I'd like a Job Application, Please.

Yesterday was a busy Saturday at the shop, but things slowed down a bit around 1:00 P.M., when an old school mate came in for a part and noticed the sign on my desk. It's an announcement and request indicating I am running for school board for District 5, and if you belong to that district, would you sign one of my petitions. He read the sign and asked me, "Why do you want to get into politics?" I said, "I don't want to get into politics. I want that job." I don't remember his reply verbatim, but he indicated that I must want to get into politics because I am running for an elected position. Hmmm....

I think that simple conversation pulled a root of a national problem out of the ground and sat it on my desk. The problem for me is this, I don't want to be a politician. I want to be a member of the Osceola District School Board so I can use my exceptional mix of educational and business talents to help move our district forward,successfully. When that happens everyone wins. The most valuable piece to the educational puzzle is a well-trained, highly motivated, greatly appreciated teacher who turns out well-trained, highly motivated students. They grow up into well-trained, highly motivated adults, and you can see that wheel going round and round, and I go back to the first sentence of this paragraph. Hmmm...

I am applying for a job, just as so many of our "politicians" do, so what separates the "politicians" from the job applicants? I think the answer comes  down to intentions. I am running for school board because it feels right. It's a place I have landed after many twists and turns that have given me an exceptional background for the job, and I know without a doubt, I value greatly what happens to the students of Osceola County and our country. I long for them to become brave and strong and thoughtful and productive adults.  When that happens, maybe they will answer the question about politics and applicants with a whole new remarkable way of living together in peace and proficiency.
Maybe the word "politician" will no longer be used, just "applicant." I like the sound of that better.
I'd like a job application please, and if you would like to check out my resume, which I believe you should, go to www.lindaoliverio.com.  Thanks!

 Peace. Love, Linda

Nuances

One day slides into another, and I erase a number on my wipe away calendar. Soon a year has ended, and a new year begins. Midtown Cycles is now painted a lovely tan which was eventful to Darren and me, but some people walk into the shop and don't notice it is no longer blue. It seems a big enough building to us, but I think now that the whole painting event was just another nuance.

Darren and I went to visit his mom and dad at Sonata, yesterday. His mom seemed a bit more slowed down and his dad's deep, rumbly cough seemed slightly deeper.  He still greeted Darren with expressions and tears that showed recognition of someone who cares for him, and he smiled at my kiss on his forehead. It was a similar visit, but something felt as if a home for the elderly makes those living there feel a little bit too old. Something slipped since our last visit of only a week ago it seems, if just slightly.

I heard on the news this morning, a quick blip, that said today is the "most depressing day of the year." I don't know why, but just typing that makes me smile. I don't mean to be unkind.  I know people are looking at bills from the holidays, clearing out the Christmas mess, taking down the lights, and going back to work they may not care about or school they don't like. Maybe it's so depressing because it's January, cold and gray. Maybe it's because so many people worked so hard to make everything so perfect for awhile, and when the last bow is tossed in the trash or smashed into a box and placed in the closet, imperfection slipped in leaving room for a pause that moved into a longer pause that almost became a reflection which could have moved into a sigh or a prayer or a meditation, but that would be revealing, and it's time to get back on the treadmill. Oh, that is depressing.

I'm baking brownies to fill the room with chocolate, lighting my new lavender candle, and putting freshly chopped oak on the fire place. It's going to be cold in the shop tomorrow, so I better wash my black sweat shirt and remember to layer up. After all, tomorrow is another day. It's the first day after "the most depressing day of the year." It can only go up from there, so be happy. Things are looking up...after 12 midnight.

Peace. Love, Linda