Like I said, I did not see the debate, but I am disturbed by this:
"Palin was asked about Vice President Dick Cheney’s contention that the vice president was a “free agent” unfettered by laws governing either the legislative or executive branches. Palin did not reply directly, saying instead that the Constitution was “flexible,” allowing a McCain-Palin administration to “do whatever we have to do to administer very appropriately the plans for this nation.”
Biden responded heatedly that “the Constitution is very clear.” Under Article I, the vice president is part of the executive branch, he said."
The Constitution still is the law (despite what we've seen the last 8 years), and we absolutely can't afford another administration that claims to be above it! I can't stress that enough. Oh please, America, wake up.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Rock the vote
I am going to miss the vice presidential debate tonight because of taiko practice. Although I'm sure it would be relatively amusing, I figure it's better to be hitting drums than to be hitting my head against the wall. There's a part of me that wants to see if Palin is truly as clueless and incompetent as I think she is. (Why do candidates go to such lengths to be the "average American," by the way? Personally, I want someone much smarter than that.) Her appeal is purely superficial, though, as far as I can tell. ("The president needs someone that is good at marketing," after all...someone actually told me that the other day, among other idiotic things. I just kept my mouth shut the whole time because I can't begin to debate someone with "points" like that.) Surely there must be something there that I am missing, right? Now, I have no doubt that she will put on a good performance and be prepared to attack (core values of the McCain campaign), but will she actually bring anything to the table? As much as people like to think VP does not make a difference, I think it's important to realize that this woman is a heartbeat away from the presidency--literally, because McCain is not exactly the picture of health. If you still don't know much about her, I urge you to do some research. It's frightening.
Voter registration ends October 8 in Missouri. It takes hardly any time, and unless you are in a coma or legally brain dead, you have no excuse to not even register. If you decide later not to vote, for whatever reason, fine. I won't really understand it, but I can at least respect it. Not even registering just blows my mind, though. I honestly think that it spits in the faces of our ancestors that fought for that right and people all over the world who would give anything for that opportunity. Our ancestors did not fight for our right to not give a shit, frankly, and indifference just accentuates how much we take for granted as Americans. The system might have some problems (electoral votes are outdated, for one), but opting out won't correct anything, anyway. You might not agree with every decision a candidate has ever made or might ever make, but if you don't pick a representative, someone else will just do it for you. You have one chance every 4 years, and that's all you can do. We are potentially on the brink of another depression, global warming is looming, oil companies are holding us hostage, we are still fighting a war...I can think of plenty of reasons why it's especially important to vote right now. The stakes are far too high to choose apathy.
http://think.mtv.com/044FDFFFF00A143B3001700993A6A/
Voter registration ends October 8 in Missouri. It takes hardly any time, and unless you are in a coma or legally brain dead, you have no excuse to not even register. If you decide later not to vote, for whatever reason, fine. I won't really understand it, but I can at least respect it. Not even registering just blows my mind, though. I honestly think that it spits in the faces of our ancestors that fought for that right and people all over the world who would give anything for that opportunity. Our ancestors did not fight for our right to not give a shit, frankly, and indifference just accentuates how much we take for granted as Americans. The system might have some problems (electoral votes are outdated, for one), but opting out won't correct anything, anyway. You might not agree with every decision a candidate has ever made or might ever make, but if you don't pick a representative, someone else will just do it for you. You have one chance every 4 years, and that's all you can do. We are potentially on the brink of another depression, global warming is looming, oil companies are holding us hostage, we are still fighting a war...I can think of plenty of reasons why it's especially important to vote right now. The stakes are far too high to choose apathy.
http://think.mtv.com/044FDFFFF00A143B3001700993A6A/
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Turning my luck around
Maybe my luck is finally changing! I won a gas card at the Maryville alumni thing last weekend (they gave out 4)--a small victory, but every little bit helps. Lately I've been kind of concerned about how I have been entering raffles and they haven't been picking my name, because that is pretty unusual. I mean, I haven't won anything since March! Yes, of this year....I know, some people never win anything, but my family and I just do. We've gotten used to it. (One of my cousins calls us the "Cheatin' Wieses.") My dad and sister each won tickets to the Rams and Cardinals games in the past few weeks, and I figured it was my turn to win something. I don't know how much this gas card is worth, but I know I will definitely use it.
