So I took my own advice this week.....
I took the time to devote my energy to those that matter the most in my life. I learned how to work the IPOD the mom-in-law got me for Christmas with help from my oldest. I have played HOURS of Monopoly with both my kids. We may not have it all- but we have just the right amount for me.
The kids are pretty sure I have flipped my lid. Yesterday we spent time doing nothing but spinning. Literally. We spun and spun in the kitchen and when we got too dizzy- we just collapsed on the floop in laughter. It was childish. It was pointless. But it was the greatest feeling I have had in years. We will do it again soon. Laughter is definitely the best medicine.
"Red Light Kisses" really threw them for a loop!! At first they weren't sure what to make of it. Then they were typical kids and started screaming "EWWW Mom & Dad you guys are gross". The one thing I noticed though was that seeing the hubby and I laugh and play like that helped put them at ease with the situation. We forgot about our stress as we played. We relaxed and just had FUN. It rubbed off on them- no matter how gross they thought we were being.
Since it is Tuesday- here is another clip from Tuesdays with Morrie (hang around long enough you will probably see the whole movie just really out of order haha)
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Monday, December 22, 2008
THANK YOU Does not begin to cover it......
Today was a GREAT day. It was one of those days I don't even have to look for anything simple to be thankful for. There are so many to thank I do not think I will hit everybody and my advance apologies if I overlook you......
To the members of IBEW- Thank you for all of your generosity and hospitality during todays toy drive. It was truly an honor to meet so many of you.
To the United Way: THANK YOU!! There are no other words that could possibly summarize the wonderful events of today.
To the members of our hardship committee- thank you for all of your hard work. It has been a crazy couple of weeks but today made it all worth it!!
Today was simply amazing. I met so many of you for the first time and the expressions on everyone's faces were AMAZING!! I am still humbled by this entire experience. I am completely speechless by the amount of love and holiday spirit I was surrounded by today. (Those of you who do know me are aware that "speechless" and I do not encounter each other often).
Let me end this with the ONLY choice to summarize my emotions right now.....
To the members of IBEW- Thank you for all of your generosity and hospitality during todays toy drive. It was truly an honor to meet so many of you.
To the United Way: THANK YOU!! There are no other words that could possibly summarize the wonderful events of today.
To the members of our hardship committee- thank you for all of your hard work. It has been a crazy couple of weeks but today made it all worth it!!
Today was simply amazing. I met so many of you for the first time and the expressions on everyone's faces were AMAZING!! I am still humbled by this entire experience. I am completely speechless by the amount of love and holiday spirit I was surrounded by today. (Those of you who do know me are aware that "speechless" and I do not encounter each other often).
Let me end this with the ONLY choice to summarize my emotions right now.....
Friday, December 19, 2008
Today is a good day
So I really TRY to have a positive outlook on each day as it comes. Today is a good day.....
1. I have made it through 82 days of my spouse being on strike without killing him (not to say I haven't entertained the thought haha)
2. I have awesome kids who now know the REAL meaning of the holiday season.
3. I got a million hugs from 53 five year olds
4. I managed to close out my 1st semester back to college with a 3.5 grade point average
I may not know what tomorrow holds- but today is a good day and I will enjoy it to the fullest....
1. I have made it through 82 days of my spouse being on strike without killing him (not to say I haven't entertained the thought haha)
2. I have awesome kids who now know the REAL meaning of the holiday season.
3. I got a million hugs from 53 five year olds
4. I managed to close out my 1st semester back to college with a 3.5 grade point average
I may not know what tomorrow holds- but today is a good day and I will enjoy it to the fullest....
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Live for Today- Worry about Tomorrow when it gets here
Since the beginning of this, I have my good days and I have my bad days. Some say how can ANY day possibly be good? This thought has even come to me on its own. But I stop and look around. I look at my spouse being able to spend time with our children. This was not something that had happened much over the years and I see the sparkle in their eyes. That makes that day a good day. Nothing could replace that.
Several years ago, my husbands father became ill. He required major surgery. The night before the surgery, my husband curled up in my lap and sobbed uncontrollably. This was one of the rare occasions I had seen him cry. The reality of his fathers aging and now illness had hit him like a ton of bricks. When I asked him why he was crying he said "Something could happen to him and I don't even know him." As a child, his father worked day and night at the plant to make sure the family was taken care of and had everything they wanted. As my husband grew, he did what most of us are guilty of- he found himself consumed with the events in his own life and never took the time to enjoy the wisdom and company of his father. As time went on, he continued to be caught up in his own life. His father has since recovered but that was a turning point for our household. It was then we began to realize how precious time is and we need to seize every day to the fullest. We still don't do as well with it as we would like. It takes effort and the will to MAKE the time.
I recently read a book by Mitch Albom entitled Tuesdays With Morrie Some of you may have read it or seen the movie. For those of you who have not here is a quick summary: Morrie Schwartz was a real man who shared his illness and journey to death with the world. Ted Koppel featured Morrie on "Nightline" twice. Morrie was Mitch's teacher and mentor in college. Then "life" happened. Mitch became so consumed in his own quest for the all mighty dollar he lost sight of what mattered. Until one night he saw Morrie with Ted Koppel on the 1st installment. Morrie was dying of ALS (Lou Gehrig's). Mitch decided to reconnect with his old friend before it was too late. Even in dying, Morrie continued to teach Mitch lessons that we should all heed while we are still living. The irony in this story in relation to ours: During the course of the story the writers at the Detroit Free Press went on strike. Instead of sitting around the house, Mitch took this time to experience the moments he was too busy for before. Here is a clip from the beginning of the movie:
I am still working on the blog I promised last night- don't think I have forgotten. That one is just a little more in depth than I originally anticipated
Several years ago, my husbands father became ill. He required major surgery. The night before the surgery, my husband curled up in my lap and sobbed uncontrollably. This was one of the rare occasions I had seen him cry. The reality of his fathers aging and now illness had hit him like a ton of bricks. When I asked him why he was crying he said "Something could happen to him and I don't even know him." As a child, his father worked day and night at the plant to make sure the family was taken care of and had everything they wanted. As my husband grew, he did what most of us are guilty of- he found himself consumed with the events in his own life and never took the time to enjoy the wisdom and company of his father. As time went on, he continued to be caught up in his own life. His father has since recovered but that was a turning point for our household. It was then we began to realize how precious time is and we need to seize every day to the fullest. We still don't do as well with it as we would like. It takes effort and the will to MAKE the time.
I recently read a book by Mitch Albom entitled Tuesdays With Morrie Some of you may have read it or seen the movie. For those of you who have not here is a quick summary: Morrie Schwartz was a real man who shared his illness and journey to death with the world. Ted Koppel featured Morrie on "Nightline" twice. Morrie was Mitch's teacher and mentor in college. Then "life" happened. Mitch became so consumed in his own quest for the all mighty dollar he lost sight of what mattered. Until one night he saw Morrie with Ted Koppel on the 1st installment. Morrie was dying of ALS (Lou Gehrig's). Mitch decided to reconnect with his old friend before it was too late. Even in dying, Morrie continued to teach Mitch lessons that we should all heed while we are still living. The irony in this story in relation to ours: During the course of the story the writers at the Detroit Free Press went on strike. Instead of sitting around the house, Mitch took this time to experience the moments he was too busy for before. Here is a clip from the beginning of the movie:
I am still working on the blog I promised last night- don't think I have forgotten. That one is just a little more in depth than I originally anticipated
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Ladies, we have the "gonads" too......
