Alma

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Viewing 15 posts - 1 through 15 (of 17 total)
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  • in reply to: Dang new-fangled gadgets! #39270

    Alma
    Participant
    Unless there is a biological impediment affecting mental capacity, I would have to say no. As you stated you are looking for a scientific answer, I think this has to do with rational/irrational thinking. 'Becoming resistant' involves a thinking process and human beings have a natural tendency to think in irrational terms. My partner of 22 years suffered a debilitating work injury that gave her the chance to retire, or learn the new computer imaging that was redefining her department. Her irrational side was frightened and felt that, at age 66, she could not learn new skills with a physical challenge. But she resisted this impulse, pursued rational thinking and mapped out a plan to reinvent her job. Her boss was impressed at her ideas and knew she was too smart to lose. Now, she does more, works smarter and is a senior computer help person in diagnostic X-ray for a major military medical center. Prior to this she was not you would call 'computer literate.' To me, this proves positive attitudes have impact on negative situations. Equation: Rational thinking (I can do this) equals positive action (desire to learn/committment to excel). Age has nothing to do with this process. Attitude does. My Sunshine is the smartest person I know and she keeps us both young. I'm proud of her.

    User Detail :  

    Name : Alma, Gender : Female, Sexual Orientation : Lesbian, Race : White/Caucasian, Religion : Methodist, City : Kempner, State : TX Country : United States, Occupation : contract employee, Education level : 4 Years of College, 
    in reply to: Barefoot at the ice cream stand #14298

    Alma
    Participant
    Going barefoot is one of the ultimate forms of relaxation. When I get home, the second thing that comes off is my shoes... I also have severe tendonitis and need to be barefoot for my excercises. Working in a library is great fun but hard on the feet.

    User Detail :  

    Name : Alma, Gender : Female, Sexual Orientation : Lesbian, Race : White/Caucasian, Religion : Methodist, City : Kempner, State : TX Country : United States, Occupation : contract employee, Education level : 4 Years of College, 
    in reply to: Artist in need of white stereotypes #22399

    Alma
    Participant
    Dan has anyone ever suggested you publish? I laughed for an hour, great response!!

    User Detail :  

    Name : Alma, Gender : Female, Sexual Orientation : Lesbian, Race : White/Caucasian, Religion : Methodist, City : Kempner, State : TX Country : United States, Occupation : contract employee, Education level : 4 Years of College, 
    in reply to: Bearing arms in the U.S. #27216

    Alma
    Participant
    Oh boy, do I agree with Brian on this one. Americans DO NOT like to be told they cannot do anything; even if its against the law. While this particular issue has strong feelings on both sides, I think its another example of the 'I'm entitled' behavior that runs so hot in the US. I also think its an example of why so many populations abroad refer to us as 'Ugly Americans.' Personally, I think the British regulations on firearm ownership need to be instilled here. No one has any damn business owning an assualt weapon in the home. Thats not a hunting weapon; its made to kill human beings.

    User Detail :  

    Name : Alma, Gender : Female, Sexual Orientation : Lesbian, Race : White/Caucasian, Religion : Methodist, City : Kempner, State : TX Country : United States, Occupation : contract employee, Education level : 4 Years of College, 
    in reply to: Gay sleeping arrangements #45389

    Alma
    Participant
    My partner of 18 years and I rarely sleep apart; only if one of us is ill and needs the extra space and quiet. Even then, I just don't sleep soundly without her body cuddled next to mine. I think sexual frequency varies from couple to couple, for both gay and straight relationships. Suffice to say that when we're both 'in the mood,' we plan to have time for ourselves. Sometimes it's frequent, sometimes not.

    It does not bother me if straight co-workers ask questions. If it's too personal, I gently make that known. However, the only way to bust a stereotype is to confront it with the truth. Example: BIG MYTH: Gays are pedophiles. Fact: Every report by every state and federal agency throughout the United States denounces this in black and white. My partner and I try hard to lead by example and not copy bigoted behavior by repeating it toward another person - even if that person behaves in a hateful manner. Somedays this is difficult; but, we feel it is important.

