Final blog for class

This is my last blog for this class.  It was not what I am used to and I loved that.  It forced me to step out of my comfort zone and challenged me.  I learned a lot about my writing. I learned that I was not as strong as I though, but that I could get there.  I loved that everything was done online because in the field of legal studies it is a necessity. Thank you Mr. Hamon for your guidance, even when you thought I was not listening.  I look forward to Comp 2 with you.  I wish you all the best in your studies.  Good night and good luck.

Feeling left out

Hopefully, many of you were able to spend the day with your fathers yesterday. If not, at least speak with them by phone or video chat.  I accompanied my boyfriend to see his father yesterday. It was a pleasant visit.  In the afternoon I tried to call my dad, who lives out of state.  As he answered the phone it was obvious that he was preoccupied.  He began talking to someone in the background, then asked if he could call me back.  Of course, I said yes. As so often before, he never called. I never even had the chance to tell him that I loved him.  Beginning to feel uncertain of were I fit in on Father's day.  Well, I guess, the day isn't for me anyways. Why can't I be happy for him if he is happy?

Father's Day

Many of us will wake up tomorrow and spend the day with our fathers.  Some of us will only be able to speak by phone or video chat.  However you spend your day keep in mind that there are many people that will wake up without that chance.  It may be because they do not know who their father is or may be because their fathers have passed on. 

As I stood in front of the rack of cards it crossed my mind that some people will not be celebrating with their fathers.  It saddened me to think that some day I too will be in their company.  My dad will not be looking forward to fathers day because it will be the first one with out his dad. It will most definitely be a bitter sweet day for him.

Narcissistic behavior in law enforcement

I have always been one to stand behind law enforcement. However; lately I have become disheartened by their behavior.  My girlfriend told me of a local police chief being fired after behaving in a manner unbecoming an officer.  The high ranking officer used a sheriff vehicle to go out drinking, then chose to drive after becoming intoxicated, ran into an unmarked sheriff's car, and left the scene of the accident.  In my opinion, this officer displayed narcissistic behaviors that are becoming all to common in law enforcement officers.  I remember a time when little kids wanted to be police officers. Now, I am not sure they are the role models I want for my children. It is unfortunate that examples like this are making the good ones look bad.

 I have shared the link to the article.

  http://www.wptv.com/dpp/news/lantana-town-manager-fires-suspended-police-chief-jeff-tyson-in-wake-of-dui-arrest

Entitlement be gone!

Have you ever been through something that completely changed the way you view life?  Probably so.  Today I woke up and noticed just how beautiful the sky looked and even with the entense heat at 7:30 am, I felt myself breathing it all in.  It was as if I had never seen the sky before or felt the heat or smelled the dewy air.  All day I have tuned into all of the things and people around me, as if they had never been there before.  Although it was not a perfect day by some peoples definition, it was perfect to me.  Life is precious. Take 60 seconds, take a deep breath, look up into the sky and reconnect.  It is liberating.

Overwhelmed with Joy!!!!!

Today, my family received some of the best news we could wish for...my mother's cancer is shrinking.  They even changed the classification of the cells.  She has been given a summer vacation from her chemotherapy. 

I know that we are supposed to be writting about narcissism and entitlement, but I cannot think of anything else to talk about.  I needed a spiritual lift today.

Go home and hug your loved ones.  Tell them that you love them everyday!! We are not entitled to tomorrow, so live and love every moment you have.AMEN

Disappointed

I am in school for legal studies, and hope to someday become a practicing attorney.  I am currently disappointed in many in that profession. I read an article about an attorney that stole money from client trusts to fund a extrodinary lifestyle.  When caught, he showed little to no remorse.  Many of his clients have lost their life savings and their trust in attorneys.  It truely is upsetting that I as I am pursueing my future, others are throwing their's away. They are also making a bad name for many others.

Memorial Day

I spent Memorial Day on the boat with family and friends, and have been critizied for doing so.  I was born into a military family, even born on a military base. I most certainly understand the significance of the day.  Memorial day is about remembering those lost and acknowledging those who are still fighting.  Personally, that is something we should do everyday.  If it were not for the fallen and the fighting we would not have each day, or even each moment to live freely.  If it were not for the brave members of the United States Armed Forces being on the boat, and enjoying my family and friends may not be possible.  Everyone has their own way of remembering and celebrating. Just because I didn't dress in red, white, and blue or go to a parade does not mean that I do not care, BECAUSE I DO!

Delay for her entitlement

I did not get my 3rd blog done this past week.  I entended to write it yesterday, however I had an opportunity that I do not get everyday that many take for granted.  My mother, as many of you know, is ill and was in the hospital last week.  I had to work yesterday and she came to help me. We spent the entire day together. After work we ran some errands for her and sat down and enjoyed a late lunch together.  Something we have not done in years. By the time we got home and unloaded the car it was time to cook dinner.  We cooked up some fresh fish and spent the evening with my daughter, boyfriend, and good friend.  I know it just sounds like your everyday and maybe for some it is, but not for me. I had to make the choice to seize the moment (day) with my mother or do my homework.  I almost lost my mother in March and truely began to search myself and how I had not thought about what my life would be like without her.  Unexpectedly, I discovered that I subconciously felt entitled to her everlasting love....maybe.  The way I see it she is entitled to my everlasting love, respect, and attention.  It is easy to get caught up in life and forget the the little things, often times taking for granted that you will always have another day to spend with someone or to tell them how you feel.  We are not entitled to tomorrow, tonight, or even the next breath.  So live for each moment!

