Ok, so who doesn’t love snow?  And really, the occasional day off from school can be fun but this is now getting to be ridiculous!  I have to say, I love having my family here and enjoying some real quality time but now, after everyone being off from school and work last week and now adding these days off, I am ready to ship them off. 

We have done arts and crafts, played video games and caught up on old movies and really had great fun, however, we are all starting to look at each other as if we were those relatives that come to visit but never go home!  Sad part is that we are home! 

 Clearly Mother Nature is childless!

Like everyone else, I was horrified at the tragic shooting in Tucson, AZ last Saturday.  What I can’t understand is how some politicians are using this as a political weapon against each other.  There are those saying that the shootings were the result of previous political ads or because of previous political rhetoric , and then now another side is using this as a different kind of weapon saying that those who claimed that this was due to previous political ads or rhetoric are grandstanding. 

I say SHUT UP all of you. 

Really!  Really! 

Think of the family who lost their 9 year-old daughter.  Think of the family who lost their son, or the family who lost a father.  Can’t we actually just care about others for a bit of time before using tragic situations as swords? 

Personally, my thoughts and prayers are with all of these families right now and I think anyone who is caught up in the finger pointing needs to keep their yap shut!

Recently, North East Tarrant County lost two wonderful individuals, Barbara Baker and Steve Ewing.  Although their laughter and kindness will forever be missed, because of their unending acts of kindness through volunteerism, their legacy will live on through the many lives they had touched. 

During this holiday season, why not take the time to make a difference in someone else’s life and create your own legacy?

First of all, I have to admit I am not the best flyer.

I know it is still the safest way to travel and actually will do so, but I am one of those flyers who is thrilled that we are taking every possible action necessary to keep the friendly sky’s safe.  So when I hear people gripe about having to stand in front of a body scanner or receive a pat down, I wonder where were you on Sept. 11, 2001? 

Personally, I think some of these people have become spoiled.  Now don’t get me wrong, I know that there are lots and lots of people who could care less about being scanned or getting patted down all in the name of better security.  But when I hear statements like “I don’t understand how a sexual assault be made a condition of my flying” or concerns over a TSA agent looking at a body scan and seeing his or her naked body, I think someone is being a bit stupid.  I recently heard one guy make the remark that if they touched his “junk” he was going to have them arrested.  Come on, do you think your “junk” is truly that special? 

I really don’t see the big concern.  Clearly, I am not thrilled at having a full body x-ray exposed to some stranger in another room, but we are not talking a centerfold photo here (I would defiantly have to have that one airbrushed).  Keep in mind the hundreds of thousands of people that go through this scan or even the procedure of being patted down. Does anyone truly believe that the people in the next room really care that much about what you look like?  Don’t flatter yourself!  You are just another body going through the conveyer belt of people.   To me, it is a small price to pay to know that not only I, but also my family and friends are going to arrive at their destinations safely. 

Now there is some big movement to have people protest the whole body scan and pat down.  I think these people need more to do with their time.

 I had the opportunity to be at the Ballpark in Arlington for the final game of the World Series and wow, was it worth it. 

 Not being a huge sports person, I just wanted to be a part of a historic moment.  Well, forget historic moment; it was a blast! 

How did I get tickets?  I would love to say that I had some fantastic connection, but that was not the case.  My original thought was to go to the Ballpark in Arlington that day and just see if someone was selling tickets.  That was until that morning when I saw a story on the news about the counterfeit tickets being sold. Evidently some people had lost their money thinking they were purchasing official tickets to only find out they were fake when they tried to gain entry.  Let me just say, that is something that would happen to me!

 Instead, I went to stubhub.com, a website that was recommended by a friend and waited until the last minute to purchase tickets.  Not only was I able to purchase a seat, I was able to purchase an amazing seat at a fairly reasonable price. .. no, not face value but not too far over it. 

 Unfortunately, the Rangers didn’t win but really, just the fact that they were there gains my standing ovation. Tell about why it was so great—the crowd? Nolan Ryan?  What an evening!  What a game!  What an experience!   One I won’t soon forget.