    User Detail :  

    Name : Alma, Gender : Female, Sexual Orientation : Lesbian, Race : White/Caucasian, Religion : Methodist, City : Kempner, State : TX Country : United States, Occupation : contract employee, Education level : 4 Years of College, 
    in reply to: Melatonin supplements and night work #46361

    Alma
    Participant
    Trying to consistantly get sleep when your sleep patterns are irregular is difficult. When I was working shift work, I would make a point of doing my weight lifting routine about an hour before bed. That relaxed me sufficiently to sleep. I have also had success with an 8 oz glass of wine(room tempature). When either of those failed, I relied on the herb Kava-Kava. It helped me relax, had no side effects and also helped as an anti-spasmodic for aches and pains. I would do more research on the Melatonin if I were you.

    User Detail :  

    Name : Alma, Gender : Female, Sexual Orientation : Lesbian, Race : White/Caucasian, Religion : Methodist, City : Kempner, State : TX Country : United States, Occupation : contract employee, Education level : 4 Years of College, 
    in reply to: ‘People of color’ – ugh #26465

    Alma
    Participant
    The issue of racial 'terms' came up in an EEO class I attended recently. The term 'people of color' drew laughs from the predominantly black group of young people(18-23). One young lady said she wasn't in a 'coloring book' and found the term ridiculous. But when other students asked what terms were acceptable for blacks, the answers varied. Some preferred 'black man/woman, black American, negro, African-American,' etc. Still other students who were dark-skinned Pacific Islanders, Panamanians or children of bi-racial marriages considered the issue to be a need for a self-imposed label. One Nigerian student said to identify by color instead of geographic location was self-defeating. The subject seemed to be very much a personal issue for each person. I don't see how we can just say that one or two terms apply to everyone of what we 'perceive' to be of one culture. Must we tie our identity to anything except how we treat each others and ourselves? I'll take being remembered as a humanitarian over a Caucasian any day.

    User Detail :  

    Name : Alma, Gender : Female, Sexual Orientation : Lesbian, Race : White/Caucasian, Religion : Methodist, City : Kempner, State : TX Country : United States, Occupation : contract employee, Education level : 4 Years of College, 
    in reply to: Do white people understand… #32394

    Alma
    Participant
    Jennifer's answer is the only logical reply I have ever seen on this issue. She acknowledges that holding all whites responsible doesn't cut it, but she also identifies how racism has changed only its manner, not its intent or outcome in this country. Every day, black Americans are discriminated against in this country. The problem is still very prevalent. But the answer is not to copy that behavior or use a 'blanket blame' policy. The answer is to teach by example and hold irresponsible behavior accountable as it happens.

    User Detail :  

    Name : Alma, Gender : Female, Sexual Orientation : Lesbian, Race : White/Caucasian, Religion : Methodist, City : Kempner, State : TX Country : United States, Occupation : contract employee, Education level : 4 Years of College, 
    in reply to: Nasty comments about weight #47003

    Alma
    Participant
    I say take a lesson from your African-American sisters. A while back there was discussion on Y Forum about how white women have trouble with their self-esteem if they are not 'skinny,' but that black women seldom seem to. The consensus(and I would agree) was that black women in America like their bodies more and don't obsess as much about being the 'perfect size 6.' Personally, I think a few extra pounds are very attractive. More curves to appreciate.

    User Detail :  

    Name : Alma, Gender : Female, Sexual Orientation : Lesbian, Race : White/Caucasian, Religion : Methodist, City : Kempner, State : TX Country : United States, Occupation : contract employee, Education level : 4 Years of College, 
    in reply to: Blacks and history #22741

    Alma
    Participant
    Both the issue and the answer given are behaviors I have seen stop racial equality in its' tracks in America over and over. It has to do with whose point of view you are viewing the situation from. Discrimination is a behavior that is directed towards someone who is perceived as 'different.' Be it color, religion, sexual orientation, etc. I have seen nasty behavior between Black and Jewish Americans(just to name a few)who are at odds about who is the most persecuted in this country. Who is discriminated against most is not the issue. The issue is that the discrimination takes place to begin with; and, that the victims waste their time fighting over who's the biggest target instead of banding together to teach equality to the whole. Human beings learn by example. If I as a lesbian say acting out my anger is justified(and trust me, I have a lot of anger)because I'm the biggest victim, I have just copied the behavior of the bigot who bashed me. What does that teach the child in the corner watching all this? That two wrongs make a right? Everyone who is treated badly because of a perceived difference is 'unique' and the wasted energy of claiming top victims status stalls the forward momentum needed to bring equality to all by TEACHING all. 'Each one teach one.'

