One of the things that NEOCH tries to do is get homeless people to actively reform their community and environment. We meet with residents at both 2100 Men's Shelter and Community Women's Shelter to listen to their complaints, grievances or annoyances with how the shelter (their current home) is operating. Residents tell us everything from how the food is bad, to how the staff is disrespectful--all things that need to be improved. NEOCH then mediates between shelter staff and residents to get these changes implemented. Change takes time, though. It usually takes many meetings of going back and forth to get something implemented. A problem with this is that many residents we never see again after their first meeting. This is especially true at CWS where we rarely see the same woman twice. It's hard to inspire an individual to follow through with an issue when they live in a temporary home + have no clue where they'll end up next. That's really no big deal at the resident meetings because we can usually pass the torch to the new people we see--they pretty much all share the same problems with their shelter anyways.
But, what is a problem is the Homeless Congress. We really need regular people to show up at these meetings. The Homeless Congress is a way for homeless people from all the different shelters to come together + address problems with the homeless community as a whole. The Congress has met with a rep from the FoodBank to address the issue of nasty shelter food that plagues the whole city. Next we will meet with a state rep to discuss ways to eradicate homelessness. At an early meeting, the Congress decided that lack of affordable housing and jobs were the two biggest problems in the city. So they proposed an idea: why not give homeless people the job of renovating abandoned, dilapidated buildings into nice, affordable homes. Great. The Congress was supposed to meet with the media + with county commissioners to relate these ideas. We've even been training people to do this. The only problem is that it's incredibly difficult to get the same people to return. And It's not their fault. Mail is often not delivered properly at shelters; many people have no phone; and many have spotty forms of transportation.
There's another Congress next week. We'll see how it goes. Hopefully the fliers where delivered to all who needs it.
12.13.2006
12.09.2006
No More.
I've decided to delete my myspace account. Yes! I've felt so free ever since I confirmed and clicked the YES I'M SURE I WANT TO LEAVE MYSPACE button. But it's hard- myspace is such a drug of mindlessness. But ya know, I'm sick of wasting time looking at people's profiles. If I really cared about them, I'd have other ways to contact them + find out what's new in their lives. So we'll see how long I can remain myspace-free. Fuck myspace, I don't need it! As long as I have a steady supply of caffeine, everything will be just fine... No, I surely don't need that crap. It's owned by Fox, too. YUCK. No, I don't need it. Surely, I don't need it.
10.22.2006
Bad Food All Around.
"They think that just because we're homeless that we'll eat anything that's put in front of us?"
So says members of the Homeless Congress-- ooo-RAH.
Check it out:: Each meal site is allotted different budgets for meals. A meal at Cosgrove (a free meal site) costs approx. $1.30.
A meal at 2100 Men's Shelter (which houses about 400 men) costs approx. 19 cents.
What the hell kind of meal can you put together with 19 cents??
10.13.2006
No...!
It snowed today just enough for people to scowl and curse the sky.
WHy must I live this way??? Cold weather is inhumane.
9.11.2006
Get Rrrrrready...
This blog has been awaken from its slumber. Expect new posts (see "More Frequent Posts" below) + some pics, even. There is much to say concerning the 216--everything from its RTA buses to its homeless individuals and #1 rating as the Poorest City in America. Soon there will be neighborhood links + a mad heaping dose of LOVE. As for the other cities:: 440 (Ashtabula County, specifically)::I haven't seen in awhile but I received word that it's the 4th poorest county in the state of Ohio.:: 607 (Ithaca, NY) I hope to visit in the fall. :: 504 (New Orleans, LA) Don't even ask about it b/c I'll start to cry. My vow is to return to my "love affair" city before the seasons in the north really start to change.
But, as I'm now in one place, this blog will become 99% pure 216.
But, as I'm now in one place, this blog will become 99% pure 216.
7.11.2006
Along the Golf Coast: All That's Left is the Front Steps.
