Happy Thanksgiving!

Wow, have I been in a funk.  A big puddle of funk, covered in tar and topped off with a level of heavy-duty duct tape.  Can't get any stickier or more depressing than that!  Since writing my last post on how I understood the reasons for my seven year 'review' for Social Security Disability, the ante was upped...it was no longer just the mere annoyance of having to fill out page after page of invasive questions.  As tedious as that was, I could get through it.  It was having to physically prove, through a set of painful examinations, that yes...I have CMT.  Hi...my name's Christine, and I have a peripheral neurological disorder.  (Insert friendly greetings and clapping HERE.)

It wasn't just the pain the exams caused me, which was pretty intense.  I think it was the compilation of everything...the pain, the embarrassing questionnaires, and the results that were reached by completing the exams.  Even though I live this life everyday with a disability, which can often become so routine and, well...mundane in the many little ways I need to function, for the most part I remain positive.  I have learned to laugh at my circumstances and at myself, because if you can't laugh at the absurdity of life, it can be a long and miserable adventure.  Though this past week it was all kind of shoved in my face...the routine, the daily struggles, and the physical changes I have gone through in the past few years.  Some of these changes I knew about, though many were surprising...and having to face up to all of that was difficult.  I was left feeling degraded, and no one should ever have to feel that way.

But now all of that has passed, and Thanksgiving is here.  I am working hard to find my positive energy again!  This holiday is about being thankful, after all, and realizing what gifts you have in life.  And though I may have a lot of challenges to deal with, I also have a lot to be thankful for.  Wonderful friends and family whom I can trust and count on, adorable furry kitties that keep me entertained (and busy,) just to name a few.  I also have the opportunity to use my artistic talents in a new way, to raise money for the CMTA...and that money will help find a cure for CMT.  And that's just awesome!

Though all of those things are big...what about the little things?  When you are evaluating your life and thinking about what you have to be thankful for, the big things easily come to mind.  Maybe that's why it's so easy to forget to appreciate what we have all year round...all of those little things we have come to expect as a part of life, and don't even think about until they're gone.  Food in the fridge, electricity and plumbing, clean water flowing from the tap.  I am thankful to have all of those things, and if any one of them were missing, it would be a shock!  Though for many, their struggle IS living without those daily conveniences that blend into the background for a lot of us.  They may not have food to eat, or clean water, or even a roof over their head.  This is the time of year where most of us try to remember those who are less fortunate, and give thanks for the gifts we do have have, no matter how small...though why limit those thoughts to one day a year? 

Now don't get me wrong--by knowing there are others out there who have struggles, that does not make our own problems any less important...they are still real.  When I was stuck under the duct tape, a good friend helped me realize this, and I was able to get myself unstuck a little quicker!  Knowing what others may face doesn't diminish our own issues...it just helps us recognize what we do have in life so we can be thankful, and not take these gifts for granted.  As Thanksgiving day draws to a close, I am keeping all of my friends and family close to my heart.  You are all a big part of my life, and it would be a lot harder to live it without you!  I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving with their family and friends like I had...and that you all found something in your lives to be thankful for!  

  

Let's Talk About Monotony

That is a complicated word!  There are stressful times we all experience when it seems like the world is spinning out of control, and we pray for boredom...and the chance to breathe.  A little monotony goes a long way, when life is throwing you curve balls and you forget how to duck!

There are other times when life is calm, which can be wonderful.  Until you realize that each day looks like the day before, and the day before that...finding that perfect balance between lack of control and too much control can be hard to achieve.  I'm not sure if it's possible to reach that state all the time, but striving for that balance is definitely a good goal to have!  Why has this topic even come to mind?  I guess there's a variety of reasons I'm thinking about this today...I have been working hard on paintings for the CPO Starry Night gallery, which has provided me with new tasks and goals to occupy my mind and time.  Which has been great--because I've learned over the years that having Charcot Marie Tooth disease, with all of it's limits and adaptations, can sometimes cause you to get stuck in your routines.

