patalija

March 12, 2003

Half-Pint

I had a nice surprise yesterday when I answered the ringing phone to hear D’s voice on the other end. She sounds so like her mother did at the same age that I am often taken aback when she calls. She was in the middle of some down time in her day, having finished her classes and a shift at the upscale Italian restaurant where she is employed. She was taking a break before reporting back for a second shift she had grudgingly agreed to due to someone’s illness.

It seems she’s not making much money in tips these days, partly just because of the time of year and partly because of the political unrest/economy/world situation. Her second shift would be hostessing which is less stressful and pays twice the hourly wage of a server and, in addition, she gets a percentage of the tips. So it seems that given the current situation, she can actually make more hostessing right now than serving. I always learn something when we talk. I shared with her my continuing gratitude that I had never been led to waitressing because next to her Mother, I was the world’s biggest klutz! I’m not speaking behind my sister’s back – she knows she is.

D told me she had just returned from Cleveland where she went to spend a few days with her boyfriend who is working there for a period of time. Her Mother and I lived in Ohio together for a time in the early 70’s when I was a 20-something and my sister in her late teens. We laughed and recounted some old tales and D spoke of pictures her Mom had of those days.

D is an activist and involved quite heavily in environmental issues. As a matter of fact, she spent time here in the Pacific Northwest last summer involved with Green Peace. She’s now turned her attention to political issues dealing with the threats of war and was lamenting the difficulties of getting people involved, getting them to walk the walk and take some action rather than passively and privately disagreeing with the administration. She has been aiding in organizing rallies, putting up posters and generally getting citizens involved.

Our conversation fed on itself and we each became steadily more animated as we spoke of these matters about which we had such similar thoughts. I found some of her fire and ‘can-do’ attitude rubbing off on me and felt revitalized and strengthened in my resolve.

She said that someone had said to her “How can some little half-pint girl from Alabama make any difference?” and I resented the fact that someone would try to stifle her enthusiasm and her efforts in that way.

I feel a sense of pride in D that she uses her time and energy to try to make a difference in this world. There are so many other things she could be doing that are so less worthwhile. She is growing into a fine young woman and she will be a good and valuable asset to any cause or movement to which she lends her devotion.

Once again I found myself thinking of Vietnam and wishing I had tried to do more. But I was young and struggling just to keep my own head above the wakes of life so I suppose I didn’t have energy left for the world. In addition, I realize now that it was far more wrong that I could even have suspicioned at the time – far more wrong.

After D and I said our good-byes, I went to my computer and wrote a Letter to the Editor of our local newspaper and sent dispatches to my Senators, Congressmen and Representatives telling them my feelings on the current administration and what they are attempting to take us into, something I had been meaning to do but had put off. I am looking into yet another protest rally being formed and thinking I just might put my marching shoes on. It’s a beginning.

That’s the difference a ‘little half-pint girl from Alabama’ can make.

oh we half pint girls from alabama with a bandaid on our knee can do a great deal! 🙂 *grin* I keep taking the neighbor’s almost trash to my recycling bin, i finally got a huge garbage can, i separate the stuff with bags inside and set it out on the curb! I even got the leaf lady to put hers in bags for the leaf truck instead of in her trash. (I usually drag them to my backyard and return bag

at care2.com there is a link to the petitionsite.com and a wide range of environmental can do’s. Have you seen it?

you are most welcome. It’s a grand website and of course i really enjoy that little frog mascot they have. 🙂 Now if only i had one of those fancy printers that could make tshirt decals…. just think what we could do with them, and they are resusable much more so than little protest signs. 🙂

gray tabby

March 13, 2003

i didn’t realize that about the wait staff and hostessing, either. learn something new every day. take care.

MJ+

I never understood why the waiters have to split their tips with the host/hostess when, like you say, the host/hostess is paid so much more. In some places the chef get a share of the tips, too. Luckily when I waitressed I never had to give up any of my tip money to anybody.

I think people who make remarks like the ‘half pint’ one are just feeling guilty because they sit back and do nothing. When I was more of an activitist I got the same thing all the time and it was always from ‘bystanders’ as I call people who do not get involved. And quite frankly, there were things which I fought for where I believe I did make a difference, so I am sure D can do the same.

minnie58

RYN:Hi patalija…very nice to meet you and thanks for your note.I can’t imagine what it would be like to live next to a person like you described in your note.The only way I have been touched by them is by them leaving their hate literature in my mailbox.Really nasty stuff.I was born and raised in Pennsylvania and I’m still here.Thanks again. *hugs* minnie 🙂

Spinster

What a lucky aunt you are.

~X-Factor

What a gift to have such a good relationship with your niece. I’m guessing that she is enriched by you as well.

Little but Mighty

March 14, 2003

I constantly wish I would take more time in my life to help others, to serve and to make the world a better place. The task does seem overwhelming and I suppose that is what keeps me shoving it to the back of my mind. I truly feel if I were more involved and engaged with the community around me, I would be a happier person.

Half pint indeed…some half pints pack a punch LOL. Its wonderful that she is an activist, not enough people have a cause they could support. I say well done 😉 Hugs Patalija

~pyra

it was good to see your name…yep, time for marching shoes.

gel

Your niece sounds like a remarkable young woman!

reyn, three miles from the bay. too environmental to live right on the gulf, that’s a hurricane wreck waiting to happen tho i do enjoy sleeping a nite on the beachfront once in a while.

Well being a half pint is great and so is being an Alabama gal : ) Super for her!

Edelweis

March 18, 2003

Your niece is a wonderful woman! And yes, how often are we telling ourselves “maybe we should have spoken…maybe we should have protested aloud…” I find I am not doing it often enough either. Warm greetings from Belgium,

Icarus Knew

March 19, 2003

carpe diem!

Many thanks for your note Patalija 🙂

Doodlebug

March 23, 2003

D sounds like one great little half pint! 🙂

~Voyageur

March 24, 2003

So good to read of your wonderful niece, Patalija. I found an old pair of earings recently made of peace symbols. Wearing them feels so much like a deja vu. Thanks for writing the letter, and for pulling those shoes out of the closet. Love,

Ollie

March 25, 2003

Dear Patalija, just discovered this entry and I am catching up! Your niece sounds like a wonderful young woman. I have been thinking of you. I too wish I could have done more during the late 60’s and early 70’s but with 2 little children and a powercontrol husband alas, writing letters was my only way. Hoping to hear from you soon! How is George? I am checking out froglette’s site, hugs,

did they come drag you back to ‘bama? 🙂