As I sit here typing this, my husband of 10 years and boyfriend of almost 20, sits next to me "discussing" politics; a conversation started by my previous post. The things that he is saying and writing are making me wonder. Wonder how two people SOOOO far apart on so many things can come together and have such a fantastic life!
We agree on almost NOTHING socially, I guess it is a good thing we can find some common ground on fiscal issues(money always talks louder:) It is odd to me that for two people that grew up so close to each other, we have such different opinions. I know mine have changed since we have met as I was 15 at the time with very limited life experiences. I wish I could remember back to when we met, what common ground we found...maybe it was just the sex!LOL! Whatever it was I am glad we found it and have continued to for so long.
I wonder what opinions are children will hold as they grow and of course I hope that it is true and kids tend to follow their mothers beliefs:-) But even if they go their own way or even worse their father's way, I hope that they see how very luck I am to have such a wonderful partner in life. A very misguided politically partner, but wonderful in every other way!
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Flip-Flops
I have heard many people say that the Republican Party needs to reorganize, and I believe they do...or maybe they don't and a third party is needed in American politics. I never considered myself a Republican, but I did tend to vote with them, not anymore. I think that if it is possible, the party has moved so far to the right that it is scary. The party has been completely taken over by Christian Conservatives. The problem I am having is that these "Christian Conservatives" do not seem so Christ-like to me. They are un-accepting and judgmental, mean and self-fulfilling; these are not things I see as Christ-like actions.
Ya know what though, it is not just the Republicans, the Democrats are moving as far to the left as the Republicans are to the right. I just don't get it! I sometimes wonder if people ever think through the party platforms, before they vote the ticket. Do they do it by convincing themselves that they are on the side of "lesser evil", so it is okay? In several of the last elections I have voted in, I have voted for a third party. I have had many people say that I threw my vote away, but I don't feel that way. I feel that I voted with my values and for the people that I thought would best serve the people. What is funny about these third party candidates is most of them previously called themselves Democrats or Republicans, so I guess I am not the only one feeling that these parties have changed their direction.
I hope that sometime soon the majority of people will see that you don't have to vote for the lesser-evil, but for the best candidate, no matter what party they have next to their name. Maybe then we can move past the insane partisan politics we have now and onto some progress.
Ya know what though, it is not just the Republicans, the Democrats are moving as far to the left as the Republicans are to the right. I just don't get it! I sometimes wonder if people ever think through the party platforms, before they vote the ticket. Do they do it by convincing themselves that they are on the side of "lesser evil", so it is okay? In several of the last elections I have voted in, I have voted for a third party. I have had many people say that I threw my vote away, but I don't feel that way. I feel that I voted with my values and for the people that I thought would best serve the people. What is funny about these third party candidates is most of them previously called themselves Democrats or Republicans, so I guess I am not the only one feeling that these parties have changed their direction.
I hope that sometime soon the majority of people will see that you don't have to vote for the lesser-evil, but for the best candidate, no matter what party they have next to their name. Maybe then we can move past the insane partisan politics we have now and onto some progress.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
So Far, So Good!
I know it has not been long, but the changes at home and in my attitude really seem to be making a difference. The power of positive thinking is amazing. Now, the kids are moving SLOW with hopping on-board with some of the changes, but they are coming around.
Sometimes I feel like I get so caught-up in life that I forget to live. I don't want to do that anymore. I want to live my life to the fullest and enjoy as much of it as I can and I want to teach my children to do the same. I am working on reminding myself of what is important and let the other stuff go. Sometimes I have trouble with that. Sometimes I forget to look at the "small picture" and focus too much on the big one, problem with that is that if the "small picture" is out of focus, it looks worse when you blow-it-up, all blurry and messy!
No more negative! That is not to say that everything is positive, but instead of negative maybe it can just be and I can find a way to work through it. I have decided to live this everyday:
Laughter is a tranquilizer with no side effects.
-- Arnold Glasow
I am going to hope it is true and give it a try!
Sometimes I feel like I get so caught-up in life that I forget to live. I don't want to do that anymore. I want to live my life to the fullest and enjoy as much of it as I can and I want to teach my children to do the same. I am working on reminding myself of what is important and let the other stuff go. Sometimes I have trouble with that. Sometimes I forget to look at the "small picture" and focus too much on the big one, problem with that is that if the "small picture" is out of focus, it looks worse when you blow-it-up, all blurry and messy!
No more negative! That is not to say that everything is positive, but instead of negative maybe it can just be and I can find a way to work through it. I have decided to live this everyday:
Laughter is a tranquilizer with no side effects.
-- Arnold Glasow
I am going to hope it is true and give it a try!
Monday, April 26, 2010
Trying Not To Look...