    User Detail :  

    Name : Alma, Gender : Female, Sexual Orientation : Lesbian, Race : White/Caucasian, Religion : Methodist, City : Kempner, State : TX Country : United States, Occupation : contract employee, Education level : 4 Years of College, 
    in reply to: Bases #35879

    Alma
    Participant
    I don't know about the bases, but it seems to me that today's young people have too many fast balls and not enough 'short STOPS!'

    User Detail :  

    Name : Alma, Gender : Female, Sexual Orientation : Lesbian, Race : White/Caucasian, Religion : Methodist, City : Kempner, State : TX Country : United States, Occupation : contract employee, Education level : 4 Years of College, 
    in reply to: Latinos and taking action #24628

    Alma
    Participant
    You didn't specify if your attempts are work- or leisure-related. If it's a leisure activity, I have the same issue, but I know the reason, and I don't think it's exclusive to Hispanic culture. The friends and co-workers I deal with are military personnel with families. Whenever something comes up outside of work, their first reaction is 'What do I have planned with my family during that time?' Family time is a major issue with them because it tends to be very limited. The usual answer I get is 'Let me check with my wife/husband and get back to you.' It's not indecision; rather, they want to make sure no family plans are interrupted. Especially for young parents on tight budgets, decisions require joint discussion to preclude unexpected stress. Are the people you're thinking about very family-oriented? Do they want to be involved in activities for cousins and grandparents as well as spouses and/or their own children? That takes up a lot of time for one person. Maybe the reason you think the issue deals only with Hispanics is that you deal with many Hispanics on a daily basis. And ... I applaud your question; it means you have enough tolerance to want an honest answer to an honest question.

    User Detail :  

    Name : Alma, Gender : Female, Sexual Orientation : Lesbian, Race : White/Caucasian, Religion : Methodist, City : Kempner, State : TX Country : United States, Occupation : contract employee, Education level : 4 Years of College, 
    in reply to: GHB and rape #28115

    Alma
    Participant
    The common sterotype about rape is that the act is performed for the sexual gratification. This is not true. Rape has very little to do with sex and EVERYTHING to do with power. It is a control issue. If the rapist uses a drug that incapacitates the victim, they have total control over that person.

    User Detail :  

    Name : Alma, Gender : Female, Sexual Orientation : Lesbian, Race : White/Caucasian, Religion : Methodist, City : Kempner, State : TX Country : United States, Occupation : contract employee, Education level : 4 Years of College, 
    in reply to: Who likes obese women, and why? #33642

    Alma
    Participant
    I dont know about men, but as a gay woman I can tell you I prefer a woman with a few extra pounds on her. To me, the difference is not only physical, but also shows in personality. In my opinion, 'ample' women are more sensitive, perceptive, more open to humor and much more giving of themselves. The simple fact is, curves are sexy. And no one moves and responds like a woman with plenty of curves, especially in an intimate moment.

    User Detail :  

    Name : Alma, Gender : Female, Sexual Orientation : Lesbian, Race : White/Caucasian, Religion : Methodist, City : Kempner, State : TX Country : United States, Occupation : contract employee, Education level : 4 Years of College, 
    in reply to: White arrogance #19306

    Alma
    Participant
    I see this behavior predominantly in men. However, it follows a funny pattern: When the arrogance is largely perceived as flattering, other men try to copy it or take credit for it. When it is perceived as inappropriate, such as perceived racism, many men try to blame other cultures for the problem and insist that "their" culture would never stoop to such barbaric behavior. The good part is there are men who don't buy into this ego trip. The bad part is there are some women who mistake it for assertive behavior and try to copy it. Go figure.

    User Detail :  

    Name : Alma, Gender : Female, Sexual Orientation : Lesbian, Race : White/Caucasian, Religion : Methodist, City : Kempner, State : TX Country : United States, Occupation : contract employee, Education level : 4 Years of College, 
Viewing 15 posts - 1 through 15 (of 17 total)