I’m so glad that they voted to repeal don’t ask, don’t tell. I think that was the DUMBEST thing ever invented, second only to the Chia Pet. SO FREAKING WHAT if you are gay and you want to serve in the military openly?!
It’s ridiculous that our country would actually REFUSE service men/women because they were gay. WHAT THE FUCK?
Are the dumb homophobes out there afraid that they're gonna wear patent leather combat boots?? Bedazzled helmets? Tailored camoflage?
If you ask me, that might make the world a prettier place to live and distract the Middle-Easterners all at once.... I'm just sayin.
If you want to serve and protect our country, I appreciate you. Cause I’m sure as Hell not doing it. You couldn’t pay me enough to go over to Iraq and serve there for one HOUR, let alone, make that my career…
I do not understand how fighting or leadership capabilities could be compromised based on your sexuality…. I try to be pretty open minded and call the shots as I see them, and I can’t come up with a SINGLE reason why it would make any difference whatsoever in your job performance in the army. I’m usually fairly conservative in my political views, with the exception of a couple of issues, but I just felt the need to voice my opinion on this… All service men and women should be commended for their bravery and dedication to our country REGARDLESS of race, gender or sexual orientation.
Thanks.
Monday, December 20, 2010
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Oh Lord.....
Let me start out by saying that I am a Christian. I believe that God does all things and conquers all things and I believe that he has a plan for each and every one of us. I believe that he is Greater, even, than any of us on Earth are capable of knowing.
With that said, I was not "persay" brought up in the Church. We went about once a month, and of course on Christmas and Easter, but in small towns like the one I grew up in, it's hard to come into a church community when most people have been sitting in the same pew since they were 5.... and they are now 65. I was baptized when I was 11, not when i was a baby. I was confirmed as a member of the Methodist faith and the Methodist church on the same day... I have been to church about 50 times since then. that averages about 3 times a year.
Now, it's not that I don't believe in the church, or that I am any less faithful than people who do attend every week, but in some (and I dare say most) cases down south, church is more of a social thing than a faith thing. I know some people who go to Church every single Sunday without fail that are also some of the meanest hearted people I've ever met..... In short, I was raised with the belief that you don't have to go to church to be a faithful Christian. and as an adult, able to think for myself, I believe the same.
As I was having a conversation this Saturday with my friend Katie (a faithful Catholic who was brought up in a Catholic school and church most of her life) she explained to me all about the Catholic Church, their doctrines, prayers, and beliefs. The history buff in me was fascinated with the years upon years of traditions and the historical significance that this church holds, but surprisingly, the Christian in me felt awakened. (**side note** Growing up, i knew like 3 Catholic people. It wasn't til college that i learned that there were many of them, and that their religion was any different that the Methodists, and until Saturday, I couldn't have told you why they were different. -- Yes, I get it, I'm sheltered. Shut up.) The fact that their church has "set ways" that you can be closer to Jesus, such as transsubstantiation, adoration, and confession, made me feel secure, as opposed to just praying and going on blind faith. It was a totally new concept and it rocked my world.
In doing more research on Catholicism, there are so many principles of the Catholic Faith that I truly belive are possible and awe inspiring. I love that they kneel on a regular basis, because, metaphorically and physically, aren't you supposed to kneel before the Almighty? The Protestants don't practice this in their services (save for Episcopalians), unless they are kneeling at communion, and it strikes me, at first impression, as rather disrespectful. (I'm sure that's not the intent behind it, but if I'm going to kneel for anyone, it's going to be for God/Jesus at any time of any day, whether practicing communion or not). I love that Catholics believe that during communion the bread and wine are (or become) the actual flesh and blood of Jesus Christ. This is powerful beyond powerful.
There are also some key concepts practiced by the Catholic Church, that I strongly disagree with, ie: divorce, abortion. (Yes, I am circumstantially pro-choice. Get over it.) I think that there are a FEW appropriate circumstances in which both of the former should be used. I think that if God forgives all things, that there is no reason you should be excommunicated from the Church because of an earthly decision.
Catholicism is not like politics, people, you can't vote issue by issue and decide what you believe and what you don't. It's all or nothing.
