Outsourcing Petition.

Hey Everybody!  The other day, in fact, the day of the earthquake, I was going to a meeting and I noticed that the meeting place was by Congresswoman Nydia M. Velasquez's office.  The funny thing about this is that the only song that came to my mind was from the Saturday morning educational cartoons Schoolhouse rock's "I'm only a bill".

I've been teaching my daughter that if she has problem with a business or anything for that matter that she feels is unjust, she could do something about it.  For instance, We had a terrible time at the movie theatre so we complained about our experience at the theatre and we were given 6 free movie vouchers for our discomfort.

We had a problem at a few McDonalds regarding their McFlurry machines and a few attitudes behind the counter and we complained.  They sent us a couple of coupons for free ice cream and coffee drinks.  Then they fixed the problem.  I'm explaining all this because I know that if you know what you are doing, one persons opinion can change anything.

In following what I had learned from the cartoon, I know that a law has to begin with a bill proposed by a congressperson.  Well, I took my daughter in to the office and explained that I am a constituent and that I've written many letters but nothing has even been acknowledged.

They gave me a new e-mail to send it and it will be reviewed.  I would love for those that read the following to comment as much as they want and pass the word so that our Congresswoman can see we are tired of the Bullshit.

I've always believed that charity begins at home.  If we can't support ourselves, why would we support others.  Outsourcing has become such an American Tradition that over 50% of American base companies are hiring others outside because the hourly rates are cheaper.

When we do this, we show our own family that we don't care about each other.  The unemployment rate rises with no hope of diminishing because everyone else outside the USA has our jobs.  What I don't understand is that if we are the main consumers of a product/service here, why not hire within?

I know that the rates are cheaper let's say like in India but I'm pretty sure the government can grant, if they haven't already, special tax breaks for companies that employ Americans.  No offense to their countries but I'm getting tired of talking to people that call themselves Meg when in reality their name is Indira.

That's beginning a conversation with a lie.  How much confidence do I now have with a woman that lied to me already.  I'm writing a letter to my congresswoman and attaching this link to the letter.  I want her to see that we actually do care and we will do anything it takes to make a law that prohibits outsourcing for companies that are either based in America or has Americans buying/using the majority of their products.

If you feel that outsourcing is wrong, please comment and leave your name even if you have to use the anonymous function.  Let Ms. Velasquez know that we are American Citizens and we need jobs.
Thank You.

Getting Over

I've got to say, I think I've been feeling a little better about things.  I'm not missing that person at all.  Although things have gotten tough here and there, I know God has paved a new road for me and I will achieve some sort of joy and happiness in my life.

The lesson I learned about my situation is that I can't control any one's action except my own.  i know, i know, I should have known that from the start but I felt like I knew what i was doing.  When in a relationship, after a while it becomes symbiotic. 

A life where one has a hard time surviving if the other isn't attached.  It makes you a bigger person once the other becomes a leech and starts to drain the life out of you.  Doing stupid things that are both disloyal and disrespectful.

I've been told by some of my closest friends/family to "Snap out of it!"  My usual response was "It's easier said than done."  I know most of you can relate to this but I couldn't.  It was harder than it looks.  I've been blessed.  The storm has completely passed me and I'm looking forward to just being me again.

During the last 5 years, I have lost friend, friendships and a good amount of trust.  Although I feel I had nothing to do with the reasons for my losses, I will take responsibility, if any.  I could have been nicer, could have gone out more, could have let people vent etc.....  

The coulda, shoulda, wouldas are in the past and I really don't want to deal with them now.  What I'm basically saying people is that, I've grown since all this has happened, I may revert a bit every once in a while but I think that I have every right do do that. 

To all that read this, Please have faith that I will be better and I thank all of you that were there when I needed you the most.  Even in the smallest of ways.  That smile that you made me do for telling that stupid joke or even that response to a comment I made.  I know you are there.

To those that like to INFLICT there "Tough Love" on me.  Well, you obviously know that I need it and are not afraid to accept my responses to them as well.  Thank you.

My court date

It's been a while since I posted a blog.  This is more for me to have as a record.  On august 17th, 2011,
I had a date in court.  It was to determine, by the judge, an order of visitation for the kids to visit Texas for two weeks with their mother.

