On January 12 Th, 2010 a 7.0 earthquake hit Haiti. It was the strongest earthquake to hit the country in over 200 years. 200,000 people are feared to be dead. Many of whom will never be positively identified. Homes are lost, the government is gone, there are thousands of orphans...
Everyone from the United States to Israeli disaster teams have started to send aid , Movie Stars, Singers, Musicians, Artists, Entrepreneurs, Businessmen, schools ... Haiti is on every ones agenda. But where were all of us before.
Haiti is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. Even before the quake there were thousands of homeless throughout the country. Many people lived in homes without running water. Over half of the deaths in the country are attributed to HIV/Aids, tuberculosis, meningitis, malaria and respiratory infections.
Wasn't it already a disaster zone?
What makes something a disaster? When is it worth US stepping in and making a change. Why do we have to wait for total destruction to want to start building again. Renovation is much easier than demolition. Could we have stopped the earthquake from happening? Probably not. Could the country have been better equipped to deal with something of that magnitude. Definitely. Could we have saved some more lives? I think so.
What will you do when disaster strikes?
Monday, January 25, 2010
Monday, December 21, 2009
6 months
First off, sorry for being so lax in updating this blog but I'm a student and have a full time job and raising a 4 year old. Bear with me...
It's so sad but I have to make this post about the "Tiger Woods Scandal". I had no intentions of ever blogging about this. I think it's unimportant and should be dealt with in the woods family. But no, the media and some audience feel that this is still front page news. It blows my mind that we still have troops in Iraq, Brittney Murphy just died @ the age of 32 from a heart attack. We are in one of the worst recessions that we have ever been in. They are trying to charge students transportation fees to get to school. A pregnant woman died at her job with no help from 2 fdny EMT's who were present. A six year old shot and killed a 5 year old in NJ. Banita Jacks got 120 years in jail for killing her 4 children and hiding the bodies within her home.
.. But Tiger Woods losing a gillette endorsement is important?
Don't get me wrong. I am not saying infidelity is by any means ok... but why must we as a society make an already horrible situation that much worse. This indiscretion (or these depending on the reports you read) don't just affect Tiger but they are affecting all those close to him. Including his children.
You should hear the things people are saying... I was in the hair salon the other day and this woman says.
"Hmph that's what he gets for not wanting to be black, If he was some of the brothers could have given him some tips"
I could not believe it. This woman isn't evil or stupid (although I could see how one would think that way after such a statement). She is actually very sweet and I like her... But what does him not professing black power have to do with his life falling apart. (I won't even address the second part of the statement )
I'm going to end the blog with this. Let's try that 6 months rule.
Take 6 months to mind your business and 6 months to leave other folks business alone
*Ms. Stocks*
It's so sad but I have to make this post about the "Tiger Woods Scandal". I had no intentions of ever blogging about this. I think it's unimportant and should be dealt with in the woods family. But no, the media and some audience feel that this is still front page news. It blows my mind that we still have troops in Iraq, Brittney Murphy just died @ the age of 32 from a heart attack. We are in one of the worst recessions that we have ever been in. They are trying to charge students transportation fees to get to school. A pregnant woman died at her job with no help from 2 fdny EMT's who were present. A six year old shot and killed a 5 year old in NJ. Banita Jacks got 120 years in jail for killing her 4 children and hiding the bodies within her home.
.. But Tiger Woods losing a gillette endorsement is important?
Don't get me wrong. I am not saying infidelity is by any means ok... but why must we as a society make an already horrible situation that much worse. This indiscretion (or these depending on the reports you read) don't just affect Tiger but they are affecting all those close to him. Including his children.
You should hear the things people are saying... I was in the hair salon the other day and this woman says.
"Hmph that's what he gets for not wanting to be black, If he was some of the brothers could have given him some tips"
I could not believe it. This woman isn't evil or stupid (although I could see how one would think that way after such a statement). She is actually very sweet and I like her... But what does him not professing black power have to do with his life falling apart. (I won't even address the second part of the statement )
I'm going to end the blog with this. Let's try that 6 months rule.