And I'm not even sure if routine is the proper word for it...usually if you engage in a specific behavior, it's by choice.  What time you get up in the morning, where you stop for coffee on your way to work...the types of foods you buy at the grocery store.  Some of our behaviors are dictated by circumstances; for instance, you might not buy milk at the store if you are lactose intolerant.  But a lot of our routines are chosen because they work well for us, and make us happy and comfortable.  I have made many personal choices in my own life too--don't get me wrong!  I try my best to eat healthy because I figure I have enough physical problems to deal with...I don't want or need to add diseases such as Diabetes to my list.  And then there are times when nothing tastes better than marshmallows, and if I don't get my hands on some soon, I can't be responsible for my actions!  Though it's my choice to buy a bag, and many times I make the right choice and leave it on the shelf.  I have control over that particular situation. (Well, mostly.)

But having CMT can take a lot of your control in life away.  I am sure it is the same for any disability, though the specific situations and levels of degree may vary.  And although finding routines that make you happy may be a good thing, it can be difficult to accept them when you have no other choice.  I've had to think a lot about my routines lately, because I'm going through my seven year review of my Social Security Disability case.  This is a normal thing to face, though it can be a daunting task to complete a 16 page questionnaire filled with personal questions.  And I do mean personal!  Understandably, SSD wants to know if I am able to dress myself, cook my own meals, and clean my own apartment.  And this does make sense--there are many daily tasks which are very difficult for me due to hand control and muscle loss, and I've spent a lifetime adapting how I accomplish them...and there may come a time when I can no longer do so without personal assistance.  Where it gets hard is when I have to explain (in detail,) how I function in a typical day...from the moment I wake up in the morning, to the moment I go to sleep at night.  Now, just take a second and think about that one...think about how many minute little tasks you do in the bathroom alone.  Frustrated yet?  A little embarrassed??  And I have to be as detailed as I possibly can...from my difficulties in taking a shower, to my ability to use the toilet.  Need another second?  I sure do!

Beyond sharing embarrassing personal details not suitable for parties, it brings the focus on just how routine my actions have gotten...to complete such simple everyday tasks that most people might not even think about.  From the way I have to hold my toothbrush so I don't drop it, to having chairs and stools around the house that I can sit on to do things such as change the litter boxes.  And it's a reminder of the usual clumsiness I deal with, because I'm tired...the amount of things I manage to drop in a day is astronomical!  All of it is a lesson; from learning when to stop and rest, to changing how I fill the coffee maker so I don't end up with a giant puddle on the kitchen floor.  But sometimes, DAMMIT...I just want to brush my teeth in the normal way!  Sometimes I just want to carry the water for the coffee with my right hand while I grab breakfast with the other.  I'm a rebel!  And I have my moments of recklessness when I attempt the impossible, because every so often I just need a break from the monotony...a change in my routine.  And in most cases...the results just aren't pretty!

C. S. Lewis once said:  Experience: that most brutal of teachers.  But you learn, my God do you learn.   I've certainly had a lot of experience in routine, and how to adapt my behaviors when I need to...sometimes it feels like the lessons are coming out of my ears.  And I keep on facing these lessons, because what choice do I have?  When I don't accept what I've been taught, I end up sitting on a stool in my kitchen, cleaning up spilt oatmeal and wet tea leaves...muttering words that are ALSO not suitable for parties!  I tried my best to convey this frustration when filling out my questionnaire...and I did manage to keep the swear words to myself.  And now that I am done, I choose to focus on my painting.  When I start at the beginning there is a vision, though sometimes my art takes a different path...and until I reach the end, the result remains a mystery.  Because a little mystery goes a long way in breaking up the monotony, don't you think?

A Great Day!

Age is strictly a case of mind over matter.  If you don't mind, it doesn't matter.

Jack Benny

And it doesn't matter to me...in fact, I'm glad!  I turned 40 today, and I couldn't be happier!  It's funny the different reactions I've been getting the past few weeks, when people found out the big "4-0" was coming up.  I heard some "Congratulations!"...a few scattered "Wow--you don't look 40!" but mostly I heard "Oh..." accompanied by looks of pity.  Pity?  Why would anyone feel sorry for me??  I do understand that turning certain ages can be...unsettling, and for many is perceived as the end of something.  Though I don't see it that way.  There have been many times throughout my life when things have ended for me, or at least changed dramatically...as of yet they've never fallen on my birthday.  And I haven't exactly experienced the normal milestones that most people experience.  For instance, in a lot of cases turning 21 is a big deal...it means that FINALLY you are old enough for everything, except maybe AARP.  You can drink, in PUBLIC, and not be faulted for it.  Yippee--WHOO-HOO!!  My 21st year, however, passed in a whisper...I'm severely allergic to alcohol, so to celebrate I took my art school friends out to a local bar and bought them drinks...then I drove them home.  I admit--not very exciting in the traditional way!  I still had fun...enjoyed some laughs.  And drank a Shirley Temple!

