Movie Etiquette 101

I remember going to the movies as a kid (many, many years ago) and how much my friends and I would look forward to one of the few forms of recreation in our small town. We did not have VCR's or DVD's at that time and the movies on tv were older movies with limited channels.
I also remember not having to pay nearly as much admission and the concessions were signifigantly less costly as well. Today, the cost of a movie is not so cheap and snacks and beverages are outrageously overpriced! That is the way of things though and the sound system is much improved as is the movie atmosphere.

Suffice it to say, that when spending said amount of money on the latest movie of our choice, we expect to be able to enjoy our viewing without interruption or disruption (whatever the case may be). It is not unreasonable to expect fellow viewers to be silent or speak softly as not to compete with the movie's dialogue. After all, you wouldn't want the person next to you to confuse your conversation about your disappointment in the fact that you are now two sizes bigger as you went on a binge eating spree during your winter depression, with the movie dialogue concerning the leading lady's downward spiral into insanity.

I can be fairly certain that no one sitting next to or behind you wants to listen to you chew your gum like a cow in a pasture and snap, crackle and pop are for rice krispies and NOT your gum!
For those who enjoy eating chewy or extra crunchy snacks, be aware that there are those around you who are plotting your demise and how best to make you suffer if you don't learn some manners. FYI: If people around you are casting evil glances your way, get a clue and be respectful to your fellow movie goers. Don't get me started on cell phones going off during a movie!

Parents, please monitor your children or hire a babysitter and keep them at home if they cannot behave in a public establishment. Do I seem a bit extreme in my expectations of the above mentioned patrons? I guess I believe that we should all be aware of our behavior when attending public events. Everyone wants to enjoy what they pay for, to relax and de stress and enjoy one of life's simple pleasures. Enjoy the movies, the concessions and do so respectfully.
Or take a class in Movie Etiquette 101.

Declaration of MY Independence

I, Patsy McKenzie, am proud to proclaim, that I am a citizen of the United States of America. I am a hardworking, underpaid, member of society and a single, divorced woman with strong opinions and admirable intellect. I, like many other Americans, pay taxes, a multitude of bills, drive a "sensible" four door sedan ( I cannot afford a gas guzzling,  pricey vehicle the size of a bus with today's gas prices!) This patriotic Patsy was a girl scout leader, PTO officer and keeps the cleanest abode in the region. I also take advantage of the privilege which our female ancestors fought so hard for, one of which is the right to vote for the candidate of my choice when election time rolls around. Or whatever candidate can AFFORD to run for office.

I believe in affordable health care for everyone in this country, a livable wage (What IS minimum wage again?) as well as a safe and crime free environment, clean, breathable air and quality education for all children who live in this country, so that "no child left behind" will ever have to say nu-clear, secertary and dubya. I believe all the above are rights and not privileges. I am here to state and these are my opinions, that everyone should have the right to choose the religion of their choice, or none at all if they so choose. Our sexuality is our own individual concern and no one else's, whether you are gay, straight, bisexual, or a single, middle aged, female who has been divorced for quite some time and doesn't want to date until SHE feels like it so back off already! I also believe that before we judge others, we should take a good look at ourselves, less we be judged by a jury of our peers and are found to be contemptable.

The rights I believe we do not have, are to ever raise our hand to strike another living soul, no matter what age, religion or reason unless your life it at stake. No one has the right to take what does not belong to them, whether we are a petty thief, bored housewife( most of the housewives on Bravo) rich drugged out starlets (Lindsay Lohann) corporate executives (Bernie Madoff) or government official ( I would get writer's cramp).
We also haven't the right to condemn, because we are condemnable and last but no less important, to kill because we covet or hate.

Bearing all this in mind, I still say that I am proud to be a strong, independent, opinionated, free spirited, spiritual (not religious) female citizen of the United States of America, in which because of the freedoms accorded by the United States Constitution, one of which being the right to free expression. I am able to state all of the above and I, Patsy McKenzie, thank you for sharing in my freedom!

