If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you;
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
But make allowance for their doubting too;
If you can wait and not be tired by the waiting,
Or, being lied about, don't deal in lies,
Or being hated don't give away to hating,
And yet don't look too good, bor talk too wise;
If you can dream-and not make dreams your master;
If you can think-and not make thoughts your aim,
If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster
And treat those two impostors just the same;
If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,
And stoop and build 'em up with worn-out tools;
If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it in one turn of pitch-and-toss
And lose, and start again at your beginnings,
And never breathe a word about your loss;
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the will which says to them: "Hold on!"
If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with Kings-nor lose the common touch,
If neither foes nor loving friendscan hurt you,
If all men count on you, but none too much:
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds' worth of distance run,
Yours is the Earth and everything that is in it,
And-which is more-you'll be a man, my son!
-Rudyard Kipling
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Biblical Thoughts on Love
"If I speak with human tongues and angelic as well, but do not have love, I am a noisy gong, a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and, with full knowledge, comprehend all mysteries, if I have faith great enough to move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give everything I have to feed the poor and hand over my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing."
"Love is patient; Love is kind. Love is not jealous, it does not put on airs, it is not snobbish. Love is never rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not prone to anger; neither does it brood over injuries. Love does not rejoice in what is wrong, but rejoices with the truth. There is no limit to love's forbearance, to its trust, its hope, its power to endure."
1 Corinthians 13:1-7
Mi heroe, Che!!
"The lives of the poor, unsung heroes of this battle who die miserably in one of the thousand traps set by nature...when all they want is to earn their daily bread."
--Ernesto "Che" Guevara
The division of [Latin] America into unstable and illusionary nations is completely fictional. We constitute a single mestizo race."
--Ernesto "Che" Guevara
October 8, 1967
A wounded Che Guevara is captured (This is also 8 years to the date when my older sister--also one of my heroes was born).
October 9, 1967
Che is executed by the Bolivians.
!Hasta La Victoria Siempre!
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Health Care, Immigration Reform and Issues that Matter
Dear Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid,
Please scrap your Health Care Reform Bill. Seriously, I know that you all think that this is a major victory, but it is not. You may as well take the original legislation, put in the blender, add water and pour half of it down the drain and pour the rest in a big fat cup for the rest of Americans to suck on!!
Sorry, but this bill is NOT going to fix any of our current issues. The public option, which was the big selling point for Americans who have no access to health coverage is now part of a broken promise....let's move onto prescription drug coverage, we will not be able to outsource American pharmaceuticals by buying on the Canadian and European markets (which, by the way, the U.S. has the highest cost of prescription costs of any other 1st world country--RIDICULOUS)!! Our legislators are apparently so far removed from the issue because they have the best healthcare out there (and it is run by the government, duh). They have no idea what it would be like to be a single mom waiting tables, with an income that is just over the limit to qualify her child (ren) for medicaid....then she has to go out and purchase private health coverage for her offspring which reduces her take home pay by about $300/month.
Moving on, the big pharmaceutical and insurance giants that were going to go down Goliath style and pay for the way the have screwed the American public--well in the new bill, they are the BIG winners. Congrats, Merck. Congrats, Pfizer. Congrats, Humana. Congrats, Anthem. Your money to change the bill to read the way you wanted it was money well spent. Kudos! David's rock has now been replaced with a pillow. Goliath can go back to sleep now and earn money while he does. Why are these the big winners?? Because now that the public option is out, 30 million Americans will be eligible for vouchers to go out and purchase their own insurance...Lucky them...now they can use tax payer money to give it directly to big insurers. Not that I mind, the upper 5% of wage earners getting a tax increase they won't ever notice, but it is the principal...in some cases doesn't that mean Mr. Anthem CEO whose taxes just went up is going to replace it with a windfall of new clients served to him on a silver platter by the U.S. government??? WOW!!
While this was all going on, and we were shifting the focus on a healthcare reform bill that means nothing to those who really needed it just to get "something accomplished" in the Obama administration's first year, other pressing matters are being overlooked and because they are not "popular" issues to bring to the attention of the government.
Please scrap your Health Care Reform Bill. Seriously, I know that you all think that this is a major victory, but it is not. You may as well take the original legislation, put in the blender, add water and pour half of it down the drain and pour the rest in a big fat cup for the rest of Americans to suck on!!
Sorry, but this bill is NOT going to fix any of our current issues. The public option, which was the big selling point for Americans who have no access to health coverage is now part of a broken promise....let's move onto prescription drug coverage, we will not be able to outsource American pharmaceuticals by buying on the Canadian and European markets (which, by the way, the U.S. has the highest cost of prescription costs of any other 1st world country--RIDICULOUS)!! Our legislators are apparently so far removed from the issue because they have the best healthcare out there (and it is run by the government, duh). They have no idea what it would be like to be a single mom waiting tables, with an income that is just over the limit to qualify her child (ren) for medicaid....then she has to go out and purchase private health coverage for her offspring which reduces her take home pay by about $300/month.
