Jetblue-Here is your opportunity (or any other airline that wants to come to Cleveland)

United Airlines announced that it is removing its hub and downsizing its presence out of Cleveland. Is this good or bad?

For the people, that depend on United Airlines, such as their employees it could be bad, however the upside is that it gives other airlines the opportunity to make Cleveland their market.

Now who wants to come to Cleveland to vacation, you may ask? Well, not sure if Cleveland is the hot spot for vacations, but we do have some pretty sweet spots for a weekend jaunt. And, we do still have an economy with plenty of businesses here that rely on airline transportation. In some ways Cleveland has died, some say it is dying but there is potential here and with the right support, perhaps Cleveland can rise once again. We may never be a Chicago or New York but we can stand as our own entity.

Honestly, I am not sad that United is leaving. I think their merger with Continental was a mistake and I wish Continental would have remained an independent carrier, alas it is too late for regrets and that change cannot be made. When I worked at the mortuary, United Airlines was almost always the priciest airline carrier for cargo and I was never impressed by their customer service, although I have not worked at the mortuary for some time, I am sure their structure has not changed much.

I would love to see Jetblue come to Cleveland and make their presence known. They are a low cost carrier, they already have flights out of Detroit & Pittsburgh (our neighbors), and many people from Ohio travel continually to Florida, as well as other places, so it would make good business sense for them to come here. After 9/11, many airlines decreased their presence in smaller cities, as United is doing in Cleveland now, and it made getting in and out of those cities more difficult but not impossible. Over the past few years, I have seen Jetblue and Southwest Airlines (Southwest does fly out of Cleveland) expand continually. Hopefully, the change United is implementing will make other airlines realize that their presence is needed and wanted here. Although, I do not travel often, I do want the most cost effective options and more options are better than just a few airlines. Overall, I do not think United Airlines decision is necessarily negative for Cleveland, as there are other options besides them and hopefully those options will expand in the future.

A few tidbits and Thanksgiving

I guess I really need to update this thing once in a while. or perhaps shut it down and leave it unfinished, unfinished like much of my life.

Thanksgiving is in a few days, so what will I be doing? Staying home of course. For years, I worked on the holidays but the last few I have been free and have not done anything. There is a price for freedom of course, the shame of telling people I would rather be at home, doing nothing, than celebrating is one of them. I see nothing wrong with it, as Thanksgiving is not a holiday I relish (I really do not like most Thanksgiving food, keep your pumpkin pie and cranberry sauce) or agree should be a national holiday but I cannot say I do not enjoy the time off from work.

Why have I made the choice, to stay at home, you may ask? Well, for one, I am estranged from my family by choice and have not made contact with them in almost three years. It is a rather long story and one I do not care to discuss at this time, however let me just say it is best for my own sanity and selfishness that I am away from them. Yes, I am a selfish being for denying my family access to me but at the same time, I harbor ill feelings toward them and do not feel it is in my best interest to maintain contact at this point in my life. I do have friends, but no one really close and I have a special man in life but again, I cannot depend on others for my own happiness or to entertain me, while they are enjoying time with their families.Truly, I do not mind being along on the holidays, I am at peace with it. I have always felt alone and been self-sufficient. I am sure there are those out there that may pity people that are alone on the holidays but I truly do not mind being alone.

 Our decisions in life should not make us feel that the holidays are entirely about family because the truth is, our first obligation is to ourselves. Our obligation to ourselves is that we must do what is best for us and not follow the mentality, oh I am obligated to do this because it is a holiday. If you want to celebrate Thanksgiving that is fine, however if you truly despise the holiday, then why bother putting yourself through the misery of it? Perhaps, select another day to celebrate or make up your own family holiday. If you love and care about your family, then make it your obligation to do so everyday or whenever you have the time, don't just save that time for the holidays. The point is, the holidays do not bring your family together, you do through your own actions and decisions.

Whether, you are alone or celebrating with family or doing nothing at all, Happy Thanksgiving. May you find peace.

"Get busy living or get busy dying"

In The Shawshank Redemption,Tim Robbins' (Andy) character says, "Get busy living or get busy dying."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7tkzc983aE0

First, if you have never seen this movie, then you must. Second, Happy New Year!

On to my original thought, how many of us are just existing, just going through the motions of life, not really caring about what happens next? We go to work, school, eat dinner, sleep and the next day repeat. We are on autopilot. How can we make our lives different? What are you going to do with your life, besides just exist?

