*****************WARNING I'M ON MY SOAP BOX*****************
I read this joke online today that was so sick. Right now, even as I think about it, my stomach feels upset and the thought that someone could even find it funny. The joke was on a popular website but there was no way to report it as inappropriate. I will not share it with you; but the gist of it was a girl (AS IN A CHILD) getting sexually abused by her father. How can someone find that funny?!? Why would someone even want to share that?!? The thing that I get enraged about the most is because this is something that happens and is horrible, and and the person was making a joke out of it. Sexual abuse ruins lives. Those involved many times don't/CAN'T have normal relationships. They many times turn to drugs/alcohol. Can end up with a horrible STD. I could not even attempt to put up all the consequences of sexual abuse in children, there are many more physical and psychological devastating problems.
"... When a child is sexually abused, his innocence is stolen. Many sexual abuse survivors are ashamed to have already lost their virginity before they even knew what a virgin was. Sexual abuse survivors are deprived of the beauty of the innocent first kiss or first sexual experience. These are losses that need to be grieved".... http://www.ehow.com/how_2131979_loss-innocence-after-sexual-abuse.html?ref=fuel
It is the most disgusting thought of someone who is meant to protect you decides to feed there own physical wants. If anyone touches my niece, nephew, little sisters or future children I will... (I decided that it was not appropriate to put here) go to jail if I need to in order to protect these little ones. But sadly many children don't report it for fear of disappointing parents, or the perpetrator makes threats to hurt the child or family.
Here are some facts:
*One U.S. governmental source counts 78,188 child victims of sexual abuse in 2003. That’s a
rate of 1.2 per 1,000 American children. (That seems like a VERY high number to me)
*The 2001 National Crime Victimization Survey, which only covers youth 12-17, estimates
that 1.9 per 1,000 children are raped or sexually assaulted.
*National surveys of adults find that 9-28% of women say they experienced some type of
sexual abuse or assault in childhood.
All these estimates and others that are available have limitations and should be used with care.
http://www.unh.edu/ccrc/factsheet/pdf/CSA-FS20.pdf
You may ask who does these horrible things, well here's what the website above says on that:
*Men perpetrate most sexual abuse and sex crimes.
*Sex offenders against children tend to be juveniles or young adults under the age of 30.
*Most sexual abuse and sex crimes are committed by people who know the victims.
Acquaintances are most often the perpetrators, followed by family members and then
strangers.
How to protect a child from sexual abuse?
Well I can't put it all here see this website for a complete list: http://www.apa.org/releases/sexabuse/protect.html . Here are a few points to keep in mind. 1) Develop strong communication skills with your children.
2) Make an effort to know children's friends and their families.
3) Teach your children that their bodies are their own. That it is OK to say they do not want a hug or that certain kinds of contact make them uncomfortable.
Another source you may want to look at is the Megan's Law website http://www.meganslaw.ca.gov . My previous residence there is a sexual predator right down the street, needless to say it's also RIGHT next to a school. Do you know who your neighbors are?
God sends us children, they bring an added amount of joy, teach us patience, and we find that we have a greater capacity to love. WE MUST PROTECT THEM.
Showing posts with label family. Show all posts
Showing posts with label family. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Can't Sleep
This evening I got so nervous and worried about my NCLEX exam (which is coming up soon) that I finally decided I need to stop thinking about it for a few, so I went to bed at 8pm. Now it's 2am and I'm wide awake. So I'm just going to get up and start studying again.
But before I do that I'm going to share my two cents! I love to go visit my Grandparents. They live a few states over and I go several times a year to visit. There home has a great feeling, I feel so loved when I go to visit. The community they live in neighbors actually talk to each other and not only that they also come over to visit! What neighbors could be friends?!? The thought never occurred, until I'm visiting. I only know one of my neighbors and that's because we went to school together. The people I share the wall of my apartment wall (in case that didn't make since, the people next door) are so grumpy! It's not like we have to be friends, but hey we do live right next to each other, if I said "Hi" the nice thing to say is "hello" or something similar back; instead I get snarled at.
But I digress, the reason I brought up my Grandparents is, my grandma has a picture frame in her house it has a picture of a Shepard and sheep. And says something like "when you can sleep don't count sheep, when you could talk to the Shepard". It's an interesting thought which I have used. In school one time we were discussing how therapeutic prayer is. To just talk to someone about your concerns, worries, and thoughts is soothing. Prayer takes a load off. I can say, "I did this which was good, I did this that was bad, and I'm worried/scared about this" and for some reason it makes me feel better! I don't think I've ever gotten any amazing answers, just thoughts/ideas on what may work.
