Where Does That Money Come From???

So, I'm sure all of you have heard about the 30,000 people showing up to 100 available Section 8 homes in East Point, GA. But, have you heard the Regular Guys talk to the applicants? Unless you live in the metro area, I'm guessing you haven't. And, you need to:

Go here. (Yes, it's a download, but it is directly from their podcast, and I have no way of linking directly to it other than the file. It's not a virus.) And just listen. The most important part is around 7 minutes if you want to skip.

It's not enough that they are bitching that the housing authority wasn't prepared for 30,ooo people. Oh, no, they are expecting a fucking handout. As usual. The guy has no reason to be in government housing. No. Fucking. Reason. He's not handicapped. His children aren't handicapped. His wife baby-mama isn't handicapped. There is NOTHING wrong with him. Or his family. Or his ability to pay rent. He doesn't even give a sob story about being laid off (like so many of us who actually work) since, well, you have to have a job in the first place to get laid off. When they ask him where the money comes from, he acts like he doesn't know. They tell him. Then he's all like, "I figured." Well, if you figured the taxpayers were paying your lazy fucking ass' way, why didn't you get a job?! Because you're a worthless ass piece of shit, and you are what is wrong with our country! And, he's not happy or thankful about it. Because "some people might disagree with that". Yeah, some people might disagree with the fact that taxpayers pay your lazy ass fucking way. Like you. Right. Except you'd be fucking wrong. T-totally fucking wrong, asshole.

I Will Do This

It's official. I'm going back to school.

It's been a month, and I haven't gotten any calls for any permanent positions, even though I've applied to over 50 jobs. I don't know what else to do. I've been talking about doing nursing for a long time, and I think that this is as good a time as any. I've applied and been accepted to Georgia Highlands College. I'll be applying to the nursing program in the next week or so, so wish me luck. I don't think I'll have a lot of trouble, but I absolutely must get in this deadline for this fall, or it will take me an entire year longer because of the way the classes fall. Ugh. It's nerve wracking.

Anyway, I will, by the grace of God and every single thing working out, be an RN in two years.

The next time you see me, I will be wearing scrubs. Or at least, I better be.

More Good News: Atlanta Third Emptiest City

In terms of housing and rental units. According to AJC.com, Atlanta trails only Detroit (2nd) and Las Vegas in the list of the emptiest cities in America. Basically, it means people are either a) getting the heck out of Dodge, or b) homeless. I'm not too upset about option a), but b) is a tad bit on the disconcerting side. The article goes on to say that

"The Southeast — long one of the nation’s economic hot spots — fared poorly in the compilation.

Joining Atlanta among the 15 'emptiest cities' are Greensboro/High Point, N.C., at no. 4; Orlando at no. 7; Jacksonville, Fla. at no. 9; Miami/Ft. Lauderdale at no. 11; Tampa/St. Petersburg/Clearwater at no. 13; and Charlotte/Gastonia/Concord at no. 15."

Awesome.

Obama Signed the Pork Stimulus Bill

Now, where is my fucking job?

Moral of the Story: Unemployment is a Joke

I'm feeling like ranting a little, and, since I got screwed by my lying company, I am dealing with the Department of Labor first hand. And, I have to tell you, and I don't want to sugar coat it for you, kids, they suck big donkey dick.

First, the maximum weekly benefit is $330 before taxes (we'll come back to that). I made three times that a week. Yeah, THREE TIMES. I can hardly live off $330 per week for gas and groceries alone! $330 per week is just enough to pay for my non-living expense bills. By non-living expense, I mean my car payment, car insurance, credit cards, and student loans. I am not even counting gas and groceries and miscellaneous expenses. And, I'm not counting any living expenses--meaning rent and utilities. Without Travis, I would have no food or gas or dry-cleaning, or new clothes (necessary new clothes, like for interviews, not wants), or whatever else. And, I sure as hell can't afford to rent any more. I'll be moving back home. Pathetic. Not to mention a burden for my dad.

Second, you have to pay taxes on unemployment benefits. Is it just me, or is that a little ridiculous? I mean, it isn't like we're working. I should have known better, though. They made me pay taxes on my scholarships in college. On scholarships. Ugh.

Third, the unemployment rate is astronomical, I get that. But, it is really that hard to staff these agencies? Hell, put some of the unemployed in there! I called yesterday because it said my PIN was locked out, and I could not log on to claim weekly benefits. It took me 30 minutes to get an answer. She said someone would have to call me back. They never did. I called back this morning. After 30 minutes of trying, I still hadn't gotten an answer. Finally, later today, I got someone. When she looked up my account, she could not find it. She could not find it. I applied two weeks ago. That is distressing. I can only hope it will be in the system by Friday when I have to certify. Not counting on it. I'm getting screwed here. I can just feel it.

I know the State is broke just like everyone else, but something has got to change. I'm not looking for a God damned handout either, Clay. I would just like to not lose my home. I would like to not ruin my credit that I've worked really hard to establish. I would like to get a fucking job doing something besides cleaning toilets. I have done my time. I've gotten my degree. I've worked the crap jobs. I don't think it's asking too much to get a decent one. I don't need a huge salary--hell, I'll take a pay cut. I'll move if I have to. I'm not asking for a bailout. I'm asking for some fucking help. H. E. L. P. Help. Now.

