Thoughts from a Soldier

This week I am getting myself prepared for my son’s third deployment to Iraq, he leaves this weekend.  I am not looking forward to this considering the way things are there right now.  I can not say where he is going but I know he’s taking a lot of people with him in his heart and prayers.

Two years ago during his second deployment to Iraq,  he was there on the anniversary of 9/11.  He had access to the internet and send the following letter to his friends and family.  I am reprinting it here so that I can send him the responses received while he’s there.

 September 11 letter from Joshua

To all my friends and family,  
        I’m not usually one to pay much notice to anniversaries, but today it just seemed appropriate.   Today marks four years since the tragedy in
New York City.   I’m not going to sit here and preach to anyone, so don’t worry about that.   All I ask is for a small remembrance of all those people who lost their lives that day, and a moment of thought for myself and all my fellow soldiers who put it all on the line everyday to see that our beautiful country stays just as safe as we always knew it to be.   I remember exactly where I was when the terrorists struck.   I was in basic training, learning how to be a soldier.   Isn’t that a bit ironic??   The Drill Sergeant came in and told us what happened (we were getting fitted for our military dress uniforms that day) and he told us all we were going to war.   I don’t think I’ve ever been so terrified.   I had a beautiful daughter on the way, I was getting married, this just couldn’t be happening to me, ya know?   Well, a little more irony is here I sit for years later spending my second Sep. 11th in three years in
Iraq, fighting for a freedom I’m sworn to protect. So all I ask of you is a remembrance of what you were doing on Sep 11^th (send it to me).   It’s not like I need a justification of why I’m here…I look at pictures of my daughter everyday and am reminded of that.   I’m just curious.   And if you could, please take a moment of silence for all of my fallen brothers in arms who’ve given their lives of here for a cause greater than any of us..I lost a friend last time I was here and this year have seen 2 go home early with injuries.   I consider myself lucky.   Just give a silent thanks to all the soldiers over here or who have been over here.   Like I said, this is my second tour and it’s not easy.   It’s not easy to give up everything you know and go to a place where so many people would just love to see you in pain, or worse.   Thank you all for hearing me and just know that your support makes the strain so much easier to bear.   I hope to hear from you soon.Always,
  Josh

Sep 11, 2005 

On the (real) Job Stalking

Consultants and distributers are given various ideas on ways to recruit.  Some of the suggestions are: malls, grocery stores and Walmart/Target.

Today, Sandy has a post about from a very upset Dental patient who was stalked by the Hygientist cleaning her teeth.  This time the rep is from Arbonne, another MLM.  Looks like some privacy laws may have been broken.

Read on:

http://fightingfatigue.typepad.com/my_mary_kay_truth/2007/02/dental_hygienis.html#more

A Pro-MK Blog added to the Blogroll

On a previous post, Mutual Admiration Society, the topic was about the Pro-Mk blogs and their constant criticism of the posters on PT and other blogs.  I received a comment from the owner of one Pro blog. Her message:

mkrules Says:
January 18th, 2007 at 8:22 am01 e

My pro blog is not like this, just for the record.

Well. I’ve been monitoring her blog and found that she does have good helpful topics and her comments on other blogs have been respectful and informative.  So, this may sound crazy but I decided to add her blog to my blogroll.

Mkrules, you are welcome here anytime.

Survivor “I” stories

Below are some links to other blogs with stories that may interest those questioning MK.

We’ve all heard the MK “I” stories at meetings, seminar, career confrence, etc. Now here’s a chance for you to read survivor “I” stories. Women who were deep in the pink fog and have emerged. But, beware, you may see yourself in these stories.

http://www.thepinkingshears.com/pinkeye-stories.htm

http://www.pinktruth.com/your-stories/

http://pinklighthouse.com/stories.htm

New Meeting Place

The Gathering

Sadly when Marykayvoices shut down, the forum known as “THE PUB” was closed.  I decided to open this page for those of you who are looking for a place to get together.  I will not be hear to moderate but I will ban people if things get too hot.  Everyone, whether you are anti-MK, anti-MLM, or Pro are welcome to post. This page will be cleaned out a couple of times a week.

The Life Of A Soldier

 This was sent to me by someone who cares:

How is Mary Kay (or any MLM) supporting our troops

With all the talk about this past weeks Leadership Conference, I’m really curious to find out how these companies support our military. There are foundations set up to for domestic violence and breast cancer, how about some kind of scholarship foundation for children who lose a parent while protecting our freedom. Or maybe to help an injured or diabled soldier get his life back together.

How about the consultants and disributors, how have you supported our young men fighting? Do you send  letters, care packages,make contributions to the uso or some other agency?

For some, I know you have made the biggest sacrifice, sending a loved one (or maybe yourself) off to war, for that I thank you and you are in my prayers.

Those that do know of me at PINK LIGHTHOUSE, know that I also have a loved one in the military. I am very proud to be a “MILITARY MOM”. My youngest son has been to Iraq two times and is getting ready to go back again next month. It makes me feel good when I hear someone say “Thank you” to  him or just wants to shake his hand.

So I just want to know, how do you or the company you represent, support our troops?

Is it possible to be Neutral?

There is a blog that strives to stay neutral. This site is “Mary Kay Voices“. The owners and posters are both pro and anti-mk. I applaud these ladies for what they are trying to do.  They’ve been rediculed by the pro sites for trying to be honest about the marketing plan and disclosing the unethical practices involved in MK.

This is a diverse group of ladies and their posts are very thought provoking. If you are seriously contemplating signing up with Mk, I would suggest you visit these ladies and read their stories before making your final decision.

*Update: Unfortunately, Marykayvoices has shut down. I’m really sorry to see it go.  This was the only site that offered balanced information. 

Mutual Admiration Society

Recently, a few pro-mk consultants started their own blogs. While some of the posts are good information, it seems there are only a handful of readers and posters. The problem is they have hard time staying on topic, they constantly criticize other blog owners and posters.

These are supposed to be good, christian woman. Being in MK, aren’t they supposed to stay away from negativity? What happen to the “Golden Rule”? Having a different opinion about what is posted on a blog is one thing, attacking the owner is quite different.

The anti-mk blogs are providing a public service informing unsuspecting victims, disclosing unethical behavior and providing truth. Unforunately, some people don’t want you to see the truth and instead of attacking the message, they attack the messenger.