So I mulled over all of this for a couple of days and I felt more and more and more conflicted..... There is no religion, it seems, that offers everything that I belive in. I want to believe in transsubstantiation, but I can't receive that in the Methodist Church. I do strongly believe that sometimes, divorce helps people, versus harms them, but I couldn't believe that if I converted to Catholicism. Conflict. Conflict. Conflict. My heart of hearts is torn up about this. Half of my soul CRAVES to be a part of a loving, accepting, wonderful Church community (Catholic or otherwise) and Half of my soul knows that no "organized" Church can take the place of a deep, personal relationship (like the one I consider myself to have) with God.
For now, I'll continue to ask God for guidance on this. Any prayers, thoughts, suggestions from any faith are MORE than welcome.... Thanks for reading, I just had to get that out.
The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.
Psalm 9:9-10
With that said, I was not "persay" brought up in the Church. We went about once a month, and of course on Christmas and Easter, but in small towns like the one I grew up in, it's hard to come into a church community when most people have been sitting in the same pew since they were 5.... and they are now 65. I was baptized when I was 11, not when i was a baby. I was confirmed as a member of the Methodist faith and the Methodist church on the same day... I have been to church about 50 times since then. that averages about 3 times a year.
Now, it's not that I don't believe in the church, or that I am any less faithful than people who do attend every week, but in some (and I dare say most) cases down south, church is more of a social thing than a faith thing. I know some people who go to Church every single Sunday without fail that are also some of the meanest hearted people I've ever met..... In short, I was raised with the belief that you don't have to go to church to be a faithful Christian. and as an adult, able to think for myself, I believe the same.
As I was having a conversation this Saturday with my friend Katie (a faithful Catholic who was brought up in a Catholic school and church most of her life) she explained to me all about the Catholic Church, their doctrines, prayers, and beliefs. The history buff in me was fascinated with the years upon years of traditions and the historical significance that this church holds, but surprisingly, the Christian in me felt awakened. (**side note** Growing up, i knew like 3 Catholic people. It wasn't til college that i learned that there were many of them, and that their religion was any different that the Methodists, and until Saturday, I couldn't have told you why they were different. -- Yes, I get it, I'm sheltered. Shut up.) The fact that their church has "set ways" that you can be closer to Jesus, such as transsubstantiation, adoration, and confession, made me feel secure, as opposed to just praying and going on blind faith. It was a totally new concept and it rocked my world.
In doing more research on Catholicism, there are so many principles of the Catholic Faith that I truly belive are possible and awe inspiring. I love that they kneel on a regular basis, because, metaphorically and physically, aren't you supposed to kneel before the Almighty? The Protestants don't practice this in their services (save for Episcopalians), unless they are kneeling at communion, and it strikes me, at first impression, as rather disrespectful. (I'm sure that's not the intent behind it, but if I'm going to kneel for anyone, it's going to be for God/Jesus at any time of any day, whether practicing communion or not). I love that Catholics believe that during communion the bread and wine are (or become) the actual flesh and blood of Jesus Christ. This is powerful beyond powerful.
There are also some key concepts practiced by the Catholic Church, that I strongly disagree with, ie: divorce, abortion. (Yes, I am circumstantially pro-choice. Get over it.) I think that there are a FEW appropriate circumstances in which both of the former should be used. I think that if God forgives all things, that there is no reason you should be excommunicated from the Church because of an earthly decision.
Catholicism is not like politics, people, you can't vote issue by issue and decide what you believe and what you don't. It's all or nothing.
So I mulled over all of this for a couple of days and I felt more and more and more conflicted..... There is no religion, it seems, that offers everything that I belive in. I want to believe in transsubstantiation, but I can't receive that in the Methodist Church. I do strongly believe that sometimes, divorce helps people, versus harms them, but I couldn't believe that if I converted to Catholicism. Conflict. Conflict. Conflict. My heart of hearts is torn up about this. Half of my soul CRAVES to be a part of a loving, accepting, wonderful Church community (Catholic or otherwise) and Half of my soul knows that no "organized" Church can take the place of a deep, personal relationship (like the one I consider myself to have) with God.
