I’ve been away from the blogging community for a little while…reasons I won’t get into now, but a few from the community are aware of. I thank those who cared enough to inquire into my whereabouts. You find out a lot about a person when things get a little out of kilter in your life.
It’s absolutely astonishing, though. Blogging is very similar to Soap Operas. I haven’t really missed a thing! The bashing is still there. The ugliness. The vile comments made against others. What is wrong with people?
I realize I will NEVER be able to change people let alone politics, but it makes me sick to my stomach how people treat one another.
Our country is in a terrible mess. If unemployment were calculated correctly it would be an average of 17% nationwide. Our interest rates are low only because the Feds have the rate stuck rather than allowing the market to fluctuate naturally; or it would be double digits, also. We are in a war in Afghanistan that is failing and young men and women are dying daily. We have violence in just about every city, where our youth is killing one another—NOT with GUNS, but with boards and their fists! Our Congressmen and women are at one another’s throats, which then makes us go for the jugular of someone who has a differing opinion. Heath Care Reform is still a mess. The possibility of Cap and Trade could tax us into poverty. Fellow Countrymen far and wide are losing their homes and not able to feed their families. Not to mention people are experiencing serious health issues on a daily basis that terrify them to the point where they don’t even confide in their closest friends or family members. They bare the brunt of their terror— ALONE.
Yet what are we doing in the blogging community and mass media? Writing smearing, disgusting comments, when we COULD be trying to figure out a way to work together to fix our country, which has gone to hell in a hand basket.
Our Representatives are liars, cheats and thieves. Yes, all three, because where you find one, the other two are sure to follow. They need voted OUT! We need to band together as a Nation and get the bums out of office. We need honorable people representing us. Men and women who are willing and able to do the RIGHT thing.
Just as we need honorable people in the blogging community. Our journalists have let us down. True media has died. So, we need bloggers to give us reliable information. And we need them to do that in an honorable, respectable manner.
I am still a Conservative, that hasn’t changed. I am still disenfranchised. I still do NOT like the avenue that Obama and the Democrats have turned us onto. But I will NOT turn ugly and dishonorable over it. I will NOT defame. I will NOT be disgusting and vile. Not even to Obama. I will probably write a joke or two—tastefully, however; because that is MY belief.
In short, I am back. I have learned a few things during my sudden, unexpected sabbatical. My lessons will probably be reflected in my writing. But you’ll have to wait a few days to see how that plays out.
For now, just know that I’m glad to be back and I hope you all will welcome me.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Friday, September 11, 2009
9/11 a Day for Remembrance not for Service
8 years ago today our country was attacked by terrorists and we lost 2,740 Americans.
September 11th is a day that I will remember for the rest of my life even though I don’t live in New York City. I live approximately 1 hour from Shanksville, Pennsylvania where Flight 93 rests in a beautiful memorial built to honor the 40 Americans who died there that fateful day.
On that gorgeous September morning in 2001, I had just arrived at work when the first plane hit the 1st World Trade Center Tower. Then, I watched in shock as the 2nd plane hit the 2nd Tower in Manhattan. I thought I was watching a movie. It was surreal. My mind was whirling and telling me, “This isn’t happening.” “This is trick photography.” But when both World Trade Center buildings collapsed, one right after the other, I knew with horrified dread, it wasn’t a movie, but a stark reality.
I immediately called my husband, who was off from work due to a work related injury, and told him to pick up our son from school. I left work and joined my family. We watched television the rest of the day; trying to grasp the fact that our Country was under attack by terrorists who were using OUR domestic planes as weapons. When we heard about the plane that went down in Shanksville, we realized even we weren’t impervious from terrorists. Another 10 or 15 minutes and that plane could’ve landed on our house!
We hugged one another and our boys more times than I could’ve counted that day. We couldn’t stop being grateful that we were home— safe. We called our family and friends and told them we loved them. The brutal reality of that devastating ordeal brought forth the fact that our lives were fragile— ALL life is fragile.
Now on September 11th my family and I spend the day remembering that once beautiful, serene morning which spiraled into a horrific tale which told us that our country is not safe and that evil does reside here and it can strike anytime. We don’t know anyone that died 8 years ago, but we say silent prayers that the families who did lose loved ones found peace. We also watch memorials…tears still fill my eyes and at times I can barely speak.
This year September 11th is being tainted by The National Service Act, which President Obama signed into law. It was designated that because, they say, it’s a way for America to remember the spirit of the community, volunteerism and service response that came on September 11, 2001.