The funny thing is, I had a strong feeling that they were going to pick my name at the next drawing. I left about 15 minutes before it, but I almost stayed just to find out if I was right. Sure enough, that's when they called it. Things like that happen too often to mention without sounding like a crazy person, but trust me, I regularly have premonitions. I attribute it to an unusually strong intuition. Unfortunately, I can't control what it picks up--it might be something as trivial as an email or as important as a death. I just never know if I'm right until it actually happens, and I still don't trust it enough to tell people about it until later, if at all. By now I should definitely stop second guessing my hunches, but it's so much easier to ignore them and let my head take the lead. My intuition often knows what's best before my head figures it out, though.
The funny thing is, I had a strong feeling that they were going to pick my name at the next drawing. I left about 15 minutes before it, but I almost stayed just to find out if I was right. Sure enough, that's when they called it. Things like that happen too often to mention without sounding like a crazy person, but trust me, I regularly have premonitions. I attribute it to an unusually strong intuition. Unfortunately, I can't control what it picks up--it might be something as trivial as an email or as important as a death. I just never know if I'm right until it actually happens, and I still don't trust it enough to tell people about it until later, if at all. By now I should definitely stop second guessing my hunches, but it's so much easier to ignore them and let my head take the lead. My intuition often knows what's best before my head figures it out, though.
Adorable
This is naturally my favorite commercial on tv right now. Cute kids dancing? You can't go wrong! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1cNDSPutas8
Monday, September 29, 2008
Sleep is for babies
As you may have noticed, I am passionate about a lot of things: dance, music, art, writing, politics, truth...the list goes on. I don't just do things, I live them, and I continue to build on them. I have narrowed in on these interests through a great deal of trial and error, though, and it seems like many people never really allow themselves that opportunity. They are either waiting on a friend to join them, assume they won't like something, or are too afraid of failing to do much of anything, I guess. I would have missed out on quite a bit if I took any of those approaches.
I have always done and continue to do whatever strikes my fancy, and life would be rather boring without that motivation. Here's a list of things that I tried during my school days, to show you what I mean: soccer, softball, volleyball, track, tumbling, girl scouts, student council, speech team, bowling lessons, choir, newspaper, yearbook, musical extra and set painter, campus activities board, and, of course, dance (poms, jazz, tap, ballet, hip hop, baton, dance team). Pretty eclectic, I would say. I stuck with everything but track, musical extra, and bowling for at least 3 years, too (soccer, softball, volleyball, tumbling, girl scouts, dance 6+ years). I also slept and did homework occasionally, I suppose (and had two jobs for part of that). Not all of those activities absolutely thrilled me, but they taught me something valuable and have helped shape who I am today. I think that was an important process in discovering my talents and inclinations, but I guess everyone goes about that in their own way.
I am always looking for ways to expand my experiences and fill my schedule, and it's hard for me to understand how some people don't have the drive to at least explore the possibilities. Life is in a constant state of growth, and I think it's important to nurture that in any way possible. That seems more valuable than ever since I lost my job. I can't currently claim to be a graphic designer; however, I am a flamenco and belly dancing taiko player who volunteers with kids. Not many people can say that. :)
I have always done and continue to do whatever strikes my fancy, and life would be rather boring without that motivation. Here's a list of things that I tried during my school days, to show you what I mean: soccer, softball, volleyball, track, tumbling, girl scouts, student council, speech team, bowling lessons, choir, newspaper, yearbook, musical extra and set painter, campus activities board, and, of course, dance (poms, jazz, tap, ballet, hip hop, baton, dance team). Pretty eclectic, I would say. I stuck with everything but track, musical extra, and bowling for at least 3 years, too (soccer, softball, volleyball, tumbling, girl scouts, dance 6+ years). I also slept and did homework occasionally, I suppose (and had two jobs for part of that). Not all of those activities absolutely thrilled me, but they taught me something valuable and have helped shape who I am today. I think that was an important process in discovering my talents and inclinations, but I guess everyone goes about that in their own way.
I am always looking for ways to expand my experiences and fill my schedule, and it's hard for me to understand how some people don't have the drive to at least explore the possibilities. Life is in a constant state of growth, and I think it's important to nurture that in any way possible. That seems more valuable than ever since I lost my job. I can't currently claim to be a graphic designer; however, I am a flamenco and belly dancing taiko player who volunteers with kids. Not many people can say that. :)
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Rising in the fall
This new season signifies a new start...for real this time. I am going to stop mourning my old job and other losses, pick up the pieces and move on. Already this week, I have started online web design classes and set up an orientation time to volunteer at St. Louis Crisis Nursery (Oct. 9). I'm going to start flamenco and belly dancing classes on Saturday (well, belly dancing will start next Saturday). I will be making sure that I keep in touch with some of my closest friends each week by setting aside a certain day to either talk on the phone (if they don't live here) or meet in person. Also--and this is the kicker--I am going to be open to dating.
