Challenges of Youth...

What are the challenges? Are the challenges facing youths of the current generation more difficult than those of our time or those of the past? YOUTH,PARENT- this is something to think about, Don't you agree??? Comparing my time of youth and today, youths today have many advantages because of our economic development; techonology produces electric tools and toys that some of us from the past only dreamed about. But youth today also faces unparalled challenges. Let's consider some of these challenges and at the same time, suggestions that will help our youths today. Challenge 1. Increased Isolation. Many youths don't have what we called" bestfriend" whom we can trust, share and discuss things comfortably. The Time Magazine, in 2006, reported that youth in America between ages of 8 and 18 spent, on average, six and a half hours a day with their eyes glued to the TV, theirs ears plugged with earphones, or hands on video games or computer keyboard. Now, there is nothing wrong with enjoying music or playing games but if that's what they only do then it can be damaging to their personality. Suggestion 1. Choose Association over Isolation. Try to interact with different people. Make it a goal to learn something new about that person. But be careful to whom you want to be associated with. Don't be shy. Just try, and you will see that the end result is beneficial to you. Challenge 2. Fractured Families. This is very common nowadays. As divorce rates continue to rise, more children are spending part of their childhood with a single parent. This is very hard for the children to cope. I, myself came from a broken family, but my parents separated when me and my siblings were all adults, to be exact, it happened 4 years ago , but still, it was difficult for me. The effect was not a joke, it was painful. How much more if it happens to our young ones? Parents, think a million times before jumping to getting a divorce. Think of your children's welfare and their interest. Suggestion 2. Develop Fellow Feeling for you Parents. You can't control whether your parents separate or not. But to some degree, you can control whether you allow such challenges to ruin your relationship with your parents. Be compassionate toward your parents by trying to understand the challenges they are facing too. Try to put yourself in their shoes and it can help you to keep your problem in a different perspective. Have an honest, open communication with you parents. Parents should do the same. Spend enough quality time with each other. To everyone, life is too short, it is time for us to show to our love ones how much they meant to us. Do it before it's too late...before regrets....before we say " I wish..."

Change -Over...

Hello Folks, I don't have much to say at this time. I am a lil bit tired from work. This week is my change over from Christmas to Valentines. Anyway, I work for American Greetings, Inc., it is a card company, like Hallmark. I handle two busy stores. I take care of the card department. I place orders for the store, display cards and non cards, basically, I am there to make our department look good. I am only a part- timer because I have an 8 year old daughter. So, I only work when she is at school. The only thing I really like about being a merchandiser is the flexibility of the schedule. I work on my own time and schedule except during holiday season, particulary change over week. During summer and no school days is my biggest struggle because I have to work nights and weekend. But my daughter is my main priority, so I have to sacrifice myself. But hey, I have nothing to complain, I am happy that I have a job especially this time that alot of people lost their job because of the poor economy. Anyhow, I am out of words now guys, so I guess I have to stop here. Have a nice day everyone!

Being A Kid....

A vegetarian leaks. Everytime I looked at my daughter, am always amazed how time goes by, time fly so fast that things happen, things change... unnoticed. I forgot how it feels like to be a kid. I am mother of an 8 year old girl, her name is Donaizza. I asked her earlier to write something for me about being a kid... and here's what she wrote: " Being a kid is actually fun. Most of the kids want to be grown-ups. They want to eat ice cream sometimes , grown-ups want it more than ever. But when you are a kid, you don't need to work like grown-ups, you don't need to pay bills, taxes and your food and other things. If you're a kid and you want to be a grown-up, I don't disagree but I think being a kid is a good thing!". I think it's cute and true. I remembered, when I was a kid, I hate chores! All I want to do is play..play..play!!! Sometimes, we might be too hard on our kids, but we have to remember that once, we were a kid too. It is tough to raise a child but they are our joy and pride...indeed! Our treasure they are, and they need to be loved and cared for. As a parent, I've learned that sometimes, we need to act like a kid to fully understand our children. Thanks to my daughter Donaizza for this wonderful thought... I love you Nanak!

TECHNOLOGY.. Good or Bad?

Internet, Computers, Cell phones and Television have become part of a so called modern-life. Personally, I can live without television but I can't imagine my life without internet, computer and cellphone. As crazy as it sound but it's true. I am sure most people will agree with this one.

Laptop computers, pagers and cell phones makes us accessible almost anytime, anywhere. It will connect us from our love ones easily, especially to those like me who's family lives overseas. Internet is been so helpful and a cheap way to get in touch with them. Through Yahoo webcam and voice chat, I can see and talk to them free of charge. There are so many things nowadays that we can do online, for example, internet banking, where you can manage your account online, ebay.com , where you can buy and sell online. Email and voicemail helps us also keep in touch to those people dear to us. Even texting can be done online.

But the communication's total change has its own downside. "Distraction and Addiction" are perhaps the most recognized problems associated with technology. There are some that can be called "technology addicts" who feels like their day is not complete if they can't get online and get to know what is going on. Talking on cell phone while driving can cause accident also.

But like everything else, we need to learn how to keep these devices in their proper place. But how? By using technology considerately and economically.

How can you use your cell phone and computer considerately? Consider the following suggestions from the "Awake" Magazine, November 2009 issue.

1. Avoid taking or making a phone call when or where you may disturb others. Turn off your phone if necessary.

2. Do not let your phone disrupt important face-to-face conversations unless absolutely necessary.

3. When you are talking on the phone, give the person you are speaking to your full attention.

4. Do not take someone's picture with your cell phone if this may be impolite or embarrassing to the individual.

5. Resist the temptation to forward every "interesting" email you receive. The recipients may not appreciate it.

So, is it good or bad?- it is your choice!