For now, I'll continue to ask God for guidance on this. Any prayers, thoughts, suggestions from any faith are MORE than welcome.... Thanks for reading, I just had to get that out.
The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.
Psalm 9:9-10
Friday, December 3, 2010
Classy Christmas to All!
Ok, So Christmas is one of my favorite times of the year without a doubt. I love classic carols, decorating, gift giving, spending time with my family, drinking cider with Captain and all of the traditional holiday festivities. I PROMISE you I am the farthest thing from the grinch.... HOWEVER, there are a few things about Christmas that really bug me (obviously the good outweighs the bad, so I still love it anyway, but I have GOT to vent for a second)….
If you practice any of these I am sorry, and I will still love you, but you should stop. Immediately.
First up: Tacky Christmas. This includes jingle bell necklace’s, one of Bill Cosby’s old sweaters, a lapel pin that is shaped like a rhinestone snowman, obnoxiously big bow headbands (obvi, if you are under age ten these are freakin’ adorable—please keep wearing them), puff paint sweatshirts, velvet pants, or any clothing item with a poinsettia on it. There are two types of Tacky Christmas offenders: The people who actually wear these clothes because they think it’s cute and festive, and the drunk college kids who think it’s funny to make fun of them. Ok, People who actually wear this: STOP.NOW. This looks like you are a fifth grade teacher circa 1992. And an oversized sweater vest and keds with jingle bells on them aren’t a good look for anyone. Even if you do teach school, please don’t teach the youth of America that this is an acceptable dress code. Honestly, you might as well just put some elf ears on and go to the North Pole where I don't have to look at it anymore.
If you practice any of these I am sorry, and I will still love you, but you should stop. Immediately.
First up: Tacky Christmas. This includes jingle bell necklace’s, one of Bill Cosby’s old sweaters, a lapel pin that is shaped like a rhinestone snowman, obnoxiously big bow headbands (obvi, if you are under age ten these are freakin’ adorable—please keep wearing them), puff paint sweatshirts, velvet pants, or any clothing item with a poinsettia on it. There are two types of Tacky Christmas offenders: The people who actually wear these clothes because they think it’s cute and festive, and the drunk college kids who think it’s funny to make fun of them. Ok, People who actually wear this: STOP.NOW. This looks like you are a fifth grade teacher circa 1992. And an oversized sweater vest and keds with jingle bells on them aren’t a good look for anyone. Even if you do teach school, please don’t teach the youth of America that this is an acceptable dress code. Honestly, you might as well just put some elf ears on and go to the North Pole where I don't have to look at it anymore.
If you are a drunk college kid that makes fun of the serious Christmas sweater-wearers, I have news for you. Imitation is the highest form of flattery. Why you would ever WANT to imitate this is beyond me. There are so many better, more classy and less offensive ways to bring festivity to the holidays than having a velvet poinsettia covered camel toe. Thanks. (because you KNOW there is bound to be a camel toe on those mom pants that you bought at goodwill for 3 bucks specifically for your party) Furthermore, no guy wants to awake to find a puff paint sweatshirt on the floor the night after they’ve taken you home. Trust me.
Secondly, What is UP with the 2nd verse of the song “We Wish You a Merry Christmas”. For those of you who are carol retards it says :
“Oh Bring us some figgy pudding! oh bring us some figgy pudding! oh bring us some figgy pudding and a cup of good cheer.!
We won’t go until we get some! we won’t go until we get some! we won’t go until we get some so bring it right here.”
Ok-- what the FUCK is figgy pudding? Does anyone know? This song was written in England in the 16th century, so for all I know it could be like one of Sweeny Todd’s meat pies. Considering that it’s the year of 2010 and the only kind of pudding still in existence is Jello Instant, I think the lyrics should be changed to “we all want some chocolate pudding” or something of that nature. At least people will know what that is. Figs are for newtons. NOT pudding. The other problem with this song is… if I had some little carolers outside that told me they wouldn’t leave my house until I gave them some pudding, I would be PISSED…. Although I guess that part of the song is sort of in line with the youth of today, always demanding something. Either way, I would throw some snack packs at those ungrateful little shits and tell them to get off my lawn.
