Customer Service…Please..

I’ve been on the phone for hours with various Customer Serivce Representatives, and though my question was finally answered (after I was disconnected three times,) I’m still not sure the problem will be resolved.
Thankfully, while I was on hold I was able to occupy myself by reading about the new bankruptcy law which goes into effect October 17.
Back to my point… Why is it that when I’m making a purchase I speak to someone who speaks clear english? But when I call tech. support or customer care (in regards to a purchase that has already been made) I speak to someone who needs to take more classes in english as a second language or at the very least, needs to be able to pronounce the product’s name. It’s ridiculous.
I didn’t know there was so many ways to pronounce my name. Maybe it isn’t the easiest name ever, but it’s two syllables. Most people are able to say it with ease after being told three times! Attention: there is no ‘R’ in my name!
And the call volume? It doesn’t matter what time I call, the call volume is heavier than usual. My wait time always exceeds ten minutes so lets stop pretending.
After the calls, I had an overwhelming taste for Curry. That’s all I have to say tonight.
I’m not sure what it says about my life that bankruptcy law is a nice distraction. But I guess I’ll get back to that now.

Sex Ed

Sex education is being taught in junior high and high schools all over this country, and that is absurd.

Children start middle school around age 13. When I was 13, I was riding my bike, swimming, taking dance lessons…You get the idea. Sex wasn’t on the brain. Sure, Ken and Barbie shared a bedroom in their Barbie Dream House, but that’s as racy as it got.

Sex education for 13 year olds should not exist, period.

Sex education is the responsibility of the parents. But in this society, parents are not reprimanded for a lack of parenting. In fact, in this country, a woman can have a kid or 5, and get welfare to pay her living expenses (including housing, food, medical bills…) Most (not all, most) of these people will live off of their government hand-outs as long as the government allows them. But that’s a whole different topic.

In regards to sex education in high school; it shouldn’t exist either. But it does because so many parents have shirked their responsibilities. So what are kids learning? I’ve been out of highschool for (oh my gosh) over seven years. I was in private school until tenth grade, and sex ed. wasn’t an issue until I entered public school.

I’ve seen *movies in which the kids learn, using a banana, how to use a condom. We watched demonstrations, and we watched movies, discussed how to use a condom, etc. We even got a few to take home.

It wasn’t until twelfth grade, that I remember having a discussion about sex with friends. My girlfriends and I talked about it because a girl in our group "did it." We were all shocked. It was at that time I learned slang terms for oral sex.

And for the record, oral sex was never mentioned by any of my teachers. Oral sex is common. There are risks though they are smaller, perhaps. We were taught about intercourse. We were not taught abstinence. We were taught to use birth control when we have sex, and there was little mentioned in terms of love or commitment.

"Kids are having sex; you have to teach them to use birth control." – Dr. T.C.

When I was growing up, my parents made the rules.  And I followed them or I was punished. 

The kids having sex at 12, 15, 17 years old are doing it for the same reason it was popular to light a cigarette in the ‘80’s.

"Everyone is doing it," or "it will make me cool."

Teaching children to use birth control is telling them "Hey, everyone is doing it so here’s how to not get pregnant."

If I had a child, I would be irate that my 13 or 15 year old was going to school and playing with condoms for an hour.

Sex Education in schools is part of a much bigger problem in America. As I mentioned earlier, a girl can have a baby or 10 babies. She can receive food stamps, section 8 housing, medicaid for herself and her children until they’re adults. Why work? Welfare benefits are based on income. Where’s the motivation to take care of yourself and kids when tax payers will fit the bill?

Schools should start teaching abstinence. If you cannot afford to provide for your kid(s) DON’T HAVE KIDS.

There is a myriad of options for birth control. And most of the time, if used correctly, they will be preventative. But the only way to know, at 17, that you won’t get pregnant is to not have sex. Make the school nurse or counselors available for questions about birth control. It is no more embarrassing to discuss this one on one with an adult than it would be to ask questions in front of your classmates and peers.

Personally, I waited until my mid 20’s before I considered having sexual intercourse. I had my reasons, one of which was I did not want to get pregnant. I needed to take care of myself before I became responsible for another life. I am still not nearly ready for that, but I am on a path to financial security – a major step when thinking of becoming a parent. (Don’t hold your breath Mom.  I’m just making a point.)

I’m not saying everyone should play it safe like I did. But someone having sex should be ready to deal with the consequences that may occur. That should be common sense; however, there is no need to take responsibility when others will take it for you. Or when abortion, a complete disregard for life, is made so easy for everyone. Again, that is a separate issue – one which I do not see in black and white.