Okay, I will admit it, I have been in denial. I have been unwilling to see all the awful "things" that are added to our food source. The main reason for my denial has been that I see things only as black or white, there is little gray in my life. So, in order to acknowledge that there are many things "unnatural" in our food today, I have to also acknowledge that my family often eats foods that I know are unhealthy and unnatural.
I know that I do not have the ability financially or time-wise for my family to eat only wholesome, natural foods and that is why I have been trying to ignore the facts. The facts that the food we eat today is nothing like food that was eaten 100, 50 or even 20 years ago. While I WANT to believe that most of the changes that have been made to our food source was intended to be for the betterment of people, I do not believe that is what has happened.
When you load chickens with antibiotics because the live in their own filth, that is not healthy or natural. That means that someone knows that if people eat those chickens without the antibiotics, people will get sick. So, if you are eating chicken loaded with antibiotics, how could people expect antibiotics to not become less effective and bacteria stronger? And tell me, when you hear that corn that is grown is NOT for human consumption, but is used for animal feed that is then fed to us, are we not consuming that harmful corn? And that is just cows and chicken. I am not even sure I can handle complex sugars. Complex sugars that are added to EVERYTHING! It is insane how "unnatural" the food we eat is.
I know I have family and friends that are going to read this and think I have been sucked in by Jamie Oliver or Rebecca;-) but I just cannot allow myself to be blind anymore. Does that mean that my children and I will never eat processed food, HELL NO, but it does mean that I will probably think about it every time I do.
Now I will go and finish drinking my high-fructose-corn-syrup laden soda before I head to bed;-) Remember, I only said I was ready to see it, not stop consuming it...maybe that will come with recycling:O)
I know that I do not have the ability financially or time-wise for my family to eat only wholesome, natural foods and that is why I have been trying to ignore the facts. The facts that the food we eat today is nothing like food that was eaten 100, 50 or even 20 years ago. While I WANT to believe that most of the changes that have been made to our food source was intended to be for the betterment of people, I do not believe that is what has happened.
When you load chickens with antibiotics because the live in their own filth, that is not healthy or natural. That means that someone knows that if people eat those chickens without the antibiotics, people will get sick. So, if you are eating chicken loaded with antibiotics, how could people expect antibiotics to not become less effective and bacteria stronger? And tell me, when you hear that corn that is grown is NOT for human consumption, but is used for animal feed that is then fed to us, are we not consuming that harmful corn? And that is just cows and chicken. I am not even sure I can handle complex sugars. Complex sugars that are added to EVERYTHING! It is insane how "unnatural" the food we eat is.
I know I have family and friends that are going to read this and think I have been sucked in by Jamie Oliver or Rebecca;-) but I just cannot allow myself to be blind anymore. Does that mean that my children and I will never eat processed food, HELL NO, but it does mean that I will probably think about it every time I do.
Now I will go and finish drinking my high-fructose-corn-syrup laden soda before I head to bed;-) Remember, I only said I was ready to see it, not stop consuming it...maybe that will come with recycling:O)
Sunday, April 25, 2010
I Just Wonder...
I sometimes tell people that I do not live by the highest "morals & values", what I mean by that is that I do not strive to live a "Christian" life. I have decided that I will no longer judge my morals & Values beneath others simply because I am not Christian. I think the way I live my life is just fine for me and my family. That does not mean that I don't sometimes reevaluate things I do or how I live and change them.
Here are somethings I do that I really don't feel badly about. I don't feel bad "gossiping" about people, so long as what I am saying is true. I don't feel badly when I think about wanting to smack-the-shit of of someone when they piss me off. I don't believe those things(or others I have not listed) make me a BAD person. I think they make me honest with myself and my feelings. It would make me a BAD person if I spread lies about people or did go around smacking all the people that pissed me off. Those are the values I strive to teach my children. That it is okay to get mad at people and not like people, but learn to coexist.
I believe in Karma, I know that when I do and say mean or questionable things about others that someone might be saying or doing the same to me and that is okay. What makes me feel comfortable with myself is the fact that I am not pretending to be something I am not. Being true to myself and my children is what I strive most to do.
I wonder how other people live knowing that what they teach and how they live are never in balance? Is it harder to talk-the-talk in hollowness, or to live open and honest with constant pressure to conform? I wish I knew.
That between 70-85% of Americans consider themselves Christian is a remarkable number to me. If asked, would those same 70-85% consider themselves living a Christian life? And if they answer "yes" how do they separate their affairs, lying, stealing and selfishness to themselves?
Another thing I wonder is, do people simply call themselves Christian in order to find solace? Why does God make it so difficult to "follow in Christ's steps"? Why is it so easy for people to justify away their actions or those of their leaders when those actions are so un-Christian?
