Miller's Light (Writing) - wendymiller22's Blog - Victoria Advocate

Miller's Light (Writing) - wendymiller22's Blog - Victoria Advocate http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/wendymiller22 This is another spot for me to let my thoughts on politics, education and other subjects be written down in a blog. Warning: I'm a sarcastically humorous person and try to make some laughter come out of situations. I'm the one who will try to find out the answers to off the wall questions such as "If you choke a smurf, what color would he turn?" I also want to touch on subjects like conspiracies and why the government does what it does. Beware. This could be fun and/or start some trouble. If you're up for colorful discussions, join in. This is another spot for me to let my thoughts on politics, education and other subjects be written down in a blog. Warning: I'm a sarcastically humorous person and try to make some laughter come out of situations. I'm the one who will try to find out the answers to off the wall questions such as "If you choke a smurf, what color would he turn?" I also want to touch on subjects like conspiracies and why the government does what it does. Beware. This could be fun and/or start some trouble. If you're up for colorful discussions, join in. en-us New Year's resolutions http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/wendymiller22/9847 http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/wendymiller22/9847 <p>I don't believe in New Year's resolutions. Making promises to myself that I'm either going to a) break; b) forget; or c) forget to break. By observing other people's resolutions throughout my years on this earth, the same things are on their minds: to lose weight, to be nicer, to give more, etc.</p> <p>I see it this way: <strong>I'm not going to make any promises to myself or others.</strong> I tend to be VERY forgetful. I don't want to make a promise to someone, get caught off guard with another issue and forget about the individual. I say this because it happens to me ALL THE TIME. For instance, I will be at work, think of something I have to get from receiving, walk that direction, get to the back and forget what the hell I was going there for. That's 60 freakin' feet, people! The moral of my story: I would rather get mad at myself by forgetting something I needed than to disappoint someone because I didn't follow through on my word. </p> <p>As far as the <strong>losing weight resolution</strong> ... pbbtt! I know people want to lose weight to better their health. I'm not knocking you for that, and I wish you well. For me, I'm physically comfortable. Do I need to work on areas of my body? Hell yeah. Do I wish I was a size 6? Hell no. I don't have the money for a new wardrobe. I've already dropped 20 pounds (thanks to the Walmart diet of running around like a chicken with its head cut off), which made me smaller than what I was in high school/college/two years ago. So I'm good.</p> <p>I will say this about two top resolutions people make:<br /> <strong>To quit smoking:</strong> Been there, done that, haven't be able to do it again. If you haven't started smoking, don't. For those who give smokers a hard time: You telling me to quit smoking is like me telling you to lose weight. Not that easy, eh? If it was, people wouldn't have to make losing weight or quitting smoking a resolution year after year. Both of them are struggles. Why give a smoker a hard time when no one's giving you a hard time to lose weight?<br /> <strong>To spend more time with family:</strong> I would love to do this. I see my mom every day. Hello, I live with her. I would love to see my brother, my sister and my niece more. I'll actually take this one.</p> <p>I will, however, attempt to do this one thing .... <strong>not be as sarcastic as I was last year.</strong> I wouldn't exactly call that a resolution because sarcasm is a part of my repertoire. I'm not malicious or hateful with it. My sarcasm tends to humor folks. Why diminish something that brings laughter and entertainment to friends? </p> <p>For 2009, I wish everyone a great year. I wish you the best on your resolutions, if you choose to make them. Happy New Year!!</p> My first Black Friday http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/wendymiller22/9701 http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/wendymiller22/9701 <p>OK, so I'm about two weeks late on this blog, but it has taken me this long to compose myself enough to say four little words ... "What was I thinking?"</p> <p>Before I go on, I have to correct myself. I was employed at Toys R Us, but lucky for me, I didn't work in the morning. However, when I clocked in at 3 p.m., I didn't see the light of day after that. The moment I was able to make it to the front of the store, it was 9 p.m. I felt like I was swallowed in the dark abyss of parents looking for Furbys and other unimaginable toys.</p> <p>The feelings of anxiety, excitement and fear crept into my soul on Friday, Nov. 28, 2008. Mind you, I'm a confused person as is, but what I felt that day scared the dickens out of me. To be at a job at 3:30 in the morning is ungodly. To open the doors at 5 a.m. and see the many baskets of people in front of me was surreal. Don't get me wrong, I love my job in retail. I love the interaction with customers, but being in Electronics and being the manager of a high-volume department had me once again saying to myself, "What was I thinking?" </p> <p>Being a part of Black Friday in our little hometown store wasn't as horrific as the incident that happened in New York where a 34-year-old temporary worker lost his life from simply opening the doors. I share in Mr. Jim Bishop's feelings where humanity became inhumane at that moment. To fight one another and to run over each other to save on material items is sick. I would rather pay full price on a TV than to put myself or the lives of other human beings in danger.