Moving on, the big pharmaceutical and insurance giants that were going to go down Goliath style and pay for the way the have screwed the American public--well in the new bill, they are the BIG winners. Congrats, Merck. Congrats, Pfizer. Congrats, Humana. Congrats, Anthem. Your money to change the bill to read the way you wanted it was money well spent. Kudos! David's rock has now been replaced with a pillow. Goliath can go back to sleep now and earn money while he does. Why are these the big winners?? Because now that the public option is out, 30 million Americans will be eligible for vouchers to go out and purchase their own insurance...Lucky them...now they can use tax payer money to give it directly to big insurers. Not that I mind, the upper 5% of wage earners getting a tax increase they won't ever notice, but it is the principal...in some cases doesn't that mean Mr. Anthem CEO whose taxes just went up is going to replace it with a windfall of new clients served to him on a silver platter by the U.S. government??? WOW!!
While this was all going on, and we were shifting the focus on a healthcare reform bill that means nothing to those who really needed it just to get "something accomplished" in the Obama administration's first year, other pressing matters are being overlooked and because they are not "popular" issues to bring to the attention of the government.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Good Morning!
This morning I came in sat and my desk with my cup of coffee and began to check my e-mails. A few minutes later, I had four little smiling faces standing in front of me...the gave me a green piece of constuction paper where they had written, "Merry Christmas, Ms. Michelle!" and all of them had signed their names. Then they gave me a candy bar. Each one gave me a hug and said, "When do you come get us today?? Can we just stay in here with you??" You know you are loved when your students WANT to be with you. My heart overflows with love and joy!!
Monday, December 7, 2009
Immigration Myth Busters
Myth: Today's immigrants are different than those of 100 years ago
The widespread misconception that "today's immigrants" are somehow more attached to the ways of their home country than the immigrants of earlier generations was probably conjured up hundreds of years ago.
But, before you throw your hands up in defeat when you hear someone argue that new immigrants don't work hard or won't learn English, consider responding with these quick mythbusting facts!
FACT: The percentage of the U.S. population that is foreign-born now stands at 11.5%; in the early 20th century it was approximately 15%.
FACT: Similar to accusations about today's immigrants, those of 100 years ago initially often settled in mono-ethnic neighborhoods, spoke their native languages, and built up newspapers and businesses that catered to their fellow émigrés.
FACT: If we view history objectively, we remember that every new wave of immigrants has been met with suspicion and doubt and yet, ultimately, every past wave of immigrants has been vindicated and saluted.
Myth: The Senate voted to allow illegal aliens access to our Social Security
This common myth is again making the rounds in viral emails and online petitions. Before deleting the frustrating forward, consider responding with these quick mythbusting facts!
FACT: Contrary to what people think, undocumented workers are not (and have never been) eligible to claim social security benefits. Moreover, most undocumented workers will use a false social security number to prove work authorization, therefore paying money into a benefit system that they will never be eligible to use.
According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), undocumented immigrants “account for a major portion” of the billions of dollars paid into the Social Security system under names or social security numbers that don’t match SSA records.
As of October 2005, the reported earnings on which these payments are based—which are tracked through the SSA’s Earnings Suspense File (ESF)—totaled $520 billion.
The widespread misconception that "today's immigrants" are somehow more attached to the ways of their home country than the immigrants of earlier generations was probably conjured up hundreds of years ago.
But, before you throw your hands up in defeat when you hear someone argue that new immigrants don't work hard or won't learn English, consider responding with these quick mythbusting facts!
FACT: The percentage of the U.S. population that is foreign-born now stands at 11.5%; in the early 20th century it was approximately 15%.
FACT: Similar to accusations about today's immigrants, those of 100 years ago initially often settled in mono-ethnic neighborhoods, spoke their native languages, and built up newspapers and businesses that catered to their fellow émigrés.
FACT: If we view history objectively, we remember that every new wave of immigrants has been met with suspicion and doubt and yet, ultimately, every past wave of immigrants has been vindicated and saluted.
Myth: The Senate voted to allow illegal aliens access to our Social Security
This common myth is again making the rounds in viral emails and online petitions. Before deleting the frustrating forward, consider responding with these quick mythbusting facts!
FACT: Contrary to what people think, undocumented workers are not (and have never been) eligible to claim social security benefits. Moreover, most undocumented workers will use a false social security number to prove work authorization, therefore paying money into a benefit system that they will never be eligible to use.
According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), undocumented immigrants “account for a major portion” of the billions of dollars paid into the Social Security system under names or social security numbers that don’t match SSA records.
As of October 2005, the reported earnings on which these payments are based—which are tracked through the SSA’s Earnings Suspense File (ESF)—totaled $520 billion.
