Month: November 2020

NaNoWriMo

What If No One Likes My Writing?

Karen

MAN – I needed to hear this.

Also, shut that inner editor down – you’re trying to cross a finish line.

(video warning: language if you’re sensitive).

Haters gonna hate. There is nothing you can do about that but you can control how you react to them. People are hateful for a variety of reasons and most of those reasons have nothing to do with YOU. Haters are simply projecting their unhappiness on to you and unfortunately, you happen to be in their crosshairs at that moment in time. I know it’s easier said than done to shrug off hateful comments or behavior but people are flawed and terrible behavior comes with the territory.

Communication is a learned art. Not everyone pays attention to that lesson and/or they are never taught on how to communicate effectively. I’m telling my fellow MA’s that at work all the time. You can pretty much get anyone to do anything you want them to do if you recognize the art of communication. I took a communications class in college and it changed my life. I’ll never forget when we were assigned a speech where the objective was to persuade the class to our way of thinking. My subject? Legalize marijuana. We had to submit the assignment to our instructor before we got up in front of the class to present it and my instructor thought it was SO convincing that she asked that I put in “for medical purposes” into my speech. I was highly annoyed that she would suggest that but when I took my audience into consideration, young, impressionable, bored college kids, I got it.

But I learned HOW to communicate. The first rule of thumb – consider your audience. Who are you talking to? I consider this daily at work – what kind of patient am I speaking to? If they are young and hip, then I know talking to them as an “adult” will make them tune me out. If I’m talking to an elderly person, I know I have to slow down, enunciate fully and explain everything, BUT, don’t dumb it down so much that it seems I’m treating them like a child. I give patients controlled options when I speak to them – you can pick option 1 or option 2. And if they get upset and don’t understand why I won’t give or do what they want me to do, I explain why we can’t do option 3.

I also took a grammar class where we studied Aristotle which at the time I thought was DRY as sh*t, but I learned a lot about language and the importance of HOW to phrase my words when speaking to people. For example, don’t put people on the defensive when speaking to them – YOU need to do this or YOU shouldn’t do this. Like I said, communicating is an art. And offering someone constructive criticism is TRULY an art.

So, it’s challenging to receive constructive criticism but it’s also challenging to give constructive criticism. You can almost always tell, right away, if someone is truly trying to help you or if they’re having a crappy day and you’re the target. After you have determined the objective behind the comment, then you can proceed accordingly. It’s always best to ignore the hater – they WANT you to engage. They WANT you to fight. I don’t know about ya’ll, but I do not have the time, the energy, nor the desire to deal with someone else’s issues, I have plenty of my own crap to deal with, thank you very much.

But it still stings. We wouldn’t be human if we didn’t get our feelings hurt now and again. We just have to be the better person and walk away – out of sight, out of mind.

If you haven’t noticed, I’ve been posting a lot of fiction lately. Largely because of NaNoWriMo, OF COURSE, but I’ll be honest, it’s sort of scary. My writing style won’t please everyone and I don’t even know if it makes sense most of the time because I’m writing for quantity at this stage, not necessarily quality.

But I’m getting to know my characters and I’m having fun doing it so I guess that’s all that matters.

But putting your creative self out there is scary. I can definitely empathize with other content creators out there though I can’t imagine what it must be like to have millions of followers and EVERYONE has an opinion so that must be really hard. You’re constantly being criticized and analyzed and people think you should have done this, or shouldn’t have done that and it’s easy to have an opinion on something you didn’t sweat blood to produce. Because in case you haven’t noticed, creating something out of nothing is HARD WORK.

But it’s also strangely satisfying. However, if you’ve noticed, I don’t allow comments on my blog because quite frankly, I’m doing what I’m doing for ME, not for any one who happens to visit. If I take time to stop and read what people think, to hear constructive criticism, it will slow my momentum down and I’ll start to doubt myself. My thoughts and feelings are my own, agree or disagree, they’re still mine to share.

Also, the majority of people do not know how to effectively communicate their thoughts without attacking, name calling or just being assholes and I don’t care about those people. And I certainly don’t have time to weed through the muck to find the genuine ones so I simply don’t open myself up to that situation. It simplifies my life and right now, I think we would all agree, we need simple in our lives right now.

I guess what I’m trying to say is, I really don’t care anymore if anyone likes my writing or not because it’s just something I HAVE to do. I have to purge my thoughts and writing is the best way I know to do it. I let that fear hold me back for too many years and you know what? Life is getting shorter and shorter, especially for me because I’m old(ish).

Speaking of which …

Today is my birthday. Why don’t you follow me?  You want to make my special day special, right?