</p> <p>I guess I'm going to have to get used to the madness of Black Friday. Even putting that statement into words is pretty sad. I'm usually a person who likes contentment, and for me to sit here and type I have to get used to chaos is ... well ... you fill in the blank because I'm at a loss for words.</p> What does "being independent" really mean? http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/wendymiller22/9518 http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/wendymiller22/9518 <p>I take pride in being independent. But I'm beginning to question that phrase. "Being independent."</p> <p>It's a great thing. Or it can be. Independence shows the ability of standing up for yourself. It shows, regardeless of what happens in your life, that you will be able to survive. I'm independent as far as my finances. After two years of me sharing, I have finally made it to financial stability due to me being by myself. I'm starting to appreciate my independent thinking. Although I take other's suggestions in consideration, it's my choice on what I can do or not do.</p> <p>But is being independent all worth it? I made the choice of not wanting a relationship or children at this time ... or maybe in this lifetime. I live by the phrase, "I can do bad all by myself." It's a wonderful phrase and a good way to live, but there is always something missing. Right now, I'm reading this book where chivalry is creeping in. My heart would love to have someone open doors for me or pick me up from work. The chance given to me to be someone's center of attention and in a positive way. </p> <p>Loneliness starts to overwhelm me at times, but then I think of all the guys that live around me in this town and I say to myself, "Yeah, Wendy ... it's best to stay by yourself as long as you live here." So is being "Miss Independent" good? It can be, but the underlying feeling of something/someone is missing starts to haunt the mind and the soul.</p> The James Forman Memorial Benefit http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/wendymiller22/9303 http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/wendymiller22/9303 <p><font size="3">I have to advertise an event that really means something to me. The group Warriors Never Die! is hosting an event at the Riverside Multiplex in memory of our friend, James Forman. The event will take place November 16th from noon to 9 p.m. There will be a silent auction and music to rock out to. The proceeds will go to Adopt-A-Pet.</font></p> <p><font size="3">So how do I know James? I worked with him during my stint at Toys R Us from 1999-2000. When I got the job, the assistant manager, Alicia, said she wanted me to work in the storeroom. I had no clue what was in store for me, but it was the first time I met James. </font></p> <p><font size="3">I remember the first time he taught me how to build bikes. I was struggling with this 26" mountain bike. I was reading the instructions, trying to figure out what had to go where, wiring brakes around the handle bars (sometimes wishing I could wrap them around my neck to let my stress be over). When I look up, James is happily putting together a trike. A TRIKE! I'm dealing with a booklet of instructions for this 26" bike with steps 1 through 46 all written out, and he has one piece of paper with steps 1 through 3 complete with pictures. I looked at him and said, "You got to be kidding me." He said, "Trust me, it's harder than you think." From that moment on, James became my Yoda. He taught me that sometimes it's better to start with the harder stuff because the easier things will be a breeze.</font></p> <p><font size="3">James Forman was a great person, an animal lover, a protector and just an all-around good guy. I'm glad this benefit is being hosted in his memory. He was a warrior and his spirit will live on.</font></p>

Title: James.jpg
Caption: In Memory of James C. Forman
Credit: wendymiller22

Title: James.jpg
Caption: In Memory of James C. Forman
Credit: wendymiller22

James.jpg In Memory of James C. Forman wendymiller22 Does freedom have boundaries? http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/wendymiller22/8956 http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/wendymiller22/8956 <p>I know it's been quite a long time since I've written anything. So welcome back, me. And I know that this is the second time I'm bringing up this subject, but it is something to think about.</p> <p>A random thought entered my mind as I was trying to catch up on my course readings (which isn't going to happen as long as I'm writing this blog): How far does the word "freedom" take someone (i.e. their opinions, their choices, etc.)? See, I ask this question because it was brought to my attention how one of my friend's blogs got deleted off a Web site (not mentioning any URLs). Does that make the phrase "freedom of speech" irrelevant?</p> <p>According to Merriam-Webster online, the word "freedom" has one definition as "libration from slavery or restraint or from the power of another." Obviously, freedom has boundaries because if you have a blog or a story or an opinion pulled from a Web site's blogging community, your voice is being restrained by the power of another. So where is the freedom of speech? What are the unseen boundaries that one must not cross and what grounds do the blogging Gods base their decision on to pull the plug (excuse the pun)? I understand the norms: no vulgarity, no racism of any kind (age, sex, ethnic background), etc. That's just being polite. </p> <p>Now I'm intrigued and want to know what my friend wrote. Unfortunately, I won't get that opportunity. If he crossed the normal boundaries that we are so used to seeing listed, I have to say this to him, "You know better!" But if he didn't, where did his freedom to speak out go? </p> <p>Now that I freed myself for 20 minutes to write this, I guess I better slave over my book for at least 30 minutes before going to bed. Good night, everyone. Peace and blessings to you.