As you can see it’s certainly been awhile since I’ve posted, but there’s a good reason and for those of you that haven’t heard from me, keep on reading for a somewhat unusual diversion for this blog.
Firstly, after finishing the first book I’ve found I needed some time to not-think before the editing process goes full swing. I was able to force myself to edit two more chapters (21 and 22), but have been pretty lazy in terms of my free time, playing on a WoW private server, reading about some of the buzz around the new edition of D&D, and generally working on some other non-creative outlets that lets me just sit and breathe. I’ll definitely get back to editing book #2, probably in the next week. That and the Stargate SG-1 movie finally came out and I’ve been waiting for it like a kid on Christmas eve.
The other reason, other than recreation, has been work. The spring is like a minor fall for me, meaning lots of work being done on special events, new programs starting, and a new brochure finalization. Our egg hunt had to be postponed due to the weather which presented a whole new slew of work in order to get the word out and reschedule. With all three of our big events out of the way and the brochure done, I hope to relax a bit and not have to do any more work from home on my computer as well (with WoW running in the background for some breaks). My weekends are either helping my girlfriend study and get around as she goes through physical therapy, or spent at work. Finally, though, she’s doing much better, her semester is almost over, and my events are finally done.
Which brings me to some apologies, for those who I hope read this blog. I apologize I haven’t been on Xbox Live these past two Mondays I also apologize for not having a working phone when I left for Cathie’s to help her study dissected animals this past weekend other than my work phone, meaning I missed the call about Wrestlemania (which I forgot all about thanks to the egg hunt on the 29) and missed that too. I really am sorry about that, I always look forward to PPV’s with friends and Royal Rumble was a fun time with everyone.
But really, I want to take this time not as an apology (now that they are out of the way and I can’t wait for this next Monday), but to get something out of my mind and into words. There is something that has been grating on me lately, and it’s the generation that is ahead of us. Those that are in their late 30’s and 40’s, who are so blind to the world of today they are in fact detrimental to everyone younger than them. Sure, a lot of woes can be tied to executives, CEO’s, and irresponsible leaders in this age group, but it goes beyond that. To be so naïve and nonchalant about subprime opportunities, scams, and the state of our financial well being at that age is astounding. These same people who have caused such harm to this world are blind as well to what is has become. They will lay judgment and blame on those younger and think that they, in their infinite wisdom that puts them needing government assistance with foreclosures and spending beyond their means from a sense of entitlement, know what is best. There are things they simply don’t understand because they are willingly blind.
I don’t care if you raised a family on one income in a house, it’s not possible anymore. I don’t care if the same percentage of income to debt ratio saw you through past year, because it doesn’t work like that anymore. There are people who think $50,000 in salary is more than enough for the American life to get by, when in reality to have a 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom house with just 1 child there is no choice but to make 6 figures combined. Costs of necessities have gone up, debt to ratio allowances have been skewed, and more and more those who are aging fail to realize these things and help make changes. It even spreads down, to those who think what I make a year is good. It isn’t. This isn’t a time when hard work pays off dividends on its own short term. More and more salaried people work 50-60 hour weeks where it’s the norm. There is no generation of overtime and going the extra mile to feed your kids, because salary is salary. No more can a parent stay at home. The older generation wonders why there is child care. The younger generation wonders why both parents need to work 50 hours for a house half the size with a third of the basics that older generations had. This isn’t about entitlement and luxury to a younger generation, but simply living. If someone made $35,000 a year in the northwest suburbs of Chicago, they could afford food, rent, and utilities for a 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom apartment, as well as car insurance. What they can’t afford is new glasses, or to go the dentist. Sure, they could get both of those, but then nothing would go into savings. Without savings, if a medical issue occurred, even a copay would cripple them into debt. This is the problem of today. Those handing out the checks see it as fine, despite $35k is actually nearly $10k below the limit of the area’s baseline for standard of living. Now throw a family in there and watch as everything crashes and burns.
I don’t know what the answer is short of waiting for the older generation to die and their leaders and ideals with them. There are exceptions of course, but almost everyone can count them one two hands alone throughout their life. Whether things will get better or worse in the next five years is yet to be seen, but all we can do is hope. If we have one thing going for us, we’re a generation of enthusiasts and hard workers in a time that other generations don’t understand. More and more expectations and entitlements are being thrown away for the zen of simplicity and happiness that has been vacant for nearly 40 years now. While HUD representatives are going to trial for their crimes, and CEO’s of subprime lenders are walking away receiving bonuses for the damage they’ve caused, we will grow and change. While a country stands by and gives tax breaks to oil companies that bring in billions of net profit, we will speak with our actions and a new way of life that meager allowances allow. We are a generation that doesn’t seek change, but instead forces it and adapts to allow it.
Take this time to change your life for the better without a material slant. Do what has been ignored for nearly an entire generation, and wanes each day. Go out and jog on a beautiful day through a park. Go to a library and actually read a god damn book of fiction that is good and that you like rather than cliché, cynical modernized novels touted as trendy. Go on a camping trip, or go make some smores. Do something that you haven’t done since you were a kid, and realize that the best change to make is going back to your roots and being happy with adapting yourself to a world where there is no entitlement but the kind you make yourself. Rely on yourself and those you love, those you share life with, and those who see happiness with clear eyes.