Just kidding. Do what you want. But I DO appreciate YOUR time when you read my crap. It means a lot. Thank you.

Have a lovely day!

NaNoWriMo2020

Dree’s Pre-Story

Karen

Dree studied her reflection in the mirror. Her cheeks were sunken in and she had dark circles around her eyes. She turned her head from side to side and casually smeared a droplet of blood dripping from her mouth across her chin.

She smiled.

“Wow. You look dead.”

She spun in her chair and grinned.

“Sick! You blackened your teeth!” Riley fully came into her room and plopped down on her bed.

“Does it look like I eat brains for breakfast?” She laughed while reaching for her wig.

“Totally. What do you think about my costume?”

She crunched up a dead leaf in her hand and rubbed it into her raggedy wig. “Love it. It really looks like some big zombie dude grabbed you by the head and ripped it off your shoulders. You need more blood though. Hang on.” She tucked her hair into her wig cap, bent forward, tugged the wig on and then sat back up, her long, black hair curling around her shoulders. “Wigs are so freakin’ hot.” She adjusted it more comfortably then reached for her fake blood. She got up and moved toward him. She began to smear blood around the corners of his mouth and ran a finger down his chin and neck.

“I wish they weren’t going to be there,” he whispered staring her straight in the eyes.

She shrugged. “Yeah. Me too. We would have more fun if they weren’t there, but whatever. We’re going to have fun regardless of the shit they pull tonight.” She backed away and smiled. “Perfect. You look like a headless person now. Bravo.”

He got up to look at himself in the mirror. “Yeah. Good job.” He turned to face her, his face falling serious. “You’re driving us, right?”

“That’s the plan short stuff.” She paused while putting her theatrical makeup away. “Did something happen again?” She turned to look over her shoulder at him.

“Not really. Just the same shit. This bruise here?” He pointed to his temple. “That’s not makeup.”

She narrowed her eyes and slammed the last of her makeup in her backup. “He’s such an asshole.”

“I’m so glad you’re living here, Dree. I don’t know how I would …” he trailed off. Dree reached out and ruffled his hair. “Don’t sweat it, short stuff. We’re a team. You’re not getting rid of me. Besides, this is the first time in months I’ve had a roof over my head and a real bed to sleep in. Why would I give that up?”

He smiled and nodded. “Okay. Let’s go have some fun.”

“Agreed. Come on.” She grabbed her purse and they exited the bedroom.

“Wow. You guys look great!” Mandy paused stirring the punch she planned on taking to the party and apprised them both. “Definitely scary looking.”

Dree bowed and Riley howled in mock pain.

“Pretty sure you guys will win the costume contest.”

Dree shrugged and tried to hide her pleased smile. “I don’t know, you’re looking pretty great yourself. Bride of Frankenstein?”

Mandy laughed. “Yeah. Let’s go with that. I think that’s my official costume but I’m not sure I actually carried it off. But I thought, what the hell, if Richard could go as Frankenstein then it seemed like a no brainer to go as his bride.”

“Oh. Is Dick coming?” Dree gave Riley the side eye. She hadn’t really anticipated Dick coming, she was hoping he would think a Halloween party was beneath him but whatever, they would just avoid him.

“Yeah. He decided to go at the last minute.” Many shrugged. “Seems weird, really. He has never seemed interested in going in year’s past.”

Dree sighed. He was going because she was going to be there. She never should have told him she was thinking of going. She silently berated herself for her stupidity.

“Okay. I guess we’ll see you there,” Dree said. She motioned for Riley to follow her.

“Oh. You guys are driving? I thought we could all go together.” Mandy looked wounded.

“Nah. That’s okay, Mandy. We may not want to stay as late as you guys so I’ll drive me and Riley. Did you want us to take anything?” She looked out over the spread on the kitchen table. It was covered with wrapped candy apples.

“Oh actually, yes.” Mandy glanced over shoulder and pulled out a carboard box. She began putting the apples into the box. “If you could take these, that would be great. This cider isn’t quite ready so …” she trailed off and Dree helped her load the apples.

Dree could sense Riley stiffening beside her. Dick had entered the room.

“Hey. What’s going on?” He moved to stand next to Dree. He reeked of pot and beer. Someone had started the party early.

“Just loading up the apples, Richard,” said Mandy. “Dree is driving them over. We’ll meet up with them later.”

“Nope. I’m driving all of us,” said Dick.

Riley practically threw the last apple into the box as Dree hugged it close to her chest and pulled it off the table. She completely ignored Dick.

“Let’s go Riley.”

Dick moved to block her. “I said I would drive us.”