Take 6 months to mind your business and 6 months to leave other folks business alone
*Ms. Stocks*
Monday, November 9, 2009
shuckin and jivin
Can't believe it and sorry to be the bearer of bad news but... Racism is alive, well and thriving. For those of you that are my friends on face book you already know about my experiences this week but for everyone else...
I work in a field that is very demanding, very technical and almost unheard of for a black woman. So ofcourse I work with alot of men, mostly white men. No problem usually. I've always gone in to a new job experience with people expecting that I couldn't do it or that I wasn't on there level. I'm ok with that. You don't know me and have no reason to think better of me. God has blessed me so much that usually after a month or two these people realize ...Wow, this girl knows what she's talking about and we are able to go on and conduct business.
I try my best to not wear my heart on my sleeve or a chip on my shoulder. I know alot of black people who seem to think everybody is out to get them and they are so paranoid that it is impossible for them to be succesful. I don't want to be like that and always try to see the good in people and hope and pray they really are goodl. I hear alot of comments that could be taken either way. There was gentelman who always called me "gal" and after I noticed that he didn't call the other young lady (who happens to be caucasian) gal I had a nice conversation with him letting him know that I prefered Anna, or Ms. Stocks. I did this very professionally and really didn't think anything of it.
Now this same gentleman always wants someone to answer the phones for him, feels I should take messages for him... Now we do the SAME thing, have the SAME title, and have the SAME type of clients. But again, I put on my little "professional" title and kept the peace...
Until Watermelon.
You see a group of us were talking about having a little Thanksgiving celebration at our job and everyone was going to bring something. One of the young ladies was going around and making a list. One person said rice, a gentleman said soda, so on and so forth. So one of the guys said he was going to bring fried chicken... This prompted another gentleman (The one who used to call me gal, the one who assumes black clients don't have money, the one who thinks we are his secretaries) hunched someone next to him and said" he he he they should bring some watermelon too" or something to that effect.
I didn't know what to do. I just couldn't believe what I had just heard and tried to think of what he might of said that I heard wrong. I just knew that in 2009 this could not be happening.
I was wrong. A few minutes later a woman I work with came up to me and said "did you hear that mess?"
It was real. After all this time we are still living with such racists.
What do we do? Having Angry black woman syndrome gets you absolutely nowhere. I decided to handle the situation with as much dignity as possible. I called a meeting with a manager and the gentleman, informed him that I was very offended by what was said and didn't feel that I should be subjected to such comments. He rolled his eyes, apologized and said it wouldn't happen again.
Do I believe him? absolutely not! But what I did showed him that 1. He will not talk to me any kind of way. 2. I am not what you think I am because if I was I would have acted simple. and 3. He has one more time before I file suit.
Don't let anyone take you out of your character. Remain calm and show them who really has the power.
I work in a field that is very demanding, very technical and almost unheard of for a black woman. So ofcourse I work with alot of men, mostly white men. No problem usually. I've always gone in to a new job experience with people expecting that I couldn't do it or that I wasn't on there level. I'm ok with that. You don't know me and have no reason to think better of me. God has blessed me so much that usually after a month or two these people realize ...Wow, this girl knows what she's talking about and we are able to go on and conduct business.
I try my best to not wear my heart on my sleeve or a chip on my shoulder. I know alot of black people who seem to think everybody is out to get them and they are so paranoid that it is impossible for them to be succesful. I don't want to be like that and always try to see the good in people and hope and pray they really are goodl. I hear alot of comments that could be taken either way. There was gentelman who always called me "gal" and after I noticed that he didn't call the other young lady (who happens to be caucasian) gal I had a nice conversation with him letting him know that I prefered Anna, or Ms. Stocks. I did this very professionally and really didn't think anything of it.
Now this same gentleman always wants someone to answer the phones for him, feels I should take messages for him... Now we do the SAME thing, have the SAME title, and have the SAME type of clients. But again, I put on my little "professional" title and kept the peace...
Until Watermelon.
You see a group of us were talking about having a little Thanksgiving celebration at our job and everyone was going to bring something. One of the young ladies was going around and making a list. One person said rice, a gentleman said soda, so on and so forth. So one of the guys said he was going to bring fried chicken... This prompted another gentleman (The one who used to call me gal, the one who assumes black clients don't have money, the one who thinks we are his secretaries) hunched someone next to him and said" he he he they should bring some watermelon too" or something to that effect.
