[lit-ideas] Re: New Year's Resolutions
- From: "Andy Amago" <aamago@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- To: lit-ideas@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
- Date: Thu, 29 Dec 2005 23:10:47 -0500
This thing about watching television has gotten out of hand. I'd rather eat
dirt. I just threw that out because I couldn't think of anything more stupid.
Most people resolve to watch less television. It's a variation on an inside
joke in our house that my husband is going to start drinking as a new year
resolution. (Most people resolve to quit drinking.) That went on for years
(we do have a way with jokes) until so much evidence began coming in about the
virtues of alcohol that we started drinking wine. We drink wine on Saturday
nights with the movie (only on Saturdays). We plan the wine to go with the
movie. It's really a lot of fun. That's a long winded way of saying I'm not
really planning on watching more television.
I appreciate your other suggestions, but children really aren't my thing, even
though children (and dogs) do like me. Years ago when I substituted, I was
booked in advance for weeks. I especially liked the teenagers. I could
usually get them to do the work and we had fun kidding around. Plus the
teachers didn't fall behind and the classroom was civilized. I liked it but I
don't kid myself that teaching is anything like substituting. Now I wouldn't
want to teach because I know I would be able to spot the hurt kids and I
couldn't deal with that. I can't even stand going to the supermarket or the
Walmart for that reason, because it really hurts me to see the way people treat
their kids. Sometimes I can't wait to get out of the stores. I think
volunteering is wonderful but I'd rather read a book or do something like that.
I appreciate the suggestions, they are excellent. But for now I think they
wouldn't work for me.
I also don't make new year's resolutions. I was hoping people would come up
with goofy ones, like watch television more, that's all. Thanks for your post.
----- Original Message -----
From:
To: lit-ideas@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Sent: 12/29/2005 10:39:59 PM
Subject: [lit-ideas] Re: New Year's Resolutions
In a message dated 12/29/2005 6:59:35 P.M. Central Standard Time,
aamago@xxxxxxxxxxxxx writes:
Next time I need suggestions for resolutions, I'll ask you.
Hi,
My NY's resolution is to make sure that Irene/Andy realizes that there are more
productive things to do than simply to watch more tv.
I might need people like Stan to help me...though, in eternity as I dwell, he
already has.
(I echo his sentiments, btw)
But, I would add that I think some ideas of what Irene/Andy might think about
doing are:
1) volunteer for an organization such as Youth Friends. Won't take much time,
has the wonder of helping kids who are desperate for help (you can read to a
Lunch Buddy, help the child with his/her math, just talk to the kid--lots of
options.) The positive is that it won't take much time out of your tv
watching, sitting on the sofa and being a couch potato time--and can be done in
the daylight once a week.
But, the outcome--oh! Yes, there is MUCH research to show how awesome the
outcome it for these kids!
And, since Irene/Andy does not work outside the home, he/she won't have to
worry like the rest of us globalized corporate drones do in regards to possibly
losing our jobs (one reason parenting is hard, Irene/Andy, is that the people
in charge of companies do NOT allow parents to take that special time to go do
even the little things like volunteer at schools, attend parent-teacher
conferences--or have a flexible enough schedule that they can even take their
kids to the doctor [presuming they can afford one]) BUT--Irene/Andy--YOU HAVE
TIME!!! And, you even have the money to get to the school--and it won't
disrupt your safe and secure little lifestyle in the sweet area in which you
live!!
You'll even have the benefit of getting to know some of the other wonders of
the world: Other people who are passionate about children, raising healthy and
happy ones. And, by connecting with them--you'll see and learn that there are
SO many people out there working SO hard as advocates!!
2) Take in a foster child to your home. You've stated that you are home during
the week while your husband is out of town. Nor do you have kids of your own.
What an AWESOME opportunity to actually share that care and concern that you
have!!!
Yes--it's hard to be a fantastic parent--it's really really hard if
circumstances are hitting you hard.
YOU have the means AND the opportunity to actually MAKE A DIFFERENCE YOURSELF.
The foster system, even in your area, I guarantee--would be THRILLED to have a
home like yours in which to place a sweet child who is in need for one reason
or another. Some of these kids are totally precious babes--and would give you
back so much care and love if you would just open up that heart of yours so
that you can see and experience what it is like to be a parent.
Take in a little girl--take her to Brownies, to swimming practice [you could
probably afford lessons/swim team, even], maybe taekwondo [to give her
confidence], maybe even rent a violin or other instrument and provide lessons.
YOU could do this--you have the space, the time and the money to set the
platform up for a child who has very little.
3) If you cannot deal with being the single mom (since your husband is gone
during the week), you could take in a single parent and child!! Do you have
any idea how many of the moms who have kids would LOVE to provide a real home
for their child? Take one in who is struggling--one of the working poor--one
who works 40 or more hours a week [maybe even two jobs?] and make life EASIER
for her!!! You could supplement what she/he is unable to provide for that
little one. YOU could pay for the scout fees, the tutoring [or give it
yourself?], etc. etc.
4) Boys and Girls Clubs desperately are in need of people to help
5) Domestic violence shelters--very very much need help...you could become a
court advocate for a woman with little ones. Some of these women are even upper
middle class--who better to understand and advocate for them as they are lost
in a nightmare of trying to extricate their lives and that of their kids from a
horrific situation? YOU could do this!!
6) Prefer to do something physical, with all your might? Habitat for Humanity
is simply EVERYWHERE and always in need of volunteers!! Oh--you will meet the
best people around who are assisting the Other!!!
7) Become a volunteer at your local hospital. When people come in, they are
often seeking information or help IMMEDIATELY and in horrible need for
COMPASSION. That is, of course, something you seem to have an awareness of--so
USE IT.
I could (and probably will...) go on and on with ideas for what Irene/Andy
might do besides watching (more) television that would be PRODUCTIVE and which
would cause her to not just notice the OTHERS who are shining lights--but who
then could HERSELF become that LIGHT that she longs to see!!! SHE could then
become the example that we all can point to as someone who is the example of
EMPATHY and LOVE and CARE and CONCERN!!!
(and there are SO many parents and caretaking types on this list--I could list
so much of each of them that has their light shining out to all of us!! Only
someone glued to the television and in despair would not be able to notice!)
Other ideas for Irene/Andy? It's not yet the New Year--maybe if we inspire
her/him enough, I'll be able to get around to the rest of mine! (I do have
lots of them--but until Irene/Andy comes to terms with the shallowness of what
watching more television sounds like and oh! agrees to come shoulder to
shoulder with those of us who are passionately working hard to make our corners
bright and shining--and makes her corner the same--how can I work on them? I'm
too worried now about how dark the area is around her--and how can I keep
lighting my area -- though it is brighter and brighter [worked on a blood drive
this evening--along with SO many others...the idea of a teenage boy who had
heard that the community blood center had need...oh! Irene/Andy could go help
THAT sort of a group, too!!)
Dreaming of light in Andy/Irene's corner of the world,
Marlena in Missouri
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