I have to say I am frustrated.  Not necessarily because of work or pending matters but because for the most part of the day, when I have tried to use my cell phone, it seems to either take forever to place a call, go directly  to a voice mail without ringing or when it does ring, it then drops the call.  Now I know these new fangled communications products are supposed to help our lives but I think they help us run to the bar quicker! 

Over the past few months there has been a television ad running for a soup company that has the person calling and the person receiving the call, talking from tin cans attached with string.  Now I am wondering, is that just for fun, or did these people try this with cell phones and give up?

Oh well, I am not about to give up my phone and I know calling the cell phone company will only make me more crazy….so I guess the only answer is…yes bartender, I’ll have another one!

 So I went to the Dave Mathews Band concert this past Saturday night at the Superpages.com Center in Dallas. 

 Great music, no rain. We zipped through the parking mess because we opted for a cab. Best part of the whole night? Hanging out with our friends. 

Don’t get me wrong, The Dallas Morning News ran a review Monday with a headline that read “Dave Matthews Band delivers a solid show at Superpages.com Center,” which backs up what I am saying about the concert.   So for those who are Dave Matthews band fans, it was worth just being there for the music.  But no matter how much fun any concert is, it is always better when you are hanging with your buds! 

 The band performed eighteen songs, each ending with the crowd going wild.  The weather held out, which originally had posed a bit of a concern considering that there was a 30 percent chance of rain that evening.  However, the facts that this was a sold-out concert and the venue was packed to capacity weren’t  worries on any of these fans minds.

I can say we had a great time.  You know you can attend social functions for everything from “Save the Whales” to “Help knock out this disease” and yes you might get to chat or catch up with some of your friends, but really you end up moving from person-to-person in more of a “catch up with good acquaintances” conversations.   But when you just get a close group of friends’ together and great music, to me, it is just more relaxing and fun. 

 Don’t you agree??????? 

By the way, was able to swipe someone’s limo to bring us home.  Hey, cash speaks!

If you haven’t heard, Metroport Meals on Wheels is giving its first ever LINKS award to Roxann Taylor on September 24^th at their annual fashion show and luncheon.  The award honors a community advocate who embodies the characteristics of the LINK Award:   L – Leadership, I – Inspiration, N – Nurturing, K – Kindness and let’s face it, Roxann has done a ton for the North East Tarrant County community.  Way to go Roxann Taylor!

Reservations are now being taken and because seating is limited, you want to get your spot locked in now.  To purchase a table, inquire about sponsorships or even honor Roxann Taylor with a donation in her name, just email Karen Malone at kmalone@metroportmow.org or call 817-491-1141.

Ladies and Gentlemen and children of all ages, the Census is coming!  Yep, it is time to stand up and get counted…and that is a Constitutional order! 

Now before anyone thinks this, I have heard the arguments that some have stated that they don’t want “Big Brother” knowing any of their personal information… but really…I mean….really, come on…are you serious?  I have seen more personal information on people’s personal Web sites than is being asked by the government during the census.  So before you even begin to question whether or not you should fill out the questionnaire….

Here are my top 10 reasons why you should!