I am very upset about this selected date because September 11th is a day to reminisce, mourn and revere those who died on that fateful day. We lost 2,740 Americans on September 11th and it is a sacred day for family and friends to honor and remember those who lost their lives.
Our commitment to service and volunteerism was actually realized on September 12th, the day AFTER.
September 11th is a day that I will remember for the rest of my life even though I don’t live in New York City. I live approximately 1 hour from Shanksville, Pennsylvania where Flight 93 rests in a beautiful memorial built to honor the 40 Americans who died there that fateful day.
On that gorgeous September morning in 2001, I had just arrived at work when the first plane hit the 1st World Trade Center Tower. Then, I watched in shock as the 2nd plane hit the 2nd Tower in Manhattan. I thought I was watching a movie. It was surreal. My mind was whirling and telling me, “This isn’t happening.” “This is trick photography.” But when both World Trade Center buildings collapsed, one right after the other, I knew with horrified dread, it wasn’t a movie, but a stark reality.
I immediately called my husband, who was off from work due to a work related injury, and told him to pick up our son from school. I left work and joined my family. We watched television the rest of the day; trying to grasp the fact that our Country was under attack by terrorists who were using OUR domestic planes as weapons. When we heard about the plane that went down in Shanksville, we realized even we weren’t impervious from terrorists. Another 10 or 15 minutes and that plane could’ve landed on our house!
We hugged one another and our boys more times than I could’ve counted that day. We couldn’t stop being grateful that we were home— safe. We called our family and friends and told them we loved them. The brutal reality of that devastating ordeal brought forth the fact that our lives were fragile— ALL life is fragile.
Now on September 11th my family and I spend the day remembering that once beautiful, serene morning which spiraled into a horrific tale which told us that our country is not safe and that evil does reside here and it can strike anytime. We don’t know anyone that died 8 years ago, but we say silent prayers that the families who did lose loved ones found peace. We also watch memorials…tears still fill my eyes and at times I can barely speak.
This year September 11th is being tainted by The National Service Act, which President Obama signed into law. It was designated that because, they say, it’s a way for America to remember the spirit of the community, volunteerism and service response that came on September 11, 2001.
I am very upset about this selected date because September 11th is a day to reminisce, mourn and revere those who died on that fateful day. We lost 2,740 Americans on September 11th and it is a sacred day for family and friends to honor and remember those who lost their lives.
Our commitment to service and volunteerism was actually realized on September 12th, the day AFTER.
Representative Peter King said, “America came together in the aftermath of 9/11”.
The Serve.gov web-site states, “…in the days after the September 11, 2001 tragedy.”
Two quotes about the aftermath of service. It’s a well known fact that communities and Americans everywhere assisted the city of New York on September 12th. I worked with a man who drove to New York and volunteered for the clean-up efforts. This national day of volunteerism, to show our spirit of community, is for people to support their community and it should be the day AFTER, which is when communities everywhere actually got together and helped our firefighters, police officers and clean-up crews. Or it could be any of the other 200+ days we have available on our calendar.
I’m not sure, but I’m going to go out on a limb and say that I think most of the families and friends of our fallen Americans would not appreciate this day being diminished in this way. Just as I don’t think Labor Day, Memorial Day or even Martin Luther King, Jr. Day should be over-shadowed by any other ritual. They are days that stand alone— for very good reason. September 11th is a solitary day. It’s a private day to remember our fallen Americans; it is NOT a day of service. I am deeply saddened that it is being used in this manner.
I’m not sure, but I’m going to go out on a limb and say that I think most of the families and friends of our fallen Americans would not appreciate this day being diminished in this way. Just as I don’t think Labor Day, Memorial Day or even Martin Luther King, Jr. Day should be over-shadowed by any other ritual. They are days that stand alone— for very good reason. September 11th is a solitary day. It’s a private day to remember our fallen Americans; it is NOT a day of service. I am deeply saddened that it is being used in this manner.
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Advice to a Teen
Susannah over at Get the Big Idea inspired this post. I consider her a friend, a great blogger and an inspiration. Thank you, Susannah, for all that you do and for all that you ARE.