</p> Jackson County DA - Deal with it or do something about it! http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/wendymiller22/8285 http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/wendymiller22/8285 <p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="2">With all this hoopla going on about the Jackson County district attorney and the "injustice" he is serving, I felt the need to put my five cents in. (And yes, it will be more than the proverbial two cents.)</font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="2">I have lived in Edna for the past 18 years. I grew up with the rumors of Bobby Bell throwing the book at certain people while letting other offenses - some serious - go. I would read in the Jackson County Edna Herald how someone of no criminal background or record would get sentenced 75 years to life for drugs. Oh my God?! Are you serious? I agree that they should serve time. If you get caught doing dirty, expect a not-so-happy clean up (i.e. jail time) on your part. But 75 to life for a first offense? For drugs? Okie dokie, Mr. D.A. You may want to calm your nerves a tad. I know you want to make an example, but that's going overboard</font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="2">In light of recent events, I have to say that it's about time someone is stepping up in what they believe in. I can't speak on the case of David Rodriguez since I have no clue who this man is or what kind of person he is. I do, however, applaude his family and friends who are out there to support him. I have to applaude them for taking a stand of what they believe: the injustice and unfair punishment they believe is going on in the district attorney's office, and their protesting. In my 18 years of living in Edna, I have never seen that, and it was good to see.</font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="2">I've read the many comments on the protest and the response given by Bobby Bell. I've read the article in the Austin paper about the Operation Crackdown that happened a few years ago that put 28 black people in jail, including the father of one of my classmates. I've heard about how people think Bobby Bell is "dirty" and he isn't so squeaky clean. To tell the truth, I'm tired of it. I'm not saying that I agree with Bell and the method of his sentencing. I'm saying that I see how people get punished in this small town. Because of that, I won't even think about spitting out a wad of gum on the sidewalk worrying I would get a 10-15 year prison sentence.</font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="2">I know many people don't like Bobby Bell as district attorney. OK, that's cool. But instead of complaining about it, do something. Find someone else to be D.A. Join Judy Rodriguez as a part of her protest. Write a congressman. Push to get him out of there. Go to the courthouse with a petition signed by everyone you know who is fed up with what you think is going on. JUST DO SOMETHING! I personally don't care either way. Although I question his decisions on punishment and highly disagree with him and his methods, Bobby Bell doesn't bother me because I don't give him a reason to. </font></p> My freedom of speech is questioned http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/wendymiller22/5194 http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/wendymiller22/5194 <p>My woman's intuition told me that my self-deleted blog was upsetting to some people. </p> <p>So here's what I'm going to say. Where is my freedom of expression? I know you have your freedom of the press, but I have my right of freedom of speech. My opinions are my opinions, and I passed down the concerns of my hometown's residents through my blog. Yet, when I posted my blog, another blog got posted. A blog I expected to get posted.</p> <p>Talk about listening to the general public's comments and concerns. Next time I won't make it so evident. To keep myself from being "liable" for my words, I deleted my blog. Thank you for taking away the freedom that I thought I had in telling what the public thought.  </p> <p>I sure appreciate it. Remind me about this if I decide to join the military and fight for your freedom, the very one you took from me.</p> Giving credit to the "Lifestyle" gals http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/wendymiller22/5192 http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/wendymiller22/5192 <p>Now that I'm no longer at the Advocate, I must feel that I tell the general public about four of the most talented and underrated people there.