The milestones I remember the most usually have to do with other things...the day I graduated from graduate school, my first teaching job and students, holding my younger niece in my arms on the day she was born.  I have other milestones as well...the age I was when I was finally diagnosed with CMT(25), the age I was when I was hurt and had to give up teaching altogether (32)...the age I was when Scout passed away (39.)  Not all milestones are happy ones to cross.  But they all lead you down your path in life...some spots are just a little rockier!  Well, this year on my birthday I created another memory to file away with the others, and it's a good memory...today was our Art de Cure gallery installation to raise money for CMT.  I must say--the gallery is impressive!  And as of today, the art pieces displayed throughout the space are for sale...so if you are interested in some original artwork created by regional artists, stop in at the CPO (Clinical Prosthetics & Orthotics) building: 149 South Lake Avenue in Albany NY, and take a look!  I am proud to have my art pieces hanging along side the work of many talented people...and I am excited to see just how much money we will raise for the CMTA.  We hope to see all of you at our upcoming event on December 2nd, from 5-9pm...it should be a great time!

And last but not least, let me thank each and every one who has donated an item for the event...and I know there are still more coming, so let me thank you in advance!  So far I have managed to collect 14 different donations such as quilts, hand painted items and jewelry...and one donation was actually sold today, starting the ball rolling to reach our $15,000 goal.  That was donated by my very own mother, who made several infant blankets and hats. Thanks again, mom!  And if you are a regular reader of my blog you probably have noticed that I don't use names when talking about the people in my life...I use abbreviations.  To do so now in order to thank everyone (including my mother) for their generosity, would make me sound like I forgot my alphabet!  So I will dispense with the K's and C's, and just send out a big THANKS to all of you...you know who you are!  It's for a great cause which is very close to my heart, and your help is very much appreciated!

So overall it was a GREAT day as I turned 40...and I have some good memories to think upon in times to come.  Life is truly a gift, no matter what age you may be...and even though some birthdays can be about as pleasant as getting a box of irregular tube socks,  other birthdays are as shiny as diamonds.  I try to see the 'diamonds in the rough' each and every year, and will attempt to do so as long as I am able.  And when I can't find the shine?  Well, I'll just yank my tube socks a little higher, and keep on searching! 

Happy Halloween!

I'll admit it...Halloween is NOT my favorite holiday.  I lean toward those special days that give me the opportunity to buy presents for the people I care about the most...such as Christmas, and of course, birthdays.  (Yes, I know birthdays aren't technically holidays...except for mine, of course!  I'm working on getting it Nationally recognized--didn't you know??)  Ahem.  Anyway, back to the topic at hand...Halloween.  The costume idea is kind of interesting...I suppose getting the chance to be someone or something else for a few hours can be appealing.  And I do enjoy seeing little kids dressed in their costumes...and grown-ups who are big fans of this holiday, such as my friend L and her husband--who really put a lot of time and effort into their costumes each year, and decorate their home as a haunted house for family and friends.  That's the way to do it!   Where Halloween tends to fall short for me is when I see 18 year olds (or even older) wearing ripped t-shirts and dabs of fake blood dripping from their mouths as they shove candy bags under my nose.  There's no "Trick-or-Treats" or expressions of thanks to accompany their intrusions...and it just doesn't impress me.  I say if you're going to enjoy Halloween the proper way, then put some effort into it! Red dye # 4 oozing from your lip and an old Hanes undershirt does not a costume make...and if you get paid more than I do, well...then you can buy your own candy!

What I do like about Halloween are all the scary movies, especially the classics, that pop up on the TV around this time of year...such as the 1978 film Halloween with Jamie Lee Curtis.  Back then we shared her fear as she was terrorized by the masked murderer, Micheal Myers.  And I will always watch the scary Alfred Hitchcock classics, such as 1960's Psycho...I dare you to watch that movie and jump in the shower afterward, without shaking and keeping a close eye on the shower curtain!  Another favorite of mine is 1954's Rear Window...what a movie!  When Jimmy Stewart's character L.B. Jeffries realizes his neighbor (the murderer) sees him watching through the window of his apartment, where Jeffries sits helpless with a broken leg...I'm on the edge of my seat!  The fact that those Hitchcock movies are in black and white, makes them even more suspenseful...I think sometimes all that blood and gore can get in the way.

