These are just little tidbits of things that are on my mind. I hope you enjoy your time spent peaking inside my brain. Stay as long as you like - I promise, I won't feel a thing... because your not actually inside my head... do I really have to explain it to you? ;-)
Have fun. Comments welcome.
I'm not a political type of girl, nor do I feel I'm an activist or take strong stands on many topics. I'm generally laid back and probably like most Americans, I could be described as complacent. However, the older I get, the more I find myself not only interested in what is going on in our nation, but compelled to take a stand on certain things. I don't support one politician over another, I have a hard time saying that one man is or has the answers to the nation's problems. That is why we have a congress, right? So those elected officials can collaborate and determine what is best practice for us as a community? That being said, I do feel it is of great importance who we choose to place in the White House.
I read an article the other day that my father shared on Facebook. It was about one of the presidential candidates for this upcoming 2012 elections and the apparent stand this person takes on separation of church and state. The article claims this man has declared that the catholic church should be involved in law making (or that the principles they hold should be at any rate). Now, I will gladly admit that I have not done more research to find out whether this article is factual or not in regards to the stand this candidate makes but it brings up the topic of separation of church and state, which spurred my interest.
I was raised Baptist and spent most of my childhood going to church every week and very involved in church activities. My whole life I've heard members of the church say that Christians are persecuted and that we should have prayer in school, etc. One thing that always struck me as off about those statements is one; Christians make up the majority of the American population, two; what about the other kids who aren't Christians? What if they don't believe in a god at all, or they pray in a different way? How would I feel if I were forced to pray like them, or not be allowed to pray at all? How would I feel if the school said, "We're going to pray to Allah and you don't have to, but that is what we will do and you will be an outcast if you don't follow suit"? Saying, "You don't have to," but it's against the norm only makes a child feel ostracized and uncomfortable.
I beg my fellow citizens, my fellow Christians, my fellow PEOPLE, to think about what you're saying when you demand that church be a part of the government. THINK about the reason our nation was founded and HOW our nation was founded. These men didn't want to be ruled by one man who would tell them how they must live their individual lives, they no longer wanted to be persecuted for worshiping (or not worshiping) in the manner they saw best for their own spiritual lives. They saw the corruption caused by a government ruled by a king who was strongly influenced by a church.
"Anyone who knows me well knows that I don't usually involve myself in politics. I don't watch TV and I certainly couldn't tell you who our politicians are (in general) unless their names have been shoved down our throats.
And I love to listen. I'm intrigued by people's opinions, by their point of views. I don't even come close to thinking that I know everything (though I admit, sometimes I fake it like I do know everything :D ).
My point is this; if you are passionate about something, AWESOME! Let's hear what you have to say. But don't expect me to take you seriously unless you can back up what you're saying with FACTS.
To those who may have seen me posting contrary arguments to your posts; please know that I went searching for backup to your argument. I want my friends to be validated. However, I want the validation to be backed up by facts. If I find the your statement to be in error, and post the facts, it's not to be rude or insensitive to how you feel. It's because I believe there are too many people spouting out BS or unfounded opinions and I want your statements to be educated and fact-filled! To these same friends who I post opposing arguments; PLEASE throw it back if you can give me solid evidence to oppose what I've said."
This was a post I made on Facebook one afternoon. I need to vent for a moment. The catalyst to this statement came from a High School acquaintance's post on his page. He is a new Christian who is still learning the ropes. He's headstrong, passionate, and seems to be eager to learn everything he can about his new belief structure. However, this is where my compliments will end for the time being. This guy seems to do what most people, (at least US citizens) tend to do. We read an article, or see something on TV, take it for truth and run with it. We formulate an opinion without doing the legwork to discover the whole story. Why? Because it's easy. Because we want to believe that the people giving us our news are impartial. That these people are knowledgeable... that these people have done their homework.
The sad truth is, EVERYONE has an agenda. Everyone has an opinion, a feeling that what they believe is the true and right way to live or believe. We're all guilty of it. I found that when I was replying to his post, I'd only viewed part of the video, did research and made a statement that I had to later edit because I finished watching the video he had referred to.
I guess the whole point of all of this is that I am urging you, my readers to be educated. Ask questions and have independent thought. Don't make a snap judgement or decision based on how something seems on the surface or how you reacted emotionally to it. Take that passion and do some digging! We Americans have become so complacent that we are being robbed of our dignity, our money, and our freedom every day by the people we "trust" to look out for our well being.
This post is for anyone who is new to communicating on the internet. It's like a whole new language of communication and it can be overwhelming. So, here are a few things to help you out.
To start, a couple little "guidelines" to consider:
1. When writing a comment or a post in social medias such as Facebook, remember that you are using text. Tone of voice is not recognized by the people on the other end. So, be sure to be clear and concise in what you're saying. Proof read your post before hitting the "enter" key to submit it. And remember, sarcasm doesn't always translate to text as it would if the person were listening to your voice.
