Modern Day Slavery

I follow The CNN Freedom Project. I think it is such an important issue that we all need to be involved in, but sadly there are not much good to report. 

Photo by Graur Codrin/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

According to CNN, there are currently 10-30 Million slaves in the world today.  Obviously a big spread, but the people being counted is by definition a hidden population, and there is no common international definition of what constitutes slavery, hence the differences in numbers.Whether the low or high number is correct, there is still too many.  Everyone deserves to be free!

However, we are able to do something about this - each and every one of us.  Start with making the decision to  be a slave free consumer (and currently you can submit your story and photo to CNN to be featured on their blog). I love good sales, but going forward, I want to ensure the products I buy, are made in facilities that pay their employees a fair price and treat them well, and by a company that ensure that factories out of the country follow their directives with regards to how employees are hired, paid and treated. How do we go about this?  Make sure the company that produces the products are aware of your requirements for a "slave free" product.  

This video is a bit of an eye opener:

You can check their website www.slavefree.com for more ideas.

Human trafficking for the sex industry is quite another battle, and this is where I want to place all responsibility on men.  If there is no demand, there will be no need for supply. Simple as that. If you're not getting what you need at home, get a date, or travel to Nevada and visit a brothel where the women are there because they want to. Don't ruin a child or a woman forced into prostitution.

I once met a police officer who had worked on a special task force targeting human trafficking and organized pedophile networks.  As part of his work, he had traveled to Thailand under cover and visited a brothel with young boys. Hearing him read from his diary describing what he saw and the completely destroyed young boys he encountered was heartbreaking, and I will never forget the images his words brought out in my mind.  I will never understand how anyone can put their own pleasure so high that they have no regard for whom they ruin in the process. Nor will I ever understand how it can be pleasurable to have sex with someone who is forced to do so. 

Let me get off my soap box here, and back to what we all can do.  There are several organizations that support the start up of individually owned small businesses in third world countries. Supporting these, rather than the big companies, may be the way to go.  Just as supporting small businesses in the US, rather than the big chain stores may be the way to go.  You decide - just make sure the products you bring home were not made by slaves.   

Solution to Weight Problems

I am still making excuses, and not doing so well with the workout program....I will get back on track.  In the mean time, I think I will start using the scale the "correct way"....very helpful!!

Totally Lost On the Road to Fabulous

Transformation to fabulous is proving to be a little more difficult than I thought.  After suffering through sore muscles (mostly ones I didn't know I had...) the first week, I decided to take a little break and let my body rest.  Bad idea!  The "break" lasted a whole week.  So basically I didn't run in to obstacles, I just took a complete detour - the scenic route.

Photo by Free-stockphotos.com

Not only did I not work out - unless you can count housework as workout, but I gave in to chocolate cravings and dug into the potato chips bag (even at 40% less calories, the amount was not anywhere close to healthy).  Oh well, it happened, and now that I think about it, I wanted to document the before and after, so it might not be such a bad thing.  I'm pretty much back at the starting point again, but I'm back on the plan tomorrow.  3-mile run is on the schedule, and it will get done! 

Strange 911 Calls

OMG, the things people do! Don't we all know 911 is for emergencies only?  Well apparently not
 everybody.

Photo by Simon Howden/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

An Ohio woman called 911 stating she needed a husband - and went to jail for doing so.

Others have called 911 due to wrong food orders...really?

Photo by Graur Codrin/FreeDigitalphotos.net

In Florida however, they got not one, but four calls from an outraged customer who got in a fight with her nail technician over the length of her nails. She got arrested too.


A Chicago woman got tired of waiting for her boyfriend to propose. Her solution?  According to CBS News, she called 911 telling them her boyfriend was attacking her, but when police arrived, changed her story, admitting that she was trying to scare her boyfriend into marrying her. Instead, she went to jail....who would have guessed that outcome?

All of a sudden, I feel so normal.

Georgia Executes Troy Davis

I am speechless!  I cannot believe that with all the doubt hanging over this case, the State of Georgia moved forward with the execution of Troy Davis. As one person wrote in a comment to an article regarding the delay of the execution: "We don't know if Troy Davis is guilty of murder, but if the State of Georgia goes forward with the execution, we know they are". 

When the case has sparked worldwide attention, and it seems everybody doubts his guilt, it is strange to me that he through his appeal process was required to "prove his innocence" rather than the prosecution being required to prove him guilty "beyond any reasonable doubt". If the latter was not done in the first trial, and there remains overwhelming doubt about his guilt, should the prosecution not be required to prove the case before killing a man?  That this was a death penalty case in the first place with the lack of physical evidence, is quite another story.