So in the beginning it was said the Union did not have the "gonads" to go out on strike. Last night the kids and I were surfing through YouTube.com looking at a bunch of videos of different songs we like and I stumbled across this one. Not one you would hear on mainstream radio because of the one word in the title but it is oh so true and made me smile a little bit.
Elizabeth Cook- Sometimes It Takes Balls to be a Woman
Well I need to grab some coffee- will blog more later. Just wanted to start my day with a smile.
Much Love,
~TS1~
Elizabeth Cook- Sometimes It Takes Balls to be a Woman
Well I need to grab some coffee- will blog more later. Just wanted to start my day with a smile.
Much Love,
~TS1~
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
LOOK BOTH WAYS BEFORE YOU CROSS THE STREET
****Just a reminder: This blog is the sole opinion of the author (well and probably a bunch of others but ya know how that goes....). It is no way officially related to the thoughts and opinions of LL 735 blah blah....in other words it is just my 2 cents*****
So, Vought has posted yet ANOTHER fact checker about working during the strike. Counting their original posting at the beginning, this is their third attempt at promoting us to cross the line. Perhaps they are confused about the fact that if the first 2 attempts did not work, this one will not either.
Here are some interesting things to think about and relay to ANYBODY you even suspect may be contemplating it:
The company "says" that it will adhere to most of the provisions of the contract in terms of job security blah blah.....Well what else has the company "said":
1. They SAID we deserved and would receive a fair contract. Ummm where is it????
2. They SAID (and continue to say) they desire to negotiate in good faith. By Dan Tharp's own admission the week before the vote, they had not even submitted an economic proposal by that time. Negotiations began August 4th so there is no explanation of this fact beyond the reason that the company just thought we would accept whatever they threw out there.
3. They maintain that they want to negotiate in good faith. How is it good faith when you bring your bullies with you and walk out of not one but TWO attempts to negotiate? If they were sincere in their good faith we would be back at the table this week-not next month.
4. They issue media statements that SAY they are fine without us. But when presented with a proposal by the Union, they then SAY they can't accept it as they have to recover losses that have resulted from the strike. What losses? They SAID they made a profit in the 3rd quarter....oh wait the small profit they did earn was because of the work done by the Union members before the strike.
5. They SAY no bargaining unit employees have been fired since they returned to work. Again, this is just my opinion but once you opt-out of the Union are you still a "bargaining unit employee"? I would think not as you have waived your right to Union representation and have removed yourself from the "bargaining unit". We all know of the ones who have been fired as a result of crossing the line so I must doubt the legitimacy of Vought's statement.
Vought can SAY anything. They will SAY anything. But saying something and meaning it are 2 entirely different things.
Those of you who have crossed should be FURIOUS. Salary employees received their bonus checks yesterday. What did you get?? Was crossing the line worth losing your dignity and the respect of the people around you? Was it worth the fact that you betrayed us? How long will the company actually keep you? Tennessee is a right to work state. So the "just cause" Vought refers to in grounds for termination can be very loosely interpreted. Tardiness, absenteeism, failure to perform....these are all "just cause" grounds for termination in Tennessee. How can you fully execute all of your duties without those us who actually know what we are doing? The company will make excuses for the contractors errors as they are not employees. They will not do the same for you. Sure hope you enjoy working during the holidays with no "perks" of holiday pay. You already know it is not going to happen.
There is no point in crossing the line now. You will gain nothing and stand to lose everything. Vought needs to come back to the table and get on with this. The only explanation for them not coming back before January is once again GREED. They will save a fortune in holiday pay but will it be worth the cost of not getting all of their products to EVERY customer? Vought talks about the state of the economy in their latest postings. Yeah it sucks. But what measures have they taken to help improve it by ending this FAIRLY and infusing money into it?
Today's video, by request of The Replacements has a lot of very valid lyrics to relate to this situation. (Hey, maybe I have a future as a DJ haha)
So, Vought has posted yet ANOTHER fact checker about working during the strike. Counting their original posting at the beginning, this is their third attempt at promoting us to cross the line. Perhaps they are confused about the fact that if the first 2 attempts did not work, this one will not either.
Here are some interesting things to think about and relay to ANYBODY you even suspect may be contemplating it:
The company "says" that it will adhere to most of the provisions of the contract in terms of job security blah blah.....Well what else has the company "said":
1. They SAID we deserved and would receive a fair contract. Ummm where is it????
2. They SAID (and continue to say) they desire to negotiate in good faith. By Dan Tharp's own admission the week before the vote, they had not even submitted an economic proposal by that time. Negotiations began August 4th so there is no explanation of this fact beyond the reason that the company just thought we would accept whatever they threw out there.
3. They maintain that they want to negotiate in good faith. How is it good faith when you bring your bullies with you and walk out of not one but TWO attempts to negotiate? If they were sincere in their good faith we would be back at the table this week-not next month.
4. They issue media statements that SAY they are fine without us. But when presented with a proposal by the Union, they then SAY they can't accept it as they have to recover losses that have resulted from the strike. What losses? They SAID they made a profit in the 3rd quarter....oh wait the small profit they did earn was because of the work done by the Union members before the strike.
5. They SAY no bargaining unit employees have been fired since they returned to work. Again, this is just my opinion but once you opt-out of the Union are you still a "bargaining unit employee"? I would think not as you have waived your right to Union representation and have removed yourself from the "bargaining unit". We all know of the ones who have been fired as a result of crossing the line so I must doubt the legitimacy of Vought's statement.
Vought can SAY anything. They will SAY anything. But saying something and meaning it are 2 entirely different things.
Those of you who have crossed should be FURIOUS. Salary employees received their bonus checks yesterday. What did you get?? Was crossing the line worth losing your dignity and the respect of the people around you? Was it worth the fact that you betrayed us? How long will the company actually keep you? Tennessee is a right to work state. So the "just cause" Vought refers to in grounds for termination can be very loosely interpreted. Tardiness, absenteeism, failure to perform....these are all "just cause" grounds for termination in Tennessee. How can you fully execute all of your duties without those us who actually know what we are doing? The company will make excuses for the contractors errors as they are not employees. They will not do the same for you. Sure hope you enjoy working during the holidays with no "perks" of holiday pay. You already know it is not going to happen.
There is no point in crossing the line now. You will gain nothing and stand to lose everything. Vought needs to come back to the table and get on with this. The only explanation for them not coming back before January is once again GREED. They will save a fortune in holiday pay but will it be worth the cost of not getting all of their products to EVERY customer? Vought talks about the state of the economy in their latest postings. Yeah it sucks. But what measures have they taken to help improve it by ending this FAIRLY and infusing money into it?
Today's video, by request of The Replacements has a lot of very valid lyrics to relate to this situation. (Hey, maybe I have a future as a DJ haha)
Monday, December 15, 2008
Hitting the Ground Running
Well it has definitely been a busy week-end for me!! But I have to say I have enjoyed EVERY minute of it!!
Sorry for the lack of communication in the past week but it was finals week for me at school!! Now that it is over I will have much more free time to concentrate my efforts on our cause. These efforts started on Saturday and have been NON-STOP already.
