It is possible to both be focused on small things that matter while having an eye on the “big picture” whatever that may mean to you. Those small things then fall into place just right.
Taking pride in the details isn’t silly, it’s craftsmanship. The world needs more people who care about doing things right, no matter how small the task
In “New 2026 minimum wage, laws take effect” (Jan. 1, Northwest), The Seattle Times described several newly effective state laws. House Bill 1747 should be added to the list. This expands the 2018 Fair Chance Act that stops employers from asking about a criminal history on job applications.
Under the new law, employers may do a background check on an applicant only after giving the applicant a conditional job offer. If the background check shows a conviction history, the employer must have a legitimate business reason to deny the individual the job. A conviction in itself is insufficient.
The law seeks to give applicants a more individualized, accurate review of their qualifications and employers a better set of assessment tools. Among the factors employers need to consider are the crime’s relevance to the job; the seriousness of the crime and number of crimes; the time passed since the conviction; and the applicant’s subsequent good conduct, work experience and training. Employers may not consider a non-pending arrest or a juvenile record.
Over 2 million people with conviction histories live in Washington state. They need good jobs and employers need qualified workers. This law will help both.
Amy J. Stephson, Seattle
RANT to dog owners who take their pets on buses and put them up on seats. These dogs have been walking on streets and sidewalks, through car oil and gasoline, through mud and fecal material. Taking up a seat with your pet is thoughtless; allowing someone to sit on that seat after your dog has soiled it is irresponsible. In giving privilege to dogs, have Seattle residents lost not only respect for public transit property but also kindness to one another?
RANT to most Seattle grocery stores: Forcing everyone — even people clearly in their 70s and 80s — to show and scan a driver’s license to buy alcohol is ridiculous and demeaning. It strips away basic common sense and treats customers and cashiers like they can’t be trusted. It makes no sense.
RANT for “no turn on red” signs. The city should at least put in “smart” signals that allow you to turn right when the opposing traffic is in their left-turn mode and no pedestrian crossing is allowed.
RANT to people who walk through stores holding speaker conversations on their phones while shopping. If it’s a necessary call, take it off speaker, speak softly or find a quiet corner to take the call. Do not subject the rest of us to your loud, mundane conversations and laughs while grocery shopping. And do not give the evil eye when told to quiet down.
I wish I could stay centered when life changes
Positively Purging-I welcome your feedbacks in the comments and your likes and passing the real life wisdom on to others as I embark on this new venture of “positively purging“, as I know each of these pieces represents something…
realizing that wellness was not separate from success, but part of it. That success could no longer be measured only by accolades, institutions, or proximity to prestige, but had to include self-preservation, care, laughter, family, and the full processing of what the body has carried.
Positively Purging-I welcome your feedbacks in the comments and your likes and passing the real life wisdom on to others as I embark on this new venture of “positively purging“, as I know each of these pieces represents something…
Real Life of an MSW 