The Gulf coast of Mississippi is said to be the "Ground Zero" of Katrina. As I was riding through the towns of Gulfport + Biloxi, MS, I could see why. Imagine a beautiful coastline with white sandy beaches (roped off from debris) surrounded by... trashpiles + the remains of houses (which consist of the foundation + maybe the front steps). Yikes. In front of these empty spaces a FEMA trailor may be parked or there may be tents that I guess people are living out of. Yikes, again. I was traveling down the coast because I've never seen it before + my fam + I wanted to go to the beach (Louisiana isn't known for the best beaches). We initially wanted to go to one in MS, but most of them were roped off. I saw Gulfport, which I heard had some beautiful, palatial old southern homes, but all I saw was a town in ruins. No homes, except for a few places caved in/hollowed out. Even the Waffle Houses had disappeared-- all I could see was the sign with many of the letters missing and an empty cement block. Biloxi was also badly hit. It's incredible seeing these fancy homes with all the windows smashed out-- all that's left is a hollow shell full of mold. I saw a hotel that had a whole wall missing, allowing us to see the rooms from the highway. My fam + I drifted through Mobile, AL (also hit) + ended up in Pensacola, FL, which seemed okay.
Man... so much destruction, almost a year after the storm.
New Orleans is cleaning up from the last time I visited in January. Speaking from Uptown, many of the people seem to be back with most of the businesses open on Magazine St. The city is crowded again. The area where you get off I-10 onto Elysian Fields (I think) has tidied up. The water line on the Winn-Dixie isn't as visible + the Red Cross food trucks don't seem to be populating the empty lots as they were before. Most of the houses have been repainted so the Katrina Crosses aren't apparent. I still can't believe that all happened here.
Business seen on Elysian Fields: "Hit-N-Run Liquor."
I have some pics + I'll post 'em as soon as I figure out how to do so.
Man... so much destruction, almost a year after the storm.
New Orleans is cleaning up from the last time I visited in January. Speaking from Uptown, many of the people seem to be back with most of the businesses open on Magazine St. The city is crowded again. The area where you get off I-10 onto Elysian Fields (I think) has tidied up. The water line on the Winn-Dixie isn't as visible + the Red Cross food trucks don't seem to be populating the empty lots as they were before. Most of the houses have been repainted so the Katrina Crosses aren't apparent. I still can't believe that all happened here.
Business seen on Elysian Fields: "Hit-N-Run Liquor."
I have some pics + I'll post 'em as soon as I figure out how to do so.
7.07.2006
(504) Upping the Rent in NOLA.
http://neworleans.indymedia.org/news/2006/06/7861.php
Rent has gone up post-Katrina in the Crescent City. Why? That's what I'm trying to figure out, now that I'm in New Orleans.
Even though this is probably the coolest city in the US, I wouls guess that the city's status would have at least gone down a little after the hurricane. After all, mold abounds (you can smell it before you ever see it) + cockroaches zoom past you in the French Quarter. Katrina only escalated the trash + grit. Besides, this city is pretty much hazardous to yr health in the long run...
Hmm. What really pisses me off about the rent hikes is that I would eventually like to buy a shotgun house in the Uptown district. With the high crime/lower standards of living/the fact of being in hurricane central, I figured there would be somewhat good deals. Erg. All I want is a one bedroom shotgun with tall windows, ceiling fans on the porch, an iron fence, and a few oil lamps, all in the traditional New Orleans style. Heck I'd even take a house spray-painted with ASPCA markings. But even houses that need to be gutted are going for >$190,000. Erg, again.
Rent has gone up post-Katrina in the Crescent City. Why? That's what I'm trying to figure out, now that I'm in New Orleans.
Even though this is probably the coolest city in the US, I wouls guess that the city's status would have at least gone down a little after the hurricane. After all, mold abounds (you can smell it before you ever see it) + cockroaches zoom past you in the French Quarter. Katrina only escalated the trash + grit. Besides, this city is pretty much hazardous to yr health in the long run...
Hmm. What really pisses me off about the rent hikes is that I would eventually like to buy a shotgun house in the Uptown district. With the high crime/lower standards of living/the fact of being in hurricane central, I figured there would be somewhat good deals. Erg. All I want is a one bedroom shotgun with tall windows, ceiling fans on the porch, an iron fence, and a few oil lamps, all in the traditional New Orleans style. Heck I'd even take a house spray-painted with ASPCA markings. But even houses that need to be gutted are going for >$190,000. Erg, again.
6.30.2006
(607) Gauging the Cost of Tofu.