Channeling Our Inner Sunshine

There are times when a rainy day can bring comfort. If we happen to be working at our place of employment on such a day, we may say to ourselves" It's such a gloomy day, I might as well be at work!" However, if we find ourselves at home on days such as these, we may be grateful to curl up in a comfy chair with a good book and a hot cup of coffee or tea and listen to the sounds of rain upon the roof.

Why then, do we not take the latter mentality and apply it to everyday living? We reside in a world where a great deal of focus is placed upon all that is wrong with us. We are plagued with allergies, mental disorders and physical ailments and those who are afflicted are driven to live their lives around their disorders, which greatly effects the quality of their lives. The afore mentioned conditions are very real, it is true but must we let them hold us back from all that life has to offer?

Instead of taking a night time sedative, why not meditate or listen to relaxing music and apply breathing techniques to calm our restless spirit. Those who suffer from depression, bi-polar and anxiety disorders would all benefit from exercise, which releases endorfants to stimulate not only the physical body but brings balance to our emotional well being. Medication alone, is not the answer. Even if one does not suffer from serious disorders, we are still prone to the stress and anxiety that accompanies all of life's challenges. We all must face crisis at some time or another such as: finances, relationships, parenting, peer pressure, self image and self acceptance.

Realistically, we can expect all of these things to happen as they are simply a part of life. We will not always find contentment every minute of the day but we can and must take responsibility for our own nirvana.
When life becomes a downpour, it is up to us to allow our inner sun to shine.

Tending Mary's Garden

As I look out my window at the beckoning space, which contains the lovely flowers and foliage placed inside a semi-circle of stone, I can't help but think of the petitie soul who created this sactuary of peace and serenity, amidst the suburban dwelling, in which those of us, her neighbors, still live. Her name was Mary and she was a fair haired Irishwoman, who could be brought to tears upon hearing an opera aria, or just as easily put you in your place, if so inclined, and sometimes, without much provocation. This feisty little woman with the Irish lilt, which had softened over the forty years she had been absent from her native country. She was a cultured individual who embraced art and music, was well traveled and an avid conversationalist, when she so chose.

There were those of us who called her mother, aunt, sister and friend.
Some knew her better than others but all who knew her will remember her in their hearts and minds. Mary is now gone in body but her spirit lives on in our memories and the lovely garden created by her loving hands and the blessings of Mother Nature. Some of us continue to nurture the delicate petals of the flowers that still bloom, despite the fact that she no longer tends them. We all realize that soon enough, someone else will possess "her" garden. As all good neighbors do, we will welcome them and wish them well and most of all, hope that they too, will cherish tending Mary's garden.

Wisconsin Governor slams capitol door in face of constituants

I do not mean the above title quite that literally but I think it is safe to say that the Governor of Wisconsin, Scott Walker seems to think that being head of the household means that he has the right to dictate who is and is not allowed to occupy the "capitol of the state of Wisconsin" including those who elect the very officials who represent our fair state. There have been state representatives who upon showing their ID badges, have not even been allowed in the building. This is a travesty and unconstitutional to say the very least!

I have been amused of late at the mathmatical findings and percentage quotes of those who find favor with our highest ranking state official. It seems that there are those who deem themselves proficient in the monetary amount of the expenditures of the cost of union workers and their representatives. I do not garner information that I cannot back up as factual as it may seemingly sneak up and bite one in the hindquarters when least expected. People are paying close attention to what is being said and by whom and the click, click, clicking of the computer keyboards across the state and all across the country for that matter, wield the sounds of those who must have facts and information as well as much needed ammunition (the peaceful kind) in which to carry forth into battle. Battle you say? You better believe it! Our very way of life and the way in which our state is being governed is at stake. Let us not forget the grandiose way in which Mr. Walker has decided to blaze his trail of glory right across the constitutional rights of public workers and their right to voice their concerns. His political stance on this bill would impact their very livlihood and ability to support their families, as well as the educational process in this, a state which has prided itself as having one of the highest levels of academic achievement on a national level.