It’s called the 10 x 10 and the scenario goes:
*You’re a woman on a bus, riding comfortably, when a young teen gets on, taking the empty seat beside you. She introduces herself & tells you where her stop is. You know that 10 minutes hence, she’ll get off & you won’t see her again. For whatever reason, you feel an urgency to impart the 10 most important things that you believe she’ll need to know, to carry her through the rest of her life. You don’t have time to plan & you don’t have time to poll your friends. When this girl gets off the bus, she’ll be gone forever. You will either have used the opportunity of 10 minutes, or you’ll have lost it.As a woman, what will you tell her? What 10 essentials can you absolutely NOT let her get off that bus without hearing? What really matters, to you, in life? *
My answer:
You don’t know me and you’ll probably think I’m a crazy lady. But I can assure you, I am not. I’m a wife and a mom and I want to give you some advice that I wish someone would’ve given me when I was your age.
I want to tell you that Respect is very important. Not just for others, but especially for yourself. For if you don’t respect yourself, you won’t think twice before doing something that could harm you or your reputation.
Be True to yourself and to others. Honesty is justice. If you are always honest you will never have to try to remember what you’ve said or the stories you’ve told.
Noble Character is determined by what you’ll do when no one is looking.
Personal Responsibility is challenging, but it builds character and that is something no one can ever take from you. Only you can destroy your character.
Forgiveness is a gift. Forgive yourself and others. Just remember that when you forgive another it doesn’t mean you have forgotten the bad deed or that you have accepted it. It just means you have forgiven them and you aren’t bitter. Bitterness will eat you alive from the inside out.
Be compassionate. Compassion expands our heart and guides us to love.
Patience truly is a virtue. Remember, sometimes it’s the anticipation of the reward rather than the reward itself.
Never stop seeking knowledge. Once your eyes and ears are closed, you become dead to everything around you.
It’s called the 10 x 10 and the scenario goes:
*You’re a woman on a bus, riding comfortably, when a young teen gets on, taking the empty seat beside you. She introduces herself & tells you where her stop is. You know that 10 minutes hence, she’ll get off & you won’t see her again. For whatever reason, you feel an urgency to impart the 10 most important things that you believe she’ll need to know, to carry her through the rest of her life. You don’t have time to plan & you don’t have time to poll your friends. When this girl gets off the bus, she’ll be gone forever. You will either have used the opportunity of 10 minutes, or you’ll have lost it.As a woman, what will you tell her? What 10 essentials can you absolutely NOT let her get off that bus without hearing? What really matters, to you, in life? *
My answer:
You don’t know me and you’ll probably think I’m a crazy lady. But I can assure you, I am not. I’m a wife and a mom and I want to give you some advice that I wish someone would’ve given me when I was your age.
I want to tell you that Respect is very important. Not just for others, but especially for yourself. For if you don’t respect yourself, you won’t think twice before doing something that could harm you or your reputation.
Be True to yourself and to others. Honesty is justice. If you are always honest you will never have to try to remember what you’ve said or the stories you’ve told.
Noble Character is determined by what you’ll do when no one is looking.
Personal Responsibility is challenging, but it builds character and that is something no one can ever take from you. Only you can destroy your character.
Forgiveness is a gift. Forgive yourself and others. Just remember that when you forgive another it doesn’t mean you have forgotten the bad deed or that you have accepted it. It just means you have forgiven them and you aren’t bitter. Bitterness will eat you alive from the inside out.
Be compassionate. Compassion expands our heart and guides us to love.
Patience truly is a virtue. Remember, sometimes it’s the anticipation of the reward rather than the reward itself.
Never stop seeking knowledge. Once your eyes and ears are closed, you become dead to everything around you.
Learn to accept yourself. You are perfect just the way you are. There is no other human like you and there never will be.
Find your purpose. Life has no meaning without a purpose.
You’ll remember my words one day, sweetling, and when you do, think about me with kindness. I wish you well. Now go and live your life to the fullest. Have fun and be safe.
My 10 X 10 may not be as spiritual as Susannah’s, but these are the truths I’ve found that have helped me throughout my life. I have spoken them to my sons. And I reiterate them here and there. I know they will make mistakes…that’s how they will learn. But I am hopeful they will remember my “nagging” or my “getting on their nerves” and it will help guide them when they need it the most.
What would be your 10 x 10? Have you ever thought of it? If not, maybe think of it now. It could change your outlook on life. And THAT could be a really good thing!
*Copied from Get the Big Idea*
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
America the Ugly
STOP THE PLANET!
I WANT TO GET OFF!
I WANT TO GET OFF!
The Left say the Right are idiots.
The Right say the Left are idiots.