Entitlement in children

How do children begin to feel entitled? Some might say it is caused when children are born into a family with money.  Some might say that it is being an only child.   I have even heard people say that they think children of certain races have a false sense of entitlement.  I have to disagree.  I have seen children from all backgrounds, races, and income levels behave normally and I have seen them acted like they are entitled to everything under the sun.   I do believe that these circumstances can stimulate a level of confidence in children that can sometimes be miscondstrude as feelings of entitlement.  I also believe that entitlement is something that every child as felt or will feel at some point.  Guidance from family, teachers, and friends can shape those feelings into a postive, confident child.  What do you think?

Living with a narcissist

While researching material on narcissism, I have discovered that I live a life surrounded by narcissistic people.  It starts in my home and expands into many members of my family.  In each of my families homes there is at least one narcissist and one non narcissist.  I have discovered that the non narcissist are generally the homemakers.  They do the shopping, cooking, and cleaning.  They are what most people consider "people pleasers".  In reality they are not always trying to please others, just making themselves happy taking care of others.  The narcissist tend to become worse when paired with the non narcissists because the non narcissist enables the narcissist to feel more entitled and think less about helping others.  They often get to a point that they do not even realize how selfish they have become.  I feel it is a good example of how the narcissist and the non narcissist are all apart of the narcissism epidemic.

Narcissism - the social impact

I cannot help but wonder if the increase in narcissism in our society is a result of the advances in technology and the emphasis on actors and athletes.  The advances in technology allow us to observe the spending habits of the rich and famous; whereas before the time of internet and smartphones we had no idea of the extravagent lifestyles in which they lived.  With information sharing, it has enabled a large portion of people to become envious of those lifestyles.  It pushes people to compete with others, not with skills, but with bigger houses and more expensive car, and high priced educations. The competition has generated a selfish, care for my self mentality.

In my opinion, I think that technology has caused society to focus less on ones skills and more on their appearance and possessions.

Thank you

Why is it so difficult to say those two little words...thank you.  They only take a moment to say or type.  Saying thank you shows someone that you recognize them.  Have you ever received an unexpected thank you that just brightened your day?  I have and it was one or the simplest happiness that I have ever experienced.


On that note,  I want to say thank you to everyone!  I know it may sound corny, but I truely mean it.
Each of you have directly and or indirectly impacted my life.  Some positively and some negatively, but I am thankful for the good and the bad.


THANK YOU!

Something for nothing

I have often wondered why people expect so much and yet offer so little.  My mother and my grand-mother raised me to believe that you get out of life what you put into it.  It may not always come back how you give it, it comes back all the same.  I have never felt entititled to anything.  My friend is one of those people that would give the shirt off his back to someone in need; however, he has recently started asking "when is it going to be my turn"?  He has fallen on hard times (mostly because of his own doing) and now feels entitiled to better because he has done so much to help others in need.  We had a conversation a few days ago and I explained to him that sometimes it never is your turn and sometimes it comes back in a different way.  I know plenty of good people that have had to endure horrific things in their life.  You hear growing up that if you mind your manners and do the right thing that good things will happen.  Unfortunately, that is not always the case. What I have noticed is that when you walk around expecting something, it never comes and when you continue on without expectations, a lot more goes your way. 

Stand your ground - homebound

The more I research material regarding the "Stand Your Ground" law, the more I am convinced that it has to be changed.  I do believe that you should have the right to "Stand Your Ground" to protect your home.  I know that there are many people that will disagree when I say the you should not be able to use this law anywhere else.  If you are away from your home and you feel threatened then you have the right to "Self Defense".  It is a legal defense that has been used successfully for years.  People will always find the loopholes in a law if it is not written clearly, it has become clear that this law was not written clearly. 

Where did your manners go?

Daily I am shocked by the lack of manners in my surroundings.  I was raised in a small town in Arkansas, where you were expected to say yes mam, no sir, excuse me, may I and please.  A community where men opened doors for women and children did not talk back to adults.   Walking through the mall today I saw kids telling their parents what to do and people pushing past others.  I did not like the rules when I was a child, but looking back now I realize the rules were not rules at all, they were manners. People today, are for the most part, rude!  They do not care about anyone else's feelings but their own.  Just because we have advanced in technology does not mean that we have to abandon our past.  When given the opportunity, hold the door for someone, make a point to say thank you or please.  People will be pleasantly surprised and will typically do the same for someone else.  Kindness is contagious. Don't believe me, try it.

