Year 2008 In Review

Wow, what a crazy year! Seriously, don't know how it just blew me away! Literally....

Family and Friends

• Josiah turned 6 on August 19th. We had a small party, with only a few of his friends. He's even funnier and smarter than last year. But also more hyper and bold against authority.
• Josiah finished Kindergarten at Ramsey, started 1st grade there, but couldn't handle 45 minute bus rides to their. So, I had to transfer him to another school. Whatever one was open which was Longfellow. Teachers there have told me, after asking me not to mention their names, that it was a bad school because problem children tended to go there and would adversely influence my child. Yet, Josiah is not able to handle himself on a bus - what makes him so much better?
• Leah Seelhoff moved to the Winona area with her daughters. Siah and I miss them. She's the only real person I used to talk to on a regular basis and not think I was crazy. :D
• On my birthday, I rescued a cat who was starving outside and was very friendly. Josiah wanted to call her "Candy Cane" but she is a Calico. She didn't look like a candy cane at all! So, I gave it some thought and a month later re-named her Kanika ( which sounds very similar to candy cane, but it sounds like a princess name). So, I rescued Kanika from starvation, got her shots, and fixed. And I won't de-claw her because that is just wrong. She is now very healthy and happy!
• My brother Tim moved in with me in January. He stayed until June. After moving to Duluth in October, he came out and SHE is now referred to as Natasa. So, you could say I was my brother's last room-mate. And that I no longer have a brother.
• I did go to my half-brother, Jerich's birthday, and still have the DVD we made of it. But my conservative father seems to have ex-communcated with me. Perhaps he feels we aren't to his liking.
• My Mother moved in with me in October. She found a new partner, Kathy, and will be trucking with her at some point in early 2009.

Financial / Emloyment

• On the last day of April, I was fired for being a political blogger. Yeah, quite illegal. But the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux believe they can trample on their employees Constitutional rights. And they like to be consistent about it. Many of my co-workers were fired this year without written reasons, and were able to get unemployment as well. ( If they applied, which most I have talked to have. ) I have nothing against Native rights. But you fired me because I am a member of the Green Party? Seriously, I think Glyn Crooks has something against Winona LaDuke.
• Took classes at the Minnesota Workforce Center, and improved my resume which improved my ability to get interviews.
• Worked temporarily through Cynthia Cook ( never trust these people ) for the John Roberts Company in Coon Rapids. They fired me because I gave them two weeks notice that I couldn't work on a specific Monday. I could work every day after that, but it didn't matter to them. ( I told them when they hired me of this date and they said it was okay!)
• Even though unemployment was okay, it was stressful filling out dozens of applications and faxing resumes ( occasionally hand delivering). Looking for a job is more than full-time work!
• I wanted my unemployment to last, so I actually took a job at Blockbuster. It was fun, chatting about mindless movies all day ( most of which I have no intention of seeing ). But the pay was pathetic. And residents of Edina are worse snobs than angry gamblers!
• I now work downtown, less than 15 minutes from LRT or bus. I am also a member of a unon: SEIU Local 26.

Education

• My career goal: dietitian. Will dietitians exist if our society collapses? Probably not, but any education will look good on a resume until then. :D
• I wanted to start college this fall at MCTC. Getting laid off had me post-pone it until January. I intend to go to college even if I have to pay for it myself and move to a smaller place to make it happen.
• I haven't taken any college classes yet owe over $35,000 in co-signed student loans. I was paying Megan Kyllonen's at $400 a month, until I was laid off. Worried I couldn't get another job if they checked my credit rating, I put $8500 of her loan onto my Discovercard. Bad decision, because now I can't pay any of Brandy Kyllonen's loans, which are in default. I will also not be able to pay on Megan's anymore after the payments catch up in February of 2010 ( I think ). What is most ironic about this situation is that I could have had my college paid for by the National Guard, but Brandy insisted that she go. She's 12 credits shy of graduating with an associates degree in culinary arts.

Health

• After being laid off, I lost my health insurance. So did Josiah.
• Within a week of being laid off, I was supposed to have surgery to get teeth removed and then get myself braces. My teeth are very genetically inferior. But without income, or insurance, there was no point in adding $200 a month to my expenses. I canceled my appointments and someday will be able to fix my teeth. ( I already paid for some plaster of my mouth to be made, photos of my teeth at all different angles, a couple consultation appointments. Wish they would have warned me that they would be firing people at random! )
• Been a vegetarian for seven years now ( in November ) !
• I did have a health assessment at Mystic Lake in March. I am very healthy! ( and now I don't work where there is second-hand smoke! )

I look forward to 2009 as a better year and one that I can build towards a better future.