Canned Food Drive- I received contact yesterday from the one we all know as The Replacements. This person asked to meet up. They wanted to help us out and needed a starting point so they chose me. We met in a public place for both of our comfort and security since we were strangers. THE REPLACEMENTS DELIVERED OVER $200 IN CANNED FOOD FOR OUR FAMILIES!!. While we are on opposite sides of the gate, caring for others does not know any boundaries. Thank you Replacements for putting everything aside and just caring. While many of the Union members are not happy about what you are doing by working inside the plant, deep down we truly are grateful.
I would like to suggest, if you are not already, that if you need to make use of the canned food table that you make a donation to the hardship fund. No matter how small you can do, it will be able to help keep things like this going.
Angel Tree: Some of my outside sources have donated a few toys to help our children. I have been in contact with Angel Rock and have adopted my own angel on top of some angels I already knew about that I just wanted to sponsor. These other people did not come to me. I went to them. I heard of their situations through the grapevine on the line and it is my honor that they have allowed us to help.
Here is where I would like to go with my efforts from here and some questions that have been sent to me:
KROGER CARDS: Many of my "elves" do not want to do cash donations directly to the Union Hall. We will be loading as many Kroger cards as we can (dependent on the dollar amounts we receive). As we do this, we will also be helping one of the schools in our community. The Kroger cards we have purchased, as well as many of the ones at the Union Hall, are all specially bought as a fundraiser in which Kroger gives 5% of the totals back to the school at no additional cost to the purchaser or the receiver. PLEASE NOTE THAT KROGER CARDS ARE RE-LOADABLE!!If you have friends or family who want to help you out they can just take the card to Kroger and add more funds on it. Sure beats them shopping for you and you ending up with a pantry full of food you will never eat!! Kroger Cards can also be used for fuel and prescriptions!!
HARDSHIP FUND DONATIONS: I have had some inquiries as to how to donate via money order to protect identities of contributors. First, let me say some of you have the funniest anon e-mail addresses haha. If you wish to donate via money order, Mail it to the Union Hall at 1844 Air Lane Drive Nashville, Tennessee 37210. I have spoken with the treasurer of the hardship fund and if you "earmark" your donations for a specific part of the fund (i.e. medication, utilities, food) I have been assured that is where your money will be utilized. Of course cash donations are always accepted as well. If you do not want to (or simply CAN'T) go the Union Hall but wish to donate let me know and we can work around that one.
DEAL ALERT: K.B. TOYS HAS FILED FOR BANKRUPTCY!! EVERYTHING IN THEIR STORES IS AT LEAST 30% OFF AND THEY EVEN HAVE SOME BUY 2 GET 1 FREE DEALS GOING ON IN ADDITION TO THE 30% OFF!! SOME ITEMS ARE SCANNING FOR MORE THAN 30% OFF TOO!! I KNOW THERE IS ONE IN HICKORY HOLLOW MALL AND AM SURE THERE ARE MANY OTHER LOCATIONS IN THE AREA!!
Well time for me to get the little people off to school. Since my last video was kinda sappy (I am not a sappy kinda chick but I LOVE that song). Here is a little something a little more silly and will bring back the childhood memories for a lot of us:
~TS1~
ts1_2008@hotmail.com
Sorry for the lack of communication in the past week but it was finals week for me at school!! Now that it is over I will have much more free time to concentrate my efforts on our cause. These efforts started on Saturday and have been NON-STOP already.
Canned Food Drive- I received contact yesterday from the one we all know as The Replacements. This person asked to meet up. They wanted to help us out and needed a starting point so they chose me. We met in a public place for both of our comfort and security since we were strangers. THE REPLACEMENTS DELIVERED OVER $200 IN CANNED FOOD FOR OUR FAMILIES!!. While we are on opposite sides of the gate, caring for others does not know any boundaries. Thank you Replacements for putting everything aside and just caring. While many of the Union members are not happy about what you are doing by working inside the plant, deep down we truly are grateful.
I would like to suggest, if you are not already, that if you need to make use of the canned food table that you make a donation to the hardship fund. No matter how small you can do, it will be able to help keep things like this going.
Angel Tree: Some of my outside sources have donated a few toys to help our children. I have been in contact with Angel Rock and have adopted my own angel on top of some angels I already knew about that I just wanted to sponsor. These other people did not come to me. I went to them. I heard of their situations through the grapevine on the line and it is my honor that they have allowed us to help.
Here is where I would like to go with my efforts from here and some questions that have been sent to me:
KROGER CARDS: Many of my "elves" do not want to do cash donations directly to the Union Hall. We will be loading as many Kroger cards as we can (dependent on the dollar amounts we receive). As we do this, we will also be helping one of the schools in our community. The Kroger cards we have purchased, as well as many of the ones at the Union Hall, are all specially bought as a fundraiser in which Kroger gives 5% of the totals back to the school at no additional cost to the purchaser or the receiver. PLEASE NOTE THAT KROGER CARDS ARE RE-LOADABLE!!If you have friends or family who want to help you out they can just take the card to Kroger and add more funds on it. Sure beats them shopping for you and you ending up with a pantry full of food you will never eat!! Kroger Cards can also be used for fuel and prescriptions!!
HARDSHIP FUND DONATIONS: I have had some inquiries as to how to donate via money order to protect identities of contributors. First, let me say some of you have the funniest anon e-mail addresses haha. If you wish to donate via money order, Mail it to the Union Hall at 1844 Air Lane Drive Nashville, Tennessee 37210. I have spoken with the treasurer of the hardship fund and if you "earmark" your donations for a specific part of the fund (i.e. medication, utilities, food) I have been assured that is where your money will be utilized. Of course cash donations are always accepted as well. If you do not want to (or simply CAN'T) go the Union Hall but wish to donate let me know and we can work around that one.
DEAL ALERT: K.B. TOYS HAS FILED FOR BANKRUPTCY!! EVERYTHING IN THEIR STORES IS AT LEAST 30% OFF AND THEY EVEN HAVE SOME BUY 2 GET 1 FREE DEALS GOING ON IN ADDITION TO THE 30% OFF!! SOME ITEMS ARE SCANNING FOR MORE THAN 30% OFF TOO!! I KNOW THERE IS ONE IN HICKORY HOLLOW MALL AND AM SURE THERE ARE MANY OTHER LOCATIONS IN THE AREA!!
Well time for me to get the little people off to school. Since my last video was kinda sappy (I am not a sappy kinda chick but I LOVE that song). Here is a little something a little more silly and will bring back the childhood memories for a lot of us:
~TS1~
ts1_2008@hotmail.com
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Southeast Financial Strike Loan Info
I happened to see this in the comments on the main blog site and thought it was definitely worth posting on mine!! Many thanks to the Anon who originally posted it!!
Southeastern Financial is offering "strike loans". They are loaning out up to one MONTH'S average salary!! Here is what I know about it (I went and asked for details today so I could share it with as many as possible)
YOU MUST HAVE BEEN A MEMBER OF THE CREDIT UNION BEFORE THE STRIKE BEGAN
LOW INTEREST RATE
YOU HAVE 4 MONTHS TO REPAY THE LOAN. THE WAY IT WAS EXPLAINED TO ME WAS THAT YOU MAKE A BALLOON PAYMENT ON IT. MONTHLY PAYMENTS MAY BE AN OPTION- PLEASE JUST ASK THE GANG AT THE BRANCH.
