FACEOFF

I have been toying with the idea for several days now whether or not to deactivate my face book account. HUH? GASP! Once I decided to make the choice to leave my "facing" community, I felt better about it. Not wondering what assonine political statements were being made and then feeling convicted to reply sarcastically with the first thought that comes to my head. Way too time consuming! There were so many ridiculous comments that I grew weary. Being on top of my sarcastic game was becoming way too important AND not appreciated. It seems not everyone out in FB land appreciates my cynical, sarcastic comments and quick wit. (well, I think it's funny). In my defense, I have to say that my replies are always based on real convictions and actual knowledge of the subject at hand. Too many people, (certain ones more than others) just make these blanket political statements and offer no real intelligent ideas or references for the basis of their political outbursts. They can only reply with the same old comeback accusing me of being a "far left liberal." So NOT true. Luckily there are some real intelligent and highly educated facebookers (besides me hee hee hee) who have actual well thought out words of wisdom and are able to calmly and eloquently articulate their response. These INTELLIGENT responses could make a viable debate to learn and get insight. Unfortunately, the reality is that the crybabies and clowns can't seem to directly address the points TRYING to be raised. It always goes back to the same ridiculous namecalling, generalities, and tantrums. These are individuals, who in any other circumstance are pretty cool. (except for the one who always refers to me as "JULIE, HONEY" prefacing his namecalling and unfounded criticisms of me) Oh well. This is why I must leave and look for intelligent life out there, a place where civil discussions do exist. The world not so long ago allowed people to sit around together and discuss ideas and differences and learn from each other without fear of ridicule just for having opinions and ideas.

I find myself in a quandary, between a rock and a hard place, as the saying goes. My loyalty has been and always will be for President Barrack Obama. I say that because living in Titusville, on the Space Coast, there has been much discussion that the shuttle program will be winding down and funds allocated for that program will be shifted in a new direction, still supporting the U S and it's space program but not how those living here want it. I am not speaking out of a misunderstanding of what those who are sure to lose there jobs are facing as I am quite possibly in the same boat. My husband, brother and my boys' father have all worked for the shuttle program for nearly three decades and all of us may be greatly affected in the very near future. I still continue to be a die hard optimist and feel that many more and greater opportunities will come our way. The other day I told a group of my friends that I am not a "fair-weather" voter and I believe in the man I voted for. He will think things through, listen to the expert advisers, and come to an informed decision that will lead to the greater good. It turns out, in fact, he has been advised by top NASA officials that the shuttle program has become a financial pit and that there are more productive ways to support the U.S. space program and put it in a better direction. He was elected as the President of the United States and has a responsibility to all Americans, not just those of us living here. People seem to think that he has failed us because the shuttle program's contract has ended and he is not doing anything about it. They say that he cheated us because we voted for him thinking he would be able to keep things going as they are, when in fact he did not. In actuality, he was not elected President because of those on the Space Coast. He lost in most of the county, Titusville for sure. When asked what I meant by a "fair weather" voter, I explained that I am not going to praise him when things are going great and then bad mouth him when things are not. I didn't do that to President Bush either. People do seem to think that President Bush somehow has a free pass when it comes to our current predicament. It has been a known fact that certain contracts would be ending in 2010. However, that argument has fallen on deaf ears and it is a waste of time to continue making it. Just like a "fair weather" friend there are those that will be supportive during the good and lucrative times and then turn their backs when the going gets tough.

I HAVE a Dream; Joe's Story

When I first met Joe, he looked very "street tough" if that makes sense. His hard-core exterior, the kind that promotes unfair judgement for the better part of society, didn't seem to match his soft spoken tone and seemingly shy personality. I can't explain why I was interested in his life, where he came from and what he was all about. I imagined that he was a young man with a story to tell and probably did not even know it. Nevertheless, it was a story I wanted to hear and without realizing it at the time, a story I wanted to tell everyone else. Over the course of about three years, we spoke many times. It was almost always me asking him how and what he was doing and little by little I would learn about the life of this person who had probably been misunderstood and mistakenly characterized as some sort of thug just because of his outward appearance and the color of his skin. If one would look past the obvious stuff and make an effort to actually know what he is all about then they would understand how determined he is to make a difference in the world, especially his world. That became clear to me today and I am going to share his journey with anyone who will listen so we can break down the barriers that keep our worlds separate.

I hope the new year brings me more peace. I know that the year will be what I make it and if it is not peaceful then it will be my fault. I fully intend to put the "Let Go Let GOD" rule to the test.

