tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50541763331237681442024-03-14T07:28:01.623-07:00Megan Bostic's Creative ChaosBeing creative in my chaotic world.Megan Bostichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08811715491350987530noreply@blogger.comBlogger971125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5054176333123768144.post-18480551254353127752019-12-31T17:18:00.000-08:002019-12-31T17:18:12.354-08:00Thoughts on the last year<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRtUFStdTw1sTWCjZeYgsUHsVaWxO7omUzPOWTmo_w1JcggYOiN0NuhQY21A1QwBoYCD0azB6GyGmRYPLBgBKTThDsTGDu7BYz4ZG8Yl4cxxtGb-RB4BL0HlBmDi9kWbyOKidYeliVy-c/s1600/happy-new-year-4718894_1920.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1131" data-original-width="1600" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRtUFStdTw1sTWCjZeYgsUHsVaWxO7omUzPOWTmo_w1JcggYOiN0NuhQY21A1QwBoYCD0azB6GyGmRYPLBgBKTThDsTGDu7BYz4ZG8Yl4cxxtGb-RB4BL0HlBmDi9kWbyOKidYeliVy-c/s320/happy-new-year-4718894_1920.png" width="320" /></a></div>
I know, it's been forever since I blogged. Life has changed, I have changed, but I do miss blogging and writing and would like to get back into it.<br />
<br />
I'm not going to sugar coat things...this year has been hard. I've been harassed by a former boyfriend. I've been screwed by a business relation. There have been some issues with family and friends. My health has been okay at best. Investments have not been kind...<br />
<br />
I'm thankful for a new year. But honestly, I think I may say that every year (not going to go back to look). Though this year has been difficult, it's also had its moments.<br />
<br />
Because I have a great right hand gal at work, I've been given the opportunity to pursue other work, so I can keep a roof over my head. She's not just an employee, but a friend, confidante, and the bad ass when we need a bad ass (and we have a few times).<br />
<br />
I've been working closely with my sisters and a few other family and friends to attend to the family matters at hand, especially where my parents are concerned, to keep them safe and healthy.<br />
<br />
I can always count on my daughters to help me out when needed. Whether its work, chores, or fun, or just letting me cry on their shoulders, they are my love and my light.<br />
<br />
My list of friends is fairly small, but the ones I have are rocks. Many of them would help me to their own detriment.. I hope I am the kind of friend to them that they are to me.<br />
<br />
One long distance friend and I have brought back the art of letter writing. The ball is in my court now, but I have appreciated and been reminded about how personal, therapeutic, and magical letter writing can be.<br />
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There are amazing people out there that support my small business. Support it, talk about it, lift it up, and I am so grateful to those that support not just my small business, but all small business.<br />
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I'm not about resolutions anymore, but in this new year I want to nurture my businesses, my friendships, my family relationships. I want to do more, see more, be more. I want to love, not only those close to me, but myself, because I think that is so important in our health, relationships and happiness. Life goes fast. It's faster than I ever imagined when I was young. I want to spend less time on the unimportant, and more time writing, reading, traveling and doing the things and spending time with the people that make me happy.<br />
<br />
I'm on my way. I've already started. In this last few days I have read, written fiction and journaled, created art, and spent less time on my phone, and more time in my life. Does that make sense?<br />
<br />
Anyway, I hope you all have a safe and happy new year and that the good in life overcomes the bad.<br />
<br />
Peace and Love,<br />
Megan<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Megan Bostichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08811715491350987530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5054176333123768144.post-73430984746104689602019-02-16T12:52:00.000-08:002019-02-17T10:32:20.287-08:00The Low Tech Experiment Revisited<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLph03cFDuc71GomHJ9jvyUrP4ZiyivMHHpgL8ByWqTY03HOryqjEWq3UmJX_qjIAZSIa9cPBpCSCZgDv-pnHWE4IK6TYEI6Pp05yjTx1asGJfULRINagya-OyhkyZe9jMzcPcAA4ymDs/s1600/facebook-2387089_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1066" data-original-width="1600" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLph03cFDuc71GomHJ9jvyUrP4ZiyivMHHpgL8ByWqTY03HOryqjEWq3UmJX_qjIAZSIa9cPBpCSCZgDv-pnHWE4IK6TYEI6Pp05yjTx1asGJfULRINagya-OyhkyZe9jMzcPcAA4ymDs/s200/facebook-2387089_1920.jpg" width="200" /></a>At the beginning of last month, I made a conscious choice to go low tech, meaning, getting off Facebook and removing a number of apps from my phone. Here I am, giving you an update of how things are going.<br />
<br />
Facebook was the first casualty of this experiment. I left Facebook because, drama. I also took the Facebook app from my phone.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjqANL1G1N9EbPH3VVbPxZ3JDlkbJ0aUckLsQvv4WXS2iBrL1Ealyhu2N2Oxc1grG7EGcXMR3eET1Axc3voiFeme9IT0RujWw3-9gck9ISX5ypWfkcwbQv3Mda0eY3F06zTM939k0d65o/s1600/Drama.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="816" data-original-width="720" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjqANL1G1N9EbPH3VVbPxZ3JDlkbJ0aUckLsQvv4WXS2iBrL1Ealyhu2N2Oxc1grG7EGcXMR3eET1Axc3voiFeme9IT0RujWw3-9gck9ISX5ypWfkcwbQv3Mda0eY3F06zTM939k0d65o/s200/Drama.jpg" width="176" /></a>If you read my last <a href="https://meganbostic.blogspot.com/2019/01/the-low-tech-experiment.html" target="_blank">"low tech" blog</a>, you know that as a business owner, I realized in this day and age it was impossible to not be on Facebook. Instead of reopening my personal profile, I created a new one, strictly to run my business dealings, however, that didn't erase the drama. So, I went back to my old account and kindly asked mutual friends to please, keep me blissfully ignorant of the other party's posts.<br />
<br />
That has been working.<br />
<br />
I did put the app back on my phone as well because honestly, I like staying connected both with my friends and my business. I have made a conscious effort to not spend too much time on Facebook on my phone unless I have no motivation to do anything else. Like during the snow. And last night.<br />
<br />
So, while I'm back on social media, I've successfully avoided drama.<br />
<br />
Then to become more productive, I removed all games from my phone. I thought about all the things I could do if I weren't playing games, especially one addicting game in particular. I figured I would read more, write again, exercise, anything to stimulate my brain and nurture my health.<br />
<br />
This was harder than I thought it would be. I have found myself uploading it and removing the one game again several times, mostly out of complete boredom and lack of motivation. I relied on it heavily while I was snowed in, as I really didn't have the energy or the brain power to do much of anything else.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFXNRwlZTwn-UhUTSWlGPk_G4U0aoR6aChLnQ5rfhFnDmlLRmMqCl1QKxKK18OFxjjPwxJPYlidIc3fLZg6wyT5L013f26h1P_AceB0pVv9-zDwa75jvltyvrqItLmxyTDzfxSiAuupzE/s1600/narrative-794978_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFXNRwlZTwn-UhUTSWlGPk_G4U0aoR6aChLnQ5rfhFnDmlLRmMqCl1QKxKK18OFxjjPwxJPYlidIc3fLZg6wyT5L013f26h1P_AceB0pVv9-zDwa75jvltyvrqItLmxyTDzfxSiAuupzE/s200/narrative-794978_1920.jpg" width="200" /></a>That said, I'm still using my time more productively. What I've been doing:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Writing</li>
<li>Purging crap out of my home</li>
<li>Reading</li>
<li>Exercising</li>
<li>Making jewelry</li>
</ul>
<br />
I'm still working on becoming even more low tech. I still debate whether I should keep the Facebook app on my phone or not. I think I suffer from FOMO (fear of missing out). Completely irrational, I know.<br />
<br />
I'm hoping by eliminating these time and soul sucking forces from my life and doing things to keep my mind and body active, I will:<br />
<br />
<br />
<ul><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5R8DyDn5lJJrC-_i28-SxLN9dqf3GsLlsgWYhGkJ-VV5highxGjvWDcI4mrGoVbktESclPijkoiaRWmEdgO0N9n50TF7m5rAG-bNInPh2DJMrTvaNfLnOKIpe-7xIg_H1y_k6O7DHD8c/s1600/aura-1063278_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1210" data-original-width="1600" height="151" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5R8DyDn5lJJrC-_i28-SxLN9dqf3GsLlsgWYhGkJ-VV5highxGjvWDcI4mrGoVbktESclPijkoiaRWmEdgO0N9n50TF7m5rAG-bNInPh2DJMrTvaNfLnOKIpe-7xIg_H1y_k6O7DHD8c/s200/aura-1063278_1920.jpg" width="200" /></a>
<li>Improve my own health</li>
<li>Combat this 8 year battle with chronic fatigue</li>
<li>Eliminate my brain fog</li>
<li>Lose weight</li>
<li>Write more</li>
<li>Paint more</li>
<li>Create more jewelry. </li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
I want to feel good and to contribute beauty to this world. I truly believe that being less reliant on technology and more reliant on me will help me achieve this.<br />
<br />Megan Bostichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08811715491350987530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5054176333123768144.post-57811080735886070712019-02-15T13:13:00.002-08:002019-02-15T21:32:09.956-08:00V-Day Ponderings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2mMPM20ffMDmG2yj9Q5ljXCd21w_E0rXgrNocybJm9QDqT0y_fPa-yL8baqz8marBN8szwsqKO_Uv2vwKuR6qI7du3iyQC1rLoSJn4NpPQlrm5hib3wi2YY3oX2O6-_dPXFxHt4bO_0U/s1600/valentines-day-3934787_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2mMPM20ffMDmG2yj9Q5ljXCd21w_E0rXgrNocybJm9QDqT0y_fPa-yL8baqz8marBN8szwsqKO_Uv2vwKuR6qI7du3iyQC1rLoSJn4NpPQlrm5hib3wi2YY3oX2O6-_dPXFxHt4bO_0U/s200/valentines-day-3934787_1920.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
I'm single. Again. For Valentines. The last Valentine's date I remember going on was in 2012. Yes. 2012. If I've had any since them, I don't remember.<br />
<br />
Yesterday, on Valentine's Day, I was thinking about how people traditionally celebrate, and I thought to myself, <i>that's not me</i>. It was me at one time, I'm sure. Before. When I was married, freshly single...when I was younger. I guess I used get caught up in the Valentine's Day romance whirlwind. But no, <i>that's not me anymore</i>.<br />
<br />
Am I jaded when it comes to romance now? Am I just too old for that shit anymore? I don't know. I'm not sure what thing inside me changed for me to feel this way.<br />
<br />
Last night, on Valentine's night, I went to play trivia at the local bar with single friends. I stated out loud, that even if I had a boyfriend, this is still what I'd want to be doing, how I'd want to spend my Valentine's night. A few drinks, fun and games, hot wings and tater tots...that is the perfect date night for me. Hell, that's the perfect ANY night for me.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaP25qdLUVAeHnrrmtMWqigFsMLSMSdxjbnPD6xLCTE8n15MlclbcDjJa1v_02LaO9K_rkpReBcT1M1twQ9J5-O2f5oiWayDAgKucq7BraAqd56Vy7g7rovEe9y3YfmrcRuL_uBAKTlYQ/s1600/purse-3548021_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaP25qdLUVAeHnrrmtMWqigFsMLSMSdxjbnPD6xLCTE8n15MlclbcDjJa1v_02LaO9K_rkpReBcT1M1twQ9J5-O2f5oiWayDAgKucq7BraAqd56Vy7g7rovEe9y3YfmrcRuL_uBAKTlYQ/s200/purse-3548021_1920.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
I'm not going to get cliche on you with the whole, "we should show our love for each other all year, not just one day," because, duh. But seriously, I don't want someone paying for an overpriced dinner, buying me jewelry I won't wear, and chocolates I won't eat. Okay, maybe I'd eat them, but I wouldn't WANT to. Spending time in an over crowded restaurant full of strangers is not romantic to me. (I'm not mentioning flowers, because flowers is a whole 'nother thing. I love them, but I also buy them for myself when I want them, so there's that.)<br />
<br />
So, I guess what I'm saying is, I'm over it. I'm over Valentine's Day and its traditions. Maybe I have been for a long time. I mean, I'm still a romantic (I'm a self proclaimed jaded romantic, but a romantic nonetheless), but romance looks very different to me now.<br />
<br />
What does it look like? Sitting on the couch watching movies you've seen 1000 times, spouting out our favorite lines? Sitting in front of a fire next to each other on the couch, not even talking, just being in the same space doing our own things? Talking smack during a heated game of Yahtzee or cribbage? Cooking together and laughing at other people's expense? Staying in bed all day with Netflix, pizza, and wine? Yes. All that.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivQ2tKXXSin_f1YeKBsxDVNCzbbKODmhCYwYAxAI0n_xLmw1J0TLo0wwBo2LXMqpNLrLDkz1M-e1BO30uNI-CR0s-J53X_iEOuYowhzUQbfwRoenaJRTPzbIp0CsWYMZqtQw8GmHR_Iwc/s1600/key-to-the-heart-2516895_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="967" data-original-width="1600" height="120" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivQ2tKXXSin_f1YeKBsxDVNCzbbKODmhCYwYAxAI0n_xLmw1J0TLo0wwBo2LXMqpNLrLDkz1M-e1BO30uNI-CR0s-J53X_iEOuYowhzUQbfwRoenaJRTPzbIp0CsWYMZqtQw8GmHR_Iwc/s200/key-to-the-heart-2516895_1920.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
So, keep your extravagant, store-bought signs of affection, your gooey greeting card, and your expensive dinners. Give me your time and your respect. Write me a love letter or tell me how you feel. Give of yourself, not your wallet. Make me laugh. Especially make me laugh. That's what it looks like. That <i>is </i>me. And that is romantic.<br />
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<br />Megan Bostichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08811715491350987530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5054176333123768144.post-88194276841692925662019-01-06T12:24:00.000-08:002019-01-06T12:24:59.863-08:00The Low Tech Experiment<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZtwS5Pds1kSVC0Y6QMwYbC_cNf9-V_3OxZBo3Wdv3imAM1g7U97OSpBeaaxPWnaDjWD6apecuCZvt6Hu4_pg_DljOGFHm3xlIFG678NP2P-Hz635nGxA1HXWkfVKJZo7PsbTU9rHtXYk/s1600/skeletons-3639984_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1130" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZtwS5Pds1kSVC0Y6QMwYbC_cNf9-V_3OxZBo3Wdv3imAM1g7U97OSpBeaaxPWnaDjWD6apecuCZvt6Hu4_pg_DljOGFHm3xlIFG678NP2P-Hz635nGxA1HXWkfVKJZo7PsbTU9rHtXYk/s320/skeletons-3639984_1920.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
First of all, I haven't done this in a while, so let me start by saying, "Hi! Welcome to my blog."<br />
<br />
It's been a almost a year since I blogged. And last year, I only blogged a couple times. It's because - life. My life has changed so much in the last few years.<br />
<br />
But that's neither here nor there.<br />
<br />
Well, kind of. Part of the reason I'm here writing is because of my choice to shut down some of my apps. I have many reasons to have done so.<br />
<br />
Let me say that this is not a resolution post. I think I'm done with resolutions. I'd rather set some achievable short term goals and see how that works out.<br />
<br />
So anyway, the reasons I'm shutting some shit down...first, to remove myself from drama. Facebook was the first casualty. After a bad work/romantic relationship failed and I found myself the butt of much bullying and harassment, I decided to shut down my personal Facebook account. I had already blocked that person, but friends would send me screenshots of all the awful things he would say about me. While I appreciated that, I also came to a point in which I just didn't want to see it anymore. I wanted to be blissfully ignorant of what he was saying about me.<br />
<br />
So, no more Facebook. I deactivated my account for an indefinite period of time and also deactivated the app from my phone.<br />
<br />
Once I did that, I decided to take it a step further. I'd become reliant on game apps to fill my time when I was bored, on a work break, winding down from work, before bed, when I woke up on the more...you get the idea. So I deleted them all. Every game app on my phone. My end goal: read more, write more...find other more stimulating things to bide my time. Expand my mind. No more monkey pushing a button (though you know I LOVE monkeys).<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsvuX8ReHtRoFnqZbeOPnDbiayWH7fnXxnFc0qBhoq-5liUQaS2dN2zAw2PFuLz5tyr0-QwLtM7E7d7k3PyyVxVDTmViSRTw0t9PV8ej8xdIvS_7Qs182jBmTIW4zPHdI3PgMOJDhUlYI/s1600/meditation-1384758_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1103" data-original-width="1600" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsvuX8ReHtRoFnqZbeOPnDbiayWH7fnXxnFc0qBhoq-5liUQaS2dN2zAw2PFuLz5tyr0-QwLtM7E7d7k3PyyVxVDTmViSRTw0t9PV8ej8xdIvS_7Qs182jBmTIW4zPHdI3PgMOJDhUlYI/s320/meditation-1384758_1920.jpg" width="320" /></a>Now I have all this free time and need to reinvent what I do with myself during my lull times. In the morning after coffee I've started doing yoga. I've heard yoga is great for chronic pain and bringing one peace. So far I feel like a monkey trying to fuck a football doing the poses (yes, another monkey reference, but an apropos one). Hence why I do it in the privacy of my own home. But in just a couple days I already feel a little more mobility in my limbs, a little serenity in my soul.<br />
<br />
It's weird how dependent we become. After deactivating Facebook, I realized I can't access my business page, I can't access the events to which I'd been invited. There were groups I wanted to continue accessing...long story short, I created a profile just to participate in those things. I'm sure it's all part of Mark Zuckerberg's evil plan - that we should be dependent on his app.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHr-dlXYpYQMSMRG58IHo1ItiaAlQBgi60Fu2RbmjWftImon-zgyPHVHysoAW9c1IwbRQwpqvE_9ZLNuL9BULYslYT2FGvwLIcsXbtAiXscg_O_0qtQvUf8mrX4YnGWKko4bxXnH8xPwA/s1600/create-3026190_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHr-dlXYpYQMSMRG58IHo1ItiaAlQBgi60Fu2RbmjWftImon-zgyPHVHysoAW9c1IwbRQwpqvE_9ZLNuL9BULYslYT2FGvwLIcsXbtAiXscg_O_0qtQvUf8mrX4YnGWKko4bxXnH8xPwA/s320/create-3026190_1920.jpg" width="320" /></a>I've figured out a few ways to keep up with my business and such. Mostly, when I'm just sitting around, or waking up in the morning...those are the times I'm finding myself a little lost. But, I've started reading a book I've been wanting to for awhile (shout out to Gae Polisner and <i>In Sight of Stars</i>). I've caught up on some magazines. I'm writing this blog. I wish to get back to writing my dystopian novel. I want to create and work more with my hands.<br />
<br />
Will I last the 30 days I've allotted myself? I don't know, but I hope so. Longer would be nice. I'm also planning to not reload any games or other soul sucking apps back onto my phone.And mostly, I simply plan of being a more healthy, productive and intellectual person.<br />
<br />
Have you set any short term goals for yourself? I'd love to hear them.<br />
<br />Megan Bostichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08811715491350987530noreply@blogger.com0Tacoma, WA, USA47.2528768 -122.4442905999999947.080418800000004 -122.76701409999998 47.4253348 -122.1215671tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5054176333123768144.post-36947906666075864292017-01-28T11:23:00.003-08:002017-01-28T11:23:57.721-08:00The End of America as We Know It: Part Two<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is a continuation of <a href="http://meganbostic.blogspot.com/2017/01/the-end-of-america-as-we-know-it-part.html" target="_blank">my last blog </a>about unfortunate decisions made by our new POTUS. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I am expecting an impeachment in the next four years or living in a dystopian society. I'm really hoping for the former.<br /></span><ul style="background-color: white;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdeFZdaBL4s6Nm0jHzgXGq9GTgT55YlgzrnEVUrR61UNOts6VF9FRvWI9Hdceb0E0N8a2mSgFGoU0i3XsrO1WY7R0VRokErkxlviMTBBK_qw5Zm5Fx6eUPS1vtVVO_-QHvKhGdYt9xej0/s1600/279785689.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdeFZdaBL4s6Nm0jHzgXGq9GTgT55YlgzrnEVUrR61UNOts6VF9FRvWI9Hdceb0E0N8a2mSgFGoU0i3XsrO1WY7R0VRokErkxlviMTBBK_qw5Zm5Fx6eUPS1vtVVO_-QHvKhGdYt9xej0/s320/279785689.jpg" width="241" /></a>
