The RAnts of RA

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With the economy in the toilet, inflation going strong and the poor job outlook — thank you, Obama —  many people are scrambling to make some “extra” money, so they can keep the lights on and food on the table. Many people have discovered that their home computer and printer will allow them to work from home to earn a few bucks.

Sure, it looks easy enough. Since we are already plugged into the World Wide Web, anyone can work from home. And yes, this is true — but — once you have drummed up enough work to make it a worthwhile endeavor, you soon realize the cost of working from home — on the body.

Sitting in an office chair —  or worse —  a kitchen chair for several hours every day puts a tremendous amount of strain on the back and  the neck for starters.

Ergonomics is a huge issue. At the very least you will need an adjustable height office chair, one that fits you well. I love shopping for office chairs at Office Max because, unlike Staples, they actually rate every single chair in their showroom in “hours.” I normally sit at least 8-hours a day but out of ignorance, I was buying chairs that were  rated for only 3-5 hours.

Did you know a chair will last longer and perform better if you switch it out frequently — just like your shoes? I’ve found that buying two pairs of shoes and swapping them out daily will make my shoes last not twice as long as you would suspect but actually for at least four times as long. (Barring any unforseen mishaps, of course.)

Having a comfortable chair, one that is rated for the amount of time you actually plan to sit in it, will make a big difference in your overall comfort level.

If you are starting out on a “shoestring” budget, don’t fret. Most areas have used furniture stores, flea markets, freecycle, etc… You can get a nice one  free if you ask around and let people know you are in the market. I found a perfectly good fully adjustable chair at a local junk dealer for $49 — the chair was originally sold for well over $300. This chair has held up for years, much better than the 9 new chairs I have bought at prices ranging from $49 to $299, plus warranty.

I don’t normally  purchase extended warranties but when purchasing a chair, or a printer, I always buy the extended warranty. We shop a great deal at Staples because we live in a rural area with few shopping options. Staples has a terrific extended warranty, if it breaks within the warranty period (usually between 1 and 3 years), they will replace it, no questions asked. They actually give you the full purchase price that can be used toward any item at the store. You can’t beat that. Rarely does an office chair or printer last longer than 3 years.

I’ve known many men and women who work from home over the years. The most common complaint from those who are new  at it is how hard it is  to sit for hours on end. The other most common complaint is eye strain from staring at a screen for the same period (or more!).

I’d like to offer up a few tips for those who are new to working from home and those who are struggling or considering a work-at-home career move.

Additional Work from home tips:

• Invest in a telephone headset and use it. – I can’t believe how many people I speak to on the telephone, daily, who I am positive have neck problems. I can tell they are struggling to hold the phone against their ear, while trying to type at the same time. It simply doesn’t work. (Cost  $20.00+)
• Take time for yourself. – Computers have gotten more complicated over the years. They add as much pleasure as they do frustration to our lives. I’ve put up a few bird feeders out back, where I can enjoy what I like to call a “mental health moment.” It’s a good idea to set up an area in your home (or outside your home) that makes you feel good and helps to calm you. It’s amazing how much a even a 10-minute break can help calm the nerves.
• See your Chiropractor. – Regular chiropractic care helps to keep our spine in  alignment, helping our bodies to evenly distribute our weight and assist our organs in functioning properly. Chiropractic care is an inexpensive way to stay healthy. Our family goes weekly, but even monthly maintenance visits can provide a tremendous boost to your system and quality of life.
• Do what you love. – This is probably the most important tip. Working at something you hate will take a physical and emotional toll on the body. Find something that you truly love and make it work for you. If you do what you love, people will love you for it.
• Don’t make money your focus. – If you are only working for a paycheck, you aren’t a very happy person  (of course being able to pay the bills is nice, so don’t just up and quit). We all have money issues but try not to get distracted by them. It takes a lot of hard work and effort to make any business venture work. You must stay focused on the business, not on your growing stack of bills. Worrying won’t help a thing but diverting your attention from the work at hand could cripple your ability to function productively. Stay focused on working your business.
• Keep a positive mindset. – One of the hardest things for me is to maintain a  positive attitude  during these rough economic times. I have  enlisted my  spouses help. I tend to be a chronic worrier, so when I ask him how we are doing, he always tells me, “we are doing fine,” and we always are. It helps to have his feedback and support. When things get tight, we pull together to fix the issue. Staying in a positive mindset is essential to work-at-home families. (Otherwise, it’s like living in a war zone — no good for anyone.)
• Make space for work. – One of the most common reasons for for a work-at-home business to fail is neglecting to provide a distinct workspace. Not just a computer and desk to sit at when you’re working, but a dedicated space that won’t be infringed upon by personal bills, homework, meals, and entertainment. Dedicating even  just a few square feet of space to the business will help you focus while you’re working, which will help enable you to enjoy more time when you’re not working. This method prevents the business from consuming every aspect of your life.