And I have seen the bloodier, gorier movies too...many of them.  And they are frightening--usually I can't sit through movies like that without company!  But I think the more realistic and sometimes simpler movies frighten me more with their suspense alone; they are much scarier in my opinion.  It's more frightening to watch a movie I can actually envision myself in, and share the character's experiences as I bite my nails...and every so often, I'll throw a casual look over my shoulder to make sure I'm still alone.  My favorite type of Halloween is the kind where I can spend it huddled indoors under a blanket--with a scary movie to watch, or a suspenseful book to read.  And since I can't load a movie on here (wait...can I?  I'll have to look into that...) I started searching the great wide web for scary stories.  My father actually found this interesting website which he shared with me, and it's filled with ghost stories (some more frightening than others,) fables, and frightening tales from all over America...they even have videos to watch!  There's also a section of children's ghost stories that are more appropriate for the little ones, and tales to share around the campfire.  If you'd like to check it out as you are stuck indoors on this wintry Halloween weekend, go to: http://americanfolklore.net/.  It might just scare you!

As I explored the different sections of American Folklore, I found an interesting short story from local areas I'm very familiar with...don't worry--it's not too frightening!  I decided to share it with you...see if any of these places sound familiar! 

Fifty-Cent Piece

A New York Ghost Story
retold by
S. E. Schlosser
There is a story told in Troy and Albany about a couple returning home from a trip to New England. They were driving home in a carriage, and were somewhere near Spiegletown when the light failed and they knew they would have to seek shelter for the night.
The husband spied a light through the trees and turned their horse into a small lane leading up a hill. A pleasant little house stood at the crest, and an old man and his wife met the couple at the door. They were in nightclothes and were obviously about to turn in, but they welcomed the travelers and offered them a room. The old woman bustled about making tea and offering freshly-baked cakes. Then the travelers were shown to their room. The husband wanted to pay the old couple for their lodgings, but the old lady shook her head and the old man refused any payment for such a small service to their fellow New Yorkers.
The travelers awoke early and tiptoed out of the house, leaving a shiny fifty-cent coin in the center of the kitchen table where the old couple could not miss it. The husband hitched up the horse and they went a few miles before they broke their fast at a little restaurant in Spiegletown.
The husband mention the nice old couple to the owner of the restaurant and the man turned pale.
"Where did you say that house was?" he asked. The husband described the location in detail.
"You must be mistaken," said the restaurant owner. "That house was destroyed three years ago by a fire that killed the Brown family."
"I don't believe it," the husband said flatly. "Mr. and Mrs. Brown were alive and well last night."
After debating for a few more minutes, the couple and the restaurant owner drove the carriage back out of town towards the old Brown place. They turned into the lane, which was overgrown with weeds, and climbed the hill to the crest. There they found a burned out shell of a house that had obviously not sheltered anyone for a long time.
"I must have missed the track," said the husband. And then his wife gave a terrified scream and fainted into his arms. As he caught her, the husband looked into the ruin and saw a burnt table with a shiny fifty-cent piece lying in the center.

Hope you enjoyed reading that little tale...to read more, check out the site and do some exploring.  As for me, I think it's time for hot chocolate, and some Alfred Hitchcock. Happy Halloween, everybody!

Moving Forward

My recent post entitled 'We Are The 99 Percent' was very difficult for me to write.  It was hard to log onto the '99' website and read story after heart wrenching story about the struggles we are facing in America...it was even harder to realize just how many of these stories could be mine, if just one situation changed.  If I lost my family support...if I lost my job...if I lost the ability to work the part-time hours I currently work.  So many people in this country, including myself, face that stress everyday...the stress of what could happen.  One part of my brain tells me just how lucky I am--for I am warm, with clothes on my back and food in my fridge, and I have the support of family and friends.  And the other part of my brain reminds me of the 'maybees' that could happen at any time.  These opposing sides like to debate every so often, when things are too quiet or I am trying desperately to drop off into sleep.