Here are somethings I do that I really don't feel badly about. I don't feel bad "gossiping" about people, so long as what I am saying is true. I don't feel badly when I think about wanting to smack-the-shit of of someone when they piss me off. I don't believe those things(or others I have not listed) make me a BAD person. I think they make me honest with myself and my feelings. It would make me a BAD person if I spread lies about people or did go around smacking all the people that pissed me off. Those are the values I strive to teach my children. That it is okay to get mad at people and not like people, but learn to coexist.
I believe in Karma, I know that when I do and say mean or questionable things about others that someone might be saying or doing the same to me and that is okay. What makes me feel comfortable with myself is the fact that I am not pretending to be something I am not. Being true to myself and my children is what I strive most to do.
I wonder how other people live knowing that what they teach and how they live are never in balance? Is it harder to talk-the-talk in hollowness, or to live open and honest with constant pressure to conform? I wish I knew.
That between 70-85% of Americans consider themselves Christian is a remarkable number to me. If asked, would those same 70-85% consider themselves living a Christian life? And if they answer "yes" how do they separate their affairs, lying, stealing and selfishness to themselves?
Another thing I wonder is, do people simply call themselves Christian in order to find solace? Why does God make it so difficult to "follow in Christ's steps"? Why is it so easy for people to justify away their actions or those of their leaders when those actions are so un-Christian?
Friday, April 23, 2010
Let's See...
I have been down-and-out since Tuesday night sick! It has been BAD. So bad that I was forced to make my poor babies ride the bus home from school yesterday. In the last few hours though, I am starting to feel better. Better, but still not feeling much like getting back to work, not that I was ever completely "off" as a mom. I need to send a BIG THANK YOU to my friends and husband who really stepped it up while I was down.
So, what did I miss while in-and-out of consciousnesses...I have been reminded once again that once posted on my blog, the stories are out there for all to see. Sometimes that is good, sometimes words in print come across differently than in person. I will also have you all remember that my posts are only MY side to a story, and we all know, there is always more than onside to every story. Nevertheless, I will continue to share because most of the time it is better for me to "air" it out here than in person. It gives me a chance to think things through before shoot-off at the hip...maybe not, but at least I get to read it before it goes out;-)
I wish I had some really good stuff to write, but I have not seen the news in days. The past two days have been filled with talk of the NFL Draft in my house. All I can say thus far is "Who drafts a center in the first round"? I guess when you have lost your quarterback for 4-6 weeks, you can draft in whatever direction you please. I Fear A VERY LONG FALL in this house with members of THE STEELER'S NATION living here:)
So, what did I miss while in-and-out of consciousnesses...I have been reminded once again that once posted on my blog, the stories are out there for all to see. Sometimes that is good, sometimes words in print come across differently than in person. I will also have you all remember that my posts are only MY side to a story, and we all know, there is always more than onside to every story. Nevertheless, I will continue to share because most of the time it is better for me to "air" it out here than in person. It gives me a chance to think things through before shoot-off at the hip...maybe not, but at least I get to read it before it goes out;-)
I wish I had some really good stuff to write, but I have not seen the news in days. The past two days have been filled with talk of the NFL Draft in my house. All I can say thus far is "Who drafts a center in the first round"? I guess when you have lost your quarterback for 4-6 weeks, you can draft in whatever direction you please. I Fear A VERY LONG FALL in this house with members of THE STEELER'S NATION living here:)
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
A Small Change
My blog used to stream directly to my facebook page, but I have decided to stop that. I made this decision after yesterday's Post. What I learned was that even without putting names in my blog, the identities of those involved were revealed and brawls ensued. That is not why I blog. I use my blog as many use a journal, to talk about my day,life and how I feel about it all. My posts are my opinions and feelings and no one elses. I am happy to have people read it and comment it on, just remember that it is just me. Just me, a wife and mother in her mid-thirties, still trying to figure it out. No different than most. I just choose to make it public. And with that choice I understand that I put myself out there and that is okay with me. I just don't like when others get upset by my posts.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
A Funny Thing Happened.
I had a most interesting lunch with two of my friends today and to say the lunch did not go as I had envisioned it would. Basically, what my lunch turned into was a "Religious Intervention" and I was the Intervenee.
This is how it played out:
Statement by me:
Yeah, we are having some "issues" at home with a Monster. I am thinking about hitting up the local Buddhist Temple to see if it could bring some balance into our lives.
What followed:
Very long discussion of how I was not giving my kids all the opportunities that are out there in life because they do not have religion in their lives. And Blogger friends, please take note of this part...SEVERAL TIMES I was told how LIBERAL, yes LIBERAL I am! How I wish so many of you had been there to hear it:)
This is who I am.