Now, I have never really been open to dating in my life. Dating is more like something that has to sneak up on me, and I prefer it that way. A "date" sounds so official and intimidating, almost vaguely committal. (Generally, I avoid commitment like the plague, and dates reek of potential commitment.) I'm not necessarily opposed to commitment, I just think that it should not be forced. I have always rejected being set up with anyone and even avoided just answering phone calls from guys that I met at bars and whatnot. I'm pretty open to anything at this point in my life, though, and I figure I shouldn't turn down too many opportunities anywhere. My tried and true "I'm too busy" excuse doesn't apply anymore, anyway. (Honestly, it didn't really apply when I used it--if I wanted to, I could have found or made the time.) Even though I hate the idea, this could at least be mildly entertaining, even fun. A few prospects have come up recently, and I might as well give them a shot. Maybe it's a sign, you never know. Why fight the tide?
Now, I have never really been open to dating in my life. Dating is more like something that has to sneak up on me, and I prefer it that way. A "date" sounds so official and intimidating, almost vaguely committal. (Generally, I avoid commitment like the plague, and dates reek of potential commitment.) I'm not necessarily opposed to commitment, I just think that it should not be forced. I have always rejected being set up with anyone and even avoided just answering phone calls from guys that I met at bars and whatnot. I'm pretty open to anything at this point in my life, though, and I figure I shouldn't turn down too many opportunities anywhere. My tried and true "I'm too busy" excuse doesn't apply anymore, anyway. (Honestly, it didn't really apply when I used it--if I wanted to, I could have found or made the time.) Even though I hate the idea, this could at least be mildly entertaining, even fun. A few prospects have come up recently, and I might as well give them a shot. Maybe it's a sign, you never know. Why fight the tide?
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
The Awakening
I recently found this again and I thought it was worth another post. It was written by Sonny Carroll:
A time comes in your life when you finally get it ... when, in the midst of all your fears and insanity, you stop dead in your tracks and somewhere the voice inside your head cries out ENOUGH!!! Enough fighting and crying or struggling to hold on. And, like a child quieting down after a blind tantrum, your sobs begin to subside, you shudder once or twice, you blink back your tears and begin to look at the world through new eyes. This is your awakening.
You realize that it is time to stop hoping and waiting for something, or someone, to change or for happiness, safety and security to come galloping over the next horizon. You come to terms with the fact that there aren’t always fairytale endings (or beginnings for that matter) and that any guarantee of "happily ever after" must begin with you. Then a sense of serenity is born of acceptance. So you begin making your way through the “reality of today” rather than holding out for the “promise of tomorrow.”
You realize that much of the way you view yourself, and the world around you, is as a result of all the messages and opinions that have been ingrained into your psyche.You learn to open up to new worlds and different points of view. And you begin reassessing and redefining who you are and what you really stand for. You learn the difference between wanting and needing and you begin to discard the doctrines and values you've outgrown, or should never have bought into to begin with...and in the process you learn to go with your instincts.
And, you stop maneuvering through life merely as a “consumer” hungry for your next fix, a new dress, another pair of shoes or looks of approval and admiration from family, friends or even strangers who pass by. Then you discover that it is truly in giving that we receive and that the joy and abundance you seek grows out of the giving. And you recognize the importance of “creating” & “contributing” rather than “obtaining” & “accumulating.
And you give thanks for the simple things you’ve been blessed with; things that millions of people upon the face of the earth can only dream about: a full refrigerator, clean running water, a soft warm bed and the freedom to pursue your own dreams.
And then you begin to love and to care for yourself. You stop engaging in self-destructive behaviors including participating in dysfunctional relationships. You begin eating a balanced diet, drinking more water and exercising. And because you’ve learned that fatigue drains the spirit and creates doubt and fear, you give yourself permission to rest. And just as food is fuel for the body, laughter is fuel for the spirit and so you make it a point to create time for play.
Then you learn about love and relationships, how to love, how much to give in love, when to stop giving and when to walk away. And you allow only the hands of a lover who truly loves and respects you to glorify you with his touch. You learn that people don’t always say what they mean or mean what they say, intentionally or unintentionally, and that not everyone will always come through and interestingly enough, it’s not always about you. So, you stop lashing out and pointing fingers or looking to place blame for the things that were done to you or weren’t done for you. And you learn to keep your Ego in check and to acknowledge and redirect the destructive emotions it spawns; anger, jealousy and resentment.