Easter Eve

I)Shopping

Today was QUITE interesting. It is the first Saturday I have had without Josiah so far in 2008 and I am not sure what to do with myself apart from keep busy. SO...I did.

I went shopping! I exchanged a couple videos and Blockbuster, then got my Yuban coffee on sale at Rainbow. Then I hopped over to Target to get a Radio/MP3/CD Player boombox for my living room.

Upon getting home, I checked out the player, and it worked okay. But on my older MP3 cds,it tended to skip 1/2 seconds every so often. It played a newer one fine. I am going to test an audio drama I am recording right now from my iMac. Can't wait to listen to the new Doctor Who I just downloaded! Though I almost wish they made a Torchwood one now! Man that show is hot!

Then I cleaned the living room while listening to some older faves of mine.

II) America's Financial system and Peak oil discussion

Lynne Mayo invited me to attend a discussion at her place about issues that concern both of us more than the average citizen. I will go into this topic more on the Multipartisan blog.

It is interesting to note that Dureti mentioned the night before (on break ) that she was interested in these money-making schemes known as derivatives. She knows people that make money on it, and she feels just as deserving. Of course, I told her this was gambling, which...it is. But day-trading can be thrilling for some. I prefer real work with real benefits. But some wish to work "smarter not harder." Though I prefer to serve regardless.

III) Easter celebration with Jehovah's Witnesses

Tim and Myrtle Williams invited me to attend this celebration at Sabathani Community Center. I accepted. It is amazing, because this was held in the same room where I attended my first Green Party function!

Anyways, one might find it odd that I am a Buddhist who hangs out with Jehovah's Witnesses. But they are exceedingly nice, and even though I don't agree with resisting blood transfusions(or their view on sin or everlasting life), I like a lot of their perspective on the Bible. And Buddhism doesn't prohibit me from celebrating other beliefs, which is ironic as I am celebrating with people who have this as their only holiday which is Nisan 14 and not Easter! I really enjoyed my time there. As wonderful as it was, I didn't hang out with them at Christo's afterwards.

IV) Shopping again

I did what I had already planned. I went to Rainbow for another can of Yuban. You see, there was a limit on how many one could buy - one. And they were $6.50 off! I love them, and I also wanted the organic canned green beans on sale for a dollar each. Paper bags were important too.

V) Following my instincts

I already knew before I went to Sabathani my plan for the night. I would go there, then to Rainbow, then take the #21 to Bloomington and take the #14 home. I usually take the train home, but somehow I KNEW that I needed to do that. And there seems to be a reason I listened to these strong instinctual-like feelings.

While waiting for the #21 just outside Blockbuster, a #7 dropped people off. Just as it was leaving, a man shouted to have someone stop the bus. I did. Had I not been there, the bus would have left him. The couple other people at the stop didn't seem as enthusiastic about doing anything.

The odd feeling about taking the #14 at Bloomington didn't seem to make sense. But I followed it. I waited there with this beautiful young woman. But she didn't know her buses, and needed to get to Robbinsdale. I assumed every 14 went there - they don't. So when the bus got there, the driver told her to wait for the next bus.

As we were about to drive off and leave her there, she shouted to stop and I let the bus driver know. Had I not been there, he would have never done so. She got on because she would have to wait 30 minutes out in the cold ( silly as it is, she didn't have a hat with her)! The bus would stop at a transit station that was warmer and would allow her to transfer to the correct bus. I wished her a good night as I got off on 24th Street.

VI) Audio Dramas and then.....

Okay, I made myself some tea and will have some chips and salsa. Have these while listening to the audio drama on the MP3 CD I just made while typing this. Perhaps I should write my first review of these. Or just go to sleep afterwards....zzzzz

Transit rally at the State Capitol

It was less than an hour before my planned trip to Saint Paul when Brandy called. Josiah would have to come with me. That is fine, but I could not be as present at the rally with him there. Nor could I find my friend Mason as easily either. But it went okay.

I did see another comrade of mine who deployed with A co 1-194AR to Iraq: SPC Hanson. It was interesting to see him at the rally, seeing he was from the Brainerd area. But the entire state wants to see more roads and transit built.

Josiah was able to take a tour of the capitol. He also found a dog to pet and play with before we left the rally - early. But I am still glad to have been able to show my support for transportation. If only our Governor Pawlenty shared the same vision - for this century and not the next.

While I held a sign for the already built and quite effective Hiawatha line, other lines need to be built. The line that I think shows quite some promise in the near future is the Bottineau route. Currently BRT is being touted, but LRT would be much more effective in this working class area of the Twin Cities.