I am a non-believer. I do not believe in a defined God. I do not follow the teaching of any religion. I was raised Roman Catholic and was confirmed and married by an Episcopal Priest and I have had all three of my children Baptized in the Episcopal Church(Husband is Episcopal). For most of my adult life I have searched for a religion that I believed in. I am a very spiritual person, just not religious. In my journey, I have studied many religions that include but are not limited to Catholicism, Islam, Judaism, Mormonism, Jainism and Buddhism. I have taken many religion classes in college and even spent time at a Catholic University. The bottom line is, I don't believe what the are teaching and therefore, I do not teach it to my children. There have been several times since my children have been born that we have gone to church regularly as a family. However after a few months of trying to believe, I realize that what my children are hearing are not things I believe and therefore they are not "lessons" I want my children learn.
I do not understand why it is so difficult for people understand why I do not want children to be brought up being taught things that I think are lies. Are other parents asked to teach their children things they don't agree with or is it just me? What if I were Jewish and my husband Christian, would one of us not be lying to our children and ourselves if we raised them in one or both those religions?
This is how I raise my children. I raise them with the knowledge that I have of the world. I do this in a way that I feel is age appropriate and often let them lead their learning. My children have asked, have learned and celebrate many different religious and cultural traditions. And I am okay with that. I think my children are growing up with the knowledge that there are many different beliefs and none of them are wrong, just different. And as they grow-up and learn more either through their own studies or from friends and family, they will be free to explore what they wish. I will not discourage or stop them from that path...well, I might if it were a scary cult:)
One of the last questions I was asked today was what if I am wrong? What if I am wrong and Christianity is right and I face Jesus at the Gates of Heaven, what will I do? I answered that I would look at Jesus and tell him I was wrong and I believe, through my studies, that Jesus will forgive me and allow me into heaven. I also believe that he would accept my children.
I hope that their is a "God" an "after-life" but as of now I cannot say I believe that. I will not stop searching for answers nor will I change the way I raise my children. I believe with all my heart and mind that knowledge is the best thing I can give my children. The desire to search for it and never stop looking. The best thing we are given in this world is an abundance knowledge, I believe it is a tragedy not to see it.
This is how it played out:
Statement by me:
Yeah, we are having some "issues" at home with a Monster. I am thinking about hitting up the local Buddhist Temple to see if it could bring some balance into our lives.
What followed:
Very long discussion of how I was not giving my kids all the opportunities that are out there in life because they do not have religion in their lives. And Blogger friends, please take note of this part...SEVERAL TIMES I was told how LIBERAL, yes LIBERAL I am! How I wish so many of you had been there to hear it:)
This is who I am.
I am a non-believer. I do not believe in a defined God. I do not follow the teaching of any religion. I was raised Roman Catholic and was confirmed and married by an Episcopal Priest and I have had all three of my children Baptized in the Episcopal Church(Husband is Episcopal). For most of my adult life I have searched for a religion that I believed in. I am a very spiritual person, just not religious. In my journey, I have studied many religions that include but are not limited to Catholicism, Islam, Judaism, Mormonism, Jainism and Buddhism. I have taken many religion classes in college and even spent time at a Catholic University. The bottom line is, I don't believe what the are teaching and therefore, I do not teach it to my children. There have been several times since my children have been born that we have gone to church regularly as a family. However after a few months of trying to believe, I realize that what my children are hearing are not things I believe and therefore they are not "lessons" I want my children learn.
I do not understand why it is so difficult for people understand why I do not want children to be brought up being taught things that I think are lies. Are other parents asked to teach their children things they don't agree with or is it just me? What if I were Jewish and my husband Christian, would one of us not be lying to our children and ourselves if we raised them in one or both those religions?
This is how I raise my children. I raise them with the knowledge that I have of the world. I do this in a way that I feel is age appropriate and often let them lead their learning. My children have asked, have learned and celebrate many different religious and cultural traditions. And I am okay with that. I think my children are growing up with the knowledge that there are many different beliefs and none of them are wrong, just different. And as they grow-up and learn more either through their own studies or from friends and family, they will be free to explore what they wish. I will not discourage or stop them from that path...well, I might if it were a scary cult:)
One of the last questions I was asked today was what if I am wrong? What if I am wrong and Christianity is right and I face Jesus at the Gates of Heaven, what will I do? I answered that I would look at Jesus and tell him I was wrong and I believe, through my studies, that Jesus will forgive me and allow me into heaven. I also believe that he would accept my children.
I hope that their is a "God" an "after-life" but as of now I cannot say I believe that. I will not stop searching for answers nor will I change the way I raise my children. I believe with all my heart and mind that knowledge is the best thing I can give my children. The desire to search for it and never stop looking. The best thing we are given in this world is an abundance knowledge, I believe it is a tragedy not to see it.
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Unsettled.