I have an adopted dad who lives in Ithaca. When talking to him a few days ago, he explained his fight against GreenStar Cooperative Market, or what I refer to as the case of Noolie + the Ever-Observant Health Foodies of Ithaca, NY vs. GreenStar.
Apparently GreenStar is gauging prices. Being that GreenStar is a member of the International Cooperative Alliance, its prices are supposed to be the same as other co-ops, such as the one in Syracuse (an hour away). Well, the brochures from Syracuse + Ithaca look the same except for one thing: all Ithaca's (GreenStar's) prices are higher across the board.
Correct me if I'm wrong; but GreenStar, what's happening? Have you been bought out by Exxon's code of ethics? Have you adopted Shell's sense of consumer justice?
Apparently GreenStar is gauging prices. Being that GreenStar is a member of the International Cooperative Alliance, its prices are supposed to be the same as other co-ops, such as the one in Syracuse (an hour away). Well, the brochures from Syracuse + Ithaca look the same except for one thing: all Ithaca's (GreenStar's) prices are higher across the board.
Correct me if I'm wrong; but GreenStar, what's happening? Have you been bought out by Exxon's code of ethics? Have you adopted Shell's sense of consumer justice?
6.26.2006
The 2006 Allied Media Conference.
The theme of this year's Allied Media Conference was "From Truth to Power: Because Being Right is Not Enough." Let's break it down:
Truth.
Just Seeds- art the way it should be. Enraged. Positive. Sparked by politics.
Power.
Elevating spoken word. The performance by Climbing PoeTree was probably the most beautiful moment of the conference. I almost cried when hearing the poem below. Listen to it on their site- you've gotta hear their voices for full effect.
BEING HUMAN by Naima of Climbing PoeTree
"I wonder if the sun debates dawn
some mornings
not wanting to rise
out of bed
from under the down-feather horizon
If the sky grows tired
of being everywhere at once
adapting to the mood swings of the weather
If the clouds drift off
trying to hold themselves together
make deals with gravity
to loiter a little longer
I wonder if rain is scared
of falling
if it has trouble letting go
If snow flakes get sick
of being perfect all the time
each one trying to be one-of-a-kind
I wonder if stars wish
upon themselves before they die
if they need to teach their young to shine
I wonder if shadows long
to once feel the sun
if they get lost in the shuffle
not knowing where they’re from
I wonder if sunrise and sunset
respect each other
even though they’ve never met
If volcanoes get stressed
If storms have regrets
If compost believes in life after death
I wonder if breath ever thinks
about suicide
I wonder if the wind just wants to sit
still sometimes
and watch the world pass by
If smoke was born knowing how to rise
If rainbows get shy back stage
not sure if their colors match right
I wonder if lightning sets an alarm clock
to know when to crack
If rivers ever stop
and think of turning back
If streams meet the wrong sea
and their whole lives run off-track
I wonder if the snow wants to be black
If the soil thinks she’s too dark
If butterflies want to cover up their marks
If rocks are self-conscious of their weight
If mountains are insecure of their strength
I wonder if waves get discouraged
crawling up the sand
only to be pulled back again
to where they began
I wonder if land feels stepped upon
If sand feels insignificant
If trees need to question their lovers
to know where they stand
If branches waver in the crossroads
unsure of which way to grow
If the leaves understand they’re replaceable
and still dance when the wind blows
I wonder where the moon goes
when she is hiding
I want to find her there
and watch the ocean
spin from a distance
Listen to her
stir in her sleep
effort give way to existence"
Truth.
Just Seeds- art the way it should be. Enraged. Positive. Sparked by politics.
Power.
Elevating spoken word. The performance by Climbing PoeTree was probably the most beautiful moment of the conference. I almost cried when hearing the poem below. Listen to it on their site- you've gotta hear their voices for full effect.