What you need to apply:
Your check stub dated 9/12/08 which shows you paid your Union Dues
Your check stub dated 10/3/08 which shows your year to date income
(If you do not have these items the credit union can help you get copies of them)
I know of several people who do not "need" the money right now but they got the loan just to have it on hand. It can help take a little of the day to day stress off and make the holidays a little more "normal"
The hardship committee can help provide basic necessities to those in need but this is just another way to help keep us out ONE DAY LONGER!!!!
Kinda like a paid vacation where you actually get to take the time off :)
Southeastern Financial is offering "strike loans". They are loaning out up to one MONTH'S average salary!! Here is what I know about it (I went and asked for details today so I could share it with as many as possible)
YOU MUST HAVE BEEN A MEMBER OF THE CREDIT UNION BEFORE THE STRIKE BEGAN
LOW INTEREST RATE
YOU HAVE 4 MONTHS TO REPAY THE LOAN. THE WAY IT WAS EXPLAINED TO ME WAS THAT YOU MAKE A BALLOON PAYMENT ON IT. MONTHLY PAYMENTS MAY BE AN OPTION- PLEASE JUST ASK THE GANG AT THE BRANCH.
What you need to apply:
Your check stub dated 9/12/08 which shows you paid your Union Dues
Your check stub dated 10/3/08 which shows your year to date income
(If you do not have these items the credit union can help you get copies of them)
I know of several people who do not "need" the money right now but they got the loan just to have it on hand. It can help take a little of the day to day stress off and make the holidays a little more "normal"
The hardship committee can help provide basic necessities to those in need but this is just another way to help keep us out ONE DAY LONGER!!!!
Kinda like a paid vacation where you actually get to take the time off :)
Friday, November 28, 2008
Is convenience worth the cost?
This has been a mental "blog in process" for the last couple of days and I think I have my thoughts organized enough to put it into words. If not, I will just wing this one haha.
The economic strain across the country is being felt by all. I hear people all the time wondering how we got to this point. Everybody is looking for someone to blame when the truth of the matter is we, as a society in whole, are ALL to blame.
We live in a world of advanced technology. Just about every company offers online bill payments. Some charge a fee for this process while others do not. But are those that claim to be "free" providing this "no charge" service for us the consumers or for the "fat cat" executives own benefit? Let's make up a hypothetical family and look at the real costs involved:
Sally & John Smith have 10 household bills that they pay "conveniently" online every month. Of these 10 bills, 5 of them charge a $5 convenience fee for paying online. So they pay out $25 per month to save approximately one hour in writing checks. Actually if you consider the amount of time they have to spend inputting all of the information to pay these bills online, it is not even an hours worth of time. Most people at one time would have said $25 is not a big deal. Today it is a big deal in many households and if you look at the ripple effect this has it becomes an even bigger deal. Over the course of 1 year Sally & John will have paid out $300 in convenience charges! For many of us, that is the equivalent to a full months car payment all because writing out the same information we typed into the computer was too much work!! Had they taken the time to just write the checks and drop them in the mail for the year they would have written 120 checks on these payments and spent $50.40 in postage at the current rate of .42 per envelope. Most places, including banks, charge for check printing. Let's just put a price tag on that of $24.60 per year because I like round numbers haha. Sally & John would STILL have added $225 dollars to their annual budget!!
What we fail to see is the "ripple effect". During this time of huge lay-offs, how much of a role did we play in that? How many people lost jobs because it was "convenient" for us to just pay them online? A company could eliminate a lot of positions in payment posting departments, mailrooms etc. because it only takes 1 person to process electronic payments (if that-most places have computer programs to automatically post your payments) instead of the 5 they had prior to go through all of the mail for the day. This is another reason postage rates are going up and jobs are being lost in that industry. Another huge problem that has emerged as a result of the online frenzy is identity theft. Millions of people are victims of identity theft every year because they responded to phishing e-mails or were hacked as they entered their account information online. Repairing your entire life after having someone steal your identity can not possibly be worth any convenience.
The governments recent solution to this epidemic is the $700B bailout. How is that a solution? You are using my tax dollars to take away from programs that could benefit me and my family in the future to save companies who continue to hand out fat bonuses to their executives while the employees who made the company successful for so many years in the past are standing in the unemployment line?? Those tax dollars spent to help the ailing companies will not be replaced any time in the near future until we force corporate america to provide jobs.
So the next time you get the urge to grumble about writing a check and consider paying it online stop and think. How many families will you be helping if you just write the check and drop it in the mail? How much money can you potentially keep in your own pocket by NOT paying the service charge for that online payment?
The economic strain across the country is being felt by all. I hear people all the time wondering how we got to this point. Everybody is looking for someone to blame when the truth of the matter is we, as a society in whole, are ALL to blame.
We live in a world of advanced technology. Just about every company offers online bill payments. Some charge a fee for this process while others do not. But are those that claim to be "free" providing this "no charge" service for us the consumers or for the "fat cat" executives own benefit? Let's make up a hypothetical family and look at the real costs involved:
Sally & John Smith have 10 household bills that they pay "conveniently" online every month. Of these 10 bills, 5 of them charge a $5 convenience fee for paying online. So they pay out $25 per month to save approximately one hour in writing checks. Actually if you consider the amount of time they have to spend inputting all of the information to pay these bills online, it is not even an hours worth of time. Most people at one time would have said $25 is not a big deal. Today it is a big deal in many households and if you look at the ripple effect this has it becomes an even bigger deal. Over the course of 1 year Sally & John will have paid out $300 in convenience charges! For many of us, that is the equivalent to a full months car payment all because writing out the same information we typed into the computer was too much work!! Had they taken the time to just write the checks and drop them in the mail for the year they would have written 120 checks on these payments and spent $50.40 in postage at the current rate of .42 per envelope. Most places, including banks, charge for check printing. Let's just put a price tag on that of $24.60 per year because I like round numbers haha. Sally & John would STILL have added $225 dollars to their annual budget!!
What we fail to see is the "ripple effect". During this time of huge lay-offs, how much of a role did we play in that? How many people lost jobs because it was "convenient" for us to just pay them online? A company could eliminate a lot of positions in payment posting departments, mailrooms etc. because it only takes 1 person to process electronic payments (if that-most places have computer programs to automatically post your payments) instead of the 5 they had prior to go through all of the mail for the day. This is another reason postage rates are going up and jobs are being lost in that industry. Another huge problem that has emerged as a result of the online frenzy is identity theft. Millions of people are victims of identity theft every year because they responded to phishing e-mails or were hacked as they entered their account information online. Repairing your entire life after having someone steal your identity can not possibly be worth any convenience.
The governments recent solution to this epidemic is the $700B bailout. How is that a solution? You are using my tax dollars to take away from programs that could benefit me and my family in the future to save companies who continue to hand out fat bonuses to their executives while the employees who made the company successful for so many years in the past are standing in the unemployment line?? Those tax dollars spent to help the ailing companies will not be replaced any time in the near future until we force corporate america to provide jobs.