Stand Your Ground Concerns

The more I read about the Stand Your Ground law I truely feel that it should be completely reformed.  I cannot comprehend that a domestic violence situation cannot constitute the use of this law. I also do not understand how someone down the street and then claim self defense by using the Stand Your Ground law.  There are so many different interpretations of this law.  There is absolutely no consistancy in how it is enforced.  Legally frustrating and emotionally draining!

Music is a universal language

Last night I attended my first "rap" concert with my sixteen year old daughter at Sunfest.  While we were standing there waiting for the performances to begin, I noticed something amazing.  There were people from all different ages, toddlers to seniors.  There was a melting pot of nationalities.  We were all there for the same reason, our love of the music.  As the crowd danced and sang along with the music, it was evident that it spoke to us all, and we all understood.  We might be different, but in some ways we are all the same.

The limits of knowledge

For a lifetime, I have heard people complain and say that school is a waste of time.  They ask why they need Algebra, Science, and so on.  Regretfully, I admit that I too shared in those same complaints.  Having spent the first seventeen years after high school barely making ends meet, working dead in jobs, while raising two daughters, the time had come and something had to give.  I enrolled in college in October of 2011.  I was surprised at how much I did not know.  Quickly, I was taught to ask why about everything.  I truely felt like a two year old in my head.  Why, why, why! My life had been limited before due to my lack of knowledge.  Attending South University has opened my eyes and mind to the limitless possibilities that are out there for me, all I have to do is be open to learn new things. From learning how to look things up in the library and on the web, to learning new web tools such as wikis and blogs, slowly I am catching up.

Change in an instant

Tonight, as I sit down to write this, I am reminded of how quickly life can change.  In January of this year, my mother was diagnosed with Stage 4 Lung Cancer.  The events unfolded so quickly.  What started of as a cold that she could not kick, turned into a life changing event.  At the end of March she fainted, that turned into a week in ICU because her blood counts had dropped to levels that were almost unsurvivable.  Fortunately, she has bounced back amazingly. Tonight I am putting the finishing touches on a room for her, because tomorrow she moves in with me. Feeling blessed that I have the opportunity to have her in my life today, I have come to the realization that there may not be a tomorrow.  Just before her diagnosis we were discussing my children's graduation, my graduation, and the day that my sister has children of her own.  Now I wonder if she will be here the next day or next holiday.  The idea of her not being there is emotionally overwhelming.  Not only is she my mother, she is my best friend and confidant. Life can change in a instant! Do not take one day or one moment for granted. 

A difference of opinions

After listening to other people talk about drug addiction, it has become clear to me that everyone has a differnce of opinions on what drug addiction is and how it should be treated.  Even addicts talk about other addicts as if their own addiction is somehow better than someone else's.  Addiction is addiction, whether it be to alcohol, prescription medication, cocaine, crack, heroine, or crystal meth. The one thing that has surprised me the most, is the number of "functioning addicts".  They get up every day and go to work and take care of their children.  They appear no different than anyone else, yet behind closed doors they are secretly abusing drugs or alcohol.  If society would spend less time belittleing addicts and more time trying to help them recover our society would be stronger. It is high time to stop standing on the sidelines and reach out to someone in need. Even if it is just to be someone they can trust to talk to, being there for them can mean so much. Just think, most of them have already lost everything else.

Importance of writing in legal studies

Writing is an important tool in the legal studies program.  Legal studies requires the use of apporiate text, correct punctuation, and citing.  Making a mistake on a legal document by improperly citing a case or using the wrong verbage, could be devistating to your case.  Learning more effective writing styles and fine tuning my writing skills will prove to be very valuable in my future studies.

Dangers of the road

This past week I have seen some of the most dangerous driving ever. The other night my daughter was driving to practice for her drivers license when a car passed us, while we were doing the speed limit, using a turn lane.  Once the car was in front of us it began to swerve into the lane of oncoming traffic and then the other side of the lane into the grass.  Needless to say, we were speechless watching these events unfold. My daughter increased her distance in the event that the car collided with someone or something.  This went on for five miles, until finally, the car turned onto another road just before we got home. It was definitely a good example of the dangers of the road.

I experienced the most dangerous driving on my way home from school Wednesday night.   As I was driving down a two lane road the lanes merged to one.  I was forced to slow down due to the merging traffic in front of me.  In the mean time, behind me, there was a car attempting to force its way in between my SUV and the truck behind me.  I watched the events in my rear-view mirror.  The two vehicles began playing bumper cars.  NO KIDDING!  They were literally bumping into each other and neither of the two were going to let the other car win. The road had now narrowed to one lane and they were still trading paint.  It was a little nerve racking because I could not distance myself from this as the cars in front of me where driving under the speed limit.  Trying to pull over would have been dangerous because the construction on the road way has created sand and dirt shoulders.  All I could do  was continue to watch.  Finally the truck turned off onto a side road.  It seemed like it went on forever, yet it was only a matter a minute or less.  The dangers of the road are always there and can present themselves at anytime.

Drugs

Drugs have impacted my life in many ways.  I have seen members of my family change drastically and lose their jobs, homes, and children.  Their addiction caused me a significant amount of stress.  Their addiction negatively affected everyone around them.  The children were so confused to be separated from their parent.  It is just simply put...devastating!