Night Rose's First Fullfillment of her Patriotic Responsibility as a Citizen of the United States.

 Original:
Forgive me if I ramble, this is my first contact with the White House since the term of Bill Clinton when I was in Elementary school, and I'm not overly familiar with etiquette. I was just reading articles about our own citizens taking up arms against the "minor immigrants" being housed in their community. Worse yet, I saw friends on my own feed liking this action. As an American, I took Government when I was in school, and unfortunately I have found that our citizens and many of our representatives have lost sight of what America means.

"Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!" cries she
With silent lips. "Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"

I'm afraid that the term "minor immigrants" must have confused our citizens- for surely American citizens would never turn their back on a needy child. They must think these are some petty immigrants; criminals who have no place in their own society. America would never be so callous as to look in the faces of children and say that they do not belong here, and are the problem of "someone else". Unfortunately, The Statue of Liberty only watches our eastern coast while on our western border she seems blind to her charge. As an American daughter, mother, sister, citizen; I cannot believe that our people are so blinded. The United States of America was once the land of promise- an example of enlightenment and hope for the world. Now we bicker and squabble about petty religious differences, or party agendas. We were a role model to developing countries, and now we look like an elder sibling going through their rebellion phase. The United States MUST remember their heritage. We accepted a responsibility and paraded it before the eyes of all the unfortunates of the world- she carries her torch high and proudly still. But it seems her tablet has become a guest list- and if you are not on the list then you are no longer welcome. Enough with the squabbling. Free Lady Liberty. Allow her to pass from sea to sea. If America did not want such a charge then she should not have been welcomed. Yes, there will be difficulties. There is no easy solution to this issue. But dumping helpless children on someone else's door stoop so we no longer have to figure out this difficult puzzle is irresponsible. We do not deport immigrants who marry our citizens simply for their green card and then leave them, we should not do so now to innocents who have no where else to go. My thoughts will be heavy for the remainder of this standoff, I wish I could say my conscience was clear. For the decisions that are about to be made are on the head of all America's Citizens. Whether they could truly impact them or not.

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After editing and being forced to cut 540 characters to meet 2500 character criteria:


Good evening, I was reading about our own citizens taking up arms against "minor immigrants" being sent to their state. I saw friends on my own feed liking this action. As an American, I took Government when I was in school and sadly have found that our people and many of our leaders have lost sight of what America means.
"Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp! cries she with silent lips. Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"
I'm afraid that the term "minor immigrants" must have confused our citizens for surely American citizens would never turn their backs on a child. They must think these are some petty illegals; vermin who have no place in their own society. America would never be so callous as to look in the faces of children and say that they do not belong here, and are the problem of "someone else". The Lady Liberty watches our east coast while on our western border she seems blind to her charge. As an American daughter, mother, sister, citizen; I cannot believe that our people are so blinded. The United States was once the land of promise- an example of enlightenment and hope for the world. Now we bicker and squabble about petty religious differences, or party agendas. We were a role model to developing countries, now we look like an elder sibling going through their rebellious phase. The United States MUST remember her heritage. We touted a responsibility before the eyes of all the world- she carries her torch high and proudly still. But it seems her tablet has become a guest list- and if you are not on the list then you are no longer welcome. Enough with the squabbling. Free Lady Liberty. Allow her to pass from sea to sea. If America did not want such a charge then she should not have been welcomed. Yes, there will be difficulties. There is no easy solution to this. But dumping helpless children on someone else's door stoop so we no longer have to figure out this puzzle is irresponsible. We do not deport immigrants who marry our citizens simply for their green card and then leave them. We should not do so now to innocents who have no where else to go. My thoughts will be heavy for the remainder of this debate, I wish I could say my conscience was clear. For the decisions that are about to be made are on the head of all America's Citizens; whether they can impact them or not.

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Remember your duty my fellow citizens. It is a heady one that was granted to us by our forefathers. And as they shouldered it in our turn so should we. Otherwise the American People are diminished, and merely shadows of former grandeur. A country of immigrants united by liberty, brightly should our flame burn!

The pressure before the storm

     Here they were, it was the time. All the excitement and preparation of the past months came to this moment. The gravity of the evening weighed heavily on their shoulders. This could be the big break- they could at last receive recognition for all of their hard work. At least they might gain some new followers; people who would help encourage them to keep going and creating in the future. Just so long as they escaped embarrassment. Crowds could be harsh, and this was in every way a true battle. Sure, everyone was friendly back stage but when it came down to it they were all there for the same purpose- to win. The added exposure was great but they all wanted that prize.

      The band mates exchanged what they hoped were encouraging smiles as they readied to swap sets. All their gear was hand-me-down precious. A guitar from a favorite uncle, a drum kit that Dad had beaten the heart into in his early twenties when he was sure he was going to make it huge. And the mic, a school cast-away when outdated equipment had been replaced. The sentimental value hadn't mattered to the suits- how many speeches had their teachers inspired them with through that mic? Hell, the lead sung her first solo with it. Who cared if the gear wasn't top of the line, in every piece were hopes, dreams, and passion. They made the group feel at home wherever they were.