The Third Offender: The awkward gift exchange. Ok, everyone has, at some point, been to one of these. Whether it’s at your office, church, with a group of “friends” you don't really like but you got sucked into going to their lame party anyway…. These white elephant, secret santa, or pirate Christmases are PAINFUL. Like when you get a crappy soap that you know has GOT to be re-gifted and then you have to pretend to be thrilled with it to save face even though you are crying inside because you really wanted the Target gift certificate? Example:
Public Monologue: “Oh my God! I love it! Sensual Amber from bath and body works is my favorite! Thanks so much! This will definitely be put to good use….”
Inner monologue: “Ok, cut the shit. I know you got a 10 dollar b&b pack on clearance to split up for all of your awkward gift exchanges and so does everyone else. Tightwad. Sensual Amber is not sensual at all and it smells like shit. I wonder if it would be too offensive if I dropped this in the trash on the way out… nah, better just do it later. Damn, I really wanted that Target gift card….”
Yeah. I hate those. They should be done away with and everyone should just save their 10 bucks. Real Christmas parties have open bar. Not dumb gift exchanges.
A few other offensive Christmas festivities include, but are not limited to:
Colored Lights: If you are over the age of 8, lose the colors.
Secondly, What is UP with the 2nd verse of the song “We Wish You a Merry Christmas”. For those of you who are carol retards it says :
“Oh Bring us some figgy pudding! oh bring us some figgy pudding! oh bring us some figgy pudding and a cup of good cheer.!
We won’t go until we get some! we won’t go until we get some! we won’t go until we get some so bring it right here.”
Ok-- what the FUCK is figgy pudding? Does anyone know? This song was written in England in the 16th century, so for all I know it could be like one of Sweeny Todd’s meat pies. Considering that it’s the year of 2010 and the only kind of pudding still in existence is Jello Instant, I think the lyrics should be changed to “we all want some chocolate pudding” or something of that nature. At least people will know what that is. Figs are for newtons. NOT pudding. The other problem with this song is… if I had some little carolers outside that told me they wouldn’t leave my house until I gave them some pudding, I would be PISSED…. Although I guess that part of the song is sort of in line with the youth of today, always demanding something. Either way, I would throw some snack packs at those ungrateful little shits and tell them to get off my lawn.
The Third Offender: The awkward gift exchange. Ok, everyone has, at some point, been to one of these. Whether it’s at your office, church, with a group of “friends” you don't really like but you got sucked into going to their lame party anyway…. These white elephant, secret santa, or pirate Christmases are PAINFUL. Like when you get a crappy soap that you know has GOT to be re-gifted and then you have to pretend to be thrilled with it to save face even though you are crying inside because you really wanted the Target gift certificate? Example:
Public Monologue: “Oh my God! I love it! Sensual Amber from bath and body works is my favorite! Thanks so much! This will definitely be put to good use….”
Inner monologue: “Ok, cut the shit. I know you got a 10 dollar b&b pack on clearance to split up for all of your awkward gift exchanges and so does everyone else. Tightwad. Sensual Amber is not sensual at all and it smells like shit. I wonder if it would be too offensive if I dropped this in the trash on the way out… nah, better just do it later. Damn, I really wanted that Target gift card….”
Yeah. I hate those. They should be done away with and everyone should just save their 10 bucks. Real Christmas parties have open bar. Not dumb gift exchanges.
A few other offensive Christmas festivities include, but are not limited to:
Colored Lights: If you are over the age of 8, lose the colors.
The offensive Clutter of plastic, light up, lawn decorations.- Although I’m sure the execs at the power companies love you, it's tacky. period. And Manheim Steamroller Christmas songs. Electronic Keyboard Christmas Carols will NEVER be cool.
I wish all of you the happiest of Holidays filled with sparkling white lights, Nat King Cole and Bing Crosby carols, open bars, and lots of family bonding.
I wish all of you the happiest of Holidays filled with sparkling white lights, Nat King Cole and Bing Crosby carols, open bars, and lots of family bonding.