Dree stared at his chest. She could feel the anger bubbling up inside her. She moved to sidestep Dick only for him to step back in front of her. She stood for long seconds before lifting to meet his eyes. She didn’t even bother hiding her disgust. He smirked down at her.

“Move, Dick.” She emphasized his name to imply that he was acting like a dick, too. He reached out as if to take the box from her.

“I can put this in the car,” said Dick, a challenging light in his eyes. Riley cowered back, his eyes volleying back and forth between them with fear.

“Oh my gosh!” Mandy yelled while moving toward the stove. Her cider was beginning to bubble over. Her cry of alarm was enough to distract Dick long enough for Dree to pull free of his grasp and slide past him.

“Hey!” Dick called after them.

“Let them go, Richard,” said Mandy. “We’ll catch up. No big deal,” she placated him.

Dree didn’t stick around to hear anymore. She kicked open the door and hurried down the front steps, Riley close on her heels.

“God, I hate him,” Dree muttered between clenched teeth.

“Yeah,” Riley said and opened the back door of her Chevy Malibu so Dree could shove the box of apples into the back seat.

“He’s not that bad,” said Riley. “He doesn’t hit me as often as my last foster family.”

Dree sighed and buckled her seat belt. “I don’t even know where to start with that statement.” She started the car and backed out of the driveway. She saw the front door open and accelerated. She slammed on her brakes when she heard a car horn, uncomfortably close, honk at her. The car continued to blast it’s horn as it maneuvered around her.

“Jesus!” Riley shouted, putting out both hands to catch himself before hitting the dashboard.

Dree gritted her teeth and stared at Dick. He was illuminated by the porch light and she could see his knowing smirk even from her distance.

“Riley. We’re not moving until you buckle up.”

“Damn Dree. You nearly killed us.” He reached around and snapped the belt into place.

“Yeah, sorry dude. I wasn’t expecting Dick to open the door. I thought he might come running after us.”

Riley studied her for long moments, but kept silent.

Dree forced herself to take deep, calming breaths. He was not going to hurt her again. She was ready for him if he tried. She had been working out at Jimbo’s Gym for several months and she had never felt stronger. She was also noticing muscles that hadn’t been there before. She also taught herself to use a punching bag. If she wasn’t at school or working, you could find her at the gym. In fact, she kept most of her clothes at the gym, the only thing she had at Mandy and Dick’s house were PJ’s and a toothbrush. Though she appreciated having a roof over her head and a comfy bed, she didn’t feel comfortable living with them. After the incident, she insisted on them putting a lock on her door. She had had to convince Mandy that one was necessary without telling her that her asshole husband was the reason she needed one.

She spent many long hours at the gym obsessively working out after the attack, trying to sweat the memory of him touching her out of her body. Jimbo watched her work herself into utter exhaustion before approaching her late one night.

“What’s up, kid?”

She had stopped punching the bag, putting a hand out to stop it’s forward momentum before reaching over to grab a towel and wipe the sweat from her face. “Nothing. Just blowing off some steam.”

“You have a lot of steam.”

She shrugged and moved to step past him and make her way to the locker room.

“I’ve worked with enough damaged people to recognize the signs.”

Dree froze in place. Her heart began to pound and she focused on breathing evenly. How would he know? She hadn’t told a soul. In fact, she worked extra hard to appear as normal as she could. Or at least, as normal as she thought people expected. She turned to face him.

“I’m fine, Jimbo.”

“Sure kid. I don’t believe you, but okay. Tell you what,” he reached for the disinfectant and began spraying down the punching bag. “Let’s get you into some kickboxing classes.”

“Kickboxing?” She tilted her head. She had seen several girls in the ring learning kickboxing but she had never thought she had the coordination to try it.

“I think you would be a natural. And if you need to defend yourself, there’s really no better way.” He paused cleaning the bag and gave her a knowing look.

He knew. She didn’t know how he knew, but he did. In some ways, she felt relieved that he knew but they didn’t have to talk about it. She smirked and nodded her head once in agreement. Jimbo had made sure she got into a class and came to check on her from time-to-time. That was four months ago. She wasn’t nearly as good as most of the people in her class but Jimbo had been right  – she felt stronger and more prepared to defend herself, if she needed to.

She hoped she never had to.

Continue reading “Dree’s Pre-Story” →

Politics

The Constitution Does Not Grant the Legacy Left-Wing Media the Right to Call an Election

Karen

Please remain calm. This is not over. It will be investigated and reviewed in the courts for quite some time.

“Nothing has changed on the political front, nothing has changed on the campaign front, the only thing that has changed is on the media front.”