Some people are perfectly content, going day to day but is there something missing? What is it that you have always wanted , just for you, not for anyone else? What would your perfect life be like, if such a thing exists?

Live your life, don't let it become so stagnant that you are not living it. We are not put here just to survive, exist, breathe, eat, sleep. There is so much more than what is right in front of you.

I ask the questions, but it does not mean I have the answers.

A New Movement

A new movement has arisen, wait for it...my direction is to be changed, it will be changed, there is no stopping me. For years, I have focused on the negative, and used sarcasm/humor as a way to hide, but no more. I am seeing the light or has the light seen me? No longer will I see the negative, the positive must come first. I can no longer be critical of others, this is not a way to live. Life is really what one makes of it and I have to make the choice that I will not ingrained within the misery of others. Maybe you won't understand why I am writing this but I am really writing this as a reminder to myself, that nothing good can come out of negative thoughts.

What brought about this change? Someone said the other day I do not show empathy, yes he is right but it does not mean I do not feel empathy at times. Instead, I hide behind it as if it is a bad thing to be empathetic, to show the human side. The reasons I am this way are rather simple really, I grew up in a anger filled, depressed household and I worked at a mortuary, both taught me I should not show my real feelings, that I had to hide behind them.

No more, as I am out of those situations. I am human. I breathe and live everyday, just going through this life as if nothing matters. I can no longer live like this. Change must come about and it will. Real empathy. Real feelings. Humanity is suffering and I must suffer along with it. I can no longer hide.

Election Day-US

Today is Election Day in the United States. I am really trying to care about this, honestly, but I can't bring myself to care enough. For those that are voting, realize this, there are more than two candidates on the ballot and you don't have to absolutely vote Republican or Democrat. Life is about making better choices and sometimes we are afraid of change, so don't be afraid to go against the norm. The more people that vote, even for "lesser" party candidates, the more choices we may have in the future. Although, it seems that many of these candidates are bought and paid for by corporate America and other prominent sources, the average American can make a difference in his/her own special way. Don't ever think that you don't have another choice, but remember this, many of our ancestors suffered for our right to vote. It wasn't that long ago that women and "racial minorities" were given the right to vote, so remember your ancestors that were denied their rights and speak for them, as they didn't have the voice that you do today.

On a serious note...

Life is too short... some changes are coming my way. Much peace to everyone on this sorrowful day.

What's going to happen, I do not know...

It's been a while, as usual. I always have so much to say but general laziness prevents me from saying it. Hard to believe where I was at in my life one year ago and where I am at today. Has that much all changed? In some ways, yes, in some ways no.

I thought I would have been done with my thesis by now but life got in the way. Someone came into life, for the reason I do not know, but perhaps to shake it up a bit and make me realize how stagnant my life has become. He has changed me, but have I changed him? And how much have I changed really? I am still working the same job, but I realize I cannot be here much longer and that I must finish what I started. Yet, a job does not define who I am as a person, it really is a means for me to sustain my way of life but what if this job, this life were to go away tomorrow? Then where would I be and who would I be?

Sometimes, I feel as if I am living a "false" life, that this is not the way it is supposed to be. I have made some poor choices and make no excuses for them, however, where do I go from here? This I do know, I have to finish my education because it seems as if I don't, then I will always wonder, what would have happened if I didn't finish it? So no more laziness, no more excuses, no more blaming someone else for I am the only person in control of my destiny. I cannot let someone else dictate to me who I should be and what I should be doing.

Whatever happened to just walking away?

This post is a continuance of yesterday's post "Guns are not the answer". The reason I am regurgitating this is because I just read the story of Daniel Adkins today. If you want to read about it here is the link: http://www.myfoxphoenix.com/dpp/news/crime/taco-bell-shooting-victim-was-holding-leash-not-weapon-4-4-2012

Daniel was unarmed and argued with a driver of a vehicle at Taco Bell. The driver shot Daniel because the driver felt Daniel was threatening him. Again, Daniel did not have a weapon but he did have his dog, Lady with him. Daniel's family says he was 29 years old but had the mental capacity of a 12 year old. This is such a sad story. When are people who supposedly have the mental capacity (yes, I am talking about the driver in this instance), just going to learn to walk or drive away? Is it really worth shooting someone over? What exactly are you trying to prove to yourself? I know situations that are emotionally charged can become out of control but learn to control yourself! We are all guilty of letting our anger or fear take over but in order to be a rational being we must learn that we cannot let those emotions overcome good judgement.

