Jo and the Bush all/any Posted July 25, 2015 Posted July 25, 2015 I work at a Cub Scout Day Camp. It's great fun, teaching the kids and entertaining them all day. The love being there, and we love providing for them. It's often mentioned to us by adults that the kids look up to us as gods. Today I learned firsthand that is definitely true. These kids trust us completely, and will tell us things that they won't tell full adults. One of the cub scouts was pushing his friends around, and I told him that if he didn't stop, I would inform the kid's dad. The kid freaked out, and begged me to not tell his father because his father would beat him again. I called another staffer over, and we talked to the kid some more. Some kind words and a horrible conversation later, and we learn that this kid has an abusive father and is usually terrified at home. He hadn't told any of his friends or adult leaders. We two staffers were the only people he had ever told. We reported the incident to the proper authorities, and the kid will be investigated and taken care of. This is exactly why I have no faith in people. 6
Haelbarde he/him Posted July 25, 2015 Posted July 25, 2015 This is exactly why I have no faith in people. Agreed, and this is precisely the sort of thing I hope I never have to deal with (I work in a similar job). 1
TwiLyghtSansSparkles she/her Posted July 25, 2015 Posted July 25, 2015 I work at a Cub Scout Day Camp. It's great fun, teaching the kids and entertaining them all day. The love being there, and we love providing for them. It's often mentioned to us by adults that the kids look up to us as gods. Today I learned firsthand that is definitely true. These kids trust us completely, and will tell us things that they won't tell full adults. One of the cub scouts was pushing his friends around, and I told him that if he didn't stop, I would inform the kid's dad. The kid freaked out, and begged me to not tell his father because his father would beat him again. I called another staffer over, and we talked to the kid some more. Some kind words and a horrible conversation later, and we learn that this kid has an abusive father and is usually terrified at home. He hadn't told any of his friends or adult leaders. We two staffers were the only people he had ever told. We reported the incident to the proper authorities, and the kid will be investigated and taken care of. This is exactly why I have no faith in people. Yikes. That poor kid. I'm glad he told you and that other staffer, though—and good job reporting it. A kid who lives with that kind of terror definitely needs someone looking out for him. 1
Haelbarde he/him Posted July 25, 2015 Posted July 25, 2015 I don't know... I just feel like I can't do anything sometimes. I have a whole lot of older siblings, and they're all at least somewhat successful. One was valedictorian, was an amazing- absolutely, just completely awesome- runner, another composes beautiful music, others play beautiful music... I feel overshadowed sometimes, like I can't ever measure up. I'm okay at piano, but definitely worse than everybody else in my family. My other siblings had these amazing band teachers, and I moved to a place where they didn't even have band at the middle school. I'm good in school, but I'm not friendly or as nice as I wish I was, like some of them were. When we all get together, I always feel like I never can get a word in edgewise, and when I do say something it comes out sounding absolutely stupid. Then I have friends who are fabulous violinists, writers that can write like I just can't, etc, etc. Then there's me, the girl whose main accomplishment is that she would read books in her room all day long if you'd let her. I know I shouldn't compare myself to others, I know I'm talented in my own way, yadda yadda yadda. It's just not the easiest thing to believe sometimes. Have you written any books? Is that what you would like to do? You tried coauthoring something with a friend? 1
Delightful Posted July 25, 2015 Posted July 25, 2015 I don't know... I just feel like I can't do anything sometimes. I have a whole lot of older siblings, and they're all at least somewhat successful. One was valedictorian, was an amazing- absolutely, just completely awesome- runner, another composes beautiful music, others play beautiful music... I feel overshadowed sometimes, like I can't ever measure up. I'm okay at piano, but definitely worse than everybody else in my family. My other siblings had these amazing band teachers, and I moved to a place where they didn't even have band at the middle school. I'm good in school, but I'm not friendly or as nice as I wish I was, like some of them were. When we all get together, I always feel like I never can get a word in edgewise, and when I do say something it comes out sounding absolutely stupid. Then I have friends who are fabulous violinists, writers that can write like I just can't, etc, etc. Then there's me, the girl whose main accomplishment is that she would read books in her room all day long if you'd let her. I know I shouldn't compare myself to others, I know I'm talented in my own way, yadda yadda yadda. It's just not the easiest thing to believe sometimes. It just sounds to me like you haven't found your particular talent yet - and it also doesn't have to be super obvious like a musical talent. Some people are brilliant organisers, or great cooks, or know exactly what to say to cheer someone up. The fact that you read a lot means that you have an open mind and enjoy new information - I bet you're really good at empathising with people. And, like, even if you're not an amazing musician or whatever, there's still a ton of good you can do. You don't need to be THE BEST EVAR at something in order to make a difference. You know? 4