The media does not have the right to call an election. And if it’s determined that Trump is the winner, the media is once again setting the stage for violence and more riots. I can’t even blame people’s naivete anymore. I mean, people do not critically think for themselves and they only listen to what they want to hear, but the media is the entity that warped them. We have GOT to do something about this out-of-control media. They blatantly lie, censor opposing opinions and purposefully broadcast their own agendas and people STILL trust them. It truly amazes me that ANYBODY still listens to anything they have to say anymore. And this includes Fox News.

What a colossal disappointment Fox News has become. That anchor had NO RIGHT, NONE, to call Arizona for Biden before all of the votes came in. Even CNN acknowledged that fact.

 

Anyway. Social media has gone absolutely crazy with the assumption that Biden has won. Do not let that get you down. It will be days, if not weeks, before this is sorted out and the truth is finally revealed. My advice? Get off social media. Stay away from Twitter. In fact, get off Twitter and Facebook altogether. They are corrupt organizations who exist solely to suppress you. Sorry if that sounds dramatic, but it’s true.

If Trump wins, this is going to be get so ugly. People will feel embarrassed and confused and they will lash out as they only know how to do – with violence. I fear left-leaning folks have not been taught self control and they will lose their minds if that happens. Do not be afraid, but be cautious.

One last thing – have you SEEN the number of people spilling out into the streets across cities all over the country?

There are pictures of people passing bottles of alcohol around to each other as well. Strangers, directly sharing germs.

I guess COVID is over??

Did we not predict COVID would be over if the Democrats won?

You have to see, YOU HAVE TO RECOGNIZE, that we have been set up! This has all be a set up from the first of the year for this very moment in time. The pandemic, the chaos, the mail-in ballots being sent back in weeks before election day.

Please wake up. Please. I don’t know about you, but I don’t appreciate being played a fool.

Anyway. The fat lady hasn’t sung yet. Be patient. Let’s see how this LEGALLY plays out.

ADDED: By the way, I would highly recommend that you start downloading some of these opposing view, or “evidence” videos. YouTube is deleting this stuff left and right. I would also recommend you screen capture Tweets as well because Twitter is also “censoring” this stuff. I’m starting a folder because I can’t trust the media anymore. I want PROOF when shit hits the fan.

I downloaded the 4K downloader to download YouTube Videos. So far, it’s been working pretty well. I ran it through Malware to make sure it didn’t have a hidden virus before installing it on my computer. Anyway. It’s time to compile “evidence.” Just sayin’.

Politics

Massive Voter Fraud Setting the Precedent for Future Elections?

Karen

I don’t even know what to say right now.

The voting fiasco is taking up too much of my brain space leaving very little room for my characters.

I feel I must talk about this – I need to purge my thoughts and hopefully clean house so that I can focus on writing more fiction – however that looks for me right now. (I’ve come to terms with the fact that I can’t simply stick to my story – I have to go where my creativity leads me – she’s a fickle bitch).

Can you even believe we are where we are right now? Regardless of what party you support, this is a mess. The fact that we still don’t know the outcome, nearly a week later, is mind boggling. I know we had a similar situation with the Bush/Gore race but that was one state, we have SEVERAL states that have not submitted final totals and “mysteriously” keep finding more ballots to add to the count.

Something is definitely going on. And regardless of whether you want Biden to win or not, this nightmare goes way beyond this race. This is potentially setting a precedence for EVERY election and if we allow cheaters, whether it’s on the Republican or Democrat side, voters as individuals will become obsolete. Because if either side can cheat their way to a win, why do they need us? Just fabricate votes and put who you want in the White House or Congress.

And don’t you find it strange that ALL of the votes that have “mysteriously” appeared are for Biden? And why haven’t those same ballots affected the outcome of Congress? You mean to tell me, that the ballots they are finding ONLY marked Biden and NO ONE else?? How strange is that? THOUSANDS of ballots were discovered with only one mark? Hmmm … and if they DIDN’T arrive with only one mark, then wouldn’t those “mysteriously” found ballots affect the outcome of the Congressmen/women and Senate races? How can we definitely call those winners BEFORE these “mysteriously” found ballots have been called? Wouldn’t these “mysteriously” found ballots affect those races too?

And the “news” outlets – we should call them something else because they are no longer “news” organizations – they are propaganda machines, are touting that President Trump has NO evidence to back up his voter fraud claims.

He may not have evidence at this time, but there are enough shenanigans happening that it warrants enough for him and his team to legally investigate. Hell, it’s enough for the American people to demand an answer because again, what good are we if the left and the propaganda machines pick whomever they want in the end anyway? We HAVE to investigate what is going on if not for this election but for elections to come! And you can bet your BOTTOM dollar, if the shoe was on the other foot, Democrats would be going BERSERK trying to get to the bottom of these suspicious activities. Don’t deny it.