So the next time you get the urge to grumble about writing a check and consider paying it online stop and think. How many families will you be helping if you just write the check and drop it in the mail? How much money can you potentially keep in your own pocket by NOT paying the service charge for that online payment?
"Welcome" To Black Friday.....
I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving! Remember the time and smiles from your family could never have a price tag on them!!
Some of my "elves" braved the early morning yesterday to help get a jump on the holiday season to help our children. We received several gift donations already. Board games, baby dolls, a few barbie dolls and batteries.
Tip from one of my "elves": Target has packs of Ray-O-Vac batteries for $1!! This is a super inexpensive way to help out as EVERYTHING seems to run on batteries these days. (Also a great way to drive your co-workers insane at home by making sure the toys run and run haha)
I have received a list from the Union hall and we had 295 children signed up this past Monday. I will be in contact with the Union over the week-end as if we are going to pull this off I need a little more information than just sex and age. Hope to get an update out on that ASAP. I have already heard from a few who let me know that their child is included in the count but through family support they want to pass on our assistance to make it possible to help those who are in true need.
As we kick off the holiday season, I had to share with you my all time favorite Christmas song. I think it truly embodies the meaning of the season.
A random act of kindness goes a long way!
Until next time...(which will probably be tomorrow or even later today!)
Much Love,
~TS1~
ts1_2008@hotmail.com
Some of my "elves" braved the early morning yesterday to help get a jump on the holiday season to help our children. We received several gift donations already. Board games, baby dolls, a few barbie dolls and batteries.
Tip from one of my "elves": Target has packs of Ray-O-Vac batteries for $1!! This is a super inexpensive way to help out as EVERYTHING seems to run on batteries these days. (Also a great way to drive your co-workers insane at home by making sure the toys run and run haha)
I have received a list from the Union hall and we had 295 children signed up this past Monday. I will be in contact with the Union over the week-end as if we are going to pull this off I need a little more information than just sex and age. Hope to get an update out on that ASAP. I have already heard from a few who let me know that their child is included in the count but through family support they want to pass on our assistance to make it possible to help those who are in true need.
As we kick off the holiday season, I had to share with you my all time favorite Christmas song. I think it truly embodies the meaning of the season.
A random act of kindness goes a long way!
Until next time...(which will probably be tomorrow or even later today!)
Much Love,
~TS1~
ts1_2008@hotmail.com
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Contacting Me.....
I have had several messages wanting to know how to contact me regarding helping out over the holidays.
I hope it can be understood why I am reluctant to acknowledge my true identity in this type of forum. I would like to thank Communicator for even protecting my identity at the Union Hall.
Things have been said on both sides of this battle that would make anyone nervous about revealing their true identity. I have read the posting by The Replacements on another website threatening to reveal our personal information. While I chose not to reply to that posting, I am using it simply as an example of WHY I am hesitant. While The Replacements has done nothing on this blog of a malicious nature, prior actions cause some concern for me.
Trust has to begin somewhere so I guess it will start with me. This effort is not about me but about the Union children and there is nothing we will not do for our children. Should you need to contact me directly I have set up the following e-mail address:
ts1_2008@hotmail.com
All e-mails to that address are 100% confidential. I would also like to encourage requests for assistance that I can help with now be directed to this e-mail address instead of on this blog. Any threatening e-mails sent to that address WILL be reported to the proper authorities!! I hope we can all be mature enough for it not to come to that
PLEASE NOTE: I CAN DO MY BEST TO HELP WITH CHRISTMAS ITEMS AND CLOTHING!! ALL MONETARY AND FINANCIAL REQUESTS NEED TO GO TO THE UNION!!
I hope it can be understood why I am reluctant to acknowledge my true identity in this type of forum. I would like to thank Communicator for even protecting my identity at the Union Hall.
Things have been said on both sides of this battle that would make anyone nervous about revealing their true identity. I have read the posting by The Replacements on another website threatening to reveal our personal information. While I chose not to reply to that posting, I am using it simply as an example of WHY I am hesitant. While The Replacements has done nothing on this blog of a malicious nature, prior actions cause some concern for me.
Trust has to begin somewhere so I guess it will start with me. This effort is not about me but about the Union children and there is nothing we will not do for our children. Should you need to contact me directly I have set up the following e-mail address:
ts1_2008@hotmail.com
All e-mails to that address are 100% confidential. I would also like to encourage requests for assistance that I can help with now be directed to this e-mail address instead of on this blog. Any threatening e-mails sent to that address WILL be reported to the proper authorities!! I hope we can all be mature enough for it not to come to that
PLEASE NOTE: I CAN DO MY BEST TO HELP WITH CHRISTMAS ITEMS AND CLOTHING!! ALL MONETARY AND FINANCIAL REQUESTS NEED TO GO TO THE UNION!!
Monday, November 24, 2008
Helping for the Holidays
It has been brought to my attention that we have people who would like to help make sure we can stand by the fact that SANTA DOES NOT GO ON STRIKE!!!
I have received numerous messages from my initial cry for help of people wanting to help with Christmas gifts as well as the food and clothing donations I initially asked for. I have also been contacted through this blog about people wanting to help under anonymous circumstances.
The Replacements suggested on my last posting the idea of Paypal or Wal-Mart money grams. While these are great ideas, the anon. factor could be lost as those channels require the senders name and personal information when they send money. Paypal would also charge processing fees if somebody donated via credit card which would be less we could do for our children. I also can not set any of this up as I am NOT officially with LL 735- I'm just another one of the family members trying to do what I can to help as many as I can.
Some suggestions I have are that anyone wishing to contribute to our efforts can take donations to the Union Hall. You can bring gift cards there or you can make cash donations to help make sure our members have basic essentials.Money Orders and Cashiers checks mailed in to the Union Hall are another way to secretly contribute. This keeps your personal checking information confidential (i.e. you address, your account number etc.) yet still helps. I totally understand this could put some people in an awkward situation- especially those members of management who have supported us through this (you know who you are). If this is the case, you can mail in your support or I can make arrangements to pick up any help you wish to provide. I will not send union members due to the tension on both sides right now. Anybody wishing to help in this manner can post a comment on this blog with DO NOT APPROVE attached to it. If you do this you will have to tell me who you are and how you may be contacted. I strongly believe in confidentiality as I have said in previous posts and guarantee you 100% anonymity. (YES THIS INCLUDES ANON WITH MY OWN HUSBAND!!)
As I went through the Sunday paper yesterday, I saw a LOT of items on sale or being offered under buy one get one free. As I shop for my own family this week, I will also be shopping for my Union family. If an item is Buy 1 get 1 and is on my list- I will be picking up 2- one for my child and one for the Santa Drive. Target also has a lot of board games on sale for $4. I will be picking up some of those as well. My youngest child had asked for one of them specifically and it was going to run me $20 For that same $20- my child will now have the gift they wanted but 3 other children will also have a gift.
Time for me to pop off of here and get the family kicked in the rear. Thanks so much for all of your comments!!
I have received numerous messages from my initial cry for help of people wanting to help with Christmas gifts as well as the food and clothing donations I initially asked for. I have also been contacted through this blog about people wanting to help under anonymous circumstances.
The Replacements suggested on my last posting the idea of Paypal or Wal-Mart money grams. While these are great ideas, the anon. factor could be lost as those channels require the senders name and personal information when they send money. Paypal would also charge processing fees if somebody donated via credit card which would be less we could do for our children. I also can not set any of this up as I am NOT officially with LL 735- I'm just another one of the family members trying to do what I can to help as many as I can.
