Maybe I should just stay home on the weekends.

I’m so glad President Obama signed the expanded version of the Violence Against Women Act into law. It provides needed support for survivors that they wouldn’t have otherwise. Of course the Republicans have sent us into sequester so part of the funding will not get to where it needs to go until this is resolved. At least it’s in place and that’s a blessing.

I feel like we’re circling the drain in this country. The pressure is on not to stand up for what’s right, whether from the government or from people in our daily lives. It’s getting difficult to go anywhere without facing disrespect. I cherish those with whom I interact who make an effort to be honest, respectful and helpful. We left the car dealership this morning without getting my car serviced because the child who checked us in was rude and insulting. We finally gave up and left. Never done that before. We then went to the tire shop to have them look at a slow leak in one of the tires and they couldn’t have been nicer! I was glad we stopped there. It made all the difference. Then I paid $12 for a car wash that I only got part of. Now I like that place and I know if I say something, they’ll make it right. There won’t be an argument or anything. The car dealership could take a lesson from each of them. I had a horrible purchase experience this time after buying two other cars from them that went great. And I mean, both times were really great! I had no qualms about going there again when buying this car. I guess when we agree to a payment, it’s not time to shove papers before me that increase the monthly price by $50 per month without specifically going over that in detail.  They always did before, so I don’t know what their problem was this time. It almost stopped the sale. And when I say I want to be the one to transfer my stuff from the old car to the new car, then that’s what’s going to happen. Except it didn’t. They did it for me and messed up my belongings in the process. I got two years of maintenance for free and I wasn’t going to take them up on it, and then I decided to do just that. Note to self: go with my first decision. It’s easier that way. Because if I complain, I get dumped on all the more. 

Like I said, we’re circling the drain. Very few people seem to try anymore.  And I don’t know what to do to change that. I would rather not have to be so selective when choosing who to do business with. I’m sort of running out of options. I’m going to travel 150 miles to have my car serviced next weekend. I can combine it with a trip to see our son and daughter-in-law. A new elephant was born at the zoo, so maybe we can go see her as well. I don’t really mind doing it this way, but really it would be better if I didn’t have to.

I see how folks get to the point where they retreat from society, preferring to be as self-sufficient as possible to avoid interacting with everyone else.  As tempting as it is, I couldn’t do that, but I understand why they do. Eventually all of it gets so old that the chaos which results becomes impossible to deal with. Problem is, the bullies on the block win and the rest of us lose. We can’t let that happen.

This is why I’m glad to see that VAWA passed. The war on women in this country and around the world is so disappointing. You’d think after all this time we’d have figured out that the world just works better when we protect each other. But power and control win the day. We can all vote with our dollars, but will it even matter? I don’t know the answer for sure, and I’d rather not give in to fear. However, next Saturday I will. And maybe I’ll get to see Lily, the new baby elephant in the process. And if I do, it’ll be a good day!