Well – it’s 2 o’clock in the morning out here in Ohio, I’m snackin’ on a mini-chocolate crunch bar and sipping at a wonderfully warm cup of – you got it…my Go-Go Juice! All is silent in the house except for purring kitties and snoring children – all who have out done themselves for another year. That’s right – it’s all over. Whew! Another school year has come and gone…and, would you believe it? Not even three hours after coming home jubilantly from school did I hear those dreadful summertime blues – “I’m Bored!” Oh good grief! They usually give me a couple weeks before I hear those words! This proves to be a very long summer. But, after all is said and done, I have much to be proud of as Cassy walked the line in her cap and gown! Oh the tears, the memories of my high school days and the reminder of how many years have flown by. It is truly an accomplishment for us both! Oh Ya! The endless nights of burning candles of homework, the dreaded alarm clock that even beat the rooster’s call – the whining and moaning of going to school, the meetings, the greetings, the TAXI driving…my, my, my. And to think, I only have four more kids to go! LOL! But I have to say, Cassy did a tremendous job at meeting her challenges and getting great grades to boot! Is she college bound? Not just yet. It’s been a very stressful year for the family, so she will probably take a break and help me out some, but she does have her eye on returning to California and possibly going to USC! Hmmm! I’m not sure I see her as a Trojan gal – but on the other, I don’t see her as a Bruin, either! She is naturally gifted in the Arts and has an eye and hand skill in fashion design, architecture, and interior designing, but at the end of her year, she suddenly drew an interest toward education. Yep! She just might turn out to be a teacher. So who knows…the world is her oyster now and the paths ahead are full of adventure and mystery. Reality will also set in as she discovers the cost to paving the way to her dreams. Something we all face, especially today in our devastated economy.
While we as a nation are finally seeing a bit of rebound and that the growth of new business and revenues are slowly increasing, she will be facing high costs to gain the further education and expenses needed to continue her successes. Maybe she’ll be lucky enough to barter her way to a successful career. Think I’m joking? Bartering is gaining a lot of popularity as more and more people find creative means to acquiring needs without paying the hard to get cash.
As millions of US Americans are still out of work and unemployment benefits ending, you’ve read my concerns on the demands of civic organizations and non-profit agencies waning on the abilities to pick up the numerous tabs of needs – and that’s just for basic necessities. What if an individual finds a way to excel himself raising his or her own productivity by offering a service in exchange to acquire a need that someone else has? It’s like taking your cow down to the market and when others can’t give you cold hard cash for a great product, what do you do? You trade it in for two pigs, some eggs and flour.
Now, what if we did that in today’s modern world of business? What if I needed a website built and Mr. IT Guy would be happy to build it for me, but he wants to find a piano tutor for his son and I happen to play piano! So, we trade! We both get what we need and no one pays the cash for it…just our own investment of time. But now, in the art of bartering, it’s not so practical if we each live on the opposite side of the country from each other. So, how do we make this practical? Time banks were developed and are now popping up all over the nation. Anyone can create a group associated with these Time Banks where members would actually invest their “time” by contributing X-Amount of labor hours of their work without getting paid. Let’s say, a hairstylist decides to become a member. This hairstylist would work for four hours each week cutting people’s hair without pay, but the hours are registered with the exchange. One day down the road, when the hairstylist is in need of a service, but cannot pay for it, he/she can then look into using his/her “time” investment dollars to pay for a “wedding cake”. This is what Maria Villacreses did for her wedding as stated by Michael Rubinkam, an Associated Press writer when he published her story as well as the stories of other “Time Dollar” members. Click here to read the article. According to the article, there are approximately 115 Time Banks across the country with another 100 preparing for new development and membership has risen above 15,000 people. One bank is listed to be over 10 years old. Ten years old! I didn’t know these types of banks existed! Now, how cool is that? And, what better time to have such resources made available to the public. Now it’s just a matter of time in getting the word out on the street! No doubt more and more people will take advantage of this amazing opportunity to beat the economic woes! So, there you have it…Cassy just might get through college with Time Dollars – sense and time well spent! No pun intended! LOL.