You learn how to say "I was wrong" and to forgive people for their own human frailties. You learn to build bridges instead of walls and about the healing power of love as it is expressed through a kind word, a warm smile or a friendly gesture. And, at the same time, you eliminate any relationships that are hurtful or fail to uplift and edify you. You stop working so hard at smoothing things over and setting your needs aside. You learn that feelings of entitlement are perfectly OK and that it is your right to want or expect certain things. And you learn the importance of communicating your needs with confidence and grace. You learn that the only cross to bear is the one you choose to carry and that eventually martyrs are burned at the stake. Then you learn to distinguish between guilt and responsibility and the importance of setting boundaries and learning to say NO. You learn that you don’t know all the answers, it’s not your job to save the world and that sometimes you just need to Let Go.
Moreover, you learn to look at people as they really are and not as you would want them to be, and you are careful not to project your neediness or insecurities onto a relationship. You learn that you will not be more beautiful, more intelligent, more lovable or important because of the man on your arm or the child that bears your name. You learn that just as people grow and change, so it is with love and relationships and that that not everyone can always love you the way you would want them to. So you stop appraising your worth by the measure of love you are given. And suddenly you realize that it’s wrong to demand that someone live their life or sacrifice their dreams just to serve your needs, ease your insecurities, or meet “your” standards and expectations. You learn that the only love worth giving and receiving is the love that is given freely without conditions or limitations. And you learn what it means to love. So you stop trying to control people, situations and outcomes. You learn that “alone” does not mean “lonely” and you begin to discover the joy of spending time “with yourself” and “on yourself.” Then you discover the greatest and most fulfilling love you will ever know. Self Love. And so, it comes to pass that through understanding your heart heals; and now all new things are possible.
Moving along, you begin to avoid Toxic people and conversations. And you stop wasting time and energy rehashing your situation with family and friends. You learn that talk doesn’t change things and that unrequited wishes can only serve to keep you trapped in the past. So, you stop lamenting over what could or should have been and you make a decision to leave the past behind. Then you begin to invest your time and energy to affect positive change. You take a personal inventory of all your strengths and weaknesses and the areas you need to improve in order to move ahead. You set your goals and map out a plan of action to see things through.
You learn that life isn’t always fair and you don’t always get what you think you deserve and you stop personalizing every loss or disappointment. You learn to accept that sometimes bad things happen to good people and that these things are not an act of God... but merely a random act of fate.
And you stop looking for guarantees because you’ve learned that the only thing you can really count on is the unexpected and that whatever happens, you’ll learn to deal with it. And you learn that the only thing you must truly fear is the great robber baron of all time, FEAR itself. So you learn to step right into and through your fears because to give into fear is to give away the right to live life on your terms. You learn that much of life truly is a self-fulfilling prophesy and you learn to go after what you want and not to squander your life living under a cloud of indecision or feelings of impending doom.
Slowly, you begin to take responsibility for yourself by yourself and you make yourself a promise to never betray yourself and to never ever settle for less than your heart’s desire. Then a sense of power is born of self-reliance. And you live with honor and integrity because you know that these principles are not the outdated ideals of a by-gone era but the mortar that holds together the foundation upon which you must build your life. And you make it a point to keep smiling, to keep trusting and to stay open to every wonderful opportunity and exciting possibility.
Finally, with courage in your heart and with God by your side, you take a stand, you take a deep breath and you begin to design the life you want to live as best as you can.
A time comes in your life when you finally get it ... when, in the midst of all your fears and insanity, you stop dead in your tracks and somewhere the voice inside your head cries out ENOUGH!!! Enough fighting and crying or struggling to hold on. And, like a child quieting down after a blind tantrum, your sobs begin to subside, you shudder once or twice, you blink back your tears and begin to look at the world through new eyes. This is your awakening.
You realize that it is time to stop hoping and waiting for something, or someone, to change or for happiness, safety and security to come galloping over the next horizon. You come to terms with the fact that there aren’t always fairytale endings (or beginnings for that matter) and that any guarantee of "happily ever after" must begin with you. Then a sense of serenity is born of acceptance. So you begin making your way through the “reality of today” rather than holding out for the “promise of tomorrow.”
You realize that much of the way you view yourself, and the world around you, is as a result of all the messages and opinions that have been ingrained into your psyche.You learn to open up to new worlds and different points of view. And you begin reassessing and redefining who you are and what you really stand for. You learn the difference between wanting and needing and you begin to discard the doctrines and values you've outgrown, or should never have bought into to begin with...and in the process you learn to go with your instincts.
And, you stop maneuvering through life merely as a “consumer” hungry for your next fix, a new dress, another pair of shoes or looks of approval and admiration from family, friends or even strangers who pass by. Then you discover that it is truly in giving that we receive and that the joy and abundance you seek grows out of the giving. And you recognize the importance of “creating” & “contributing” rather than “obtaining” & “accumulating.