BEING HUMAN by Naima of Climbing PoeTree
"I wonder if the sun debates dawn
some mornings
not wanting to rise
out of bed
from under the down-feather horizon
If the sky grows tired
of being everywhere at once
adapting to the mood swings of the weather
If the clouds drift off
trying to hold themselves together
make deals with gravity
to loiter a little longer
I wonder if rain is scared
of falling
if it has trouble letting go
If snow flakes get sick
of being perfect all the time
each one trying to be one-of-a-kind
I wonder if stars wish
upon themselves before they die
if they need to teach their young to shine
I wonder if shadows long
to once feel the sun
if they get lost in the shuffle
not knowing where they’re from
I wonder if sunrise and sunset
respect each other
even though they’ve never met
If volcanoes get stressed
If storms have regrets
If compost believes in life after death
I wonder if breath ever thinks
about suicide
I wonder if the wind just wants to sit
still sometimes
and watch the world pass by
If smoke was born knowing how to rise
If rainbows get shy back stage
not sure if their colors match right
I wonder if lightning sets an alarm clock
to know when to crack
If rivers ever stop
and think of turning back
If streams meet the wrong sea
and their whole lives run off-track
I wonder if the snow wants to be black
If the soil thinks she’s too dark
If butterflies want to cover up their marks
If rocks are self-conscious of their weight
If mountains are insecure of their strength
I wonder if waves get discouraged
crawling up the sand
only to be pulled back again
to where they began
I wonder if land feels stepped upon
If sand feels insignificant
If trees need to question their lovers
to know where they stand
If branches waver in the crossroads
unsure of which way to grow
If the leaves understand they’re replaceable
and still dance when the wind blows
I wonder where the moon goes
when she is hiding
I want to find her there
and watch the ocean
spin from a distance
Listen to her
stir in her sleep
effort give way to existence"
6.20.2006
Pantera, Guilt + a New Apartment.
Lately, I've been listening to a lot of Pantera. Particularly the album "The Great Southern Trendkill." Good stuff, yes.
---
Somewhat Universal Rule: If yr doing something + you feel you have to lie about it to avoid guilt, you probably shouldn't do it.
If yr doing something + someone else is trying to guilt-trip you, you probably should tell him/her to eff the eff off.
---
Yes, I'm moving next month.
I have a place 95% set up (just gotta sign the lease to make it totally official).
Let the birds sing, let the angels rejoice, let the kids drink pop.
I'm going home!!
---
Somewhat Universal Rule: If yr doing something + you feel you have to lie about it to avoid guilt, you probably shouldn't do it.
If yr doing something + someone else is trying to guilt-trip you, you probably should tell him/her to eff the eff off.
---
Yes, I'm moving next month.
I have a place 95% set up (just gotta sign the lease to make it totally official).
Let the birds sing, let the angels rejoice, let the kids drink pop.
I'm going home!!
6.19.2006
Alcohol.
Now that I have a family member in AA, + b/c I've been doing some pretty stupid stuff lately, I'm starting to reevaluate my thoughts on alcohol.
I'll never again become one of those cold-turkey people who refuse anything w/ a trace of alcohol in it. I know that. But I've been noticing a scary trend within myself-- the inability to stop. I like beer + I can have fun by just drinking one. But I never leave it at that. Instead I'll need more + more.
I've been told AA is good b/c it shows you how terrible alcohol really is. I've been told it's worse than any other drug. You don't have to make any moonlight deals in the back alley with alcohol. If you need a fix just go up to Circle K.
+ When you drink, it's not considered a problem. Just imagine what ppl would say if you declared, "Hey all, I'm running down the street to buy an eight ball of crack." I doubt there's a country song about going on a C-R-A-C-K-R-U-N.
But you know, they're more alike than they seem.
I'll never again become one of those cold-turkey people who refuse anything w/ a trace of alcohol in it. I know that. But I've been noticing a scary trend within myself-- the inability to stop. I like beer + I can have fun by just drinking one. But I never leave it at that. Instead I'll need more + more.
I've been told AA is good b/c it shows you how terrible alcohol really is. I've been told it's worse than any other drug. You don't have to make any moonlight deals in the back alley with alcohol. If you need a fix just go up to Circle K.
+ When you drink, it's not considered a problem. Just imagine what ppl would say if you declared, "Hey all, I'm running down the street to buy an eight ball of crack." I doubt there's a country song about going on a C-R-A-C-K-R-U-N.
But you know, they're more alike than they seem.
6.18.2006
(607/216/440) Mochas.
Now that I've declared this "Post More Posts" policy, I need to, yes, post a post.
