It has been a rather uneventful week. Busy at work, doing things to get stronger, and trying to get my garden started during the very rare moments of sun and warmth. But thinking about what has been in the news lately, I have had much to be thankful for.
1. I do not live where there are tornadoes. Tornadoes and earthquakes have got to be the scariest weather things to experience. We deal with snow and occasional flooding. I will take snow any time over tornadoes.
2. I can afford to eat healthy. Martha and I have been changing our diet which includes many more fruits and vegetables. My grocery bills have gone up. There was a time in my life when I survived on ramen noodles and macaroni and cheese. Having a hot dog was considered a “roast”. Healthy foods are more expensive than cheap carbs. I will never forget where I came from and I am very aware now blessed I am now.
3. That the federal government is starting to seriously look at sexual assault on college campuses. http://www.nytimes.com/2014/05/02/us/politics/us-lists-colleges-under-inquiry-over-sex-assault-cases.html The university campus where I was attacked is one of the top 55 institutions being investigated. This is long overdue. And on the flip side, I am immensely grateful for the immediate and appropriate response from Beaner’s college when she was assaulted.
4. And while I do worry about my daughters safety on their college campuses, I generally do not worry about them being kidnapped and sold to sex traffickers. I cannot begin to imagine what the families of those Nigerian girls are going through. I feel impotent on this but have contacted my US senators hoping that our government can help. I am oh so grateful to live in a country where girls are free to pursue an education.
5. Lastly, and still my biggest point of gratitude these days - health and healthcare. Both for physical and emotional problems, I have been taken care of by incredibly caring and professional people. For the first time in a very long time I feel on the brink of wholeness. To whatever force or energy I owe that to - “thank you”.
Very scary happenings for sure. Glad you are recovering nicely. Eating better is very costly but hopefully it will pay off. I wish we could have a garden - we don't really have the space and between the dogs and our schedule it didn't fare well. So, we support the gal down the street at her farm market! Much more our speed.
ReplyDeleteI had to fence my garden because my dog would take tomatoes or peppers and bring them to me to play fetch. I am not a great gardener, although I hope to improve in my semi retirement. But I love farmer's markets! So many choices.
DeleteMany first world problems pale in comparison to third world issues. Hunger, lack of health care, no access to education, fear. It is important to remember how blessed we are, and to try to improve the lives of those less fortunate.
ReplyDelete"To whatever force or energy" we owe your renewal to, I say "thank you" too.
I agree but I also admit to often feeling that the world's problems are so huge, that I can't do anything. Of course I know that that is not true, but it can become overwhelming.
DeleteI love reading these posts. They always remind me to be thankful for my privileged life. Thank you for that.
ReplyDeleteOh, and earthquakes? Not so bad, really. Tornadoes, scary bad!
xoxoxo
Earthquakes not so bad?!?!? I don't know, I sort of like the ground under my feet : )
DeleteSometimes I think of my life now, compared to when I was much more financially fragile, and I think wow! I have come a long way. But then when I look at how a majority of people live in this world, I think omg, I have entirely too much. How did this huge gap happen between the haves and the have nots? I can get quite depressed about it.
Everything you've said, I say too. These days weather weirdness and Nigeria top my list. And animal treatment. In many ways, though the tilt is slow, the times are a'changing and it's for the good
ReplyDeleteHappy for you, 8, happy for me too
Love
kj
I can't even go near the animal abuse topic. It is much too traumatic for me. But I do hope you are right - that "the times are a'changing and it's for the good." I see so much good in the world and so many people giving so much. But then I turn on the news and my bubble is burst. I am obviously not in a very good place about this right now. : (
Deletei wonder about the news, 8. why the constant emphasis on conflict? i've noticed that brian williams ends his newscast with an upbeat piece, but just that one.
Deletei think we all need to think as if we are the underground railroad and just keep protecting each other.
xoxoxo
I don't know why negative news sells. I rarely watch. I love your idea of an underground railroad, I really do. But I don't know how we can protect all those who need protecting.
ReplyDeleteMy nickname for one of our local station's newscasts was, "gruesome newsome". But now that can be said of most all newscasts. So, like you I rarely watch. But of course, I hear. I see and am sickened.
ReplyDeleteI intend to take full advantage of our town's Farmer's Market season this year as part of the continued effort to be healthy and as an extra bonus, less weighty.