Maybe I am feeling some anger about this, but I would really appreciate people who have been/are in the same boat... I talked to my Father and Stepmother today about their jobs as "Senior Greeters" at Walmart because I heard Walmart had laid off 10,000 people. My Dad explained to me that the people laid off were the "demonstrators" that served samples in the Sam's Club stores.Thank God, they didn't lose their current jobs! My Dad and Step-Mom were retired for 10 years before they felt they had to go back to work because their retirement income didn't stretch enough!

What is in wait for us who are approaching or in our 40s? I always said years ago that Social Security was not going to be an option! Doesn't look like it now!I am angry and fed up. I am fed up with "politics as usual" while people are starving in this country under the euphemism of "food insecurity!" "FOOD INSECURITY!" What the FUCK is that?! It is called, in real terms, "hunger." "starvation." and "neglect." And all of those terms apply to almost every segment of our communities in the U.S.. Yes, there is desperate hunger in foreign countries...but what about the f$^%# concerns in our own communities! Why don't we build lasting businesses and jobs here, why don't we institute what every other "progressive nation" has created--a sound and workable health-care system.... In the end, why doesn't the U.S. government invest in its citizens the way that Canada, Japan, most of Europe, and other nations do?!

Why is this nation set on a path of self-destruction and inner implosion via our elected politicians, our unelected media, and the self-righteous voices of the internet...and other "out-liars"?

Not to get TOO SERIOUS or ANGRY! IMA JUST SAYIN!
[Edited 2/5/10 18:46pm]

NM
[Edited 2/5/10 18:56pm]

I'm leaving a stable job I've been in for 10 years in the next few months here. My future employment situation is still uncertain. At the same time, my daughter just moved back to live with me after being away 3 years. So I really can't afford to fuck up.

I guess that counts as starting over in two ways.

The US bites. The economy sucks. And I'd like to move out of this god-forsaken hole. I hear Canada is rather lovely.

As for your title question though; I am starting my life over in alot of big ways in 2010.

I'm going to be 20, and getting my license and first car... anyone wanna take a wager on how fast I'll FUCK UP my car? I give it about a month... I'm not the greatest driver.
I'm looking into going back to school. I'm currently an unlicensed freelance graphic designer and do some html coding, and I'm contemplating taking that root as a professional.
My daughter is going to pre-school... which makes me feel all types of OLD.
My apartment in up for renovation via income tax money, because I've had alot of roomates over the past 2-3 years, and they fucked my shit UP. Like... bad.
And then there's this guy...

Acrylic said:

Wow! Welcome to 2010, like you need an invitation! Jeez--and I'm feeling sorry for my self?! Don't feel OLD when you daughter is in pre-school; feel LUCKY! You are not old but you can quickly make yourself feel old if you don't slow down and take account... The most important person is you and your daughter. Men will come and go, forget them. Focus on your talents and what you want to do as a professional... What you will feel when you finish your career objectives and your schooling is...PROUD... of yourself and your accomplishments... And what you can give yourself and your daughter because of your PERSONAL achievements...and not because of what some...guy...gave to you! You are not OLD...you are YOUNG and BEAUTIFUL and POWERFUL!!! (Just make sure BABYDADDY pay his share!!!).

poetcorner61 said:

I try to stay young, it's just hard sometimes because I've done everything on my own since I had my daughter... so I feel like I'm 20 going on 50! You're RIGHT though; my profession and babygirl are the most important things in my life, my main focus(es). Independant queen working for her throne. But a sweet guy in my life is always a nice added perk...

And as for BabyDaddy... PFFT. Do not even get me STARTED on homeboy!

Acrylic said:

I'm sorry you are feeling bad. I hope at least you have your mom on your side--if not get her on your side because she will be there when everyone else is gone! (Unless you don't have that relationship--tell me do you have someone else?) I actually meant to send this to you, although it was on another post--feeling sensitive tonight--not the best, but meaningful poem:

WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU ARE BLUE...

What do you do when you are blue

Call up the One Who is Always There
Even if you feel that they don't care
Just when the storm starts to break
You shiver and you start to quake

Call Up The One Who Is Always There
Whether you think they don't care
They are--waiting...
Hesitating, Abiding...
Reach Out!
Whether you think they don't care!
They do!They do! They do! But...

It all comes down to U!
Don't let them think that
U don't care
Don't be the One to decide
Who stays or takes the ride
To find just where U belong

YOUR LIFE is where You Belong
No one has the power...
To sing your song...
But YOU!

Your Life is where you belong
Sing your song
Where you belong
Sing your song
Where you belong...

Wherever the path might lead
But, let it make U strong
Where-ever U belong
Let it make U STRONG
...Wherever U Belong!!!

