Ask Alex : Office Romance
Lifestyle June 21, 2020
Hey Alex!
I made the mistake of dating a coworker! Yuck! Obviously it ended badly and now we are both stuck working at the same place. Honestly, we can’t stand the sight of each other. I worked here almost a full year before he was hired and I love my job. I feel like he should be the one looking for a new job. Am I wrong?
Sincerely,
Never Again
Hey Never Again!
Yes, yes you are wrong. Unfortunately, life does not stop when a relationship ends and neither do jobs. He might love his job as much as you love yours and frankly, you cannot dictate his life. He has a right, just as you do, to keep working there.
Now, if there is a behavior that makes the workplace a hostile environment, then you definitely need to address this with your supervisor and let it be handled by the company. But… if the sight of him just grosses you out, then you are going to have to suck it up, or if you can’t, then you should be the one to look for a new job.
I would give it more time. It sounds like the breakup is relatively fresh. Time has a way of erasing pain and anger and you might find in another month or two, that you aren’t affected by his presence one way or the other.
Sincerely,
Alex
You can check out more of Alex’s advice by clicking here : Ask Alex : I Want A Dog
If you enjoy reading Alex’s advice, send in your questions or situations to [email protected]. Each week, Alex will answer a new question or provide some friendly advice on issues we deal with every day. Whether it’s serious, fun, interesting, or you’re just stuck, send in your questions to Ask Alex for a little bit of outside perspective on life.
Scoring Points: Will Youth Sports Make it Through Corona Shutdown?
Just For Fun June 21, 2020
Youth sports are beginning to ramp back up all across the country. In Texas and Florida, all youth sports have resumed their regular programming. In Iowa, baseball and softball have resumed all the way up to the high school level. Even youth football leagues in Indiana have returned for on the field practices.
Seeing these other states getting back to normal is a great sight, but nowhere near what we are used to seeing around the US at this time of year. The Smoky Mountain Youth Football League in the Murphy area has already cancelled their upcoming season. With youth sports participation dropping already, one can only think that it will plummet in the following years after kids are forced to sit out this year. I understand that the cancellation was for the safety of the kids but it is hard for me to believe that there was not a way around completely cancelling the entire season. I know that most of the parents around the community will take initiative and find ways to keep their children active and involved, but I feel for the kids who do not have any structure in their lives until it comes to organized sports. My hope is that the upcoming youth league baseball, softball, and soccer seasons will not be cancelled so at least those kids will get to play.
I know it may not seem like a big deal at this exact point in time, for these kids to miss just one season, but the financial fallout will impact the leagues that cancel for years to come. I also think that this could lead to kids moving around and playing in different leagues and perhaps never returning, ultimately hurting not only the youth league as a whole but the JV and Varsity teams that they would have eventually played on.
I guess what I am saying is, just let the kids play.
Check out more of Jake West’s Scoring Points by reading last week’s article: Georgia back at practice with restrictions. Also remember, in sports, points are scored by both sides, so send in your opinions on sports to [email protected] and see them in our next Sunday Edition.
Ask Alex : I Want A Dog
Lifestyle June 14, 2020
Hey Alex!
I have wanted a dog for as long as I can remember! I constantly search rescue websites looking for that perfect companion. When I was younger I always lived in apartments that wouldn’t allow pets, but now I own my own house, with my husband…. Therein lies my problem. He is just not a dog person and won’t budge on not wanting a dog in the house. Recently, I found a little guy that I think would be perfect for us, but I keep getting a very stern no from my other half.
What should I do? Would it be horrible if I just adopted the dog anyway? I’ve always heard it’s better to ask forgiveness than to get permission.
Sincerely,
Needing A Pup
Hey Needing A Pup!
I’m going to go ahead and stop you in your tracks. In this situation it is absolutely NOT better to ask for forgiveness than to get permission. Adopting a pet is a huge commitment in all aspects of your life. It will change how you operate day-to-day. It will change if you and when you can plan vacations and events. Not to mention the financial responsibility that comes with being a pet owner and these are just the practical areas that will be impacted, not the emotional impacts that would come and probably trouble your marriage.
Adopting a pet is a lifetime commitment for that pet. What would you do if your husband is so angry he says it’s me or the dog? Would you just give up on the dog? What if this moment comes down the road when you have had time to bond with your pet? Would you be able to take him or her back to the shelter?