Prior to the court date, my children were interviewed by each individuals lawyers to express what they are feeling about the case and what they want as an outcome.  Without prvocation, my children express to me that they didn't want to go to Texas, more so that they didn't want to meet their mothers boyfriend.

I go to court with the anticipation that everything will be fine and that te Judge will not send them to Texas because the children refuse to go.  When I get there to my surprise my, hopefully soon-to-be ex-wife, is there with her boyfriend.  Having been caught off guard, it REALLY upset me.

I sat down to wait to report in and I sent her a text message.  "That is distastefully disrespectful.  I would have NEVER done that to you, Thank you".  She had nothing to say.  Honestly, I've been told that since it bothered me so much, I must still have feelings for her.

Well, I have news for you guys that said that.  She is still my wife and we just got seperated from a 16 year marriage.  She is the mother of my children and we have many wonderful memories together.  The WHOLE marriage wasn't bad.  It was just the last few years.

So, OF COURSE!  I still love her.  It doesn't mean I want her back andrekindle what we have.  It just means that at one point in our lives we took care of each other and the family!  Anyway, I'm getting off track.  The news that the judge didn't come in to work came and I got happy.

This means that the kids are staying in NY.  After the news, I asked her from a distance if I can speak to her.  Her lawyer saw that and immediately came to represent her.  My lawyer never showed up by the way.  He wasn't supposed to talk to me.

They asked me that since she was only in NY one day, can she visit with the kids.  I was upset.  I explained that what she did was disrespectful and in the midst of aggresive lawyering, I told HER that I would let her know.  I spoke to my brother and he convinced me that its for the kids.

I called her back and told her that she can pick up the kids at 2 and have them back by 6pm.  The only condition was that she follow what her lawyer suggested and have her boyfriend not with her when she is with the kids.  After talking to the kids, they were happy about not going to Texas but still didn't want to meet him.

She agreed and picked them up.  She came back an hour late and the kids told me he showed up and their mother made them promise that they don't tell me that he did,  My daughter was very upset and crying when she got home.  My son was angry because he was forced to meet him when he didn't want to.

I know this long.  I'm very upset for my kids.  I still wonder what was it that I did in my lifetime to be disrespected and abused the way this woman has been doing.  There are a few of you that side with her.  that's fine.  Everyone is entitled to there own opinion.  I just wish that you can walk a mile in my shoes before coming up with one.

Last entry comments

This mornings post is a response to a few comments that were left on the last post.  I totally understand what everybody is saying about Karma and letting it go but I really didn't write it to mean what you guys thought it meant.

Maybe, I need to read what I post before I post it!  LOL...I've been doing better on a daily basis and I have a lot less contempt for my ex than I thought I would.  I don't completely blame her for the negativity in my life but I have reason to believe that some more than not.

Forgiveness comes when the soul has learned to exist with the abuser.  I can't see myself forgiving someone who has hurt my children so much but my satisfaction will come when I see my kids raised in a proper, civil and mostly loved environment.

I learned to take my pain and turn it around and now I am strengthened and much more wiser.  Sorry, back to the ranch, I posted the last entry because I believe in energies that surround me.  Most of us have identified them as entities.  The Almighty Father, Jesus, various Saints and spirits as well as Angels.

I believe and love God so much!  Anyway, To believe in him one must logically believe in the devil.  His energies and spirits can haunt a persons soul.  They are energized by people who hate and envy to the point where you can see/feel them.

That's all I'm saying.  For the record:  I'm almost completely past my situation and are moving on to better and brighter days.  Thanks to my friends.  The few of them that have been there.  God bless and love you all.  Thanks!!

A Cleaning

(This entry is just my mind thinking)

It's been so weird in my house.  I sit on my sofa and I see shadows pass by through the corner of my eye.  As I walk pass the kitchen I feel a chill and goosebumps on my arms.  It can't be anything bad right?

I know that in every Spanish/Black family, there is someone that believes in the spiritual side of life.  I am no exception and what I have learned is sufficiently enough to protect me and my family but I don't know how to get rid of this presence in my home.

I think it's a build up of negative energy being sent my way via people that don't want me to succeed with my kids and life.  I can only speculate who it is but I can't point the finger in that direction.  It is possible but is it plausible?