We are now reaching a state of economic crisis not only in the state of Wisconsin but as a nation. I agree that we need to balance our budget and decrease our deficit but must we put the extent of this burden on those who serve our state with honor and diligence? This is not the way our state officials should treat the people whom they represent. I am deeply saddened that the state in which I have returned to call my home after an 8 year absence has come to this.

I hereby call out to all the citizens of the great and humble state of Wisconsin to defend those who serve all of us, for what they are asking is not much. Stand up for the equality of everyone's right to a fair wage and the right to voice their concerns when one would endeavor to take them away but most important, stand up for yourself for if we do not do this now, at this time,
we will forever regret using the single most powerful thing we possess.
The voice with which to say "I matter"!

The voices that won't be silenced

"Save the children, save the families, save the workers, save our pensions!" These are the words of Reverand Jesse Jackson spoken on behalf of Wisconsin state public workers in response to the "Budget Deficit Bill" a bill that, if passed, would signifigantly change the lives of many workers, families, students and clients in the state of Wisconsin. The Wisconsin state capitol building and it's grounds were a maze of peaceful, yet passionate supporters of the plight of those effected by this bill. Does Wisconsin need to make sacrifices to amend our debt? Of course but does the brunt of this debt have to be carried by a specific group of citizens?

There are those who call these individuals "selfish and greedy" among other negative comments I will not mention. "Unions breed Socialist mindsets" I have even read facebook posts which state that those who oppose this bill are "communists". One gentleman(I am being kind here) referring to educators stated "Why don't you get a REAL job!" That one made my right eye twitch for several minutes and let me tell you that when this particular spasm occurs, you better not be within arms distance of this otherwise peace loving female! Opposers have also stated their preference for "privatization". When it comes to a battle of wits, I am in my element. However, I find no pleasure in the battle of the witless! What I find really amusing is when the argument from those from the deep southern states who speak of "them thar no good teachers" and " I support my chilluns on my own income without no help from nobody and them thar public workers kin do the same dadgummit!" Let us also check the statistics of their test scores, SATs and well...you see what I'm getting at.

I actually used to like "tea parties" until those in attendance lately seem to think public workers are out for a free ride at their expense, as if the very workers they condemn DO NOT pay taxes??? Well, I would not want to attend a tea party anyway, where Governor Walker is the Mad Hatter. You might get tea but you can forget about the crumpets! Am I a radical liberal? No, actually, I consider myself a moderate. I believe we need to decrease the deficit and curb spending. I also believe we need to " spread the love". Do not just focus on one group to balance our budget. Do not give further funds(to the tune of millions) to the corporate sector. If people would receive a fair wage and treatment in the workplace, we would not need unions but alas, many would not be able to make a liveable wage. Workers have already agreed to pay cuts but deserve the right to "Collective Bargaining". It is a right as an American citizen and should be respected by all , especially our countries leadership.

Let us all unify whether pro or con on the issue of the people's right to have a voice. My most memorable moment observing this historical event on the capitol square, was the positive energy of the crowd, helicopters flying overhead, news teams abounding and the voice of Reverand Jesse Jackson as he stated with passion "Don't let them break your spirit!"

The Whispering of Angels

Is is not uncommon to hear or sense a message within the inner most dwelling of your brain, encouraging, enticing and encapturing your deepest soul stirrings. For those of us who believe in a higher plane of spirituality, one might say these messages may come from a heavenly source of all knowing, all seeing and enlightenment. I prefer to think of these barely audible, whispered or innermost communications to be that of the angelic realm.

It gives me great comfort to believe in times of trial or triumph, that I am receiving comfort or encouragement from a loving presence. Perhaps it could be the spirit of a loved one giving gentle guidance as we choose our life's path. There are also those times in which we must bear the burden's of which we would not choose. Wouldn't it bring solace to know we have a support system that no mortal being can provide?

As we get older and hopefully, wiser, we become more aware of our mortality and wonder what lies beyond the veil of human existance. Some may say that those of us who choose to believe in the existance of angels and spirits are deceiving ourselves as to the reality of such an impossibility. If that is the case, then let me be deceived, for I much prefer to believe in the "whispering of angels" than the "silence of the soul".