Again, guns are not the answer, rational thought is the answer. The driver has yet to be charged in this case and is claiming self-defense.

My sympathy to Daniel's family, as no matter what happened, he did not deserve to die.

Guns are not the answer

Shoot someone and all your problems go away, right? Is that how we handle things in America, by the way of the gun??

Some cases that come to mind are the following:

It has been in the news for a few months but the obvious one to come to mind is the George Zimmerman/Trayvon Martin case. Then there is the controversial case of Cisco, the dog who was shot by an Austin police officer (the police officer was at the wrong address). In Westlake, Ohio, back in 2010, Callaway, a yellow lab was shot and killed by a police officer, who came to the property to investigate a burglar alarm. The last case I will mention is the case of Joe Horn, a Texas man, who shot two burglars that were robbing his neighbor's home. I won't go into the explicit details of each case but Trayvon Martin and the two burglars were unarmed. The dogs were of course unarmed as well, unless you count their teeth or bite as a weapon. Joe Horn was cleared of any wrongdoing and Mark Morales, the police officer who shot Callway was also cleared of any wrongdoing. The Zimmerman and Cisco cases have yet to be resolved.

Shoot to kill?? Is it necessary for us to be judge, jury and executioner with a gun? Didn't the dogs in both cases above have the right to defend themselves? Afterall, the police officers were the "intruders" and on the dog's property. The dog does not know what the officer's intentions are, unlike us they can only vebalize by "barking". They were defending their property. Don't we all have rights as citizens to defend our property? There are other ways to handle agressive animals, shooting to kill in any case, should be an absolute last resort, especially if you are on the dog's property. I know there are instances that it is justifiable to shoot a dog but I don't believe in either one of these instances it was necessary.

 Joe Horn was not defending his property, neither was George Zimmerman(although to be fair, it was his neighborhood). Joe Horn shot the two burglars, yes they were stealing but they were unarmed, yes they were breaking the law but they were not threatening Mr. Horn's property, yet he was cleared of any wrongdoing? Why, is it ok for him to be a vigilante? George Zimmerman, has yet to be tried in a court of law, yet he chose to follow Trayvon Martin (who was only walking in the neighborhood & not committing any crime) and somehow Trayvon ended up dead. In both of these cases, 911 operators told both shooters to back off and not follow the "perpetrators" but because both had guns they felt it was ok to take the law in their own hands? This America is no longer the Wild West or is it?

Are we so comfortable with a gun in our hand and power hungry that the right to have arms has blinded us on what is fair and just? I do not have a right or wrong answer, but I do know this, guns are not always the answer and as citizens we have to be held accountable for our actions, that includes police officers, as well. We are supposed to believe that police officers uphold the law and we are to follow their example, yet it seems to be shoot first, ask questions later, is that they way it is supposed to be? Whatever happened to trying to resolve a situation and not have it escalate? People seem to be much more comfortable with a gun in hand rather than talking and listening. I guess it is much easier to shoot with a gun then actually have a conversation. Remember this, anytime you are brandishing a weapon, your life will never be the same. Go ahead, shoot first, ask questions later but what kind of example are you leading and what kind of life will you have left? Reputation-gone, out the door? Do you think people will believe your version of events and that you were justified? Can you take the heat? Are you willing to put everything at risk for what you think is just and right? Guns are not always the answer. Pull the trigger and your life will never be the same. Guaranteed. There are consequences to everything we do in this life, go ahead pull the trigger and see what happens. Being a power hungry vigilante is not the answer. And just because you are holding the weapon, does not make you just and right.

Hello, it's been a while

Oh yes, I am back. I didn't forget about this blog but my life has changed a bit in the past few months. For the better? Yes, but not in the way I have expected. I won't bore you with the details but I feel less stagnant and more hopeful than I have in a long time. Anyway, what has inspired me to write, why yes this lovely lady's article:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2124246/Samantha-Brick-downsides-looking-pretty-Why-women-hate-beautiful.html


I won't snark or hate on her because she obviously needs some kindness in her life; however, this has made me think about my own standards of beauty and what is beautiful anyway?

