Yes, this is about making New Year's Resolutions, that list of things you need to do or get better at, but at the same time, it is not. Far too often, we fail to do these, and keep adding them to the list the next year, which is good in a way, but not so good. It means, we are procrastinating.
Speaking of which...
Yeah, I used those words to procrastinate the one thing I do need to do, right now, not next year.
Thank you all, for reading this blog, sharing it with others, and giving this former bum hope and drive to continue on with his writings, against most odds.
Most, not all. I admit I let some things block me, until I figure a way around them, which I tend to procrastinate at doing, as most hate how I tend to use the proverbial "bull in a china shop" approach to road blocks in my way. That leads me back to Resolutions, for Life, not just 2016.
So, here is my list of things to get better at. Try not to laugh with me, as I do at least chuckle at this list of things that I need to improve upon, as I sip a coffee, nibble a cookie, and sit someplace warm, for the moment. (Relax, I work outside nowadays, remember? I'm not out on the streets so far.)
Here I go:
1: To relax, and learn to thank folks more for good deeds, and do more good deeds myself, remembering that there is still a mental image of a certain pin upon my pocket flap that starts the day upside down, until I do a good deed. (Yeah, I just dated myself, again, with references to things much older than most web surfer's memories extend back to. Google it, kiddos, with a certain male oriented youth group that is always in the news lately for issues about acceptance, being at odds with their own credos.)
2: To share more stories and poems than the year before, if possible. Connectivity, creativity, and time permitting, of course. Not just here, but in other places as well, if I can.
3: To actually do the things on that WiP list in a year, for a change (2016, here I come with more ideas and drive, and maybe time, I hope.)
4: To at least hold my position in one online game, if not improve it, in the wins to sorties column. I miss being in the top ten percent there.... okay, maybe not the most constructive use of my time, but it is done with friends, so it means I will socialize outside of work, and face to face, not just online.
5: To find someway to start helping those still on the streets, prevent others from joining them, that does not alienate them, or those around me now, or compromise my ethics by supporting agencies and foundations that sometimes fudge their numbers to make it look like their path is making a real impact, not just a drop in the bucket they often do, due to foolish notions.
6: Get some things published, each and every year from now on. Note that plural. I intend to start moving onwards, ahead, and on several fronts. Now, qualify that with at least trying to, and I'd feel better, but aim high, as they say.
7: Expand my wardrobe to include more acceptable things than just work clothing, but continue to hate suits, and refuse to wear one again until they roll me into a crematorium. And to find a way to keep the hat from battering up so badly.
8: To keep smoking, not from addiction, but just pure spite. I never wanted a society without smokers, just one where non-smokers had a place. Going the opposite extreme is too much like the old days of smoke anywhere attitudes that failed to recognize the rights of those against it. Oh, and to have a stash of baccy ready for tougher times, just in case.
9: To not do this kind of list again, until all but this one have been met.
10: Ignore #9 as I bloody well please, as, hell, this is fun, if you make the things nutty as hell...
11: Buy a small island, declare myself king, and handout various nobility titles and grants as I see fit. Okay, I do that online with a few friends, but hell, having a real island to base it out of would be a hoot, if I ever get that rich.
12: To be more open to advice, in life and writing, and stop trying to see how far I can go in one spot without risk taking.
We'll see how I do, but, at least I have the rest of my life to deal with all but 9 & 10.
Merry whateverthehell you celebrate in this season, and a Happy New Beer (Yes, you must change your brand, or at least the style in a brand to expand your tastes. Those who do not imbibe, it applies to Root Beer as well... so try another style of Sasparilla or other soda.)
23December2016 - A Dyfedd Rex seeking to be on the naughty list this year, 'cause most times, Santa's budget means charcoal instead of coal, and I want to broils some steaks outside soon.
Showing posts with label Holidays. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Holidays. Show all posts
Wednesday, December 23, 2015
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
Ideas for the Giving Season - A Poem of Homelessness and Charity
This is not me begging, but ideas from a real street person as to what might be better, for those leary of giving cash. Which I fully understand. Seen too many packs, jackets and shoes being sold for cash, drugs or a swig from a bottle right after the gift was given myself. You still won't stop it all the way, but these are also things often traded for among us.
We call it "The Giving Season",
just as you homed folks do.
For us, it starts about now
or a few weeks back really.
Labor Day seems to spark urges
among folks who see us wandering
under heavy loads along these streets.
Don't know what moves their hearts
to open up wallets and bags
holding out things to we Homeless.
The knowledge that Winter is coming
with his nasty snows and cold?
Or that crisp morning's chilly air
that made you start looking quick
for the windshield scraper and rakes?
That blaze of turning tree leaves
whose color highlights our dingy clothes?
I really don't care reasons why,
I just want to thank you
even if those receiving seem rude.
Not all want to give cash,
and I don't blame them any.
Seen too many fellow panhandlers slither
over to dealers next corner over
and waste it all at once
seeking their next, perhaps last, high.
So, after thinking it over carefully
I have some suggestions to offer
as an actual Homeless wise man
for you to consider as alternates.
You don't need much to try
offering these to those holding kites,
as we call our cardboard signs.
Single packs of instant coffee work,
as do hot chocolate and kool-aids.
You can get cheap liner gloves
over at your local dollar stores
And socks, never forget we walk
long distances in the bitter cold
wearing those too long until destroyed.
Gift cards are a great idea
just choose their source with Wisdom.
While Starbucks might seem your choice,
you get more cups per fiver
over at McD's or Seven Eleven.
