I realize that its been awhile since my last update. A whole lot of good (and some bad) has happened in my life since that I plan to write about in another post. But first I want to address this ridiculous government shutdown right now. So fair warning, this is going to be a rather lengthy diatribe about politics and if you don't want to read it I won't blame you. It's also going to talk about how I have become increasingly apolitical and disinterested in american politics and the sad state of affairs that currently exist.
So about this shutdown...... This isn't the first time the government has been shutdown. Back in 1995, we had a government shutdown that lasted 28 days. I was only 13 years old and teenage Robbie could care less about politics at the time, so I had to do some research. This is taken straight from wikipedia for what its worth:
"The United States federal government shutdown of 1995 and 1996 was the result of conflicts between Democratic President Bill Clinton and the Republican Congress over funding for Medicare, education, the environment, and public health in the 1996 federal budget.The government shut down after Clinton vetoed the spending bill the Republican Party-controlled Congress sent him. The federal government of the United States put non-essential government workers on furlough
and suspended non-essential services from November 14 through November
19, 1995 and from December 16, 1995 to January 6, 1996, for a total of
28 days. The major players were President Clinton and Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Newt Gingrich."
Now it is 2013 and once again the Republicans are causing a shutdown and picking a fight with a Democratic president. I disagree with plenty of Obama's policies, from the NSA and invasion of privacy to his handling of the Libyan embassy debacle. But I stand firm in saying that our democracy has a process that must be followed to operate and right now the republicans are currently holding this country hostage just as they did in 1995.
Our government since its beginning has operated on the principle of compromise, something which many Tea Party individuals do not seem to realize. We have a 2 party system that is supposed to represent the beliefs and wishes of American citizens. If we as citizens disagree with our representatives, we vote them out and choose new representatives that better reflect our views. Right know, we have a loud vocal minority (Tea Party) holding up the whole process of democracy by refusing to fund the government because they don't like the Affordable Care Act. The ACA (or Obamacare) was passed and signed into law. Whether you disagree with it or not does not matter. It is the law of the land right now. You can try to repeal it as the Republicans have time and time again if you disagree. You do NOT simply throw your hands in the air and try to weasel in a bill that will defund the ACA. Thats not how democracy works. Right now the Republicans do not have the votes in the Senate to repeal it. If public opinion shifts, they WILL have the votes in 2 years and can use their new majority to properly repeal the law.
Now to be fair, I am going to take issue with the Democrats here as well. They do not get off scot free. The House Republicans sent the Senate a bill saying that if we do allow the ACA to exist, lets make all of us (meaning the congressmen and other government employees) live under the same rules that the general American people will have to live under. Meaning that instead of being able to keep their government healthcare, they will have to buy in to a new plan or have their rates raised. Harry Reid and the democratic majority flat out said no. No we will not agree to this. He is basically saying that government workers and officials are not the same as the general public and shouldn't have to follow policies that they do. This is class warfare that is politically unjust. I have a message to Harry Reid, we don't live in Russia under a Czar. We do not operate in an oligarchy, we operate as a democracy. The American people should not have to suffer from ill advised bills being passed while government officials get to remain above the law. That is just not right.
As for my personal opinion on Obamacare? I think it is an OK policy with some serious flaws that could be detrimental. I have not done thorough research or read the whole bill line by line but I do think that our current healthcare system needs refined. Obamacare might not be the end all solution but I think it could possibly be a stepping stone to more comprehensive reform.