Classy Christmas to all, And To all a goodnight!
Thursday, December 2, 2010
And I'm Naming Names....
In light of Thanksgiving last week, I really stopped to count my blessings and realized just how thankful I am. If the problems I have are problems, then, I’m doing pretty good.I am truly, truly thankful for all of my friends and family… Now, everyone says that on their facebook or twitter and it’s usually just a generalization kind of thing… but this year, I decided to give a shout out to the people who are most important in my life and tell them why I am thankful for them. The importance of what each of these people has brought to my life, is IRRIPLACEABLE and I am indebted to each of them. So here we go:
Mom- Thanks for being my rock and my best friend. For teaching me lessons and loving me no matter what.
Dad- Thanks for giving me my love for music and making me a walking musical genius (jr.). It’s safe to say that my entire life has been changed for the better because you’ve passed this on to me and I love you for it!
Sam- I’m thankful for our ever-growing bond. As the years pass, I become more and more proud of you and am glad that we have such an awesome friendship. The bond that you have with a sibling is one of a kind, and I couldn’t have a better one.
Uncle T- Too many thankful’s to name. (plus I know you’ll never read this, lol)
Aunt Di- I am thankful that we’ve been able to grow so close over the last year and a half. I love you and thank you for always making me laugh and ALWAYS listening to me, and never judging me.
Aunt Cath and Uncle Jer- Thank you for showing me strength in marriage.
Ash, Zach, Nick, Ben, Katrina and Josh, Garrett, Breezy- Most people aren’t close with their cousins. I’m lucky to not only love you, but count all of you as my brothers and sisters. Words can’t describe how thankful I am for you.
Emme, Anne Miller, Katie, Meredith, Hannah, Liz, Vanessa, Jocey, Kristen, Mary Chappell, Chrissie, Emily, Abbey- Thank you all for showing me what true friendship is. There is a piece of my soul that only feels complete when I am with you guys. I love you. They say you’re lucky if you can count your true friends on one hand. I have two hands and 3 fingers...
Ashlie, Katie C., KYD- Thank you for keeping me sane at work. I’m so blessed to have such great people to spend my week days (and sometimes weekends) with.
To all my readers (all 14 of you): Thank you for caring what I have to say/write, thinking I am funny, and going to my site every once in a while. I appreciate this more than you know.
“Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.”
~William Arthur Ward
Mom- Thanks for being my rock and my best friend. For teaching me lessons and loving me no matter what.
Dad- Thanks for giving me my love for music and making me a walking musical genius (jr.). It’s safe to say that my entire life has been changed for the better because you’ve passed this on to me and I love you for it!
Sam- I’m thankful for our ever-growing bond. As the years pass, I become more and more proud of you and am glad that we have such an awesome friendship. The bond that you have with a sibling is one of a kind, and I couldn’t have a better one.
Uncle T- Too many thankful’s to name. (plus I know you’ll never read this, lol)
Aunt Di- I am thankful that we’ve been able to grow so close over the last year and a half. I love you and thank you for always making me laugh and ALWAYS listening to me, and never judging me.
Aunt Cath and Uncle Jer- Thank you for showing me strength in marriage.
Ash, Zach, Nick, Ben, Katrina and Josh, Garrett, Breezy- Most people aren’t close with their cousins. I’m lucky to not only love you, but count all of you as my brothers and sisters. Words can’t describe how thankful I am for you.
Emme, Anne Miller, Katie, Meredith, Hannah, Liz, Vanessa, Jocey, Kristen, Mary Chappell, Chrissie, Emily, Abbey- Thank you all for showing me what true friendship is. There is a piece of my soul that only feels complete when I am with you guys. I love you. They say you’re lucky if you can count your true friends on one hand. I have two hands and 3 fingers...
Ashlie, Katie C., KYD- Thank you for keeping me sane at work. I’m so blessed to have such great people to spend my week days (and sometimes weekends) with.
To all my readers (all 14 of you): Thank you for caring what I have to say/write, thinking I am funny, and going to my site every once in a while. I appreciate this more than you know.
“Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.”
~William Arthur Ward
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