2. Caps MAKES IT LOOK LIKE YOU'RE SCREAMING/SHOUTING AT SOMEONE and can be offensive. It's best to use caps at little as possible and ONLY if you're actually intended to shout at someone, or you are attempting to emphasize one particular word, as I have done.
3. Just as in real life, face to face contact with people, do your best to use the manners your mother taught you. We all respond better to honey rather than vinegar.
4. Do your best to use punctuation. By using commas and periods in the appropriate places, you will be less likely to mis-communicate a thought and you will show that you an intelligent person who's thoughts are worth investing time into reading.
If you remember these two small things, you will likely avoid a landslide of irritated replies, or find that people either stop talking to you or disconnect.
Now, you're probably saying, "What about all the jargon? What do all those acronyms mean?" Well, I will list the most common terms below for you and "translate" them to English.
LOL = Laughing out Loud (most people use this in place of typing, "hahaha" to show they find something funny)
LMAO = Laughing My Ass Off (see notes on LOL. Also, this one may also be written as LMBO = Laughing My Butt Off, for those who prefer not to swear)
ROFLMAO = Rolling On the Floor Laughing My Ass Off (is often shortened to ROFL for convenience)
OMG = Oh My God (used to express and exclamation as it is used in verbal communication)
OMFG = Oh My F&*^%#$@ God (extreme use of OMG)
IMHO = In My Humble Opinion
WTF = What The F$%# (in proper grammar, should be completed with a question mark)
NP = No Problem
BRB = Be Right Back
HB = Hurry Back
WB = Welcome Back
TY = Thank You
YW = You're Welcome
K = OK
There are more, as you might imagine, but I believe these are the most common you will find in every day online social networks, texts, and IM chats.
I hope this crash course was helpful! Please post comments or questions. Did I miss anything important?
I just spent some time at the bar, celebrating our Independence Day with a friend of mine. We were out on the patio when we were joined by three Native American people. They were friendly, funny, and easy to get along with, though, its not difficult for me or my friend to get along with anyone, really. We're both very amiable people and like to meet new people and learn, always interested in learning. Though I've met Native American people before, I've not really ever had an opportunity to discuss things like cultural differences in the past. I am always up for hearing of others' life experiences, and learn about where they come from. It was interesting to hear about this woman's life, and how she felt about "the white man," though, I have to say, that what I felt after the experience, left me feeling like I was being discriminated against, simply because of the color of my skin.
This isn't a new concept for me, as I grew up in a Hispanic town, where I was the minority, and was discriminated against for being the white kid in class when I was young. I can relate to how people of minority groups feel, I've been there, experienced it first hand. What bothers me most, is that the things I was taught in school were things like, compassion, and to be sensitive to other races, blur the lines of skin color, accept people for who they are and not what they look like. All fantastic concepts however, are white kids the only ones being taught this way? I've found that because it was pounded into me to be sensitive to racial issue, that I was always afraid when encountering other ethnicities, that I was so afraid that just because I was white, that I'd say something to offend them. That being said, other ethnicities seem to be able to say whatever they want about white people, and its ok!
This whole idea is mind boggling to me. I was literally called "dumb" tonight, just because I'm white! Just because I didn't grow up on a reservation, I'm automatically racist, and don't know jack, or can't empathize with people who did. I was raised in a poor family. I know what its like to have to scrimp and save for every little thing! When I was a teenager, and had a job, my brother and I put our own money in to pay for milk for the family, because that's what was necessary. But, to people of other skin colors, I'm just a dummy who knows nothing about struggle, because my skin is white. Isn't that just as racist as me saying the same of them?
My friend apologized to them tonight, because of what our ancestors did to their people, which is admirable however, HE didn't do those things! HE didn't force them onto reservations. And neither did I. I asked him, what are you apologizing for? I mean, really? It was like he was taking on our ancestors' deeds as his own. I agree, the actions in the past may have been wrong, and unwarranted. The native people should not have been treated the way they were! But why should I apologize to them for their life now, when I don't force them to be where they are. They have a choice, just like the rest of us. I grew up poor! I made the conscious decision to better my life, to work hard and work towards doing something to improve my life. Can they not do the same? I mean, we have affirmative action in place for a reason! They have more opportunities handed to them by our government, by my tax dollars than I will ever have! I pay taxes so they have the same or better opportunities to succeed than I do! Yet, I repress them, simply by being alive and white.
I've been faced with this same issue throughout my whole life. I know there is a lot of controversy over Mexicans coming into our country and people think that they are leaching off our system. And perhaps there are some that do, I'm not as knowledgeable about those issues as perhaps I should be. However, the experience I've had with the Hispanic culture, is that those who came from Mexico, came here to better themselves. I have to have respect for that. They work hard and do whatever they can to have a better life, and to provide for their families. But there are other cultures in our country who find it absolutely necessary to rub it in my face that my ancestors repressed them. I'm sorry, there is nothing I can do about the past. The best each of us can do is learn from it so that it isn't repeated. EACH person here, regardless of race, creed, sexual preference, etc., has every opportunity to make a difference in their own life, and the lives of the people around them. Why dwell on the past that you cannot change? Why tell someone else they're dumb because they didn't grow up the way you did? Why think it's necessary assume that because someone has a different color skin, that they don't know what its like to walk in your shoes?