It sounds like your husband has been very clear on his feelings about getting a dog from go, which means you still chose to be with him knowing that you might never be able to own your own dog.
I would recommend that you take time to volunteer at a shelter and try to get your puppy fix without bringing one home. Another possibility that you could speak with your husband about is fostering.
Rescues are always looking for foster homes, and the thought of the dog only being at your house temporarily might be something that your husband would be down to do. If fostering goes well he might just change his mind and be open to adopting a permanent four legged family member.
Sincerely,
Alex
You can check out more of Alex’s advice by clicking here : Ask Alex : Where to Eat?
https://sundayedition.fetchyournews.com/2020/06/07/ask-alex-where-to-eat/
If you enjoy reading Alex’s advice, send in your questions or situations to [email protected]. Each week, Alex will answer a new question or provide some friendly advice on issues we deal with every day. Whether it’s serious, fun, interesting, or you’re just stuck, send in your questions to Ask Alex for a little bit of outside perspective on life.
Ask Alex : Where to Eat?
Lifestyle June 7, 2020
Hey Alex!
It’s time to tackle the oldest question among couples. An ancient mystery passed down from generation to generation, one that has gone unanswered for centuries… Where does my boyfriend want to go for dinner?!
He thinks he’s being polite letting me decide, but I just don’t want to make a decision after working all day.
So, oh great sage, where should we go?
Sincerely,
Tired and Hungry
Hey Tired and Hungry!
When in doubt, avoid take out! I understand being tired at the end of a long day and not wanting to make that one last decision….you don’t care, you just need to eat.
Keep your kitchen stocked with some quick and easy fixes for these occasions. You never can go wrong with just a good old fashioned sandwich and chips kind of night.
Save the going out for dinner decision for when the both of you have time to plan ahead on your destination.
Sincerely,
Alex
P.S. He’s not being polite. He doesn’t want to make the decision either.
You can check out more of Alex’s advice by clicking here : Ask Alex : Age Gap Dating
If you enjoy reading Alex’s advice, send in your questions or situations to [email protected]. Each week, Alex will answer a new question or provide some friendly advice on issues we deal with every day. Whether it’s serious, fun, interesting, or you’re just stuck, send in your questions to Ask Alex for a little bit of outside perspective on life.
Voting in a primary
Fetching Featured June 7, 2020
“I voted.”
It’s a slogan, a marketing tool, a sticker, and a meaningful statement. Voting is a key right in our nation. We just recently celebrated Memorial Day, a holiday about sacrifice and the rights and freedoms that people fought and died for.
Without going deep into any political camp, without stepping foot onto any political platform. There is one common theme, one common call, one common request that you’ll hear from everyone. “Vote!”
In fact, it is one thing that can almost unanimously be said that is a one-sided argument. There are those who don’t vote. There are those who forget, don’t think about it, or don’t want to. But it is almost never a slogan or campaign saying “Don’t vote.” At least, I’ve never seen one.
It is a right that we celebrate, it is something people are proud of and you can see countless posts on Social Media for people proclaiming that they exercised this right. A recent article from Georgia’s own Secretary of State website said that over a million people have voted. “Georgia voters have cast over 1 million ballots with less than one week to go until the June 9 statewide elections. Even as COVID-19 has complicated elections in other states, the office of the Secretary of State and local elections officials have maintained numerous different avenues for Georgia voters to exercise their right to vote.”
From local officials to state and federal representatives, the call is heard. Yet, many miss this time. Many don’t really think about it. They think of November and major elections. They think of the big offices and major debates.
We tend to forget the minor offices. Counties like Gilmer, Pickens, Towns, Murray, these counties, and many others, they may not always have partisan elections. Counties will often have offices with four or five candidates all claiming the same political party. Those elections never make it to November. They never make it to the big election days.
Tuesday, June 9, 2020, is one of those days. Those lesser-known and lesser-utilized election days that you make a real, obvious choice for your county, or your city. Yes, vote for who you want as president, but remember that a mayor or a commissioner, those offices are like presidents of the city or of the county. Elections for Judges are real decisions that you make for real people in your community. What is that decision going to mean? What outcome will it affect?