Another thing about prayer, not only the therapeutic affect, but for me as a Christian, it is a time to talk with my God. To thank Him for saving my soul and ask for His continued mercy.
But before I do that I'm going to share my two cents! I love to go visit my Grandparents. They live a few states over and I go several times a year to visit. There home has a great feeling, I feel so loved when I go to visit. The community they live in neighbors actually talk to each other and not only that they also come over to visit! What neighbors could be friends?!? The thought never occurred, until I'm visiting. I only know one of my neighbors and that's because we went to school together. The people I share the wall of my apartment wall (in case that didn't make since, the people next door) are so grumpy! It's not like we have to be friends, but hey we do live right next to each other, if I said "Hi" the nice thing to say is "hello" or something similar back; instead I get snarled at.
But I digress, the reason I brought up my Grandparents is, my grandma has a picture frame in her house it has a picture of a Shepard and sheep. And says something like "when you can sleep don't count sheep, when you could talk to the Shepard". It's an interesting thought which I have used. In school one time we were discussing how therapeutic prayer is. To just talk to someone about your concerns, worries, and thoughts is soothing. Prayer takes a load off. I can say, "I did this which was good, I did this that was bad, and I'm worried/scared about this" and for some reason it makes me feel better! I don't think I've ever gotten any amazing answers, just thoughts/ideas on what may work.
Another thing about prayer, not only the therapeutic affect, but for me as a Christian, it is a time to talk with my God. To thank Him for saving my soul and ask for His continued mercy.
Saturday, January 19, 2008
The Best Things In Life....
ARE FREE!!!!
Today I went out to visit my parents. My little sister "Smalls" has been begging (and at times harassing) me for a long time to come visit so we can go for a hike. Near my parents there are many good places to go hiking. We decided to go hike a mountain. But not just any mountain, it had to be a big one, AND it was very important to be fun! So we went off-roading in my dodge neon and found the perfect mountain. As I parked and looked up I was having a little bit of second thoughts. It was a very large pile of rocks and did not look too stable. But that didn't stop us, we hiked to the top and had the most amazing view. We had a 360 degree view of the valley. The mountain was very stable. It was fun as we tried to find my parents house and looked for my car. We played games. One game that we found fun was looking for where we would live if we were homeless, needless to say my energetic 9 year old companion found some really cool places. I was a little surprised at the lack of wildlife, normally when I've gone to this area before we see birds, lizards, rabbits, and if we're lucky a coyote and if we're not a snake! But not this time we saw a bird and that was it. On the way back to my parent's we realized that it gets REALLY cold at night still and lizards would be sleeping. And birds fly south for the winter.
When we got back to the house, I found out that my mom would be working tonight and that my dad was taking another sister "Red2" to a dance; they said they could use a babysitter. I was overjoyed with this; I got to spend the entire day with three of the coolest kids around. They have so much energy. And they are such good kids. We watched a movie, made dinner, ate popcorn, listened to music, cleaned house, and read from a few books. After the girls got ready for bed I went to each one and was able to get the sweetest hugs and kisses, then they fell asleep extremely fast. My dad came home with "Red2" and they had a fun time. And seeing that I really did need to get back home to go back studying for boards I came back to my apartment.
On the way back it hit me that everything I did today didn't cost anything but time. And it was the most fulfilling day I've had in awhile. We had fun playing and working together. I look forward to hopefully doing it again soon.
Today I went out to visit my parents. My little sister "Smalls" has been begging (and at times harassing) me for a long time to come visit so we can go for a hike. Near my parents there are many good places to go hiking. We decided to go hike a mountain. But not just any mountain, it had to be a big one, AND it was very important to be fun! So we went off-roading in my dodge neon and found the perfect mountain. As I parked and looked up I was having a little bit of second thoughts. It was a very large pile of rocks and did not look too stable. But that didn't stop us, we hiked to the top and had the most amazing view. We had a 360 degree view of the valley. The mountain was very stable. It was fun as we tried to find my parents house and looked for my car. We played games. One game that we found fun was looking for where we would live if we were homeless, needless to say my energetic 9 year old companion found some really cool places. I was a little surprised at the lack of wildlife, normally when I've gone to this area before we see birds, lizards, rabbits, and if we're lucky a coyote and if we're not a snake! But not this time we saw a bird and that was it. On the way back to my parent's we realized that it gets REALLY cold at night still and lizards would be sleeping. And birds fly south for the winter.