Teaching children to use birth control (instead of self control) is furthering a problem that is growing considerably in this country. I know, as do many, of someone who has a child she can’t afford.

Teens having babies will not change until the rules of responsibility change. If we’re starting in the classroom, lets start teaching these children that they should take pride in being responsible for themselves.

That is a hard sell because there are so many rewards for those who lack responsibility. There are no rewards from the government or from Oprah for families who work, discipline their kids, pay taxes, insurance, etc. Instead, your reward for doing it right will be to work and pay taxes your entire life to support the lives of chronic, welfare recipients.

 

 

 

 

 

*Never Been Kissed

I’ve Got My Plaid Pants Ready

I’m kidding, but I am ready for  Pearl Jam. 

They’re opening for the Rolling Stones Wednesday.  

I know I’m excited.

 

 

Rita

…another big hurricane. 

Come on, Mom..move to Connecticut.

I’m A Sucker

I haven’t had much to say lately, but I’m ready to get back to ranting. Why is it that every time I get a new computer I have to buy Microsoft Office again? Come on. I’ve kept my discs. If Microsoft is worried about piracy then fine; I will call in and wait on hold to verify my information so they know "Joe Piracy Thief" isn’t trying to use my discs.

I don’t mind seeing businesses profit. But the lengths to which they will go to protect their software is getting on my nerves.
I’ve personally purchased Microsoft Office 2003 three times. If you know me, you know I go through computers pretty often. I like updated technology. I like newer, faster laptops; I always buy the latest iPod, etc. But when I pay for Office 2003, I’m getting the same product I’ve already purchased. At $300.00 a pop, it’s getting old. Like most people, I am conditioned to taking notes, writing letters, outlines, etc. on Microsoft Word. I need it for class and other projects.

If I have to pay ever 2^nd time I get a desktop or laptop then sell me something new.

I’m going to buy office…again. I guess I should blame myself. Microsoft will excel because suckers like me keep coming back.

On My Own

I’m listening to Les Miserables while reading about tax, and it’s amazing – the heartache she feels, loving someone who doesn’t return the feelings. Out of it comes a timeless ballad, On My Own. Does everyone find themselves in her shoes? Or is my understanding of her feelings rare? To know he’s there and everything he is is all you want, but that he’ll never get close enough to learn he wants the same from you.

You can’t lose something you’ve never had, right? But forgetting him is so hard that instead, she looks forward to the times she is alone and can dream of him.

Can loving him really be better than letting him go? Is there someone so amazing, so compelling…that it could be worth the inner torment?

Maybe dreams are better than reality. Most people around me seem to have found their dream. I don’t know if there is a reality better than dreams for me. I understand where she is coming from, but I want more than a dream of something. I’m sure she did too. But hope, right? That’s the whole point,  I guess.

Forget What I Said Before

After seeing Texas beat Ohio State on the road; and after seeing OU and Tulsa play, I can confidently say that Texas will win the Red River game and play USC in the big game.  USC will likely win, but I think this is Texas’ year. 

Please Mack, don’t find a way to screw it up.  

Beating the Aggies won’t be easy, especially since it’s a Kyle Field.  But I think they’ll do it. 

Hook’em Horns

Check Him out

I really like John Roberts. He’s sharp and has maintained composure while being grilled. He’ll be confirmed, and I think that will be a good thing (even if he did go to law school at Harvard.)

Book Review

I’ve read a lot of books written by Nicholas Sparks, but True Believer is my least favorite.  While I appreciate a break from tragedies of some of  his other books, it lacked twists and ideas that make Sparks’ books difficult to put down. 

Jeremy Marsh, the lead character, is loveable; his opposite, Lexi, is the kind of character that grabs you though I found her to be a bit annoying. 

It’s a good read if you’re a Sparks fan, but don’t expect as much as his other books.  I guess not every book can be as good as The Notebook, but with the caliber of his other writings I’ve come to expect more.  The sequel to this book comes out this month.  I’m still looking forward to it;  I just hope it’s better than the last.

The Wedding was a great sequel to The Notebook so I’ll give Sparks the benefit of the doubt.  

My Hope Is Renewed

The Sooners were upset by TCU today. Cool, huh? That was more fun to watch than UT beating a team that’s barely collegiate.

Next week will be much tougher for Texas, but I think they’ll take care of business.

Ohio will wish Texas didn’t go to Ohio.

By the way, I’m changing my tune while it’s early. I think Texas will be unstoppable this year against OU.