Again, it goes beyond this race. I know Trump can be off putting, he gets on my nerves as well, and I don’t necessarily like his presentation but the man gets shit done. He doesn’t simply speak, he DOES. And we need that type of leadership. We don’t need fancy words, flowery phrases and pacification, or someone who flip-flops on issues DAILY depending on the audience he/she is speaking to. We need someone in the White House who will put the people before politics. That’s why we need someone like Trump. Biden is a puppet. And puppets can be manipulated and made to perform for whatever audience will pay the most.

Biden will destroy this country. Or at least, he will try. Thank God Republicans kept the Senate and we gained some seats in the House – if nothing else, he will propose crap and it will filibuster. But again, NOTHING will get done – we’ll continue to kick the can down the road and the next Trump-like person, if anyone is brave enough to endure the shit storm from the propaganda machines, to deal with.

I don’t know, I want it to be over, as well. But I want a fair election ALL elections moving forward, too. If we don’t put a foot on the neck of this deceit now, it will only get worse in the years ahead.

Here’s why it’s acceptable to be concerned about this election:

  1. This race is extremely close. In some states, it comes down to 1% and that alone justifies counting the votes again.
  2. Record number of mail-in ballots – there’s never been anything like it. We should ONLY allow voting ON election day – you vote when polls open, you stop voting when polls close – PERIOD. (Except for active military who are not even on American soil and for those with a REALLY good excuse to not be able to make it to their polling site on the day of election. And I mean really good reason. You know when an election is for YEARS, if you can’t plan to be available on voting day then too bad so sad. Plan ahead). And conspiracy theory or not, it’s suspicious that Democrats fought hard to promote mail-in ballots all in the name of “safety” before the election. They were gearing this up to use in case the election didn’t go their way and VOILA! Here we are. How convenient for them.
  3. States keep “finding” ballots. Windows are papered over not allowing court-appointed ballot watchers to monitor the count. If there is nothing to hide, then why hide?? There are documented software glitches in Michigan, more than 40 counties used this software – pretty sure that justifies recounting the votes. My sister-in-law sent Kevin a link to a video showing this on YouTube – guess what, that video is no longer available. Hell yes this is suspicious. (And that’s ANOTHER alarming trend – censorship!)
  4. North Carolina won’t update total vote count until next week. What is going on? Are they taking a Sabbatical to contemplate life?? Why?
  5. Pennsylvania – allowing ballots to arrive three days AFTER the election – even if they’re not clearly marked before the deadline. These officials are openly rooting for Biden, they’re not even trying to hide it – think they are fair and unbiased? I would wager not.  It looks like they’re determined to make Biden win no matter what. Is that not a reason to at least suspect something is not right? Of course there is.

Count very vote and make sure it’s legal. Throw illegally obtained votes out. Period.

Here are some more things that make you go Hmmmmmmmm…

Rush Limbaugh: How could country vote for GOP but against Trump?

Corrupted software used in 30 states including ALL swing states

Michigan USPS Whistleblower Details Superior’s Directive to Back-Date Mail-In Ballots For Acceptance

Democrat Poll Watcher Alleges Corruption At Philadelphia Polling Place: ‘This Is A Coup’

These things, if nothing else, call for recounts. And again, if the rolls were reversed, Democrats would be RIOTING for a recount. Don’t deny it. And honestly, if the rolls were reversed and there was this much suspicion, I would also think it’s fair to recount. I want a president who won fair and square, regardless of the outcome. If Biden wins, he will win because he cheated. What a legacy!

It’s no secret I’m NO Biden fan. And the thought of him being the president (notice I didn’t say MY president), worries me. I’m trying not to freak out and don’t worry, I won’t be one of these emotionally-stunted crazy people who falls to my knees and screams to the sky if Biden is confirmed, but his agendas worry me. I don’t want to rely on another country for oil. I don’t want socialism. I don’t want to give over half my paycheck to government programs that exist solely to make people dependent on the government. And I want a president who will be strong, not one who will kowtow to dictators and lick their boots all in the name of “please don’t hurt us, Mr. Bad guy!” However, if that is what happens, then that is what happens. I am encouraged by the fact that we have the Senate and enough House members to (hopefully) keep the crazy in check. And it’s only for four years, I hope. And I hope whoever our Republican candidate is in 2024 is strong and determined to uphold the constitution.

I also have my faith. And I trust God and take great comfort in knowing that He’s there.