That is how I am feeling, unsettled. I am not usually a person who puts much value on how others view my life or judge me, but this week has been hard. And usually when I ask for an opinion, I only take what I want from it. This week I have taken everything to heart and now I feel angry, hurt, annoyed and misunderstood and it is taking a toll on me.
My heart and mind are filled with so much, I an not sure either has stopped racing in days. Seems as quickly as I reconcile myself in one area another storm is brewing. My classes have just started-up for the semester, local budget debates are heating up and my son has hit a bump in the road and I am not a good juggler:) In an attempt mot to "over-concern" myself with my son, I have jumped into local politics. Normally this would be good; right now it is not. The local politicians I have been dealing with would not know the truth it they tripped over it! And being lied to by elected officials, about matters that directly affect me, annoys me. I just want to shake a few of them and say " Just Tell The Truth!" and stick to the same story. See, if you didn't manipulate the truth based on your audience, it would not be so hard to keep track of what you are saying. I guess if you cannot do that, you should consider a tape-recorder for your conversations.
When I get tired of local politics I try jumping back to school, which I am enjoying, but I feel I could spend hours and hours researching and reading and forget that I still need to be a wife and mother. Needless-to-say, this does not happen often thanks to the husband and 3 monsters who are very happy to snap me back to reality and out of my peaceful grad school life.
That brings me back full circle to dealing with my son. It sucks when life isn't easy for your kid! It hurts! It hurts to watch your child struggle. It is hard for me to talk to others about this because I feel so responsible that it is hard for me not to hear criticism in their advice. On my own I am replaying all the things I could do better or different to help. On my own I am working through ideas on how to make it better. When other people offer their insight or opinion, I just hear criticism. I logically know that is not what is happening, but emotional it feeling that way. Sometimes I wish I had a robot that could nod and move its head and maybe every so often throw out an " ah" or " yeah", but nothing more. No really solutions; I am not ready for them yet, I am still blaming myself for screwing up:)
As of yesterday, I had declared myself, on facebook, "DONE" with everyone and everything. I just needed everyone to know that I need sometime. Sometime to resettle myself and hopefully my family. Time to decided what I want to focus on and where to best focus my emotion.
My heart and mind are filled with so much, I an not sure either has stopped racing in days. Seems as quickly as I reconcile myself in one area another storm is brewing. My classes have just started-up for the semester, local budget debates are heating up and my son has hit a bump in the road and I am not a good juggler:) In an attempt mot to "over-concern" myself with my son, I have jumped into local politics. Normally this would be good; right now it is not. The local politicians I have been dealing with would not know the truth it they tripped over it! And being lied to by elected officials, about matters that directly affect me, annoys me. I just want to shake a few of them and say " Just Tell The Truth!" and stick to the same story. See, if you didn't manipulate the truth based on your audience, it would not be so hard to keep track of what you are saying. I guess if you cannot do that, you should consider a tape-recorder for your conversations.
When I get tired of local politics I try jumping back to school, which I am enjoying, but I feel I could spend hours and hours researching and reading and forget that I still need to be a wife and mother. Needless-to-say, this does not happen often thanks to the husband and 3 monsters who are very happy to snap me back to reality and out of my peaceful grad school life.
That brings me back full circle to dealing with my son. It sucks when life isn't easy for your kid! It hurts! It hurts to watch your child struggle. It is hard for me to talk to others about this because I feel so responsible that it is hard for me not to hear criticism in their advice. On my own I am replaying all the things I could do better or different to help. On my own I am working through ideas on how to make it better. When other people offer their insight or opinion, I just hear criticism. I logically know that is not what is happening, but emotional it feeling that way. Sometimes I wish I had a robot that could nod and move its head and maybe every so often throw out an " ah" or " yeah", but nothing more. No really solutions; I am not ready for them yet, I am still blaming myself for screwing up:)
As of yesterday, I had declared myself, on facebook, "DONE" with everyone and everything. I just needed everyone to know that I need sometime. Sometime to resettle myself and hopefully my family. Time to decided what I want to focus on and where to best focus my emotion.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Emotion or Logic?
I am a person that is almost completely driven by emotion. Sometimes I wonder how my life would be different if I were more logical than emotional, but I am not. Sometimes I think I would be hurt less or worry less if I were less emotional, but I'm not.
I am happy that right now in my life I can live this way. I am happy that I am not collecting a paycheck or running for office. I am happy that my monsters are young and that my husband knew what he married and loves me despite it;-)
Having an emotional connection to everything I do is exhausting sometimes. It is hard when things don't fall my way. It doesn't always make me friends, but all that is okay and well worth it.
Emotion is a strong force. I think being driven by emotion is harder than following logic. I think you need to be comfortable with yourself and who you are. I am glad I am able to do it!