So why am I bringing this up again?  Because this can't be the end of it--there has to be MORE.  It can't stop with one post, or one visit to a disturbing website...it's not something to be shared once and forgotten about.  It can't be the only thing to focus on either, as it is important to have balance.  I know this, and continue to work on other projects such as raising CMT awareness, and helping to prepare for the Art De Cure gallery opening (to benefit the CMTA) on December 2nd.  And I have also been trying to BREATHE once in a while, and do something just for the sake of doing it--such as travelling to Schroon Lake and taking pictures of the leaves.  No one really benefits from that activity except for me, but that's okay...sometimes you need to do things just to make yourself happy.

But it is unavoidable...my brain likes to travel just as much as the rest of me, and soon enough I find myself immersed within the stress again.  Thinking about everything I've learned, and thinking about the 'maybees'.  It kind of explains my addiction to television, right?  It does help to distract me!  Though when I can no longer be distracted, I start thinking about what else I could be doing.  Sometimes I get nowhere...and once in a while, if I'm lucky, I come up with an idea.  And so I started thinking the other day about all of those stories I read, and I realized the ones that really struck me were written by people who have become homeless because of their struggles in this failing economy.  This is a growing issue along with hunger, and one I cannot even imagine...I hope I never learn first hand what living with homelessness is like.  So in thinking of this problem, I asked myself the question "What more can I do?"  I wish I had the financial resources to eradicate both issues, or at least to make a significant dent...but I don't.  Often around the Thanksgiving holidays I'll see a notice in the mail, about an upcoming 'perishable food collection' to help the hungry and homeless, and I always manage to pull something from my cabinets to donate.  But once again, I am left with the feeling that it isn't enough.

And so I started thinking about these issues, and logged onto the Internet to search for something else I could do.  What I noticed at first kind of struck me as odd.  I went to Google (which is the normal search engine I use,) typed in "What can I do about homelessness" and when I typed the 'h' in the word 'homelessness' two possible ideas came up...hot flashes, and hair loss!  Luckily I had no need to pause on either concern, and continued to type in the rest of the word...and that's when the ideas ran out.  It is obvious that more people have logged onto Google to find ways to control their night sweats and keep what little hair they have left, and I certainly hope they were successful!  But I wonder...if the issues of homelessness and hunger in this country are so huge (and I know they are,) why haven't more people looked further into finding an answer? 

Thankfully Google did provide me with a few ideas once I hit the 'enter' key, and led me in a few directions.  The first site I found which is listed below, is the National Homeless Organization.  There are many ways to help the homeless in this country, whether it be through donations or through volunteer work.  And for someone like me, who doesn't have the financial resources and may not be physically able to volunteer in places such as soup kitchens and shelters, there are other ideas as well.  The first thing the NHO prompts you to do is figure out what you do best, and how you can utilize your talents to help the problem.  And through further searching, I found ways I could use my ability to write to aid this issue...the NHO provides legislative alerts and a directory of National Housing and Homeless Organizations, to which you can write letters to your congressmen asking them to make the changes that need to be made.  And that is something I can do!  One of these organizations on their list may be one you are familiar with...Habitat for Humanity.  This is a wonderful group, which not only builds houses for needy families, it does so through the hard work of volunteers working side by side with each receiving family.  In reading the background information on how HFH started, I read their mission statement...and realized I couldn't have said it better myself.  So I copied the following statement from Habitat's website:

The Fund for Humanity’s mission statement:What the poor need is not charity but capital, not caseworkers but co-workers. And what the rich need is a wise, honorable and just way of divesting themselves of their overabundance. The Fund for Humanity will meet both of these needs. Money for the fund will come from shared gifts by those who feel they have more than they need and from non-interest bearing loans from those who cannot afford to make a gift but who do want to provide working capital for the disinherited . . . The fund will give away no money. It is not a handout.

Habitat for Humanity allows people to put their own sweat and hard work into building the home they so desperately need...giving them pride in their accomplishments, and allowing them to make the home their own.  And those of you who (like me) are unable to wield a hammer without crushing something important, can also find several other ways to help.  By clicking on [Advocate] and choosing to Send a message to congress now you can find several ways through letter writing campaigns, to tell Obama, Congress and State Leaders how you feel.  For instance, you can write a letter to Congress and ask them to support the SLUM Act, which assures that American aid is used for the greater good, and spent wisely to support those in need...and that just supports the people in this country.  At this time there are about 2 billion people around the world who live in slums, and approximately 100 million people are homeless.  My father who also writes a blog (his link is posted below as well,) talked about the issue of hunger...and at this time in the US alone, there are 3.8 million people who experience hunger on a daily basis.  These are NOT small issues, people!  They are growing everyday, and with so many in our country who are struggling just to survive, they must be addressed!    

