New Year Thoughts

Happy New Year!
2009... can you believe it? It seems not that long ago my friends and I were in high school sitting in study hall figuring out how old we would be in the year 2000. The answer, 32, and we thought that was so old. It is true that people are only as old as they feel, however that age changes on a daily basis.

As a new year begins, I reflect upon the past, ponder the present, and think about the future. As a girl who lived through the 1980's as a teen, I find it fun to remember the music of the time: Bon Jovi, Van Halen, Black Sabbath, STYX, Zeppelin, Springsteen, Duran Duran, The Cure, The Cars, Prince, REM... etc. The music of the 1980's was very influential; it even had its affects on fashion. Who can forget the Flock of Seagulls hair style? Certainly people of my age group will remember flat ballet and jelly shoes along with jelly bracelets, leggings with baby-doll tops or shaker sweaters, acid wash jeans, flight pants, collars up, Converse high tops (known today as Chuck Taylor's), and leg warmers. I have purchased a few of these items for my own children, but the stories I tell during these shopping trips is only enjoyable for one of us... me.

Today the one thing that really stands out for me about the past is the intimidation and positive effect adults had upon children/teenagers. The words "Yes ma'am", "yes sir", "please", "thank you", "you're welcome", "excuse me" were common terms heard throughout school, among parents, and in public. Respect was in the air. But wait, I seem to recall seeing teenagers today wearing Black Sabbath t-shirts, bracelets up and down their arms, leggings, baby-doll tops, and flat shoes. It's not 1988 is it? Bon Jovi, Springsteen, Van Halen and Prince are still touring and my own children rock to their music. It brings a smile to my face. However, the respect that was once in the air has dissipated.

From my point of view, it is comforting to see children and teenagers enjoying the things that their parents are familiar with, and it is very nice to see prom dresses on the racks that actually cover the girls, but it isn't nice to hear and see the lack of respect kids today have for their parents, teachers, elders, each other and their surroundings. Apparently the term "what goes around, comes around" doesn't pertain to everything - only that which is easy to change such as a shirt or a record. AH, excuse me - a CD.

I hear people expressing worry about global warming, health care, education, and how our new African-American President will run our country. All are important topics and well worth worrying about, but it just may be beneficial for me, you, us to start worrying about and attempting to change the things that will have an immediate affect on society.

As a parent, it is my responsibility to reiterate to my children the importance of manners and respect. All children, not just mine, need to listen to their parents and teachers without talking back; they need to know they are not always right. If a child gets reprimanded in school - most likely it is because they deserve it. Children and teenagers need to accept punishments and learn from them. I wish kids today would realize swearing, smoking, and drinking is NOT cool. Hanging out on a street corner refusing to budge an inch to allow someone to pass by is NOT cool. Vandalism and defacing property is NOT cool and picking on someone whom a child or teenager may think not worthy to walk the same sidewalk as them is SO NOT cool.

Let me reassure you, I am not looking through rose-colored glasses. Back in the day when I was a teenager there were issues of disrespect, but the majority of these issues could be dealt with minus the fear of being sued or hurt. I feel it is time parents lead by example and take time out to spend with their children - communicate with their children. As a mother, I find it important to talk to my children about making good choices regardless what another peer may be saying. Kids will get in trouble, notes will come home, grades may slip, but take these issues {and others that may be encountered) and learn from them. Let us, adults and parents alike, not be so quick to point the finger at a teacher, another child, even another parent, to keep from accepting responsibility for the actions of our own children or even ourselves.

Perhaps a great resolution for all in 2009 would be to lead by example.
My personal wish to all of my readers is a happy, healthy, and prosperous 2009. May you experience tears only through laughter (or during a Hallmark commercial) and may any struggle you face be one that strengthens your soul.
Happy New Year.

The beginning of the end...

January 22, 2009


Today is the first day of class starting my final semester of college; the beginning of the end if you will. The class is PCM300, Professional Communication. The first assignment requires students to start a 'professional blog'.

Welcome to my professional blog entitled Kathy's PCM300 Professional Blog. I've blogged in the past through JSOnline, Community Now. During the semester I will share stories from my past blog.

The journey to the beaming light at the end of the tunnel is beyond exciting. My personal goal is to become a writer of sorts through blogging, poetry, memoirs, short stories, perhaps even photography. Stay tuned.