Some suggestions I have are that anyone wishing to contribute to our efforts can take donations to the Union Hall. You can bring gift cards there or you can make cash donations to help make sure our members have basic essentials.Money Orders and Cashiers checks mailed in to the Union Hall are another way to secretly contribute. This keeps your personal checking information confidential (i.e. you address, your account number etc.) yet still helps. I totally understand this could put some people in an awkward situation- especially those members of management who have supported us through this (you know who you are). If this is the case, you can mail in your support or I can make arrangements to pick up any help you wish to provide. I will not send union members due to the tension on both sides right now. Anybody wishing to help in this manner can post a comment on this blog with DO NOT APPROVE attached to it. If you do this you will have to tell me who you are and how you may be contacted. I strongly believe in confidentiality as I have said in previous posts and guarantee you 100% anonymity. (YES THIS INCLUDES ANON WITH MY OWN HUSBAND!!)
As I went through the Sunday paper yesterday, I saw a LOT of items on sale or being offered under buy one get one free. As I shop for my own family this week, I will also be shopping for my Union family. If an item is Buy 1 get 1 and is on my list- I will be picking up 2- one for my child and one for the Santa Drive. Target also has a lot of board games on sale for $4. I will be picking up some of those as well. My youngest child had asked for one of them specifically and it was going to run me $20 For that same $20- my child will now have the gift they wanted but 3 other children will also have a gift.
Time for me to pop off of here and get the family kicked in the rear. Thanks so much for all of your comments!!
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Signs of Strength on Day 56.....
Dang at least that stupid counter is good for something haha.......
By the way- let's all say "Hi Replacements!!" Do you REALLY have nothing better to do than linger on every single blog or posting site on the internet that has to do with this strike???
These are just a couple of things I have found. Believe them. They DO help.
I have recently renamed this one "Dear Mr. Management....". Pretty ironic that there is the Texas connection now isn't it??
They would never take a walk with me.
They don't know nothing about hard work.
I shall refrain from any comments about the "You've come a long way from whiskey and cocaine" reference ...chuckle....
By the way- let's all say "Hi Replacements!!" Do you REALLY have nothing better to do than linger on every single blog or posting site on the internet that has to do with this strike???
These are just a couple of things I have found. Believe them. They DO help.
I have recently renamed this one "Dear Mr. Management....". Pretty ironic that there is the Texas connection now isn't it??
They would never take a walk with me.
They don't know nothing about hard work.
I shall refrain from any comments about the "You've come a long way from whiskey and cocaine" reference ...chuckle....
Friday, November 21, 2008
CLOTHING AVAILABLE!!!!
Last week I sent out a "cry for help" to our friends and family to help our Union Family. I e-mailed my entire address book and the response has been huge!!
I have a TON of clothing donations at my house for the entire family (yes, adults too!!) Most of what has been given is tops since those are the easiest to fit people by general size!! I have a variety of sizes ranging from small up to 3XL!! A lot of it is sweaters, jackets and long sleeved shirts.
Because of space restrictions I have not brought this to the Union Hall but it IS available if you need it.
I know a lot of us have our pride. We want to keep our struggles to ourselves. I am just as guilty as everybody else even though I know I am not alone in what I am going through. If you need items please contact the hardship committee and let them know (I have revealed my identity to several members so they know how to contact me) OR you may leave a comment on this blog. To remain anon in your request please provide me with your last initial and the last 4 numbers to your phone number. (Example:Z1234). I can then prepare a box for you and deliver it to the union hall where it can be picked up when you get your strike check. If you do not want to remain anon- feel free to tell me your name, a contact number, what shift you are on the line and which gate. I only live about 15 minutes from the plant so I should be able to work out a way to meet up with you.
If you have things you can donate to the clothing drive- let me know that too!!! I will be happy to add it to the inventory I have!!
PLEASE NOTE THE ONLY COMMENTS REQUESTING HELP THAT WILL BE APPROVED ON THIS ENTRY ARE REQUESTS I CAN NOT FILL AT THE TIME!!! ONCE WE ARE ABLE TO FILL THE REQUEST I WILL REMOVE THE COMMENT FROM THE BLOG!!
I am also working on an "Angel Tree" plan for our little ones...after all Santa does not go on strike!!
I have a TON of clothing donations at my house for the entire family (yes, adults too!!) Most of what has been given is tops since those are the easiest to fit people by general size!! I have a variety of sizes ranging from small up to 3XL!! A lot of it is sweaters, jackets and long sleeved shirts.
Because of space restrictions I have not brought this to the Union Hall but it IS available if you need it.
I know a lot of us have our pride. We want to keep our struggles to ourselves. I am just as guilty as everybody else even though I know I am not alone in what I am going through. If you need items please contact the hardship committee and let them know (I have revealed my identity to several members so they know how to contact me) OR you may leave a comment on this blog. To remain anon in your request please provide me with your last initial and the last 4 numbers to your phone number. (Example:Z1234). I can then prepare a box for you and deliver it to the union hall where it can be picked up when you get your strike check. If you do not want to remain anon- feel free to tell me your name, a contact number, what shift you are on the line and which gate. I only live about 15 minutes from the plant so I should be able to work out a way to meet up with you.
If you have things you can donate to the clothing drive- let me know that too!!! I will be happy to add it to the inventory I have!!
PLEASE NOTE THE ONLY COMMENTS REQUESTING HELP THAT WILL BE APPROVED ON THIS ENTRY ARE REQUESTS I CAN NOT FILL AT THE TIME!!! ONCE WE ARE ABLE TO FILL THE REQUEST I WILL REMOVE THE COMMENT FROM THE BLOG!!
I am also working on an "Angel Tree" plan for our little ones...after all Santa does not go on strike!!
Monday, November 17, 2008
Stretching one dollar a mile long.....
Having been a bill collector over the last 15 years I wanted to post just a few tips I have that may be able to help you make it ONE DAY LONGER!!! Please keep in mind that most of these are based on the assumption that you were able to be somewhat current BEFORE the strike.
1. Home/Car Loans- CALL THEM!! They really do not want your house. They really do not want your car. Defer payments on these large expenses if you can. What these companies ultimately want is payment. When I contacted my finance company on my car to ask about a single deferment, they actually gave me TWO months!! That is one less bill I will have to worry about until January now!!
2. Collection Agencies- Yep, we all hate them. The difference now is the fact that we are not making what we are used to. They may be able to work with you more now because of your reduced income. A lot of medical bills can be completely written off!! It never hurts to try!!
3. Credit Cards- A lot of credit card companies offer "unemployment insurance". A STRIKE IS USUALLY COVERED UNDER THESE!! If you have this on your credit cards, use it!! You have paid the premiums for it so why not?? They will freeze your access to the card so make sure you can get the daily essentials without it but it is one less check you will have to write!! The insurance will pay your monthly payments for you and this will help keep your credit in good standing!!
4. Medical Expenses- Your regular doctor may offer a "self pay" rate for patients who do not have insurance. Sometimes it is even less than what you would pay if you used insurance!! Don't be afraid to ask. "Doctor Shopping" and going to doctors other than your own just because they are lower priced is not a very safe thing to do as these other places do not have the access to your medical records that your regular doctor does.