MSNBC reports that Davis maintained his innocence until the end and asked for prayers for his executioners.

The only ones who seemed to be pleased with the outcome, was the victim's family and Spencer Lawton, the district attorney who secured Davis' conviction in 1991. Spencer said he was embarrassed for the judicial system — not because of the execution, but because it has taken so long to carry out.

"What we have had is a manufactured appearance of doubt which has taken on the quality of legitimate doubt itself. And all of it is exquisitely unfair," said Lawton, who retired as Chatham County's head prosecutor in 2008. "The good news is we live in a civilized society where questions like this are decided based on fact in open and transparent courts of law, and not on street corners." A manufactured appearance of doubt?  When 7 of the 9 witnesses recant their statements, and 10 people point to another suspect - where is the manufactured appearance?  And exactly which part of killing a possibly innocent man makes our society "civilized"?

I hope this will go down in the books as the biggest mistake of the justice system in the state of Georgia. Unfortunately, it is not one that can be undone. 

Troy Davis Execution Delayed

Not yet resolved, but at least delayed.

ABC News reports that Troy Davis execution was delayed tonight as the Supreme Court weighed arguments by Davis' legal team and the state of Georgia over whether or not he deserves a stay.  The execution order is still in effect until September 28, and we can only hope the Supreme Court comes up with a better answer than the Georgia board of pardons and paroles.

Troy Davis to Be Executed On 09/21/11

As the Parole Board has denied clemency for Troy Davis, and his execution is scheduled for 09/21/11, I am utterly disgusted with our justice system.  

As I stated in my prior post regarding this case, I am profoundly against the death penalty, but even if you believe this barbaric punishment belongs in our justice system, at least make sure the person is guilty before killing him.  In this case  there is nothing but doubt, and the possibility that the State of Georgia will kill an innocent person is quite real.

You can find an update on the case here.

Larry Cox, Executive Director of Amnesty International USA released the following statement: 

"It is unconscionable that the Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles has denied relief to Troy Davis. Allowing a man to be sent to death under an enormous cloud of doubt about his guilt is an outrageous affront to justice.

In 2007 the Board vowed that no execution would go forward unless there was ‘no doubt’ about guilt, a vow that has now been rendered meaningless. To fail to re-examine the facts, including allegations about an alternate suspect, and allow this execution to go forward is an injustice to both the Davises and the MacPhails. Amnesty International urges the Board to reconsider its decision immediately, and for District Attorney Larry Chisolm to seek to vacate the death warrant. Should Troy Davis be executed, Georgia may well have executed an innocent man and in so doing discredited the justice system.

The case against Davis unraveled long ago. Seven out of nine original state witnesses recanted or changed their original testimonies, some alleging police coercion. Ten people have pointed to one of the remaining witnesses as the actual killer. There is no murder weapon that links Davis to the crime. Any notion of physical evidence that demonstrates Davis’ guilt has been debunked."

In light of all the doubt surrounding this case, I hope you will all join me in signing the petition to stop the execution of Troy Davis.  You can find it here. 

Obstacles On the Road to Fabulous

This getting in shape business is taking its toll.  Apparently I don't know my limits, nor am I very patient. I want results now, and figure no pain, no gain! However, by now every muscle in my body has gone on strike.

Photo by Simon Howden/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Yesterday I went to church without underwear.  Not because I wanted to, I just couldn't reach far enough to put any on (although I will admit it was quite liberating to feel the airflow under the dress...) I finally gave up and pulled a long, dark dress over my head, put on shoes I could just step into and headed for church. Hopefully God will forgive me.

Photo by Photostoc/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

 Knowing my goals of getting in shape, my kids talked me into another boot-camp workout in the afternoon.  I figured it would help loosen up some muscles and agreed.  As I struggled my way through the workout, they cheered me on. That's right. They gave up on the work out after a few minutes, and sat down to cheer me on.  When my legs hurt so bad I could barely stand it anymore, they told me to keep going and not give up - "Don't stop! You can do it mom"! I think I saw some horns sticking out on their heads, but at that point I was quite delirious.  When I finally finished the workout and flopped down on the floor trying to regain my breath, they at least got me some water...

Today, I could barely get out of bed.  It reminded me of when I was pregnant and so big I couldn't maneuver my belly anywhere. My husband had to roll and push me onto the side of the bed.  Now, without anyone to help, I did the best squiggly roll I could manage, finally got the legs off the side of the bed and onto the floor.  Getting dressed wasn't an option, so after my son put my glasses on my face, I took the kids to school in my pajamas.  Thank goodness for tinted windows.
 