So dear friends and valued readers – sip your Go-Go Juice and enjoy its every drop. It may have been made available to you by someone looking to trade. Have a wonderful week ahead and don’t get too caught up into the summertime blues. I’ll have upcoming tips for some wonderful trips – where of course you’ll be able to take your Go-Go Juice as well. Blessings!
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Time For Go-Go Juice! - A Memorial Weekend to Commemorate Our Heroes!
Hello! How is your Go-Go Juice today? I bet it’s full of wet, cold frothy goodness as you share some quality time with friends and family. This weekend is a nice long 4-day weekend as we all take the time to commemorate the heroes of our past, present and those preparing for our future! That’s right, it’s Memorial Day weekend. For my valued readers who may not share this patriotic holiday, it’s a time that is used to pay homage to all our US soldiers who died fighting for our country. However, we have now broadened our commemorations to include all heroes who’ve died in public service; our soldiers, firemen, police officers, civilians, coast guard, auxiliary units, security officers, ambulance drivers – anyone, who has the opportunity to serve our public, for the better interest of our public, but for whatever circumstance arose, put themselves at harm’s risk in effort to save someone else. I think public service says a lot for the individual who agrees to do such a job. Believe me, when you stop to think about the risk these people take, the end compensation is certainly not the reason they’re doing it.
Let me show you…
Any soldier, whether Army, Navy, Air Force or Marines, an average soldier who serves up to 5 years and can earn his or her way to become a rank of E5 – can make on average $2500 a month. Our average Firefighter makes an average of $40,000 per year, an ambulance driver (also known as an Emergency Medical Technician will make about $45,000, a Police Officer makes on average $25,000 to $45,000 depending on location, Coast Guards make on average $40,000, security guards make on average $20,000. Now, grant you, any one individual in these positions may have the opportunity to advance and with further education, move themselves up the ladder into specific positions that are specialized that will almost double the salary figures, however, when all is considered, the men and women who serve our public on the front line – most certainly don’t have the highest of salaries. This is where I can guarantee that money is not the driving force of our citizens. It was estimated in the year 2007 that we had 1,148,800 men and women serving as Firefighters (and 825,450 were volunteer workers). We had 87,000 Police Officers from a statistical report done back in 2000 and 2004. I would imagine we could add an additional 20% to estimate the current count – although, many police departments across the country were cut in budget laying off many officers due to our economic crisis. This is just a sample of our public service jobs. I must add that with our cost of living being so high, why then do these people work these jobs?
I’ll tell you! There is nothing more gratifying to end your day knowing you contributed to something bigger than you…bigger than life itself….to rush someone to the hospital whose barely holding onto life knowing your efforts helped them till one day, they come back to thank you; to pull kids or adults from a burning building where the victim gets to re-tell the horrific story, or where that one officer, pulled over the speeding driver ultimately stopping a 7-car pileup down the road. Think about the men and women who put themselves in front of flying bullets or mystery bombs hoping to prevent not the next World War, but an innocent victim from meeting his or her demise too early or are the front line statement of presence where the gross issue of politics will finally reach a common ground and people can reach agreements later saving each other’s countries. These unconditional acts are what define our men and women of public service and separate the timid from the heroic. They step into the blaze of glory so you can live a better more improved life. How many of us, can truly say we’d take a bullet for our neighbor or for someone we hardly know. Do you really want to suffocate and meet your own demise for the greater good of humanity? Well, these people do and it is them, who we celebrate for their victorious efforts and morn for those who gave all they had.
To all my readers, no matter what country, what time zone or what political scene we practice; we all have our heroes; those who go the distance at anytime, anywhere – unconditionally. Join me in a Toast to all our heroes – no matter their jobs, how long ago or how recent. So, today and tomorrow, raise your Go-Go Juice to commemorate those you remember. Our heroes need our support, our recognition and most of all, our heartfelt thanks. To all our heroes who have both fallen and survived – I thank you from the bottom of my heart. To their families – I thank you too, as it takes a lot of courage and effort on your part to keep them going, motivated and living strong as it’s not an easy job.