     "You're on in two minutes, have your stuff ready!" blurted out the head of a small middle-aged man with thinning hair and an overly large headset as it appeared around the corner and then returned to wherever it had been before. They all looked at each other one more time- they were clearly anxious never having played a venue so large before. But mixed into that anxiety was an exhilaration. How many groups never made it out of the garage? This was a huge step. Suddenly the atmosphere of the room changed. They were ready. Alone they were nervous and afraid of messing up; standing on the stage in front of everyone in the spotlight. But now they were one. No one of them was facing those sweaty lights of the stage alone, or the masses beyond them. Separately they flinched under the weight of it all; but together they carried a spark. And that spark was about to light the house on fire.

Go with love and find peace dearest lady.

                How to sum up the words and feelings that have lodged themselves tightly in my throat- you were love embodied Kathy. You scooped up so many people and helped us find our feet and worth, even if we could drive you crazy on occasion. For me, you were a second mother. For  over a decade through the silly squabbles Alex and I have had that really don't seem very important anymore and my foolishly stubborn teenage years you were there. You showed me the world and you weren't afraid to tell me when I was making bad decisions. Later, you were one of the first to grant my husband a chance when he turned himself around. Then when my children arrived, you immediately welcomed them into your adoptive family. It really put a smile on my face when my daughter called you Mom. I owe you so much, and I'm never going to be able to make my missteps right. In the hospital last night it was unreal when the news came. How can so bright a star be gone? Someone so vibrant and unique? Who am I going to call when I see an awesome deal on Starwars memorabilia or My Little Pony/Hello Kitty stuff? How did the world not end when you left? When I got the call I hoped and prayed it would be a waste of gas- that Sam and Gene would give me their exasperated looks and you would call me silly over getting so worried over a scrape. But you weren't there. I tried to fill in as I could, I swear I did Mom. I tried my best to keep Alex grounded, and give a few smiles or laughs where I could. I'm sure you would have done much better.

                But that was then, and this is now. And now the focus has to be on healing. So much damage occurred last night, I never got to visit Sam. And Gene still needs surgery for his arm. I love you Kathy, please keep my father company till my time comes. I know he loved your discussions. I promise you I will keep trying.

Holiday Spirit

     First off- a merry holiday I wish to you and yours. No matter what your personal holiday this season is. I choose to label mine with the name "christmas" (yes, the lowercase C is important- but I'll explain that later on) but I have no qualms with the fact that others gather their families to celebrate with other wonderful traditions this time of year.

     Well, I suppose I should explain my definition of "christmas" before I lose the one person reading this for thinking that I'm disrespecting their religious holiday. Quite the opposite- Merry Christmas to you too dear. My "christmas" is defined simply as this- I am NOT Christian- the Savior has never played a role in my home or holidays. For me, "christmas" is a time when I gather with those I care about to celebrate our bonds of love and friendship. Indeed- even my "christmas" tree is centered around that theme- each of my ornaments is a gift from a loved one, and as I go through my ornaments every year they remind me of all the wonderful people in my family's world- and beautify my home with their seemingly eccentric theme. I mean no disrespect to the Christian holiday- it's simply not something I was raised with. After all, most of the older holidays are taken from other ancient holidays- I simply see mine as another evolution for the concept. Raising my own children, I have found that the importance of family has diminished with the recent generations and I find our "christmas" to be a positive reinforcement of this "old" value.

     But where does this whole thought train come from? Why Facebook of course! Where else? I was sipping my delicious eggnog while listening to my toddlers exert their energy throughout my home, and of course was scrolling Facebook as I am want to do in my quiet time. I happened across a post that one of my friends had commented on- it was a post something like one of these:

  

 because she only commented on it on one of HER friend's wall, I could not find the exact post again. But the message was the same- "I celebrate Christmas as the sole holiday of the season- if you don't like it I don't care" which, to my friend who was raised celebrating Hanukkah was hurtful. Here was someone, on her own friend list, essentially saying that HER feelings didn't matter because she doesn't celebrate Christmas. Now of course, I'd seen them all over my feed and just rolled my eyes continuing to scroll- to me it was just another manifestation of the arrogance that seems to have absorbed the culture around me. But it genuinely stung my friend. After reading her response, and making sure she knew that I shared her disdain with the post I sat back and thought about the message that was REALLY being sent, and the spirit that the season is meant to bring. 

     The Christian Christmas has traditionally been hailed as a time of "Peace on Earth" and "Goodwill toward Man"-beautiful concepts. It's supposed to be a time where the anger, hate, and prejudice of the world is set aside- where a wandering soul in the night may see a lit candle in the window and know home if only for a night. It is when the birth of the Savior is remembered, as well as the circumstances of that birth. A woman in labor in a strange land where no one will help her gives birth in a stable to a child who would one day wash away the sins of the world, and in reverence to this for the season charitable donations are made, acts of kindness abound, and hope is given to those less fortunate.

     It sounds wonderful- until one finds the new fine print (The New American Arrogant Bible seems to be the first source for this new print- if you happen to adhere to one of the more mature denominations I recommend staying with it- you may just save the image of the Church all together.) where it is spelled out in microscopic letters written in the blood of a virgin that you are worthy of these boons ONLY if you are Christian. Otherwise, you're a heathen and not worthy of attention from the devout. 

