I know everyone enjoys payday, well maybe not bosses who have to pay, but I think I still enjoy it a lot. Just wish there were more of them. I'm just happy to be working and employed. That was the first thought that came to my mind this morning.
Speaking of employed, it is an understatement to say that there are a lot of homeless people here in Austin. I was used to them from DC, so I've grown to be able to pertend they don't exist so as to not feel guilty for their plight. I think it was sometime in the 80s we were all sold this bill of goods that homeless people were just lazy and were making more money panhandling than others make working a real job. After they go home to their mansion and laugh at you for giving them your hard earned money. Or the other thought, they will just use it to buy drugs and or alcohol. "Get a Job!" you sometimes hear people say. Just like the myth of the welfare queen living it up on government assitance and food stamps with her 5 kids and one more on the way, it just isn't the reality for the vast majority of people. The truth is that there are some homeless people that are the exception, a lot of drug users and alcoholics but there is no denying that there are real needy homeless people living on the streets with no money and very little hope. Also a lot of them veterans as well, but you don't see those people with the yellow ribbons on their cars helping out. A lot has to do with mental illness too I hear, but it is a real underworld that it is easier to not look into or you'll end up feeling really bad. (See Africa, Darfur, people in prision.) So I'm not saying give out money, that should be your own decision, and I rarely do, mainly because of the thought, well if I give money to him, I'll have to give to someone else, it won't make a difference, so why even do it. Also the, I don't have money to give, I got my own problems. Thoughts like that justify my living in denial and acting like they don't exist.
The one thing I didn't have much experience with and hear is quite common is the homeless dog. The dog companion to a homeless person. I saw one the other day and my first thought was how much I wished I had dog food in my car to donate to that dog. Poor puppy with no home and a silly sign asking for help. Then I saw a person open their window and give the clearly homeless man a bag of dog food, which let me know others felt the same way. Then I felt so ashamed of myself, that I could have such sympathy for the animal who by all accounts is probably more happy than a backyard dog and not have the same or more sympathy for the homeless man owner who is a human being, a real person who truly deserves my help.
Now I get the argument that a human can fight for himself, an animal has no advocate and can't defend themselves therefore needs more help and caring for. I don't know where I stand on the human animal debate because if someone asked me who I would save, my cat or a complete stranger, it would be hard, but I think I have to go with the human being despite them meaning nothing to me and my cat meaning everything to me. Should I even be thinking this? Those are my thoughts on homeless dogs, next time stray dogs.
Here is an article for my female friends, "British researcher Adrian Furnham, a psychology professor at University College of London, tells the magazine that women often underestimate their smarts while men overplay theirs. Furnham analyzed 30 international studies of how men and women assess their own brainpower and found what he calls "the male hubris, female humility effect." So you may very well be smarter than the guys in your life but your ego doesn't realize it."
Here is something pretty funny I read today. Enjoy!
"Excerpts from a Dog's Diary......
8:00 am - Dog food! My favorite thing!
9:30 am - A car ride! My favorite thing!
9:40 am - A walk in the park! My favorite thing!
10:30 am - Got rubbed and petted! My favorite thing!
12:00 pm - Lunch! My favorite thing!
1:00 pm - Played in the yard! My favorite thing!
3:00 pm - Wagged my tail! My favorite thing!
5:00 pm - Milk bones! My favorite thing!
7:00 pm - Got to play ball! My favorite thing!
8:00 pm - Wow! Watched TV with the people! My favorite thing!
11:00 pm - Sleeping on the bed! My favorite thing!
Excerpts from a Cat's Daily Diary . ..
Day 983 of my captivity.
My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects. They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets. Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength. The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape.
In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet.
Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates what I am capable of. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a "good little hunter" I am. Bastards.
There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of "allergies." I must learn what this means and how to use it to my advantage.
Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow -- but at the top of the stairs.
I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches. The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released - and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously retarded. The bird has got to be an informant. I observe him communicating with the guards regularly. I am certain that he reports my every move. My captors have arranged protective custody for him in a elevated cell, so he is safe.
