First off, here is my 2017 Christmas card, front and back side.
Here is my 2017 Christmas video.
And here is my 2017 Christmas letter.
2017 has been an interesting year. For starters, I went to my first foreign country ever. Going to Canada and Toronto was interesting and fun. I saw a lot of cool sites, took plenty of great pictures and videos, and got a break from the extreme heat and humidity Alabama is known for all summer long. I also helped to elect Doug Jones to the U.S. Senate. I covered his campaign stop here in East Alabama with pictures and videos, and I cannot believe Alabama elected a Democrat to a major office. Thank the Lord Roy Moore was not elected.
I also covered plenty of events ranging from conventions, parades, community events, and a lot more. I have gotten plenty of feedback from people who loved my pictures and videos. That is why I do event coverage, because people love my work! I also worked on plenty of posts on Geek Alabama, including posts highlighting problems here in East Alabama and Anniston. Yes, I have a couple people in government who do not like me. But, when I see things that are wrong, I am going to point them out. And it should not take years, to get problems fixed.
And 2017 was a very active year on social media. I have gained plenty of new followers on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and other social media sites. Sadly, I have had to block a couple people, because I am not going to put up with people bashing me for what I do. It’s not right, it’s not fair, it’s not cool for people to criticize me because I have a disability, because I am out of work, because I do not own a car and have to walk everywhere, and even because of my political views. There is a reason my bio on social media includes the hashtag #snowflake. Because I do not support what is currently happening in Washington DC. My biggest concern is the end of net neutrality, every content creator, including myself, is very concerned about the future of what we do and the Internet.
So, what will happen in 2018? Right after the holidays are over, the Trump White House will release an executive order about welfare programs. And people in Congress have already said they will work to severely cut all welfare programs. Keep in mind, I am on Social Security disability, and I also get food stamps (SNAP). When the White House budget director says those on disability and food stamps should be forced to find work, even when there are few jobs around where I live, it’s very concerning. So, after the holidays are over, and we celebrate the beginning of 2018, there is a very good chance I will have to move somewhere else. Where, well that depends on who hires me.
When you live in one of the worst-performing metro areas in the United States, you have to do something. You can’t just sit back and hope and pray that your disability and food stamps are not dramatically cut back. So chances are, in 2018, my life will be off on another grand adventure. How I am I going to live when my disability and food stamps are dramatically cut back or eliminated? That’s a very good question to answer. Where I live, there are no organizations that can help people like me who have disabilities. Believe me, I have tried and it has not been successful. I hate to have to include this in my Christmas letter, but as you know, you have to have an income to live.
I hate it when powerful people say poor and disabled people don’t want to fend for themselves, or our too lazy to do anything. That is so wrong. I have done a lot of work in 2017; I have walked to a lot of places miles away to cover things. I have written about things on Geek Alabama. I am not lazy; I am trying to fend for myself. It’s just no one is wanting to give me a chance to prove myself. That is wrong.
So, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Categories: Christmas Season Stuff, Personal Life Stuff
I just now had a chance to read your end of the year letter, which I found in my Christmas Card from you.
First of all, thank you very much for the Christmas card and wishes, and here I am, to lazy to write any myself. I send my greetings through e-cards or fb. Shame on me…and I applaud you …
Nathan, I feel for the people who really need the services, that are provided by the government, like you. This is one of my pet peeves, that too many are getting free handouts, who really could help themselves, and therefore, the ones who really need it are getting the run around. They should be a better screening program.
I do hope, that 2018 will be a better year. Keep up the good work, someone out there might recognize it and will hire you. Don’t ever be discouraged by negative 👎 comments, those people are not happy with themselves and have to vent somewhere.
It is my pleasure knowing you, and how hard you work and try.
I wish you health, a good job and recognition in 2018
Edith Schneider
Thanks you for the kind words!