<li style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Trump has taken over the nuclear codes. Yes, this is a totally normal thing for the new president to do, but having his tiny hands in control of those codes is nonetheless unfortunate and terrifying.</span></li>
<li style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Let's talk about that Mexican border wall a little more: I only mentioned in my last blog about how we, the taxpayer, are going to be paying for it. There is much more to it than that. Mexico's economy because of their coexistence with the United States. They have better jobs. People don't need to find their American Dream over here because they're attaining their Mexican Dreams at home. I just read a great article about our immigration problem that has nothing to do with Mexico. Read it <a href="http://www.politico.com/agenda/story/2017/01/trumps-border-wall-attacks-the-wrong-immigration-crisis-000286" target="_blank">here</a>. Lots of good info. So what Trump is doing is ruining our relationship with our friends down south. They will more than likely tax the shit out of stuff that comes out of there, which is a whole hell of a lot. Do you like your avocados? Your Corona? Hot sauce? Tequila? These are the things you think about, but we import stuff like oil, rubber, medical instruments, cars...believe me, you will see a price hike on things you wouldn't expect would be affected.</span></li>
<li style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The *Rump administration has drafted and executive order that would reduce American funding of international organizations by 40%. We're talking organizations like the United Nations. I mean, who needs to keep global peace and aid foreign refugees. Not America!</span></li>
<li style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">His choice for Secretary of State, Rex Tillerson, would like to block China's access to the disputed islands in the South China Sea. #LetsStartAWar</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">The Rump continued to bitch about the #altfact that 3-5 million illegal votes were cast costing him the popular vote. I mean, at this point who cares. #YouWonIdiot </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He continues to make the unfortunate decision of Tweeting. And now he has 2 platforms from which to do so. His <a class="g-profile" href="https://plus.google.com/101971942756283888769" target="_blank">+RealDonaldTrump</a> and +POTUS ㅤ His latest bitches involve the New York Times and Washington Post re #FakeNews. Also, how Mexico has taken advantage of us for far too long. #Really? And how Chicago better get its shit together. Oy.</span></li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLOoNDbqenRKfX2xLKH9k7RMg9gtY4mmoYsJzgFuDhk3e9s3w7AImiAa4uqJOYIACQymr_5mb8pqIxmVAWUZCbrINt8KXo1NhZZ17VMjaokv9kzzcstP-mlWMgNftGBFVkdLltSYO7Xf0/s1600/donald-trump-memes-from-around-the-internet-36.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLOoNDbqenRKfX2xLKH9k7RMg9gtY4mmoYsJzgFuDhk3e9s3w7AImiAa4uqJOYIACQymr_5mb8pqIxmVAWUZCbrINt8KXo1NhZZ17VMjaokv9kzzcstP-mlWMgNftGBFVkdLltSYO7Xf0/s320/donald-trump-memes-from-around-the-internet-36.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And what about his conflicts of interest?</span></div>
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<li style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hiring his son-in-law #nepotism. <span style="color: #111111; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px;">Anti-nepotism laws prohibit federal officials from hiring relatives to work for the agencies they lead, but Kushner’s lawyers </span>have concluded<span style="color: #111111; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px;"> that the White House is not an agency and the Justice Department has decided that's an okay theory. #WTF</span><span style="color: #111111; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span></span></li>
<li style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Not releasing his tax returns - still. He thinks we can learn nothing from them and the voters aren't interested. Um. *raises hand* Me! I'm interested!</span></li>
<li style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Trump has signed an executive order banning citizens from seven Muslim majority countries from entering the US for 90 days. However, this ban does not include Muslim majority countries in which he has business holdings such as Turkey and Saudi Arabia.</span></li>
<li style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hosting a tech summit at Trump Towers to discuss economic growth, job creating and innovation with tech leaders. While this in itself is not a conflict, having his children Donald Jr. Ivanka (and spouse), and Eric at this meeting is questionable. They had no business being there.</span></li>
<li style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">More about Ivanka. She also sat in on a meeting with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan and spoke with Argentine president Mauricio Macri.</span></li>
<li style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Has not divested from his business ventures and family continues to pursue lucrative, global business deals. There is WAY more to this then my simple sentence. Way to much to write here. <a href="http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2017/01/your-day-one-guide-president-trumps-conflicts-interest" target="_blank">This article in Mother Jones</a> or <a href="http://time.com/4631643/donald-trump-conflicts-interest-ethics-watchdogs/" target="_blank">this one from Time</a> may help to clarify some of this. </span></li>
<li style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I will talk about Mar-a-Lago though. This is his resort in Palm Beach. As of January 1st they raised their membership rate from $100,000 to $200,000. Hmmm, do you think they're trying to profit off of Trump's presidency? Curiouser and curiouser.</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm sure there are more conflicts, but once again I am out of time. I wanted to go through Trumps unfortunate cabinet picks, but that is a blog for another day. </span><div>
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Megan Bostichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08811715491350987530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5054176333123768144.post-6035242789877249952017-01-26T14:32:00.000-08:002017-01-26T14:32:49.083-08:00The End of America as We Know It: Part One<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="7s6pb" data-offset-key="6j6ch-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #4b4f56; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu_DG8mJhUSsOGapkAm4kuk86O0raqYLQ5LyoIxFKRQPKSNw-yes3pJF2chJPaxKRx7CROIPFlAu_4j2nHvSKG1eq8eEiidqOyJYnEcuq3a6O9tc2xxLjzR90o6BHxNdYiDZG3BMwS9F4/s1600/p2ips.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu_DG8mJhUSsOGapkAm4kuk86O0raqYLQ5LyoIxFKRQPKSNw-yes3pJF2chJPaxKRx7CROIPFlAu_4j2nHvSKG1eq8eEiidqOyJYnEcuq3a6O9tc2xxLjzR90o6BHxNdYiDZG3BMwS9F4/s320/p2ips.jpg" width="320" /></a><span data-offset-key="6j6ch-0-0">Donald Trump is our president. I guess we all just have to accept that as a fact (wishing it was an alt fact, but oh well). In my personal and humble opinion this will be the worst four years in United States history, especially for anyone without porcelain skin or a penis. I'm so riled up I'm blogging again as you can see.</span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="6j6ch-0-0">Trump and minions have made some big and unfortunate decisions since taking office. Let's take a gander at these, shall we?</span></div>
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<li>He reinstated the Mexico City Policy, or, Global Gag Rule. This policy kills US aid funding for any health center that even <i>mentions</i> the word abortion. This will globally cut, not only abortions, but family planning counseling, US donated contraceptives, HIV services, maternal and child health, and even malaria services. This puts women's health at risk by cutting basic services, forcing women into unsafe abortions or unwanted pregnancies.</li>
<li>Abortions aren't only being cut globally by the new president. His Congress passed a bill expanding the Hyde Amendment which currently prohibits direct federal funding (for instance, medicaid) for abortions. Up until now, this amendment has been attached to Congress's annual appropriations bill. The expansion of this amendment will mean that it will become permanent. Of course medicaid isn't the only channel affected by this. This also applies to women on government provided health care plans like military personnel, federal employees and Native American women, and women who pay for their own insurance under the ACA. This will heavily affect low income women in marginalized areas who will have to pay for abortions out of pocket or go without. Which again, will lead to unwanted pregnancies and unsafe abortions.</li>
<li>The revival of the Keystone XL pipeline and Dakota Access pipelines. These pipelines were blocked over environmental concerns, mostly the affect of fossil fuels on climate change. But since Trump questions the actual science behind climate change, what does he care. The Keystone XL would stretch from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico - 1200 miles, 6 states, moving 800,000 barrels of petroleum daily. Most of which is slated for overseas sales. The Dakota Access Pipeline would transport crude oil from North Dakota to a shipping point in Illinois. The pipeline risks contaminating tribal water and the water supplies of 17 million Americans with disregard to Native American treaty rights. </li>
<li>Lies, lies, lies. Oh wait, sorry. I mean #AltFacts. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<li>Trump fired all foreign ambassadors. This in itself isn't uncommon, but he had no replacements lined up, which is, well, inane.</li>
<li>The Great Orange One placed a social media gag order on the EPA, USDA and Department of the Interior. I mean, who needs to know the truth about our environment and what we ingest? And let's just stop all those mean tweets from the National Parks, shall we? </li>
<li>Trump has placed a freeze on federal government workers outside of military, public safety and public health departments. Historically (through Reagan and Carter presidencies) we know that these freezes don't work. Many federal agency's efficiency was disrupted and it actually cost the government money. One way it may cost money is that these agencies, which may be understaffed, will be forced to hire private contractors, which will be much more costly than federal workers. Which agencies will feel this freeze the most? Those that deal with our most vulnerable citizens - The Veterans Administration and Social Security. Also agencies that are already understaffed such as the FDA, National Parks, and the Bureau of Land Management.</li>
<li>Taking action to repeal the ACA. Health care should be a right, not a privilege. I am one of the people this will affect. As the owner of a small business, and side work, I make too much money to qualify for medicaid. Repealing the ACA will take away my reasonably priced insurance no doubt and replace it with private, more expensive insurance - that I will not be able to afford to pay. I can barely afford my inexpensive insurance as it it. Without insurance I will not be able to afford the prescriptions I need, my necessary women's health care, my glasses or contacts, and more than likely, other basic health care needs. And I will not be the only one.</li>
<li>In a frightening turn of events, Trump removes the LGBT, Disability, Health Care, Civil Rights, and Climate Change sections from WhiteHouse.Gov. He also removed any Spanish translation from the website as well. He has alienated all minority groups, those requiring health care or special needs care, and of course, remains ignorant of the truth about climate change.</li>
<li>He gave the go ahead on building the wall on the Mexican border, which of course we, the tax payers, are funding.</li>
<li>Our new Oompa Loompa in charge has stripped federal grant money to sanctuary cities. These <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvf42CZyBF50ahncOjgv9wzx4bPJAuDW_uwZM6Bz7Ze8rS0TNFs46Ovavr7366uSYjrIc5hioy-C4-TbQhfIsTjxZcgcF20tg977pV_paRkbuBH4xeYspKr8ZngJh8VDHNThDb1ckeR3A/s1600/18990879269_fa55dc16ba_k.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvf42CZyBF50ahncOjgv9wzx4bPJAuDW_uwZM6Bz7Ze8rS0TNFs46Ovavr7366uSYjrIc5hioy-C4-TbQhfIsTjxZcgcF20tg977pV_paRkbuBH4xeYspKr8ZngJh8VDHNThDb1ckeR3A/s320/18990879269_fa55dc16ba_k.jpg" width="232" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/legalcode" target="_blank"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;">©</span> </a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/davey_toons/" target="_blank">David Lacasse</a></td></tr>
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cities include Austin, Baltimore, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, Phoenix, Portland, San Francisco, Seattle, and most notably, New York and Washington DC. This is just to name a few. These are MAJOR cities! Many of these cities will defy this executive order to protect their citizens.$ 2.2 billion in federal funds are at risk. And what do these funds subsidize? Head Start, airport improvements, public housing, and community development. For me locally, Seattle would lose funding for supporting efforts to end internet crimes against children, aid the human trafficking task force, and assisting women after incarceration, and the biggee, a loss of funding for our ports, which affect American trade.</li>
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This blog has become longer than I intended and I have so much more to say and share. Therefore, I guess it has just become a series. More on this later.</div>
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Megan Bostichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08811715491350987530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5054176333123768144.post-50485776596431026992016-06-13T17:40:00.001-07:002016-06-13T18:01:13.135-07:00Pride, Muslims and the state of hate in America<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="fb45l" data-offset-key="c31lj-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #4b4f56; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpGg925eZUmf78CCo_5c8NHiZLcWwQjUzM2VebnqrkaY7AJPArN-cM_XfKA9z20OlEDbHLbJD9-0rsYOh-JjrCdTtO9uaYZ6Sqg9BxIQc07YOweK52caxJlpvM8WGIqnD0HX4WQscKHqU/s1600/Hate-It-has-caused-a-lot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpGg925eZUmf78CCo_5c8NHiZLcWwQjUzM2VebnqrkaY7AJPArN-cM_XfKA9z20OlEDbHLbJD9-0rsYOh-JjrCdTtO9uaYZ6Sqg9BxIQc07YOweK52caxJlpvM8WGIqnD0HX4WQscKHqU/s320/Hate-It-has-caused-a-lot.jpg" width="320" /></a><span data-offset-key="c31lj-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">I haven't been online much this weekend because of graduation stuff, but I want to comment on the shooting in Florida. Admittedly, I've not read much about it since I've not been online much. I skimmed a few stories this morning. What I understand is that this was an act of hate - an attack on the LGBT community, and I'm sure it's no coincidence Mateen planned to execute this violence during Pride Month. </span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="3ndrq-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">To hate a group of people that much...is unconscionable to me. I have also seen many posts hating on Muslims during the last 24 hours. Keep a few things in mind. ISIS in not a religion. It is a terrorist group. We simply cannot stop letting people into our country based on religious beliefs. Blending together our differences is much of what makes the United States great. If we turn one away, we should turn all away. Islam is a religion, and yes, has some horrible people within it, but so does every other religion on the face of the planet. Look up Christian Mass Shooters on Google. Mormons, Catholics...have all participated in mass killings. </span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="86hnc-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">People are also bashing Obama for letting "these people" into our country. Mateen was born and raised right here in New York. His parents are not terrorists, radicals or extremists. They and his ex-wife said he was not overly religious and don't think religion played a part in this violent act. Sure, he was a Muslim, but more so, he was a terrorist and LGBT hater. When terrorists claim they have committed violence because of their religion, there is usually another motive, be it political, social, or personal (studies have been done to support this).</span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="be56l-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">I will never waiver in support of our LGBT community. I'm supporting the Pride Foundation this month through my business. I know I have alienated and probably lost some of our customers because of it, but I am okay with that. I stand behind my ideologies, my convictions, and my values. </span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="2i67f-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">I am proud to be a person who does not judge, stereotype, or hate others based on their race, religion, culture or sexual preference. I judge people on their character. How they treat others and live their lives. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXgqhK7Ri0yX9X-viASuJrejMxCNbVWyKuLrWWqHCwxkZoBbkCV48VHR8Lm9BrmarfRyHYsfqgHfPALboN6535enbroVQs292MAl3uBBrBHYevCgkiaPgEJV5sSlN9SB8eoX3AJEobdv8/s1600/AR15_A3_Tactical_Carbine_pic1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXgqhK7Ri0yX9X-viASuJrejMxCNbVWyKuLrWWqHCwxkZoBbkCV48VHR8Lm9BrmarfRyHYsfqgHfPALboN6535enbroVQs292MAl3uBBrBHYevCgkiaPgEJV5sSlN9SB8eoX3AJEobdv8/s320/AR15_A3_Tactical_Carbine_pic1.jpg" width="320" /></a><span data-offset-key="dg45e-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">If you want to lay blame, let's look at the gun violence itself. I don't want your guns taken away from you if you are a responsible gun owner. But it is time to admit, and the facts prove it, that the United States has too many guns within it, and those gun are killing too many people. I don't know what the answer is. I don't know how to NOT get guns in the hands of mad(wo)men and terrorists. But is seems like a good place to start would to be to limit their options. No one should be able to kill 50 people and injure numerous others single-handedly within a matter of minutes. No one.</span></div>