---
Q: How does one escape a mocha addiction?
It started in Ithaca, NY. I began going to Juna's Cafe in the Commons on a regular basis in search of a boost. Chai didn't quite cut it-- I needed something more. Coffee worked, if I could stand the heartburn it gave me as side effect. Lattes were good but often bitter. And then, yes, I tried it. Mocha. The beginning of an enjoyable addiction.
+ Then I began my search for the Perfect Mocha. Juna's was good + so was Autumn Leaves.... but Gimme Coffee won out the town w/ it's Mocha Choka (mocha + extra espresso).
Now that I'm back in Ohio the search for the Perfect Mocha has been rekindled. In Ashtabula County, yr lucky if you can find a mocha w/ soy. But in Cleveland I've weaned put my favorites. Starbucks isn't even an option, my dears. Starbucks=hell no for a variety of reasons of which I'll mention later. That leaves the Caribou, Phoenix + Arabica as the chains. (I'll soon whittle my faves down to the local, unique, 1 location shops later on). Arabica doesn't have a mocha w/ soy--rather, they have Voltaires which are more coffee than espresso. Caribou has really, really rich mochas, so if you wanna feel fat or overindulgent, opt for Caribou. This leaves Phoenix, which I will say, wins out the town for the Perfect Mocha. In Lakewood, I prefer the Cafe Phoenix (a bit pricey but well worth it) which is a mocha + extra shots. Hell yes, I'm all about the buzz. The downtown location I prefer, only b/c a Cafe Phoenix is aptly called a Speedball.
+ I like telling people I just had a speedball :)
Q: Even though mochas average to about $3.50 a pop, is this an addiction I really wanna escape??
---
Q: How does one escape a mocha addiction?
It started in Ithaca, NY. I began going to Juna's Cafe in the Commons on a regular basis in search of a boost. Chai didn't quite cut it-- I needed something more. Coffee worked, if I could stand the heartburn it gave me as side effect. Lattes were good but often bitter. And then, yes, I tried it. Mocha. The beginning of an enjoyable addiction.
+ Then I began my search for the Perfect Mocha. Juna's was good + so was Autumn Leaves.... but Gimme Coffee won out the town w/ it's Mocha Choka (mocha + extra espresso).
Now that I'm back in Ohio the search for the Perfect Mocha has been rekindled. In Ashtabula County, yr lucky if you can find a mocha w/ soy. But in Cleveland I've weaned put my favorites. Starbucks isn't even an option, my dears. Starbucks=hell no for a variety of reasons of which I'll mention later. That leaves the Caribou, Phoenix + Arabica as the chains. (I'll soon whittle my faves down to the local, unique, 1 location shops later on). Arabica doesn't have a mocha w/ soy--rather, they have Voltaires which are more coffee than espresso. Caribou has really, really rich mochas, so if you wanna feel fat or overindulgent, opt for Caribou. This leaves Phoenix, which I will say, wins out the town for the Perfect Mocha. In Lakewood, I prefer the Cafe Phoenix (a bit pricey but well worth it) which is a mocha + extra shots. Hell yes, I'm all about the buzz. The downtown location I prefer, only b/c a Cafe Phoenix is aptly called a Speedball.
+ I like telling people I just had a speedball :)
Q: Even though mochas average to about $3.50 a pop, is this an addiction I really wanna escape??
More Frequent Posts.
I've been thinking I should post more blogs. In the past month that I've created this blog, I find it quite pathetic how few entries I've posted.
So let's change that.
In order to do this, everyone must be prepared for total acts of randomness. I'll be happy as long as something is posted on a regular basis. Even lame entries like this will work.
So let's change that.
In order to do this, everyone must be prepared for total acts of randomness. I'll be happy as long as something is posted on a regular basis. Even lame entries like this will work.
6.13.2006
(440/216) "Sit Down Honey, Let's Kill Some Time...."
As of this moment I'm working hard to become self-sufficient in the future. Yes, I say in the future rather than NOW because my job is starting at the *end* of July rather than NOW. I really want/need to pick up a bs job for some moolah, but I'm also in between residencies. NOW I'm trying to find myself an apt. in the Cleveland/Lakewood area. I'm yet again in limbo. Here's some random notes about random stuff I've just randomly decided to post. Now ain't that totally random?
