Race To Nowhere

Are drivers getting crazier out there or am I just getting old?  On two separate occasions this week, I got passed on a single lane road with a double yellow line. And both times it was a frantic woman driving a mini-van.    One of the women got right on my tail and then put the pedal to the medal, crossing the double yellow line, and passed me in the oncoming lane while going up a hill.  Thank God there wasn’t a car coming up the other side of the hill or else it would have been disastrous.  Then, this morning on my way to my office someone darted out of a side street and squeezed right between my car and the car in front of me as we were traveling at around 45 miles per hour.  I was forced to hit my breaks pretty hard.

So what is going on?  Where is everyone in such a hurry to get?  My theory is that people like the women who passed me, and the guy who cut me off are caught up, like many people these days, in this fast-paced world we’ve created.  It seems like everyone is tense, on edge and in a hurry.  Well, it kind of makes sense if you think about it considering that everything is about speed these days?  Think about it.  Your computer has to be lightening fast at all times?  We must be able to connect with others instantly through text messaging.  We can push a button and get a movie on our television without having to run to Blockbuster.  We can hit the drive- though at Starbucks and have our iced latte lickity split.   Yes, we are all in hurry and what you might not know is that it is bad for your health because the tension puts constant stress on the body.

If you are always racing against the clock, here’s what I want you to consider:

  1. Drive slowly on purpose:  Leave extra time to get to your location and drive slowly.  At first you will actually feel stressed doing this because you’re not used to it; your brain is telling you to go, go, go.  In time, you’ll enjoy the calm and relaxing drive and you’ll learn to connect with yourself.
  2. Walk leisurely:  Whether you walk in a big city or walk a lot in your office, don’t speed walk, just walk leisurely.  This keeps you “present” or should I say grounded.  You’ll be surprised because when you intentionally take your time the things that you need to get done get done more efficiently.
  3. Take 2-minute timeouts:  You should force yourself to take several time-outs a day.  Football teams and basketball teams do, why can’t you.   If you’re running around at work like a chicken with your head cut off, that’s a sign that you need to take a quick timeout and regroup.
  4. Eat your lunch slowly:  How often do you zoom through your lunch or eat at your desk?  You know this is unhealthy so make the commitment to actually use your entire lunch break.  If you are done eating and have extra time, go find a bench or something and chill-out for a little while.

 

The main issue here is that we need to work on being present, being in “the now”.  The fast-paced, technology driven world we’ve become accustomed to is molding us into these speed machines.  We are not robots, we are humans and as humans we need to be aware of our presence, which is the only way to be in control of oneself.

Rachel Ehmke, 13-Year-Old Minnesota Student, Commits Suicide After Months Of Bullying

I just read the article below and I am super-angry.  Why did such a young life have to end so quickly.  I dissected the whole article and added my comments under certain captions.  I hope to bring to life some of the pieces of this tragedy that could have been prevented.  Perhaps a life could have been saved.

Rachel Ehmke, a 13-year-old seventh grader in Mantorville, Minn., died April 29 after hanging herself at her home. The months leading up to the tragedy were a whirlwind of peer abuse instances, her parents say.  (The bullying went on for months?  How did this slip through the cracks?)

Now following Rachel’s Friday funeral that was met with widespread community condolences, Rick and Mary Ehmke are speaking out against the bullying they say their daughter endured at Kasson/Mantorville Middle School and online.

Rachel’s family and friends say the teen fell victim to school bullying last fall when her chewing gum was stuck to her textbooks and the word “slut” was scrawled across her gym locker, the Austin Daily Herald reports. And while she was outgoing, athletic and friendly, the same group of girls reportedly threatened Rachel and kept calling her a “prostitute,” though she had never kissed a boy, according to KMSP.  (were the names of these students  reported to the school officials and were the students disciplined for their actions?  How did the bullies’ parents discipline their kids for their actions?)

Two days before Rachel’s death, an anonymous text was sent to other students at the school, KARE reports.”It was pretty explicit. Something to the effect of that Rachel was a slut and to get her to leave the Kasson-Mantorville School, forward this to everyone you know,” parent Chris Flannery told the station.  But after the text was reported to authorities, it was traced to someone who wasn’t a student at the school, according to Minnesota Public Radio. The district’s bullying policy prohibits threats both in person and online, and promises investigations within 24 hours of any reported bullying.  (How does the school go about “prohibiting” bullying, in this case cyber-bullying, by someone who doesn’t go to the school?  Is this really a “school” issue or should it be a police matter?)