Guest Posted July 25, 2015 Posted July 25, 2015 I work at a Cub Scout Day Camp. It's great fun, teaching the kids and entertaining them all day. The love being there, and we love providing for them. It's often mentioned to us by adults that the kids look up to us as gods. Today I learned firsthand that is definitely true. These kids trust us completely, and will tell us things that they won't tell full adults. One of the cub scouts was pushing his friends around, and I told him that if he didn't stop, I would inform the kid's dad. The kid freaked out, and begged me to not tell his father because his father would beat him again. I called another staffer over, and we talked to the kid some more. Some kind words and a horrible conversation later, and we learn that this kid has an abusive father and is usually terrified at home. He hadn't told any of his friends or adult leaders. We two staffers were the only people he had ever told. We reported the incident to the proper authorities, and the kid will be investigated and taken care of. This is exactly why I have no faith in people. Poor kid. I am not surprised he felt more comfortable opening up to you and your friend: you are closer in age to him than the adults. If he has an abusive father, it is likely he has little confidence in grown-ups. By being friendly and playful, you set yourself apart from the "adults" and he pictured you as a lesser threat. As for the child, I sincerely hope the authorities will be able to help him and he won't grow into a bully himself... Sadly, bullies often are abused children whom, tired of being depreciated at home, start taking it on other kids they perceived as weaker. It makes them appear strong and powerful when inside they feel like nothing. Imo, it is not the case for all bullies, but for many yes. Remaining with the Cub Boy Scouts would probably the best thing the kid could do, to offset all that negative energy he got at home. I don't know... I just feel like I can't do anything sometimes. I have a whole lot of older siblings, and they're all at least somewhat successful. One was valedictorian, was an amazing- absolutely, just completely awesome- runner, another composes beautiful music, others play beautiful music... I feel overshadowed sometimes, like I can't ever measure up. I'm okay at piano, but definitely worse than everybody else in my family. My other siblings had these amazing band teachers, and I moved to a place where they didn't even have band at the middle school. I'm good in school, but I'm not friendly or as nice as I wish I was, like some of them were. When we all get together, I always feel like I never can get a word in edgewise, and when I do say something it comes out sounding absolutely stupid. Then I have friends who are fabulous violinists, writers that can write like I just can't, etc, etc. Then there's me, the girl whose main accomplishment is that she would read books in her room all day long if you'd let her. I know I shouldn't compare myself to others, I know I'm talented in my own way, yadda yadda yadda. It's just not the easiest thing to believe sometimes. The question should be, what do you want to be? Which skill do you wish to develop? It seems, by reading your post, you wish you were better at all of those things not because you truly want to, but because you want to measure up to your siblings. Or so is the impression I had while reading your message... As for accomplishments, we are not all overly skilled in one area... In fact, most people aren't. It is not requisite in life to be a skilled musician, athlete, writer, etc. You said you are good at school, so this IS a skill... I am sure some of your peers envy you and wished they were better at it. I do not know why reading many books should be regarded negatively... It is great to read many books: if only you knew the number of adults who are incapable of reading one full book... It is astonishing and these adults are not unschooled: they all have a graduate and above degree. Yet, they failed at reading a book. Reading is GREAT. It puts all kind of stories into my head who take the place of OTHER worries such as work... So instead of thinking endlessly about the package I have just submitted I feel I did not have enough time to double-check to my satisfaction and I deeply feared I may have made mistakes, I think about imaginary stories. Never look down on reading as a hobby.
TwiLyghtSansSparkles she/her Posted July 25, 2015 Posted July 25, 2015 Like Kickstarter, or Indiegogo, (though they're just the ones I've used before). I suspect there'd be enough here with good will and some spare cash to get you a pug. I know I'd probably pitch in. I'd feel weird starting one, though. 1
+Slowswift Posted July 25, 2015 Posted July 25, 2015 I don't know... I just feel like I can't do anything sometimes. I have a whole lot of older siblings, and they're all at least somewhat successful. One was valedictorian, was an amazing- absolutely, just completely awesome- runner, another composes beautiful music, others play beautiful music... I feel overshadowed sometimes, like I can't ever measure up. I'm okay at piano, but definitely worse than everybody else in my family. My other siblings had these amazing band teachers, and I moved to a place where they didn't even have band at the middle school. I'm good in school, but I'm not friendly or as nice as I wish I was, like some of them were. When we all get together, I always feel like I never can get a word in edgewise, and when I do say something it comes out sounding absolutely stupid. Then I have friends who are fabulous violinists, writers that can write like I just can't, etc, etc. Then there's me, the girl whose main accomplishment is that she would read books in her room all day long if you'd let her. I know I shouldn't compare myself to others, I know I'm talented in my own way, yadda yadda yadda. It's just not the easiest thing to believe sometimes. I can actually relate to this somewhat. And whatever happens, you have my sympathy. Just keep up the good work! 1
Delightful Posted July 25, 2015 Posted July 25, 2015 I'd feel weird starting one, though. I'm sure a pug would solve that feeling of weirdness. 1
TwiLyghtSansSparkles she/her Posted July 25, 2015 Posted July 25, 2015 I'm sure a pug would solve that feeling of weirdness. I don't know….should I?
Delightful Posted July 25, 2015 Posted July 25, 2015 Why not? Worst case scenario, you feel a bit weird and don't get enough for a pug. Best case scenario, you feel warm and fuzzy because of all your friends and the pug sitting in your lap. As far as I can see, it sure can't hurt.