The Bottineau Partnership states: " BRT generally fails to attract the “non-transit-dependent” rider at the same scale as LRT. These riders will park and ride to an LRT station, but shun BRT" It is quite wise that Bottineau be considerd for LRT.

LRT would attract far more riders and be a true alternative to car driving. This should be a goal of any transit route and system. I would like to see more of Minnesota become a part of transit. Rail should connect from the Twin Cities to Duluth, Saint Cloud, Rochester, and Winona.

AMTRAK already does this, but its hours of operations are sketchy, and its system needs a major reform. AMTRAK is a national system that should focus on long-range travel. Perhaps it should skip cities that have local transit and focus on larger cities to improve travel times. Either way, faster forms of rail travel should be explored in America as oil prices continue skyward.

Why should I own a car?

I have been asked repeatedly by many friends, acquaintances, and family about why I do not own a car. Many think it a necessity in the United States, like drinking water and breathing air. One cannot be truly "American" without owning a car. If true,when oil prices continue to rise and wages do not keep up, the definition of "American" will need to change.

Having successfully lived carfree 4 years, I am unsure how it is necessary to own one. I can walk to any store I need to get to, or take the light rail to Target or Cub if I must. Every type of business I need items from are within a mile of where I live. That leaves getting to work, which thankfully my employer provides.

Dureti asks me all the time "If others who make less than you own cars, why don't you?" It makes sense within a Western mentality, even though she was brought up in Ethiopia. Obviously Africans own cars too, but few can afford to. Just because one can buy a car, doesn't mean one has to.

It is the mentality that Dureti and the West have that understands why the rich spend excessively. "They have money, so why not spend it lavishly?" This is why Al Gore need not conserve, he has money. He can throw money at "offsetting" his luxurious lifestyle, while asking those who cannot afford that to simply live with less. In the eyes of the West, this mentality is acceptable and just.

But what if a billionaire decided to live more simply? Just live as the middle class did in the 80s, and own one car ( not three). There would be one family TV, not one in each room of the house. Perhaps the computer monitor would BE the TV. Maybe a landline phone instead of a cell-phone for each member of the household. Instead of buying a library full of books, they would actually go to the library. And where would these meager savings go? Perhaps they could invest in various ways: for future generations, research, philanthropy, religious institutions, etc.

There is a new book out for the West and its more conservative perspectives on car ownership. How to Live Well Without Owning a Car: Save Money, Breathe Easier, and Get More Mileage Out of Life by Chris Balish. Chris is a TV anchorman and used to be editor for Reader's Digest. He's a pretty mainstream guy, but lives carfree.This book focuses on the financial and social costs of car ownership. Perhaps I will have to get this book for those skeptical of my environmental and ethical beliefs.

As Dureti, Ruth, and other Africans claim,"You will get a car once Phanice gets here." We will see, as I am not dictator when it comes to relationships. I am rather attached to the idea of not owning a car. Perhaps if I am coerced to own one, I will end up working more to pay for one - while rarely using it. I would rather use HourCar or Zipcar, and rent one for a few days than own one.

I was not born in America to be lazy. I want a life of meaning and purpose. I do not want my life here to take away or detract from others currently living or will live in the future. If anyone out there can find a solution to Global Warming and oil depletion that includes a car for all of humanity, please let me know. But just because one can waste resources, doesn't mean one has to.

The affluence America has become accustomed to is immoral and unethical. We have the ability to improve the lives of all future generations, in addition to reducing world population to sane levels. But we are passing by the opportunity so we can buy cheeseburgers in the McDonald's drive-thru 24/7. Each individual is still responsible for their own lives, but we all affect each other collectively. Thus is the karma of mankind.

Holidazzle with Kelly and Siah

We stayed home most of the day. Carie Krogen needed someone to watch Kelly, so I had no problem helping out. Kelly and Josiah get along great!

They were able to play with many neighbor children outside as it was very warm! Then when everyone went inside, so did Siah and Kelly. Brandy returned home with faraway friends Ruth Sherman and Derrick. Josiah was acting awful with two visitors, so I was unable to stay chatting with them because I had to discipline.

I usually discipline Josiah by using time-outs. These can vary depending on the severity of what he has done. But most the time sitting/standing in the corner suffices. But in some cases I have to take him to his room and sit in front of the door or other times hold him in the corner until he settles down.

Eventually, when our visitors left, we left for downtown via Hiawatha LRT. Brandy opted to stay home and take a bath. Kelly had never seen the train before, and was quite excited. I never get bored of LRT, because it is the future of transportation in America. But with so many going downtown for the same purpose, the trains were all packed! Luckily I am only one person and have 2 little guys who can squeeze between anyone!