Rachel reportedly pleaded with her father not to mention the bullying to school officials, for fear of worsening the situation.  (Well, did her father report it or did he let Rachel decide?)

A note that her parents found after her death read, “I’m fine = I wish I could tell you how I really feel,” alongside a picture of a broken heart, according to KMSP.

Dodge County authorities plan to meet this week to discuss possible criminal charges, the Star Tribune reports.  (Smart move) But Rick Ehmke says the family doesn’t plan to press charges against those who bullied his daughter.”They’re kids. They made some horrible decisions. If these kids would’ve known this would happen I’m pretty sure they never, ever would have done what they did,” Rick Ehmke told Minnesota Public Radio. (can charges be pressed against the parents of the bullies?) “Sadly enough, even those kids that know who they are will carry this bag their whole life. That’s a sad thing too, it really is.”

He also notes that the school should have taken heavier measures against the bullies when the taunting was first reported in the fall, adding that technology like phones and social media may have worsened an already bad situation by allowing the bully to essentially follow students home.  (Did the school provide the cell phones to the students or did the parents provide it to them?) 

Words hurt. Word can kill,” mother Mary Ehmke told KARE.

Community members have planned a prayer vigil and walk in Rachel’s memory for 2 p.m. May 19 at Mill Pond in Austin, Minn. The walk aims to show support for the Ehmke family and raise awareness for teen suicide and bullying.

The U.S. Department of Education has identified 16 “key components” in state bullying legislation, including a statement of scope, listing of enumerated groups, process of district policy review, definitions and reporting guidelines. Minnesota ranks last in the country with its state bullying law only covering two of the 16 components, according to an Education Department analysis of state bullying laws released in December. Nebraska ranks second-to-last by covering four of the 16 components. (When is the government going to create “at home” bullying legislation so that parents can prevent cyber bullying that occurs under their roof?)

Statement of scope, one of the most common components of state bullying laws, establishes where legislation applies and what conditions must exist for schools to have authority over student conduct.

According to the Education Department report, Minnesota is one of just three states — alongside Wisconsin and Arizona — that prohibits bullying but doesn’t define that behavior. The state also doesn’t provide for its districts a model bullying policy, and at a mere 37 words, its anti-bullying law is the shortest one in the country:

Each school board shall adopt a written policy prohibiting intimidation and bullying of any student. The policy shall address intimidation and bullying in all forms, including, but not limited to, electronic forms and forms involving Internet use.

“Energy” drinks for our Kids

A new study was just released about the effects of energy drinks on kid’s teeth.  The study showed that energy drinks can cause tooth enamel damage and increases the risk of cavities and tooth decay.  Hey parents, it doesn’t sound much different than soda does it?  So why do we buy these “energy” drinks for our kids?  The drink market has exploded so much over the last 20 years that if you go to the drink aisle in a mini-mart or a super-market it will be one of the most colorful, magical experiences you’ll ever have.  And if your kids are with you, watch out.  They’ll tug on your pants to the point where you’ll just say, “fine” and give in.

What you might not realize is that these “energy” drinks and other sugar-water drinks are packaged in a vibrant, colorful way so that you become subliminally attracted them.  You’ll also see big bold words on the packaging like, “energy” or “juice” or “vitamin”.  Then your brain says, “Oh, not only are they bright and colorful like real fruit, they’re healthy for my kid too.”  Nonsense!  Here are a couple of real healthy alternatives you can give your kids that won’t destroy the enamel on their teeth or make them fat.

1.  Give your kids water:  Nothing new here.  We all know that water doesn’t cause cavities, tooth decay or obesity.  You can filter your own water from your faucet or get 24-bottles of Poland Spring on sale for $2.99.  Not a bad deal considering that one bottle of some of these energy drinks can cost $2.99 each.  I’ve been giving my kids water from day one and guess what they ask for when they’re thirsty?  You guessed it – water

2.  Look for labels that say 100%:  The next time you’re at the supermarket and are about to buy a package of juice drinks, make sure it says 100% juice.  Do you know what 100% juice means?  It means that there is nothing else in it other than real fruit juice.  It’s actually healthy for your kids.  Not only will your kids love it, one serving of juice also counts as a serving of fruit.  If the package says, “made from real fruit juice” or “contains 10% fruit juice”, stay away; it’s a disguise for the fact that the drink is really just sugar water.  I’m so happy that Kraft’s CapriSun now makes a 100% juice variety.  Check it out here: http://www.kraftbrands.com//CaprisunMoms/varieties.aspx?ctype=juice

3.  Never Ever give your kids soda:  One can has 8-10 teaspoons of sugar. Need I say more?