I never thought I was even remotely attractive until college. I suffered from low self-esteem thoughout my entire life. I had terrible acne and was teased about it. I also developed rather early, so I was gawky and awkward, never athletic, so I knew that because my physical presence was imperfect, I had to make up for that in other areas. I hid from the world behind books and sarcasm, because those were the only ways I knew how to stand out. I may not have been beautiful but I made myself unique in other ways. Instead of going with the crowd, I went against convention as much as I could.

Beauty does not have be about convention. Beauty can be many things. One does not have to be tall, blonde or model thin to be beautiful. Some of the most beautiful women I know, possess a light I never could possess. They have a goodness, a beauty of their own. Physically they may be "imperfect" but they encompass a happiness, a loving nature that I could never have. They see beauty in others as much as they see it in themselves. That is true beauty.

There are days, I wish I could afford plastic surgery to become "more beautiful" but alas, I know that is not reality. I wish I had better skin and prettier legs. I envy those women with great legs and skin but I know realistically I am who I am and that I should be lucky that my skin is not burned and that I still have all my limbs because there are people out there not as lucky as me. Envy I may have, but hate I do not for beautiful women because I know I will never be one of them.

Childhood

Can one truly reconcile one's past with the present life?? Can one overcome childhood obstacles and transform oneself into someone else?? I ask the questions because I wonder about my own childhood and how I became who I am. I grew up in Appalachia, a desolate, grungy island stuck in poverty and backwoods ideas. Appalachia isn't really an island but it feels like it because one is so far removed from the outside world.

I knew my whole life growing up there, I never belonged there or in my family. I was too outspoken, too quiet,too different, not caucasian enough looking (even though I am caucasian). Being in such an isolated area, there is no diversity, one cultural idea exists and that is of the people who toiled in the earth and lived there for generations. There is no idea of expansion or of integration. Life is stagnant, not ever changing. I grew up alone, tried to forge friendships, maybe had 3 dates in high school and not even a date for the senior prom. I didn't belong and still don't.

I observed, I learned and knew who I didn't want to be and that was to live in that existence, that place I called home. I cannot go back to the run down homes, that may or may not have plumbing, yards with multiple rusted out vehicles , a crestfallen sky hidden behind rolling hills, hills much like mountains, and an unhabitable river that is certainly not the pride of such an area. It is a life with unrecognized potential and dreams, hopeless. It can truly suck the life out of oneself. At times, it almost ended mine.

I did get out though, unlike many I know. I was one of the lucky ones because I had to keep telling myself, this isn't forever and there is something better out there. So, I went away to college and on occasion visit, now my visits are once a year, it is all I can really handle. I am not proud of where I came from and at times, I am ashamed of it. When I look at old pictues of those days, I don't even recognize myself because I have transformed and became who I was supposed to be. My Appalachian accent is barely detectable, although I do sometimes fall back into it, my appearance has changed dramatically, I am no longer that backwoods country girl, and I am well educated, not only through academics but have made friends of many different cultural backgrounds.

The point of this post is not to brag, or even to say, that I have become this great person because I still have not reached my greatest potential. The point is, one can move beyond one's circumstances in life and transform oneself. This is not to say, one needs to deny the past but embrace and accept it for what it was, which was a great learning experience.

Will I ever learn?

Will I ever learn? I am so bent on self-destruction. It seems I am powerless against it. Every relationship, friendship, family, I have methodically destroyed beyond repair. I really am no good as a person. I don't know how to be in relationships with people, I don't seem to know anything. Is there any level of normalcy? Why do things have to be so difficult? It feels as I can do nothing right, so I resort to drinking and things progressively get worse. Anytime I try to repair ties with people, it never goes the way I want it to and to be fair, I have not tried too hard with my family. I feel so alone all the time and the only thing I have is my writing. I am so tired of it, so I do dumb things because I feel like nothing. I am no one really. I deserve whatever punishment comes my way.

Maybe this is typical human behavior, maybe there is nothing wrong with me but I know there has to be, because people always leave me. Then again, it is much easier to close people out, rather than let them in. I feel as if I will always be alone and I am sure I deserve nothing less than the place I am presently located.

Love, that elusive other

Love, that elusive other, that some strive to find or run the hell away from it. If one is smart, one avoids at all costs because as wonderful as love can be, it can also be an unending suffering. Love has eluded me for so long, I wonder, what if, am I really missing anything? I don't know but there comes a point one doesn't care because it no longer matters. The longer you live without something, the easier it becomes. or at least that is what I tell myself, at least to get through the day.