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Megan Bostichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08811715491350987530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5054176333123768144.post-49148327470365848452016-06-11T10:28:00.000-07:002016-06-11T10:28:01.942-07:00I resent your intolerance...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmcNhkS7QJMq6LfAfxmCoLay4DnNgi-Bi3NxzHh7SAJKvO482LbPQMOoQCfp6DglYFJu7qylVVoWGqih87AN26gQHeWne9PIAARH0G3MDl4EgUIreTFH39Ft7zB4xzo6m4-WcANWNJDG8/s1600/13382206_10210079682931960_1782512696_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmcNhkS7QJMq6LfAfxmCoLay4DnNgi-Bi3NxzHh7SAJKvO482LbPQMOoQCfp6DglYFJu7qylVVoWGqih87AN26gQHeWne9PIAARH0G3MDl4EgUIreTFH39Ft7zB4xzo6m4-WcANWNJDG8/s320/13382206_10210079682931960_1782512696_n.jpg" width="180" /></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This month of June at my day job I am selling two limited edition wines with commemorative labels and donating part of the proceeds to the Pride Foundation. It is after all, Pride Month. I started selling them on the 4th and have mostly received praise. I've not had any opposition to this until yesterday.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I had one customer come in trying to find a bottle of white for his wife. He said she likes Pinot Grigio. Unfortunately, I am out of Pinot Grigio for another few weeks. I told him I had a Chardonnay, a dry Riesling, and something more to her taste, a Viognier/Pinot Gris blend. That blend happens to be my Pride White. He said he could not buy that wine. That he and his wife are conservative Christians and he wouldn't hear the end of it if he brought it home. "No worries," I said. I was polite, as was he. Of course I disagree with his ideology, but whatever. He bought the Riesling and went on his way. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Later that day I sent out our monthly email newsletter that promotes all of our events and campaigns. Among cooking class, art night and ladies night, I also mentioned our Pride Red and White wines and how we would be donating part of sales back to Pride Foundation. Now, this is not the first time we've done this. We've done this for Mary Bridge Children's Hospital, Breast Cancer Awareness, Autism, many other non-profit organizations and numerous schools. In October we will be doing the same thing for Domestic Violence Action Month.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I received two emails asking me to take them off our mailing list. One was simply, <i>take me off your email list PLEASE... </i>After receiving the second one, I can only assume this is because of our support of the Pride Foundation.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The other stated, and I quote, "I resent your sending 15% to Pride foundations. They are an abomination. Take me off your mailing list."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I am not sure how to respond. I am the manager and will be buying this place soon, but for now, I am not the owner. If this had happened when I ran my own business I would have told that person to fuck off I don't need your business anyway.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">But I'm not running my own business...yet.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The other day, I had a customer, who supports LGBT rights, ask me how I came to do the commemorative label and offer my support to that community when my name and heritage would suggest otherwise. (family name Aquino, heritage, Italian, grew up Catholic).</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBFUlXHlz0Cuy6OCGBGniKb_yqXQNXPPWAmQr_vbfhW5g848EtcoegSSQStl4dMWCCRx34eS6voPnUF6tO0Dgu49qSErXG1updXGurjVk_HPKJXQ4hT9i7QGrz__Gpp5zjN77xSlX2R0U/s1600/Equality_For_All.svg.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBFUlXHlz0Cuy6OCGBGniKb_yqXQNXPPWAmQr_vbfhW5g848EtcoegSSQStl4dMWCCRx34eS6voPnUF6tO0Dgu49qSErXG1updXGurjVk_HPKJXQ4hT9i7QGrz__Gpp5zjN77xSlX2R0U/s200/Equality_For_All.svg.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I told her that although I was brought up Catholic, most of my family were very liberal and have always been welcoming of others regardless of their race, religion, sexual preference, culture, etc. We believe that everyone is equal and deserves to be treated with respect and dignity. We are all human, we all laugh, cry, hurt, heal. We all bleed the same color. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I cannot speak for the rest of my family, but I cannot and will not believe in a god that does not love all mankind. He is supposed to be all loving, all forgiving, merciful. Anyone who follows him and preaches his words and his works should emulate him and offer all human kind the same love, forgiveness and mercy. Yet far too much, bible verses are picked and chosen to fit in with agendas. How about these ones?:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">John 8:7 </strong><em style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">And as they continued to ask him, he stood up and said to them, “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.”</em></span><br />
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<span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="exdous" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; display: block; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; width: auto;"><span style="font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Galatians 3:28 </span></span><i style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.</span></i></span><span class="exdous" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; display: block; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; width: auto;"><i style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></span><span class="exdous" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; display: block; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; width: auto;"><span class="exdous" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; display: block; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; width: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>James 2:1</b><b> </b><span style="text-align: justify;"><i>My brethren, do not hold your faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ with an attitude of personal favoritism.</i></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="exdous" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; display: block; font-size: 16px; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; width: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Romans 3:23</b> ...<span style="text-align: justify;"><i>for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God...</i></span></span></span><span class="exdous" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; display: block; font-size: 16px; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; width: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><i><br /></i></span></span></span><span class="exdous" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; display: block; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; width: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><strong style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Matthew 7:1</strong><em style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> Judge not, that you be not judged.</em></span></span><span class="exdous" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; display: block; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; width: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; line-height: normal;"><br /></span></span><span class="exdous" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; display: block; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; width: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; line-height: normal;">Don't get me wrong, t</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">he bible also talks about judging. Judging what is good. Using the right judgment. Test everything and abstain from evil. I know many that belong to the LGBT community. They are good. That is the right judgment. Are they all good? Of course not. But neither are all Christians, Mormons, whites, blacks, women, men, and so forth and so forth. There are bad apples in every bunch.</span></span><span class="exdous" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; display: block; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; width: auto;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span class="exdous" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; display: block; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; width: auto;"><span style="background-color: transparent;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 21px;">But they are not abominations or evil because of who they love. </span></span></span></span><span class="exdous" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; display: block; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; width: auto;"><span style="background-color: transparent;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></span></span></span><span class="exdous" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; display: block; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; width: auto;"><span style="background-color: transparent;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 21px;">Many of them are even Christians! Whoa, I just blew your mind right there, right?</span></span></span></span><span class="exdous" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; display: block; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; width: auto;"><span style="background-color: transparent;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></span></span></span><span class="exdous" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; display: block; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; width: auto;"><span style="background-color: transparent;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 21px;">And let's keep in mind that these quotes, regardless if what agenda we're seeking them for, come from a book thousands of years old and translated millions of time. </span></span></span></span><span class="exdous" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; display: block; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; width: auto;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span class="exdous" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; display: block; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; width: auto;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy8HOwTWXc5QrIS1In2l8CQepz6E2dDzuDLYNVZ81kYAsxpJQnAvl-4Gqjgmx5rlBHXXp04kSQfb9NXnKHVYNc6zjizGJadRa5JXNkLqMcbBWvhDc4G_3PlgkY3ycYgQkkkulnPzc9eKk/s1600/PrideFoundation_Logo_RGB1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="71" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy8HOwTWXc5QrIS1In2l8CQepz6E2dDzuDLYNVZ81kYAsxpJQnAvl-4Gqjgmx5rlBHXXp04kSQfb9NXnKHVYNc6zjizGJadRa5JXNkLqMcbBWvhDc4G_3PlgkY3ycYgQkkkulnPzc9eKk/s320/PrideFoundation_Logo_RGB1.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="background-color: transparent;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 21px;">I defend my business decision to support LGBT rights and the Pride Foundation. If I lose customers over it, maybe they're not the type I want shopping in my store anyway. I will not back down from my convictions, ideologies, or values to make a few more bucks. </span></span></span></span><span class="exdous" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; display: block; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; width: auto;"><span style="background-color: transparent;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></span></span></span><span class="exdous" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; display: block; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; width: auto;"><span style="background-color: transparent;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 21px;">And anyway, I've sold a lot more bottles than I've had complaints, so there's that.</span></span></span></span><span class="exdous" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; display: block; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; width: auto;"><span style="background-color: transparent;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></span></span></span><span class="exdous" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; display: block; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; width: auto;"><span style="background-color: transparent;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 21px;">Happy Saturday everyone. Come to the shop and see me sometime.</span></span></span></span><span class="exdous" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; display: block; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; width: auto;"><span style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /></span></span></span>Megan Bostichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08811715491350987530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5054176333123768144.post-48876873435226444642016-06-09T16:41:00.000-07:002016-06-09T16:41:20.824-07:00I think I might puke<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwHLjtpSSrX-2uKmevEx7TrWVnKJn8HKbOhbvjh4-Jv-s_VbeYOJixgF-CE4jyPFWfvUuGYWsfac4eViah8NhI2DjThByYu0VclFqhRijlf0QnW2XnS2kyXHrZZoHZdpG16Mrb8lMp7mk/s1600/11220928_980243308699546_581428128316786656_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwHLjtpSSrX-2uKmevEx7TrWVnKJn8HKbOhbvjh4-Jv-s_VbeYOJixgF-CE4jyPFWfvUuGYWsfac4eViah8NhI2DjThByYu0VclFqhRijlf0QnW2XnS2kyXHrZZoHZdpG16Mrb8lMp7mk/s200/11220928_980243308699546_581428128316786656_n.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
Tonight my 2nd child, my baby, my youngest daughter graduates from high school. I am at an intersection of sickness and denial. My stomach is in knots, not only for this child but for both.<br />
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My older daughter moves to Montana to play soccer in August. My house will be void of the laughter, screaming and messes made by college students. At times, the idea of that comforts me. My house will be cleaner, my electricity bill will decrease, my groceries will last longer. However, this child and all of her friends who consider my home their second, some of them their first home, will be gone. My house will be silent, close to empty. I'm not sure how that will affect me.<br />
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My younger daughter will probably still live at home. She wants to go to school, but she has decided to work through the fall and then decide where to go. For her, I think this is a wise decision. Though she will be here, she will have a full time job. She is very independent and likes to go out with her friends. It would not surprise me if she moved out sooner rather than later.<br />
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At times I'm like, "When are you leaving already?" Because I think I'm ready and want my basement back, and my house clean, and to enjoy a pee or a shower without interruption (yes, this continues well into their young adulthood). My body wash, underwear, forks, coffee cups, and shoes won't disappear anymore.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1QeRL5peSwn5UOIefGZesduimpjPiRVXdh6WVxaZPVRGH4HOXDHrDvv2c1-IjwAmgtXJCU8bNTFObQkAIKmHYUq5DDIiMMjTEdMJblbekebXZ5rgBTzb7gAvp_0S8ue2Gs6w6b4uCdqQ/s1600/11215706_10208130592247611_8119575708425805365_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1QeRL5peSwn5UOIefGZesduimpjPiRVXdh6WVxaZPVRGH4HOXDHrDvv2c1-IjwAmgtXJCU8bNTFObQkAIKmHYUq5DDIiMMjTEdMJblbekebXZ5rgBTzb7gAvp_0S8ue2Gs6w6b4uCdqQ/s320/11215706_10208130592247611_8119575708425805365_n.jpg" width="159" /></a><br />
But where will that leave me?<br />
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Alone. Old. A single person with adult children, shower items, pieces of silverware and clothing intact and accounted for. I will have all the time in the world on my hands outside of work. Cleaning less, cooking less. No more nagging at them the way mothers do, to do their homework, clean their rooms and pick up after themselves. This is ideal, right?<br />
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Then why do I feel sick?<br />
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All I can do is wish for their happiness, health and safety. Pray that they don't get hurt. That they succeed at whatever it is they want. For me, I wish to find someone to fill some of that void. To spend some time with so I don't resort to 20 cats or talking to myself...too much (I already do that anyway, just a little, I swear).<br />
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So here I am writing this blog on the night of my last child's graduation. Sick, worried, sad, proud, happy, overjoyed really. And I know we have the summer, most of it anyway, but I can't stop thinking about the silence and emptiness of this house. My big yard. My life. My heart.<br />
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But every parent reaches this point, right? The time to let go. To allow our children to become the adults, the unique people they were meant to be. And for me to become something other than Mary and Rachel's mom. For me to find whatever it is that is out there beyond motherhood.<br />
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Congrats to all the graduates, both college and high school in this class of 2016. And to all you parents going through the same thing...I feel ya.Megan Bostichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08811715491350987530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5054176333123768144.post-64200517935465132782016-06-07T09:53:00.003-07:002016-06-07T09:53:34.113-07:0020 Minutes of Action<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQol2yntLsUdqgP0Cpqz1Y6AxghvDQKM5kKFx5RCvMu0XnaOXbPcb1G5pIWvNW_fSo-cMNmjmIFVAl3WEn_tDkB3HuysVFo6TbOdR51M1qWAEeneRhMdwxFIA7tPsjvQbWF3IwKZFBmT4/s1600/don%2527t+rape.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQol2yntLsUdqgP0Cpqz1Y6AxghvDQKM5kKFx5RCvMu0XnaOXbPcb1G5pIWvNW_fSo-cMNmjmIFVAl3WEn_tDkB3HuysVFo6TbOdR51M1qWAEeneRhMdwxFIA7tPsjvQbWF3IwKZFBmT4/s320/don%2527t+rape.jpg" width="317" /></a></div>
I know, everyone's already said everything there is to say. No. there is never enough you can say about injustice and rape culture. Not until it ends, which we all know will be never. When people like Brock Turner states a thing like, "I thought she liked it because she rubbed my back." So, the whole thing about her being unconscious didn't give you reason to doubt her willingness? And when Brock's father says that his 6 month sentence - 6 MONTHS - "is a steep price to pay for 20 minutes of action." I mean, he can't even enjoy a ribeye steak any more. God forbid!<br />
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What price has Brock's victim already paid. If you've read her statement, you know her payment began by not knowing where she was or what she was doing when she finally regained consciousness. She kept paying by being told she had been sexually assaulted, then poked, prodded, and swabbed. She had pine needles pulled out of her hair. Her payment continued with photos taken of her entire body - every scratch, abrasion, bruise, and yes, she even had to spread eagle and let them photograph her vagina. That is just where here steep price begins.<br />
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She couldn't even tell her parents or her boyfriend because she had no idea what had really happened. Her payment again came in the form of finding out what had transpired that night through a news outlet, with the rest of the world instead of finding out privately first from investigators. Yes, a steep price was paid, but by the victim, not by former Stanford swimmer Brock Turner. He committed a crime of the foulest degree and he got caught.<br />