All of this brings me to my point in why I hate politics and how I have become increasingly apolitical. Candidates campaign on promises they have no intention of fulfilling. They blow smoke up our ass just to gain votes. Then when the get to D.C., they don't do anything. The only time a politician is actively working is during his re-election campaign. I feel that this country has become so divided and partisan that we have lost sight of the true goal of democracy. When you have one side acting like a spoiled kid taking his ball and going home, you can't function as a democracy. The process is broken and it needs fixed immediately, or else all hope is lost.
header
Thursday, October 3, 2013
Saturday, August 31, 2013
Football season and my improving outlook on life
It's hard to believe the football season is already here. It really seems like this summer went by really fast. Hopefully I'll get to go to a few UH games this year and have a few Texans watch parties at a bar or house with friends. Case Keenum has looked more and more impressive with each preseason game and even though T.J. Yates has played well, in my opinion Keenum has looked better and deserves the number 2 spot on the depth chart. With Schaub being injury prone, I'm hoping that Keenum will get a chance to appear in a regular season game.
My therapist meeting have been beneficial. I feel that I've made great improvements in better managing stress and keeping a more positive outlook on life. One thing thats always been hard for me is that whenever I have an issue or problem, I tend to just internalize it and not share it with anyone. I always feel like a bother and annoyance with family and friends because a lot of the time I don't even know why I feel the way I do. Talking with my therapist has helped out a lot and she's helped me see how ridiculous that way of thinking is. I finally feel "normal" and I couldn't be happier. The stress at work is still there but I am finding better ways to deal with it plus we have hired some more people to lessen the load.
I'm also looking forward to going to Florida next Saturday to see Kelli and Matt. They're both great people and it should be a lot of fun staying in a condo by the beach.
My therapist meeting have been beneficial. I feel that I've made great improvements in better managing stress and keeping a more positive outlook on life. One thing thats always been hard for me is that whenever I have an issue or problem, I tend to just internalize it and not share it with anyone. I always feel like a bother and annoyance with family and friends because a lot of the time I don't even know why I feel the way I do. Talking with my therapist has helped out a lot and she's helped me see how ridiculous that way of thinking is. I finally feel "normal" and I couldn't be happier. The stress at work is still there but I am finding better ways to deal with it plus we have hired some more people to lessen the load.
I'm also looking forward to going to Florida next Saturday to see Kelli and Matt. They're both great people and it should be a lot of fun staying in a condo by the beach.
Wednesday, June 5, 2013
My downward spiral
This post is slightly different than some of my other posts on here and is closer to something I would write in a journal. But I feel comfortable sharing on here while being vague in other areas that I don't want to fully talk about.
I haven't updated in awhile due to a number of reasons. Work has gotten a lot busier, I've been using my free time in other ways, but mainly because I'm going through another depression cycle again. This was brought on due to some careless decisions on my part and the guilt/shame that came after them. It was made even worse when a close friend of mine had some other issues that affected me too. Although friends and family tell me not to blame myself for other's actions, I can't help but backtrack in my mind to different occurrences in the past that I should have seen as a problem or cry for help but I didn't.
Anyways, my depression has caused great anguish on me and my parents. I've taken to going over to their house every weekend and bringing my laptop with me so I can work from home. Being around family has helped me a lot and I am finally getting help from a new doctor that I saw Monday. Even though it was only the first appointment, I feel really great about this doctor and how she cares for her patients. She set out a plan for me for things to work on along with changing some of my medicine. I haven't been successful on everything yet but feel I am making some progress.
My apartment had been a complete mess during the past month and I need to organize and clean. My aquarium became overgrown with algae but I have since gotten rid of it though I did lose 2 neon tetras. Last week I finally made progress in getting a doctor and finishing my taxes that I filed for an extension last month. The other problem that has made it more difficult to get stuff done around the apartment has been the change in my work schedule. Instead of working from 9 AM - 5:30 or 6 PM, I now come in from 12 PM - 9 PM. So when I get off of work, I am tired and don't feel like doing much. In the morning, I have taken to getting up late around 10:30 or 11 AM which gives me little time for much else other than getting ready for work. I need to force myself to wake up earlier in the day so I can get more accomplished in the mornings.
This hasn't been easy to talk about or write but it has helped me come to terms with my situation and makes me realize that I have family and friends that I can rely on in my times of trouble.