My legs were so stiff, I was afraid I wouldn't be able to move fast enough from the gas pedal to the brake, so I took it nice and slow on the highway.  I've seen quite the display of middle fingers this morning.  One even bothered to roll down his window and yell - like I could actually hear him through my tightly closed window...I just smiled and waved, but that seemed to just piss him off even more. What can I say? I tried. 

Today I'm supposed to go running.  3 miles....and if I can get out of the pajamas and in to clothes, I will give it my best try! 

This really old guy (as in should barely be alive old) comes running by here at 6 am every morning. It's more of a stomp than a run, as he moves about at a very, very slow pace (I'm certain  I can drink and smoke a cigarette at the same time and still walk twice as fast)  and I always think it's hilarious to watch. However, since I can barely lift my legs off the ground, I'm aiming for his speed today. Probably the stomp too.

Single Parent Families Living In Poverty

As a single mom, I know the challenges of raising children alone. But I guess I should count my blessings for not being among the ones living in poverty.

 

MSN's Life Inc., reports that 40% of single mothers with children under 18 fall under the poverty level, and single fathers are at near 25%.  

Sadly we have 46.2 million people living in poverty in the U.S. - just over 15% of the population, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, but obviously single parents are struggling more than the average American. 

This is based on a poverty level set at $22,314 for a family of four. How could you possibly pay for rent, utilities, transportation, food and clothing for four with a gross monthly income of $1,859.50? I understand that poverty defines those who are "extremely poor" and lack the basics that the rest of us take for granted, but with the cost of living in today's society, I would consider myself poor long before I fell to that income level.

Photo by Daniel St. Pierre/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

I expect we will always have a portion of our population living in poverty. However, hopefully something will happen soon to turn our economy around and increase job opportunities again.  Some companies have grown, even through the recession, so why not listen to their ideas? Sheryl Sandberg, COO of Facebook stated in an interview with Nightline:  "We need to restore confidence. Consumer confidence to spend money, and business confidence to hire. It's about having a regulatory environment that encourages business".  She goes on to talk about making it easy for those with entrepreneurial spirit to grow their businesses, as well as ensuring we restore our educational system to ensure our next generation receives a proper education and can carry on what we build today.  You can watch the entire interview in the video below. 

And if the politicians will not listen, at least she gives some great advice that the rest of us can use.

Transformation To Fabulous

That's it. I am tired of being tired and having no energy, so I am on a quest to get back in shape!

Photo by Ambro/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

I don't need to loose any weight; frankly I will probably end up gaining some, but that's OK.  I just need to increase my energy, get stronger (I checked, there are about zero visible muscles any more..), and put a few body parts back in place.  A little added flexibility wouldn't hurt either.

Today, I am putting together my work-out plan, getting an "accountability coach" (only because if I am only accountable to myself, this will be over oh so fast...), and getting started.

Visual goals are always good!

I want a butt like this,

...a back like this, 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

...flexibility like this

Photo by Ambro/FreeDigitalPhotos.com

 

but mostly, I want my lungs to go 

from this:                                                                                                                       to this:

Obviously someone will need to quit smoking too. Working on it, but starting with the workout program first.  I figure I'll get tired of not being able to breath pretty quickly.

OK, wish me luck!!

It's a Wonderful Life!

Tuesday morning, and it's already in the making for a great week!  No, I am not looking forward to a long weekend, I am simply enjoying everything I do every day, which is no different than I did two months ago. But my attitude certainly is.

Photo by Prozac1/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

 Though no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending.  ~Author Unknown

I am loving life! I wake up with a smile, and usually go to sleep with one too; granted half the time I crash on the couch, trying to catch some news at the end of the night, and fall asleep before I see anything, but still smiling. No, I'm not bringing in a boatload of money removing all financial obstacles (BTW, did you notice all the cool things you can get on this page....?); the same every day challenges are there today as they were a few months ago, but somehow, when I am happy and positive - it all seems to work out just fine. Funny how a good attitude changes your perception and makes you find solutions so much easier than when you focus on all that is bad.

Life's problems wouldn't be called "hurdles" if there wasn't a way to get over them.  ~Author Unknown

I know this is nothing new, but I'm just happy and had to share!

Photo by Danilo Rizzuti/FreeDigitalImages.net

God gives us dreams a size too big so that we can grow in them.  ~Author Unknown

So here's to big dreams and happy days.  Have a terrific Tuesday!

Flirt Friends

Do you have a flirt friend?  If not, you should consider it, at least if you are single. If you are not, then stick to your mate. As we discussed earlier, it can easily be construed as cheating.