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Then the courts even participated in the rape culture when the judge, who could have handed this vile rapist up to a 14 year sentence, gave him a measly 6 months. Why bother at all? In his words, a longer sentence would have a "severe impact" on the sexual predator. Really? Now shall we talk about what kind of impacts a sexual assault can have on the victim?<br />
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We've already heard from the victim herself, She felt empty, afraid, devastated. She couldn't eat, sleep, she isolated herself from everyone. She was victimized all over again by having to prepare for trial, by inane and violating questions from the defense. She was helpless and at the mercy of the court because of her lack of memory of the entire event. Brock could tell any story he wanted.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHwvu_M1lmVyvdl7fAUJeBqPPJmDmP-Q5EJUoTI8qnf1C8iaTGyLszNNb08aHyMEvR2z4XGT9MAuBNGUCLAhTbSqIoHl9T9FGEgCgKwx-c7bm-CJONGPUE8u2qBS64pTOYA2aq9bctV-s/s1600/bff6e9b994c644d86c2c40bbf1e9cd5f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHwvu_M1lmVyvdl7fAUJeBqPPJmDmP-Q5EJUoTI8qnf1C8iaTGyLszNNb08aHyMEvR2z4XGT9MAuBNGUCLAhTbSqIoHl9T9FGEgCgKwx-c7bm-CJONGPUE8u2qBS64pTOYA2aq9bctV-s/s1600/bff6e9b994c644d86c2c40bbf1e9cd5f.jpg" /></a>This process lasted over a year, but a victim's suffering continues long after that. Her "severe impact" <br />
will last longer than Brock's jail sentence. Many victims of sexual assault end up suffering from PTSD, depression and dissociation. They may have anxiety, trust and anger issues and the feeling of helplessness. To cope with their feelings, sexual assault victims tend to turn to drugs and alcohol to numb their pain.<br />
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Yes, Brock has to serve 6 months. His victim may be serving a lifetime for his crime.<br />
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I am tired of hearing statements like <i>boys will be boys, she shouldn't have been drinking, she was dressed like a whore, she was asking for it.</i><br />
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No one wants to be raped.<br />
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We shouldn't have to live in fear of leaving our houses because there is a chance we might be raped. We shouldn't have to worry about having a few drinks because some asshole might think that's a good time to sexually assault us. I shouldn't have to worry about showing too much leg or cleavage because some jackhole won't be able to control his dick.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJaJnFuz63x8folY_2tk3ElSv5Rr26lOcD9695cr_TeWJ1IfkNyHtZlw-5sj362l5_nx-SD-hKwvgcCCi_4YN8X_J0QX0dfEEse40S105DMtzeHWspoeWErZ3KVA4lixR8NiAqjKMZpi8/s1600/a7bf562efb468ffe2544f74e6b656e77.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJaJnFuz63x8folY_2tk3ElSv5Rr26lOcD9695cr_TeWJ1IfkNyHtZlw-5sj362l5_nx-SD-hKwvgcCCi_4YN8X_J0QX0dfEEse40S105DMtzeHWspoeWErZ3KVA4lixR8NiAqjKMZpi8/s320/a7bf562efb468ffe2544f74e6b656e77.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
And we've all heard it before, but we should not be teaching women rape avoidance, sure, we should know self preservation, but it's not our responsibility not to get raped. It's a man's responsibility to not rape us. Boys should be taught to respect females. That rape is bad. How if she is drunk, cannot speak for herself, or unconscious, the answer is always no.<br />
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People like Brock, his dad and Judge Fucktard help keep us in that same rape culture cycle that seems will never end. Victim blaming, re-victimization, and the good ol' boys will be boys irrationalization.<br />
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This is not a man's world anymore. Women aren't home birthing babies, cleaning house and having your dinner fixed with martini in hand when you step through the door after a long day of work. We live in a world of equality. Stop being little bitches, man up, and see the way real men act. They don't rape and they don't make excuses for rape. Megan Bostichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08811715491350987530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5054176333123768144.post-37599496340620192972016-03-22T19:49:00.000-07:002016-03-22T19:49:12.734-07:00It's days like thisDays like this I think I should apply for disability. I have been bedridden most of the day, barely able to move, entire body aching, sleepy, exhausted. At this point, I am lost. My medical insurance is very restrictive with doctors. I've made appointments anyway. I'll have to pay out of pocket. I cannot feel like this anymore. Sometimes I feel okay. Good even, but now it's been over a month that I've had no energy, no motivation, no intelligible thought process (of course, the illness has been raging for three years now). It has been hard to get out of bed, go to work, research for my freelance marketing and writing...<br />
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I probably have to cut back on the things I'm doing, stay away from stressful situations, start saying no, and asking for help. I asked for help today. There was no way my body was going to work. I had to get my shift covered. I only work three days a week, but come April 1st, it's supposed to be five. I'm terrified I won't be able to do it, that I won't have enough support, that I will only get worse. It's not a physical job, but mental exertion is difficult too. Standing is hard. Sitting is hard. Like today, it matters not what position I'm in - standing, lying, sitting, propped up in bed, everything hurts, and it is all exhausting.<br />
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People keep asking me if I'm still writing. I tell them yes, which isn't exactly the truth. I have projects that are started, started long ago, but I fear I'll never finish them because of this illness. I cannot fathom sitting down at a computer and making up stories in my head and finding all the pretty, right words to use like I once did.<br />
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Recalling words is hard. Even easy ones.<br />
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I know I've complained a lot lately and I apologize. Days like today are so difficult to bear, and here, on this blog is where I like to vent. The only place right now that I feel I can get intelligible words to page.<br />
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<br />Megan Bostichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08811715491350987530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5054176333123768144.post-9415275800144582572016-03-04T16:58:00.000-08:002016-03-04T16:58:05.873-08:00This is what Systemic Exertion Intolerance Disease looks like<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn9pXvRAyKOK392yhTx4QN1r9x8RvYLfEmPkiHMsGdcx3Ek2BJTfZHZPMRsL5uqkJ4etf43RNnF9KDIKLNpc3HOlg3NhqSj6ohhWyPSTPspBig5w9-Og3dSD1gme_LJQJ-6SPdVi8Z-gc/s1600/o-chronic-pain-chronic-fatigue-syndrome-fibromyalgia_original.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn9pXvRAyKOK392yhTx4QN1r9x8RvYLfEmPkiHMsGdcx3Ek2BJTfZHZPMRsL5uqkJ4etf43RNnF9KDIKLNpc3HOlg3NhqSj6ohhWyPSTPspBig5w9-Og3dSD1gme_LJQJ-6SPdVi8Z-gc/s320/o-chronic-pain-chronic-fatigue-syndrome-fibromyalgia_original.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 19.2px;">Systemic Exertion Intolerance Disease </b><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 19.2px;">(SEID)</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.2px;"><b>. </b>Sounds serious, right? What about </span></span><b style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 19.2px;">Myalgic Ecephalomyelitis </b><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 19.2px;">(ME)</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 19.2px;"><b> </b>? Sounds horrible doesn't it? How about </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 19.2px;"><b>Chronic Fatigue and Immune Dysfunction Syndrome </b>(CFIDS)? </span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.2px;">These don't sound like anything you would want to endure, do they? What if I told you they were all the same disease? What if I told you, they were all Chronic Fatigue Syndrome? Why the fancy names? It's because physicians and clinicians want people to take this ailment seriously. Because they want people to start treating it for what it is - a real illness.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_LGJ152hcCrDTXhotsdxpCFdFtZqQOt2bMK_7BhwjQ-wRmFZENwN1soNSIolYPrYpU1a9ZGwc4B0NNuIhO90NSBD8Yl9kVNbAn0geCFJFFjFOghtmR1UODhSTfyg-LEXAWCsi1CeqtAk/s1600/e49512977c727d3c9a970cfea57e40b6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_LGJ152hcCrDTXhotsdxpCFdFtZqQOt2bMK_7BhwjQ-wRmFZENwN1soNSIolYPrYpU1a9ZGwc4B0NNuIhO90NSBD8Yl9kVNbAn0geCFJFFjFOghtmR1UODhSTfyg-LEXAWCsi1CeqtAk/s320/e49512977c727d3c9a970cfea57e40b6.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.2px;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.2px;">There has been a couple reports lately by <a href="http://www.stanforddaily.com/2016/01/05/tackling-chronic-fatigue-syndrome/" target="_blank">Stanford University</a> and<a href="https://www.mailman.columbia.edu/public-health-now/news/scientists-discover-robust-evidence-chronic-fatigue-syndrome-biological" target="_blank"> Columbia University </a>declaring the highly stigmatized disease formerly known as CFS as having a biological basis. SEID, ME, or CFIDS, whatever you want to call it, is not psychosomatic. This is backed up by a report put out by the <a href="https://iom.nationalacademies.org/~/media/Files/Report%20Files/2015/MECFS/MECFS_ReportBrief.pdf" target="_blank">Institute of Medicine</a>.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 19.2px;">Mady Hornig, the lead researcher behind these studies at Columbia University,is privately funded. Traditionally, CFS research has been greatly underfunded. It is low on the list of The National Institute of Health (NHIS) priorities with a research budget at about $5 per patient for 2015. Yet it's one of the most mysterious illnesses out there.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 19.2px;">Why am I telling you all this? Haven't I beat this subject into the ground yet? Well, because I've started to do my own research, but let me back up a little...</span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 19.2px;">Today I was going </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.2px;">to show you in photos what it was like to live with CFS, which I will now call anything but that. I took pictures of certain rooms in my home that suffer from my ailment. But then I got embarrassed. Mostly because this illness is over stigmatized as "all in the head." I thought maybe people would see me as lazy or a hoarder, when in fact, that is very far from the truth.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.2px;">I was afraid to show you the photo of my bedroom. That week I walked to work, I had just returned from my vacation. Why am I telling you this? Because that photo of my bedroom would have shown you a pile of clothing on my bed that I've been too tired to put away. On a chair, a laundry basket of clean clothes I have been too tired to fold and put away. And underneath the clothes on my bed is the suitcase I've not fully unpacked since I returned from my trip to Arizona on February 15th. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.2px;">I was afraid to show you the photo of all my medications for ailments connected to ME/CFS. Medications for anxiety, allergies, sleep, and focus.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.2px;">I was embarrassed to show you the photo of my office and hallway. My office is my go-to room for all my junk. Right before I left for my vacation, I started cleaning it out. I got pretty far, but I didn't finish. Now there are papers, books, and boxes of things spilling out of my office into the hallway. Me, having been much too exhausted to finish that task since coming back from vacation and overexerting myself that week.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.2px;">I didn't want to show you the photo of the unpacked boxes I have by my front door. The ones with the groceries I bought from Amazon Pantry because it is too hard for me to get to the store most days. The other two boxes that contain the new shredder I bought to assist in the organization of my office. And the new garbage/recycling can I bought after my garbage can broke about a week ago. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.2px;">That is what living with ME/CFS looks like. It also looks like:</span></span></div>
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<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 19.2px;">Sleeping restless every night because you itch, or your legs won't stop moving, or your <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNGZynMIflrH4TLCzUjRD6-9S9KkygFwwcQ6IoICnjVNetp5ZxpQ-X2f06Y7WThXq-alEwtLjck84bu4deC7TD1LekJiMsbFtSUiqli0L2lNjG4EHuYZGf4PC5PanHTwb7M7txXRLhgR8/s1600/cfs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNGZynMIflrH4TLCzUjRD6-9S9KkygFwwcQ6IoICnjVNetp5ZxpQ-X2f06Y7WThXq-alEwtLjck84bu4deC7TD1LekJiMsbFtSUiqli0L2lNjG4EHuYZGf4PC5PanHTwb7M7txXRLhgR8/s320/cfs.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
mind won't stop churning, or you have crazy nightmares.</span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 19.2px;">Getting out of bed at 12:30 pm on days you don't have to work outside the home. </span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 19.2px;">An aching back, painful joints, sore shoulder muscles, headaches, stuffy nose and puffy eyes. </span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 19.2px;">Not being able to recall the simplest of words, remember people's names, even your own friends sometimes, where you put your car keys, or what you did two nights ago. </span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 19.2px;">Forgetting you're ill when you're feeling good, then overdoing it and suffering greatly for three weeks following. </span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 19.2px;">At the end of the hard spell, having to start over again, trying to get back to where you were before you came out of remission, which for me was going to the gym, cooking, and cleaning, things that normal people can do without thinking</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 19.2px;"> about it. Things I once took for granted that I would always be able to do with no problem. </span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 19.2px;">Having to have someone come clean your house and do your yard work once a month (I miss yard work) because if you did them yourself you wouldn't be able to get out of bed the next day.</span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 19.2px;">Getting physically exhausted by not only physical activities, but by thinking too hard as well. </span></li>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.2px;">Don't just take my word for it, find out how others describe ME/CFS at <a href="http://themighty.com/2016/02/18-pe0ple-describe-what-chronic-fatigue-feels-like/" target="_blank">The Mighty.</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.2px;">So I continue to do my research on what I can do to get and be better, to find away to raise money and awareness for ME/CFS research, which by the way, is not an easy find. I looked for support groups or organizations in my city. There are none.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.2px;">So I guess you could say I'm on a mission. I'm on a mission to get the word out about this disease. To tell people how debilitating it can be. I want my family and friends to understand how I feel and why I can't always do the things they want me to do or go the places they want me to go. I want them not to laugh and mock me when I talk about my medical condition.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.2px;">I want more research done. I don't want to feel like this. However, I am one of the lucky ones. I can work a part time job, while some can't work at all. I can get out of bed most mornings while some are bedridden. I can walk on my own two feet, where some are wheelchair bound. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.2px;">Now that ME/CFS is being taken more seriously by the medical profession, my wish is to someday be the person I was before the illness. Someone who was healthy and fit and happy. Someone who was productive and always on the go. That wish is not just for me, but for all those suffering from this terrible affliction.</span></span></div>
Megan Bostichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08811715491350987530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5054176333123768144.post-38333159482112593592016-03-02T10:50:00.002-08:002016-03-02T10:50:45.023-08:00This is one of those days...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Today is one of the days that my fatigue catches up with me. It's one of those days in which, if I didn't have a job, I wouldn't get out of bed. I believe I set myself back walking to work, and that was two weeks ago. I haven't been to the gym, I'm behind on some of my work, I've not cleaned my room, finished cleaning my office, got my taxes ready, done dishes, put away packages that came last week...<br />
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I can barely keep my eyes open. My head feels like someone hit me with a baseball bat. My entire body hurts. I want to cry.<br />
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This was something I was afraid of about working again - that I wouldn't be able to keep up with it. My last job was 5 hours, until 1:30. I could go home and nap. This one, the hours aren't conducive to napping. And come next month I'm supposed to start working from 3 days a week to 5. Basically full time. And I still have two other jobs I don't want to give up. That is something I really didn't sign up for in the beginning and I really don't have any choice. We can't afford to hire someone else.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikZxqygIYM1DPYNQaPgH7jgRM9ynbIO2hxe4Y6QZbZi8Per_ghWOcj6BtaxWoVnhTWTgyzCbyoJkCG8fqJ_ZTA4PtE8L57jCuEMfeQmwM2RLmbaoRPevfDE9BzmrlV4LB4t5_4twCdi8k/s1600/JFC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikZxqygIYM1DPYNQaPgH7jgRM9ynbIO2hxe4Y6QZbZi8Per_ghWOcj6BtaxWoVnhTWTgyzCbyoJkCG8fqJ_ZTA4PtE8L57jCuEMfeQmwM2RLmbaoRPevfDE9BzmrlV4LB4t5_4twCdi8k/s320/JFC.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
I don't know what to do. I just want to go back to bed. Sometimes I yearn for the days I was a stay at <br />
home mom and could write all day, go to the gym, get the house clean and have dinner on the table by 5 (the Ultimate JFC). I wouldn't say life was easier back then, it had it's stresses, but my body didn't feel like this. My head didn't feel like this.<br />
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I wasn't like this.<br />
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But now I just have to suck it up and get ready for work (a job in which I do truly love btw) and hope there are not too many phone calls or hard questions. And I just look forward to Friday, a day I don't have to do anything if I don't want to, or I can catch up on the stuff I need to if my body and brain allow it.<br />
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<br />Megan Bostichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08811715491350987530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5054176333123768144.post-2620051691264593662016-02-27T17:01:00.001-08:002016-02-27T17:01:29.174-08:00Let's talk about Trump<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0zS8arIwcMZXWoEg-a3b4j22ExFSDFe1yk0dQw0lxf0deCebEmGenE1SoFjU7w5bGAndC-OjxVhCfmkUCeeY8l3PjhEs2x8w28xpSDu7ucJJjgmBZp_pTUj_2N6VWCgmNDVJcI9jsuvo/s1600/19535228309_141913cee1_o.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0zS8arIwcMZXWoEg-a3b4j22ExFSDFe1yk0dQw0lxf0deCebEmGenE1SoFjU7w5bGAndC-OjxVhCfmkUCeeY8l3PjhEs2x8w28xpSDu7ucJJjgmBZp_pTUj_2N6VWCgmNDVJcI9jsuvo/s320/19535228309_141913cee1_o.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