Why do we suffer for something that cannot be properly described? Is this feeling really all in our heads or is there something more to it? No doubt, I have felt love, mostly unconditional love toward dogs and cats because that is so much easier. Family is an entirely different matter, I feel no love toward them, that is a long dramatic story, not even totally relevant here but it does partly explain why I am so disillusioned with this fabulous thing we call love. The other reason I am so disillusioned? Well, past experience of course.

Shall I tell you how disillusioned I really am? Well, why not? My first two serious boyfriends dumped me for other girls, meaning that I wasn't the one for them, whatever that means. Neither one of them were very gutsy about it, one told me over the phone and the other refused to speak to me ever again. So, despite this, I trudged on, fell in love again, with someone not available, we were friends but that is all it ever was and he married someone else. I tried again but this time he moved away, without telling me and then came back into my life a year later. I couldn't forgive him. I have tried again and again, I was serious with a few more guys and then one day I just gave up. Of course, I have dated, here and there but nothing has panned out. I just keeping getting burned and burned even more. Anytime, I seem to like someone, well it seems he prefers someone else over me.

I used to think there was something wrong with me, but maybe there really isn't. Maybe I just give too much and no one really gives a rat's ass. I have been told, I am too dependent(far from it actually), not the marrying kind (what is this exactly?), and god knows what else, people think of me. Maybe I am too weird and people can't handle that. I know I intimidate a lot of people, but that is because I am strong minded and know how to handle myself. I absolutely refuse to be intimidated by anyone but love seems to intimidate me. I admit I am fearful of it and scared to try it again, but I am not giving up completely on it. I am flawed and no one is completely flawless. You just have to realize what your limitations are and how many flaws you are willing to accept. I never said I was perfect and maybe that is the great thing about love, it is not perfect. It is as flawed as we are.

So anyway...

I know I promised to be update this blog more and I will in the future. I feel like I kind of am in rut as far as writing. My snark seems gone and my opinions deflated, so anyway, I do have something I want to talk about but I need to formulate my thoughts a bit more before I post anything. In all actuality, I am just posting these few sentences now to remind myself to keep this thing updated! So anyway... that's my thought for the day, make of it what you will.

Thank you & Sorrow

Thank you to all the firemen/women, policemen/women, military personnel and other government agencies that have and continue to protect us all everyday. I neither have your worth, heart or strength to do what you do, so thank you for doing what I cannot.

To all those that lost loved ones in the 9/11 attacks and subsequent wars, I cannot fathom your sorrow. My thoughts and heart are with you on this difficult day.

I can only hope that there will be peace in this world, a little more love, a little less hate, a little more empathy but that may be too much to ask. Much love to everyone reading this today.

No, I didn't forget about you, blog.

I really didn't forget about this blog but either out of general laziness or perhaps, even despair, I have not been on here. Of course, it could just be I haven't been inclined to write either. It is not like I have been terribly busy or anything exciting has happened to me. The most exciting things that happen are usually not the truth. One big change in my life though,is I quit my part-time job at the mortuary. Yes, I quit that place after so long of a time. It was time to go and I feel it was holding me back from other things, like moving forward or maybe that was just an excuse on my part.

Of course, that thought that I wanted to quit had been implanted in my mind for quite some time. Maybe, no I know, what definitely put the plan into place was when I went to New Mexico back in May. I met a random stranger at a bar, I can't recall his name, anyway he was talking about being burned out from his job and was just working part-time while going to school. Maybe I didn't have a true burn out moment but I realized this job was holding me back and I was holding myself back from whatever the future is supposed to be, so I quit. I am little freaked out about budget constraints and the lack of extra money, however it is causing me to think that there are other far more interesting ways to make money and I just have to be creative. Besides, it is just money and now I have the weekends to myself, so there is absolutely no excuse for me not to keep up with this blog. Yes, I will be back soon. I am so done with excuses. Living the life everyday and making the most of whatever it is what I am supposed to be doing. See you soon.

Much Obliged

I am not a deeply religious person, but I don't think one has to be religious in order to appreciate certain aspects of life. Although, I am not always optimistic, sometimes I think it helps to write down things that we appreciate. That said, for today, I am much obliged to the following:

1. Sunshine. Spring is truly on the horizon. Winters are too long, snowy and dreary here. A bit of sunshine always perks me up, even though it may be still a bit chilly.

2. Friends. I wouldn't make it through my life without them. I know I am not always the easiest person to deal with & I can be quite contrary, so I am glad that I have friends that see through my exterior.