You've Got to be Kidding: Gov't Supported Cell Phone

"SafeLink Wireless is a government supported program that provides a free cell phone and airtime each month for income-eligible customers."

Does this not outrage anyone but me? I mean, free CELL phones for people who are already on government assistance. Don't we have more important things to spend our hard earned tax dollars on? A cell phone is not a fucking necessity. It is a LUXURY. Why am I paying for some laid-up lazy ass' luxury items? WHY? I'm already pissed that I've got to PAY in taxes this year--on top of the nearly $6,000 I've already paid to Federal alone. This is the straw that breaks this camel's back. I am irate. Spend the damned money on something we, as a people, NEED--not something Mr. or Ms. I'm-too-lazy-to-work-but-I-have-six-kids wants! Un-fucking-believable.

Just Another Manic Monday

I wish it were Sunday. Oh, hell, I wish it were Friday afternoon. Again. Over and over and over. Again.

I've been on vacation for almost two whole weeks, and today is my first day back. I have a migraine. Enough said.

I just am not feeling very chipper and rested after so many days at home (a few were spent back home with my family, which is always nice). See, I have this little sleeping issue. I say "little" because, well, I'm not really much for self pity. But, really, it's a big shitty problem that I've had for, oh, say, 10 years now? No, I'm not that old. I have always had trouble sleeping. As a child, I slept at night, got up early and never ever napped. I didn't sleep in the car while we were driving--even the six hours to the beach. I didn't sleep during nap time in Kindergarten, which always got me frowny faces. ...Those bitches, I can't help it I can't sleep!... Anywho, I've been taking something to help me sleep for going on six years now. And, I think it is past its prime.

I know I was out of my routine last night when I went to bed, but it was friggin' ridiculous. It's often like that on Sunday. I lay down, and I can't get to sleep for hours. Then, when I finally do get to sleep, I wake up at 2 AM and never go back to sleep. And, it isn't like I hate my job or something. I just get very anxious on Sunday nights. On other nights, I get anxious, as well, but Sunday is the worst. I don't know why.

So, I'm really exhausted, and I just got back from a two week vacation. Of doing nothing. Absolutely nothing. But resting. Please explain this to me. I think I've decided it is shrink time. I think I'll make an appointment to see the psychiatrist. I want a sleep study. I want someone to tell me why I get highly anxious at night and no other time. What the hell is that?! I realize I'm high strung, but SERIOUSLY. Let a girl get some sleep.

Add that to the fact that I'm going to have to PAY taxes this year. Yeah, I won't be getting a single cent back, I'll be paying those good for nothing bastards. And, this is AFTER paying almost $6,000 in federal taxes alone this year. Go ahead, go calculate how much I make. Freaks. Anyway, I'm not 100% sure on that yet because I don't have my W-2, but from my paycheck stubs, it ain't looking so hot. I was so thrilled we got bonuses this year (even if our profit-where bonuses come from-was 1/3 last year's profit, for our company to be making a profit at all in our economy is amazing!). And, even though it was $1500 less than I got last year, it was still great to get anything. I was looking forward to putting some money into my savings and building it back up. Nope. Think again. That'll be going to the IRS and that son-of-a-bitch Obama with all his new ideas. Kill. Me. Now.

And, throw in a little of Travis' dad is still in the hospital. Even though he is out of ICU and the coma finally, I still miss him. And, Pepe really misses his Grandparents. We go over to feed Travis' Jack Russell, Mickey, who Pepe loves, and Pepe runs up to the house to see Mom and Dad. But no Mom and Dad is to be found. Sigh...

I guess I'm just a little down today. I've tried to pick myself up a little. I walked down five flight of stairs to the mailroom three times today. I'd walk back up, but it's hot as hell in there, and I'm fat, and I sweat. It didn't really make me feel a whole lot better. I ate a sensible lunch and don't think I gained much over the holiday, which is awesome. I've come to realize I could eat a box of donuts or a handful of broccoli and I'd gain the same amount of weight--a lot to be exact. Someone can explain that shit to me next (right after they explain my sleep issues).

Anywho, I know this is a dreaded personal post, so I'll wrap this boring shit up. But, I just wanted to write that for me. I feel a teeny bit better. Even if I still have a migraine. Ugh.

The True Spirit of the Season: Giving

So, I'm sure all of you "Are You Smarter than a 5th Grader" watchers remember when the Georgia School Superintendent won the million bucks. She vowed to give the money to some specialty schools in the state for the blind and deaf. And, she's holding true to her word, even as she files for bankruptcy.

I just want you all to stop for one second and process that. Yes, I realize this is just about the most hateful, sarcastic, rude, obnoxious, obscene page on the internet. But, the author is human, and the author loves the holiday season. And, this is why. The true spirit of the holidays is giving. Give until you can't give anymore, and then give some more.

