This morning I’m thinking about a variety of things. Each day I watch the news programs to be informed but sometimes I just can’t help but wonder… what the heck is going on?!?
* The measles outbreak! Diseases and afflictions that have long been controlled are coming back due to misinformation. There are parents out there who are not vaccinating their children because they think they know better than the CDC and AMA. Ugh
- More police officers shot. But, gun control is not a serious problem?? And in the past couple of weeks young white males have shot and killed family members. But, again, not a problem?? Think back on the mass killing events in America this past decade and think about how many of them have been done by young white males. What are we missing about this segment of our country? I don’t know but I think we need to reach out, and listen to their troubles, and find out why they don’t ‘fit in’ and why they take it out with a gun.
* Baby it’s cold outside! I’m thinking about all my northern and mid-western family and friends who will be dealing with frigid temps that are lower than they have ever experienced. Crazy cold!! Frigid negative temps! Don’t go outside if you don’t have to go! Stay in and stay warm. Take care of your pets and look in on older folks.
* It’s Super Bowl week! You excited? Will you watch? I will be watching – for the game and the music around it. I always get a little sad this time of year. I already miss the football season – both the weekend collegiate and pro games.
- So, what to do instead? I started watching “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” and it’s quite enjoyable! Funny, well acted, edgy. I also loved all the “Kaminsky’s Method” episodes. I hope they make another season of that show.
- What about movies? I haven’t been to a movie theatre in months, maybe a year. Our closest multiplex theatre closed awhile back. Now, to see a ‘first run’ movie I have to drive 45 minutes one way. So, I don’t do – and wait for it to show up on Netflix or OnDemand.
* Medical Insurance in America. Everyone has stories of fighting with their insurer to cover a preventative need, or to struggle to meet deductibles. My daughter had her twins 15 months ago and still is dealing with the hospital and insurance company. The ‘funny’ part of it: One twin was totally covered and the other one was not – even though they were born at the same exact time and had the same care. One stayed in the NIC unit one day longer. But, the insurance company says the hospital ‘coded’ the boys differently. What??
* So, I just discovered that someone defriended me on Facebook. I recently heard about some posts from this person and when I didn’t see them, I went into my “Friends” list and she is no longer there. I know I express my views more than others but I got to say it surprised me and hurt a little. I have only defriended someone when they used foul language. Having a different opinion? It’s our right – and I consider social media a reasonable way to voice what you care about. I try to balance my opinions with other posts: pictures, jokes, etc. I’’m sorry if I offended this person.
Technology and social media is my favorite way to communicate. What does that say about me? Ha! I’m NOT a telephone person. And, the world is getting away from snail mail. So, it’s all about staying in touch through social media. It’s still a one sided thing often. And, others don’t use it at all. Some that do use it, silently peruse but don’t respond. I guess people dip into it at different times… but I love it. I do not FEAR it.
FEAR. It has become a word that I have discovered too many people live with… and it molds and controls their lives. Fear of the unknown, fear of the worst scenario, fear of losing freedoms, fear of getting taken by someone else, fear of losing power, fear of losing things. Fear has taken over – and faith in people and in GOD is sadly losing.
I mean, watch the news…. so much fear! Everywhere. It’s been accentuated by our president. It’s been used to sell guns, and used in other ways to “keep” ourselves apart from others. Which president said ‘we have nothing to fear but fear itself?” Truman? Kennedy? Which ever one it was, I see these days that it is very true.
So, back to the beginning of the post, watching the news can make anyone fearful. It’s a scary world at times. BUT, BUT, BUT, we must keep a balanced view – and we have to keep our faith in humankind. We must reach out, not recoil inwards. We need to go forward without fear.
Sorry I got heavy. Lol
Happy Tuesday! Go out and enjoy the day!! (Unless you are in those frigid areas. Then stay in and stay safe.)
Marla’s Musings 