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<a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i> Photo</i></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #4c4c4c; font-family: AppleSDGothicNeo-Regular, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif, 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', NotoColorEmoji, EmojiSymbols, Symbola, Noto, 'Android Emoji', AndroidEmoji, 'Arial Unicode MS', 'Zapf Dingbats', AppleColorEmoji, 'Apple Color Emoji'; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #4c4c4c; font-family: AppleSDGothicNeo-Regular, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif, 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', NotoColorEmoji, EmojiSymbols, Symbola, Noto, 'Android Emoji', AndroidEmoji, 'Arial Unicode MS', 'Zapf Dingbats', AppleColorEmoji, 'Apple Color Emoji'; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">©</span></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #4c4c4c; font-family: AppleSDGothicNeo-Regular, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif, 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', NotoColorEmoji, EmojiSymbols, Symbola, Noto, 'Android Emoji', AndroidEmoji, 'Arial Unicode MS', 'Zapf Dingbats', AppleColorEmoji, 'Apple Color Emoji'; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"> </span><i style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/notionscapital/19535228309" target="_blank">Mike Licht</a></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jeremy Nix wrote an <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jeremy-nix/an-open-letter-to-my-frie_2_b_9293694.html" target="_blank">open letter </a>to his friends that support Trump and it was posted on the Huffington Post. I think in this letter, Jeremy articulates things many of us are feeling. You can go read his letter, but I am going to summarize some things that I believe are the best reasons not to vote for The Donald, and of course, add my own rant.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Donald Trump, if you really listen to him, this is what you'll hear...</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMrpLuEtOojPPvkWUafElzbiiSxWOy0Dxk7QKcbeReH-dRFMs90Ab7iB4qMj7J41PP7JPHT0fuunRGJoQKeiPMAmni521bmlqKfi0rd-Gj_KJmYs-FqCuTn-mxxJ3UgCsDO2UopYrx05g/s1600/hitler.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMrpLuEtOojPPvkWUafElzbiiSxWOy0Dxk7QKcbeReH-dRFMs90Ab7iB4qMj7J41PP7JPHT0fuunRGJoQKeiPMAmni521bmlqKfi0rd-Gj_KJmYs-FqCuTn-mxxJ3UgCsDO2UopYrx05g/s320/hitler.jpg" width="229" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/" target="_blank">Photo </a><span style="background-color: white; color: #4c4c4c; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/" target="_blank">©</a> <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Donald_Trump_September_3_2015.jpg#/media/File:Donald_Trump_Signs_The_Pledge_12.jpg" target="_blank">Michael Vadon</a> edited by Megan Bostic</span></i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He wants all the Muslims kept out of America because, terrorism. The pilgrims first came here for religious freedom (though it actually took awhile for them to get it). Everyone who lives here is not a Christian. There are Atheists, Agnostics, Wiccans, and yes, Muslims. Islam is really not that different than Christianity. They believe in one god, angels, prophets, prayer, faith, giving...Yes, there are a few Muslims that do terrible things in the name of Allah. But there are bad people in every bunch. Americans are shooting other Americans because of religion, color, culture, and for no reason at all, but let's block an entire religion from entering our country because they're probably terrorists. WTF?!? And the ones who are already here? Registration.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If Trump gets his way, every non Christian will have to bear some kind of mark so people know that they share a different belief system. Does this sound familiar to anyone? Trump is a modern day Hitler.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZPF9FvaKHUmeRsm5M_mA3SAg38pWc5mVAxkVxnVuqF0Dl2MUJRj1FabuAcyelsIutldW2kCzQtYDl9VGFRHITpvyNbDIKHnWrnxxv-40GflSCfG0JbWzal310nF61AIpbu0XGLr6g85Q/s1600/donald-trump.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZPF9FvaKHUmeRsm5M_mA3SAg38pWc5mVAxkVxnVuqF0Dl2MUJRj1FabuAcyelsIutldW2kCzQtYDl9VGFRHITpvyNbDIKHnWrnxxv-40GflSCfG0JbWzal310nF61AIpbu0XGLr6g85Q/s320/donald-trump.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Trump is also a misogynist. He insults, belittles and marginalizes us. He calls women fat and ugly. He appreciates beautiful women, but not in a healthy way. He treats them like possessions. For instance, in his book Trump 101: The Way to Success, he lumps our beauty and elegance in the same category as buildings and works of art. We are nothing more than objects for him to admire, but not if we're fat and ugly.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As far as sexual assault goes, he's within the "boys will be boys" ideology. He tweeted the following about sexual assaults in the military:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"What did they expect would happen when they put men and women together?" </span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Um, maybe that rape is vile and illegal and should not be an option? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He think women need to rely on sexual appeal in business, that female journalists need to be hot, that we're tricksters and gold diggers... I could go on and on about what a giant douchebag misogynist Trump is, but I fear it would take an entire blog.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I don't know how any woman can consider voting for Trump. He will strip our rights away. He would reverse Roe v Wade, shut down Planned Parenthood, and forget about equality in the workplace, insurance covered birth control, paid maternity leave and anything else that would empower us. A</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">nyone sporting a vagina is not on his list of priorities, and truly, seems to not even be human to The Donald.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeOxBTBRzDBJb7-iDfwyqg17MdnRLm2A8fMLFlwk9ajnnfxyd5ix6XxSxyp30v5u59EySd4Msw65YV29hF5NoJPBOLxQH1RCTY0wHvzH8Zm3jOHRfRSSbjqsSkxWpzoIs4ifUJPqK0kA8/s1600/dogs-265458_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeOxBTBRzDBJb7-iDfwyqg17MdnRLm2A8fMLFlwk9ajnnfxyd5ix6XxSxyp30v5u59EySd4Msw65YV29hF5NoJPBOLxQH1RCTY0wHvzH8Zm3jOHRfRSSbjqsSkxWpzoIs4ifUJPqK0kA8/s320/dogs-265458_1920.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He wants to build the Great Wall of 'Merica. He wants to keep Mexicans out. This country was built on the backs of immigrants. None of us are native to this land aside from those who were here before the white man came. Those from Mexico do the jobs no one wants to do and they're damn good at them. They're hard workers. Many of them pay taxes. He thinks all immigrants are thieves, rapists and thugs. Can you say, stereotyping? Profiling? Racism? I knew that you could.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He believes we don't have a gun problem, we have a mental health problem. I say we have a problem with both. Our country has too many guns. But Trump believes guns save lives and we should have no limits. He believes gun ownership makes our country safer. Tell that to all the victims of mass shootings. He believes gun violence is inevitable, so regulating them would be futile. Are you fucking kidding me? The statistics and facts are out there. Less guns, less gun death. Period.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaXSUWNRc2RpAIZR44YjpiC1B-UFsXQUY0oODcTZpAINt6s350EXdKIXYxaYl30VIerIeFejZ2vsaqkmr0ObclyQzd8e3O9uOo5o5R3g6u45Xsh_o_5XPgH6shTpz0vU7fipNRVxGWop8/s1600/sid+trump.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaXSUWNRc2RpAIZR44YjpiC1B-UFsXQUY0oODcTZpAINt6s350EXdKIXYxaYl30VIerIeFejZ2vsaqkmr0ObclyQzd8e3O9uOo5o5R3g6u45Xsh_o_5XPgH6shTpz0vU7fipNRVxGWop8/s1600/sid+trump.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And the newest Trumpism, he wants to get rid of the First Amendment. WTF? He wants to take away our freedom of speech, our freedom of religion, the freedom of press and peaceable assembly. He wants to punish people for speaking or writing opinions or truths. He wants to take away the rights of our faiths, beliefs, and the way we worship. He is a true Nazi.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How can his followers not see how dangerous he is for our country? He is a hate monger. If he's elected we will be at war in the blink of an eye. He's like a child that can't wait to blow some shit up. I honestly would not be surprised if we ended up in a civil war during a Trump presidency. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He wants make America great again. Which time period was that exactly? Before gay people had the right to marry? The years we sent our troops overseas to die for needless wars? Before women could decide what they could do with their own bodies? When Japanese Americans were thrown into prison camps and Italians had curfews? When women belonged in the home, having babies, making sure dinner was on the table and a martini was waiting for hubby when he came home from a long day at work? Before women and blacks had the right to vote? When we still owned slaves? Are these the great times of which Trump speaks?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This country has had moments of greatness. The Separation of Church and State, as that's really when religious freedom really began. The signing of the Declaration of Independence. The Ratification of the Constitution. The Emancipation Proclamation freeing the slaves. Immigration at the turn of the century when we became a melting pot. Women's Suffrage. The Civil Right Act of 1964. When Armstrong walked on the moon. Desegregation. Affirmative Action. Americans with Disabilities Act. Electing the first black president. These are the moments that has made our country the greatest - When we come together to work for a better America.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What Trump is already doing and will continue to do is tear us apart. He is a loud bully, sexist, misogynistic, xenophobic, homophobic racist. He will be cancerous to society as we know it. A Trump presidency will destroy us and it may take a long time for America to recover, if ever.</span>Megan Bostichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08811715491350987530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5054176333123768144.post-56527011040420307852016-02-25T11:06:00.000-08:002016-02-25T11:06:19.934-08:00More of the battleI was going to write about the joke of a presidential election happening, or the idiocy of blocking a nomination of a supreme court justice, the building of a methanol plant here in my city, or maybe even the new emoticon buttons on our facebook posts, but I've had some people tell me they have enjoyed being educated about CFS and I should continue to write about it. So here I go...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitYVFjeVbSJBkTawrsTodyb-myPtYPpCBSIB9dy-BueP__V1Hjt6vF_lTyIDxcz0DUP9Fd1ikTLaFCsfWv6_PWiG5ZmVzKR8Q4hsuGRmMvHqeko06B4Ii_MUt7ERdEvzcKCIp7ycTxb2o/s1600/20160225_101931.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitYVFjeVbSJBkTawrsTodyb-myPtYPpCBSIB9dy-BueP__V1Hjt6vF_lTyIDxcz0DUP9Fd1ikTLaFCsfWv6_PWiG5ZmVzKR8Q4hsuGRmMvHqeko06B4Ii_MUt7ERdEvzcKCIp7ycTxb2o/s320/20160225_101931.jpg" width="179" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The view from my back door today.</i></td></tr>
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Today would have been a beautiful day to walk to work, but basically, CFS and insomnia (could be CFS related insomnia, but who knows) has kicked my ass this week. I pushed really hard last week and now I'm paying the price. Last night I tried a little "herbal" help for my sleep. Yes, I mean weed. Not just any weed, but weed designed specifically to help you sleep. Don't judge, it's legal here. It made me tired. I fell asleep. Then I woke at 2 am and stayed awake until almost 6 am. When I woke up again at 9ish, I feel like I got hit in the head with a baseball bat, I have enormous bags under my eyes and they sting, and my entire body aches, especially my back and elbow (the joint pain is excruciatingly painful).<br />
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A friend told me that retail weed is weak and that I should try medical weed before the government ruins it for everyone (they've closed a bunch of MM stores, I assume they will continue to do so or start regulating their weed). So, anyway, the sleepy time weed didn't work.<br />
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Many people on my Facebook page gave me ideas for how to sleep better. I appreciate the support, I do, but none of it is anything I haven't tried before, with the exception of meditation and Zzzzzquil. A friend invited me to her meditation/yoga class next week, and I'm considering going though I hate yoga. And I think I'll go to the drug store for some good old fashioned Zquil. May try xanax as well since I have some.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_TJgZOMixvO8-wSDz5xpWhNAJx6efsu-XvCFmyS9X_ka07MA5ErarVj2y4BqQ0iiL2yTpd37zrPF0vKGafH3c-UEIAZEtwc7uJwum-F_XTEJKDYRCS0dfQ-xG6W9laUwQHEkcak-eLPs/s1600/4db06e2437f4d2ff4192407cda21f4f3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_TJgZOMixvO8-wSDz5xpWhNAJx6efsu-XvCFmyS9X_ka07MA5ErarVj2y4BqQ0iiL2yTpd37zrPF0vKGafH3c-UEIAZEtwc7uJwum-F_XTEJKDYRCS0dfQ-xG6W9laUwQHEkcak-eLPs/s200/4db06e2437f4d2ff4192407cda21f4f3.jpg" width="148" /></a><br />
Having CFS comes with a lot of other crap. Insomnia is one of them. Restless leg syndrome is another, which also is cause for a lack of sleep. Pain of course. And for some reason, I get itchy, especially my back and feet. No idea why. I've switched body wash, laundry detergent and fabric softeners to dye and fragrance free, but it doesn't seem to alleviate the problem.<br />
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I need to address some issues with doctors, unfortunately, I have to switch some doctors around because of my health insurance. I also have been doing <a href="http://www.everydayhealth.com/chronic-fatigue-syndrome/improving-sleep.aspx" target="_blank">research</a> and finding what may help those who suffer from CFS with insomnia.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQJ7caLLv5gLYyRcCSp-kgSO1Eh5vGabYfs9ugHSIWknt31Pif22O_JreJQNBwmoIdd-XZ5GmsKGo1QuRsRqkt9Koy-P67SZbFZUd82uEYAvRZjLbocJ4NbzQX0KWjlJCbQVKRZYBO9hQ/s1600/12346536_1075558255787851_8008734993591756884_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQJ7caLLv5gLYyRcCSp-kgSO1Eh5vGabYfs9ugHSIWknt31Pif22O_JreJQNBwmoIdd-XZ5GmsKGo1QuRsRqkt9Koy-P67SZbFZUd82uEYAvRZjLbocJ4NbzQX0KWjlJCbQVKRZYBO9hQ/s320/12346536_1075558255787851_8008734993591756884_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
These sleepless bouts have been going on for about 3 years. I'll go sleepless for a few months, then have one day that my body revolts and I can't get out of bed all day, then it starts over again. Hopefully that "bed in" day will be on a day I don't have to work, but with my luck, I probably can't count on it.<br />
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So tonight, I follow some of the guidelines I've found and maybe take some Zquil. Hopefully I can get more than the 2 hours and 54 minutes I got last night (according to my Fitbit).<br />
<br />Megan Bostichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08811715491350987530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5054176333123768144.post-47917703870545338052016-02-24T11:12:00.001-08:002016-02-24T11:12:47.526-08:00Insomnia and other pesky ailments<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF0hPvfv35ZbJEvSuekOy3ChCnRXwoOWnUyMIUmHQKq9_Y6l7y1eHQ7T4Vr_Hpi3Ul92fBP0vbGDiSICjM8vshCSU2E0cXJx8EoGs_9v7dgBZ_lRjIQBjv1gKSZljRTN9FzFQxeS7txRM/s1600/chronic-fatigue-meme.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF0hPvfv35ZbJEvSuekOy3ChCnRXwoOWnUyMIUmHQKq9_Y6l7y1eHQ7T4Vr_Hpi3Ul92fBP0vbGDiSICjM8vshCSU2E0cXJx8EoGs_9v7dgBZ_lRjIQBjv1gKSZljRTN9FzFQxeS7txRM/s320/chronic-fatigue-meme.png" width="320" /></a></div>
I know you're probably tired of me talking about <a href="http://solvecfs.org/what-is-mecfs/" target="_blank">CFS </a>(Chronic Fatigue Syndrome), but like I said in a <a href="http://meganbostic.blogspot.com/2016/02/fighting-back.html" target="_blank">previous blog</a>, people don't get it. They don't understand it. They don't know how debilitating it can be. It causes things like insomnia. I have suffered insomnia for about three years now. Something I didn't know was connected with CFS. According to my FitBit, I never get more than four hours of restful sleep a night. Last night, I woke at 1:30 am and was up until 6 am. I did finally go back to sleep, but have no idea how this giant break in my sleep will affect my day.<br />
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Also, a follow up from last weeks blogs in which I walked to work...I've been paying for it. My entire body aches, I'm so exhausted, I've been having dizzy spells...I didn't walk to work yesterday, because I had some things I needed to bring there that would have been too burdensome to carry. This morning I needed to sleep as long as possible, so I won't be walking today either. I hope to get back to it tomorrow. I'm serious about fighting back. It may have put me out for a few days, but I'm going to get right back to it when I feel my body can handle it.<br />
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Luckily I have a job that is fun and doesn't take much physical effort. I can only handle 5 to 6 hours a day, especially when using my brain a lot. When I was trying to find a job, I was worried I wouldn't be able to find one that fit my needs. I was afraid I'd have to go on disability, which felt wrong because I'm perfectly capable of working, I just can't work a full time job. I even had to fight to get unemployment because I was only looking for part time jobs. I had to get a letter from my doctor and have a hearing with a judge. Thankfully she understood. I'm glad to have a job in which I only work 6 hours a day,<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWSleS6XipBQZ6xlAJaC4qxVXBuHUrhzOSDW20HSf4yfTqwJ_bG0OifMROF8b-klikHZpudoFsW7m2Rp8UxwFhLmlvR0uDa6ddAS_bYGC4Bb-h48t4p8XXSxTHcrv9QZV0FNtx5uLTq-0/s1600/meme-i-will-nap-here.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWSleS6XipBQZ6xlAJaC4qxVXBuHUrhzOSDW20HSf4yfTqwJ_bG0OifMROF8b-klikHZpudoFsW7m2Rp8UxwFhLmlvR0uDa6ddAS_bYGC4Bb-h48t4p8XXSxTHcrv9QZV0FNtx5uLTq-0/s320/meme-i-will-nap-here.jpg" width="320" /></a>I worry though, because come April, I'll have to work 5 days a week. I know that sounds lazy, but the struggle is real. However, I did work 5 days a week before for 5 hours a day and I did okay. I usually had to take a nap as soon as I went home. This job is different because my hours are noon to 6. There is no nap time. If I had my choice, I'd get up early and get things done, then go to work. But the reality is, working those hours, I need to sleep as late as possible to help me make it through the day.<br />