I don't at all believe in friends with benefits - never works; one or both always ends up hurt. But flirt friends are pretty safe, and pretty harmless.  Boundaries are set, nothing will ever happen beyond flirting, but the flirting can certainly spice things up and make you feel pretty good about yourself. If you are anything like me, a little extra spice and feel good conversations is just what's needed.

Photo by Digitalart/FreeDigitalArt.net

So why not take it to the next step?  That would ruin it.  It's the whole distance that makes it work.  When you can openly say exactly what you want on the phone, via text, on line and sometimes in person, knowing that it will not go any further; compliments and "wishful thinking" (for lack of a better description) flows pretty freely.  Being truthful is not always necessary - it's simply a game.  As soon as you try to make it more than it is, you worry about how the other person perceives you and communication becomes quite restrained.  Where is the fun in that?

Some would argue that actual dating probably is the better way to go.  But having flirt friends doesn't stop dating - frankly, I find it's a good source for a man's input when I need it. Just as I've given my candid opinions from a woman's perspective. And dating takes a bit of effort...having a flirt friend doesn't.  All fun and games, and no work.  So find a (flirt) friend, and go flirt.

Never Forget

 

On this 10th anniversary of 09/11, my thoughts and prayers go out to all the families who lost loved ones that day. We will never forget!

Love this song

I got up early and have listened to music all morning.  I cannot get enough of this song by Adele.  Love it, love it, love it!! 

Loving Life

After spending most of this beautiful weekend outdoors, I have renewed my love for God's wonders, and have really taken the time to enjoy it and experience it all over with my children.  But the beauty we experienced is a far cry from what others have had to deal with lately - hurricanes, flooding, earthquakes, tornadoes and wild fires.  Mother Nature seems to be quite pissed off. 

Photo by Evgeni Dinev/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Maybe there is a connection between it all, or maybe it's just chance.  I don't know, and I am not searching for a big explanation. But with so many major bad events occurring around the country, maybe it's time we went back to enjoying the little things in life. Maybe it's time to stop complaining about the economy and what the politicians are doing or not doing, placing blame, and predicting even worse times to come.  Maybe it's time to wake up in the morning and be happy first of all that we have another day to enjoy, and then go on to make the most of it. 

I don't mean to undermine the effects of any major events lately, and understand that if you have lost your job due to the economy, your home, or worse, a loved one due to extreme weather, it is hard to appreciate little things. But for the rest of us who were lucky enough to escape it, or at least most of it, I think it's time to change. 

Photo by Prozak1/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

When you have to crawl out of bed in the wee hours of the morning to get to work or get the kids ready for school, look outside and enjoy the fact you got up early enough to see the first rays of sun hit the sky.  When your kid brings in an "amazing" bug just so you can see it, enjoy the fact that you did, and that you have a little one who is brave enough to touch them, should one ever wander back in on its own.  When your friend calls for advice on something you may not care about at all, enjoy the fact that she values your opinion enough to ask you. When your neighbor stops by with homemade pie that tastes awful, appreciate that you were the one she wanted to share with.  When you have to walk from the back  corner of the parking lot to the store, because that is the only open spot you could find, be happy that you are still able not only to walk the distance, but also that you have the money to go shopping.  

Photo by Digitalart/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Get the idea?  It is easy to enjoy big events, parties, gifts, promotions, pay-raises, recognition etc. etc.  But we fail to see the good in all the little things we encounter throughout our days. Being happy with what we have, appreciating the little "annoyances" in life, and seeing the good (or at least trying to) in every situation, does not stop us from growing or keep us from reaching our goals and dreams.  It simply makes the journey there much more enjoyable!

Hockey Family Gets $50,000 Lesson in Honesty

OK, I'm not a hockey fan, but what a shot this kid made, winning $50,000 - or so they thought:

Money is obviously not everything, and the kid's dad brought us a lesson in honesty.  For $50,000, I am not sure I would have been honest enough to reveal that it was the wrong twin that took the shot,  but Pat Smith did.

According to MSNBC, the insurance company that insured the event has decided the family will not get the money, but that the prize instead will be given to two charitable organization.  Pat Smith said, "I think they  learned that honesty is always the best policy, and you can never go wrong telling the truth.’’ I applaud him, he is a better person than me. 

Even the son is gracious about it: “It feels bad (not to win the money), said Nate, "but I’m happy that they at least gave something so all the other kids can still play and get gear they can’t afford.’’

Telling the truth also earned the boys scholarships to the summer program at Shattuck-St. Mary’s School, an elite boarding school that hosts one of the top programs in the nation, so if for nothing else, they probably will have a winning season!