You might take the stance that  “hey, you don’t have my bills,” or “you haven’t walked in my shoes.” But I can tell you honestly, I’ve been homeless more times in my life than I care to recall, so I won’t. I’ve pulled myself out of the depths of poverty many times — and often with help from unexpected places.

I’ve been through recessions, depressions — heck, I’m from Michigan.  The economy in Michigan hasn’t been good since the early 70’s. I remember in the early 80’s the most common  Michigan quote was, “Would the last person to leave, please turn out the lights.” This was during the mass exodus that took place in  80-84, when everyone in Michigan (or so it seemed) moved to Texas because of their huge construction boom.

My late husband and I moved to Houston in August of 1983, three days before hurricane Alicia hit the Galveston/Houston area. I was terrified. It’s one of the worst  storms I’ve ever experienced.

I guess I’ve gotten a little off track now but my point is that no matter the economy, those who are prepared and willing to work hard, will find a way to make it work.

Just remember to: Always use the right tool for the job

Employment Resources:

• Job Search Index
• Employment Search Web Listing
• Employment in the News

Pro-Life marchers heading to the Supreme Court

After the many years I spent picketing, rallying and rescuing Ohio infants at the Center for Choice II, in Toledo, Ohio, I never dreamed I would live to see the day that the children might some day be saved  from certain death. If you haven’t heard the news, let me be the first to share a much cherished moment.

The headline reads: “Ohio House approves abortion ban after heartbeat,” when Reuters announced that the Ohio House of Representatives had voted to ban abortions after a fetal heartbeat is detectable, which can be as early as six weeks.

Reuters — Columbus, Ohio reported…

COLUMBUS (Reuters) – The Ohio House of Representatives on Tuesday voted to ban abortions after a fetal heartbeat is detectable, which can be as early as six weeks.

The House voted 54 to 43 for the ban, along party lines, with most Republicans voting in favor.

If enacted, the law would be a challenge to the U.S. Supreme Court’s 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling which upheld a woman’s right to an abortion until the fetus is viable outside the womb, usually at 22-24 weeks.

Republican Ohio House Speaker William Batchelder said he knows this bill will face a court challenge.

“We’re writing bills for courts,” he said.

The bill now goes to the Republican-dominated Ohio Senate.

The Ohio House also passed two other abortion restrictions Tuesday, one that would ban late-term abortions after 20 weeks if a doctor determines that the fetus is viable outside the womb. Another bill excludes abortion coverage from the state insurance exchange created by the federal health care law.

The late-term ban already was passed by the Ohio Senate.

Neither bill was as contentious as the heartbeat legislation, which does not contain exceptions for rape, incest or the life or health of the mother. [continue reading…]

Here I am living on the “Left Coast,” with these screwy laws and values, while the victory is being won in – of all places – The State of Ohio. We used to own a small family farm back in Curtice, Ohio. My daughter and I cared for over 300 French Angora Rabbits, they started out as a 4-H project but turned into much more. We used to raise our own pigs, chickens, ducks, turkeys and so many more, we had a goat once that was simply a riot.

We had those old metal rocking chairs sitting outside by the back door. It was common for us to go out and butcher 10 or  20-chickens and  invite friends over for a BBQ. We’d sit outside, the guys might play some touch football, the kids would play on the swing. As I sat in the chair the goat would come over and nuzzled  my hand trying to get me to pet him. He was a little Nubian goat and smart as  a whip. He would jump up in the chair next to mine and circle round and round, just as if he were trying to cop a squat (sit in the chair, with his legs over the edge)   to copy me. He was so cute.

Many members of our church, New Life Assembly of God, in Oregon, Ohio would picket, sidewalk councel and rescue (with Operation Rescue) unborn children  with peaceful demonstrations. Once we used kryptonite  bicycle locks and locks and chains to close the place down, until the police came. The leaders arranged  a truce, we unlocked our chains and went peacefully to jail. We were allowed to return to the rally after being booked, so long as we promised not to chain up again. We help up our end of the bargain.

A few weeks later the Center for Choice II sued the group collectively for $14 million in a RICO  suit, which the protestors won after a lengthy two-year battle. What a sweet victory it was. The people of Ohio are hardworking, honest folks who understand just how precious life is. God doesn’t make mistakes.