In this election, voters can and will make final decisions for offices. No runoffs, no main elections, because they don’t have anyone to challenge them from other parties.
That is why you hear the call of politicians and citizens, “Go out and vote!” Sure they want you to vote for them. But the beauty is the actual truth… It is your choice.
Ask Alex : Age Gap Dating
Lifestyle May 31, 2020
Hey Alex!
How much of a difference is too much? I’m in my upper thirties, and I have started dating this guy in his mid-twenties. Not going to go into it more than that.
I’m a little hesitant, it feels strange, but I like him. Am I too old? Should I move on? It’s not like he’s underage, right? Why do I feel weird about this?
Sincerely,
Feeling My Age
Hey Feeling My Age!
How much of a difference is too much? When it’s illegal or when your own morals tell you “no”. If both parties are happy in a legal relationship, then keep on keeping on.
Large age gaps could put a whole other set of obstacles on relationships that dating someone your own age might not. I mean statistically, men reach full maturity much later than woman….
Do be aware that you can’t put expectations on a person of a different age based on where you are in your life. Were you a different person in your twenties? Of course you were and as long as you keep this in mind and don’t set expectations that he should be someone he’s not, then you’re fine.
Many relationships with age gaps do work out as long as you and your partner stay on the same page.
Sincerely,
Alex
You can check out more of Alex’s advice by clicking here : Ask Alex : Wedding Guests
If you enjoy reading Alex’s advice, send in your questions or situations to [email protected]. Each week, Alex will answer a new question or provide some friendly advice on issues we deal with every day. Whether it’s serious, fun, interesting, or you’re just stuck, send in your questions to Ask Alex for a little bit of outside perspective on life.
Ask Alex : Wedding Guests
Lifestyle May 24, 2020
Hey Alex!
I need your help! I am in the process of planning my wedding and to be honest there are certain family members that I just don’t want there. My mom is insisting that I invite them, but they haven’t been good to me or my parents. I am older and me and my soon to be husband are paying for everything for our big day. I really don’t want these family members there and I for sure don’t want to pay for them to attend the reception dinner. What should I do? Am I being petty?
Sincerely,
Making Plans
Hey Making Plans!
Wait, who’s paying for it? There lies your answer…your money, your day, your guests. The simple fact is that if you are paying for it, you do it how you want to.
With that being said, is leaving these guests off the list going to cause a rift between you and your mom? Because if so, I would like to give you a little bit more advice. It’s not worth it to stick to your principals on this one and risk losing a close relationship with your mother.
If these guests aren’t going to ruin your day by causing a scene, you honestly probably won’t even notice that they are there. You will be so busy, focused on your day and your husband and your loved ones (that you enjoy), that the others won’t stand out.
If it is a big deal to your mother that these individuals are invited, approach her with a compromise. Just let her know that you have a set budget for your event and you simply cannot put more money in to cover the added expenses. If she feels so strongly about them being there she can pony up the cash for them to come.
Sincerely,
Alex
You can check out more of Alex’s advice by clicking here : Ask Alex : Family Heirlooms
If you enjoy reading Alex’s advice, send in your questions or situations to [email protected]. Each week, Alex will answer a new question or provide some friendly advice on issues we deal with every day. Whether it’s serious, fun, interesting, or you’re just stuck, send in your questions to Ask Alex for a little bit of outside perspective on life.
Ask Alex : Family Heirlooms
Lifestyle May 17, 2020
Hey Alex!
I recently had a family member pass a month back. It took a bit to work through the things, and she left me some rather expensive china. I really appreciate the thought, but I don’t really care to own fancy dishes. I was close with her, and I understand sentimental value, but I also don’t want to just have this stuff boxed up to never be seen again in the name of that sentimental value. Am I a bad relative if I sell it? Should I wait a certain amount of time before I do?
Sincerely,
Unsentimental
Hey Unsentimental!
It’s true, people today don’t value the same things that generations before us did. There has been a lot of research done showing that the younger generations prefer to have less “things” and a set of china would definitely fall into this list of items that the youthful are doing without.
Good news, you are not a bad relative for seeing that this is something that you would not use and that would remain in storage! Take the time to acknowledge that your family member thought enough of you to leave you a treasured possession, but then realize that this same family member would probably want you to use it in any way that brings you joy.