When we got back to the house, I found out that my mom would be working tonight and that my dad was taking another sister "Red2" to a dance; they said they could use a babysitter. I was overjoyed with this; I got to spend the entire day with three of the coolest kids around. They have so much energy. And they are such good kids. We watched a movie, made dinner, ate popcorn, listened to music, cleaned house, and read from a few books. After the girls got ready for bed I went to each one and was able to get the sweetest hugs and kisses, then they fell asleep extremely fast. My dad came home with "Red2" and they had a fun time. And seeing that I really did need to get back home to go back studying for boards I came back to my apartment.
On the way back it hit me that everything I did today didn't cost anything but time. And it was the most fulfilling day I've had in awhile. We had fun playing and working together. I look forward to hopefully doing it again soon.
Friday, December 14, 2007
Graduation
Graduation was wonderful, to say the least! It seemed to go by so fast. I got two, count 'em TWO bouquets of flowers. They are so beautiful. They are in the center of my table and I keep looking at them. Thanks to everyone that came. After the ceremony I hung around and took pictures with family and friends. And then I took my limo over to Roadhouse for dinner. It was so much fun, we had a blast in the limo. After dinner we dropped a few people back off at there cars and the rest of us drove around the rest of the night just goofing off and having fun.
The following morning came so earlier, I don't know if you can really call it the following I had only slept for about 3 hours when it "was time to get up, we are going to disneyland!". The early wake up call was from my little sister. So with my family we went down to disneyland and played around some more. I got a annual pass, so I will be going more this year... yay! One of the best parts was hearing the piano man play Christmas songs while we were sitting outside drinking hot cocoa.
Yesterday evening two of my sisters and I went to the crystal cathedral and saw the glory of Christmas. It was a great show, if you have time go see it. By the way Thursdays are discount days. The show had really animals, amazing flying angles, and great music. My only complaint was that our seats had a bad view of the left side of the stage. So try to NOT get seats on the left side of the church. We got back to our motel room again kinda late and this morning we again got up too early and went to disneyland "really quick" to ride a few rides and came home. I love spending time with my family. And the getting up earlier and staying up late makes for a lot of fun memories (and grumpy little girls!) :-)
Now tonight I was planning on going to bed and getting a good nights sleep but I was just invited to go party with some friends, but the party does not start till 10pm! Man, this is going to be another late night...fun...but still late!
The following morning came so earlier, I don't know if you can really call it the following I had only slept for about 3 hours when it "was time to get up, we are going to disneyland!". The early wake up call was from my little sister. So with my family we went down to disneyland and played around some more. I got a annual pass, so I will be going more this year... yay! One of the best parts was hearing the piano man play Christmas songs while we were sitting outside drinking hot cocoa.
Yesterday evening two of my sisters and I went to the crystal cathedral and saw the glory of Christmas. It was a great show, if you have time go see it. By the way Thursdays are discount days. The show had really animals, amazing flying angles, and great music. My only complaint was that our seats had a bad view of the left side of the stage. So try to NOT get seats on the left side of the church. We got back to our motel room again kinda late and this morning we again got up too early and went to disneyland "really quick" to ride a few rides and came home. I love spending time with my family. And the getting up earlier and staying up late makes for a lot of fun memories (and grumpy little girls!) :-)
Now tonight I was planning on going to bed and getting a good nights sleep but I was just invited to go party with some friends, but the party does not start till 10pm! Man, this is going to be another late night...fun...but still late!
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Christmas is the best!
I love Christmas! It is one of my favorite holidays. I love setting up a Christmas tree, spending time with family, attempting to cook goodies. I love to sit by the fireplace at my parents home and just hang out/sing Christmas songs/ talk about things that happened when we were kids that my parents never found out about! I love to window shop-- I like for two reasons 1) I have no money so I couldn't buy anything even if I wanted to and 2) I don't have to stand in line to buy something! Another thing I love to go look at Christmas lights, right now there are still more that need to be put up in my neighborhood but the few that are finished are really cool. I love that my heart is softened I and have more compassion for those who have less then I. I love getting Christmas cards. I love to say "Merry Christmas". I love listing to Christmas music. I love reading about the birth of Jesus.
Christmas time is such a wonderful time mainly because it's the time that I seem to remember what Jesus did for me. How He alone loved me so much that he suffered and died for me. And I get this time of year to celebrate His birth and remember Him. Many times in my life I have questioned His existence and I'm sure again I'll question whether or not He's really there. I've come to believe that is the purpose of life. In other words to keep convincing OURSELVES that God is really there, cares about us, and knows what's best for us and that is why we should follow Him. Go see Even Almighty, it's a great movie that really tells how God will give us things that we don't understand to help us and our families.