Success Story
Success is a word for which there could be a thousand definitions. A great many people equate success with money.
The fact is there are millions of affluent "failures" and and equal number of "successes" that have nothing in the bank.
One definition of success is: To win the respect of intelligent persons and the affection of children, to earn the approval of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends.
To appreciate beauty is to find the best in others and to have accomplished a rescued soul.
To have played and lived with enthusiasm and seeing with exultation, to know that even one life has breathed easiser because you have lived.
This is to have succeeded.
The fact is there are millions of affluent "failures" and and equal number of "successes" that have nothing in the bank.
One definition of success is: To win the respect of intelligent persons and the affection of children, to earn the approval of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends.
To appreciate beauty is to find the best in others and to have accomplished a rescued soul.
To have played and lived with enthusiasm and seeing with exultation, to know that even one life has breathed easiser because you have lived.
This is to have succeeded.
Thoughts About Children
If a child lives with criticism,
He learns to condemn.
If a child lives with hostility,
He learns to fight.
If a child lives with ridicule,
He learns to be shy.
If a child lives with shame,
He learns to feel guity.
If a child lives with tolerance,
He learns to be patient.
If a child lives with encouragement,
He learns confidence.
If a child lives with praise,
He learns to appreciate.
If a child lives with fairness,
He learns justice.
If a child lives with security,
He learns to have faith.
If a child lives with approval,
He learns to like himself.
If a child lives with acceptance and friendship,
He learns to find love in the world.
He learns to condemn.
If a child lives with hostility,
He learns to fight.
If a child lives with ridicule,
He learns to be shy.
If a child lives with shame,
He learns to feel guity.
If a child lives with tolerance,
He learns to be patient.
If a child lives with encouragement,
He learns confidence.
If a child lives with praise,
He learns to appreciate.
If a child lives with fairness,
He learns justice.
If a child lives with security,
He learns to have faith.
If a child lives with approval,
He learns to like himself.
If a child lives with acceptance and friendship,
He learns to find love in the world.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
De Mi Querido Papa
En Tu Cumpleanos, Hija
UN DESEO CON MUCHO CARINO
Michelle:
Eres una hija maravillosa,
y la relacion que compartimos
es algo muy especial.
Es imposible imaginar
una vida lejos de ti-
el amor y la confianza
que tenemos significa tanto.
Eres una hija muy especial,
y en tu cumpleanos
mereces recibir
toda la felicidad
que este mundo ofrecer.
Siempre estaras conmigo
En todas las cosas que hago
y las cosas que pienso
siempre estas en mi corazon.
Te entiendo y
te quiero mucho mi nena.
Muchas Felicidades,
Tu Papa,
Victor Hugo
UN DESEO CON MUCHO CARINO
Michelle:
Eres una hija maravillosa,
y la relacion que compartimos
es algo muy especial.
Es imposible imaginar
una vida lejos de ti-
el amor y la confianza
que tenemos significa tanto.
Eres una hija muy especial,
y en tu cumpleanos
mereces recibir
toda la felicidad
que este mundo ofrecer.
Siempre estaras conmigo
En todas las cosas que hago
y las cosas que pienso
siempre estas en mi corazon.
Te entiendo y
te quiero mucho mi nena.
Muchas Felicidades,
Tu Papa,
Victor Hugo
Monday, November 30, 2009
There is no such thing as love.
I saw a movie over the Thanksgiving Holiday....one of these Romantic Comedies, that suggested there is no such thing as romantic love (in the sense that it lasts throughout a lifetime), but rather what exists and what we perceive as love, is in all actuality, lust. "Let's be honest ladies, a man falls in love with your looks, not your personality." I have always thought this and did not need to see a movie to point out that fact. I have felt from a young age, about 9, that men, in particular do not "fall in love," they fall in what I call "long term lust." We tend to be tricked my our minds and social mores to think that it is love, but it is not. It is lust in sheep's clothing so to speak. This idea from childhood, however, did not stop me from falling in love, only to have my heart broken when I realized the other person was not "in love with ME," but rather in love with their ideal of me...someone who looked like me, but talked less, and cleaned and cooked more...Does romantic love for a lifetime truly exist?? I have seen it once, but have not seen it since.
My Gift
"I love you legs, Mami!"
"I am thankful for your booty; it keeps me warm at night."
"I love to touch your face when I am sleepy."
"No one reads books better than you."
"You are really good at the dinosaur puzzle."
I don't know what, if anything, I have ever done to receive such a blessing in my life. I have heard all of the preceding quotes in the past week. To have someone love you so much for no other reason than the reciprocal love between mother and son is unexplainable. I may not be rich, beautiful, or cerebral, but none of that matters. I have had the chance to experience a love that very few will ever know or understand, and I will spend the rest of my life making sure you know that you are my greatest gift....now and forever, Tres, el gran amor de mi vida!!!