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I know it probably sounds pathetic to a normal person, but I can't reiterate how real it is. I used to be a person always on the go, always getting things done. I had endless energy and could write, clean, cook, exercise, take care of the kids, do the grocery shopping, help with homework...how I'm lucky to get one of those things in during the day. So believe me, it's frustrating. I wanted a curable diagnosis so I could get back to being my normal self. But what my doctor said is this,<br />
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"<i>You have to come to the realization that you have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. You need to learn how to live with it. You need to learn how to love yourself with it."</i><br />
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I'm still learning.Megan Bostichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08811715491350987530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5054176333123768144.post-56242798631793751532016-02-23T20:08:00.001-08:002016-02-23T20:08:11.270-08:00To Kill A Mockingbird and our never ending battle with racism<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD-dUB2WN0XL0g6Wevg5YGBuN9IH2kvnLpPtbfKBgTCDuXMlN9EIksPY2Ny13AUvOGuWdzEUi352k2QnOAN9CmP6IecdrYLolDIBKS-ZRdP3HRZuLn0BXXzQ6zP2R6wAD69DLF7Ajbf9Y/s1600/84709267-bab7-4f26-9085-c742161337ff.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD-dUB2WN0XL0g6Wevg5YGBuN9IH2kvnLpPtbfKBgTCDuXMlN9EIksPY2Ny13AUvOGuWdzEUi352k2QnOAN9CmP6IecdrYLolDIBKS-ZRdP3HRZuLn0BXXzQ6zP2R6wAD69DLF7Ajbf9Y/s320/84709267-bab7-4f26-9085-c742161337ff.jpg" width="194" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As probably every teenager on the face of the planet, I was forced to read books for English class that I didn't enjoy. However, when I read To Kill a Mockingbird, it immediately became my favorite book and remains in that top spot to this day.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I think perhaps it was the first time I really thought about social injustice. I know racism and all kinds of bigotry were present, but I mean, I was still a kid. I didn't notice things like that really. It would be nice to stay blissfully ignorant, but the fact is, we can't. As far as we've come since Harper Lee wrote about good and evil, injustice and social profiling before it had a label, we still have a long way to go.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The unfairness that befell people like Tom Robinson, though maybe not as overtly (or maybe so, depending on who you ask), still exists today. People are judged by the color of their skin, the god they choose to worship, who they choose to love. While all those may not be mockingbirds, complete innocents, they are still enduring great injustice through intolerance and prejudice.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Let's talk about black history month for example. Many people ask, why do we need it? And, why is there no white history month.I will quote my own self from my Facebook profile to explain the whys.</span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today Black History Month begins. I know some people question its importance, including some African Americans. I may not be able to express why with the right words, but I'm going to try to explain its importance and significance.</span></i></blockquote>
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<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For centuries schools have taught history. However, many of the achievements and contributions made by African Americans have been omitted, so really, our history lessons were whitewashed (also the reason, no, we don't need a White History Month).<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"> Just like whites, African Americans have contributed greatly to art, science, politics and sports, among numerous other components of American culture. We should know about these contributions. We should learn about them. We should care about them.</span></span></i></blockquote>
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<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"></span>Blacks have, and continue to, endure hardships we can't even fathom. They have overcome many obstacles and injustices and have triumphed. There are works of art, events, inventions, and progress that would never have been possible if it wasn't for the contributions of African Americans.</span></i></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I think it's our responsibility as Americans to learn more about our prolific history, not the whitewashed one we were taught in school, but the one in which a diverse people made and continue to make notable and innovative achievements and contributions, allowing us to become the strongest nation in the world.</span></i></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, that's why.</span><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMI1Zu60oPGBgb1cMmMWVC7x3wVhcfT5dK9sRxb4TkK6WzT5tTFN-EGTdjTvhC-MFCzay8IWu-PkiO7F3wPcpB6ZG5Ubw90OUS8Ygz1Rhb6RQj6tPjgtNd0iJTCUApNZesuaAHZUIOXkU/s1600/Michael_B._Jordan_by_Gage_Skidmore.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMI1Zu60oPGBgb1cMmMWVC7x3wVhcfT5dK9sRxb4TkK6WzT5tTFN-EGTdjTvhC-MFCzay8IWu-PkiO7F3wPcpB6ZG5Ubw90OUS8Ygz1Rhb6RQj6tPjgtNd0iJTCUApNZesuaAHZUIOXkU/s320/Michael_B._Jordan_by_Gage_Skidmore.jpg" width="202" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Gage Skidmore </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And let's talk about the 2016 Oscars. It's really not just about black, but about diversity. Every actor and actress nominee is pretty much the whitest people you could choose. I'm not saying they don't deserve their nods. To be honest, I've not seen many movies this year (okay, I've seen one and it wasn't Oscar worthy) but many of them have actors of color that have been overlooked when others related to the movie have received nominations. Such as:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Creed: Sylvester Stallone is nominated for Best Supporting Actor, but no Best Actor nom for the talented Michael B. Jordan?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Straight Outta Compton: White people nominated for writing, but no nod to actor Jason Mitchell, whose performance was critically acclaimed.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Hateful Eight: Jennifer Jason Leigh is nominated for Best Supporting Actress. No nomination for Samuel Jackson.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A couple others passed over...Idris Elba for Beasts of No Nation and Will Smith for Concussion. And that's just the actors. Director of Creed, <span style="background-color: white; line-height: 25.5px;">Ryan Coogler and director of Straight Outta Compton, </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 25.5px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 25.5px;">F. Gary Gray were also overlooked for Oscar nominations.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMYU7UCFRDvBUY9eWV7O2XfXH7duP3nqy9EgU4bCnsSxTdWGNRLwQftokp06r7u343yfvDS1I9NrYkrMAVIhGWgR7tvZS15PJnkhVopY2eJTHki2NQkCRY7WzC7zEgVFIHRE0HEoKFyHU/s1600/Atticus_and_Tom_Robinson_in_court.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMYU7UCFRDvBUY9eWV7O2XfXH7duP3nqy9EgU4bCnsSxTdWGNRLwQftokp06r7u343yfvDS1I9NrYkrMAVIhGWgR7tvZS15PJnkhVopY2eJTHki2NQkCRY7WzC7zEgVFIHRE0HEoKFyHU/s320/Atticus_and_Tom_Robinson_in_court.gif" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 25.5px;">It's really a sad statement that 56 years after To Kill a Mockingbird, racial inequality and discrimination still exists. It's too bad, that just as Scout and Jem had to witness the injustices in a dominantly white society, we still have to endure the ugly face of prejudice. And that this mindset, though it may be diluted from generation to generation, is still passed on. Racism is not innate, it's learned behavior. What I wouldn't give to live in a world that sees each other through the eyes of children. They don't notice color, at least not when they're very young. They see beyond the color of skin into the heart of a person.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 25.5px;">And as I said, it's not just about color. It's about religion, sex, sexual orientation, social class...we should view each other as Mockingbirds, worthy of respect and admiration. We should embrace our differences, not judge them. Instead of knocking each other down, we should be lifting each other up.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 25.5px;">I know society has come a long way since the era to TKAM, but it's still not good enough. We need more Finches in the world. Those who lend a voice to those who can't speak for themselves. Those who understand that people shouldn't be judged because they are different in some ways. Inside we are all flesh, blood, muscle...the things that make us all human. The things about us that are the same. </span></span><br />
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<br />Megan Bostichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08811715491350987530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5054176333123768144.post-4624556802391886052016-02-20T13:35:00.001-08:002016-02-20T13:35:20.379-08:00Another Day in Paradise<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIYCajCpBkpFnu5RnYrjcG2MDsrdxv9KV21yZDwdMYXnJYR5HPYN7n1widqiE8cB0632p5KkS1lN77kd629Qwehnyk4j6SRlVJrUwkEO7TDtxv8gYG_MMFSdxRDyTpLXW4RLsyZUPUbCM/s1600/d704458bd4d54103d1c8c283dc7fe760.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIYCajCpBkpFnu5RnYrjcG2MDsrdxv9KV21yZDwdMYXnJYR5HPYN7n1widqiE8cB0632p5KkS1lN77kd629Qwehnyk4j6SRlVJrUwkEO7TDtxv8gYG_MMFSdxRDyTpLXW4RLsyZUPUbCM/s320/d704458bd4d54103d1c8c283dc7fe760.jpg" width="320" /></a>9:34 am<br />
Skeptical Megan is skeptical. My body is feeling the affects of my last two days of pushing hard. I <br />
woke in the middle of the night and stayed awake for a couple of hours. It was hard to get out of bed this morning. My back, both my knees and my elbow hurt. It's a beautiful day, and I'd really like to walk to work today, but I'm afraid if I do, I woke be able to function properly the next few days. It's another long workday with my shift then a two hour event following.<br />
<br />
I have an hour to make up my mind...more later.<br />
<br />
12:57 pm<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUyjBWNB0bvwYC6flqj0po5ERVust-MQTrAnVg_oIk7AyEF-syeKpLYgaktoxkYCdqrPkCjf_WZrD63O7d1NcDSrPxDyrdjlIMOQmgDwcJEjM3I9wOAvHlB6wyonr4TIEZzelElN-henU/s1600/20160220_104453.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUyjBWNB0bvwYC6flqj0po5ERVust-MQTrAnVg_oIk7AyEF-syeKpLYgaktoxkYCdqrPkCjf_WZrD63O7d1NcDSrPxDyrdjlIMOQmgDwcJEjM3I9wOAvHlB6wyonr4TIEZzelElN-henU/s320/20160220_104453.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I opted for walking. the day was too beautiful to waste. If I'm going to skip the walk, I'd rather do it on a gray, rainy day. Plus, I get to admire the view. There's a walking/biking path on part of the route to the wine shop. It's shorter that walking the busy commercial street.<br />
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I lightened my load today by leaving my computer at home. I put the files I might need at the shop on my external hard drive and packed that instead. Also, I opted for tennis shoes instead of Uggs. I love my Uggs and they're comfortable, but not for walking 2 miles. I packed a pair of Mary Janes to change into. Once again also packed hair product, makeup and deodorant.<br />
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At just under a mile in, again, my middle aged hips screamed. I ignored them, knowing they would be numb after a little more walking. Everything else felt pretty good, especially my feet.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZL7CsivAMhO3omvVAWubpSgO5gEIYGbXqak96ILIqh8o-IfMortbSo3VjyXkSLNCnbGoEsM0udUV9ESQCoVHsrtMQZdVa1e5qs9dZsSN3TrBx4NTYAkyBHoMSiKHrpV63r9B52JAjL-E/s1600/20160220_105430.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZL7CsivAMhO3omvVAWubpSgO5gEIYGbXqak96ILIqh8o-IfMortbSo3VjyXkSLNCnbGoEsM0udUV9ESQCoVHsrtMQZdVa1e5qs9dZsSN3TrBx4NTYAkyBHoMSiKHrpV63r9B52JAjL-E/s320/20160220_105430.jpg" width="320" /></a>People gave me funny looks as I trudged my way to work. I supposed maybe I looked a little funny, flowy pink and white blouse, black skirt and tights, cross trainers on my feet, backpack slung over my shoulders, elbow brace in place. My hair (which all of a sudden seems very long) flew out behind me in the light PNW breeze. I forgot to bring a hair band for my walk to keep it out of my face and to keep my neck from sweating too much.<br />
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I actually got a honk and a kissy sound from a passing driver. People actually still do stuff like that? Cat call and such? It was flattering, even if I totally ignored him.<br />
<br />
My mail carrier friend, Jason drove by and waved. Nice to see a friendly face on my journey.<br />
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I know I'm close to the shop when the sidewalk flattens out. I'm glad I decided to walk. In the shop I stood in front of the fan for a few moments, patted my face with a paper towel, grabbed a glass of ice water and changed my shoes. Close to 6,000 steps before work again.<br />
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It's kind of gross, walking to work and getting kind of sweaty and stuff. But I think my pack would be too heavy were I to bring a complete change of clothes with me. For now, I'll just opt for the paper towel pat down.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKeYMFTDAO4S-K_k4B6p4tWTYy4c6hRx18d_iDkCDxl8kp4T_RbvG5yVKXhg_6mUYyrY9LLRlZQ5zE1tBc58_z8q3bq1JqBHh8XpBObfhqJVGv6uRoKSSGcaTfVBJ3eaYL7EphXFVio1s/s1600/274e71b2091be2950b2f50372cd222ef.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKeYMFTDAO4S-K_k4B6p4tWTYy4c6hRx18d_iDkCDxl8kp4T_RbvG5yVKXhg_6mUYyrY9LLRlZQ5zE1tBc58_z8q3bq1JqBHh8XpBObfhqJVGv6uRoKSSGcaTfVBJ3eaYL7EphXFVio1s/s320/274e71b2091be2950b2f50372cd222ef.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I'm a bit fearful about how I'll feel tomorrow. The good thing is it's Sunday, and I don't have to do anything if I don't want to.<br />
<br />
Living with CFS is difficult sometimes, as I've mentioned before. Every day is different. I think the hardest part is the lack of understanding by others. I've had people ask me if I want to do this or that, and I'm like, "I can't because of my medical condition." Usually I get laughed at. I don't look sick. But I never feel fully rested. My body urges me to slow down, or stop even. I'm lucky, because I am able to work, while many who suffer are wheelchair bound or bedridden all the time. Don't get me wrong, I've had days when I couldn't get out of bed, but mine happen mostly when I overexert myself mentally or physically, or I'm dealing with a large amount of stress.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ABp7maEOs8s5_kShssIFZgxxRG0B39PJwigIMXQhEVw3JzHewj_MJTmvNk4rRWacIfj6zO73QlwgeL7-t2rBmX3IteV2R58NUXuPOE0efhrNA7jj_vSwwEDN8dnAacxbzw9zAdUh5Xc/s1600/enhanced-buzz-18257-1390838575-24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="173" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ABp7maEOs8s5_kShssIFZgxxRG0B39PJwigIMXQhEVw3JzHewj_MJTmvNk4rRWacIfj6zO73QlwgeL7-t2rBmX3IteV2R58NUXuPOE0efhrNA7jj_vSwwEDN8dnAacxbzw9zAdUh5Xc/s320/enhanced-buzz-18257-1390838575-24.jpg" width="320" /></a>Right now my elbow hurts and I'm a little tired, but I will continue to fight this. I want to work in my yard again, plant flowers, mow my own lawn, keep my house clean, cook. All things that are hard for me to do because of CFS. And I want to get to a place where I feel whole and happy again.<br />
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Thanks for reading. Have a great weekend. Hey! If you ever see me on my route to work, honk or wave. It will inspire me to keep going.<br />
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<br />Megan Bostichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08811715491350987530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5054176333123768144.post-17541301036961646162016-02-19T23:05:00.000-08:002016-02-19T23:05:54.055-08:00Fighting Back<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQC-xSpozDwpSBFA4AgCcoaCb3YFwBxeNNpMdm9-Yr9JOWiZjHVTQ4P41FsNPUoPKPGKuFix2_eIYljv_NFodhhLxxCX997rR1Z-rOWXQGnEti__0FlsOGOw9wuvZZHArgEOgWa-vkGQQ/s1600/tired.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQC-xSpozDwpSBFA4AgCcoaCb3YFwBxeNNpMdm9-Yr9JOWiZjHVTQ4P41FsNPUoPKPGKuFix2_eIYljv_NFodhhLxxCX997rR1Z-rOWXQGnEti__0FlsOGOw9wuvZZHArgEOgWa-vkGQQ/s200/tired.jpg" width="170" /></a></div>
So, yesterday, if you read my blog, you know I walked to work. I did pretty good. Took me 40 minutes to get there. Worked 6 hours. Then I hosted an event at the wine shop for 2 hours. After that, I went to my older daughter's double header indoor soccer game. As the second game was starting, the exhaustion kicked in. That is probably the longest day I've had since the CFS (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) kicked in more than three years ago now.<br />
<br />
I do not want to let CFS define who I am. I haven't fought it much, because it's just too hard and tiring, but I want my body, mind and soul back. I'm ready to be fit again and lose this weight I've gained as a result of fatigue. My body has undergone many horrible symptoms caused by CFS - it's not just about fatigue. It affects my sleep, which I've not got a decent night of in years. Causes joint pain, which I have in one knee and one elbow. Also, dizziness, allergies, and a plethora (one of my favorite words) of other fun physical problems.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTMWrdfqOc68iXxZotVeqhzSGPXmEfawiLpbtvKVUeRFlvUkcqcei9v5XfzNWRmZzCEmKkImwS1xkCq3buDa4fxNzksgYSfG3G4p23b5jupdfK53g9OblOprYl7AFlMyNmFwVxH7Axn2Q/s1600/cfs2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTMWrdfqOc68iXxZotVeqhzSGPXmEfawiLpbtvKVUeRFlvUkcqcei9v5XfzNWRmZzCEmKkImwS1xkCq3buDa4fxNzksgYSfG3G4p23b5jupdfK53g9OblOprYl7AFlMyNmFwVxH7Axn2Q/s200/cfs2.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
Truly, I'd like to get my mind back as well. CFS is not just a physical illness, but a mental one too. I suffer from serious brain fog. At first I didn't realize that was a symptom of CFS. I thought (and maybe still do) that I had adult ADD because I couldn't focus. My writing has suffered. Probably why I've not completed another novel. Often when I'm speaking to someone, I can't pull up the easiest of words. Words anyone, even a child could remember and come up with. When I'm working on freelance writing, the thesaurus is my bible. My memory has suffered too. I also suffer from CRS (can't remember shit) which I worry annoys people I talk to often.<br />
<br />
Now let's talk about my soul. I've been very open about suffering from depression and anxiety. Now, this I've suffered even before CFS, but having it doesn't help one bit. When, like me, you used to be active and witty, smart and productive, then suddenly you're more like a sloth,..it affects your self esteem and confidence.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFktuVzcCKliZdSgCgXyCofTur_4uYStpFhkfq6jBy8elffS3C9z304JWfpUUbiv2oKVgEp47fkVrVdHlZqhqIcq7JjCa4xN5Oaabb85OKeGqOr_TBZEJBkw1nC6DkELUdmUmWtr95SZo/s1600/cfs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFktuVzcCKliZdSgCgXyCofTur_4uYStpFhkfq6jBy8elffS3C9z304JWfpUUbiv2oKVgEp47fkVrVdHlZqhqIcq7JjCa4xN5Oaabb85OKeGqOr_TBZEJBkw1nC6DkELUdmUmWtr95SZo/s1600/cfs.jpg" /></a><br />
So today I stepped up my workout. Instead of walking for a length of time, I chose to walk a distance. Then I walked 10 minutes more because I had to finish watching House Hunter. I mean, they were choosing a home in Hawaii! I had already invested 20 minutes. Then I did some strength training. I mostly work on my arms, because, really, my legs ain't so bad. I want to get rid of what I like to call "Back Boobs."<br />
