Not fully sure what this story is about other than a story that could be told by almost anyone from a poor background anywhere in the world. Is it not true that a lot of the hardship in Cuba was part of the result of USA sanctions and political espionage?
Despite all the political ravings, daily annoyances and slipping bank accounts, we’ve “got it good” here in America. Amazing to think that people not far from our shores, can have so many obstacles to even the smallest success. Kudos to those whose inner strength surmounts these cruel attacks on the survival of their spirits.Thank you for making us think.
Yes, CUBA is poor, not democratic, and blockaded by the richest and strongest country in the world for over 60 years. What Americans waste in food and resources can feed all the hungry in Cuba and give toys to all the children there…. But America and its inhumane treatment of its neighbors to keep them in bondage to the big corporations is the biggest crime. Save a few dollars from the billions going to Ukraine war and feed the poor next door or even on American streets.
Lebron should get an asterisk. Kareem played almost his entire career in an era without the 3-point shot. Kareem made one 3-pointer in his 20th year. If Lebron's 3s were all worth 2, he wouldn't even be close to Kareem.
I highly appreciate the link in the 7 Other Things section to the Real Simple article about financial management when you’re truly lacking in money. Long ago as a 30 year old I filed for bankruptcy and divorce in the same week and started over as the single mom of a 4 year old. At that moment i had no job, no car, no home, no credit and no cash. I did have student loan and IRS debts that weren’t discharged in bankruptcy. Fortunately I also had a wealthy friend who loaned me $2000. I had friends who put me up for a few weeks until I found a landlady who’s son had gone to high school with me and was willing to take a chance on unemployed bankrupt me (perhaps because my daughter was so cute!). I started doing temp jobs immediately, and got a management job after a few months. I rode a bike with a Burley cart on the back to transport my daughter for two years, borrowing my moms car to do grocery shopping weekly. I remember how elated I was when my careful penny pinching finally allowed me to add $15/month for thrift store clothing to my budget! “New” clothes for me and my kid…. What an excitement that was! Being frugal and having to choose between toilet paper and eggs is something many of my friends and acquaintances know nothing about. I hated it at the time but now I am deeply grateful for what it taught me and how it humbled me.
You are a role model, Patricia, for all those who are looking for an antidote to despair and depression. I hope your daughter is a chip of the same rock you are made of. I feel your agony in those early days and I also feel the joy of triumph against all odds. I was a foreign student in my senior year engineering major at the U. of Wyoming when I ran out of money. I found a job cleaning a restaurant after it shuts down for a single meal a day....I could eat the meal anytime though. And I had to turn any coins I found under the tables to the manager. After a month, the manager fired me, because I didn't clean the bathrooms, which wasn't in my "job description!" Now I drive a Tesla, when my Mercedes is in service.
Not fully sure what this story is about other than a story that could be told by almost anyone from a poor background anywhere in the world. Is it not true that a lot of the hardship in Cuba was part of the result of USA sanctions and political espionage?
Despite all the political ravings, daily annoyances and slipping bank accounts, we’ve “got it good” here in America. Amazing to think that people not far from our shores, can have so many obstacles to even the smallest success. Kudos to those whose inner strength surmounts these cruel attacks on the survival of their spirits.Thank you for making us think.
I often wonder who really gets hurt by the United States' sanctions against Cuba.
Am I missing something? Is there another paragraph somewhere to wrap up this story?
Socialism. Someone should read this story to every student in every college class across the US.
One out of seven in America goes to bed hungry! Capitalism. Nobody in Cuba had water pistols but nobody is starving under the bridge…Capitalism.
Yes, CUBA is poor, not democratic, and blockaded by the richest and strongest country in the world for over 60 years. What Americans waste in food and resources can feed all the hungry in Cuba and give toys to all the children there…. But America and its inhumane treatment of its neighbors to keep them in bondage to the big corporations is the biggest crime. Save a few dollars from the billions going to Ukraine war and feed the poor next door or even on American streets.
Lebron should get an asterisk. Kareem played almost his entire career in an era without the 3-point shot. Kareem made one 3-pointer in his 20th year. If Lebron's 3s were all worth 2, he wouldn't even be close to Kareem.
I highly appreciate the link in the 7 Other Things section to the Real Simple article about financial management when you’re truly lacking in money. Long ago as a 30 year old I filed for bankruptcy and divorce in the same week and started over as the single mom of a 4 year old. At that moment i had no job, no car, no home, no credit and no cash. I did have student loan and IRS debts that weren’t discharged in bankruptcy. Fortunately I also had a wealthy friend who loaned me $2000. I had friends who put me up for a few weeks until I found a landlady who’s son had gone to high school with me and was willing to take a chance on unemployed bankrupt me (perhaps because my daughter was so cute!). I started doing temp jobs immediately, and got a management job after a few months. I rode a bike with a Burley cart on the back to transport my daughter for two years, borrowing my moms car to do grocery shopping weekly. I remember how elated I was when my careful penny pinching finally allowed me to add $15/month for thrift store clothing to my budget! “New” clothes for me and my kid…. What an excitement that was! Being frugal and having to choose between toilet paper and eggs is something many of my friends and acquaintances know nothing about. I hated it at the time but now I am deeply grateful for what it taught me and how it humbled me.
You are a role model, Patricia, for all those who are looking for an antidote to despair and depression. I hope your daughter is a chip of the same rock you are made of. I feel your agony in those early days and I also feel the joy of triumph against all odds. I was a foreign student in my senior year engineering major at the U. of Wyoming when I ran out of money. I found a job cleaning a restaurant after it shuts down for a single meal a day....I could eat the meal anytime though. And I had to turn any coins I found under the tables to the manager. After a month, the manager fired me, because I didn't clean the bathrooms, which wasn't in my "job description!" Now I drive a Tesla, when my Mercedes is in service.
I haven't received your column in my email since this one on 2/9 ... are you taking time off or is the problem on my side ?
Jim — I send it every day! Is it in spam? I'm so sorry. Pls lmk here or email me bill@understandably.com if you can't find it!!!
It’s back today, Thursday , the 16th !
Thanks,
Jim G.