5. Prescription Costs- Now these can be safely shopped for. Call around to other pharmacies and ask what they would charge for your prescription with no insurance. In many cases you can even call back to your original pharmacy and tell them if you found it cheaper somewhere else and they will match it because they do not want to lose your business!! A lot of them actually call and check with the other pharmacy so be sure and tell the truth :)
We are in this together and we are here for the long haul. Like many of you, we are a single income family and the husband likes to refer to me as "Ms. Cheap". I guess being cheap has gotten us this far. Some other suggestions I could make to you are:
1. COUPONS- You can save an absolute fortune and they do not take long to clip. There are even a bunch of websites you can print them from home!! I go every Sunday and buy ONE copy of the paper (as long as it says it has coupons haha)When I get home, I go through them and if there are a lot I will use I actually check back at Kroger on MONDAY and pick up a couple more copies. (Kroger sells the Sunday paper on Monday for $1.00)
2. STOCK UP- If you can find a really good deal on non-perishable items you know you will use- stock up on them. Especially if you do the coupon thing too!! I can't begin to tell you how much stuff we had that I "bought" even though we did not need it right that moment. I had coupons that made most of it FREE!! Example: Suave shampoo at Kroger was on sale for $1.00. I had a 50 cent coupon (well a bunch of them haha). Kroger DOUBLED that so I got it for FREE!! I haven't had to worry about shampoo for 6 months!! I know that seems like a little thing but little things will add up!! Last week I was able to get 24 count boxes of Tylenol for 50 cents!! Kroger had them on sale for $2.50 and I had my little coupons for $2 off any size!! With as many headaches as we have all had over this whole thing I am sure I will need it.
3. BARGAIN SHOP- A lot of grocery stores do "close outs" on items. Basically the are not carrying them anymore and need to clear them out of the inventory. One thing I have learned is that they do not necessarily discontinue the same item at all stores. If it sells well in another store they will continue to carry it at that store. If you pass several different locations of the same store on a regular basis- pop in and see what they have on close-out.
4. GOODWILL- You really can't beat some of their bargains. They have certain days with different sales specials. If you take the time to look you can find great bargains on clothing!! A lot of it is all brand new with price tags still on it!!
Well, I am sure I have not covered everything I wanted to in this so my next installment will be coming soon.
~TS1~
1. Home/Car Loans- CALL THEM!! They really do not want your house. They really do not want your car. Defer payments on these large expenses if you can. What these companies ultimately want is payment. When I contacted my finance company on my car to ask about a single deferment, they actually gave me TWO months!! That is one less bill I will have to worry about until January now!!
2. Collection Agencies- Yep, we all hate them. The difference now is the fact that we are not making what we are used to. They may be able to work with you more now because of your reduced income. A lot of medical bills can be completely written off!! It never hurts to try!!
3. Credit Cards- A lot of credit card companies offer "unemployment insurance". A STRIKE IS USUALLY COVERED UNDER THESE!! If you have this on your credit cards, use it!! You have paid the premiums for it so why not?? They will freeze your access to the card so make sure you can get the daily essentials without it but it is one less check you will have to write!! The insurance will pay your monthly payments for you and this will help keep your credit in good standing!!
4. Medical Expenses- Your regular doctor may offer a "self pay" rate for patients who do not have insurance. Sometimes it is even less than what you would pay if you used insurance!! Don't be afraid to ask. "Doctor Shopping" and going to doctors other than your own just because they are lower priced is not a very safe thing to do as these other places do not have the access to your medical records that your regular doctor does.
5. Prescription Costs- Now these can be safely shopped for. Call around to other pharmacies and ask what they would charge for your prescription with no insurance. In many cases you can even call back to your original pharmacy and tell them if you found it cheaper somewhere else and they will match it because they do not want to lose your business!! A lot of them actually call and check with the other pharmacy so be sure and tell the truth :)
We are in this together and we are here for the long haul. Like many of you, we are a single income family and the husband likes to refer to me as "Ms. Cheap". I guess being cheap has gotten us this far. Some other suggestions I could make to you are:
1. COUPONS- You can save an absolute fortune and they do not take long to clip. There are even a bunch of websites you can print them from home!! I go every Sunday and buy ONE copy of the paper (as long as it says it has coupons haha)When I get home, I go through them and if there are a lot I will use I actually check back at Kroger on MONDAY and pick up a couple more copies. (Kroger sells the Sunday paper on Monday for $1.00)
2. STOCK UP- If you can find a really good deal on non-perishable items you know you will use- stock up on them. Especially if you do the coupon thing too!! I can't begin to tell you how much stuff we had that I "bought" even though we did not need it right that moment. I had coupons that made most of it FREE!! Example: Suave shampoo at Kroger was on sale for $1.00. I had a 50 cent coupon (well a bunch of them haha). Kroger DOUBLED that so I got it for FREE!! I haven't had to worry about shampoo for 6 months!! I know that seems like a little thing but little things will add up!! Last week I was able to get 24 count boxes of Tylenol for 50 cents!! Kroger had them on sale for $2.50 and I had my little coupons for $2 off any size!! With as many headaches as we have all had over this whole thing I am sure I will need it.
3. BARGAIN SHOP- A lot of grocery stores do "close outs" on items. Basically the are not carrying them anymore and need to clear them out of the inventory. One thing I have learned is that they do not necessarily discontinue the same item at all stores. If it sells well in another store they will continue to carry it at that store. If you pass several different locations of the same store on a regular basis- pop in and see what they have on close-out.
4. GOODWILL- You really can't beat some of their bargains. They have certain days with different sales specials. If you take the time to look you can find great bargains on clothing!! A lot of it is all brand new with price tags still on it!!
Well, I am sure I have not covered everything I wanted to in this so my next installment will be coming soon.
~TS1~
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Ode to our pig....
Happened to find this today.......
Kinda makes me think of what management must look like out there on the shop floor...
***Please note that this blog expresses the sole opinion of the author and does not reflect any other points of view*** (Well it probably does but ya know how that goes....)
I liked this one too....
Kinda makes me think of what management must look like out there on the shop floor...
***Please note that this blog expresses the sole opinion of the author and does not reflect any other points of view*** (Well it probably does but ya know how that goes....)
I liked this one too....
The growing family....
It is so hard to believe it has been a month already. But it has. The solidarity shown by the IAM 735 continues to inspire me each day.
I have so much I want to type I do not even know where to start- guess that means I need to do this thing more often haha.
I have been asked to pass on the words of support I have received from my classmates and professors. One of my instructors drives by our picket line every day and makes it a point to honk her horn to show her support. She told me yesterday that actually knowing someone involved in this has helped her to better understand our struggle. I gave serious consideration to dropping out of school when this all began. My husband would not hear of it. My professors have been amazing in working with me through this. They are understanding of the fact that I may need to miss classes from time to time because of childcare etc.
The deadline for me to withdraw was 11/4. I have seriously wondered if I made the right decision by sticking out the semester. I have determined that it was absolutely the best choice for one main reason. If I drop out of school, Vought wins. They will have broken the potential future for my family and there is NO WAY I will let them do that. I hold this same belief for our union family. There is NO WAY I could turn my back on any of you who have stood proudly in our fight. I intend on doing everything I can to help people stay out "one day longer".