"I am thankful for your booty; it keeps me warm at night."
"I love to touch your face when I am sleepy."
"No one reads books better than you."
"You are really good at the dinosaur puzzle."
I don't know what, if anything, I have ever done to receive such a blessing in my life. I have heard all of the preceding quotes in the past week. To have someone love you so much for no other reason than the reciprocal love between mother and son is unexplainable. I may not be rich, beautiful, or cerebral, but none of that matters. I have had the chance to experience a love that very few will ever know or understand, and I will spend the rest of my life making sure you know that you are my greatest gift....now and forever, Tres, el gran amor de mi vida!!!
Friday, November 6, 2009
El Verdadero
Por que no paso mi vida contigo?
No hay raiz.
Me amas, yo lo se.
Tu tienes el corazon que estaba acaricido por un angel del cielo.
Tu tienes los ojos negros en que yo puedo confiar.
Tu tienes los brazos que me abrazan mientras yo sueno.
Espero que tu tienes una vida llena de alegria.
No puedo amarte porque mi corazon no esta libre.
Mi amor esta entrapado por un hombre que no la gano.
Pero tu nunca creias en mi y yo lo se.
Tratabas, pero cuando tu escuchabas mis palabras tu siempre piensabas las fueron mentiras.
Cada frase estaba evaluado para medir la verdad.
No puedo amarte como tu queras.
Ahora te extano...solo por tu amor tan inmenso.
Pero no les extano tus dudas, tu preguntas
Tu amor fue real.
Pero fue un amor de belleza y circumstancia.
Pero nunca fue un amor de la corazon pura.
No hay raiz.
Me amas, yo lo se.
Tu tienes el corazon que estaba acaricido por un angel del cielo.
Tu tienes los ojos negros en que yo puedo confiar.
Tu tienes los brazos que me abrazan mientras yo sueno.
Espero que tu tienes una vida llena de alegria.
No puedo amarte porque mi corazon no esta libre.
Mi amor esta entrapado por un hombre que no la gano.
Pero tu nunca creias en mi y yo lo se.
Tratabas, pero cuando tu escuchabas mis palabras tu siempre piensabas las fueron mentiras.
Cada frase estaba evaluado para medir la verdad.
No puedo amarte como tu queras.
Ahora te extano...solo por tu amor tan inmenso.
Pero no les extano tus dudas, tu preguntas
Tu amor fue real.
Pero fue un amor de belleza y circumstancia.
Pero nunca fue un amor de la corazon pura.
Entre de las Montanas
Ahora estoy entre de las montanas.
Hay una montana muy grande y peligrosa que esta atras que ya subi.
Puedo ver la sombra en la distancia.
Desde aqui, en este lugar, la montana parece facil a conquistar.
Pero es apera, mojada, fria, y casi imposible.
Ahora yo estoy entre de las montanas.
El valle es muy largo.
Esta oscuro aqui.
No lo me gusta.
Es peligroso.
Yo quiero subir la proxima montana.
Pero tiene mas riesgos de la otra montana.
Esta vez no tengo una cuerda de seguro.
Tengo miedo a empezar mi viaje.
Si no hago el primer paso,
Siempre mi voy a quedar entre de las montanas.
Hay una montana muy grande y peligrosa que esta atras que ya subi.
Puedo ver la sombra en la distancia.
Desde aqui, en este lugar, la montana parece facil a conquistar.
Pero es apera, mojada, fria, y casi imposible.
Ahora yo estoy entre de las montanas.
El valle es muy largo.
Esta oscuro aqui.
No lo me gusta.
Es peligroso.
Yo quiero subir la proxima montana.
Pero tiene mas riesgos de la otra montana.
Esta vez no tengo una cuerda de seguro.
Tengo miedo a empezar mi viaje.
Si no hago el primer paso,
Siempre mi voy a quedar entre de las montanas.
Friday, October 30, 2009
The Shoebox
Past relationships are hidden...out of sight, out of mind. Like old clothes that you don't want to get rid of, yet you know you will never wear again. They hold some sort of nostalgia, because when you reminisce on a past relationship (unless it is a fresh wound) you usually only remember the good times. Rarely do we miss someone from the past and have the presence of mind to stop our longing and think of the reason (or many, many reasons) that we are no longer with that person. In my case, old boyfriends are relegated to "the shoebox." It is a very big shoebox. It used to house a pair of boots. Now it is home to every card, letter, and photo ever given to me from an ex-boyfriend. There will soon be an addition to the shoebox...a small velvet box with a ring inside. The fallacy is in thinking that the "things" in the box represent love. They, in fact, represent a warning...despite what someone can tell you with sugar coated words, a lovely smile, or a dozen roses, their actions ultimately speak their feelings. That is why I keep "the shoebox" to remind me of this truth.
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