I hope this didn't seem like a long rambling post that didn't stick to a point. I guess the main thing I am trying to say is that I know that I have a mental health problem and that I need to take the necessary steps to improve myself and my outlook on life.
I haven't updated in awhile due to a number of reasons. Work has gotten a lot busier, I've been using my free time in other ways, but mainly because I'm going through another depression cycle again. This was brought on due to some careless decisions on my part and the guilt/shame that came after them. It was made even worse when a close friend of mine had some other issues that affected me too. Although friends and family tell me not to blame myself for other's actions, I can't help but backtrack in my mind to different occurrences in the past that I should have seen as a problem or cry for help but I didn't.
Anyways, my depression has caused great anguish on me and my parents. I've taken to going over to their house every weekend and bringing my laptop with me so I can work from home. Being around family has helped me a lot and I am finally getting help from a new doctor that I saw Monday. Even though it was only the first appointment, I feel really great about this doctor and how she cares for her patients. She set out a plan for me for things to work on along with changing some of my medicine. I haven't been successful on everything yet but feel I am making some progress.
My apartment had been a complete mess during the past month and I need to organize and clean. My aquarium became overgrown with algae but I have since gotten rid of it though I did lose 2 neon tetras. Last week I finally made progress in getting a doctor and finishing my taxes that I filed for an extension last month. The other problem that has made it more difficult to get stuff done around the apartment has been the change in my work schedule. Instead of working from 9 AM - 5:30 or 6 PM, I now come in from 12 PM - 9 PM. So when I get off of work, I am tired and don't feel like doing much. In the morning, I have taken to getting up late around 10:30 or 11 AM which gives me little time for much else other than getting ready for work. I need to force myself to wake up earlier in the day so I can get more accomplished in the mornings.
This hasn't been easy to talk about or write but it has helped me come to terms with my situation and makes me realize that I have family and friends that I can rely on in my times of trouble.
I hope this didn't seem like a long rambling post that didn't stick to a point. I guess the main thing I am trying to say is that I know that I have a mental health problem and that I need to take the necessary steps to improve myself and my outlook on life.
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
The Latest
I've been needing to update my blog for awhile. A lot has happened since the last update. I'll try to recap quickly below.
I started a 4 week pre-planned meal weight loss program using personaltrainerfood.com. The food was great and I actually enjoyed not having to go to the store or deciding what I needed to eat, since I had all the food I needed delivered at home. It wasn't easy at first due to the small portion size but my body adjusted after a week. I managed to lose 15 pounds over the 4 week diet period and so far have been pretty successful in keeping it off. I only gained 3 pounds back.
I also was able to cross another resolution off of my list in reading more. I re-read the Hobbit on the plane ride to Vegas and back for Eddie's bachelor party in January. I've also started to re-read the Game of Thrones series because I have really gotten into the HBO series.
Those are the positives. In March I had a down mood swing and made some irresponsible decisions. I won't go into detail about it here but if you really want to know you can ask me in person. I overspent in March and I'm currently trying to adjust and re-balance my finances using mint.com which is a great financial tool to use to budget with.
My mood had improved somewhat since then, and being around friends on the weekends has helped. Work has really picked up in April and I've had added stress that I have had to deal with. I've worked from home the last 2 weekends and sometimes during the week I will have to get on from home after work and complete a request.
I think the added stress has contributed to me drinking more which isn't good. I've been drinking too much on the weekend and spending too much at bars. I need to find new ways to relax and unwind on the weekends that don't involve alcohol.
I'm starting to get really tired of the normal flow of the week, getting stressed out, weekend comes and all I do is go somewhere to drink. I need to break the cycle and find new ways to enjoy myself.
I am feeling better though than last month so I think I'm starting to turn it around.
I started a 4 week pre-planned meal weight loss program using personaltrainerfood.com. The food was great and I actually enjoyed not having to go to the store or deciding what I needed to eat, since I had all the food I needed delivered at home. It wasn't easy at first due to the small portion size but my body adjusted after a week. I managed to lose 15 pounds over the 4 week diet period and so far have been pretty successful in keeping it off. I only gained 3 pounds back.