I know we go back to the table on the 12th. I do not plan on letting that fact slow my efforts in making sure I do all I can to see the union through this. I do not anticipate Vought coming to the table with a decent contract. I would love for them to prove me wrong, but I live in reality not the company's "Fantasyland". So here is a "reality check":
1. We have made it this far together- nothing can stop us as long as we remain united. We all know the holidays are around the corner but we will survive that too if need be. The stress of this entire situation SUCKS!!! I would be lying if I said otherwise. But nobody is in this alone. Do not be afraid to talk about it.
2. Pride is a bitter thing to swallow. I know there are members out there who could use the help but taking that first step of going to the hardship committee is enough to make you choke on your pride. If you need the help, ASK!! Even if it is not monetary help, there are 900 of us- we WILL find the resources you need one way or another. I would encourage everybody that if at all possible- donate to the food bank at the union hall. It is a whole lot easier on a persons pride to help themselves to food and clothing than to admit face to face you need the help.
3. The community is more behind us than we realize as individuals. Talk to your friends, family etc. about unused items that could benefit a union brother or sister. Even if they are items your particular household may not need- somebody will. I have practiced what I preach and have received an insane amount of clothing donations which I am in the process of sorting through by size etc. Let the committee know what you need- I will more than likely have it and can get it to the union hall.
Well that is enough rambling for one day. I will post again soon since I have a wide variety of topics I want to cover.
Much Love,
~TS1~
I have so much I want to type I do not even know where to start- guess that means I need to do this thing more often haha.
I have been asked to pass on the words of support I have received from my classmates and professors. One of my instructors drives by our picket line every day and makes it a point to honk her horn to show her support. She told me yesterday that actually knowing someone involved in this has helped her to better understand our struggle. I gave serious consideration to dropping out of school when this all began. My husband would not hear of it. My professors have been amazing in working with me through this. They are understanding of the fact that I may need to miss classes from time to time because of childcare etc.
The deadline for me to withdraw was 11/4. I have seriously wondered if I made the right decision by sticking out the semester. I have determined that it was absolutely the best choice for one main reason. If I drop out of school, Vought wins. They will have broken the potential future for my family and there is NO WAY I will let them do that. I hold this same belief for our union family. There is NO WAY I could turn my back on any of you who have stood proudly in our fight. I intend on doing everything I can to help people stay out "one day longer".
I know we go back to the table on the 12th. I do not plan on letting that fact slow my efforts in making sure I do all I can to see the union through this. I do not anticipate Vought coming to the table with a decent contract. I would love for them to prove me wrong, but I live in reality not the company's "Fantasyland". So here is a "reality check":
1. We have made it this far together- nothing can stop us as long as we remain united. We all know the holidays are around the corner but we will survive that too if need be. The stress of this entire situation SUCKS!!! I would be lying if I said otherwise. But nobody is in this alone. Do not be afraid to talk about it.
2. Pride is a bitter thing to swallow. I know there are members out there who could use the help but taking that first step of going to the hardship committee is enough to make you choke on your pride. If you need the help, ASK!! Even if it is not monetary help, there are 900 of us- we WILL find the resources you need one way or another. I would encourage everybody that if at all possible- donate to the food bank at the union hall. It is a whole lot easier on a persons pride to help themselves to food and clothing than to admit face to face you need the help.
3. The community is more behind us than we realize as individuals. Talk to your friends, family etc. about unused items that could benefit a union brother or sister. Even if they are items your particular household may not need- somebody will. I have practiced what I preach and have received an insane amount of clothing donations which I am in the process of sorting through by size etc. Let the committee know what you need- I will more than likely have it and can get it to the union hall.
Well that is enough rambling for one day. I will post again soon since I have a wide variety of topics I want to cover.
Much Love,
~TS1~
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Family is more than just a word
Well we are now in week 2 of the Vought/IAM 735 strike.
I want to address in my first posting to this blog the concept of "family". Many people have questioned what exactly this means during this time. Let me tell you, from 1st hand experience, EXACTLY what this means:
A couple years back my husband became seriously ill. He spent almost 3 weeks in the hospital and then another 3 months before he was cleared to return to work. He was our only source of income. We have 2 children, who at the time were 8 and almost 2. I went into "panic mode". How were we going to survive? We sure were not going to make it on the $200 a week "benefit" we were receiving. A million thoughts raced through my head. There was no way for me to get a job. He could not take care of the kids while he was recovering.
The guys he worked with in his department were AWESOME. They called me almost every day to check on his condition. Then one day one of them called and asked if I could come to the plant at the end of their shift. He would not go into details. He just told me I had to be there. So, I found someone to sit with the kids and my husband and met this co-worker at the gate.
Upon my arrival, "K" handed me a card. It was a THICK card!! They had taken up a collection and there was almost $400 in the card! No, it was not going to solve ALL of our problems but it sure took a huge burden off of me for a couple of weeks. "K" then said to me "Wait, there is more"
DO WHAT??
"K" then went to his car and started carrying boxes and bags to my car. IT WAS GROCERIES!! I was already crying from the envelope and this just sent me over the edge into complete "female dog" bawl mode.
This is when I got the true feeling of "family".
Financially we may not be able to help each other out right now, but a random act of kindness can go a long way. We can use this time to get things around the house cleaned out. If you do not need it right now, maybe one of your union brothers or sisters does. Got some clothing your kids have outgrown? Have a pantry with stuff you bought on an urge one day but now are asking yourself what the "he**" you were thinking when you bought it? Ask around. SOMEBODY in the 900 member family will be able to use it!
I want to address in my first posting to this blog the concept of "family". Many people have questioned what exactly this means during this time. Let me tell you, from 1st hand experience, EXACTLY what this means:
A couple years back my husband became seriously ill. He spent almost 3 weeks in the hospital and then another 3 months before he was cleared to return to work. He was our only source of income. We have 2 children, who at the time were 8 and almost 2. I went into "panic mode". How were we going to survive? We sure were not going to make it on the $200 a week "benefit" we were receiving. A million thoughts raced through my head. There was no way for me to get a job. He could not take care of the kids while he was recovering.
The guys he worked with in his department were AWESOME. They called me almost every day to check on his condition. Then one day one of them called and asked if I could come to the plant at the end of their shift. He would not go into details. He just told me I had to be there. So, I found someone to sit with the kids and my husband and met this co-worker at the gate.
Upon my arrival, "K" handed me a card. It was a THICK card!! They had taken up a collection and there was almost $400 in the card! No, it was not going to solve ALL of our problems but it sure took a huge burden off of me for a couple of weeks. "K" then said to me "Wait, there is more"
DO WHAT??
"K" then went to his car and started carrying boxes and bags to my car. IT WAS GROCERIES!! I was already crying from the envelope and this just sent me over the edge into complete "female dog" bawl mode.
This is when I got the true feeling of "family".
Financially we may not be able to help each other out right now, but a random act of kindness can go a long way. We can use this time to get things around the house cleaned out. If you do not need it right now, maybe one of your union brothers or sisters does. Got some clothing your kids have outgrown? Have a pantry with stuff you bought on an urge one day but now are asking yourself what the "he**" you were thinking when you bought it? Ask around. SOMEBODY in the 900 member family will be able to use it!
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