Tag Archives: change

Convo With the PoPo

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popo1We took the family to a parade today.  When we arrived, it was colder than we thought so I took Liliana to the car to add more layers.  We were parked around the corner from our house, so Milton drove home to get my coat and a blanket for Maximus.  Maximus and Nana stayed and watched the parade.  While I waited for him to return, I decided to chat with the police officer that was directing traffic.

I’ll admit, I’ve had very little interactions with police officers.  I’ve had one speeding ticket and that’s really about all.

But, with all that is happening right now with black men being killed (i.e. Eric Garner and Mike Brown) I figured there was no time like today to talk to one.

As I walked up to him, he made a funny comment about Liliana’s legs in her baby carrier.  I told him I had a question to ask him.  I said, “What are your feelings with everything happening in today’s society with the police?” His expression was priceless. I listened to him give his viewpoint on everything, including how to start change.  It wasn’t a time for me to agree or disagree with him (which I did both), but a time to hear his view from his experiences.  He didn’t sugar coat his answers and you could tell he was still uncertain about some things.

Our conversation ended toward the time Milton pulled back up in his car.  At the end of the parade when Nana, Maximus and everyone was were walking back to the car, I introduced him to the family.  He gave Nana a hug and Maximus a high five and a sticker.

I know I didn’t solve all of the world’s problems with that one interaction.  However, I do know that I took one step toward improving relationships.  I know that I started exposing my toddler son to the police.  I know my mother-in-law who screams at the tv while watching CNN appreciated his small gesture.  I know that many police officers are friendly and approachable.

Change starts one person, one conversation at a time.popo2

Change Is Good

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Change is Good?

Oct10-3I think humans are huge creatures of habit.  We sit in the same pew at church every Sunday.  We drive the same way to work.  We order the same meals off the menus at our favorite restaurant.   It’s just who we are.

I’m definitely the same way.  I believe that some of my habits were passed down from the things my parents did.  They believed in volunteering, so I believe in volunteering.  They used TruGreen for their lawncare, so I used TruGreen.  They used State Farm insurance and National City Bank – so of course I followed along and did just the same.

I’ve had State Farm Insurance since I was old enough to drive. I just always assumed they gave me the best deal for my money. That was until I met another insurance company that wanted to give me a free quote. I figured a free quote never hurt anybody so I went through the process.  The prices they quoted me were actually a little lower than my current policies.

So I gave State Farm a call.  They asked me to come in for a review of my policies.  I told them the rates the other company quoted me and asked what they could do.  We looked at my car and house policies and found that there were some things that I did need.  I was happy that I saved some money and decided to stay with State Farm.

All was well in Yeagerland.  It was a hot day (we can all relate) and I walked outside across the street to my mailbox.  I felt like a State Farm groupie because I had five pieces of mail from them.   I thought it was a little excessive but was happy with what was inside three of them.  As I opened them, I was greeting with checks that were refunds to my policies.  It felt like Christmas in my bank account.

I learned that you never know what type of positive change can come your way unless you’re willing to step out of your comfort zone.  We have to be willing to see life from a different perspective.  Once we do, we’ll realize that either 1) it’s time for change or 2) life is fine just where we currently are.

M.Y. October 2010