(440) Ashtabula' n all that.
This county is depressing. If I were to stay here I would quickly become addicted to things that I shouldn't name. Actually there are quite a few things I'd be addicted to. I could see myself turning into one if those crazy girls who plan their day around how they're gonna mess themselves up. "What am I gonna do today? Well what's around?" Maybe if there was more to do, there would be somewhat less of a meth problem. Actually, if people were able to find meaningful things to do (+ actual *gasp* employment opportunities), there would be less of a general drug problem overall.
(216) Cleveland starts at w. 112th.
So I've been looking at apartments on the westside. Personally, I like the area in between Edgewater and Cudell--like W. 112, W. 110, and all those other roads stretching between Madison and Clifton in that area. It can be a little rough around the edges, but hey, I find it charming. Call me crazy. At least it ain't the 'burbs. I looked at a place on W. 112 that I kinda liked but the others with me didn't find the street at all appealing. So then I looked at W. 110 and they liked that better. Makes me wonder- what makes a street nice? The landloards on W. 110 were commenting how their street used to be like W. 112 until they "cleaned it up." What constitutes a clean street? How do you differentiate between people hanging around as a good thing (instilling a community feeling) with something to be avoided +/ broken up (as in "they're all crackheads!"). I dunno... I find it interesting.
(440) Ashtabula' n all that.
This county is depressing. If I were to stay here I would quickly become addicted to things that I shouldn't name. Actually there are quite a few things I'd be addicted to. I could see myself turning into one if those crazy girls who plan their day around how they're gonna mess themselves up. "What am I gonna do today? Well what's around?" Maybe if there was more to do, there would be somewhat less of a meth problem. Actually, if people were able to find meaningful things to do (+ actual *gasp* employment opportunities), there would be less of a general drug problem overall.
(216) Cleveland starts at w. 112th.
So I've been looking at apartments on the westside. Personally, I like the area in between Edgewater and Cudell--like W. 112, W. 110, and all those other roads stretching between Madison and Clifton in that area. It can be a little rough around the edges, but hey, I find it charming. Call me crazy. At least it ain't the 'burbs. I looked at a place on W. 112 that I kinda liked but the others with me didn't find the street at all appealing. So then I looked at W. 110 and they liked that better. Makes me wonder- what makes a street nice? The landloards on W. 110 were commenting how their street used to be like W. 112 until they "cleaned it up." What constitutes a clean street? How do you differentiate between people hanging around as a good thing (instilling a community feeling) with something to be avoided +/ broken up (as in "they're all crackheads!"). I dunno... I find it interesting.
5.24.2006
(440) Ashtabula in the News: How Weird Can It Get?
Yes, the rather rural + impoverished county of Ashtabula, OH is back in the news--this time, it's even national (though the PeeDee reported the story in most detail).
I wonder: Why are bears (and cougars!) kept in Ash. Co.?? Possibly for the convenience of being able to see big game off Route 6, rather than have to travel out West (either to wild country, or even the Cleveland Zoo [which I don't condone, btw]).
This place in tiny lil' Hartsgrove remains mysterious: It has been described as an animal park, but I also read an allusion to a fur farm. What's going on here + why are some guy's bears attacking his neighbors? I say SHUT IT DOWN!
I wonder: Why are bears (and cougars!) kept in Ash. Co.?? Possibly for the convenience of being able to see big game off Route 6, rather than have to travel out West (either to wild country, or even the Cleveland Zoo [which I don't condone, btw]).
This place in tiny lil' Hartsgrove remains mysterious: It has been described as an animal park, but I also read an allusion to a fur farm. What's going on here + why are some guy's bears attacking his neighbors? I say SHUT IT DOWN!
(607) The Joys of Dumpster-Diving.
Why dumpster-dive?
Here's why-- I found this note (or assignment, whatever) in a recycling box at Ithaca College during moving week. Here it is, printed as found:
Me: Where have you been? All day. Where
Adam: Hospital. I'm a doctor. I have to work all day to make the money.
Me: You're always working. Was Lisa the nurse at the hospital today.
Adam: She's only a friend. I'm sick of your jealousy repeatedly.