I am happy that right now in my life I can live this way. I am happy that I am not collecting a paycheck or running for office. I am happy that my monsters are young and that my husband knew what he married and loves me despite it;-)
Having an emotional connection to everything I do is exhausting sometimes. It is hard when things don't fall my way. It doesn't always make me friends, but all that is okay and well worth it.
Emotion is a strong force. I think being driven by emotion is harder than following logic. I think you need to be comfortable with yourself and who you are. I am glad I am able to do it!
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
If You Are Interested...
I was interviewed about my blog at bloginterviewer.com, check it out if you can.
Monday, April 12, 2010
Stop and Think...After that if it still seems like a good idea, talk to me.
You may think that my title is directed towards my monsters, but no because even at 8,7&5 they have more sense then a lot of adults I know.
For example, it bugs the hell out of me when people say, to me "taste this, it is nasty" or "smell this, it is so gross". Why in the world do you need someone to confirm that for you? Is it just because you were tortured with a smell or taste that was so bad that you cannot possibly be the only one to suffer? I'm not sure the reason, but I find it annoying.
If something bad/sad/unfortunate happens to you, please to not feel the need to invite me into the same awful situation. Doing so only proves how selfish you are and if not selfish, stupid. For me, I would prefer stupid, however as a cynic, I lean towards selfish. What is worse is that people do this ALL the time to "friends". Is it because they do not really think you are friends or is it that they don't understand what a friend is?
I suppose if I were a good Christian, I would pray for these "friends", but as I am not I simply hope that Karma does exist.
For example, it bugs the hell out of me when people say, to me "taste this, it is nasty" or "smell this, it is so gross". Why in the world do you need someone to confirm that for you? Is it just because you were tortured with a smell or taste that was so bad that you cannot possibly be the only one to suffer? I'm not sure the reason, but I find it annoying.
If something bad/sad/unfortunate happens to you, please to not feel the need to invite me into the same awful situation. Doing so only proves how selfish you are and if not selfish, stupid. For me, I would prefer stupid, however as a cynic, I lean towards selfish. What is worse is that people do this ALL the time to "friends". Is it because they do not really think you are friends or is it that they don't understand what a friend is?
I suppose if I were a good Christian, I would pray for these "friends", but as I am not I simply hope that Karma does exist.
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Thanks!
I have a lot to say, but I first wanted to thank all of you that read my blog. I love the comments and conversations it has started have been awesome. So, I hope you keep reading and keep commenting.
Now, to bash Republicans or Democrats first, this is a tough one:)
Okay, Republicans win, so here goes. Are they seriously following the words and advice of Sarah Palin? Really???? They would be better off just sitting back and doing nothing then bringing here out to things! I believe that, as history shows, Democrats were going to lose seats in the mid-term elections. Please let them! Stop dragging some woman with very little political experience and No "Family Values" to stand on, be the face of your party. I guess the choices are limited at this point though, you either go with Palin and her inexperience or Steele to the strip club. Gosh, the party of "family values" is standing strong. The Republicans need to get back to their roots and start dragging out "real Republicans" like Ron Paul. Someone that truly understands what is meant by small government.
Not to be out done, the Democrats have preformed their own idiotic stunts this week and I am sure that was just the beginning, we will be hearing more during the Nuclear Summit this week. Someone tell me WHY the President felt the need to explain under what circumstances the U.S.(under him of course)would use nuclear weapons. I am a believer of "never say never" and while I know of belief some have of President Obama's closeness to Godliness, I am not sure he can see the future or needs to justify issues that have not arose yet. I am waiting to see what happens this week though, will he sign a treaty destroying ALL of our nuclear weapons and "go first" and be surprised when we are the only one to do it? God, I hope not.
I would like to say that what I like most about President Obama(and yes Laura there are a few things;-) is his idealism. I don't often agree with him, but I love his passion and hope. I love that he believes that people want to help others. I love that he wants to believe people are not out to destroy the U.S. I truly do admire that about him. I believe that when he speaks you can see straight through him. You can see when he believes 100% of what he is saying, but I also believe you can see when he doesn't. I like that is a person.
For those of you who don't know Ron Paul, go check him out! He Rocks!
Now, to bash Republicans or Democrats first, this is a tough one:)
Okay, Republicans win, so here goes. Are they seriously following the words and advice of Sarah Palin? Really???? They would be better off just sitting back and doing nothing then bringing here out to things! I believe that, as history shows, Democrats were going to lose seats in the mid-term elections. Please let them! Stop dragging some woman with very little political experience and No "Family Values" to stand on, be the face of your party. I guess the choices are limited at this point though, you either go with Palin and her inexperience or Steele to the strip club. Gosh, the party of "family values" is standing strong. The Republicans need to get back to their roots and start dragging out "real Republicans" like Ron Paul. Someone that truly understands what is meant by small government.