1. This is about money and power! To quote Gabriel Sanchez, Regional Director of the 2010 Census,  “If you’re interested in either of those two things, then you should be interested in the Census. The count determines Congressional redistricting and more than $400 billion annually in federal funds for such programs as schools, hospitals, roads, senior centers, Head Start and libraries.” So people, over 10 years, that is 4 Trillion (with a capitol “T” people) dollars we are talking about. Come on Show Me The Money!
2. The numbers of people counted by the Census translate into federal funding for roads. So when you hit those potholes or are stuck in traffic, instead of picking a finger to point up in the air, use that finger to grab a pencil and fill out the census. That is how you affect change!
3. Do you have a child in school? A baby born today will be 10 years old by the time the next Census is taken. Without an accurate count; the government doesn’t know how to plan funding for that child’s education.
4. Ever wish a highway was four lanes instead of two? Or have you ever wished that there was a bridge in a specific location allowing easier access to a highway? Yep, the Census affects that funding as well.
5. Hospitals use this information to determine a community’s specific medical needs. If there is a large ageing population in a specific location, then they would know that senior care is something they might want to focus on. Or, if there is a larger children population, that might determine a better place for a children’s hospital. Face it; this is all about taking care of your needs!
6. Remember in your old Civics class how the Congress is made up of four hundred and thirty five Representatives and one hundred Senators. Well, although each state gets two U. S. Senators, the four hundred and thirty five House of Representatives are divided by population. In other words, just because one state gets a certain number of representatives after one Census, doesn’t mean they keep all those after the next one. In fact, there is a rumor that after this Census, Texas could gain as many as five new U.S. Representatives. Hey, who wants to run for office?
7. The results from the 2010 Census are also used by companies all over the world to determine demographics for things such as where to put their next grocery store or fast food restaurant. Think about it, your form could get you a Starbucks closer to your home!
8. It is mandatory. Yep, the First Census act was passed at the second session of the First Congress, and then signed by President Washington on March 1, 1790. Article 1, Section 2, U.S. Constitution states “The actual Enumeration shall be made within three Years after the first Meeting of the Congress of the United States, and within every subsequent Term of ten Years, in such Manner as they shall by Law direct.” Congress first met in 1789 and in 1790, the first national census was taken. They followed the law and so we have to as well. Talk about being a part of history!
9. Your information is kept strictly confidential. Even if the President of the United States asked for specific information, other than the general compiled data, he could not find it out. Did you know that all census workers sign a confidential contract that binds them to keep their mouths completely shut about any and all information they see. If they even chirp just a peep, they are subject to a fine up to $250,000 and/or five years in jail. Also, none of the specific information is shared with any other government or non-government agency. In other words, if you maybe had a few extra people living in an apartment than you were supposed to, you could put that down because Mr. Landlord is never going to find out. However, you might just get a new hospital or better roads if you tell the whole truth. Talk about a win-win situation!
10. And the 10^th reason you want to fill out the census….if you don’t they will come knocking on your door and interrupt your favorite TV program to ask you the same questions that are on the form you will receive in the mail. Come on, who wants to be interrupted during Dancing with the Stars? Not me!

The Census questionnaire will be mailed out this March, so look for it and fill it out.  Your community’s future is up to you!

Due to the fact that there are rural communities and individuals who may not be able to receive the form, alng several other reasons, there are Census workers who go door to door to help those that need assistance or cannot receive a form by U.S. Mail.  How would you like to be one of those individuals?  Are you interested in a part-time job?  Do you still have Christmas charges that need paying off?  Are you a high school senior that needs a few extra bucks?  Lots of local part-time and full-time jobs are available with the U. S. Census Bureau.  All you have to do is pass a simple skills test and background check and are hired to work locally.  Just call 1-866-861-2010 or visit their website at 2010censusjobs.gov for more information.

I don’t know if you actually “ate cabbage or black-eyed peas”, on New Year’s Day or whether you believe that helps or not. It is a common ritual and many believe that the changing of the year always instills a new feeling of hope and new beginnings. We can resolve to lose weight, spend more time with the family, get organized, quit smoking, quit drinking (well…you can bet that’s not on my list!), get out of debt, and make sure your handbag and shoes coordinate… just to name a few ideas.  However, can you imagine what this world would be like if we all made a resolution (and stuck with it) to take time once a month to make someone else’s life just a little bit better.  

Really, what if each month we decided to volunteer for an hour or so at a non-profit organization or what if we chose to send an organization just a few extra bucks each month? It doesn’t have to be a lot of money, just something extra change or a few dollars.  Can you imagine the possibilities?

I know many of you already chair non-profit events, serve on committees, sponsor fundraisers, etc… and that is truly amazing! But couldn’t you find an extra buck or two and send it to an organization that’s not normally on your list?

For 2010, I want to challenge our ESocialWorld readers to make a difference every month somehow, someway, and then let us know what you did!  Don’t worry, we won’t share your name or contact information, but we would love to hear what is going on. We will keep everyone posted as to how this challenge is going, and just think, your work might actually encourage others to help make a difference as well.   

Just go to the comment section and send us a brief note as to what you did each month and we will take it from there.  And remember…it can be time, talent or treasure…you decide. Your donation to a charity will make a world of difference in the lives of others. So let the 2010 challenge begin!