3. Living in the US. I may bitch about taxes, the government and other wrongful things but I am happy that I live in a land where people have opportunity and there is not a bleak horizon. We are very fortunate to live in a place, although not perfect, that allows us to live a somewhat peaceful existence.

4. Education. I am fortunate that I have had the opportunity to complete at least one college degree and I am slowly working on another. Although, I feel like giving up on the graduate degree, I know I should finish it because one, I have come this far, & two, I am very lucky that I have had the chance to pursue the second degree. Not everyone has had the educational opportunities that I have been given. I also realize opportunities aren't always given but sometimes they must be earned. Education is a difficult pursuit but we are always learning, aren't we? Even if we don't all pursue higher advanced degrees, educate yourself in other ways, whether through traveling, reading, etc.

So, today I am much obliged for the above, although I should be grateful for everything that I have because I have so much more than other people. Good weather, education, friends, and living in the US, at this point, what more could I ask for? Don't get me wrong, there are days I wish for more, but then I realize,just appreciate what I have. Things may get better or they may get worse & I have no control over that. So for today, I will be optimistic,less envious, and that is all I can ask of myself.

Taxes-In Government We Trust

People say taxes are a necessary evil but are they really? Our government seems to take more and more from good citizens but what are the limits? It doesn't seem like the government wants to live within their means or even budget our dollars, which we so freely give them; however if a citizen doesn't live within his/her means and our payments are late, we get fined of course. Big government what are you teaching our society, if anything? Is living in excess really living?

Like any good citizen, I filed my taxes this year. On my W-4 forms, I have 0, which means the government is supposed to take out more money but every year, I owe our state government (and local city, but I will get to that in a minute). Usually, I get a little back from Federal to pay the state but that didn't happen this year, instead I owe the federal government $3.00, yes you read that right. I laughed and then I thought about this, what am I doing wrong on my taxes? Probably nothing, truthfully, I am penalized because I am single, no kids, not a homeowner & I work two jobs. Even though both of my jobs individually take enough taxes out, when both amounts are added together, the government sees massive dollar signs and decides I owe them money. Does this even make sense? Why should my total income, even though it was earned separately put me in a higher tax bracket? Isn't there a better way to figure out this outdated, broken tax system? No, of course not, I love giving away almost 30% of my income to a government that cannot even manage their own finances! Money should say, "In Government We Trust" because that is who we as a society put our trust into but how much trust should we put into them?

My state government has decided I owe them around $250.00, oh really, last I checked I worked, lived, and spent money here. I already paid you taxes but I owe you more? So, what do you want next from me, blood or perhaps a kidney? The only thing we don't pay taxes on is food (unless it is take out food from a restaurant)? So how much of my money am I really giving? Should I keep all my receipts to prove to you that I do pay more taxes on material goods and other such items? Oh, if I purchase anything from out of state, my state wants me to pay them a USE tax, even though I bought the item from another state, I have to pay my state tax on it (even if I already paid tax on it from another state). Really? The item was not made or distributed here, how is that even legal?

Then there is the local income tax, which is probably the most troublesome of all. I work in one city but live in another. Both of my employers take out taxes for the city I work in but they don't take out taxes where I live. As I said previously, I am not a homeowner but the city where I live, insists that anyone living within their limits must pay taxes. Now I pay my landlord rent and he pays the city taxes out of that rent, shouldn't that be sufficient? No, of course not! Guess how much credit I get for paying taxes for my working city? 1%!!! Yes, so generous of them. My city also insists that 90% of 2010 taxes be paid by January 31, 2011. Most people barely even have their W-2 forms by then, so an estimate of taxes can only be paid. If one doesn't pay by the end of January, then a $25.00 late fee is imposed. I am not sure how this city gets away with this because I don't understand how it is even legal to expect citizens to pay for taxes that haven't been filed yet & the city's website even says we have in until April 2011 to file taxes, so how can they charge a late fee on taxes that haven't been filed? And why are renters paying taxes that landlords already pay? Allegedly, we are paying for police, fire, & other public services (my total per month if my employers were to take it out, in the city I live comes to about $40.00 a month). Truthfully, I pay almost as much in local taxes if not more, than I do for state taxes. It is truly baffling to me.