I realize times are bad, and we don't have a lot of money. But, I can't agree with the people who think we should forgo giving gifts this year. And, that's not because I want to make sure I receive some. Gifts don't have to be a million dollars, they can be things from your heart or things you make instead of buy. But, let's be honest, who doesn't want to see a kid's eyes light up when they get that new bike they asked for? So, you don't go out on your Friday night date. It won't kill you. Reprioritize your funds a little this month, and do something nice for someone else.

Buy American. Or Else.

From AOL News:

"In mid-August, Fouts ["mayor of Warren, Mich., a large Detroit suburb and Michigan's third-largest city, and where a good portion of the residents are (or were) autoworkers"] told his department heads, which amount to 40 or 50 of the city's more than 700 employees that he "expects" the next car they buy will be an American model. More to the point, he expects them to drive General Motors or Chrysler vehicles, since both companies have various manufacturing or assembly plants in Warren -- not to mention GM's sprawling Tech Center -- and therefore are the city's two highest taxpayers.

Fouts, who drives a 2001 Chrysler Concorde himself, isn't being draconian about it. That is, he hasn't ordered his appointees to run right out and dump their Hondas, Toyotas, Saabs or Audis immediately. 'But I strongly suggested that the next car they buy should be an American one, and that I had an equally strong expectation that they will do so,' Fouts said. 'Legally, since they are "at-will" employees, I have the right to mandate, and an expectation that they will meet that mandate.'

Some have accused Fouts of over-stepping his authority by "butting in" to his employees' private lives, while others have given the policy a hearty "thumbs up." 'Some of them are not enthusiastic about it,' Fouts said, noting that one department head currently drives a Mercedes-Benz vehicle. 'But many of these department heads make more than $100,000 a year, and I told them that they might not be able to enjoy the economic comforts they currently enjoy if it were not for the amount of taxes that GM and Chrysler pay to the city.

'I think of it as "economic patriotism."'"

Not that I particularly agree with his approach--I mean, I wouldn't want my boss telling me what kind of car to drive--but he makes a good point. A lot of the problem we are having with our economy is that we buy way too much from foreign countries. Everyone knows exports are better than imports for the economy! I realize we are all but dependent on China for every-single-thing in our houses, but there are some areas where we, as Americans, can refuse to buy from non-American companies. And vehicles is one of those instances. The quality of American cars is really much better than people give them credit for. If you want to jump-start the economy, buy American. Makes sense to me. I mean, I didn't buy a Ford because it was American made, but I can say I'm really proud I own a Ford right now.

For Sale: Citizenship $675

From MSNBC News:

"Immigrants aren't seeking U.S. citizenship as often these days — not since the American dream became more expensive.

Following a 69 percent increase last summer in citizenship fees, about 281,000 immigrants have applied to become U.S. citizens in the first half of 2008 — less than half the number of applicants in the same period last year, according to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

The decline follows a rush of applications when immigrants hurried to get their paperwork filed before fees shot up at the end of July 2007. In that month alone, more than 460,000 immigrants applied for citizenship.

They paid $400. The new fee is $675 — a price some people believe is a barrier to citizenship."

And people wonder why we have so many illegal immigrants. No wonder.

Economic Woes

Everyday is more of the same: news about how bad our economy has gotten. "Tarvis" works for an international pump company (they make chemical pumps, eg: petroleum, acids, etc), and they have to do conversions for prices. His boss gave him the latest conversion rate today: 1 euro = .57 USD Now, if this doesn't disturb you just a little, you just need to go ahead and nail the lid on the coffin because you absolutely must be dead. I can't fathom that even the most financially stable people aren't concerned about the insanely high gas prices, rising food costs, and news--just today--that the past 12 months' inflation rate was the worst in 27 years. Yes, I just said TWENTY SEVEN FREAKIN' YEARS. Now, I'm no economist. I don't know jack about the way business works. But, I just have to believe this is a bad, BAD sign. When is this going to get better? How are people still saying we are not in a recession? What the hell is their definition of "recession"?! All I know is that something really needs to change. If all this isn't enough to upset you, then just remember we are losing our iconic Budweiser in the process of this failing economy. When are we as a nation going to stand up and say "Enough is enough!"? All I know is that I'd jump on that bandwagon as soon as it came around.

Another Casualty

Another casualty of the failing economy has fallen before our eyes. The most American beverage symbol since Coke is officially being purchased by the Belgium brewer InBev (pending approval from shareholders and antitrust regulators). It is a sad day for Anheuser-Busch and the lovers of iconic beers, such as Budweiser, Busch, Michelob, and Natural Light (Natty Light...). I am not a big beer drinker, but I realize the depth of this transaction. We are losing a very American company to a very not-American purchase. We will probably lose hundreds of American jobs, not to mention the literal millions of dollars in revenue. I mean, have you seen the number of people holding Anheuser-Busch products at bars, Nascar races, and college football tailgate parties? Not to mention the fact that the InBev chief executive is know for "ruthless cost-cutting". So long Super Bowl ads of yesterday (that, for some, were the real reason for watching the game). It is truly sad that this, too, is becoming just another victim of the laws of business. With child-like innocence we believe some things are just untouchable, and this was one of those things. What's next? Pepsi? Walmart? Ford? Something truly must change before the world's one-time super-power is nothing more than a page in a history book.