From My Corner: November 15, 2014

Comcast contract public hearing

On page 6 you will find a notice of a public hearing to be held on November 24th to receive comments from the residents about the extension of the Comcast cable contract for another ten years.

This meeting was scheduled as a result of discovering that a similar hearing was held on October 2nd which was poorly advertised and very few residents found out about it; those who may have an interest on the subject were left out.

I wrote about this in our November 1st edition and I was outraged that this public hearing was practically held in secret.  As a result, Council President Modesto Maldonado took charge of the issue and a new date was arranged, which is being advertised in Rumbo this week.  That announcement shows a disclaimer that we are printing it without charge to the city because we are not motivated by money and we understand the importance of our community in taking part on all things involving our wellbeing.

I will be attending that evening although I am not certain if this is a bona fide effort or a way to calm me down to stop complaining.  Since the mayor has refused to appoint members to the Cable Advisory Commission, no one knows who has looked at this contract in order to negotiate.

Several people have asked me if it is legal for the mayor to sign a contract for more than three years.  As far as I know, this falls under the Commerce Laws and they probably abide by federal rules, which surpass local regulations.  If I get more information on that, I’ll let you know.

Pet peeves

I belong to several boards and organizations that occasionally need to send out messages to the entire group.  If the purpose is to set up a meeting at a convenient time for most of all, it becomes a great tool because you can plan according to everyone’s schedule.

In the case of a general notification it is a wonderful form of communication.  If I must respond to the sender, I press “Reply” but most people for some reason, are compelled to press “Reply to All” which means that we all start getting responses and probably we couldn’t care less about their opinions.

Accepting the calendar

Many years ago, I used to say that I would fight old age with all my might even to the point of joking around saying that the savings account was set up to cover the plastic surgery expenses.  Coloring my hair was a common routine and seeing one-quarter of an inch of silver on my roots would send me to the nut house.  My face was not a big concern because people used to tell me what good skin I have.  Lucky about that, I guess, but at 67 years of age I don’t deep signs of time on my face.

Along with time, my mind accepted the years to the point of not wearing makeup during the day and only a little if I must be more formal.  Then came my hair – that symbol of aging that we dread.  Going through the first year was painful and I tried to disguise it with washable colors or even blonde streaking.  I don’t know if the idea was to confuse others or convince me that they were not quite so visible.

My hair has grown out enough by now and people who have not seen me in a while are taken by surprise.  They tell me that I look good but they are probably wondering why I gave up on my vanity.  No such thing!

Today, I feel more comfortable than ever.  My attitude is “take it or leave” and opinions don’t concern me.  I did this at the right time in my life when I am as content with my hair as with my body and brains.  I’ve grown up, not just older but wiser, placing my priorities in order and appreciating the valuable aspects of living like love, family and friendships.

I’m ready for wrinkles and I don’t think I’ll spend my money in face lifts.  I praise surgeries and applaud those who choose it but they may want to feel better about themselves by recurring to that.  I accomplished it already.