Do I believe that writing one letter is enough to eradicate homelessness and hunger?  Of course not.  Though I also believe that by standing together we can move mountains...and our voices will finally be heard!  I have to believe that, for instead of feeling helpless, it places my feet upon a path and gives me something to do to bring positive change.  And having this to believe in makes it a little easier to breathe, and helps me sleep a little better.  So check out the websites below if you are also looking for more ways to move forward, and help where you can!  You may find a wise, honorable and just way to make a difference...now, who could argue with that?

http://www.nationalhomeless.org/factsheets/you.html
http://www.habitat.org/gov/default.aspx
http://www.capitaldistricthabitat.org/restore/
http://www.schenectadyhabitat.org/restore
http://deaconjnh.blogspot.com/2011/08/plenty-and-hunger.html

Just Days Away!!

Another birthday is on the horizon...and no, it's not mine!  But it's just as wonderful, and just as momentous...so I am writing this post today, to wish my funny and talented brother a HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

Just five years older than me, you can imagine that we didn't always get along.  Which is often the case with siblings, I'm sure!  Though now we get along great, and are actually a lot alike.  Both artistic and musical, with similar senses of humor...I can always count on P to make me laugh!  His daily posts on Facebook are the main reason I keep my account open...and even when I'm having a horrible day, I can log on and see something he has written, and my day changes for the better.  So thank you, brother, for giving me something to look forward to each day, and for always making me smile! 

And in the spirit of great birthdays, I am posting this special birthday message because I know he will appreciate it, as the show 'Family Guy' always makes him laugh.  P, may you forever find the humor in life, and a reason to laugh!  And when you do finally get your cake, make sure to save me a piece...okay?  I hope you have a spectacular birthday on Friday, and for many years to come!

We Are The 99 Percent

If you have read my posts in the past, you are aware of the fact that I avoid the news like the plague.  There seems to be nothing more than story after story, which seem filled with negativity, ignorance and hate.  If you're lucky you get a two minute positive story at the very end, telling you about a child who raised money for a local cause...or a therapy dog that brings joy to the lives of the elderly.  These stories are wonderful, and they restore my faith in humans and animals alike!  Sometimes though, I am not able to avoid the negativity that is occurring around me, and some of it sneaks into my bubble...and I have to address it.  Sometimes I hear a story that makes me want to cover my ears while I sing "I CAN'T HEAR YOU...LA LA LA LA!!!" but I cannot make enough noise to block it out.  And today I heard one of those stories.  It seems that there has been a silent uprising and quiet protest to what is happening in this country with our economy, that has been occurring in many cities such as NY and Chicago.  People have been joining together for 'sit-ins' outside places such as Wall Street.  It is called 'Occupy Wall Street,' and despite the fact that there has been little-to-no news coverage on these protests, they have actually been occurring for about two weeks.  The people joining in are not violent protesters by any means...they are normal average people, who are tired of the constant daily struggle to survive.  People like you and me, who struggle to pay for mediocre health care, struggle to put food on the table, struggle to pay for rent/mortgage, gas, electricity...the list is endless.

I don't pretend to be an expert when it comes to politics.  The back and forth insults between parties; the mudslinging and the blame games that seem to accompany any political debate distract me and frustrate me.  So when I first heard about Occupy Wall Street, I asked some questions and did some digging.  What is obvious to the majority of the people in this country is that our economy is NOT WORKING.  Whether or not the numbers I found are completely accurate, is something I'm not sure of.  But I think I'm close...and I think the numbers are appalling!  As it is now, I have heard that about 90% of the money in this country is controlled by about 1% of the population.  That leaves 10%...and THAT money is distributed to the 99% of the population who are left.  Now if you are like me you may need to reread that statement, because it involves numbers (which also frustrate me,) and because it is completely unbelievable...though it is also very real!  What it comes down to is this: there are some very deep pockets stuffed with the majority of the money in America, while the rest of the people have pockets that are empty...and they are struggling...and starving...and homeless.  And the thought that this is occurring ANYWHERE, is innately, incredibly WRONG!