Not to be out done, the Democrats have preformed their own idiotic stunts this week and I am sure that was just the beginning, we will be hearing more during the Nuclear Summit this week. Someone tell me WHY the President felt the need to explain under what circumstances the U.S.(under him of course)would use nuclear weapons. I am a believer of "never say never" and while I know of belief some have of President Obama's closeness to Godliness, I am not sure he can see the future or needs to justify issues that have not arose yet. I am waiting to see what happens this week though, will he sign a treaty destroying ALL of our nuclear weapons and "go first" and be surprised when we are the only one to do it? God, I hope not.
I would like to say that what I like most about President Obama(and yes Laura there are a few things;-) is his idealism. I don't often agree with him, but I love his passion and hope. I love that he believes that people want to help others. I love that he wants to believe people are not out to destroy the U.S. I truly do admire that about him. I believe that when he speaks you can see straight through him. You can see when he believes 100% of what he is saying, but I also believe you can see when he doesn't. I like that is a person.
For those of you who don't know Ron Paul, go check him out! He Rocks!
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Extremism...
I am against it. In fact, it maybe the ONLY thing I am completely against. Extreme politics, religion, education, exercise, anything to the extreme is just not good. It is one thing to have strong beliefs and convictions, but when you cannot see how the other side come to their opinions, because all you see is them as wrong...You are ignorant and close minded. It is people like that who are the ones that instill hatred in our society by perpetuating intolerance.
It really bugs me when people make blanket statements about another group of people. I know this is not a new thing, but it is bothersome none-the-less. In my opinion, intolerance is unacceptable in a civilized society. That is not to say that you cannot disagree with people or dislike them, but generalized hatred is just wrong. I don't understand how someone can "hate" all gay & lesbians or republicans or Jews, and the list could go on and on. That is not to say that there is not a Jew that I dislike or democrat, but I do not dislike all Jews or all Democrats because of that experience with one or a few individuals included in those groups.
I have been told many times that I am wrong to feel this way and that since the beginning of time people have stereo-typed and hated based on that, but I don't. I have taught my children not to. And I hope that others will someday think about how ridiculous it is to "hate" or "love" to extremes.
It really bugs me when people make blanket statements about another group of people. I know this is not a new thing, but it is bothersome none-the-less. In my opinion, intolerance is unacceptable in a civilized society. That is not to say that you cannot disagree with people or dislike them, but generalized hatred is just wrong. I don't understand how someone can "hate" all gay & lesbians or republicans or Jews, and the list could go on and on. That is not to say that there is not a Jew that I dislike or democrat, but I do not dislike all Jews or all Democrats because of that experience with one or a few individuals included in those groups.
I have been told many times that I am wrong to feel this way and that since the beginning of time people have stereo-typed and hated based on that, but I don't. I have taught my children not to. And I hope that others will someday think about how ridiculous it is to "hate" or "love" to extremes.
Monday, April 5, 2010
Baseball.
Today was Opening Day for the 2010 baseball season here in DC. This makes me happy. Happy because I love baseball and because this year we were able to buy a partial season ticket plan for the family. The girls are still warming up to the game; Declan has found his love for it though, which is good. The girls are still in it for the Presidents race and the Friday Night Fireworks:) Whatever they need to get them to keep going works for me. I love being able to share this experience with my monsters as it was such a big part of my childhood. With a grandfather that was an umpire and a father that was all-state and invited to try-out for the St.Louis Cardinals, it is in the blood!
Back to Opening Day...we got to see President Obama throw out the first pitch, which was cool, even though he threw to the left;-) That is what makes living in the DC metro area so cool. It was about 90 degrees and he came out with a Nationals jacket on(to cover the vest) and then put his White Soxs hat on to go with it! That just goes-to-show you that he is fitting in just fine in DC, where no one is actually a Nationals fan, everyone has their favorite team and cheers for the Nationals because they are the home town club. And because the Nationals are so bad, you can even cheer for them if they are in the same division as your team!LOL! I am hoping that they can win a few more games than last year, but after today's outing, I am not hopeful:) There were LOTS of Philadelphia fans in attendance and the game was not sold out. Maybe the team will win a few games and people will start showing up to the stadium.
Next game is a Friday Night Firework game so the girls will be happy, me too after the sunburn I got today. I hope to report on two new baseball lovers by the end of the season!
Back to Opening Day...we got to see President Obama throw out the first pitch, which was cool, even though he threw to the left;-) That is what makes living in the DC metro area so cool. It was about 90 degrees and he came out with a Nationals jacket on(to cover the vest) and then put his White Soxs hat on to go with it! That just goes-to-show you that he is fitting in just fine in DC, where no one is actually a Nationals fan, everyone has their favorite team and cheers for the Nationals because they are the home town club. And because the Nationals are so bad, you can even cheer for them if they are in the same division as your team!LOL! I am hoping that they can win a few more games than last year, but after today's outing, I am not hopeful:) There were LOTS of Philadelphia fans in attendance and the game was not sold out. Maybe the team will win a few games and people will start showing up to the stadium.