If selling the items provides you money to purchase something you really need or want, then the family member who passed would likely be happy to see that you were able to get purpose out of the china that was left to you.
Before selling be sure to check with other family members first. Proper etiquette dictates that other family members who might have use and sentimental attachment, get first dibs. If no family claims it, then by all means sell and give thanks to your relative for remembering you and helping you to get what you want in your life.
Sincerely,
Alex
You can check out more of Alex’s advice by clicking here : Ask Alex : Pressure to have Children
If you enjoy reading Alex’s advice, send in your questions or situations to [email protected]. Each week, Alex will answer a new question or provide some friendly advice on issues we deal with every day. Whether it’s serious, fun, interesting, or you’re just stuck, send in your questions to Ask Alex for a little bit of outside perspective on life.
Ask Alex : Pressure to have children
Lifestyle May 10, 2020
Hey Alex!
I recently got married. My husband and I had been dating for 5 years prior to marriage but we both decided to wait until we graduated college to take the plunge. Since we’ve been married, both of our parents have been pushing for us to have children. They are light hearted about it and say everything in a joking way but we are starting to feel the pressure.
We had talked before we got married about having children and we both want them, but are trying to wait until we become more established in our careers and our lives. I know our parents won’t be around forever and I would really regret them not having the joy of having grandchildren if we wait too long. Are we being selfish by waiting to have children?
Sincerely,
Feeling Rushed
Hey Rushed!
Thank you for asking this question. This is a common issue that a lot of young couples face, feeling the pressure by parents to produce those “grand babies”.
It sounds like you and your husband have a clear picture of the future you want to have together, and as much as you love your parents and he loves his, this is your life together and your new family you are forming, so take your time and live the life you want.
I understand regret, and if any of your parents were to go before the two of you decide to have a child, there would be a regret that they didn’t get to meet their grandchildren. But this regret will be there no matter when they pass. If your child happens to be fifteen when they go, you’ll regret that they didn’t get to see their grandchild drive or graduate high school. If older, you will regret that they didn’t get to see their grandchild get married or meet their great-grandchildren. This is just part of the living experience, so don’t let these feelings dictate your path, especially on such an important life-changing decision.
From your letter, I get the feeling that you have a good, close relationship with your parents and your husband has the same connection with his. This would mean that you are your parents’ first love and deep down they would never want you to do something that would make you unhappy or make it to where you end up not living your life to the fullest.
You should have a conversation with them and let them know your plans. Based on what you’ve said, I would think they would be completely supportive of your decision.
The bottom line is, that this is your life and you need to take care of yourself and do things at your own pace. Are you doing what makes you happy and makes the most sense for your own well being?
Sincerely,
Alex
You can check out more of Alex’s advice by clicking here: Ask Alex : New Neighbors
If you enjoy reading Alex’s advice, send in your questions or situations to [email protected]. Each week, Alex will answer a new question or provide some friendly advice on issues we deal with every day. Whether it’s serious, fun, interesting, or you’re just stuck, send in your questions to Ask Alex for a little bit of outside perspective on life.
Scoring Points: NCHSAA Board Declares Bulldogs Champs during meeting
Just For Fun May 3, 2020
The NCHSAA held a board of directors meeting on Wednesday, April 29. During that meeting, many things were discussed about the upcoming fall sports season and what to do about the state championship game cancelations of the last fall season. The board of directors announced at the conclusion of the meeting that they would be crowning co-champions for qualifying teams, which means the Murphy Lady Bulldogs are your 2020 State Champions.
The Bulldogs sent Mitchell home in the 1A Western Regional Championship game and were expected to play East champion Weldon in March in the State Championship game before it was cancelled due to Covid-19. This is Murphys 3rd state title in women’s basketball but the first time in school history that they’ve gone undefeated in the sport. The team will be receiving championship rings.
Other things discussed in the meeting that seemed pertinent to me:
Approved an adjusted contact definition and new contact limitations football which was developed in partnership between the NC Football Coaches Association and the NCHSAA Sports Medicine Advisory Committee.
Approved the distribution of grant funds in excess of $120,000 to member schools requesting and awarded through the inaugural NCHSAA Grant Program.