So, all these tax issues have made me think about where is my money really going & do I want to give it away so freely? I know I am always going to have to pay taxes in some form but there are things I can do to cut down on my tax paying. One, stop spending so much money. That's easier said than done but think how much you pay on taxes on items you buy. Two, move out of the city (and possibly the county), I live in. We probably one of the highest, if not the highest taxed counties in our state(not much confidence in this county because there has been massive political corruption here). Three, possibly move to another state, where there is no state income tax. These are doable actions but the biggest move has to come from me and I have to make a decision on where my money is going to do the most good and that is in my bank account. Big government, take note, I will keep as much as my money to myself. I will not cheat or lie on my tax forms but I would like for you to take some things under consideration as well. One, our tax system needs to be revamped and two, learn to budget, we must all live within our means and you are not exempt from this.

Annoyance and the Positive

I really was trying to make this blog a more positive place but it is not completely possible to be positive all the time is it? I realize I am not the most forgiving person. There are times, I am unreasonable and my actions may seem over the top; however keep this in mind, just because I am civil and somewhat friendly to someone, it does not mean I have forgiven this person or forgotten what happened. There are some things you cannot change and even though my actions are civil, it does not mean I am willingly letting this person back into my life. It also does not mean we are friends because the only way for us to be friends is, if we were to start all over again. We both know that is not possible. I am not sure why this person wants to be in my life or wants to be friends again, but whatever his/her reasons are, I find them suspect because either this person feels guilt or there is another reason I am not seeing. Maybe he/she wants things to be as before but that won't happen because one, I am hard headed and two, I really don't need this person in my life. I am sorry if this is disappointing to this person but he/she really shouldn't have hurt me. I won't tell this to person to fuck off, as much as I would like to because honestly he/she is not a bad person but I won't allow myself to be hurt again. Forgiveness is never an easy thing, but holding a grudge is never good either; however it is much easier to not have someone in one's life, then it is having he/she there. I don't want to feel jealous or angry or annoyed but that is how I feel and like anything that will pass (on my terms) and I will move beyond that. So for now, I pretend and am civil, it makes it much easier for peace and I am a better person for it. And that is the absolute truth.

Thanks for screwing me once again Cuyahoga County

Before I start my rant, I know I should be a better law abiding citizen but that is not the point. Last July, I received a speeding ticket (42 in a 25 zone). I paid the ticket but only after waiting FIVE days to find out the cost. The Cuyahoga County Clerk of Courts phone system is ass backwards, one can never get through and at that time there was no way to leave a message. Instead of fighting the ticket, I just paid it because I knew I was in the wrong. Fast forward to recently on my insurance policy, I noticed an Assured Clear Distance violation on my policy, so I called the insurance company and was told to get my record from the BMV. I received the record and there it said Assured Clear Distance on my record. I emailed the BMV and was told to contact the Court. After an almost twenty minute hold (no their phone system has not changed for the better), I spoke to a Ryan, who proceeded to put me on hold once again (don't get me started on the name Ryan, they have all been aholes to me). I explained the situation politely and Ryan advised me that the Assured Clear Distance and Speeding Ticket are written as the same. Really? There was absolutely no one in front of me when the ticket was issued, I wouldn't have had a problem stopping if necessary because there was no one there! Empty road, holiday weekend, everyone had left work early except me. I tried explaining to him that my insurance company charges me more for this type of ticket but they really don't give a flying fuck. Seriously. I just ended up hanging up on him.

So, thank you City of Cleveland for being in bed with the Insurance companies because not only are you lining your own corrupt pockets but the Insurance companies as well. What a scam. And don't get me started on the "traffic camera" speeding violation I had because there wasn't a sign there to indicate you had such a camera in operation. It is really no wonder that people are FLEEING this city and the state for that matter. There is enough corruption in the world but to deal with it on a local level it is not worth the hassle (oh and that goes for you overblown city taxes , how much are both the city of Lakewood and Cleveland making off of me this year but that's another rant) but yet you cry poor and treat your citizens like they are nothing and their opinions don't matter. Rules are rules but that doesn't mean I have to abide by yours because I have a choice not to live here. Really, who wants to live in a city which reeks of corruption and takes advantage of citizens that are trying to survive and get by on what little they have? Overall, it doesn't matter what I say, because you will continue to do what you do, I have no power over what you do but I certainly have power over what I do and that is to leave sooner rather than later, if it comes down to that, then I will. Maybe some will say, I shouldn't speed and I can't disagree with that; however, I do expect fair treatment and saying a speeding ticket is an assured clear distance violation is a muddied version of the truth.