For now................ "
I miss their writers, but am glad they are back. Check out some great Colbert Report with some Vintage Jon Stewart. Who made Jon Stewart?
I really do think I would make an amazing friend
i'm going to be laughing about the flight of stairs for days! it's like i picture myself in your place and it just seems so funny, lol.
ReplyDeleteon another note, i just got the blackberry pearl and can't decide if i like it. i wanted a cool adult phone but now realize it far exceeds my simple needs.
actually, i always secretly thought i was smarter than every guy i dated but i never said it aloud. clay is the first guy i actually think is smarter than me, lol. but i used to think that it was conceited of me to think so. now i know i was right, lol. laters, glad you're back.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you enjoyed my story about the stairs. It really did happen and I am so lucky to not be injured. Now you would think I would celebrate by running on it. :(
ReplyDeleteI've heard mixed reviews about the pearl...I recommend the centro or even an iphone. the best thing about cool adult phones is being able to check your email from anywhere.
See I never much kept it a secret, but my problem was that most girls thought they were secretly smarter than me, well no actually, some tried to make it clear. There should be a jeopary round to get that established as the relationship begins.
I enjoy reading your blogs Marty..you're pretty funny...I know humor is probably not always your intention, I felt compelled to write about this one. Obviously back home the homeless population is not as bad as the one here in DC. It's awful, coming out from a bar/club at whatever weee hour in the morning..and people are screaming...still having fun..while homeless people on the floor are trying to find a way to shut out the noise. The other night I found myself telling people to shut up and have respect cause they were waking people up. It's awful..and heart breaking. I never give people money, and yes sometimes I think..."I have my own problems" or "better hurry up and get past this guy cause he looks dangerous" or even "they will use it for booze or drugs" but I do always say....in my head of course a small prayer for them...that God show them the way out of suffering and poverty. I think that gift is priceless:) I also never carry cash so when I see someone who is really struggling...it breaks my heart. Yes, a lot of problems are caused by mental illness..but there are people out here who want to help and they refuse it. I was in a Feed the homeless walk (at the Mall..Capitol Hill) and it was just amazing to see all the help that people offer...shelters...food..clothes..whatever..and they dont take advantage of that....this makes me mad. Okay now about the animals...you know all the times that I have seen a homeless person with a pet...the pet was energetic....on a leash sometimes...friendly...you know..never mean or hostile....so seemed like a pretty normal..happy go lucky PET:) I bet those people would even give up their own food for their dogs...kinda like their babies..or family member. I bet you would do that for your cat...or not...but you get my drift right. See....now you got me thinking of this...why????hahah...see this is the humorous part!
ReplyDeleteI have more sympathy for strays than I do for homeless pets with homeless owners...just cause home or not..they have a companion and are not alone. Why do you like cats? Is it true that if you happen to swallow cat hair ....YOU DIE? I dont know where I heard that..but I did. Anyways....here is my 2 cents.....btw...the Superbowl was awesome...wasnt it?
Sandy, it means a lot that you take the time to read my blog. I hope DC is treating you well. I agree with a lot of what you said. It is funny cause I have a friend whose line is "only carrying plastic tonight." I'm glad to know other people think these things too.
ReplyDeleteA lot of people see their pets as their kids, I treat my cats well but not like kids, my dog, well not even close. There is a long story about why I like cats, going from hating cats as a kid, but in the end they are low maintance and really take care of themselves, they give you affection on their own terms which lets you know it just isn't free like you get from dogs and they are good companions to have around.
I am pretty sure if you shallow cat hair you will not die. I've done it a lot and I'm ok. Cats get hair balls, so I'm sure if I shallowed enough I'd probably choke and die. There are a lot of great mistruths about cats (ie they will suck out a babys breath, etc.).
That superbowl was great. Even though I wish Romo was there, this was a lot more exciting. I don't think I've ever enjoyed just a low scoring game so much.