Imagine a Minnesota and a world free of sexual violence. It’s time...
Did you know that sexual violence costs 8 billion dollars every year in Minnesota? Even bigger though than the financial cost is the toll the that sexual violence takes on the human spirit. That cost is immeasurable.
Sexual violence, whether you are aware of it or not, affects every single person in our state. Minnesotans it’s time... to get involved. It’s time to end sexual violence.
Unfortunately the spectrum of sexual violence is broad. Inappropriate touching, incest, rape, forced prostitution, intimate partner rape, indecent exposure, dating/acquaintance rape, internet solicitations, stalking, and sexual harassment are just a few of the forms of sexual violence.
The aftermath of a single, unwanted touch is most often devastating and the effects can last a lifetime. Survivors may suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, paranoia, anxiety, anger, nightmares, flashbacks, loss of trust, eating disorders, loss of control, feelings of hopelessness, alcohol and drug addictions, and reckless behavior- the list is long. But, there is hope! Sexual violence is 100% preventable.
April has been designated as Sexual Assault Awareness Month in our state and across the nation. It’s time to get involved and it’s much easier than you might think!
A few ideas to get you started:
* BE AWARE! Realize that sexual violence is not just a big city problem. It’s here in our communities, every single day.
*BELIEVE! In rural areas, almost always the offender is a family member or person known to the victim. If a victim does speak out they are often times not believed by their family, friends, and community. They are often shamed into recanting their claims of abuse in order to keep peace in their family and in their communities. Many times they are told that “Joe Blow is a respected, upstanding community member. There is no way he could have done the things that you said he did.”
* TALK! Talk about sexual violence and then talk about it some more. Create a family environment that encourages open and real communication about sexual violence. Talk about internet safety. Talk about what to do if somebody tries to touch your child. Talk about rape. Talk about violence against women and children. Talk about pornography. Talk to your kids, your spouse, your neighbors, your community.
* SPEAK OUT! Make a commitment to no longer tolerate a society that supports a rape culture. Speak out against the person telling sexually offensive jokes in the office. Speak out against the guy that is whose hands always seem to wander, even though his behavior has been tolerated for years because “that’s just the way he is.” Speak out against persons that believe that a woman wearing a short skirt asks to be raped. Speak out against the “good old boys” that do not treat women as equals.
* SUPPORT! Offer your support by sharing your resources, time, and talents, whatever they may be. Lend a listening ear. Say a prayer. Make a financial contribution. Become an advocate. Raise awareness. Learn more about sexual violence. The possibilities to lend support are endless.
Imagine a Minnesota and a world free of sexual violence. It’s time...
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Great tuna casserole recipe!
| QUICK AND EASY TUNA FISH CASSEROLE | |
| 1 or 2 cans tuna 1 tsp garlic salt to taste just a shake of salt just a shake of pepper a little over 1/2 cup of Italian bread crumbs 3/4 cup Ranch dressing 1/2 bag of egg noodles Boil egg noodles until done; drain.Drain water from tuna and place in a bowl. Add remaining ingredients. Be sure mixture has a creamy enoughconsistency, and taste to see if enough garlic salt has been added. If mixture is too creamy, add more bread crumbs, and vice-versa (Ranch Dressing). Stir in cooked egg noodles and serve immediately or place a couple slices of cheese (of your choice) on top and bake in the oven JUST for a couple minutes until the cheese melts. Overcooking will make tuna dry. Enjoy! Submitted by: | |
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
It's official...
By the time you read this I will officially be a day into year 42 of my life. I honestly can’t believe I’m this old.
Don’t get me wrong, I don’t think people in their 40’s are old- it’s just that I never actually I imagined myself as a 40 something. In my head there are many days I’m still 18. Luckily though, I no longer act like it.
Every year I go through a mini depression around the time of my birthday. I beat myself up over the things that I haven’t accomplished yet. Things I thought for sure I would have by now.
This year though, I only let myself have only one day of mental torture before I decided to look at all of the things, by the grace of God, that I had accomplished in my life, choosing to look at the blessings in my life and not my failures.
I have been blessed with incredible kids, family, and friends. I have two really cool jobs that I am extremely thank ful for. I have a home and a car to drive.
I may not be at my “ideal” weight or in the financial position I thought I would be at 42 and I have some educational goals left to attain but I am learning to be okay with the fact that these aren’t failures but only things I have yet to accomplish. And you know what? I have vowed to keep plugging away at achieving what I have set out to. I’m carrying that positive attitude forward into year 42 and I’m feeling like it’s going to be a good one.
I guess anytime you can say that you have celebrated another year of life (considering the alternative) it has to be good right?
Don’t get me wrong, I don’t think people in their 40’s are old- it’s just that I never actually I imagined myself as a 40 something. In my head there are many days I’m still 18. Luckily though, I no longer act like it.
Every year I go through a mini depression around the time of my birthday. I beat myself up over the things that I haven’t accomplished yet. Things I thought for sure I would have by now.
This year though, I only let myself have only one day of mental torture before I decided to look at all of the things, by the grace of God, that I had accomplished in my life, choosing to look at the blessings in my life and not my failures.
I have been blessed with incredible kids, family, and friends. I have two really cool jobs that I am extremely thank ful for. I have a home and a car to drive.
I may not be at my “ideal” weight or in the financial position I thought I would be at 42 and I have some educational goals left to attain but I am learning to be okay with the fact that these aren’t failures but only things I have yet to accomplish. And you know what? I have vowed to keep plugging away at achieving what I have set out to. I’m carrying that positive attitude forward into year 42 and I’m feeling like it’s going to be a good one.
I guess anytime you can say that you have celebrated another year of life (considering the alternative) it has to be good right?
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Welcome to Year 42!
Welcome to year 42 of my life, well almost... Stay tuned for updates on my progress towards attaining the goals I have laid out for myself in year 42 of my life.
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