This past week has been a whirlwind, my stomach tightens just thinking about everything. Since last weekend Jack has been completely out of commission, which forced me to move in with my parents for a couple days, so Liv and I could gain some form of normalcy. I found this week that my family is complicated, filled with heavy emotions that I cannot suppress. I know that sounds really vague, but I'm not sure how far down the rabbit hole I want to go..
My school/work schedule has been crazy this week, and I'm so relieved that it's over! I also started carpooling this week (which makes me an official mom in my book!) While the basic idea seems great, I'm still on the fence about it. I'm not sure being responsible for a total three kids and making extra stops is something that I'm finding worth while? It's not a huge inconvenience, but as someone who is naturally prone to chaos, I appreciate less complication and my own routine.
Last night I came home and my mother informed me that a man was robbed at gun point right in front of our neighbor's house! It was 10pm Tuesday night and one of the neighbor boys witnessed it. She was talking to another neighbor and we are all organizing a neighborhood watch. That should've calmed my nerves, but it hasn't yet. For several reasons..
The first reason is we just went through an election and no one new was elected into office! There were many people who had fantastic ideas and some I didn't agree with, but none the less none of them were elected! What is that about? I can't stand the functions of our council and how they look out for their own interests see article:
http://www.heightsobserver.org/read/2/11/status-quo This town is divided between rental/slummy and elitist liberals. It's hard to explain that to many of my friends because they are in the elitist group and as much as I love them, I truly believe they don't care because it's not affecting them..
The second reason is, I grew up in Cleveland Heights. My family moved here from New York when I was ten. I was homeschooled in this community before attending high school. Our roots were layed down here, I brought my daughter home to the same home I grew up in! I have a strong sense of community and I feel like mine needs me. I don't want to be worried about taking a walk, or going for an evening winter stroll with my family. I don't want to worry that the dogs are barking at something other than a squirrel! I want my immediate environment to be safe. Who else cares about that?
The third reason is, who the hell is patrolling? We pay the CHUH police to protect us, but they sit on their kisters and ticket "speeders," and expired meters.. I rarely even see them patrol the neighborhoods when school is out. If you tell me its budgets cuts or the economy I'm going to slap you! Get out there and make our neighborhoods safe! That's your job!
My personal plan is to get to know my neighbors(except the one I had a confrontation with when I was six months pregnant! another time..) I want to be involved in neighborhood watch and participate in whatever makes everyone feel comfortable. I also plan on understanding more about the politics here. I've been doing extensive work in Cleveland proper learning about families, the economy, and understanding why policies work and who they work for. Now I think it's time to apply that to CH. I will support anyone who is more concerned about safer schools, safer streets, and a safer community than they are about "climate change," "green living," or how many starbucks we have! Sorry but I know about green living, and doing my part for Mama earth, I don't need my tax dollars going to someone who just wants to explain it to me. I want people who believe in this community as much as I do. Know what it means to be attached and not transient. I want this town to be stronger, not weakened and ignored.
Now that I've written all this out, I feel a lot better. My nerves are feeling better and I'm going to try to apply positive energy to this. I pray too that God will provide the proper path and also put serious conviction into others who live here and want to stand their ground!
Finally we got a new memory card! Just in time to collect more holiday memories! After Church Liv and I along with our friend Alys headed over to Chagrin Falls for the Cleveland Handmade Market. While we didn't find any treasure we absolutely had to have, we did have a wonderful time being outside hanging out together! It's so amazing that November 22 and we're still enjoying such amazing weather!