Do I begrudge anyone the wealth they may have acquired over the years?  Not really.  What I do have problems with are the tax breaks and incentives that were handed out many years ago to those with wealth, in the hopes that the people accepting these incentives would be putting money back into our country...by creating programs that benefited the greater good, and jobs that would be available for those willing to work.  That did not happen.  And despite the fact that our economy has ended up in the toilet, and hunger and homelessness continue to rise, the people who have the capability to make a difference are choosing greed instead.  A couple of years ago, Congress attempted to take those tax breaks back from those who had received them, such as the oil companies.    And our current financial situation is a strong indication of the results.  Would taking back those earlier incentives cause the former receivers financial ruin?  Hardly.  But greed is a powerful sin...one that can make you turn your back on your fellow men and women, and ignore the obvious suffering that goes on around you.  It breaks my heart to know that anyone would choose greed and wealth over ending the suffering of others, but it is happening as we speak.

Now, I am not attempting to use this blog as my podium to stand up and point fingers.  This is not my forum to persuade you to vote Democrat or Republican, or to convince you to side with Obama or speak against him.  I have heard the comments against him and the blame that many have placed on his shoulders, due mainly to the fact that he did not wipe away our financial struggle upon entering the Presidential office.  And quite frankly I do not agree...do I think he has done everything the way it should have been done?  No...I'd be shocked if a President like that even existed.  But I do believe that he took on one HELL of a job, and has been expected by many to fix issues that have been brewing, long before he took over.  Obama was not the one to create this giant ball of financial downturn, or the one who sent it rolling down the hill.  This ball has been gaining speed and velocity for years, making it very difficult to stop.  To give you an idea of just how large this issue is, and how fast that ball is rolling, here is a chart that shows just how much our National debt has increased over the years...and where it started.

So before we point fingers; before we place blame, let's be realistic about where this issue started.  It does not all lie with our current President, who has barely dipped his toes in the water.  The situation in America has been ongoing for a very long time, and maybe it would be more beneficial to stop worrying about where to place the blame and start being realistic about how to fix it...TOGETHER.

But first we have to stop and listen.  ALL of us need to stop and take a good, long look around, and open our eyes to see who stands beside us.  No matter what walk of life you may come from, or social class you may belong to...no matter how much or how little education you may have had, it no longer matters.  PEOPLE matter, and the people are suffering!  And we are the 99 percent of the population who are tired of suffering, and just want to be heard.  The stories may break your heart, but these are the stories of your loved ones...these are the stories of America.  Greed must NO LONGER take precedence...happiness of the few should no longer be put above the suffering of the many!

If you want to listen, and if you would like to share your own story, then check out this site:
log onto http://wearethe99percent.tumblr.com/ to read the many entries of people just like you and me.  They are powerful, and heart wrenching, and you may want to have tissues nearby.  But like any serious issue it is well worth the read.  My own story posted below, will also be posted on this site...and I hope that one day soon we will all be heard!

I am 39 years old, and I receive disability because I was born with a Peripheral Neurological disorder called Charcot Marie Tooth Syndrome.  I didn't always receive SSD...I went to college and earned a dual Masters in Special Education and Literacy, because I wanted to help children with disabilities succeed. 

After college I worked my butt off for seven years as a teacher, until I suffered an injury, and my body could no longer keep up.  I had to declare bankruptcy, and give up an occupation I put 15 years into, all because of a back injury that took 30 seconds to occur. 

I thought college and a career was what I was supposed to do...for the past few years I have questioned that decision.  Now I work 20 hours a week as a secretary because that is all my body can handle, and there are many days it can't even handle that.

I have no retirement or pension, and have no idea what my future holds.  SSD doesn't cover my rent and other expenses, though I know I am lucky to have it at all.  The small income I make doesn't even come close to covering my medical costs, though I know how fortunate I am to even have a job.

I am one of the lucky ones.  I have parents who love me, and if it wasn't for them I don't know where I would be.

It used to be my dream to help disabled children face the obstacles I have faced.

My current dream is to be self sufficient, so my parents don't have to worry anymore.

I am the 99 percent.

http://occupywallst.org

http://occupytogether.org