Last night I watched as a deer, who had been hit by a car near our house, suffered and died in agony for 2-hours waiting for the Sheriff to come and shoot it. Just two-days prior I had watch this magnificent young buck as he grazed  in our yard. I took pictures, which I will share in my next article. He struggled for hours trying to stand as he was pinned under some dead bushes in our yard. His front shoulder was fractured, he was frightened and bleeding from his mouth. I cried as I waited, unable to come to terms with his inevitable death. My heart is still broken.

Our business is here in California, we have friends here and have met some terrific people but this state has broken my heart. The laws here in California  are cruel and unfair. From where I am sitting, all I see are liberals who can’t seem to see past today. People who don’t understand business and the way economics work, should not be allowed to effect change that will be detrimental to ones own future well-being.

Tonight, I am celebrating along with the unborn children of Ohio. Bless their souls. I can’t count how many nights I’ve spent in prayer for the infants of this country. This is an answer to many prayers. Who knows, at the rate California children are slaughtered (believe me it is slaughter) Ohio may grow to become the most populated state in the country. Think about it.

I miss you Ohio! I may live in California but my heart remains with you.

According to a July 2, 2011 NPR article…

Statistics compiled by NARAL Pro-Choice America show that 29 governors – including Kansan Sam Brownback – now oppose abortion, up from 21 before the 2010 elections.

And 19 states have House and Senate memberships that are “solidly” opposed to abortion, up from 16 last year. Eight states have what NARAL characterizes as “solidly pro-choice” legislatures, down from 10. [continue reading…]

Related Articles:

• Ohio House Bans Abortion… in a heartbeat!
• Abortion Wars: Taking It To The States

I wrote an opinion  piece last night, in response to the Amazon Sales Tax debacle that hit the news late yesterday in California. As I sat here it occurred to me that grandma never got riled up much, unless it was after her bedtime beer, when she would get a little silly.

Grandma knew that things have a way of working themselves out. She would say things like, “It will all come out in the wash.” and one of my personal favorites, “Necessity is the mother of invention.”

Image by Downing Street via Flickr

Look around you at friends and neighbors. The folks who  are doing well right now, have found a need and they are filling it. People are switching careers, starting new businesses and it is because of,  the true pioneering spirit that built this nation.

More people are growing their own fruits and vegetables than ever before. Cooks are sharing recipes on their blogs and Facebook, along with money-saving  tips and financial strategies that work in these uncertain times.

As politicians continue to line their own pockets,  squeezing every dime possible from  the collective taxpayer  wallet, taxpayers invent new ways to cope and fight back. The skills possessed by our ancestors has not been lost. There are still plenty of us old-timers around who know how to cook (from scratch) and how to can food, sew and mend clothing, raise livestock, hunt, farm and many other things.  Many families will even prosper, in spite of facing fear and trepidation due to our failing economy.

I can still hear my dad taunting me with, “No guts, no glory!”

I mentioned in my previous piece that Amazon closed our account and California thinks that driving business out of the state will boost their sales tax revenues. Well, I want California to tighten its belt.  I want illegal immigrants sent home, where they belong instead of draining my social security benefits. (You know the ones I’ve paid my entire life but will never collect.)

My husband had a terrific idea, which I fully support. We’ve moved our amazon account to our kids, who live in Michigan — a state that was hit early and hard when the depression steam rolled this county. We frequently bought items for the grandchildren on Amazon with our affiliate revenue, the only difference is now their parents will receive the money directly and they can pay the taxes on it.

It’s a win, win situation and everyone’s happy — well almost everyone. I can’t image that the Governor of California or the California Franchise Tax Board will be too thrilled with my solution but I really don’t care what they like.

If you ask me… No one did but, in my opinion we should all stay home more, buy more things online. It will help cut our dependence on fossil fuels, it will help people lead happier more productive lives. Let’s face it, traffic is a nightmare these days. Instead of building more freeways and buying more cars, let’s stay home a little more. Many people already work a 4-day week. I think that is terrific. It saves you money, it’s good for the environment and the employer benefits by having a happier employee.

Wouldn’t it be terrific if everyone could condense their work-week or even work from home one or two days a week? There are many things we can to cut back.

Oh, and Amazon, pst. I have a secret, you aren’t the only online game in town. I happen to know of other online stores with terrific deals and free shipping. So, you’ll be seeing a little less of me right away and my business could disappear completely and we send a great deal of business your way.

Until next time…

Happy Fourth of July!

Related articles

• Amazon kills affiliate program in California over sales tax battle (gigaom.com)
• California’s Amazon (retailbandit.com)
• Amazon cuts off California affiliates (physorg.com)