RIP Betsy

Anyone that really knows me knows who Betsy is.  To many she was just a 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser base model, vanilla in color.  But to me she was one of the first symbols of my independence.  The first car with the title in my name only.  The first car I was completely responsible for maintaining.  Although over the last year or so I may have put more money into her than she was worth, the thought of saying goodbye almost brought me to tears.  Betsy was a part of me and I felt she reflected my personality in some ways...quirky, fun and full of her own personal style.  You'd never see a PT Cruiser and think "hey that kinda looks like a (insert random car name here)".  I like to think the same about myself.

Betsy and I have been through all kinds together.  From road trips, soccer/basketball/tee ball/softball/tae kwon do practices/games, moving from apartment to apartment to house, first dates and broken relationships.  Flat tires and batteries, worn out brakes, multiple warning lights and random beeping...Betsy and I have been through it all.

Unfortunately, last Thursday the time came for Betsy and I to part ways.  Although I traded her in for a newer model (literally), she will forever be in my heart.

Now I have to think of a name for my new car...any suggestions???

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Statistics on Domestic Violence

Last night I attended a training session to begin volunteering with the YWCA domestic violence program.  They told us some statistics that were pretty eye-opening for me and I would like to share them with you:

A woman is beaten every 15 seconds in the U.S.

1 out of every 4 women in the U.S. will experience domestic violence in her lifetime.  There were 3 survivors in the training session, including me.

Females aged 20-24 are at the greatest risk of non-fatal intimate partner violence.

85% of women murdered in TN are killed by men.  That makes TN 3rd in the country; a statistic we most definitely should not be proud of.  However, these murders are usually not reported as domestic-violence related.  In fact, the media often adds a "romantic" element to these types of stories, calling them love triangles or crimes of passion.

I am really excited that I have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of women affected by this terrible epidemic.  If you were touched by these statistics, I encourage you to consider donating your time and/or money to further the mission of the YWCA to empower the women of Davidson County and beyond.  Visit their website at www.ywcanashville.com.

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