I don’t mean to offend anyone reading this and I’m not referring to “normal” Democrats because I feel like the Democrat party today doesn’t even really represent “true” Democrat ideals nowadays, but I feel like the Democrat party has become a cult. Group think. And any time they are provided with an opposing viewpoint it’s like they short circuit and lose their minds because how dare you not agree with me?!

We have reached a very scary place in our history, folks. And according to the Bible, this is just the beginning. I shudder to think what our country will look like when our grandkids are in their 50’s. If we have grandkids, but you know what I mean. Our society is slowly circling the drain and before long the sink will be empty and we will cease to exist – at least, as we know now.

Wow. What a dark way to end this. lol But honestly. We live in dark times and there is a section of our population that are determined to keep it dark and hopeless. It doesn’t have to be that way. But we have to be strong and have the bravado to stand up for what is right, no matter the screaming, the accusations and the manipulation.

Whatever happens, this is a set back, no matter who wins. Keep your eyes on the prize (which for me is peace) and ignore the chaos that surrounds you. It’s all we can do right now.

NaNoWriMo2020

Interview with Dree

Karen

Hello Blogfam and welcome.

I’d like to introduce Dree Sanders. Dree is a supporting character in this story. She has graciously allowed me to pick her brain and to share her with you all. Welcome Dree.

Dree: Thanks.

Me: You look mad.

Dree: I’m not mad. But I don’t think I appreciate the supporting character part of your introduction.

Me: But you are a supporting character. You’re not the main character so …

Dree: Whatever.

Me: Okay. *swallows nervously* So tell us about your relationship with Maya.

Dree: I don’t have a relationship with Maya.

Me: *nervous laugh* Wow. This interview is going great. Are you saying you’re an enemy of Maya’s?

Dree: I wouldn’t say enemy, per se …

Me: *waits*

Dree: *sigh* I guess we’re more like frenemies …

Me: Why is that? What happens?

Dree: *gives her a condescending look* Pretty sure I can not contractually answer that question.

Me: *shrugs* Maybe not. Okay, do you hate Maya?

Dree: I don’t feel anything for Maya. She’s my competitor. But … *big sigh* I guess I admire her, too.  If you tell her I said that, I will stab you.

Me: She’s kidding Blogfam … she wouldn’t really stab me. *tilts head* Would you?

Dree: *shrugs*

Me: How did you and Maya meet?

Dree: I actually kicked her ass.

Me: *blinks* You … that’s how you met??

Dree: Yep.

Me: Like, *nervous laugh* did you jump her in an alley? I don’t understand.

Dree: No. God, *rolls eyes* In kick boxing.

Me: Oh, of course. So that’s how you two met?

Dree: Pretty sure I just said that.

Me: Geez Dree, no reason to be a bi … difficult.

Dree: *smirks* It was easy to kick her ass. She’s not very good at kickboxing.

Me: I see. Let’s switch it up. Do you have a boyfriend?

Dree: That’s personal.

Me: *waits for an answer*

Dree: *sighs* Fine. Yes .. and no.

Me: Oh my God, Dree! It’s like pulling teeth to talk to you! You’re the who agreed to this interview.

Dree: Actually, no I didn’t. You forced me to ..

Me: *holds up a hand* Stop. Just stop. The purpose of this interview is to introduce you to the Blogfam as well as give me an idea of who and what you are. I have to say, I’m not exactly a fan of you right now.

Dree: Ditto.

Me: *takes a calming breath* Look. Just tell us your role in this story.

Dree: I keep everyone from killing each other.

Me: Do people turn on each other?? I don’t remember that being part of the plan!

Dree: What do you mean part of the plan? You don’t even know what the plan is yet! You haven’t written the story yet.

Me: But the little I’ve planned out in my head does not say my characters kill each other.

Dree: You’re forgetting one little fact.

Me: What?

Dree: There is a whole lot about this story you don’t know yet. How do you know what happens in the middle? Answer, you don’t. What if I go on a killing spree?

Me: Then I guess I’ll have Maya take you out.

Dree: *snorts* That princess? I’d like to see you try!

Me: Are you threatening me, Dree?

Dree: You started it.

Me: *takes a calming breath* Okay … this is getting weird. Let’s move … wait, you never answered the question about having a boyfriend? *consults transcript* Wait. You answered it .. sort of.

Dree: *dramatic sigh* You’re annoying.

Me: Ditto.

Dree: *cracks a smile in spite of herself* Touché.

Me: ….

Dree: What makes you think I have a crush on a boy?

Me: *slow blink* You’re a lesbian?

Dree: Maybe.

Me: I mean … if that’s what you’re in to, I’m not judging. Not to mention, I really don’t care but …

Dree: *laughs* I’m not into girls … though there are a few characters in your story I would do if I swung that way.