The Left say that Republican Presidents are morons. The Right say that Democratic Presidents are morons.
So, WE’RE SURROUNDED BY IDIOTS AND MORONS!
Who is running this country and how did we get this far if we’re ALL idiots and morons?
Not EVERYONE can be an idiot. And NOT EVERY President can be a moron.
Lately America has become a very ugly place. Not our scenery. She’s still beautiful. America is ugly because we Americans have turned her into a war zone. All our infighting is repulsive. We are ALL Americans, yet we can’t get past our political differences and join together in the fight toward a better Health Care System. It’s just pathetic and we should all be ashamed of ourselves.
What I don’t understand is WHY any American would consider another American his enemy. Political differences have been in existence since the beginning of our democracy, but I don’t believe I’ve ever read that our ancestors called one another “enemy” for having different views. (Excluding Britain) It’s quite disturbing.
It is even more disconcerting when one cannot befriend someone of a different political affiliation without being attacked. Or when someone from the opposite side of the aisle is considered responsible for the actions of the President just because they voted for him. They voted for Obama because they felt he was the best man for the job. Just as we Conservatives felt GW was the best man a few years ago.
I also find it unsettling when some Liberals don’t agree with my views so they call me stupid or accuse me of lacking moral character. Since when do political views equate to integrity? I am honest, loyal and benevolent. Just because my beliefs don’t match theirs doesn’t give them the right to twist it to equate that I’m the devil incarnate. Or because I don’t post about the town hall meetings or Michelle Obama, somehow that equates to me lacking sincerity or maybe I’m Satan in disguise…yes, that MUST be it! I can see the horns now –I better hide my pitch fork!
But seriously, what is going on? We DISAGREE. What is the big friggin’ deal? I debate with people all the time, but I do NOT insult them. I do NOT insult their integrity or their intelligence. I allow them to speak their peace and I speak mine. We may never see eye to eye and that’s OKAY, because we ALWAYS respect one another.
Here in the blogosphere it’s worse than a playground. Because on a playground the kids aren’t as mean to one another and there is a patrol if things get out of hand. I have NEVER heard such vile things said to and about people. I also have never seen more grown people acting like a bunch of big babies. It’s shameful.
We are on the SAME side here people. We are AMERICANS!
And for US to win, America HAS to win; because if she doesn’t, we ALL lose.
Who is running this country and how did we get this far if we’re ALL idiots and morons?
Not EVERYONE can be an idiot. And NOT EVERY President can be a moron.
Lately America has become a very ugly place. Not our scenery. She’s still beautiful. America is ugly because we Americans have turned her into a war zone. All our infighting is repulsive. We are ALL Americans, yet we can’t get past our political differences and join together in the fight toward a better Health Care System. It’s just pathetic and we should all be ashamed of ourselves.
What I don’t understand is WHY any American would consider another American his enemy. Political differences have been in existence since the beginning of our democracy, but I don’t believe I’ve ever read that our ancestors called one another “enemy” for having different views. (Excluding Britain) It’s quite disturbing.
It is even more disconcerting when one cannot befriend someone of a different political affiliation without being attacked. Or when someone from the opposite side of the aisle is considered responsible for the actions of the President just because they voted for him. They voted for Obama because they felt he was the best man for the job. Just as we Conservatives felt GW was the best man a few years ago.
I also find it unsettling when some Liberals don’t agree with my views so they call me stupid or accuse me of lacking moral character. Since when do political views equate to integrity? I am honest, loyal and benevolent. Just because my beliefs don’t match theirs doesn’t give them the right to twist it to equate that I’m the devil incarnate. Or because I don’t post about the town hall meetings or Michelle Obama, somehow that equates to me lacking sincerity or maybe I’m Satan in disguise…yes, that MUST be it! I can see the horns now –I better hide my pitch fork!
But seriously, what is going on? We DISAGREE. What is the big friggin’ deal? I debate with people all the time, but I do NOT insult them. I do NOT insult their integrity or their intelligence. I allow them to speak their peace and I speak mine. We may never see eye to eye and that’s OKAY, because we ALWAYS respect one another.
Here in the blogosphere it’s worse than a playground. Because on a playground the kids aren’t as mean to one another and there is a patrol if things get out of hand. I have NEVER heard such vile things said to and about people. I also have never seen more grown people acting like a bunch of big babies. It’s shameful.
We are on the SAME side here people. We are AMERICANS!
And for US to win, America HAS to win; because if she doesn’t, we ALL lose.
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