Approved adjustments to the soccer playoff calendar (now a Monday, Thursday format for early rounds) and an adjustment to allow regular-season contests to end as a tie in men’s and women’s soccer following two ten-minute overtime periods.
The Board also said it would not speculate on a return date for student-athletes to start practice and workouts for the upcoming year. We did not necessarily get the answers we were hoping for in terms of what to expect for the upcoming year, but at least the girls and coaches of the Murphy basketball team can now officially call themselves state champions. I’m sure they’d all much rather play the game and decide a true champion, but at least they no longer have to speculate whether or not they will be receiving rings and they know for a fact they are going in the record books as 2020 state champions, something we can all be proud of.
Check out more of Jake West’s Scoring Points by reading last week’s article: Gentry says ‘one more time’. Also, remember, in sports, points are scored by both sides, so send in your opinions on sports to [email protected] and see them in our next Sunday Edition.
Ask Alex : New Neighbors
Lifestyle May 3, 2020
Hey Alex!
I have noticed someone building a new home on my street. Construction has been going on a while now. Maybe I have watched too much old tv, but I really want to maybe bake something and take it over to “welcome” them to the neighborhood.
Granted I don’t live in any sort of cul de sac or gated community. Our houses on my street are not close by like some communities. I’ve seen people out walking their dog during the shelter order and we wave and are polite, but it’s not like there has been a ton of previous action like what I want to do.
My husband says it might be too forward or annoying, but I really want to do it. What do you think? Is this sort of thing too “old fashioned,” or would it be a nice surprise for someone new?
Sincerely,
New Neighbor
Hey New Neighbor!
Yes. Yes. A thousand times yes! Bake that pie, make that casserole, pot an iris from your garden and head over there to meet that neighbor! So much is lost in today’s world of technology and one of the most important aspects that we have lost is human connection.
Growing up, it is likely that you knew all of your neighbors. Children played together, the adults knew each other and there was a real sense of community on each street. It is just as likely now, that you don’t know all of your neighbors or many at all.
With the introduction of the internet and of course social media, we have grown comfortable in keeping to ourselves and have tricked ourselves into thinking that we are still connected. Nothing can replace the bond that comes with person to person contact.
An email will never be able to replace a handwritten letter. “Liking” a person’s photo of their child’s winning game will never replace listening to the proud parent share a recap of the victory over the phone.
So go over there and make that connection. Work to keep the connection alive, too. Not only will it make your new neighbor feel like they are welcome and belong, but it will make you feel like a part of the community as well. Who knows, you might be introducing yourself to your next lifelong friendship.
Sincerely,
Alex
You can check out more of Alex’s advice by clicking here : Ask Alex : My Boss Is Too Uptight
If you enjoy reading Alex’s advice, send in your questions or situations to [email protected]. Each week, Alex will answer a new question or provide some friendly advice on issues we deal with every day. Whether it’s serious, fun, interesting, or you’re just stuck, send in your questions to Ask Alex for a little bit of outside perspective on life.
Ask Alex : My Boss Is Too Uptight
Lifestyle April 26, 2020
Hey Alex,
I have worked at my current job for over 8 months and this past week I was late for a 3rd time. All three times that I have been late have been under ten minutes and this last time I was only 4 minutes late! My boss flipped out on me and wrote me up! I feel like my boss is too uptight. How do I explain to my boss that people are late from time to time and that 5 minutes isn’t a big deal? It’s not like I am being paid for the 5 minutes I wasn’t there.
Sincerely,
A Little Late
Hey A Little Late,
The key word here is BOSS. You don’t explain anything to your boss about how the company runs. That is why they are your boss and they have the authority. If you truly feel your boss is too uptight and this makes an unpleasant working environment, it is simple, you find another job that is more relaxed.
I actually ran into this same issue when I was a manager and had a young employee who started running 5 or 10 minutes late from time to time. The employee was excellent beyond this issue, but being late is being late. I will give you the advice that, as a manager, I gave the employee.
You were not hired to be paid for the time you feel like working. You were hired to fill a specific time period that the business needs you present. You will likely have many jobs in your life and some bosses will absolutely not tolerate tardiness, so it is best to get in a different mindset early on.