Last night I got sooooo excited about Christmas and I was all alone in my apartment-- so I surprised my parents by going to their house and spending the night and to today with them. My mother can play the piano so amazingly (if thats the right way to spell it!) I love to hear her play. Well I asked her to play some Christmas songs, just for the fun of it. As she was playing one of the songs I think it's called, Mary's boy child, me and little D started singing along. My other sisters who were around must of heard us singing so off key and were attempting to save my poor mother from the off tuned voices joined in singing with us. It was amazing to say the least... all six of us girls were singing songs as my mother played. Man, I think everyone it that room felt the Spirit of Christmas. I loved it. I'm looking forward to singing Christmas songs with my brothers and sisters and their children.
Christmas time is such a wonderful time mainly because it's the time that I seem to remember what Jesus did for me. How He alone loved me so much that he suffered and died for me. And I get this time of year to celebrate His birth and remember Him. Many times in my life I have questioned His existence and I'm sure again I'll question whether or not He's really there. I've come to believe that is the purpose of life. In other words to keep convincing OURSELVES that God is really there, cares about us, and knows what's best for us and that is why we should follow Him. Go see Even Almighty, it's a great movie that really tells how God will give us things that we don't understand to help us and our families.
Last night I got sooooo excited about Christmas and I was all alone in my apartment-- so I surprised my parents by going to their house and spending the night and to today with them. My mother can play the piano so amazingly (if thats the right way to spell it!) I love to hear her play. Well I asked her to play some Christmas songs, just for the fun of it. As she was playing one of the songs I think it's called, Mary's boy child, me and little D started singing along. My other sisters who were around must of heard us singing so off key and were attempting to save my poor mother from the off tuned voices joined in singing with us. It was amazing to say the least... all six of us girls were singing songs as my mother played. Man, I think everyone it that room felt the Spirit of Christmas. I loved it. I'm looking forward to singing Christmas songs with my brothers and sisters and their children.
Monday, December 3, 2007
The other news...
I was at a new grad luncheon today for a hospital about 45 mins from my home. Most of the hospitals in the area host a new grad luncheon in hopes to recruit people to their hospitals. And just a side note the food has been great at everyone of them and they give away really cool prizes (but I didn't win anything!).
Well, back to my story, this hospital I applied for several weeks back, but it really was not my first choice heck it's not even my 4th choice! But today, I had the feeling that this hospital is the place I need to start my career at. I got the job on the spot, I'm just going to be waiting for the state to file and sent out my paperwork then I can start. I'm kinda hoping that the state does not send me back anything until after the Holidays are over! This job as a lot of good things and a few not so good, but for some reason I feel really strongly that this is where I'm supposed to be. It's a smaller one compared to the ones near my home, and I worked there a few years back for about a 1 1/2 years. So I guess I'll see what the future holds. And it also helps that they have a really big sign on bonus! But just so you know I didn't know what the sign on bonus was when I decided to become part of their organization.
CHRISTMAS PLANS...
For this Christmas I'm going to be spending it at parents house for a couple of days. The week before I will be going to see my grandparents who live a few states over. I can't help but remember the last time I went to visit them... I kinda broken into their house at 3am! Some friends was going to through where they lived that night; I was going to take the bus there the following morning and because they are so cool they said they would give me a ride, so it just made since to hitch a ride from them. I didn't wake them up but at 5:30am my grandpa woke up and he just about had a heart attack seeing me sleeping on his couch! The real hard part was getting back home... but thats another story for another day.
Only 22 more days till Christmas!
Well, back to my story, this hospital I applied for several weeks back, but it really was not my first choice heck it's not even my 4th choice! But today, I had the feeling that this hospital is the place I need to start my career at. I got the job on the spot, I'm just going to be waiting for the state to file and sent out my paperwork then I can start. I'm kinda hoping that the state does not send me back anything until after the Holidays are over! This job as a lot of good things and a few not so good, but for some reason I feel really strongly that this is where I'm supposed to be. It's a smaller one compared to the ones near my home, and I worked there a few years back for about a 1 1/2 years. So I guess I'll see what the future holds. And it also helps that they have a really big sign on bonus! But just so you know I didn't know what the sign on bonus was when I decided to become part of their organization.
CHRISTMAS PLANS...
For this Christmas I'm going to be spending it at parents house for a couple of days. The week before I will be going to see my grandparents who live a few states over. I can't help but remember the last time I went to visit them... I kinda broken into their house at 3am! Some friends was going to through where they lived that night; I was going to take the bus there the following morning and because they are so cool they said they would give me a ride, so it just made since to hitch a ride from them. I didn't wake them up but at 5:30am my grandpa woke up and he just about had a heart attack seeing me sleeping on his couch! The real hard part was getting back home... but thats another story for another day.
Only 22 more days till Christmas!
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