Next game is a Friday Night Firework game so the girls will be happy, me too after the sunburn I got today. I hope to report on two new baseball lovers by the end of the season!
Saturday, April 3, 2010
How Far Have We Really Come?
As I sat tonight listening to a conversation between 3 adults and I was shocked by what I heard. The amount of ignorance that still surrounds mental illness is astonishing. I am not sure why this surprises me, but it does. Why people cannot see mental illnesses as any other illness is just incomprehensible to me. People never question the validly of a person who needs glasses or someone that needs medicine to control high blood pressure, yet I often hear people question people suffering from mental illness. Few things anger me more than when I hear people question "if" medication is necessary?or Does so-and-so Really have a problem? and my favorite comment is "It is life, just deal with it; there is nothing wrong with you".
Why is it so difficult for people to accept that a persons mind can be broken? Why are people unwilling to take the time to learn about mental illness? I wish I could understand why, why is it so difficult to accept mental illness? I know that society has come a long way, but it seems that most of the change has come only in words and not really acceptance and change. People are still asked on job applications if they have ever been treated for a mental illness, that opens a whole lot of illnesses, many of which come be easily treated once diagnosed, never to be an issue again. However, because of the judgments made towards people with mental illnesses, many of those that need help will not get it and that is dangerous and sad.
My hope in posting this blog is that just one person, just one will think through what "mental illness" really is.
Why is it so difficult for people to accept that a persons mind can be broken? Why are people unwilling to take the time to learn about mental illness? I wish I could understand why, why is it so difficult to accept mental illness? I know that society has come a long way, but it seems that most of the change has come only in words and not really acceptance and change. People are still asked on job applications if they have ever been treated for a mental illness, that opens a whole lot of illnesses, many of which come be easily treated once diagnosed, never to be an issue again. However, because of the judgments made towards people with mental illnesses, many of those that need help will not get it and that is dangerous and sad.
My hope in posting this blog is that just one person, just one will think through what "mental illness" really is.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Words Escape Me...
I cannot tell you the number of times I have read this story over the past two days and each time I read it, I get the same sick feeling come over me. It is not that I am surprised because rarely am I surprised by the awful things people do, but I am horrified that a child was put through this at the insistence of a "sister".
To ask the question "Who in their right mind would do such a thing?" does not seem like the right question. No one in their "right mind" would prostitute a 7 year old. A seven year old that trusted you. How do you take money from MEN! Men and Boys to have sex with your 7 year old sister? Not only was this baby raped by countless people, but she was also threatened. Ordered not to scream as she was raped repeatedly. Threatened to be killed if she told anyone. How in the world does a 7 year old recover from that? How does that 7 year old ever trust again? How she EVER have a "normal" relationship again? Will she be able to sleep peaceful again? Will she ever do the things that 7 years do without feeling "different"? These are the questions I want answered. That is why I have reread this article so many times.
As the mother of a 7 year old girl, I cannot imagine someone doing that to her. I don't know if she would be able to continue to live. I know her life would never be the same. I heart is heavy as I think about the baby that had this done to her. I hope she gets the support she needs. I hope she finds a way to make her way back to some sense of a "good life". I do not know this 7 year old girl, but she has changed the way I look at the world and has made me distrust people a little more and hold my monsters a little tighter.
Please keep this girl in your thoughts as you hug your family today.
To ask the question "Who in their right mind would do such a thing?" does not seem like the right question. No one in their "right mind" would prostitute a 7 year old. A seven year old that trusted you. How do you take money from MEN! Men and Boys to have sex with your 7 year old sister? Not only was this baby raped by countless people, but she was also threatened. Ordered not to scream as she was raped repeatedly. Threatened to be killed if she told anyone. How in the world does a 7 year old recover from that? How does that 7 year old ever trust again? How she EVER have a "normal" relationship again? Will she be able to sleep peaceful again? Will she ever do the things that 7 years do without feeling "different"? These are the questions I want answered. That is why I have reread this article so many times.
As the mother of a 7 year old girl, I cannot imagine someone doing that to her. I don't know if she would be able to continue to live. I know her life would never be the same. I heart is heavy as I think about the baby that had this done to her. I hope she gets the support she needs. I hope she finds a way to make her way back to some sense of a "good life". I do not know this 7 year old girl, but she has changed the way I look at the world and has made me distrust people a little more and hold my monsters a little tighter.
Please keep this girl in your thoughts as you hug your family today.
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