do it, do so because of fear. Let me explain. We all look at others and think "I would not want to be that person for anything." We also look at other people and say "Oh what I'd give to be that person". The problem is, the person we envy is our ideal, the person we would not want to be...is the thing we fear could happen to us.
You have to comment about welfare recipients being lazy because you don't want to believe that the world could be so bad, that there are not enough jobs to go around. You don't want to believe that IF you ever ended up like that you would be stuck in the same situation. You want to reassure yourself that YOU would handle things differently.
The same goes for weight. You want to believe that you could NEVER get fat...but you can. You want to believe that if that person you are insulting only "tried" they could lose weight, because you don't want to believe that you would never be able to yourself.
I hope that is the reason you'd be so cruel. I wouldn't want to believe that the world could be filled with selfish, spiteful, mean-spirited people who say things only to hurt others. I want to believe that we all are capable of thinking of our fellow travelers on this planet with love and compassion.
We fat (fabulous and talented) people don't want your pity. We don't want your advice. We also don't want to hear the latest fat joke (we've probably already heard them all). What we want...is to be accepted the way we are, whether we are losing weight, or we're skinny, or we're fat.We deserve to be treated like other human beings.
When I was younger, I was only 40 lbs overweight and I was always teased. Believe me when I say the sticks and stones may hurt for a while and bruises fade. Names ALWAYS hurt, and they remain as echos of the one(s) who hurt us. It reverberates inside of the mind never giving us a moment of freedom. We are chained to the words until we find a way to open the door and let the demons out.
So do the world a favor...DON'T be a demon. Be that voice that will echo inside the minds of others and say "I care about you, I like you for whatever reason, I don't care what you look like or how much you make. You are WONDERFUL." You'll feel better about yourself, and if someday you do have the misfortune of falling into my world, perhaps I'll be the first to extend my hand to help you stand again. I'll be the one waiting with a smile and a hug for you, telling you how wonderful you are.
Saturday 22 June 2013
Googling the Earth
I found myself in unfamiliar territory today. It all started with an archeology assignment. It ended up with me chickening out and going with plan B. Oh alright, there was a plan C of writing an essay and to be fair I didn't go for it so I guess I get half marks for getting part way there.
Truth be told I have no real experience with Google Earth except for the exploration of a few places here and there, so I felt it was time for me to dive in. I think I forgot to wear my life-preserver since I soon found myself over my head and practically drowning in a sea of green and brown.
It all started with trying to do with my first choice of assignment...trying to find a new and interesting area that an archeologist "might" want to check out. I went with great gusto, closed my eyes and dropped into the first place I clicked into...the AMAZON. It wasn't bad enough that my house FELT like the Amazon. It was hot and muggy and there is no air-conditioning here, but now I have to hunt through miles of green? What have I done?? I swallowed and took a deep breath. Okay...I can do this. Here we go.
I peered into what seemed to be mile after mile of green. Lots of green, perhaps "too much" green. In the back of my head I was saying "there is no such thing as too much green when it comes to our rainforests!", but the front of my mind was saying "oh yes there is". My eyes got blurry and the green just got all mushed together. Then I saw it...a teeny square of brown. I zoomed in on it only to find it get MORE blurry not less. I blinked for a moment and tried harder to clarify the image. I checked buttons everywhere but couldn't figure out how to make things any better.
I decided to take my coordinates to another website and give it a go only to see....NOTHING. I clicked back to Google Earth and looked. The satellite map was made in 1970. Say what! In jungle years that is at least a thousand right? I gave up at that point and opted to head for a place I knew about and make the "guess where I went" assignment.
I'm so glad I chose that! I did a better job of writing clues than I had hunting dense green canopies for exciting new finds. I'm not done with Google Earth yet....I'm just postponing it for when I have more time to look.
Oh and next time....I'm skipping the Amazon. Perhaps I'll look for Atlantis in the ocean first.
Truth be told I have no real experience with Google Earth except for the exploration of a few places here and there, so I felt it was time for me to dive in. I think I forgot to wear my life-preserver since I soon found myself over my head and practically drowning in a sea of green and brown.
It all started with trying to do with my first choice of assignment...trying to find a new and interesting area that an archeologist "might" want to check out. I went with great gusto, closed my eyes and dropped into the first place I clicked into...the AMAZON. It wasn't bad enough that my house FELT like the Amazon. It was hot and muggy and there is no air-conditioning here, but now I have to hunt through miles of green? What have I done?? I swallowed and took a deep breath. Okay...I can do this. Here we go.
I peered into what seemed to be mile after mile of green. Lots of green, perhaps "too much" green. In the back of my head I was saying "there is no such thing as too much green when it comes to our rainforests!", but the front of my mind was saying "oh yes there is". My eyes got blurry and the green just got all mushed together. Then I saw it...a teeny square of brown. I zoomed in on it only to find it get MORE blurry not less. I blinked for a moment and tried harder to clarify the image. I checked buttons everywhere but couldn't figure out how to make things any better.
I decided to take my coordinates to another website and give it a go only to see....NOTHING. I clicked back to Google Earth and looked. The satellite map was made in 1970. Say what! In jungle years that is at least a thousand right? I gave up at that point and opted to head for a place I knew about and make the "guess where I went" assignment.
I'm so glad I chose that! I did a better job of writing clues than I had hunting dense green canopies for exciting new finds. I'm not done with Google Earth yet....I'm just postponing it for when I have more time to look.