And if you choose food gifts,
as an allergy sufferer I plead
have choices to avoid reactions ready
on those most common, deadly allergens
like nuts, tuna, berries and soy.
Believe it or not, even trash-bags
can be very well accepted items,
on those rainy or snowy days.
Batteries keep us just like you,
as we have little electronic devices
to help us keep spirits up,
be it radios, gaming toys, flashlights,
or for a few, digital cameras.
See, you can find easy things
that let you give during this season.
Not saying it won't go wrong
in some cases despite avoiding cash.
Face it, barter is our economy
with cigarettes, instant coffee and tokens
be it bus, laundry or some other,
as our hottest and desired commodities.
And, yes, some will trade foolishly
giving up needed gloves for drugs,
but that choice they will make
has its own long-term costs attached.
If you decide charities are better,
please, research that organization very well,
and don't be afraid to ask
one of us for which seems
to have their brains in gear
about getting things to end users
in timely and efficient ways recently.
Also watch for fake organizations springing
up to sucker your dollars away
from where the need really is.
I'm not telling you to give.
That decision is your's to make.
Those as have the heart will,
those as don't, well, they won't.
And no matter how much spent
it won't end the homeless problem.
But you will make some better,
and give their spirits a lift.
And your own, probably, as well.
After all, it's the season's name...
...and what life is really about.
17SeptemberDyfedd Rex
We call it "The Giving Season",
just as you homed folks do.
For us, it starts about now
or a few weeks back really.
Labor Day seems to spark urges
among folks who see us wandering
under heavy loads along these streets.
Don't know what moves their hearts
to open up wallets and bags
holding out things to we Homeless.
The knowledge that Winter is coming
with his nasty snows and cold?
Or that crisp morning's chilly air
that made you start looking quick
for the windshield scraper and rakes?
That blaze of turning tree leaves
whose color highlights our dingy clothes?
I really don't care reasons why,
I just want to thank you
even if those receiving seem rude.
Not all want to give cash,
and I don't blame them any.
Seen too many fellow panhandlers slither
over to dealers next corner over
and waste it all at once
seeking their next, perhaps last, high.
So, after thinking it over carefully
I have some suggestions to offer
as an actual Homeless wise man
for you to consider as alternates.
You don't need much to try
offering these to those holding kites,
as we call our cardboard signs.
Single packs of instant coffee work,
as do hot chocolate and kool-aids.
You can get cheap liner gloves
over at your local dollar stores
And socks, never forget we walk
long distances in the bitter cold
wearing those too long until destroyed.
Gift cards are a great idea
just choose their source with Wisdom.
While Starbucks might seem your choice,
you get more cups per fiver
over at McD's or Seven Eleven.
And if you choose food gifts,
as an allergy sufferer I plead
have choices to avoid reactions ready
on those most common, deadly allergens
like nuts, tuna, berries and soy.
Believe it or not, even trash-bags
can be very well accepted items,
on those rainy or snowy days.
Batteries keep us just like you,
as we have little electronic devices
to help us keep spirits up,
be it radios, gaming toys, flashlights,
or for a few, digital cameras.
See, you can find easy things
that let you give during this season.
Not saying it won't go wrong
in some cases despite avoiding cash.
Face it, barter is our economy
with cigarettes, instant coffee and tokens
be it bus, laundry or some other,
as our hottest and desired commodities.
And, yes, some will trade foolishly
giving up needed gloves for drugs,
but that choice they will make
has its own long-term costs attached.
If you decide charities are better,
please, research that organization very well,
and don't be afraid to ask
one of us for which seems
to have their brains in gear
about getting things to end users
in timely and efficient ways recently.
Also watch for fake organizations springing
up to sucker your dollars away
from where the need really is.
I'm not telling you to give.
That decision is your's to make.
Those as have the heart will,
those as don't, well, they won't.
And no matter how much spent
it won't end the homeless problem.
But you will make some better,
and give their spirits a lift.
And your own, probably, as well.
After all, it's the season's name...
...and what life is really about.
17SeptemberDyfedd Rex
Friday, January 4, 2013
Passing on the Chili
This one won't be in the ebook, but its another one from recent events at the shelter...
enjoy.
Some folks fed us homeless, the other night.
Chili, cornbread and tons of sweet treats.
So it goes, in the giving season here
among the abandoned buildings and slowly gentrifying neighborhood.
but one comment came out, not meant meanly
when they offered us the remains without limit.
"Ma'am, three hundred Ninety of us sleep here
in one room, two or three per stack.
I don't think more chili is what's needed
if we want the building to remain standing."
She laughed at it, admitting to the danger,
but keeping the offer open to all there.
But that night, the guy's prophecy proved true.
Each and every on of us snored all night
from both danged ends, as the saying goes.
So, please. If we pass on some foods
don't call us ungrateful, just momentarily full
and scared of the breaking wind fireball effect.
4January2013 - Dyfedd Rex
enjoy.
Some folks fed us homeless, the other night.
Chili, cornbread and tons of sweet treats.
So it goes, in the giving season here
among the abandoned buildings and slowly gentrifying neighborhood.
but one comment came out, not meant meanly
when they offered us the remains without limit.
"Ma'am, three hundred Ninety of us sleep here
in one room, two or three per stack.
I don't think more chili is what's needed
if we want the building to remain standing."
She laughed at it, admitting to the danger,
but keeping the offer open to all there.
But that night, the guy's prophecy proved true.
Each and every on of us snored all night
from both danged ends, as the saying goes.
So, please. If we pass on some foods
don't call us ungrateful, just momentarily full
and scared of the breaking wind fireball effect.
4January2013 - Dyfedd Rex
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