Me: Gah. This conversation just gets more and more strange. *clears throat* What are some things you like to participate in?

Dree: S & M, kinky exhibitionist stuff.

Me: Dree!

Dree: *loud laugh*

Me: Will you please be serious. I’m trying to get to know you here and you’re doing your best to keep me at arm’s length.

Dree: I don’t get close to people.

Me: Oh, why is that?

Dree: *shrugs*

Me: No. You don’t get to not answer that. Spill the tea.

Dree: *gives it some thought* Because people suck.

Me: Meaning …?

Dree: People are constant disappointments. I can’t count on anyone, ever. I can only count on myself.

Me: Sounds like you’ve been let down in your life.

Dree: You could say that.

Me: Tell me about your home life?

Dree: What home life?

Me: What are your parents like?

Dree: I have no idea.

Me: You’re not close to your parents?

Dree: I don’t have parents.

Me: Dree, come on. Someone impregnated your mother so that you could be born. You didn’t just appear out of thin air.

Dree: Sometimes I wish I had.

Me: Bad people?

Dree: You could say that.

Me: Do you have any contact with them?

Dree: God no.

Me: When did you move out?

Dree: I didn’t. They kicked us out.

Me: Us?

Dree: *bites her lip* My little brother.

Me: *raises eyebrows* I didn’t know you had a brother.

Dree: I don’t.

Me: *exasperated chuckle* Dree! You just said …

Dree: We both came from foster care. We actually ended up in the same shitty household and we both picked up our shit and left when things got too intense. We’re not really family, but we’ve been through some stuff so … we’re close.

Me: Does he make an appearance in the story?

Dree: Maybe.

Me: Hmmm. So you’ve never felt like finding  your true parents?

Continue reading “Interview with Dree” →

Podcast

Podcast: Is a COVID-19 Diagnosis a Death Sentence?

Karen

 

Episode description:

I wonder when these so-called news media broadcast the daily COVID cases if people are not seeing those numbers as deaths, not cases? Is that why people are so freaked out by this virus? Because now that we know more about it and we have medications that have been proven effective in treating COVID, why the panic? You’re more likely to die from a meteor crashing to Earth than you are from dying from COVID – 99.9% recovery rate. Why does the media insist on keeping everyone fearful and in a state of panic? Listen for our thoughts on the latest madness ….

______________________________________

Take us on the go! You can hear our podcasts on the following platforms:

Anchor.fm

Spotify

Overcast

PodBean

Google Podcasts

Breaker

RSS Feed

We upload a new podcast every Sunday. Thanks for listening!

 

Politics

We Are Not All the Same, We Should Not Strive to Be All the Same

Karen

This is a really good break down of the Biden-Harris campaign ad about Equity vs Equality. On the surface, it sounds great, as most of Liberal philosophy initially sounds “Yeah! Equality for all!”, but as usual, when you scratch the surface and start asking questions, the meaning is in fact, not well intentioned, and in fact, sounds like a scary place to end up.

 

How was your election day? Did you vote? Did you have a hard time voting? I know when I was getting ready for work this morning I heard on the radio that there were traffic jams and lines not only out the door, but along the building and down the street. That was before work. I don’t know what it looked like after work.

I was actually able to vote at the hospital. That was nice. It was nice not to have to leave campus and stand in line for an hour. But I was surprised at how long the lines were that I stood in. It was encouraging to see so many people take time out of their days to vote.

I was proud to hear our oldest son Blake voted. I don’t know if our youngest voted or not, I haven’t heard from him.

I tell you though, I’m SO ready for this election to be over. I know you probably feel the same. It’s been a brutal year with COVID and the riots but the crazy that came with the election drama was nearly too much.

Oh 2020, when will you be over??

By the way, did you guys know that a meteor came close to Earth on 11-2-20? I mean … why not!? I’m sure we’ll be visited by the zombie apocalypse will be next. In fact, Kevin, who is a numbers guy, text me: “Hi. The meteorite didn’t hit today at 8;33 AM so I guess we are going to have to vote after all. It was a .41% chance of it hitting the Earth. So, in other words, you are about seven times more likely to die of getting hit by a meteorite than by dying from the virus.”

Ha! Nothing like math to bring things into perspective!

Anyway. I’m sitting here now, too scared to watch any of the election coverage. It just stresses me out. I know life will continue as normal no matter who wins but I can’t help thinking how it will change, again, depending on who wins. Will we be better off? Or will we have to fight tooth and nail for every right we still retain? Will people even WANT to fight to retain our rights? I feel like people are giving up. I know we were a punching bag to a big, bad 2020 bitch, but we can’t give up! We have to keep fighting the good fight.

