Feb 02 2008
To the Non-Canadian and Non-Mexican North Americans
Seems like I’ve gotten in a hockey groove here. Last night, we went to a University of Michigan hockey game (the tickets were one of Shortman’s Christmas presents). We watched them play Northern Michigan. (Tied, 3-3 in case you’re the least bit interested.) Y’know, NMU is where they have to snowshoe to class. Snowshoe, y’all?! I’d have never made it to a single freakin’ class. I barely made it to classes in my own dorm when I had to get out of bed at 10 a.m.
Tonight, we watched Slapshot. And now, Mr. Hot has the Maple Leafs on. Sigh. I’ve discovered that there’s a huge difference between watching men playing hockey with their baggy shorts and watching football. I love a man’s butt in football pants. I love a man’s butt in a pair of Levi’s. I love a man’s butt in a suit. A dark suit with a white shirt. And a red tie. ummmmmm. Sigh.
Annnnyyyyywaaaayyyy.
I saw one of my clients at the game last night. Well, one of my ex-clients. Since they were sold, this guy was told that he’s losing his job as of February 29th. (Do you think he should be grateful that it’s a Leap Year?) He was there with his two sons, who were very polite and shook my hand when introduced. They’re young. One is a sophomore in High School. The other is in 7th grade. I wondered, as I went back to my seat and sat down, about what he’ll do. He’s an intelligent man; he knows his line of business. Unfortunately, that business is going down the freakin’ tubes. I know his wife works - she’s in marketing - but I also know where he lives - and y’all? Ex-pen-sive homes. He bought a boat last year - I remember him telling me all about it.
I’m more concerned about my staff, my clients, and my friends than I am about myself in this horrible economy. I have skills that are, unfortunately, a good thing in these times. I have experience with outsourcing. I have restructured and reorganized and merged. I have been through downsizing. I’m an officer of a major organization and have a severance package that is lucrative, relatively speaking.
My staff get paid well. Many of them actually make more than me. (That’s what happens when you have to hire people during the I.T. boom of the early 90’s. You pay what it takes to get them, even if it means paying more than you make yourself, with years of experience.) But I also know that they’re living in the McMansion houses and driving expensive cars. They have young families. They have big families.
I don’t live beyond my means. My only debt is my mortgage. I lease my car, and although there would be a big penalty if I needed to turn it in early, I won’t need to. I have no credit card debt. Our other vehicle is paid off and in good running condition. I live in an area where taxes are reasonable. We used Mr. Hot’s early retirement payout to fund Shortman’s college account. As long as he doesn’t go to Harvard (ehem, like that’s even a remote possibility - snort.) - I’m not worried about that either.
Since Mr. Hot has been a stay-at-home-dad for 11 years, I’ve been able to take on tasks that involve travel and long hours. I’ve learned a lot about the business world. I am, if I do say so myself, damned good at what I do. And I’m lucky enough to have worked for people who recognize that. They’ve rewarded me by giving me ample opportunity to challenge myself and succeed.
I know this all seems to be rambling. I read and I cut and paste and try to organize these thoughts. But tonight, it’s just spilling out.
I’m not a political person. I tend to zone out when Mr. Hot starts spouting about what this candidate did, or that candidate said. I have too much else to think about. I don’t have time to study the positions or to hear the latest media shit. But I think I have to start paying attention.
Two days after the 2004 presidential election, I was boarding a plane home from London. I’d spent 8 days in India touring our outsourcing partner’s locations. The flight was empty. London to Detroit. Early afternoon flight. Where were all of the business travelers?
“Is this flight always this empty?” I asked the British Airways flight attendant.
“We think all of the Americans stayed home this week to vote.” , he responded.
I laughed. “And I was going to ask if I could just stay here”, I said back, thinking of how we had another 4 years of George W. Bush ahead of us. I thought the man was an idiot, even then, even now, even back when we were all looking for a leader after September 11th. I had stood in an Indian city, watching the returns of the election, thinking, “How did this happen?”
“Oh, miss”, says the BA flight attendant - in his very proper English accent, “We were told not to discuss the Presidential election with the Americans.” He smiles at me. I cringe. What have we done? What does the rest of the world think of us?
And this Tuesday is now “Super Duper Tuesday”. One-half of the electoral college votes will be decided this week. If your state is voting this week, think about the people. Think about those people who are going without health care. Who are going without jobs and are on the streets. Who can’t afford to feed their children or to send them to school.
Think about what we need, as a nation. Think about bringing our young men home from an unnecessary war. Think about the rights we have long cherished. The right to choose. The right to love. The right to speak what we believe.
—- Hockey, football, baseball. Fun and games. Our future? Our children’s future? What about their children? As many a Mom has said, “It’s all fun and games until someone gets hurt.” —-
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[...] Ree wrote an interesting post today on To the Non-Canadian and Non-Mexican North AmericansHere’s a quick excerptHot has been a stay-at-home-dad for 11 years, I’ve been able to take on tasks that involve travel and long hours. I’ve learned a lot about the business world. I am, if I do say so myself, damned good at what I do. … [...]