TwiLyghtSansSparkles she/her Posted July 25, 2015 Posted July 25, 2015 Why not? Worst case scenario, you feel a bit weird and don't get enough for a pug. Best case scenario, you feel warm and fuzzy because of all your friends and the pug sitting in your lap. As far as I can see, it sure can't hurt. Kickstarter is looking like the more attractive choice, even though its "all or nothing" strategy scares me a bit….but the categories are even more disconcerting: What category does "buy a random person on the Internet a pug so she won't feel sad" fit into?
Edgedancer he/him Posted July 25, 2015 Posted July 25, 2015 Kickstarter is looking like the more attractive choice, even though its "all or nothing" strategy scares me a bit….but the categories are even more disconcerting: What category does "buy a random person on the Internet a pug so she won't feel sad" fit into? Food? Otherwise, you could make it a stretch goal to upload pugvideos and file it under film&video like that. 1
TwiLyghtSansSparkles she/her Posted July 25, 2015 Posted July 25, 2015 Food? Otherwise, you could make it a stretch goal to upload pugvideos and file it under film&video like that. I would definitely upload videos of my pug.
Kobold King he/him Posted July 25, 2015 Posted July 25, 2015 I'd love to help, but I don't really have money. Any money. At all. 1
TwiLyghtSansSparkles she/her Posted July 25, 2015 Posted July 25, 2015 I'd love to help, but I don't really have money. Any money. At all. I think it's awesome that you just want to help. If I did do this, I'd set the goal fairly low, then cover the rest of the cost myself.
Kobold King he/him Posted July 25, 2015 Posted July 25, 2015 I think it's awesome that you just want to help. If I did do this, I'd set the goal fairly low, then cover the rest of the cost myself. How much do you need?
Edgedancer he/him Posted July 25, 2015 Posted July 25, 2015 I have some money over, I have no clue if it's enough to help with a pug or what kind of payment methods they even accept, so I may have to fiddle a bit with that, but I would fork some money over. 1
TwiLyghtSansSparkles she/her Posted July 25, 2015 Posted July 25, 2015 (edited) How much do you need? Pug puppies tend to go for $300-$500, unless you buy one that's AKC (American Kennel Club) certified, which drives the price up to $1,000 or more. I don't plan to do that, so I'd probably set the goal at around $200-$300. I have some money over, I have no clue if it's enough to help with a pug or what kind of payment methods they even accept, so I may have to fiddle a bit with that, but I would fork some money over. You guys are awesome. Edited July 25, 2015 by TwiLyghtSansSparkles
Kobold King he/him Posted July 25, 2015 Posted July 25, 2015 Pug puppies tend to go for $300-$500, unless you buy one that's AKC (American Kennel Club) certified, which drives the price up to $1,000 or more. I don't plan to do that, so I'd probably set the goal at around $200-$300. Hmm... I can't see my family being able to spare much towards that, but if this becomes solid I might talk to them to see if we could donate... something. I, uh, can't promise anything. But for what little my word is worth, I'll look into it.
Delightful Posted July 25, 2015 Posted July 25, 2015 I would also totally donate except I have no money. Why not ask for $500, you might get lucky. I think on indiegogo you can get the money even if you don't reach the goal.
TwiLyghtSansSparkles she/her Posted July 25, 2015 Posted July 25, 2015 I would also totally donate except I have no money. Why not ask for $500, you might get lucky. I think on indiegogo you can get the money even if you don't reach the goal. Maybe. I don't know if I will, though. Since I'm Facebook friends with my parents, I doubt I'd be able to ask for help there without them seeing, and if they saw, I'd risk earning a lecture about making them look poor or something. 1
Kobold King he/him Posted July 25, 2015 Posted July 25, 2015 Maybe. I don't know if I will, though. Since I'm Facebook friends with my parents, I doubt I'd be able to ask for help there without them seeing, and if they saw, I'd risk earning a lecture about making them look poor or something. This isn't any of their business, and if they'd paid what they said they'd pay in the first place this wouldn't be an issue. They've got no right to interfere with you on this, and you shouldn't let them get in the way. 2
TwiLyghtSansSparkles she/her Posted July 25, 2015 Posted July 25, 2015 This isn't any of their business, and if they'd paid what they said they'd pay in the first place this wouldn't be an issue. They've got no right to interfere with you on this, and you shouldn't let them get in the way. I know, but if it turns into an argument, they'll just deny ever having promised such a thing. And I don't know if anyone on Facebook would want to help me or if they could….
Edgedancer he/him Posted July 25, 2015 Posted July 25, 2015 This isn't any of their business, and if they'd paid what they said they'd pay in the first place this wouldn't be an issue. They've got no right to interfere with you on this, and you shouldn't let them get in the way. Getting a lecture would suck but from what you told us I don't think another lecture really matters. This is buisness, they are litterally incapable of stoping you from doing this (at least without comitting a crime) and you're about to move out anyway... so what's there to lose?
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