And you give thanks for the simple things you’ve been blessed with; things that millions of people upon the face of the earth can only dream about: a full refrigerator, clean running water, a soft warm bed and the freedom to pursue your own dreams.
And then you begin to love and to care for yourself. You stop engaging in self-destructive behaviors including participating in dysfunctional relationships. You begin eating a balanced diet, drinking more water and exercising. And because you’ve learned that fatigue drains the spirit and creates doubt and fear, you give yourself permission to rest. And just as food is fuel for the body, laughter is fuel for the spirit and so you make it a point to create time for play.
Then you learn about love and relationships, how to love, how much to give in love, when to stop giving and when to walk away. And you allow only the hands of a lover who truly loves and respects you to glorify you with his touch. You learn that people don’t always say what they mean or mean what they say, intentionally or unintentionally, and that not everyone will always come through and interestingly enough, it’s not always about you. So, you stop lashing out and pointing fingers or looking to place blame for the things that were done to you or weren’t done for you. And you learn to keep your Ego in check and to acknowledge and redirect the destructive emotions it spawns; anger, jealousy and resentment.
You learn how to say "I was wrong" and to forgive people for their own human frailties. You learn to build bridges instead of walls and about the healing power of love as it is expressed through a kind word, a warm smile or a friendly gesture. And, at the same time, you eliminate any relationships that are hurtful or fail to uplift and edify you. You stop working so hard at smoothing things over and setting your needs aside. You learn that feelings of entitlement are perfectly OK and that it is your right to want or expect certain things. And you learn the importance of communicating your needs with confidence and grace. You learn that the only cross to bear is the one you choose to carry and that eventually martyrs are burned at the stake. Then you learn to distinguish between guilt and responsibility and the importance of setting boundaries and learning to say NO. You learn that you don’t know all the answers, it’s not your job to save the world and that sometimes you just need to Let Go.
Moreover, you learn to look at people as they really are and not as you would want them to be, and you are careful not to project your neediness or insecurities onto a relationship. You learn that you will not be more beautiful, more intelligent, more lovable or important because of the man on your arm or the child that bears your name. You learn that just as people grow and change, so it is with love and relationships and that that not everyone can always love you the way you would want them to. So you stop appraising your worth by the measure of love you are given. And suddenly you realize that it’s wrong to demand that someone live their life or sacrifice their dreams just to serve your needs, ease your insecurities, or meet “your” standards and expectations. You learn that the only love worth giving and receiving is the love that is given freely without conditions or limitations. And you learn what it means to love. So you stop trying to control people, situations and outcomes. You learn that “alone” does not mean “lonely” and you begin to discover the joy of spending time “with yourself” and “on yourself.” Then you discover the greatest and most fulfilling love you will ever know. Self Love. And so, it comes to pass that through understanding your heart heals; and now all new things are possible.
Moving along, you begin to avoid Toxic people and conversations. And you stop wasting time and energy rehashing your situation with family and friends. You learn that talk doesn’t change things and that unrequited wishes can only serve to keep you trapped in the past. So, you stop lamenting over what could or should have been and you make a decision to leave the past behind. Then you begin to invest your time and energy to affect positive change. You take a personal inventory of all your strengths and weaknesses and the areas you need to improve in order to move ahead. You set your goals and map out a plan of action to see things through.
You learn that life isn’t always fair and you don’t always get what you think you deserve and you stop personalizing every loss or disappointment. You learn to accept that sometimes bad things happen to good people and that these things are not an act of God... but merely a random act of fate.
And you stop looking for guarantees because you’ve learned that the only thing you can really count on is the unexpected and that whatever happens, you’ll learn to deal with it. And you learn that the only thing you must truly fear is the great robber baron of all time, FEAR itself. So you learn to step right into and through your fears because to give into fear is to give away the right to live life on your terms. You learn that much of life truly is a self-fulfilling prophesy and you learn to go after what you want and not to squander your life living under a cloud of indecision or feelings of impending doom.
Slowly, you begin to take responsibility for yourself by yourself and you make yourself a promise to never betray yourself and to never ever settle for less than your heart’s desire. Then a sense of power is born of self-reliance. And you live with honor and integrity because you know that these principles are not the outdated ideals of a by-gone era but the mortar that holds together the foundation upon which you must build your life. And you make it a point to keep smiling, to keep trusting and to stay open to every wonderful opportunity and exciting possibility.
Finally, with courage in your heart and with God by your side, you take a stand, you take a deep breath and you begin to design the life you want to live as best as you can.
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