Same shit, different day. But it's not sustainable. I think folks who say things will always remain this way are being short sighted. There is an upheavel in the USA (A MAJOR one) every 6 or 7 presidencies. It's like clockwork.

The American public can be pushed only so far before there's a left-wing revolution of sorts. I think the USA will be the most powerful nation on earth for at least the next 100 or 200 years, but the power within the country will shift somewhat.


I'm starting to totally understand the way libertarians think now.

poetcorner61 said:

That's a lovely poem!

I understand what you mean when you talk about how Social Security is not going to be an option. I already know that I'm going to be working past the age of 65, just so I can save up enough money to retire. But I guess I gotta do what I gotta do to get by...

Acrylic said:

Thank you so much, sweetie! I hope it touched you, because I wrote it for me and you!

psychodelicide said:

I don't know how old you are...but although I sound moody in the poem...I know that the economic recession will pass...the question is--how long? Because, every thing goes in cycles, including economies (despite what the experts say--it isn't science!) Ya know what we really have to do...DANCE MUSIC SEX ROMANCE!!!!

poetcorner61 said:

I wonder too how long this recession will go on. The experts are now trying to say that the recession ended last summer. I don't see it that way, with the unemployment rate being as high as it is, and with the number of people still out of work. Dancing sounds good.

Only at the 'contemplating' stage

yep, i think im starting over in many ways in 2010

treat me like u want to be treated - OR ELSE and some orgers KNOW already ( no i haven't hurt them) , no more nice missmad unless u treat missmad nicely

trying to make it on my own- financially, save up etc

trying to move forward in that im not gonna think about relationships that ended a while ago and that i cared sooooo much about- but was the family decision i think, still hurts- but that is the route they wanted


I'm finally losing this weight & people have been telling me this 4 almost 2 months and I'm just noticing it LOL

i'm treating myself better- mistakes happen do better next time,although i beat myself up a bit still, i went out the other day and spent almost $70 bux on clothes, ( i hardly ever buy myself clothes unless the ones i have start 2 become gross) and getting my nails done for the first time ( acrylics). I'm more confident in myself and loovin it!

Acrylic said:

Stay young and positive! I was pregnant with my first child at 17. I did it on my own for a decade before I met my amazing husband. Never received a dime of child support from my daughters' bio-father. It does make you grow up fast, and gives you little patience for bullshit.

I admire you staying on your grind, because lots of young moms refuse to learn responsibility and selflessness.

But don't let it make you old, baby. I'm 31 and still in touch with my inner 12 year old. And I have TWO TEENAGERS!
[Edited 2/6/10 5:05am]

PunkMistress said:

you give pretty sound advice for a convict...

thejason said:

ain't got no quarrels with God
ain't got no time to get old
Lord knows I'm weak..

PunkMistress said:

if you werent married to chris, I'd love you...

It's weird because I thought I was too old to change and it's almost like it happened and I was unaware of it until it happened but I am finding I have become a different person in some aspects. I have always been the person around for everyone else's benefit. I would be available at all hours of the day or night, ripping and running taking care of everyone else but myself. I was also very clinging and needy in some of my relationships as well. When I finally got to the point to realize that I didn't mean as much to some people as they did to me, that I was putting people up on pedestals and it crushing me when they didn't live up to the God-like status I'd given them, I learned to stop doing that. I am also more guarded with my heart and realized that I am ecstatically single. I turn off my phone at night. I am not quick to answer the phone or return a call anymore. I don't let myself fall for anyone anymore and I come home at the end of the day and enjoy my solitude.

My signature is my mantra now and I am taking the time to appreciate the people who have been here for me instead of practically begging for attention from the ones who have not.

Vendetta1 said:

Vendetta1 said:

I noticed your signature a few days ago and loved it. It really resonated with me. Congratulations on making this new change in your life!

CarrieMpls said:

Efan said:

Thank you, John.

Vendetta1 said:

This is exactly how I have changed too.

Now those people are like "Wha? Where are you?" because their option isn't readily available

Cinnie said:

Yep, I had that happen, too.

Vendetta1 said:

Would you believe I actually paid someone's way into a few live shows, or they wouldn't have attended with me?
Or how I was keeping MY schedule open when I knew someone else was going to have shit hit the fan so I could be there to talk?

Cinnie said:

I'm guilty of that, too. No more.

this is a time for re-invention for a lot of people. I am doing the same.

Vendetta1 said:

All it took was for me to realize they were not there when I phoned. They may have answered the phone but it was more "hm. mm. well I'm hanging out with ____ at the moment so, bye" and it happened successively, and every time they were busy and I was hurting. If that was me before and they had phoned me I would have screeched out of who I was hanging out with to go console them.