I didn't know what to do. I just couldn't believe what I had just heard and tried to think of what he might of said that I heard wrong. I just knew that in 2009 this could not be happening.
I was wrong. A few minutes later a woman I work with came up to me and said "did you hear that mess?"
It was real. After all this time we are still living with such racists.
What do we do? Having Angry black woman syndrome gets you absolutely nowhere. I decided to handle the situation with as much dignity as possible. I called a meeting with a manager and the gentleman, informed him that I was very offended by what was said and didn't feel that I should be subjected to such comments. He rolled his eyes, apologized and said it wouldn't happen again.
Do I believe him? absolutely not! But what I did showed him that 1. He will not talk to me any kind of way. 2. I am not what you think I am because if I was I would have acted simple. and 3. He has one more time before I file suit.
Don't let anyone take you out of your character. Remain calm and show them who really has the power.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Show Yourself Friendly
So you may have noticed by now that this blog is dedicated to things that I experience first hand. I try to jot down things as they happen so I won't forget and this little saying was in my notebook.
It makes me think of a few people in particular. I live in what some would call "the hood". I just call it home. I've been in this neighborhood for twenty... Wait, let's not get technical but I've been here quite a while (lol).
My father is known by EVERYBODY in this neighborhood. When he had his Garage open he would open the gate every morning, stand outside and say hello to every one as they were going to work or taking kids to school. At first some may
Have thought him strange but over the years he has become somewhat of a fixture in this neighborhood. People would come to him for advice, and help and he always there ready and willing. Definitely friendly.
I definitely do not stand outside every morning to greet everyone that walks by but all of us (my parents kids) have a habit of speaking when we enter a room, greeting even strangers when we make eye contact and respecting elders. Friendly.
There is one particular gentleman that we all speak to although most other people don't. His name is Mr. Ernie. At first glance he looks like a crazed homeless person and quite scary. But over the years we have learned more about him. He is a
Viet Nam Vet who lost everything after the war. His wife, kids and his mind. He flips out sometimes and drinks so he doesn't remember. He has never asked me for anything but I always give him a smile and a wave. Respect him by calling him Mr. Ernie
And may even hold a short conversation. Friendly.
I sometimes travel late and alone and like I said before I live in the hood. Not always the safest place to be by yourself. One night I was coming home from Manhattan. It had to be about 2:30 in the morning. It was very dark and quiet. This guy (very drunk) comes
Out of nowhere and starts following me. I got a little anxious and started to walk faster. This made him very mad and he started cursing and moving faster. Out of the blue comes Mr. Ernie. I won't repeat what he said or did but needless to say the
Man didn't bother me anymore. When I tried to thank Mr. Ernie and asked him where he came from he told me that he's always watching for me and my family and not to thank him because we're friends.
Think about it.
It makes me think of a few people in particular. I live in what some would call "the hood". I just call it home. I've been in this neighborhood for twenty... Wait, let's not get technical but I've been here quite a while (lol).
My father is known by EVERYBODY in this neighborhood. When he had his Garage open he would open the gate every morning, stand outside and say hello to every one as they were going to work or taking kids to school. At first some may
Have thought him strange but over the years he has become somewhat of a fixture in this neighborhood. People would come to him for advice, and help and he always there ready and willing. Definitely friendly.
I definitely do not stand outside every morning to greet everyone that walks by but all of us (my parents kids) have a habit of speaking when we enter a room, greeting even strangers when we make eye contact and respecting elders. Friendly.
There is one particular gentleman that we all speak to although most other people don't. His name is Mr. Ernie. At first glance he looks like a crazed homeless person and quite scary. But over the years we have learned more about him. He is a
Viet Nam Vet who lost everything after the war. His wife, kids and his mind. He flips out sometimes and drinks so he doesn't remember. He has never asked me for anything but I always give him a smile and a wave. Respect him by calling him Mr. Ernie
And may even hold a short conversation. Friendly.
