|
I knew, like most people, that Queen Elizabeth II was in her
last days. But when the news came, as
expected as it was, it still made me sad. Not because I had lived in England for many years. Nor because I love English history,
especially the Tudors, which, I might add, included Queen Elizabeth I. But because she unflaggingly, for 70 years
(!), seemed never to make a wrong step, but always had the vision of how to “be
Queen” perfectly in her sights, which meant putting country above self. And while she wasn’t perfect, as none of us are, I defy anyone to walk the balancing act she did over the decades. Encountering changes and challenges not only personally, but as the symbolic head of state for her country … and doing it with grace, dignity, and respect. |
|
I leave the history to Red, but I
cannot stop thinking about how most of Great Britain has only known one head of
state, Queen Elizabeth II. For that
matter, that is true of Canada and the many other countries
where the British Monarch is head of state.
She was a link to an almost vanished generation yet was a rock that helped stabilize decades of significant social change (and, family challenges) with dignity and humility. She was both an institution and an icon, and her loss will be enormous … for the family, the country, and the world. Queen Elizabeth II was a ruler for the ages, over the ages … |
Red
assets.rebelmouse.io
Black
assets.rebelmouse.io
| Oh, so many parents, myself included, can relate! Now that I’m an “empty nester”, there’s a part of me that misses being needed for something as straightforward as being their personal chauffeur. Right now, it may seem like it’s never going to end, but it goes by so quickly. Trust me. At the time, it would often drive (pun intended) me crazy, and I’d think about all the “lost hours” driving my daughter to volleyball practices and tournaments. But were they really lost, as I now miss that quiet time with her? |
| Not having children, I can only give you an “outsider’s” perspective. And, I know there are Uber-type transportation services for teenagers, although without doing extensive research on them, I cannot say whether I would have felt comfortable with my nieces using them. However, I remember that once Red’s youngest was old enough to drive, as were some of her friends, Red often replaced time chauffeuring with time worrying. At one time, I suggested making the car a “no cell-phone” zone — but explain that is what you charge for chauffeuring service. Now, I wonder if that should apply to adults, too. |
red head assets.rebelmouse.io 
Black assets.rebelmouse.io | I can relate. When my husband got fired, Black made me total up all our credit card debt, and I broke down in tears. The funny thing is that before she’d help me deal with it, she insisted on giving me a history lesson on credit cards. And although I love history, initially, I fought her. But I’m so glad she ignored me! To this day, understanding that the origin of credit cards wasn’t a line of credit but instead a convenience (to be paid in full every month) has made a huge difference. But that doesn’t answer your question. I think we all know how easy it is to rack up credit card debt. If you don't already have one, you need a monthly budget to see where you can cut back and apply those “savings” to pay down your credit card bills. Without making this a math class (not my favorite subject), I just memorized that after paying the minimums, I should apply any “extra” money to the credit cards with the highest interest rates (APRs). There’s nothing I can do about the past, but I can start making better decisions today. |
| I appreciate that “misery loves company,” and recognizing that we all are susceptible to overspending (Nicholas Cage took it to the extreme) helps explain why so many people carry credit card debt. If it makes you feel better, I got in debt over my head shortly after getting my M.B.A. (in International Finance, so I had no excuse). To the point where, although I was making a great salary in a corporate job, I had to take a second job waitressing on weekends to pay down the debt. Am I suggesting you get a second job? No. I am suggesting you look at the numbers and decide how best to “attack” them (maybe even consider debt consolidation to lower the overall interest rate you are paying). Some people suggest paying off the lowest balances first, but that is a psychological approach. As Red will tell you, I am pragmatic and prefer to crunch the numbers and come up with a realistic plan ... and set myself up for success. |
Don’t Expect A Compliment From A Sarcastic Sister — But Have A Comeback