We went to the Holidazzle and found a spot by Target Corporate HQ. This was convenient because afterwards we went to Chipotle. Their outdoor sign was unlit, but it was obvious by the line that they were still open. Kelly said she had never been there, but enjoyed her burrito nonetheless.

We then went home and Josiah could not act decent with her on the train. So we had to get off early at Cedar/Riverside and walk home from there. Josiah was very upset we had to walk, but Kelly was just fine. So it was a very good lesson for Siah in having to listen/act decent on the train

After Josiah and Kelly went to sleep, I read Persopolis by Marjane Satrapi. I LOVED it! Quite an excellent manga about her childhood in Iran in the late 70's and early 80's.

I am SO fortunate to live in a land where I can express myself and not face authoritarian persecution to such severity. Yes, the corporate world check up on applicants ousing MySpace/Google. I wouldn't want to work for someone who fired me over these blogs. I am also harassed in South Minneapolis by missionaries, who tell me I will go to hell by being Buddhist. The so-called homeless batter me with ridiculous stories ( which usually contain a part about being saved by Jesus ) and then refuse free food. Yes, it's annoying at times - but it's a lot easier living here than in Iran.

Brandy came home and explained how she brough the remainder of my injera & red lentils to a party. She also gave an album by the Sierra Leone Refugee All Stars to the birthday girl: Anjelica. It seemed to be quite popular at the party, of course this is another band I have found through my various resources. ( Paste magazine and 89.3 the Current )


[ note: I would have more photos, but our Kodak camera is broken. Josiah most likely tried using it and broke it. Coincidentally, there is a sale on digital cameras this week. I can get a 7MP camera for a lower price than Brandy bought the 6MP camera for - same brand: Kodak.]

Go-To Card

Today I got my Go-to card. I am quite happy to get one finally, they are quite convenient. I don't have to dig in my wallet, just know where my plastic sleeve is. I wish one could add money to the card online.

One feature I wished the card had was the ability to switch into a monthly pass or not. Once you go over the dollar threshold for a $1.50 monthly pass ( $50) - you automatically get it. Then if you surpass the $2 point ($76), you save a little more. It would be smart, and make transit riders happy to know these cards can save them money too.

It is rather interesting that Barbara Lickness was the 10 millionth rider on the Hiawatha Line in 2005. Barbara is an ardent DFLer, believing that one party rule over Minneapolis isn't bad for its citizens. She also volunteers with the Whittier Alliance, and am glad she is active in the community. (It is rather annoying that she always ends e-mails with the overplayed Margaret Mead quote - quite inspiring the first 87 times.)

More Minneapolitans should support light-rail and other transit. We do not need cars as much in our city. And when we do need cars - we can always car-share instead of own. Transit is seeing an uptick in ridership, and that trend should persisit as oil moves in the same direction.

Why support transit? It prevents Global Warming, while preserving non-renewable resources, and supporting a local economy. Transit will be a great economic and social ally for Minnesotans in the 21st century.

Crazy day

Fridays are always a bit crazy, as work is busier. I barely made it to the bus today, running to catch it. Brandy got home later than usual, and I was late getting ready while preparing lunch. It was SO busy at work that my co-workers weren't prepared for me to replace them when I got there - too busy! Then, when I left to go home, the office was backed up as well. I would be late for my bus home.

Dan knew this, and offered a ride. He gave me a ride along with another coworker Dian to Bloomington. I was dropped off at the Mall of America, and took the light rail home.

On the train, I sat next to two young ( 18 and 19) . They were followed by a drunken guy who claimed he was 27. He was trying to make it to some club downtown, yet wasn't wearing a jacket on a rather chilly night. He had no money for the train either(!), asking the girls for $1.50, which they never gave him.We told him about how transit cops would catch him if he didn't pay, but he didn't seem bothered.

The girls pretty much giggled and laughed at how insane this drunk guy was. He attempted flirting, but it was so pointless. " You girls are so beautiful. How about you go out with me tonight to the club." Also asking them out for dinner, which I then asked how he would pay without any money. Of course he considered me an obstructionist towards his goal, but didn't consider me a threat. Except at one point he did think that I was talking about his mom, even though I said the word mall.

The girls and I departed the train at the Franklin Avenue Station, and said goodnight, after the hilarious discussion with a drunk heading to downtown. I got home 30 minutes later than usual, but was thankful to be home rather than stranded at work. I cannot wait until light-rail is built to Eden Prairie. That will greatly improve my mobility to Scott County. I do plan on enrolling in HourCar soon, but that doesn't help when my employers live so far out.