Oh and next time....I'm skipping the Amazon. Perhaps I'll look for Atlantis in the ocean first.
Thursday 20 June 2013
I'm in a world of color and I need black and white
You don't truly realize just how poor you are.....until you try to do a project for art class.
Money is tight and so far I've managed to get away with using whatever is stashed away to create my projects, but this week's assignment threw me for a loop. Take a black and white photograph, print it out, trace it and then take black and grey and white newspaper and make a collage using the paper for the hues.
BIG PROBLEM....our newspapers here seem to be MOSTLY color. I never thought I'd ever see the day when I wished we had black and white again. I mean I figured the printing of the picture would give me a problem, after all I can't afford ink for the printer anymore so I was going to take a picture, render it black and white, turn it sideways and trace it off the computer screen.
I certainly didn't expect to get done in by a pile of beautiful color print newspapers. A business suit, someone gimmie a picture of a guy's back in a business suit taken in black and white. Give me a lady with white hair or wearing a white dress PLEEEEEEEEAASE.
I'm not sure why I am begging for pictures without color, I can't afford to buy the Free Press anyway, but even the smaller papers that are free contain a lot of color. Oh heck for that matter so does our Freeps. I had a peek at one while I was out for a dental appointment today...OMG where did they put my black and white. My beloved colorless pictures? Advertising in lovely shades, tints and tones, with nary a hint of rainbow colors.
Technically the assignment isn't mandatory, I only need to do two. I just wanted to do all 5 because I like to truly get a feel for a new technique. So...if you'll forgive the pun....I'll go back to the drawing board.
Money is tight and so far I've managed to get away with using whatever is stashed away to create my projects, but this week's assignment threw me for a loop. Take a black and white photograph, print it out, trace it and then take black and grey and white newspaper and make a collage using the paper for the hues.
BIG PROBLEM....our newspapers here seem to be MOSTLY color. I never thought I'd ever see the day when I wished we had black and white again. I mean I figured the printing of the picture would give me a problem, after all I can't afford ink for the printer anymore so I was going to take a picture, render it black and white, turn it sideways and trace it off the computer screen.
I certainly didn't expect to get done in by a pile of beautiful color print newspapers. A business suit, someone gimmie a picture of a guy's back in a business suit taken in black and white. Give me a lady with white hair or wearing a white dress PLEEEEEEEEAASE.
I'm not sure why I am begging for pictures without color, I can't afford to buy the Free Press anyway, but even the smaller papers that are free contain a lot of color. Oh heck for that matter so does our Freeps. I had a peek at one while I was out for a dental appointment today...OMG where did they put my black and white. My beloved colorless pictures? Advertising in lovely shades, tints and tones, with nary a hint of rainbow colors.
Technically the assignment isn't mandatory, I only need to do two. I just wanted to do all 5 because I like to truly get a feel for a new technique. So...if you'll forgive the pun....I'll go back to the drawing board.
Tuesday 18 June 2013
Finally something to talk about again!
I think it is sad that a large number of people look at a college education like it is a privilege. They are wrong, its a right, and in this day and age a NECESSITY. A lot of times if you are not in high school you REQUIRE a college diploma now in order to flip hamburgers. I feel so woefully under trained for such an environment. The competition for the few jobs we have is fierce and has led to these changes. I can't even work at a restaurant without Safe Food Handling, a bar without Smart Serve or a hotel without WHIMIS. It is very disheartening to think that these were jobs I have done before (cleaning and working in a restaurant) and I didn't need specialized certificates before, but suddenly now it's a necessity in order to have an advantage over other applicants.
On another note my daughter graduated from the ACE program today. A's and B's. I'm so proud of her accomplishments. Now all she needs to do is wait for the actual college program to accept her and then she's on her way. One of my sons needs to upgrade math, the result of having went to the WRONG high school for too many years. It was also why my daughter had to go to ACE upgrading. I'm still proud of all my kids for the hard work they have put in to their studies. (Changing schools to a more challenging one helped). I for one am proud of them every single day. They are doing very well and I know they can be whatever they want to.
One more pet peeve before I'm finished for now...we have a test here in our province to see if kids are literate before they can graduate from high school. The problem with this test is, it seems to prove everyone is NOT literate. The testing is not set to the level of courses these kids take, it is a test done at a much higher level meaning if you are not taught at the College or University level, you will very likely fail the test. My kids are all literate, they can all read and write quite well, but they didn't pass the test. Worse yet they failed to pass by as little as ONE mark. I'd love to try this test myself someday and see how well I'd pass it, better yet, get these politicians that created it to take it, I'll bet they couldn't pass their own tests. If you test a "workplace English" trained child with college and university level questions....it is going to be hard for them to pass, they haven't been taught the same skill sets for writing in particular.
Either they should forget about this testing OR if they need it that badly, they should divide the test into 3 tests based on the English level of the student that is writing it. That way we know that the lower level students are able to read and write and get by in the world...and that college and university level kids are going to have no problem with those classes when they get to their respective schools. All kids deserve to be tested on their level, not made to feel badly because they don't meet a level they were never prepared for in the first place.
Sunday 16 June 2013
Some food for thought
I just thought I'd share our recent trip to one of the Food Banks here in my city. They do their best with what they are given and we are extremely grateful for their assistance. I just figured I'd start showing what you can expect from the various Banks in the City based on a family of 5. I assume it is meant to get us through about 2-3 days.
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