     This year has been the worst I've seen- it took several personal "christmas miracles" to revive my holiday spirit- and normally I'm one of the most enthusiastic. But having each of the holidays pitted against each other rather than the harmony that they used to reside in- it really takes away from the spirit of the season. One cannot wish for peace on earth only to turn and spit in their neighbor's face. 

     My point is this; celebrate your holiday. By all means, bask and rejoice in the spirit of the season. Look at those around you, and find warmth in their energy as well, even if its source may not entirely match your own. I promise, it all comes from the same place and in this one time of year, when we can put our differences aside, there is true hope that we may one day know such wonders year-round. Again, to all of you a Happy Holiday, Merry Christmas, Chag Urim Sameach, Furah Kwanza! (Habari Gani?) and Blessed Be. 

As always friends, merry meet and merry part. 

 ~Night Rose

Remember- if you're going to be a dick for the holiday at least save it for the bedroom where it can be appreciated by someone else. ;-)

 

Five Dollars An Hour

     Hey you. Yes you, the person sitting reading this silly blog. There's something that always bugs me. That is the general attitude that the average person treats the wait staff at restaurants. The discourtesy, disrespect, and overall disregard with which they are met is DISGRACEFUL. Let me take you by the hand and we'll check out exactly what that poor soul goes through.

     When you first enter the store, the nearest server available greets you and seats you in the next section in turn on the chart. Hopefully no one else has self-sat in that time thereby messing up rotation and double loading a server. Then, a server (possibly the same one) comes to introduce themselves and take your drink and appetizer order which they then enter your appetizer into a computer for the cooks. Following this, they go and get your drinks, and return for your food order. Once you have given it to them, they scamper back to a computer and input your food and beverage order. At this point they hope to be able to return with your appetizer order. They drop it off and run off to work on their side work, and check back a few minutes later to see how you are enjoying your appetizer. Then they go back to doing their side work while waiting for your food. Once you're done with your appetizer they take the dishes, either having already delivered or delivering your main order soon after. Back to the side work once again they go, returning shortly after to make sure you're enjoying your order. Once you're nearly finished it's check back time, they bring the check in their pocket and ask if you're planning on dessert. If you are, they take your order. If not, they leave the check on the table while they take any dishes you are finished with. If they do the latter, they check back a few minutes later to take care of it for you. If you order dessert,  they  take your order, your empty dishes, and then go and punch it in to the computer and then prepare it for you. Then it's back out to your table to serve it to you, and drop off the updated check. When the check is delivered, they have to point out your survey opportunity- a chance to tell their managers and corporate office what you thought of your visit. Once you leave, they return to your table and clear it, then reset the displays and wipe the table and seats with sanitizer and zoom broom the floor around your table. Then it's back to side work.


   But what IS this side work I speak of? Well, for each server there is of course the dishes- because of course there is no specific dish-person. Each server contributes to the running of the dishes. Then there's your daily assigned chore- salad bar, stocking, fountain, ect. And then there's a server's housekeeping (a completely separate chore) such as; cleaning mirrors, windows, dusting, bleaching coffee cups, cleaning sugar caddies and menus and other such tasks. They must also keep the soda machine stocked with ice, and roll silverware for the shift.

     I'm sure you think this all sounds simple- now take in to account that ALL of this must be done with EVERY table. That's a minimum of three visits to the table (three while laden with goods) two instances of prep work, and lots of running around. A typical table's visit probably lasts between 45 minutes to an hour and a half. If there are any issues, they must then find a Manager (they're masters of disappearing when you need them) and they know full well that pretty much every issue is going to be considered their fault. Whether it be that the kitchen took forever with a ticket, or there was a wait to see a server because they were busy with their other tables.

     Oh, now we come to the fun part. Did you know that servers don't even make minimum wage? True, a server stands to make quite a bit more than medium if their tables all tip at least properly (of course the super generous tippers DO exist and can make a server's day) however, on a slow day or when one has a table that is particularly disagreeable and then skimps with the tip it can be hard to make end's meet.

     Ahhh, the point of this little expressive rant of mine; the unwritten rules of tipping.  Generally a server expects 10% on an average visit. 15% if the service and/or visit was exceptional. This is NOT a difficult number to figure out. Say a single person went out for a meal and coffee and their total was 6.83- at 10% the tip would be 68 cents. At 15% the tip would be $1.24.  That's a LOT of work. Take it into account the next time you're in a restaurant. If you can't afford to tip- don't go out to eat.

Humble Beginnings

     And at last a breath of freedom passed her lips, here at last she could be free. Here at last her dreams and wishes could be written and become real. True freedom she knew could be found only in expression; and the muses had not neglected her. The words flowed fluidly from her mind to the page until hours seemed as only minutes, and this she knew, was only the beginning... 


     Welcome to my garden. Here I plant the seeds of my thoughts, and someday they may grow into something more. Until then, feel free to sit back and enjoy my garden.

      ~Night Rose