<br />
I have to be careful though. If I overdo it, it could set me back a few days. I remember when I first started working out again, I went to this yoga class, which was more like yoga on steroids, and it took me out for a week.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH7Jjbal_MNUPsrATY7rQhoHvd-viRJmZIztP-zpDwHv67r-Hu3juQP4GLmQ8ULes7Ia5N9UWCgbnZNc6JpVKrOcNq59Khi16V9xWSF74cQB3zMLYIjj3_-NRq-SbHv45kkr2LxueyPLU/s1600/cfs3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH7Jjbal_MNUPsrATY7rQhoHvd-viRJmZIztP-zpDwHv67r-Hu3juQP4GLmQ8ULes7Ia5N9UWCgbnZNc6JpVKrOcNq59Khi16V9xWSF74cQB3zMLYIjj3_-NRq-SbHv45kkr2LxueyPLU/s200/cfs3.jpg" width="200" /></a>So why am I sharing all this with you? For a couple reasons I guess. To make myself accountable. If I'm telling the world, I would feel a fool were I do give up before reaching my goals. Also, to raise some awareness for CFS. Those who don't suffer or know someone who suffer don't understand. I remember when I first started feeling tired I was getting the, "it's just the weather" explanation, of course, I'd been fatigued for over a year, so that couldn't be it. I was told, "you just need to exercise more" and at the time, I was kickboxing and walking regularly. Then I get people who say, "Oh yeah, I have to nap too," to which I ask, "for 3 hours? And do you have to set an alarm to be able to wake up for dinner or kickboxing class or etc etc etc."<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBgQUHf7TE13zp25NcdK8qdWq1ECiYi0_ZTTg7qECH2ic9VMNV2jM2QetooVkIHlZgLMoB5sV3VZE6i6BNCOWqCVcHLK0OBY-2RDmn4mD6KJ5KBv7-wQETVVljXAnxeJNj-6BLzeDyovQ/s1600/cfs.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBgQUHf7TE13zp25NcdK8qdWq1ECiYi0_ZTTg7qECH2ic9VMNV2jM2QetooVkIHlZgLMoB5sV3VZE6i6BNCOWqCVcHLK0OBY-2RDmn4mD6KJ5KBv7-wQETVVljXAnxeJNj-6BLzeDyovQ/s320/cfs.png" width="320" /></a></div>
It's really very frustrating. I mean, seriously, when I was diagnosed I was like, "that's a cop out diagnosis." But I know too well that it's real.<br />
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Thanks for once again reading my rant. I'll get there. I'm determined. I don't know how long it will take, but one of these days, I will find the balance I need to be a healthy, focused and productive once again.<br />
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Read more about CFS at the <a href="http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/chronic-fatigue-syndrome/basics/definition/con-20022009" target="_blank">Mayo Clinic</a> and the <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/what-is-chronic-fatigue-syndrome-and-why-arent-we-doing-more-to-treat-the-illness/2014/10/06/4cfff312-d458-11e3-8a78-8fe50322a72c_story.html" target="_blank">Washington Post</a>. There's tons of info, just google.Megan Bostichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08811715491350987530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5054176333123768144.post-19507349805836860322016-02-18T12:26:00.000-08:002016-02-18T12:26:26.261-08:00A change for heart<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo4aKaytuCape347G6RjzpewyHNsqgDoUDKz9bD7YbmDnKTU4da9Z-XOdeLS5DBYG2FlKiE3zZBT6Ufz2x0CrHMeCO1SVQofLEed0L4ynA_A5zuvnpiss0LACHd_h21RBKQTwkFt_EP5Q/s1600/d704458bd4d54103d1c8c283dc7fe760.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo4aKaytuCape347G6RjzpewyHNsqgDoUDKz9bD7YbmDnKTU4da9Z-XOdeLS5DBYG2FlKiE3zZBT6Ufz2x0CrHMeCO1SVQofLEed0L4ynA_A5zuvnpiss0LACHd_h21RBKQTwkFt_EP5Q/s320/d704458bd4d54103d1c8c283dc7fe760.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
When <a href="http://solvecfs.org/what-is-mecfs/" target="_blank">Chronic Fatigue Syndrome </a>kicked in 3 years ago, it was debilitating. I had to take long naps in the middle of the afternoon, I was forced to quit kickboxing, and exercise I loved, because it became too hard on my tired body. I didn't have the energy to do any normal activities after work like clean, cook, work in the yard...Some days I could barely get out of bed. It also made my weight steadily climb.<br />
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As of late, I have been truly disgusted with myself. Though I have started working out and I eat fairly well, I cannot lose this weight I've put on the last few years. I worry about my health because people I went to school are started to die. I long to be fit and healthy again and live a long full life.<br />
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I bought myself a Fitbit. My work is very sedentary. I work at a computer pretty much all day doing research, writing, marketing...Even when I go to the gym after work and walk on the treadmill and lift weights, I still can't seem to get my 10,000 steps in.<br />
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Today I got a wild hair up my butt and decided I needed to start walking to work. There is nothing else I could think of that would help me get those steps I needed. I figured between that, cutting out most carbs, some dairy, cheese, and drinking one glass of red wine a night for health, maybe I could drop some of my excess weight.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0eHP8t15N9H-a5Ax7uqPUosv0tVYlTC3YiZdkfxVdQ8_qeRDA7FwWRgXodUwhmB-Oj5_ianVhjpUyP-1ikRzvpwgwvxsDTp7jC-L28kUmpfmCwNIhx601kqKa5ma7pU1W8YXz8gG0Wco/s1600/4371524.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0eHP8t15N9H-a5Ax7uqPUosv0tVYlTC3YiZdkfxVdQ8_qeRDA7FwWRgXodUwhmB-Oj5_ianVhjpUyP-1ikRzvpwgwvxsDTp7jC-L28kUmpfmCwNIhx601kqKa5ma7pU1W8YXz8gG0Wco/s320/4371524.jpg" width="320" /></a>I looked it up on Google maps. It said it would take me 40 minutes to get there. I looked out my sliding glass door. It was windy, but not rainy. The sky was peeking through gray clouds. So I went for it. I emptied all the unnecessary things out of my backpack, added my computer and accessories, hair product, makeup and deodorant and off I went.<br />
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I regretted my decision almost a mile in when I felt the first rain drop. Then another. Then another. I put the hood up on my sweatshirt and kept going. I thought, if it got too bad, I could call my daughter. Lucky, the rain abated as quickly as it had began.<br />
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I looked at my Fitbit about a mile in and had only achieved about 1300 steps. How could that be possible? Was walking to work even worth it? I got hot and took my sweatshirt off.<br />
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There aren't really any steep hills, but there are a few steady inclines, which I think are almost worse.<br />
At just over a mile, my 40+ year old hips screamed at me to turn around. I ignored them. I was already half way there. I was cold again, and put my sweatshirt back on.<br />
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Someone in a truck honked. Was it you? Let me know. I really couldn't tell who it was.<br />
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When I could finally see the shop, I was home free.<br />
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When I walked through the door, I checked my Fitbit. I was just a few steps away from 5,000 half a day's goal. Got a glass of water, turned on the fan, and here I am.<br />
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My bad elbow hurts a little. Hopefully the 5+ pounds I carried on my back won't affect me too much if at all (I'm old you know). My hair didn't frizz out too much, my makeup didn't melt. It was a good experience.<br />
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I'm determined to fight my CFS. I'm tired of it keeping me from getting things done. My goal is to get my mind, body and spirit back in alignment (if it really ever were). I think walking to work will be a good start if I can make it a habit. It's a little hard right now, because the weather is still pretty crappy here. Come summer, though, I'll be good to go.<br />
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Thanks for reading my crap. 40 pounds to go, mind starting to unfog, happiness on the horizon.<br />
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<br />Megan Bostichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08811715491350987530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5054176333123768144.post-90412069549607831652016-01-12T10:04:00.001-08:002016-01-12T10:04:59.711-08:00Another senseless deathAn eighteen year old man was shot and killed here in a neighborhood that is usually quiet and definitely not known for trouble or violence. There have been a lot of shooting deaths here in Tacoma. Young people. Teenagers. Some of which weren't involved in anything illegal. Just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time, or came across the wrong person.<br />
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I'm truly at a loss for words about shooting deaths anymore. When all the facts are laid out it's been proven that less guns means less death. Having every person in the US armed is not the answer.<br />
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Why is that so hard to understand?Megan Bostichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08811715491350987530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5054176333123768144.post-53099137170434943262016-01-11T13:23:00.000-08:002016-01-11T13:23:56.621-08:00David Bowie is Dead<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr4VSbcpMONWpeGHOtPy_N3sXF4AtAkEEYpleJ-IjdWfC9aFy1GTuxFHC70vOgCOPjjY1DMeXjrnOlROdAOhB2dYPrbvxhdQu6N6WzKCWoKSxJ5tsk34habH_JbsRp8ANbMEMK5-CNLgw/s1600/David_Bowie_%25281967%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr4VSbcpMONWpeGHOtPy_N3sXF4AtAkEEYpleJ-IjdWfC9aFy1GTuxFHC70vOgCOPjjY1DMeXjrnOlROdAOhB2dYPrbvxhdQu6N6WzKCWoKSxJ5tsk34habH_JbsRp8ANbMEMK5-CNLgw/s200/David_Bowie_%25281967%2529.png" width="165" /></a></div>
Normally this day would be reserved for my newly launched Monday Bullshit Sessions, but in lieu of David Bowie's death, I've changed course.<br />
<br />
My oldest sister, Dana, has always loved Bowie. She followed him from the very beginning of his career, which was the year I was born, so I grew up surrounded by all things Bowie until my sister moved out. I was a fan.<br />
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There were years I really didn't understand him and his music, and some of his musical phases didn't really appeal to me, but no matter, his performances and ever-changing styles were always mesmerizing.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1WzSJhAqjxeYrz3rbNpKGwvhGZaNp9VUJP-FST1m1e4KrxlMoGgkDQFxPHBc3j5CDdzB6Jn8hczaQuG459XDm5y1t0Sdebqik40rnw2oGNbWaePAeLhXOgAhbFGip90x3Ip1FakimTR0/s1600/David_Bowie_Chile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1WzSJhAqjxeYrz3rbNpKGwvhGZaNp9VUJP-FST1m1e4KrxlMoGgkDQFxPHBc3j5CDdzB6Jn8hczaQuG459XDm5y1t0Sdebqik40rnw2oGNbWaePAeLhXOgAhbFGip90x3Ip1FakimTR0/s200/David_Bowie_Chile.jpg" width="150" /></a>He became a bit more mainstream in the 80s with his <i>Let's Dance</i> Album. It was the height of my <i>Let's Dance</i> album, my favorites were always <i>Space Oddity, Changes, </i>and <i>Heroes</i>.<br />
teen years and when MTV played music videos, and those videos told a story. Bowie's music and videos were always a piece of art. Although I was a big fan of that <br />
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That tour was also the first and only Bowie concert I would witness. Dana and I went together. It was an amazing experience.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5lGjU1j16wvkOkrXoDEL2L2eZeKVBbQuksrNeCaFFjG85Pylsj95oMl7BTAn4YrwftiMyqIkSDHBGeV80qux8SpgS6WBhZdfKyg9rCwpAWm3F5qcY3WO9xc2H6JZBUxc_Q18fKULX94E/s1600/David_Bowie_1975.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5lGjU1j16wvkOkrXoDEL2L2eZeKVBbQuksrNeCaFFjG85Pylsj95oMl7BTAn4YrwftiMyqIkSDHBGeV80qux8SpgS6WBhZdfKyg9rCwpAWm3F5qcY3WO9xc2H6JZBUxc_Q18fKULX94E/s200/David_Bowie_1975.jpg" width="164" /></a>Since then, he's always been somewhere in the background, on the car radio, a whistle in the shower, a karaoke song...it wasn't until my second daughter Rachel was born and watching movies that Bowie made another appearance in my life. Rachel's dad suggested we all watch Labyrinth. Admittedly, I had never seen the movie before then, around the year 2000. When it first came out I was too busy watching movies like 16 Candles, Better Off Dead and Breakfast Club.<br />
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Labyrinth became Rachel's favorite movie. She watched it her first time around three years old, and she still watches it to this day at age 18. In fact, I'm pretty sure she just watched it last weekend. She is now a huge Bowie fan.<br />
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One thing that stands out about Bowie and wife Iman, is that they weren't whores to the paparazzi. For the most part, they stayed out of the drama that can come with stardom and the spotlight altogether.<br />
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I'm saddened by the news of his death. He made a huge impact on the music world, and made his mark in film and theater as well. Bowie was a man of innovation, style and class. His spirit will be missed.<br />
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<br />Megan Bostichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08811715491350987530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5054176333123768144.post-35946045399058889912016-01-04T10:26:00.004-08:002016-01-04T10:26:52.198-08:00The Bullshit Sessions Installment One: Misdiagnosis<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I wouldn't necessarily call this a resolution, but I'm tired of people's bullshit and I think they should be called out. This could be a monthly thing, weekly, hell, daily. Depends on how much bullshit I see fit to post about.<br />
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Session One Bullshit goes to the doctor at the Urgent Care that took care of my kid a little over a week ago. When I say "doctor" I'm using the term loosely. My younger daughter wasn't feeling good on Christmas night. The next day, she complained of a sore throat and said she had bumps on her tonsils. Her voice sounded like Kermit the Frog. Okay, I didn't take her in to the Urgent Care right away, I like to give things a day. I had her gargle with salt water, drink warm water with lemon, made her broth, gave her lozenges to suck on yadda yadda yadda. The next day, Sunday, she couldn't really talk. I figured I'd keep up with the same routine and call her doctor's office Monday morning.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGBxLIAUkc-VWd_ewX4ipvtDpc0Neblcx06lKvPqr9VVNVDip_CLb_nIBcrT0TGik3srVSxuvyQOh6_86OMIpGJOGNjeMevg5FyHAx4yUnfwH87XLypHGR8S4ZFGchydKadpQA9v5rttM/s1600/snarkyresearchcard.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGBxLIAUkc-VWd_ewX4ipvtDpc0Neblcx06lKvPqr9VVNVDip_CLb_nIBcrT0TGik3srVSxuvyQOh6_86OMIpGJOGNjeMevg5FyHAx4yUnfwH87XLypHGR8S4ZFGchydKadpQA9v5rttM/s320/snarkyresearchcard.png" width="320" /></a>Her dad thought it bad enough to take her to Urgent Care, which I felt was not a bad idea. The doctor there is sure it's strep. She takes a culture which comes back negative. Even though the test was negative, she still diagnosis her with strep and prescribes antibiotics.<br />
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This course of action did not help at all overnight, which it should have, at least a little. I get her in to her own doctor's office that day. The first thing, after checking out her throat, that the doctor does is check for mono. Her exact words, "the way her throat looks, I'm going to check for mono first." Granted, I'd already told her about the negative strep test, but sounds like had she done a strep test and it came out negative, she would have checked for mono after. Something apparently Urgent Care doctor totally blew off.<br />
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She said it would take about ten minutes, it took about two. Mono showed up immediately. She said the antibiotics are worthless. She prescribed a couple days of steroids, which only helps the throat, not the virus, then said my daughter would get better depending on how she took care of herself...liquids to stay hydrated, and rest.<br />
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She feels better the same day. However, she breaks out into an itchy hivy rash about a day later. Could be mono related but could also be a reaction to antibiotics I guess (been brushing up on WebMD).<br />
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So, thanks for the misdiagnosis Urgent Care doctor...much appreciated bullshit.<br />
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Ah, that felt good. Please feel free to submit your own Bullshit Sessions. I'd be glad to post them.<br />
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Peace, Love and Joy in the Year of the Monkey,<br />
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MeganMegan Bostichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08811715491350987530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5054176333123768144.post-61627870470754735252016-01-01T10:53:00.000-08:002016-01-01T10:53:13.038-08:00Resolutions for 2016<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I'm not a huge fan of resolutions, but I do like to take some time at the end (or very beginning) of a year and map out some goals for myself. I also like to re-evaluate the goals I made the previous year and see how I held up.<br />
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If you read my blog yesterday, you will know that 2015 wasn't the easiest year for me. Of course, the last few have been a struggle. Even so, I am always hopeful that the next year will be a better one full of endless possibilities and worthwhile challenges.<br />
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Let's go over last year's goals and achievements, and plans for 2016.<br />
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<b>Work:</b><br />
<b>Last year:</b> Continuing in my business plans. A friend and I, after we lost our jobs, began a business <br />
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venture. It hasn't sucked, but it isn't mapping out like I expected. There's nothing wrong with that though. She found full time work, and I have been doing contract work in both writing and marketing, plus, I have a job back at the family wine shop. All is good on that front.<br />
<br /><b>2016: </b>I love all the work I do and plan to continue all of it. However, I am placing heavy focus on the <a href="http://vinoaquino.net/" target="_blank">wine shop.</a> I will be working there more come next week and eventually taking over. My plan is to buy the place. It is a fun place to work with so much potential. My goal is to make it a success.<br />
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<b>Writing:</b><br />
<b>Last year:</b> My goal was to write more. I'm pretty much still working on the same stuff I was last year. Though I appear to be at a standstill, I'm not discouraged. I know I will finish one of these books. All of these books. Some of these books. It may not be this year, but it will be someday. Someday is a hopeful word. It's not never. And though I didn't write as much as I may have wanted to, I did write. I worked on the old and I started something new.<br />
<b>2016:</b> I will more than likely continue in the same vein. I mean, I'd like to write more, and maybe I will. But I am not going to set myself up for failure. I have prioritized some projects, and that will help to reach some of my writing goals.<br />
<br /><b>Relationships:</b><br />