Five minutes early is on time. This doesn’t just go for work, but also for appointments or even plans with friends. Your time is valuable, it is something that can never be replaced, so by the same token everyone else’s time is just as valuable. Wasting someone’s time by simply being late is robbing them of the most valuable asset in their life.
As far as work goes, always remember that no one is irreplaceable. If you value your position, show that you do. Being on time is one of the most important ways that you can express maturity and dependability.
Sincerely,
Alex
You can check out more of Alex’s advice by clicking here : Ask Alex : “Big” City Move
If you enjoy reading Alex’s advice, send in your questions or situations to [email protected]. Each week, Alex will answer a new question or provide some friendly advice on issues we deal with every day. Whether it’s serious, fun, interesting, or you’re just stuck, send in your questions to Ask Alex for a little bit of outside perspective on life.
Scoring Points: Sports in the US and a need vs want
Just For Fun April 19, 2020
Being that we are without sports right now in any capacity, every fan around the world seems to be speculating when they will return. There has been a lot of talk about the return of sports to a nation yearning for some hint of normalcy amid the coronavirus pandemic. Major League Baseball has been giving us a glimmer of hope with their talk about quarantining all of the teams, players, coaches and staff in a virus-free area and holding games in empty ballparks. The UFC has also discussed ways that they could carry on with their operations, scheduling bouts on tribal land in Central California, and Dana White has also reported that he has purchased a private island to have fights on. Even President Donald Trump has been longing for sports just like us, saying “I want fans back in the arenas.”
However as much as the common man may be longing for a return of sports, experts are saying that it may not be safe even with no spectators. Many public health experts fear it would be a risky proposition if the outbreak persists or recedes during the summer and reemerges in the fall.
One good sign for the return of sports however is the Korean Baseball Organization and their planned opening day next month. In the KBO as it stands, players are being constantly checked for symptoms and fevers, stadiums remain shuttered and rumors are that even one case of the virus in the system could halt the KBO’s return. It is easier for the KBO to return to day to day baseball operations than it is for the United States however, because of the widespread testing the Korea has access to that we do not.
Even as weird as it would look and feel, for Major League teams to be playing in empty stadiums and living in isolated hotels, I believe that it would do our country a whole lot of good to see baseball being played again. In a time like this, it is easy for people to lose hope. People are losing jobs left and right and others are unable to see their family members in fear of infecting them or becoming infected. Seeing this little sliver of normality return could really ease some peoples minds at this point, as it seems there is no complete return to normalcy in sight at the moment. I believe that we need to inch back toward reality. I understand how hard it would be for the MLB to implement their plan, but God help I pray they do. Our country needs a little joy right now. And what better way to bring joy to the masses than broadcasting professional baseball to millions of living rooms across the US filled with quarantined families.
Check out more of Jake West’s Scoring Points by reading last week’s article: Spring Sports spent getting back to “normal.” And remember, in sports, points are scored by both sides, so send in your opinions on sports to [email protected] and see them in our next Sunday Edition.
Ask Alex : “Big” City Move
Lifestyle April 12, 2020
Hey Alex,
I’m feeling lost. I recently moved to a “big” city for a job opportunity, and even though I am surrounded by a ton of people I am feeling alone. I’ve been here for about a year and I’ve made some really good friends, but I am missing the feeling of family from living in a small town. Is this going to pass? Should I go ahead and start making a plan to move back home?
Sincerely,
Small Town
Hey Small Town,
What you are feeling is completely normal, it’s usually about a year or so after a move when the newness and the excitement of adventure wear off. At this point you start evaluating what you want versus what you have.
To be honest, I can’t tell you if your home sickness will pass or if you should just start packing up now, but I can give you some things to think about that might help your decision.
First, beyond the job opportunity, what attracted you to your current location? If it was just the job, then it’s likely that you will never feel at home, but if it was more than that, then you need to ask yourself, is what I wanted still here? Perhaps, a music scene enticed you, maybe it was the thought of stores being open past 9 p.m. Are those things still there and do you still enjoy them?
Next you need to look at what you are missing. Was your hometown as great as you remember it or are you romanticizing that environment because you are feeling lonely?
The truth is your hometown and the big city are both going to be there, so I feel there is no reason to rush your decision and whatever decision you make, in this case, it can be reversed. Take time to yourself to really think about your future and what is most important going forward. Which location will provide you with what you value most in life?