</p> <p>I worked for three years full-time in the Lifestyle department. That's where the Good Living, Sunday Your Life, Home&Garden, M3, Sunday Your Money&Markets and Faith sections got built. Before redesign, we also put together the Matagorda Advocate, which now is out of their hands, and one person took care of typing in all of the weddings, engagements, anniversaries, club news, etc. Now they continue to do the diversion pages and help out with other sections that I may have forgotten. </p> <p>Why am I bringing this up? Well, because four ladies deserve to have their name mentioned. They are Janet Jones (Lifestyle editor and Freehand expert), Meredith Cash (senior copy editor and fastest page designer of the south), Shari Prenzler (copy editor and the most unique page designer) and Karla Woodward (community news specialist extraordinaire). I know that they don't hold these titles anymore (yeah, I exaggerated a little but I do mean what I say) but these ladies deserve much respect. I was a part of that department and couldn't ask for a better group of people to have ever worked with. </p> <p>I believe in giving credit where credit is due. And theirs is long overdue. The special editions of the M3 sections (think Harry Potter and Pirates of the Caribbean) were put together by them with the assistance of the greatest creative mind out there, Ryan Huddle. Every time you pick up one of these sections, remember the names Janet, Meredith and Shari. They take pride in their work. When you need to speak to someone about events in the area, Karla has always been on top of it. I was very lucky to work with these ladies, and I'm very proud of them. </p> <p> </p> Can I please get good customer service? http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/wendymiller22/5164 http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/wendymiller22/5164 <p>OK, if there is one thing I am a big stickler about (other than cleanliness and having ample amount of Germ X around) is customer service. Here is my question: Why is it so hard for people to give good customer service? It's not hard. All you have to do is put yourself in the customer's shoes and speak to them as how you would want to be spoken to. Service with a smile regardless of who the customer is or the attitude in which they have walking in the doors. This is especially true when they come in with a good attitude and you present yourself in a rude manner. That'll make them leave with a bad attitude.</p> <p>Case in point: I went to the grocery store and bought one of those meal deals -- buy a certain item or items and you get four to five items free. When I made it up to the register, I happen to forget one of the items I had to buy for the coupons to work. The cashier (whose name shall be withheld but trust me, I did get her name and saved the receipt that has her ID) made my forgetfulness evident as she <strong>flung</strong> the coupons at me and said I have to get the second item.</p> <p>After a mad dash to find this forgotten item, which coincidentally wasn't with the meal deal as the cashier announced to us, my mom and I get back up to the register. I begin to notice how she is chunking my stuff toward the back where my mom is bagging -- yeah, you read that correctly. I'm beginning to get really mad because she is tossing my groceries down that conveyer belt. BIG MISTAKE! It's bad enough that potato chips have more air than chips in their bags, but I have this little girl flinging my stuff, possibly creating nothing but crumbs. I give her my money, look at her name badge and she then bumps the register shut with a vengeance. OK. The only thing I can muster up is, "Nice customer service." (Hey, I told y'all I was sarcastic.)</p> <p>My main problem with this was she gave me a vibe where I was inconveniencing her. Umm ... isn't she getting paid for me to be an "inconvenience"? Again, I work in retail. There were many days, like today, where I was constantly busy. But never would I make a customer feel like they were bothering me. Never would I rush a customer into getting what they needed just so I can move on to the next customer.</p> <p>So excuse me, Miss Congeniality Cashier. Next time I spend between the hours of 7 a.m. and 3 p.m. digging for Christmas items in a trailer, putting merchandise on shelves 12 feet above the ground, putting out more Christmas stuff, restacking pallets of 20+ pound bags of deer corn, working non-stop (minus my lunch hour) in not just my department but helping for an hour in another department and clocking out for the day only to clock back in after 30 minutes to help build something outside in the heat, I will attempt to remember to get the salad that goes with my meal deal. Sorry for the inconvenience. I'll try to remember to take my pills where I don't forget as much.</p> <p>Now if I can only find where I left them.</p> The notorious 99.9% free http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/wendymiller22/5147 http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/wendymiller22/5147 <p>One of the many off-the-wall thoughts that plagues my mind is why products claim they are 99.9 percent free of something. How is that possible? What happened to the 0.1 percent? It makes me wonder if someone got tired on the assembly line. Then, there is fat free, which I heard nothing is fat free. Someone please enlighten me.</p> <p>Speaking of, let's take fat-free milk. To my understanding and someone's comment that passed through my ears, fat-free milk isn't really fat free. Well, that's just silly. That's misrepresentation of the product I spend $2-$3 on. I hope that the person who told me that is wrong, but we wouldn't know something is fat free unless we worked in the factory in which the product came from.</p> <p>I will say this: I was working one day, and I saw this Christmas ornament (yes, I know, it's time) that was covered completely in glitter -- or so I thought. I turned the ornament around and saw a bald spot. That was one of those "it's-5-o'clock" ornaments, which means it was the last item of the day where the person who worked on it got it semi-completed before they raced to the timeclock. Now that, my friends, is a 99.9 percent glitter ball. </p> <p>I hope furniture companies make sure their products aren't 99.9 percent free of anything. The last thing I need is for me to roll like a butterball if my bed falls or a chair breaks. I guarantee I will be 100 percent ticked.</p> <p> </p>