A Christmas Message

I would like to wish you a VERY Merry Christmas and a HAPPY New Year!

I hope that 2009 is kind to you.

With warmest regards,

Karen and Oscar (the cat) xxx

It is business as usual ...

Just to let you know that it is business as usual!! For all the obstructions and hazards that have effected me of late, nothing has changed. I will continue on with my work ambitions and do everything within my powers and where necessary with the assistance of others, reach the goals that I've set myself. What I'm doing is bigger than I am and in time it will require team effort. If you want to be part of the team - Please contact me!

Bullying at the Jobcentres

Yesterday, I went through a series of events that left me in anger and a state of shock. The long and the short of it is; I was bullied to leave the welfare system. I wonder if this Government has any idea what is happening in their Jobcentres. I'm no longer signing-on for Jobseekers Allowance, but I'm not working yet. I'm sure I represent one of thousands of people who have been forced into this position. I've observed others who are going through the prison system, in a cycle, in order to work the welfare system. For some, it is the only way they can see that they can survive. When you hear the statistics in the media about the number of unemployed, take it with a pinch of salt, because the figures are far from the truth. I'm also seriously concerned that it is driving more people into poverty, the one thing Gordon Brown is trying to halt.

Christmas Morale

Yesterday, I put up my Christmas tree and added the wreath to my front door. Many of us maybe living through hard times financially, but Christmas festivities has arrived at the right time. We can put up lights and decoration, which doesn't have to cost a great deal and through this process we can increase our individual and collective morale. We can use Christmas to count our blessings and to cheer up our environment. It is a great opportunity to look forward and not back.

Things are a changing ...

When you are stuck between a rock and a hard place - which is where I am now - you rationalise, troubleshoot and find solutions. I am pleased to announce that my website is going to be re-built, re-designed and optimised. Watch this space!

Also, I've launched a group page on Facebook, titled "Acne Support". Please visit it, join in the discussions, leave messages on the wall and become a fan. I would love to know you and hear from you.

The future continues to be bright.

What to do ... what to do ...

This is what the White Rabbit used to say in Alice in Wonderland, and it was because he felt pressured and somewhere else, where he wasn't. That sums me up today! I'm surrounded by agents who seem physically unable to assist me in my ambitions and pushing me, I feel, in the wrong directions. I don't want to watch all my years of campaigning and hard graft jeopardised because others seem to work to stifle enterprise. I was given a little bit of positive advice, but it's like the old cliche - too little, too late ... I was under the impression that the powers that be want new enterprises to form and be successful. With the current credit crunch, the likes of myself should be helped, not kept down.

Networking

We spend much of our lives meeting people, whether in our private or public worlds. We then collect a vast amount of contacts, but do we know what to do with this information or how to use the skills of the people we meet. I've been networking for years, not knowing what to do with this collection of data. In the last 24 hours, I've learnt for the first time about Alliance Partnerships and (formal) partnerships - I'm seeking both, but didn't know how to negotiate these opportunities. Ignorance can be bliss, but it can also hold you back from moving forward in your ambitions.

Direction

As we go through life, the path we follow can change beyond our control. This is when we seek re-assurance and approval for decisions as we take them - Can we build a path that takes us where we want to go? Life is not a straight line, quite a contrary it is a squiggly, wiggly line with a life of its own. While we captain our ship, giving instructions to those who support us our wishes, the wind can be stronger then any of us, to blow the ship onto a different course. This is when determination and belief in ourselves must take over until we reach that dream destination.

Facebook

This week I joined Facebook - what a wonderful revelation the website is!! I was amazed at how many of my friends and other contacts were already in it. It is an opportunity to share your anxieties, joys and other emotions. Also, it is great for sharing with others smoothly what activities you are up to and to join in banter with jokes. It is another way to get to know each other better and you know you are not isolated in this chaotic, hectic life we lead. When you sign into Facebook type in Karen Thomas and you will find me.

Expectations

In life, things cannot remain static, it needs to progress and change. This is true for us as individuals, as well as for Society as a whole. Change can be frightening, as we all want to avoid failure and letting both ourselves or others down. We have aspirations in others and ourselves to succeed. We need to take courage in our hands, move away from our comfort zones and enjoy then the fruits of our labours. It is amazing what we can do when we remove the fears that we give ourselves through growing-up. We should allow ourselves to be fearless children again, otherwise none of us can move forward freely and enjoy the success we all seek.

US Elections

I listened to Radio 4 through the night in anticipation of the American elections. Politics covers most every aspect of our lives ie social justice, transport, environment, health and welfare etc. I will watch very closely the new relationship to come between Obama and Gordon Brown. These people can seriously make a big difference to our lives. There is alot of hard work up-ahead for all concerned and it is up to us all, with co-operation, to pull the rabbit out of the hat.

Wonderous Technology

Well, well here I am! I was telling a friend about using Google Earth to see his home in Scotland. I did this as a preview of my visit to his place. He was amazed at what I knew about where her was, the terrain detail and the property he was in. He was so impressed, he said "Wonderous technology". Now, here I am today doing my first ever blog - I say it is mind-blowing!! Lights, Camera .... Action .... Hi ...