Sincerely,
Alex
You can check out last week’s Ask Alex by clicking the link Ask Alex : What’s In A Name?
If you enjoy reading Alex’s advice, send in your questions or situations to [email protected]. Each week, Alex will answer a new question or provide some friendly advice on issues we deal with every day. Whether it’s serious, fun, interesting, or you’re just stuck, send in your questions to Ask Alex for a little bit of outside perspective on life.
Scoring Points: Spring Sports spent getting back to “normal”
Just For Fun April 12, 2020
The Georgia High School Association has announced they are canceling sports for the 2020 spring semester. They have also decided that they will not be granting another year of eligibility to students who are losing their senior year of sports due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Previously school’s were set to go back to regular schedule on April 27th, but Governor Brian Kemp announced last Wednesday that he was signing an executive order to close all K-12 schools for the rest of the school year.
“Given the announcement yesterday by Governor Kemp, it is with a heavy heart that I inform you that all GHSA activities and sports are cancelled for the 2019-2020 school year,” said GHSA director Robin Hines. Hines continued his statement by sending his thoughts to graduating seniors. “I especially want to commend the graduating seniors who have not only missed most of the spring season but prom, senior nights, awards ceremonies, possibly graduation, and spent the last few months away from their friends and classmates. Our seniors have a great deal to be proud of and while this is not the way any of us wanted it to end, I want to thank them for a job well done.”
Hines said that there were multiple requests from parents and students alike for the GHSA to grant student-athletes an extra year of eligibility, but it just isn’t logistically plausible. Kids need to get their lives started and granting them an extra year of eligibility just so they could play ball would essentially set them back a year in the real world. It is a really sad thing for these kids not to be able to play their senior year of high school, but I think the GHSA is doing them a favor by not granting them an extra year of eligibility.
I’m not sure if we as a community can find a way to be happy about the decision, seeing student-athletes unable to write the final chapter for their high school career; However I do believe that we should find some solace in knowing that the decision passed down was one that was not made lightly, and one that helps us take a step in the direction of getting sports and life as we know it back to normal. We have to start thinking about the next steps such as the upcoming football season and fall sports, and I think that now we are able to start doing that since the thought of spring sports being played has been put to bed.
Check out more of Jake West’s Scoring Points by reading last weeks article: Saving Spring Sports. And remember, in sports, points are scored by both sides, so send in your opinions on sports to [email protected] and see them in our next Sunday Edition.
Ask Alex : What’s in a name?
Lifestyle April 5, 2020
Hey Alex,
There is a guy at work that is nice. He’s not for me, but he often goes out of his way to say nice things to people and uses little names for coworkers. Not just women, I’ve paid attention to notice he compliments everyone. From simple things like “Nice tie, handsome” to some of the guys to “Thanks for your help today, beautiful” to some of the girls.
A few times, I’ve really needed it and it brightened my day. One specific example was a presentation I thought was awful but he said, “great job, Shakespeare.”
I’ve told a friend about him, and she thinks the compliments are nice, but the names are too far. I think it’s fun and he hasn’t done anything physical to make it awkward. Plus, he does it to everyone.
I know I enjoy it, and I’m not looking for what to do, but my question is, who do you agree with? Are the names too much? Or is she being too sensitive?
Sincerely,
Nicknamed
Hey Nicknamed,
Well, I know the politically correct answer that I should give, but this is an opinion article, so I’m siding with you.
If no one in your company has complained (which is a shocker in this day and age) then I would say no harm, no foul. This person, according to your observations, hasn’t crossed the line with anyone and that points to it just being a friendly part of their personality.
I feel that society as a whole has become a little too sensitive. We have all been programmed to be offended, but even with that being said, you should still keep in mind that what is appropriate for you may not be for others.
Be sure to be vigilant of your co-workers and make sure that the fun banter does not cross the line into possible passive aggression. Not everyone is able to speak up if they truly are offended or hurt.
It sounds like you enjoy your workspace, so keep on enjoying it as long as it isn’t causing harm to you or your coworkers. And tell your friend, Sensitive Sally, that not everyone in life has ill intent, sometimes it’s best to just sit back and accept people for who they are.
Sincerely,
Alex
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