I sometimes travel late and alone and like I said before I live in the hood. Not always the safest place to be by yourself. One night I was coming home from Manhattan. It had to be about 2:30 in the morning. It was very dark and quiet. This guy (very drunk) comes
Out of nowhere and starts following me. I got a little anxious and started to walk faster. This made him very mad and he started cursing and moving faster. Out of the blue comes Mr. Ernie. I won't repeat what he said or did but needless to say the
Man didn't bother me anymore. When I tried to thank Mr. Ernie and asked him where he came from he told me that he's always watching for me and my family and not to thank him because we're friends.
Think about it.
Monday, October 19, 2009
whew, long week
Ok, Ok,
I missed a week of blogging but OH what a long week it was. Very sorry guys!
My brain is a bit scrambled, frazzled and any other word that would describe overworked but I dare not miss another blog date! I love this stuff!
This week I'll write about something that doesn't require me to think at all....
Miyah
The smartest, most beautiful, fantastic 4 year old you could ever imagine. Why is she noteworthy? If you met her you wouldn't have to ask me that question. She is truly an amazing child that I am blessed to be caregiver to.
I want to write about her because our situation is a little sad. She is the daughter of my late sister, Tamecha Lyvette Morgan. My sister, mother and I have taken over the care of Miyah since my sister died in March of 07. I heard someone speak a few weeks ago saying there is no way someone who didn't actually birth a child could actually love a child the way it's mother does.
I have my own feelings on this but would love to hear yours and then do a follow up.
email me: astocks84@gmail.com
I missed a week of blogging but OH what a long week it was. Very sorry guys!
My brain is a bit scrambled, frazzled and any other word that would describe overworked but I dare not miss another blog date! I love this stuff!
This week I'll write about something that doesn't require me to think at all....
Miyah
The smartest, most beautiful, fantastic 4 year old you could ever imagine. Why is she noteworthy? If you met her you wouldn't have to ask me that question. She is truly an amazing child that I am blessed to be caregiver to.
I want to write about her because our situation is a little sad. She is the daughter of my late sister, Tamecha Lyvette Morgan. My sister, mother and I have taken over the care of Miyah since my sister died in March of 07. I heard someone speak a few weeks ago saying there is no way someone who didn't actually birth a child could actually love a child the way it's mother does.
I have my own feelings on this but would love to hear yours and then do a follow up.
email me: astocks84@gmail.com
Monday, October 5, 2009
wheew rough week..
I wasn't going to post today but I refuse to be a slacker! This was a very tiring week for me and it's just about to get crazier. I'm 27 and starting school again (Not Fun!), working full time, churching, and have a four year old in pre-school with homework and germs...
But that's neither here nor there. This is going to be a very short post but I just wanted to put something out there for you to think about.
Friends vs. Family
You know the old saying "blood is thicker than water" and everything but is that really true? I personally have some of the best friends (I think ) in the world. These are people who have been there for me through thick and thin (mostly thick, never really been thin) and stood strong. And then there is family...::sigh:: they found me on facebook.
Think about it over this week. Remember I'm talking about real friends. ABC's if you will. Want to take this moment to shout out my ABC (Ace Boon C... ) Wanza, BFF's Bev and Mark and the semi-disbanded Hey Y'all Crew: Charline, Corrien, Cindy, Meika, Tasha, Marquita and Thelma. Love you guys and trust there is nothing thicker than our bond!
-Anna
But that's neither here nor there. This is going to be a very short post but I just wanted to put something out there for you to think about.
Friends vs. Family
You know the old saying "blood is thicker than water" and everything but is that really true? I personally have some of the best friends (I think ) in the world. These are people who have been there for me through thick and thin (mostly thick, never really been thin) and stood strong. And then there is family...::sigh:: they found me on facebook.
Think about it over this week. Remember I'm talking about real friends. ABC's if you will. Want to take this moment to shout out my ABC (Ace Boon C... ) Wanza, BFF's Bev and Mark and the semi-disbanded Hey Y'all Crew: Charline, Corrien, Cindy, Meika, Tasha, Marquita and Thelma. Love you guys and trust there is nothing thicker than our bond!
-Anna
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