Growing up Rich

Thanksgiving was great this year. It started out slightly melancholy for no particular reason but the mood changed as the family started rolling in. I realize this year how blessed I really am. My parents have always been there for me and still continue to "take care of me" when I need to be taken care of. It has not always been easy for them as I have had a few ups and downs along the way and if not for their unwavering love and support, I can't imagine how I would have made it through. My mom reminds me every once in awhile about how times were hard when Rick and I were kids. My mom going back to school and being gone during the summers, my dad taking care of us while working full time and coaching. Other times when they tried to make ends meet every month on a school teacher's salary and constantly having to remind us we would get things after the 16th because teachers only got paid once a month. So many sacrifices and so much hard work. The fact is, and I am sure Rick would agree, that if we really were "poor" we never were aware of it. It has always seemed strange when mom talks about the "hard times" because I never knew they were. I always felt privileged and well taken care of and never ever new money was tight. For that I will be forever grateful to mom and dad. This is why we willingly go along with the tradition my mom has set forth that has us holding hands and saying one by one why we are thankful. It never fails that mom will be the last to speak and cry her eyes out. We all laugh and joke about the impending "circle of life" and the comparisons to the citizens of Whoville chanting "ra hu ra hu ra hu ra hu" in the center of the town. So many memories and so much love and with each Thanksgiving we remember them all.

The Real Beauty and The Real Beast

I'm Baaaaack. My computer has been unavailable to me. However, it came at a good time because I had a case of the "blahs" BIGTIME! I just seemed to feel nothing which is what my writing would have reflected had I not had an excuse. Needless to say, I had an avalanche of meaningful thoughts during this so-called "downtime". My first attempt at reentry into the blogging world had better be good. So, here goes. I was watching Oprah on the episode where she interviewed Charla, the brave woman who survived a near fatal, brutal attack by a chimpanzee. Most everyone is familiar with the story by now. I admit I was sucked in by the trailer that played on my sense of morbid curiosity to see the first unveiling of the "woman without a face". The idea was that she would reveal herself in a controlled environment, without the pandemonium brought on by the uncaring paparazzi whose only goal was capturing the money shot. I felt completely comfortable with this reason and besides, Oprah does give an intelligent and thoughtful interview. As I was watching, I became completely fixated on the television and this brave, heroic woman who had nothing the least bit negative to say. She had no hate in her heart and no bitter or angry words. Her main concern was for her daughter and just surviving day to day. She had a new appreciation for something as insignificant as taking a walk and feeling the sun's warmth on her face shining through the hospital windows. I can honestly say that after the first few minutes, her unveiled face seemed to disappear when she spoke and I became lost in her words. What an inspiration this woman was to me. I spend so much time worrying about things that really mean nothing while she finds love and purpose in every waking moment. WOW! A commercial came on and I hit the "repeat" button on the remote control so I could follow my usual routine and watch Larry King Live during Oprah's commercials. I was sure that the most horrible and hideous sight had already appeared during the Oprah interview. I was wrong. The most awful and obnoxious vision that I never thought would be possible made it's way on to the television screen, Carrie Prejean, grinning from ear to ear with her HUGE......pearly white teeth showing off her book and scolding Larry King for being "inappropriate." Not just once, but at least three times and adding "Very" to inappropriate so he positively got the message. That moment was a turning point for me because I then realized what I should be spending my time worrying and writing about. I thank God for that moment and for Charla. She portrayed more beauty in her words, without a face, than Carrie Prejean, a ridiculous role model and a horrible representation of young Americans, could ever hope to project. Thank you Dear Lord for that lesson.

To punctuate or not to punctuate, that is the question

Where do I begin? Do I have so many thoughts racing through my mind that I don't know what to comment on first? Do I just have what is referred to as writer's block and I am making excuses? It is a little bit of both I suppose. Over the past several months, I am contemplating several options that I think I am good at. I love to write. I consider myself to be a self-made Fashionista and would love to share that with others. I have taken on another friend to personal train. I have decided I will follow all of these dreams and see which one I still feel passionate about a year from now. Why not? It has taken me my whole life to even know what I am good at and love doing, and now I have to make up for lost time. One thing I have decided to do is punctuate! That sounds petty and obvious to everyone else but for me it is a big step. My mind races so fast that my written words can't keep up with my brain's thoughts. The fact is that to be taken seriously by the editors I may show my work to, I have to do it right or I will undermine my great literary works and end up in the circular file. How tragic that would be. What if our fore fathers didn't capitalize or punctuate or even spell correctly. The right to "bear arms" would have a completely different meaning. Hunters would be wandering around aimlessly trying to kill game with the limbs of grizzly bears. "A rose by any other name" may smell like sweat? Maybe I really do have writer's block.