The Heartless & The Homeless

     I know for many it is difficult to understand how someone could become homeless. But that's a whole different topic for another time, I think.

     The complexities of community responsibility in Los Angeles as well as the realities that homeowners have to deal with 'traffic control' come to a head. Many moons ago, I used to have less compassion for the homeless. That comes from being brought up in a place where there wasn't an evident homeless problem, where misconceptions were perpetuated. "They should just go out and get a job like everyone else..." "The takers keep on taking..." "Don't give them money because they'll just spend it on alcohol and drugs..."

     When you find out the story behind each face, homeless grows into a new definition. When you find out that people you know are or were homeless, you somehow separate them from the rest of the homeless. But that's the problem: many don't make the connection that each homeless person comes with a unique story that is no less valuable than their own. People need to stop viewing those without material goods as sub-humans. It's unfair to think that, just because you are without residence, that your rights as a human become null and void. But that's the sad truth in this country.

     I kind of feel like I'm rambling today, but talking about our homeless population really sickens me because it is a problem that could be easily solved by a little contribution from EVERYONE in a community.  There are over 53,000 homeless people in Los Angeles, many of them are children. Los Angeles Almanac (laalmanac.com) reports that about "42% to 77% [of the homeless population] do not receive public benefits to which they are entitled." We have become a world of Me Me MEEE, and I think we need to reevaluate how we want our world to be. Mr. Homeless Man on the street is my responsibility as well as yours.

     There are so many with warm souls on the inside, while their outsides are covered in filth and excrement. It sickens me that people in a community would actively try to starve others just because they are viewed as a nuisance. That sounds like the Middle Ages to me.

     '“People here — it’s their only way to eat,” said one homeless man, Aaron Lewis, who lives on the sidewalk outside a 7-Eleven. “The community doesn’t help us eat.”'

     Los Angeles City Council, please don't give in to the voices of a few "entitled" homeowners. Step up to the plate and make positive changes instead of further oppressing a minority voice. Our homeless population could be a thing of the past if we all work together.

If you want to read the original article: http://goo.gl/ar76dc

Might As Well Face It; I'm Addicted To My Smartphone

     I don't even know what life was like before my first smartphone. I guess I remember playing Bookworm, or accessing some music database. What I remember about these dark ages is that I had limited access to the internet, to the world wide web of DATA...sweet information at my fingertips!  

     

     I now have an app on my smartphone that tells me movie information at the drop of a hat. When I wake up, I like to read my virtual newspaper. I usually start with Twitter, looking at my news list. I knew what happened before many people that there was a shooting at LAX because of my resources, like,  Facebook and Twitter. Basically, I start my mornings checking to see whether the world is still operational or not. 

     I also have a smartphone app that helps me study for data-intensive classes. For example, do you know when the Middle Ages began and ended? What key instruments were used during the Renaissance? I do, and it's because of my smart phone. It helps me with my studies, with navigation, and even with the occasional bus I need to catch. It also helps me to kill time.  

     First thing in the morning, I access Facebook and Twitter for notifications. There is always so much to catch up on. When I log in to my PC, I find myself checking my phone (probably Facebook) while I check Twitter on my phone. Between classes, I check Facebook. It's like a slot machine in Las Vegas. Sometimes there're notifications; sometimes there aren't. If there are a few seconds before math class, I guarantee I'm looking at Facebook for any new updates. 

     Thanks, smart phone! You offer me entertainment, access to information, and news.  

Today's Challenge, Tomorrow's Acceptance

Today's challenge is reaching tomorrow's acceptance that my body's limitations will cause me to RSVP "maybe" to every invitation from a friend.

Today's challenge is reaching tomorrow's acceptance that sometimes I can...and sometimes I can't.





Today's challenge is reaching tomorrow's acceptance that there will always be a pile of papers to sort through.

But I try not to overlook the battles, no matter how small or how large, where I come out victorious:

Throwing out expired medicine is therapeutic. 

Dressing up every so often is fun, especially Halloween! 

Happy Friday!
xoxo