The Bridge

This documentary is an eye opener. So many people walk across the Golden Gate Bridge without any intention of jumping. Yet, it happens, and this bridge is the most used to commit suicide in the United States. In this documentary you will hear from family and friends of actual jumpers, as well as one who survived the jump. You will understand more about suicide, and why it's so important to learn more.

Rate: A
Buy: iTunes, DVD
Documentary with actual jumping off the bridge. Not for younger children.

Are You Afraid of Suicide?

As a parent, and a human being, I feel we all need to be more aware of suicide. It is a subject that so many are afraid to speak of, yet so many people are affected by suicide everyday. The person who is thinking of committing the act, and the friends and family of said person.

May I recommend a documentary for a better understanding of suicide. This documentary is very real, and explains many views of a suicidal person. "The Bridge" is about the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. The Golden Gate Bridge is the most used bridge for suicide in the U.S.

Please ask the question "Are you thinking of suicide/killing yourself?" You might save a life.

National Suicide Prevention Week

Image by Hannah Elizabeth. via FlickrLife is Precious. 


September 5th-11th is Suicide Prevention Week, and we are reminded(via Hopeline) that each year, 32,000 friends, sons, daughters, brothers, sisters, mothers and fathers in the U.S. take their own lives. 


If you or someone you know is struggling with depression, acceptance, or anything that is making you think about suicide. Please call for help. You are not alone, and there are so many people willing to listen. Call any of these numbers listed on this blog. Hopeline: 1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433)


Service men and women coming back from Afghanistan, and veterans alike need to be aware there are people who can help. Military members helpline: Hopeline: 1-877-Vet2Vet (838-2838)


The Trevor Project is focused on crisis and suicide prevention efforts among LGBTQ youth. The Trevor Lifeline: 
1-866-4-U-TREVOR (1-866-488-7386)

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 1-800-273-TALK (8255). Please call if you are in suicidal crisis or emotional distress.

The Kristin Brooks Hope Center - Hopeline is dedicated to raising awareness of suicide prevention, and providing support for those seeking help. Please pass on the word, help, and donate if you can. www.hopeline.com 

If we can help one person, 

then we have done our job as a human being.

See the Twitter, Facebook, Myspace, and .com sites:

To Write Love on Her Arms - http://www.twloha.com/

Hopeline - http://hopeline.com/

The Trevor Project - http://www.thetrevorproject.org/

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline - http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/

SAVE - http://www.save.org/

NoH8 - http://www.noh8campaign.com/

AFSP National - http://www.afsp.org/

Don't Jump - http://www.facebook.com/pleasedonotjump

Take 5 to Save Lives - https://twitter.com/Take5SaveLives

(and so many others...)

Teen Drivers and More

Image via Wikipedia

Please click link at bottom

This video has been going around Facebook for a very good reason. It's about bad decisions while driving, and accidents. Many teens are becoming of age to drive a vehicle. In California the restrictions for driving are strict, as they should be. All drivers are not allowed to talk or text while driving(exception: adults may use a speaker or ear piece). Teens also have a provisional drivers license until the age of 18. The first 12 months they may not drive anyone(with a few exceptions listed on the DMV page).

Q. Why is the department discriminating against teen drivers?

A. The department is not discriminating. It is implementing legislation to save lives. Recent statistics show that citations/serious accidents involving provisional drivers during the 9:00 PM to 5:00 AM period have dramatically increased over the past five years. The change in law should reduce accidents and save lives.

Please take the 7 minutes to watch this video. It is not based on only teens, many are adults. This is for anyone who drives a vehicle. 

WARNING this video is graphic. This link will take you to Youtube.

Click here:---> I have no words after watching this video... Please drive safely.

Karate Kid (2010)

Image by SpreePiX - Berlin via Flickr

This movie was similar to the original (1984) Karate Kid, but with enough changes to make you love it. Based in another country young Jaden Smith plays his role perfectly.
I paid to see this one at the movie theatre and can't wait to buy it on iTunes.

Rate: A
Buy: Must see
Kid friendly

Alcohol & Legal Drinking Age

Image via Wikipedia

Kids seem to experiment at such an early age nowadays; it makes me wonder if we should change our ways. While on the Eurotrain from Paris to London we sat and talked with an English family. They have grown children, and stated that their kids all became "drunks" when they turned 18. They said that if England followed the wine at the dinner table at an early age like neighboring France, maybe less binging would go on.

It really did make sense. The same drinking binges happen in the United States. Kids hurt themselves or others from the effects of drinking. Is this a simple solution?

My city just made a new Social Hosting Ordinance that will charge any adult hosting an alcohol party/gathering for minors. This is great considering our new city name is "Party City" to the teens near and far. 

Unfortunately, I do not have a solution, but I do know that my own children are spoken to early on. We share stories about drinking, and the effects it can have. We can only do so much, but I can tell you this... With open communication, and having our home open to their friends; we can help them become a little more responsible.

Pet Peeves

Grr.. I wonder why we have pet peeves. It annoys me that I have them, and they're everywhere you go. I'm sure many of you have the basics just as I; chewing with your mouth open, not turning off the light when you're not in the room, and not washing your hands. 

Although, those are only a few that drive me crazy.  I won't tell you to (not)do them, but I bite my tongue, and gripe about it in my head.    

I decided to research a little, and found a website that has voting on your own pet peeves.  I wasn't surprised to see open mouth chewing #1, and not washing hands #2. 

I probably won't find a cure for my annoying little vexation, but I am not alone.

Good day all.

AZ