Have a very safe Memorial Day and take quality time with your family and friends. Till next week! Keep your Go-Go Juice nearby and keep it filled with all your hopes and aspirations!
Let me show you…
Any soldier, whether Army, Navy, Air Force or Marines, an average soldier who serves up to 5 years and can earn his or her way to become a rank of E5 – can make on average $2500 a month. Our average Firefighter makes an average of $40,000 per year, an ambulance driver (also known as an Emergency Medical Technician will make about $45,000, a Police Officer makes on average $25,000 to $45,000 depending on location, Coast Guards make on average $40,000, security guards make on average $20,000. Now, grant you, any one individual in these positions may have the opportunity to advance and with further education, move themselves up the ladder into specific positions that are specialized that will almost double the salary figures, however, when all is considered, the men and women who serve our public on the front line – most certainly don’t have the highest of salaries. This is where I can guarantee that money is not the driving force of our citizens. It was estimated in the year 2007 that we had 1,148,800 men and women serving as Firefighters (and 825,450 were volunteer workers). We had 87,000 Police Officers from a statistical report done back in 2000 and 2004. I would imagine we could add an additional 20% to estimate the current count – although, many police departments across the country were cut in budget laying off many officers due to our economic crisis. This is just a sample of our public service jobs. I must add that with our cost of living being so high, why then do these people work these jobs?
I’ll tell you! There is nothing more gratifying to end your day knowing you contributed to something bigger than you…bigger than life itself….to rush someone to the hospital whose barely holding onto life knowing your efforts helped them till one day, they come back to thank you; to pull kids or adults from a burning building where the victim gets to re-tell the horrific story, or where that one officer, pulled over the speeding driver ultimately stopping a 7-car pileup down the road. Think about the men and women who put themselves in front of flying bullets or mystery bombs hoping to prevent not the next World War, but an innocent victim from meeting his or her demise too early or are the front line statement of presence where the gross issue of politics will finally reach a common ground and people can reach agreements later saving each other’s countries. These unconditional acts are what define our men and women of public service and separate the timid from the heroic. They step into the blaze of glory so you can live a better more improved life. How many of us, can truly say we’d take a bullet for our neighbor or for someone we hardly know. Do you really want to suffocate and meet your own demise for the greater good of humanity? Well, these people do and it is them, who we celebrate for their victorious efforts and morn for those who gave all they had.
To all my readers, no matter what country, what time zone or what political scene we practice; we all have our heroes; those who go the distance at anytime, anywhere – unconditionally. Join me in a Toast to all our heroes – no matter their jobs, how long ago or how recent. So, today and tomorrow, raise your Go-Go Juice to commemorate those you remember. Our heroes need our support, our recognition and most of all, our heartfelt thanks. To all our heroes who have both fallen and survived – I thank you from the bottom of my heart. To their families – I thank you too, as it takes a lot of courage and effort on your part to keep them going, motivated and living strong as it’s not an easy job.
Have a very safe Memorial Day and take quality time with your family and friends. Till next week! Keep your Go-Go Juice nearby and keep it filled with all your hopes and aspirations!
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Time For Go-Go Juice! - I'm Back with New Updates....
Good Evening to my many readers! I bet you wondered if I had fallen off the face of the planet – or if I just simply drowned in my own Go-Go Juice? LOL! Well, to say the least, I’ve been writing how my schedule has been getting busier by the minute. Writing daily has become most challenging. Please tell me you’ve been good to yourself and keeping your Go-Go Juice nearby and drinking plenty of it! Let’s start with some updates –
Notice the site change? I thought it was time to juice up my blog. I’ve changed a few things, besides color schemes – I’ve also changed my Adsense – again, click into what you see is interesting! Lord knows I need the income. Heck, now I’m sending one child off to college! Four more to go! Good grief, help me! You’ll also notice a couple new additions – I’m now Twittering! Tweet – Tweet! So, follow me as you wish! Also, I’m doing more on Fiverr – I now encourage people to post their websites on my blog to help them broaden their market opportunities. Go to my Fiverr for this project and I’ll add your site to my blog! You can also order me for Jingles! Cool, ha? This month’s featured websites are: New USA Friendly Casinos – now, you too can enjoy playing the slots and having a great time just like in Vegas, without leaving your living room! Forget Solitaire and Tetris – try New USA Casinos! I will get you hooked! Also, see: Resume Dictionary – are you job searching? This website is full of interesting tips, articles and support in developing the path for your career journey. Whether you’re unemployed or collecting a paycheck, Resume Dictionary will be a helpful tool and resource anytime!