I guess I will have to do something a Facebook friend taught me and that is to P.U.S.H. "Pray Until Something Happens".  A little Agua Florida and holy water will do some justice as well.  What I need is for that person/s to get what they deserve so, with my prayer I will finish it by saying "Que Dios te multiplique todo lo que tu me deseas" for you non-speaking spanish folk, "May God multiply on you all that you wish on me!"

Then after that, I will have no choice but to clean the mess I have in my house.  It's not dirty, it's just an organized mess!  Thank you for reading my mind a bit!  Enjoy!

Seward Park Memories

In September of 1981, I was accepted and began to attend the high school known as Seward Park.  Back in the day, it was my zoned school so to say I was accepted is an exaggeration.  Anyway, I had heard so much negative rumors about the school that I really didn't want to go to it.

As you are well aware, if you are a Seward Graduate, you know that you begin your Seward life at the Annex.  As I entered the Annex, I hated it even more.  There were days that I didn't even go!  Of course, I probably still hold the All-Time cutting record.  I hated the Annex.  Nothing good there for me. 

When I started the main, it was a whole different world.  I felt like the Annex was boot camp, getting you ready for the main.  The transition was much easier.  I'm writing all this because I'm remembering the old neighborhood surrounding the main. 

I remember the old Chinese lady that used to hang out her window chasing the spirits away.  In fact, I know a few students that used to throw oranges at her from the school windows!  I won't mention any names but you know who you are!  LOL

I remember Guss Pickles on Essex Street as well as Economy candy on the corner of Essex and Rivington.  I always had to grab a handful of peanuts from there.  I tried giving ten dollars to his son for all those peanuts and he smiled.  He said not to worry because his father knew it was happening and he didn't mind.

My first job was on Orchard St. for Kim's children's clothing.  He expanded to leathers and stuff then his son took over.  Nice guy.  Now he has buildings on Orchard and is living the life.  Speaking of Orchard, I remember haggling for a pair of jeans with the Jewish Owners.  Since I was from the neighborhood I can haggle them down to practically free!

I remember that pizzeria on the corner of Essex and Delancey st.  I remember the custodians of the school Billy and Butch.  Great guys!  Let us get away with murder.  The weightlifting teacher Mr. Kessler who formed the group "Dogbrothers". 

I remember acting in about 15 shows and directing a few as well.  Apparently I was being called the Mayor of Seward even though I didn't see it.  I remember having my car parked outside in front with a department of Education permit waiting for third period to fly to queens and get white castles. Yes I know Murder burgers!

I remember every single place in Seward that I was able to fool around in.  I remember those friends that died since then and wonder would it have been different if they kept in touch.  For an old man I'm remembering a lot of things. 

I hope that I never forget them and I can share the stories with my friends and children for a very long time.  If you read this and remember anything else add to it, Please!!!  Thanks for listening!

Bicycle Lanes

Okay people, I was holding on to this subject for a while but I know now that it's time.  We need to talk about bicycle lanes.  Mayor Bloomberg, in his ultimate wisdom, has decided to not only add but expand some major thorough ways to fit in bike lanes.

Now, i understand totally but I was told he did that because the head of transportation in his office rides bike to work and was having problems along the way.  They totally destroyed Allen Street and now you can't even make a left to the Williamsburg Bridge off of Delancey street.  you have to go all the way to Grand st and turn or go up Grand to Norfolk into more traffic.

the way I see it is that if it was to progress then fine, but it obviously has been counter productive.  On top of that, if you have a car and double park on the bike lane, it's an automatic ticket.  No Tolerance for it!!!  C'mon, that's ridiculous.  It's bad enough, DOT has every single Indian and Jamaican working for them.  they have a nasty attitude too, like if we don't know they have a quota.  Duh!

It burns my balls when I see a bicyclist riding his bike on the sidewalk almost hitting me and my daughter, while having the bike Lane not two feet from us.  I mean, common sense.  Then they have the balls to get mad at me when I yell at them to ride the street.  I think that I will have to hurt somebody really bad if me or my daughter ever get hit with a bike.

I may be venting a little but this is why I started the blog.  Bicyclists"  Get off the freaking sidewalk and into your lane which has fucked up Manhattan already.  if they made them then they should be used!! No?  People, don't give anybody a reason to  hurt you for something as stupid as that.  Right now I believe that the only persons using the lanes are the Mexican delivery boys from the Chinese restaurants!   I just had to say something!!!!   LOL  Funny but truth!!