I'm Irish/Scottish, amongst other things. My ancestors were equally repressed and mistreated by the same nation that repressed the Native Americans! I don't go around saying, "Oh my god, the Brittish are dumb assholes!" I don't expect that Brits should apologize to me for my ancestors' misfortunes and mistreatment! Why should I have to feel obligated to do the same for Native Americans or African Americans?
I realize this post may make me look racist however, I'm far from it. As I've said before, I know what its like to be treated differently because of the color of my skin. When I meet someone, I don't look at them and label them. I don't say to myself or anyone else, "Oh, they're x color so they must... (fill in the blank)." THAT would be racist. Rather, I see someone and try to get to know who they are, what they've experienced in life, what they want from life and where they see themselves going, as an individual. Do I not deserve the same treatment? Shouldn't all races/cultures be taught to be sensitive and blur the lines of skin color? Why should I accept someone treating me as a lower person than them, just because of my skin color?
Grief is a funny thing. One minute a person can be crying, the next angry as hell at anyone around them, even those they love dearly. That has been my emotional state this last week and a half, since the passing of my grandmother. It is very difficult to keep into perspective the importance or unimportance of certain details. I find it also difficult to be less angry with those who I feel have been inappropriate during this time. I try to remind myself daily that just because someone doesn't show it, doesn't mean they don't feel pain at the loss of a loved one. Grief seems to make even the most caring and unselfish of people focus almost solely on themselves.
Despite the negatives that I've experienced through all this, there are some positive things that have come out of it. I've learned where I stand with my family who I've been apart from most of my life, simply because we live on opposite sides of the country. Our family was able to come together to comfort and lift one another up. For once in my life, I no longer feel like an outsider in my own family.
Unfortunately, I also have a new outlook on where I stand in my father's eyes. It saddens me that I can feel so close to my family thousands of miles away, yet suddenly feel the distance grow between myself and a father who lives 50 miles away. Ten years of building a relationship with him has been beat up by this experience, and I fear it will take too long to heal these wounds. I will continue to pray for patience, peace and understanding, as it will be necessary to get me through.
The last two weeks have been a whirl wind of emotions for me. I haven't seen my family in Tennessee for several years, and was fortunate enough to be able to take a trip down to see them. I picked up my grandfather in New Jersey and he and I drove for 10 hours to get to Tennessee. It was one of the most enriching experiences. We talked for nearly the whole time. Getting to know my grandfather is something I've always wished for, and now that I'm an adult, I truly appreciate the time we've spent together. Not only did we get the 10 hours down, but the 10 hours back to New Jersey.
I was also fortunate enough to spend several hours with my grandmother, just listening to her tell me stories of her life, and her side of the family. I got to see pictures of her when she was young, hear of her days in Texas, how she met my grandfather, and some college stories. And don't tell my grandfather, but she also told me about racing cars in the 50's. *giggles*
In addition to these blessings, I spent my days in Tennessee with my two youngest cousins. One I've only met twice, who is and always was a very mature and wonderful young man. And the other I met for the first time - talk about personality!! I never knew a 4 year old could be that outlandish and creative! They're both very dear to me and I miss them more each day.
My aunt and uncles are the same as they were the last time I saw them. Some things will never change. I just have to say, my aunt is the sweetest and most caring person I know.
My brother drove up from North Carolina with his family. I didn't expect they'd be able to come since my newest nephew was less than 2 weeks old at the time. Seeing them made my heart soar and was quite possibly the best gift I've ever received.
I take that back, my whole trip was the best gift I have ever received. I consider myself to be extremely blessed to have been granted this time with my family and hope that I will be fortunate enough to return soon under the best of circumstances.
Mr. Jake Ob was the sweetest, most gentle, and loving dog I've ever met. He could never harm a fly, although he tried, he was usually too slow. A beast of a dog, when people met him they usually said, "He's not a dog, he's a horse!" The funny thing is, he never let anyone ride him! Shawn would joke that he was going to charge the neighborhood kids for rides on Jake's back... boy would they have been disappointed.
Jake had been steadily declining over the last several weeks. Finally unable to stand, we decided it was time to take him for one last car ride. He left us too young, he would have been 8 years old in December. My house is not the same without him. His bed is still in the living room where he camped out every day, but he's not there. There will be one less body snoring in our bedroom tonight. I'll miss him tilting his head and looking curiously at the television when the theme for 3rd Rock From the Sun comes on. I'll miss his happy face greeting me at the door when I come home from a long day at work.
Jakie, I know you're better where you are. I'll be dreaming of you playing ball, chewing on sticks that are too big for you, and hearing your tail whap the floor as you wag it. Mommy loves you buddy. You're sorely missed.
In loving memory of Jake Ob Abbott December 30, 2000 - November 15, 2008