Well, we’ve got just 7 more days and Cassy is done with HS – pretty much her last day and the others will end June 8th. Cassy walks the line June 6th. We’re so proud of her! What does she have planned afterwards? Sleeping – I’m sure. Ha – little does she know, I have loads planned.
I’m still interviewing and trying to find my way in this world! I’ve met so many new people – it’s been great! Many new doors are opening – I just hope one lands a permanent professional placement soon. I truly need a vacation from job searching and scraping to get by. I recently became a member of Hire US, America – visit their website: http://www.unionofunemployed.com/ I received yard/window posters and car bumper stickers to show how I support the unemployed. If you want some of your own, you can order as many as you want for FREE. I love free. There truly isn’t enough in this world that is free – except love and hugs. Ok –well, I know – even love and hugs can come with a price, but from me, they’re given unconditionally.
Now, because of my schedule, I’ll be blogging once a week on both blogs, unless I find something absolutely necessary to write about – which will then become my “special edition”. This way, my readers won’t let their Go-Go Juice go cold while waiting for my articles. Now, with that said, go on with your week with plenty of enthusiasm, solid goals and always with your Go-Go Juice! If you ever have a question, just email me any day and time: author.vmeyers@gmail.com. I may not be writing daily, but I’m here daily for you when you need me! Have a most productive week!
Notice the site change? I thought it was time to juice up my blog. I’ve changed a few things, besides color schemes – I’ve also changed my Adsense – again, click into what you see is interesting! Lord knows I need the income. Heck, now I’m sending one child off to college! Four more to go! Good grief, help me! You’ll also notice a couple new additions – I’m now Twittering! Tweet – Tweet! So, follow me as you wish! Also, I’m doing more on Fiverr – I now encourage people to post their websites on my blog to help them broaden their market opportunities. Go to my Fiverr for this project and I’ll add your site to my blog! You can also order me for Jingles! Cool, ha? This month’s featured websites are: New USA Friendly Casinos – now, you too can enjoy playing the slots and having a great time just like in Vegas, without leaving your living room! Forget Solitaire and Tetris – try New USA Casinos! I will get you hooked! Also, see: Resume Dictionary – are you job searching? This website is full of interesting tips, articles and support in developing the path for your career journey. Whether you’re unemployed or collecting a paycheck, Resume Dictionary will be a helpful tool and resource anytime!
Well, we’ve got just 7 more days and Cassy is done with HS – pretty much her last day and the others will end June 8th. Cassy walks the line June 6th. We’re so proud of her! What does she have planned afterwards? Sleeping – I’m sure. Ha – little does she know, I have loads planned.
I’m still interviewing and trying to find my way in this world! I’ve met so many new people – it’s been great! Many new doors are opening – I just hope one lands a permanent professional placement soon. I truly need a vacation from job searching and scraping to get by. I recently became a member of Hire US, America – visit their website: http://www.unionofunemployed.com/ I received yard/window posters and car bumper stickers to show how I support the unemployed. If you want some of your own, you can order as many as you want for FREE. I love free. There truly isn’t enough in this world that is free – except love and hugs. Ok –well, I know – even love and hugs can come with a price, but from me, they’re given unconditionally.
Now, because of my schedule, I’ll be blogging once a week on both blogs, unless I find something absolutely necessary to write about – which will then become my “special edition”. This way, my readers won’t let their Go-Go Juice go cold while waiting for my articles. Now, with that said, go on with your week with plenty of enthusiasm, solid goals and always with your Go-Go Juice! If you ever have a question, just email me any day and time: author.vmeyers@gmail.com. I may not be writing daily, but I’m here daily for you when you need me! Have a most productive week!
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