Or the bad fight, again, depending on who wins.

Let’s change the subject – I can’t think about the election anymore tonight. All I can do is pray that we keep Trump in the office four more years.

I’m tired. Like bone tired. It’s because I’m so focused on writing and increasing my word count I’ve been staying up too late. And I really need to get to bed early tonight because I’m in clinic with my doctor tomorrow and I’m in clinic with another doctor on Thursday and when I’m in clinic, I feel like I need all of my mental capacities.

We’re still doing Telemedicine, by the way. We haven’t stopped doing Telemedicine. I don’t think Telemedicine is going away any time soon, to be honest. My doctor LOVES it and to be fair, I think a lot of patients are digging it. It took a little getting used to at first, and I still run into people who are flat out against Telemedicine or who can’t participate for whatever reason but I think people are starting to get used to the new normal.

And that’s really the theme of 2020, don’t you think: Finding our new normal. I hate that phrase though. I feel like finding our new normal is not usually a positive thing and God knows, I don’t want to make wearing masks our new normal, but I’m afraid that’s where we’re heading. I can’t tell you the number of times I forget my mask at work and when I realize my face is naked, I feel embarrassed and exposed. I get a sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach when I forget to wear my mask. It’s so commonplace now I’ve forgotten what some of my coworkers look like without a mask! How sad is that??

But life is starting to settle down at work. We have indeed found our new normal and we’re pretty much back up to full capacity as far as seeing patients and doing surgeries. Our volume is still not all the way back though. Usually, by this time of the year, by the end of the year, we are scrambling to find places for people on our schedules because people want to get in before the end of the year in order to meet their deductible. But not this year. Our schedules are spotty at best.

Speaking of meeting deductibles: Kevin was looking over my work benefits and it looks like our insurance is going to change the date on our yearly cycle. For example, our deductible won’t start over at the first of the year, but in fact, in April. I think this is a great idea because if we stagger everyone’s “end-of-year” deductible resets that will prevent bottle necks of people wanting to do whatever before their insurance resets.

Oh, and speaking of deductibles, our premiums are going up, again. You would think I would have great benefits working at a hospital but that’s not really true. I mean, it’s not terrible but it’s not as great as you would think. I guess I should just be thankful that we have insurance. Hell, I’m grateful I still have a job, considering the environment we live in now.

My team is throwing a luncheon to celebrate PA week, MA week and my birthday. It was a weird time for all of us and now that the dust is settling, we are playing catch up. I spent a considerable amount of time on the doctor’s schedule, re-arranging people so we could carve out an hour so we could all eat together. It’s a lot of work, but we really enjoy being able to stop, break bread together, and have some laughs. I brings us closer together as a team and recharges us a bit.

Sorry, I realize I’m rambling. I’m seriously half brain dead right now and I can feel my eyes at half mast. I really need to go to bed early tonight but I’m about 500 words shy of making my goal for today so I’ll trudge onward.

What else can I talk about? What else is going on in the world right now besides the obvious?

Oh. Just read that Trump won the state of Florida and 29 electoral votes. I really hope he wins Wisconsin and California. Those are traditionally Blue states and it would be very satisfying, especially with California, if he won those states.

What the actual hell …

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) released new guidance over the weekend explaining that voters who have tested positive for COVID-19 can still exercise their right to vote, even if they are currently sick or are undergoing quarantine.

“CDC’s recommendations for isolating someone who has Covid-19 or quarantining someone who was in close contact with a person with Covid-19 would not preclude them from exercising their right to vote,” a CDC spokesperson told CNN in an email Monday. Source

We live in madness, folks. Complete madness. I guess COVID is taking a break so people can get out and vote but as soon as this is over, GO BACK INTO HIDING BECAUSE COVID WILL GET YOU.

Gads. I can even roll my eyes hard enough at the sheer stupidity.

Okay, uncle, I need to get some sleep.

__________________________________________

(The next morning)

Well. I’m at a loss for words. As of this writing, Biden has more electoral votes than Trump. There are still some states that haven’t finished counting votes, so there’s still hope as it’s a very close race but I can’t help but be discouraged. I will not, however, turn into one of these lunatic people you see recording themselves having a screaming fit because they didn’t get their way, but I’m not going to lie, I’m disappointed and worried. I honestly thought, in my heart of heart, that Trump would win by a landslide. And if you look at the breakdown of states Trump won the midwest and Biden won the coastal states. That’s not surprising.

I’m going to go to work now and distract myself with that and … well, I guess life goes on, right?

Have a lovely day, Blogfam.