I hope, oh, I hope, that your voice speaks for the majority of your countrymen and women.
Now *we* have an arsehole to get rid of.
witchypoo’s last blog post..LOL kitteh loads fast
[...] Ree wrote an interesting post today on To the Non-Canadian and Non-Mexican North AmericansHere’s a quick excerptTwo days after the 2004 presidential election, I was boarding a plane home from London. I’d spent 8 days in India touring our outsourcing partner’s locations. The flight was empty. London to Detroit. Early afternoon flight. … [...]
Well said!
We just got rid of our arsehole! Unfortunately I don’t think the new one is any better.
Veronica’s last blog post..Mud Puddles and Chocolate Cake
Amen, sister. It’s been such a long, long 8 years.
Miz S’s last blog post..SMOOTHIE!
That is a fantastic post. SO well-written and from the heart. Loved this. I feel like I’ve been holding my breath for the past 4 years. Tuesday is going to be a big day.
Jules
House of Jules
HouseofJules’s last blog post..If anything could make me do a flying karate kick from happiness, this would definitely do the trick
It does seem to be a very awkward topic. One that I know nothing about …. Let’s hope the next president is better than the last. *hides from tomatoes*
alyndabear’s last blog post..Joyeux Anniversaire!
Good luck with it all…the election, the job situation, (even male attire during hockey games). That’s a lot on your plate at the moment!
Heidi
Heidi’s last blog post..Making It Work
You know - I bitch & moan about our current administration - about the horrendous way our last two elections took place - but I *always* vote. Even in local elections. Seeing as how I’m (half) black AND female, I know that many, many people died to ensure I had a “voice” in the process.
I’ll be voting on Tuesday.
Deutlich’s last blog post..I’m The Daughter of a Soldier
I’m pretty scared for myself, no one’s buying cars right now. When no one buys cars Brad gets minimum wage. We’ve been living on minimum wage for about six months now.
Marie’s last blog post..How do they know?
I’m definitely voting.
When The Shrub was elected in 2000, I was unhappy. But when he was RE-elected? Well, that just made me irate. I’ve been irate for a long, long, loooooooong time now and I’m tired of it. I’m anxiously awaiting Super Tuesday. And then the general election in the fall. Things HAVE to get better.
Major Bedhead’s last blog post..Sussy!
A very nice rambling post. And even though I’m probably that rarest of political beasts—a huge fan of our current President (you can now say you’ve spotted one, like a pot-belled warbler)—I respect that not everyone agrees with me.
Though I’d have to say that, unlike the Major above, I’d avoid saying things like “things have to get better,” because they really, really don’t. In fact, they can get much, much worse. And saying it out loud like that, well, it’s like driving and saying something like “wow, I thought there’d be more traffic.”
Why tempt fate?
Hank’s last blog post..The Joys of Home
Despite the “seriousness” of it, a great post. And timely. I too, worry about the economy and how it may/may not affect my company. Many of our customers are in retail. BUT, like you, I’ve spent the past two years reducing debt, paying off my car and getting myself - personally and professionally - ready for anything that may happen.
A big house? A boat? He’s been living the American Dream and that’s become a nightmare for many.
Jenny’s last blog post..Hello Watson?
I firmly believe that voting is a moral obligation. I really do. It’s that important. I’ve been incredibly unhappy with the last two elections and, after the last one, my husband and I stayed up much of the night following the results and seriously discussing if we should move to another country for a few years. We didn’t, but I still retain that option if this next election sucks as much as the last two.
And these tax refunds to help energize the economy? Going straight into our savings account. Like you, I live in a normal house with a reasonable budget. We don’t have any debt other than our mortgage, which we’ll pay off in seven years. We’re also fully funding our retirement plans, have taken care of our children’s college savings, and are socking away as much money as we can. Well, except for that trip we’re taking in two months.
Jen on the Edge’s last blog post..February photo 3
I’ve been seriously thinking for some time now, it’s time for a revolution. We, the people, need to take back this country. Because it certainly isn’t about us anymore.
Candy’s last blog post..Sufragette City
Excellent post, friend. I, too, have a husband who is focused on the national news and the candidates. And I agree that while I get caught up on my day to day struggles and issues, the big picture definitely needs some thought. And this is a tremendously important election. Good thoughts.
Shelly’s last blog post..If Absence Makes the Heart Grow Fonder, Y’all Should be Crazy About Me, Right?
ours is may - I think it’ll be all over by then…
Dawn’s last blog post..NaNoWriMonday - 2:3
I shudder to think what the rest of the world thinks of us these past few years. Before the Current Occupant was elected/politically maneuvered into office, I vowed I’d move to Canada and live the life of an Ex Pat there because I swore he would bring our country into war. That was 8 years ago. I think I have psychic powers.
Melissa’s last blog post..Cereal for Dinner?
My sister-in-law went to NMU. And so did Steve Mariucci, who is one of my all-time favorite people.
I don’t think you actually have to snowshoe to class. But it does snow in June there.
Kristabella’s last blog post..Because All I Can Talk About is the Weather