I also was able to cross another resolution off of my list in reading more. I re-read the Hobbit on the plane ride to Vegas and back for Eddie's bachelor party in January. I've also started to re-read the Game of Thrones series because I have really gotten into the HBO series.
Those are the positives. In March I had a down mood swing and made some irresponsible decisions. I won't go into detail about it here but if you really want to know you can ask me in person. I overspent in March and I'm currently trying to adjust and re-balance my finances using mint.com which is a great financial tool to use to budget with.
My mood had improved somewhat since then, and being around friends on the weekends has helped. Work has really picked up in April and I've had added stress that I have had to deal with. I've worked from home the last 2 weekends and sometimes during the week I will have to get on from home after work and complete a request.
I think the added stress has contributed to me drinking more which isn't good. I've been drinking too much on the weekend and spending too much at bars. I need to find new ways to relax and unwind on the weekends that don't involve alcohol.
I'm starting to get really tired of the normal flow of the week, getting stressed out, weekend comes and all I do is go somewhere to drink. I need to break the cycle and find new ways to enjoy myself.
I am feeling better though than last month so I think I'm starting to turn it around.
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
2013 and another new year
Once again despite my best effort, I was unable to stop time and another year has passed. It really feels like 2012 flew by. It was my first full year back in Houston since moving back October 2011 and a lot went on. +Derek McFadden and Tiffany ,got married, bought a house together and moved in. I moved into a swanky new apartment in March. Tyson and +Sonia Renee bought a house together and moved in. Had many birthday parties I went to (including my own of course). Had a successful and inebriated end of the year, Secret Santa party.
I usually try to make a New Year's Resolution each year but I almost never live up to it. So this year I decided to make a LIST of resolutions hoping I can at least knock one out and not feel like a total slacker! Below is my list I have come up with in no particular order:
So there is my list. I hope that 2013 brings success and prosperity for all of you.
I usually try to make a New Year's Resolution each year but I almost never live up to it. So this year I decided to make a LIST of resolutions hoping I can at least knock one out and not feel like a total slacker! Below is my list I have come up with in no particular order:
- Lose Weight
I say this every year and it barely happens. I did lose 20 lbs last year though but I need to lose more. - Learn the guitar
Another common resolution with me. The ol' Rock Band guitar isn't cutting it anymore, I'm turning 31 soon. - Take a cooking class
My cooking skills are severely lacking. I can do basic stuff but usually opt for takeout because of laziness/ignorance. Plus learning some new recipes should help to improve the chances of number 4. - Find a girl
Notice I did not say find love. I still don't really feel pressure to get married and I'd like to keep it that way at least for a few years. I'm enjoying the single life too much right now. Though finding someone to hangout with would be pretty cool. - Get rid of shit/clean up
I'm terrible at keeping stuff clean and orderly. And over the years I've accumulated a lot of extra stuff that I just don't need. I need to donate or sell a bunch of stuff so I have more room and don't feel as cramped. My bedroom is a disaster right now and my closet is a mess too. - Get active again
I love video games but I would like to try and get active again. This is similar to number 1, but I would like to at least play a sport or two for fun with friends. Maybe join a rec league somewhere. - Read more
I have a Kindle yet I don't read much. I did finish 4 books last year though which is a start. Plus there are some classics I need to re-read since it has been over a decade since I have read them. (Lord of the Rings trilogy, Hobbit, Tale of Two Cities, etc.) - Organize my music better
I just uninstalled iTunes not long ago but now I need to re-organize all my mp3s and rename the files so they don't have names like DGHSGAS.mp3 - Worry less
I get this from my mom as she worries all the time about stuff. I need to learn to accept things that I can't change and move on. - Finish one of these resolutions
OK so this one was cheap but I wanted to make 10 and I couldn't think of another one.
So there is my list. I hope that 2013 brings success and prosperity for all of you.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)