<b>Last year:</b> Didn't look for love. At all. That was one of my goals. If it were to find me, that would have been fine, but I didn't go out of my way to track it down. At times my world is a lonely place, without a significant other, but I have my family, good friends, and my amazing daughters to keep my occupied. And thank god I have no cats.<br />
2016: Still not going to look. If it falls in my lap, fine. Truth be told, I'm not sure I'm in a place that I could even have a relationship if I wanted to. And I'm ever so picky. Not about looks or money or whatnot. My set of ideals centers around kids, pets, freedom, and aspirations.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb2XDl_sDNZAlDMHS5yOQHgBoP6D8ld2i5_E4J9jW_NlmILFwvDZcWQyemsGQscHcsZB2_1D5Bx_sg2_io1Bj7lACvxmvLX3GyTLqQjvRDEZj6UtyP2vsg5g_N76ey7zFFuwPo2-lpU8E/s1600/HiRes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb2XDl_sDNZAlDMHS5yOQHgBoP6D8ld2i5_E4J9jW_NlmILFwvDZcWQyemsGQscHcsZB2_1D5Bx_sg2_io1Bj7lACvxmvLX3GyTLqQjvRDEZj6UtyP2vsg5g_N76ey7zFFuwPo2-lpU8E/s320/HiRes.jpg" width="320" /></a><b>Health:<br />Last year: </b>Since I'd been diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) and/or Adrenal Fatigue, <br />
my goal was to do what it takes to get better. That was a struggle. Adrenal fatigue's main cause is stress. With the overwhelming amount of stress I felt last year, getting better was near impossible. I did have good days, but when times were very stressful, it was hard to function. I had a naturopath to help me, but when I lost my job, my new insurance didn't cover it and I could not afford it out of pocket.<br />
<b>2016:</b> I want to feel better. I know there are ways I can. I need to try to eliminate as much stress as possible from my life. For a time I ate clean and it made me feel better. I'd like to eat as clean as possible. I bought a new bed, which helps with sleep. I need to follow cues I get from my body with regard as to what to eat, drink, to take a nap if I need to, to ask for help, take time off...My goal is to get my mind, body and spirit in alignment this year. I've purchased some books to help me with this goal.<br />
<br />
<b>Exercise:</b><br />
<b>Last year: </b>With CFS, exercise is really hard. I was taking a kickboxing class when I first starting feeling its effects. It became so hard I quit. However, I did end up joining a gym last year. Did I go? Yes, at first. Then sporadically. Then when the CFS worsened toward the middle of the year, hardly at all.<br />
<b>2016:</b> I'm back at the gym. I do cardio and strength training. I cannot yet participate in classes because it's too hard on my body. One day of overdoing it and I am in bed for half a week. So I'm careful. The kickboxing gym is opening a location in Tacoma, and I think I will use the remainder of my classes there. I did love that class and the form of exercise. I will just have to pace myself. I have a goal. About 5 years ago I was probably at my fittest. I want to get back there, or at least close. I want to be in good shape as I age.<br />
<br />
<b>Travel:</b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO-lxD9ANuPkfoinedGndT7ZphblSJH9VhdwUQSkauZZ2Gtt0lVbnDs0ZT1eRqVG1lhZ7Ffjs5hM90KawgaSeA8TVIC6sse0NpyqX90kQyJy8zCctbVbuxPrQpDxe_Xgm6GmM_RkQfAdo/s1600/travel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO-lxD9ANuPkfoinedGndT7ZphblSJH9VhdwUQSkauZZ2Gtt0lVbnDs0ZT1eRqVG1lhZ7Ffjs5hM90KawgaSeA8TVIC6sse0NpyqX90kQyJy8zCctbVbuxPrQpDxe_Xgm6GmM_RkQfAdo/s320/travel.jpg" width="320" /></a><b>Last year: </b>I traveled. I went to Scottsdale, Austin, and made many road trips throughout Washington<br />
State. I was supposed to go to Vegas, but for personal reasons had to cancel two different trips. I had New Orleans and San Diego on my list, but didn't quite make it there.<br />
<b>2016: </b>Traveling is one of my favorite things. I will continue. I already have plans to go to Scottdale again and Hawaii. Again, I'll be road trippin' it. Possibilities include Montana (don't laugh, I've never been and my daughter is looking at a college there), New Orleans is still on the list. I'd like to go to Vegas, and I have my sites set on Italy, though that may have to wait another year. Of course I still have my crazy goal of driving cross country. It's not come to fruition yet, but it continues to lay dormant in the back of my mind.<br />
<br />
<b>Friendships:</b><br />
<b>Last year:</b> My goal was to make new ones. I think I achieved this handily. Just a couple, but I think I chose well.<br />
<b>2016:</b> Just keep it up. You can never have too many friends.<br />
<br />
Anything else? Hmmmmm...<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_UM89rSeyLwBQYAia39FFLgudBNa3RF-bTfumkiuZMcyvOQ8L2P4sODzKndPSqR2CdRbbbQA8r_YMKCDT4_lGT8cFc8M_fiMsOXNBjjkPSvEurVyB9Vg2rs_Jm5ANiMn4NV9tw71DPpg/s1600/141184370.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_UM89rSeyLwBQYAia39FFLgudBNa3RF-bTfumkiuZMcyvOQ8L2P4sODzKndPSqR2CdRbbbQA8r_YMKCDT4_lGT8cFc8M_fiMsOXNBjjkPSvEurVyB9Vg2rs_Jm5ANiMn4NV9tw71DPpg/s200/141184370.jpg" width="133" /></a><br />
<ul>
<li>I think I would like to try something that scares the hell out of me. I don't know what, but I want my life to be full of adventure. </li>
<li>I would like to get more organized. I kow this is a total cliche resolution, but in my case, it is truly needed. I think it would help me to balance my time between home, work and relationships better. </li>
<li>Think positive. I tend to be a glass half empty type of person, but I don't want to be. I want to be able to take things in stride, look at the bright side, breathe with ease.</li>
<li>Read more, for pleasure. I think I can count on one hand how many books I read for pleasure last year. Don't get me wrong, I read plenty of business and health books, but I'd like to read some fiction. I'm starting with <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0545668344?keywords=The%20Game%20of%20Love%20and%20Death&qid=1451673050&ref_=sr_1_1&sr=8-1" target="_blank">The Game of Love and Death</a> by Martha Brockenbraugh.</li>
<li>I want to be blissful - truly happy. I think if I really work on the goals I've set for myself, bliss will fall into place.</li>
</ul>
<div>
So, did you have goals you achieved last year? Want to share your goals for the upcoming year? I think it helps to talk these things out. It makes you accountable. I also think it makes things more doable if you have "people," you know, the ones that are rooting for you, lifting you up, the ones that have your back.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I will be your "people" if you need me.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Well, that's all. Have a great New Year's Day and best wishes for a 2016 full of possibilities. </div>
Megan Bostichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08811715491350987530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5054176333123768144.post-79998678323294852372015-12-31T18:43:00.000-08:002015-12-31T18:43:20.280-08:002015 Highlights and Lowlights<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For some reason I kept wanting to write about how awful 2015 has been to me. I kept stopping myself. I mean, yeah, things have been hard this year. Things sucked. But I'm not a Syrian refugee, a victim of terrorism, afraid to be a Muslim in the U.S...no. I'm just a middle aged woman to whom shit has happened this year.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As I continued to think about the last year, I realized, although much was completely sucky, so much of it was good too. So I thought I would create a little highlight blog of things that happened, good and bad. I think it will give me some closure of the awful things and help me remember the awesome experiences I had this year.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We'll start with the lowlights and get them out of the way. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<a href="https://scontent-sea1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/v/t1.0-9/10404137_10206014352901250_104380344616573446_n.jpg?oh=6ff06b589252674f979a19fd70cf4700&oe=57147D41" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<ol><a href="https://scontent-sea1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/v/t1.0-9/10404137_10206014352901250_104380344616573446_n.jpg?oh=6ff06b589252674f979a19fd70cf4700&oe=57147D41" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://scontent-sea1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/v/t1.0-9/10404137_10206014352901250_104380344616573446_n.jpg?oh=6ff06b589252674f979a19fd70cf4700&oe=57147D41" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
<li>Books continued to get pirated. I gave up trying to save them. Sigh. </li>
<li>Writing was a non-factor for me this year. Just no time.</li>
<li>Got trapped in Ocean Shores after a huge storm. Had to stay three extra days. The town of Hoquiam was hit hard by the damage. </li>
<li>My father's ex-partners turned on him. This is a long, sordid story, but it lasted all year and was awful and devastating to many. All turned out for the better eventually, he is happy at the office he's in now, but we were all disappointed at how fast my philanthropic, kind, gentle, wise, hard-working father was back stabbed.</li>
<li>My work environment was hostile for about 4 months which put a lot of stress on me.</li>
<li>Then I lost my job.</li>
<li>I couldn't find work for about 6 months.</li>
<li>My best friend stopped talking to me.</li>
<li>My chronic fatigue and depression hit me hard this year. There were days I could barely get out of bed. Days I wanted to run away. </li>
<li>People I love were plagued by mental health issues and addiction. Sometimes I could help, kind of, but mostly it just made me feel useless, like there was nothing I could do.</li>
<li>Watching my children go through frustrating, difficult, unfair things that are out of their control and mine.</li>
<li>People my age died. At least 4 or 5. Some just dropped dead. It's sad and scary and I will miss seeing their faces and it makes you think about your own health, your own mortality.</li>
<li>Had to cancel a couple trips for personal or medical reasons.</li>
<li>No boyfriend, no dates...frightened of becoming cat lady with no cats.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://s1.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/ATD1rOaLydBVItQvDnCQwQ--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3NfbGVnbztmaT1maWxsO2g9NTQwO2lsPXBsYW5lO3B5b2ZmPTA7cT03NTt3PTk2MA--/http://media.zenfs.com/en_us/gma/us.abcnews.gma.com/ht_grandma_robber_mm_151110_16x9_992.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://s1.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/ATD1rOaLydBVItQvDnCQwQ--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3NfbGVnbztmaT1maWxsO2g9NTQwO2lsPXBsYW5lO3B5b2ZmPTA7cT03NTt3PTk2MA--/http://media.zenfs.com/en_us/gma/us.abcnews.gma.com/ht_grandma_robber_mm_151110_16x9_992.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
</li>
<li>Lost a freelance job I really liked. Had to quit another freelance job.</li>
<li>My mom being burglarized while she slept. Of course, it went viral, but still, scary.</li>
<li>Having my basement flood and getting my yard dug up for a small fortune.</li>
<li>Continually butting heads with the school district over policies damaging to those they affect.</li>
<li>Younger daughter coming down with mono at the end of the year. Oy.</li>
</span></ol>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now, the highlights...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><ol>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My Hawks went to the Superbowl again. Totally exciting. I'm hoping we can have a <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://scontent-sea1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xap1/v/t1.0-9/10940429_10206139519190329_1189978125518127412_n.jpg?oh=e6355863bf710b6da6920dd3c4fa79c6&oe=5709577D" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://scontent-sea1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xap1/v/t1.0-9/10940429_10206139519190329_1189978125518127412_n.jpg?oh=e6355863bf710b6da6920dd3c4fa79c6&oe=5709577D" width="320" /></a></div>
three-pete, we </span>shall see. This led to...</li>
<li>My dad going to the Superbowl. Awesome!</li>
<li>I saw some great live music: Ian McFerran, my brother's band, Death Cab, 21 Pilots, Alabama Shakes, Cage the Elephant. Actually meeting Cage the Elephant! </li>
<li>Took a beginning graphic design class. It was awesome.</li>
<li>Won $1200 at the casino.</li>
<li>After about six months of not speaking, I reunited with my bestie. Best thing ever. </li>
<li>I went on amazing vacations and road trips. I went to Arizona - twice. I also attended a few rodeos with one of my best friends, Deann and her daughter Jordan, who participates. Drove many times to the ocean, whether alone for some down time, or <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://scontent-sea1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfa1/v/t1.0-9/10959738_10206283642153313_6992133856064148977_n.jpg?oh=ad795a5cedb67440b91a21c753dc67aa&oe=5703B843" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://scontent-sea1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfa1/v/t1.0-9/10959738_10206283642153313_6992133856064148977_n.jpg?oh=ad795a5cedb67440b91a21c753dc67aa&oe=5703B843" width="320" /></a></div>
with friends or family. Moses Lake for fourth of July with my bestie, Heidi. Austin, TX, a trip which I actually almost hated had it not been from my awesome friend Rachel.</li>
<li>Lots of good nights out with friends.</li>
<li>I joined a gym. And I went. Maybe not as much as I wanted to, but I went.</li>
<li>Doing work now that I love including freelance writing and contract marketing. And now the wine shop, eventually taking over. </li>
<li>I coined some funny shit. <span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 19.32px;"> " a couple penises just slipped through" - referring to Google searches. "phone full of dicks" - referring to online dating.</span></li>
<li>My parents, my two kids, and my siblings all turned another year older. Which means they are still alive. This is always a good thing.</li>
</ol>
<span style="color: #141823;">And what about the world? Our country...</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #141823;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The bad: </span><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #141823; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bill Cosby</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #141823; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Subway's Jared</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #141823; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Duggars</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #141823; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Deflategate</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #141823; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Climate change</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #141823; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Killings of black men by police officers</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #141823; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mass shootings</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #141823; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On air shooting</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #141823; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">ISIS</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #141823; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Paul Ryan</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #141823; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wildfires</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #141823; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Donald Trump</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #141823; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Terrorism in France</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #141823; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Syrian civil war and refugee crisis</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #141823; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Attacking Planned Parenthood</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #141823; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The loss of: Mad Men, Leonard Nimoy, Stuart Scott, Beau Biden, Bobbi Kristina Brown, Frank Gifford, Wes Craven, Yogi Berra, Lesley Gore, Maureen O'Hara, Omar Sharif, Percy Sledge, Ben E. King, Anna Meara, Christopher Lee, Moses Malone.</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Good:</span><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #141823; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Iran Nuclear Deal</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #141823; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">President Obama</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #141823; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pope Francis</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #141823; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Opening Cuba</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #141823; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Legalizing same-sex marriage</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #141823; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Caitlyn Jenner</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #141823; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bernie Sanders</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #141823; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Star Wars</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #141823; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Homelessness declines</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #141823; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Unemployment down</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #141823; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jimmy Carter</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #141823; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Transparency</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #141823; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Beatles on Spotify</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #141823; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">US wins Women's World Cup</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 19.32px;">Quotes I will live by for the next year...</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 19.32px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 19.32px;">There is not enough darkness in all the world to put out the light of even one small candle. ~ Robert Alden</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 19.32px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 19.32px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There is nothing we cannot live down, and rise above, and overcome. ~Ella Wheeler Wilcox</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 19.32px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 19.32px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You can not find peace by avoiding life. ~ Virginia Woolf</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 19.32px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 19.32px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Have a safe and sane New Year's Eve.</span></span><br />
<br />Megan Bostichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08811715491350987530noreply@blogger.com0