Me: I'm home all day, cooking, cleaning, and taking care of our children. You're selfish.
Adam: I'm pissed off. Lisa + I are going on vacation to Bulgaria.
Me: What? I want a divorce. I fell in love with our dentist.
Adam: Jim? He's fat, boring, and ugly. I'm rich and handsome.
Me: But he's softheaded. You're mean and bigheaded.
Adam: Up till now you were happy. What happened?
Me: I'm pooped out from all your lies. You don't care about me. I'll send you the divorce papers in 2 wks.
Adam: I confess. I let this marriage go bad. We're finished.
Me: I'll keep our 3 children. I want 1/2 your money.
Adam: You go to hell. I'm calling my lawyer. I'm postponing my travels to Bulgaria.
Me: I hate you.
Here's why-- I found this note (or assignment, whatever) in a recycling box at Ithaca College during moving week. Here it is, printed as found:
Me: Where have you been? All day. Where
Adam: Hospital. I'm a doctor. I have to work all day to make the money.
Me: You're always working. Was Lisa the nurse at the hospital today.
Adam: She's only a friend. I'm sick of your jealousy repeatedly.
Me: I'm home all day, cooking, cleaning, and taking care of our children. You're selfish.
Adam: I'm pissed off. Lisa + I are going on vacation to Bulgaria.
Me: What? I want a divorce. I fell in love with our dentist.
Adam: Jim? He's fat, boring, and ugly. I'm rich and handsome.
Me: But he's softheaded. You're mean and bigheaded.
Adam: Up till now you were happy. What happened?
Me: I'm pooped out from all your lies. You don't care about me. I'll send you the divorce papers in 2 wks.
Adam: I confess. I let this marriage go bad. We're finished.
Me: I'll keep our 3 children. I want 1/2 your money.
Adam: You go to hell. I'm calling my lawyer. I'm postponing my travels to Bulgaria.
Me: I hate you.
5.18.2006
(607) Without an Address.
On 05/15 I was booted from my college "apartment." After having graduated on 05/14, the college's message was basically: "you've graduated, now GET OUT!" Apparently I was no longer of use to them. (Even though I haven't officially graduated until September '06 + am thus *still* paying tuition).
As of Monday I became "homeless." Homeless is a relative term: to me, a home is a place that a) you can return to, b) you can store yr stuff and c) you can have a sense of belonging. Right now I have two of the three, but for a moment on Monday I didn't have anything. All I had was a heavy backpack, a garbage bag full of clothes and my trusty (though front brake-less) bike. There were a few options of places to sleep--one being up in the office of my current internship. I'd at least have a roof over my head. But the sense of not having a place of my own to return to was extremely hard to deal with.
I had it easy--a friend suggested a place to stay that, while being kinda far from downtown, was pleasantly cozy.
But it made me think. I just barely had a taste of homelessness and it had already taken a toll on me. I wonder how do people who are homeless for months, or even years, deal with it? I've gotten to know many homeless people in Ithaca (like my "adopted" dad) who seem somewhat adjusted to their lifestyle. But can anyone really adapt to sleeping on an empty stretch of sidewalk?
I guess I'll find out more in July when I begin working with the homeless of Cleveland.
As of Monday I became "homeless." Homeless is a relative term: to me, a home is a place that a) you can return to, b) you can store yr stuff and c) you can have a sense of belonging. Right now I have two of the three, but for a moment on Monday I didn't have anything. All I had was a heavy backpack, a garbage bag full of clothes and my trusty (though front brake-less) bike. There were a few options of places to sleep--one being up in the office of my current internship. I'd at least have a roof over my head. But the sense of not having a place of my own to return to was extremely hard to deal with.
I had it easy--a friend suggested a place to stay that, while being kinda far from downtown, was pleasantly cozy.
But it made me think. I just barely had a taste of homelessness and it had already taken a toll on me. I wonder how do people who are homeless for months, or even years, deal with it? I've gotten to know many homeless people in Ithaca (like my "adopted" dad) who seem somewhat adjusted to their lifestyle. But can anyone really adapt to sleeping on an empty stretch of sidewalk?
I guess I'll find out more in July when I begin working with the homeless of Cleveland.
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