We’ve been Dumbed Down

I parked my van outside of whatever company my middle son was working for – I know I should remember the name of the company, but to be honest I was just happy that he was employed. It was his first steady job and all I remember about it is that he called Canadians and offered them debt reduction plans because, well, Canada unlike America has done away with telemarketers from what I hear. However, even though telemarketers can’t call from within Canada, nothing stops them from calling in from without. Ah, how I wish that annoying business opportunity was illegal from the states as well.

“Yes, Mr. Cox, this is Mrs. Disturb Your Dinner from All Phone Companies and we want to sell you a plan that will ultimately screw you over.”

“Does it come with a free phone?”

Positions Available; People Aren’t

With the state of the economy and the high rate of unemployment, it amazes me how few people take finding a job seriously. By the manner in which applicants pass through employers doors it seems no one knows how to apply for a job anymore. You would think that parents would want their children employed and out of the house eventually, so would then teach their offspring the best way to land that minimum wage job at the local fast food joint. Apparently, they need the tax deductions every year and wish for their child to stay dependent. Not me, I want them out. I have plans for each of their rooms already drawn out.

However, I see the inadequacy of which teens are prepared for the work place, and as one who has to deal with it, it frustrates and saddens me. Unfortunately, you can’t tell these kids that looking like you just came out of a street brawl is not the way to land that job. However, since parents aren’t and schools don’t offer Applying 101, allow me to offer a few helpful tips.

I’ll Be On the Porch

In 2004, our area was hit by four hurricanes spaced two weeks apart. It was during the aftermath of these storms that my love for porches began and they in turn became my sanctuary.

Charley was the first storm to come our way. Our city was shut down and the beaches evacuated, which it turned out was unnecessary. While Charley wreaked major damage just north and west of us, all we really received was some rain and slight winds. Char and I were sitting on the front porch, which was nestled between our garage and front door, a cup of coffee in my hand and a Mountain Dew in hers. We could see the rain begin at the far end of the street, slowly creeping its way toward us. It was like watching a solid wall of water as it moved southeast, drenching everything in its wake, and then it just stopped moving. We sat there sipping our drinks in peaceful solitude as the storm raged safely around us.

There’s No Place like Home

I like going out. Really, I do. I enjoy taking the girls to a new restaurant or out for a night of dancing while listening to one of our favorite local bands, Switch. Furthermore, I love our little road trip excursions that take us on new discoveries of small towns that we never knew existed. I also love our friends, that loyal band of wayfarers that continuously help us sail into new adventures that keep life from ever getting boring. However, more than all of that, I love being at home.