Nothing to Work For?

Today at work a friend of mine mentioned that her twenty-something daughter had just completed her second day at her new job.  She came home and told her Mother that she didn't like working because it was hard to get anything done when you had to work all day.  After I picked myself up off the floor from laughing, I realized that it's a sentiment shared by many of the over-educated, never held a job young people who are floundering around while Mommy and Daddy carry them on their health insurance and pay their rent, their cell phone bills, hell, they're paying all of their bills.  My friend and I discussed how her children and all of their friends have come of age during the recent recession and part time jobs have been non-existent, so they've never had the chance to "work their way" through college, (not that they needed to, guilty parents have paid all of their expenses).  A female attorney friend of mine finally had a "come to Jesus" meeting with her 28 year old son who has never held a job in his life.  Chris graduated from college 4 years ago, summered in Europe with his friends and then settled into the pool house.  Mom is a successful litigation attorney, but she's finally reached her limit, "I'm spending $30,000.00 a year in upkeep paying my son's bills," she explains.  "It's embarrassing, and I'm fed up."  She pointed him towards the door and told him Lowe's was hiring down the street.  Chris was not happy and told her he expected a managerial position so make some calls.  She feels like she's being blackmailed.  Psst, Ms. Powerful Attorney, you ARE being blackmailed....by your own son!

As someone who's worked since she was 13,  I have to admit I don't know anything BUT getting up and going to work everyday.  I have a work ethic inherited from my parents who spent years working a 7 day workweek.  For me, working is a part of my DNA.  When my friends and I sit around and dream about what we would do if we win the Lottery; my answers always include owning my own business (along with a lot of traveling the world).  I feel sorry for the generation of too much.  When you've had a computer since you were 2, a cell phone since you were 10, and pretty much everything you've whined for since FOREVER.....you're right.  There's no reason to work.

An Open Shout Out To The Rude Teenager On Roller Skates At Sonic

Dear Rude Teenager:

You did not make eye contact with me.  You did not thank me.  In fact, you didn't make a single sound today when I tipped you 30% on the purchase of a single Diet Coke.  I am officially at my wit's end with your entire generation. Believe me, I get it.  You think all of us over the age of 25 are a total bore. Take my advice, most of us are... but at the ripe old age of 17, 18 or possibly 19 years of age you really don't know shit and the entire world doesn't revolve around you, it just feels like it does now.  Get over yourself.  Oh, and note to self, you will actually make MORE money if you consider being nice to people.  I know, I know, it's a stretch for you; but consider it, because one of these days you'll turn into a grown up like the rest of us and this will all make sense.  Oh, and smile for goodness sake!  The whole morose teenage thing has been done (for generations really) and is not attractive at all.

 

Wisdom is wasted

How many times have you heard it said:  "If only I knew then what I know now..."  I muttered it myself at least 3 times today alone.  Trying to convey that message to young people is a complete waste of time.  They give you a lazy look of disgust and then laugh at you once you move on.

When you start thinking about all of the things you might change, the list is so long it astonishes me.  I guess there's a message in there and I should shut up and make the most of today. 

Friday Eve

Friday Eve is one of my favorite times.   Happy thoughts for the upcoming weekend - check,  friends and family calling about possible weekend plans - check, decent television offerings - check.  I think we're done here.

not all it's cracked up to be

Ok, so junk food is soooooo easy.  It's really hard to eat well, I'm sporting heavy duty energy drain and headache.  Ugh.

New me days down, many, many to go....

Eating better - yes.  Moving more - yes.  Feeling better - yes.  So far, so good.

Here we go!

Why would I be up early (6 a.m.) on a day I don't have to work you say?  Beats the hell outta me.  I'm to the age now where I practically wake up day after day at the same time.  I still set my phone alarm just in case, but many a day I wake up before the phone ever issues an ascending note.

After a refreshing cranberry orange muffin and a Diet Coke, I'm ready to start my decluttering and minimizing.  This is the year of getting rid of EVERYTHING I don't need.  Believe me when I say I have a LOT of "stuff" I truly do not need.  I'm following some experts on their blogs to help me along the way and I'm excited to rid myself of the things that are just taking up space. 

I'm going to follow some simple steps that I've read such as: rearranging clothes hangers in the closet after I wear a piece of clothing.  If there are hangers that do not get moved, I will be donating those items of clothing.  Taking a hard look at the pieces of furniture we use daily and items that only attract dust....donate.  I'm not selling things, I'm donating them.  I have already downsized once (but it's not enough), I need to live in a clean, uncluttered space that encourages calm.  That's where I'm headed this year.  Here we go!

New Year - Bring it On!

Okay, so I'm so glad to get last year over with.....I'm attacking the new one with vigor!  It's funny how the hope of a fresh start can make you almost giddy with anticipation.  The idea that we could actually stop bad behaviors or habits and perhaps grow from new experiences clouds the realization that we never seem to hang onto those resolutions for very long.  My 2012 resolution is to "Be Happy".  Simple, concise and hopefully easy to accomplish.  We'll see how long I can keep this one.....