What is the reason for the season?

The majority of my friends (and family) consider themselves to be Christian.  I do not find that offensive and I am grateful that they have faith a spirit which is all-knowing and greater than us.  But for some reason, lately I have found it kind of offensive to my beliefs when I read and hear things like "Christ is the reason for the season" and "it's Merry Christmas - NOT Happy Holidays".  Before I get a bunch of angry comments and a bunch of people defriend - let me tell you why I have been feeling offended.  I grew up in a Roman Catholic home.  I was baptized, made my first communion and even took part in Confirmation.  I went to a private, catholic elementary school.  When I became pregnant, I planned to baptize my child into the catholic church and I was ready to raise her with the same religion that my parents raised me.  But that changed at the age of 25 when the Catholic Church which I was a member of shunned me due to my circumstances on becoming the greatest gift in the world - a mother.  Because I believed in the principles that the Bible teaches (morality, love one another, thou shalt not kill, etc) I turned to a Disciples of Christ church - non-denominational, christian-based fellowship - in which I dedicated my child to.  Then, I began to see the same hypocrisy in that fellowship as I experienced in that Catholic Church.  I began to see (and hear) the pure hatred that these "Christians" had for other religions and other beliefs.  One of the core principles that I learned in 2nd grade religion class with Mrs. Wilke at St. Mary Catholic School was "God loves everyone. God takes care of all of us.  We shall love one another and be kind to one another."  As an adult, I began to see the pure hatred that others have for one another. And I began to see that by nature, human beings are loving, caring, nurturing and supportive - but add radical, deeply religious brainwashing - that you have a bunch of people at odds with each other.  Throughout history, different religions have forged some kind of war against another religion - whether is is Christians vs Muslims, Jewish vs. Chrisitian, Paganism vs. Catholicism - for thousands of years, believers of one religion have attempted to persecute believers of a religion different from theirs.  Over the last few years, my beliefs have gotten stronger because I have enjoyed learning the history of the belief.  I have learned that my chosen path is considered the Oldest Religion in the world and have learned that each and every Sabbat that is celebrated in the Christian faith was derived from the Celebrations and Festivals for the Sabbats which are celebrated by Pagans all over the world.  Why then does the christian church (using this term to describe all followers of Christ's teachings) teach it's parishioners that Pagans are "Satan Worshippers" and "Sinners"?  Why are there so many "Christians" that believe that Christ is the reason for "Season" and that Christ rose from the dead on Easter?  Are the MAJORITY of Christians aware that their "holy days" like Christmas and Easter were derived from Pagan customs?  Do they know that Easter, Lent and the events surrounding it fall directly in line with the Pagan celebrations of Oestara (the Spring Equinox)?  Do they know that all of the traditions that are practiced during the "Christmas Season" are those that were originally celebrated by Pagans in honor of  Mabon (Autumn Equinox), Samahain (pronounced sow-en and is celebrated as Halloween) and Yule (Winter Solstice) - which are celebrated from approximately Septemeber 21st through December 21st.

So, in truth - Christ is not the reason for the Season.  Jesus Christ was the "son of God" - he was not God - therefore, he did not created the earth, the moon and the stars.  God created all of these.  In a world where we are striving for peace among all nations and all religions - why then do members of the Christian faith continue to attempt to chastise and degrade the beliefs and practices of the worlds other religions?  In fact, there is no place in the Old or the New Testament that states that Christ was born December 25th - in contrast there is possibly evidence to prove otherwise.

My wish is that followers of other religions would take time to learn the fundamentals about each other's faiths.  I am not against Christianity - and in fact I do agree with a lot of the teachings of the bible - but I am against hypocrisy and bullying.  

White Bison's Elder Meditation of the Day - November 28, 2012

Elder's Meditation of the Day - November 28
"People say that crisis changes people and turns ordinary people into wiser or more responsible ones."
-- Wilma Mankiller, CHEROKEE
There is a saying, conflict precedes clarity. The Medicine Wheel teachings say, in order for something to change it must first go through a struggle. When a crisis enters our lives, other powers are there to help us. We will learn some lessons. Will I honor and respect the next crisis?

Great Spirit, if a crisis occurs today, let me learn the lessons of wisdom. 

The meditations are copyright of Coyhis Publishing and can also be found in the book,
Meditations with Native American Elders: The Four Seasons at www.coyhispublishing.com.
Any republishing of part or all of their contents is prohibited.

White Bison's Elder Meditation of the Day - November 27, 2012

Elder's Meditation of the Day - November 27
"The Natural Law is a spiritual law. Its powers are both light and dark."
-- Oren R. Lyons, Spokesman Traditional Circle of Elders
There are some characteristics that are evident in the system which the Creator made. He made balance, harmony, and polarity. In other words, every (+) plus has a (-) minus. Every positive has a negative; every up has a down; every problem has a solution. The Spiritual Law is the same - it has light and dark. Both are good, so both need to be honored. Lessons can be learned on both sides.

Great Spirit, teach me the powers of the Natural Laws. 

The meditations are copyright of Coyhis Publishing and can also be found in the book,
Meditations with Native American Elders: The Four Seasons at www.coyhispublishing.com.
Any republishing of part or all of their contents is prohibited.

White Bison's Elder Meditation of the Day - November 26, 2012

Elder's Meditation of the Day - November 26
"In our traditional ways, the woman is the foundation of the family."
-- Haida Gwaii Traditional Circle of Elders
We must pay attention to the role of the woman in the family. She is the heartbeat of the family. She should be respected and treated in a sacred manner. We should listen to her guidance. We should help make her role easier by helping with chores or just telling her how much we appreciate her.

Great Spirit, I ask you to bless all the moms. 

The meditations are copyright of Coyhis Publishing and can also be found in the book,
Meditations with Native American Elders: The Four Seasons at www.coyhispublishing.com.
Any republishing of part or all of their contents is prohibited.

White Bison's Elder Meditation of the Day - November 25, 2012

Elder's Meditation of the Day - November 25
"People and nations who understand the Natural Law are self-governing, following the principles of love and respect that insure freedom and peace."
-- Traditional Circle of Elders, NAVAJO-HOPI Joint Use Area
The Natural Laws work hand-in-hand with the circle. Each part of a circle will look to the center and will see something different. For example, if you put an irregular shaped object in the center of a circle and you have people standing in a circle around the object, each one will describe it differently. Everyone in the circle will be right. Only by honoring and respecting everyone's input, can the truth about the object be revealed. We need to learn to honor differences.

My Creator, let me honor all differences. 

The meditations are copyright of Coyhis Publishing and can also be found in the book,
Meditations with Native American Elders: The Four Seasons at www.coyhispublishing.com.
Any republishing of part or all of their contents is prohibited.

Saturday, November 24, 2012 - White's Bisons Elder Meditation of the Day

Elder's Meditation of the Day - November 24
"Things would go well for us if we would think positively about everything."
-- Mary Hayes, CLAOQUOT
Each of our thoughts are like individual seeds. These thoughts will plant our life garden. Whatever our thoughts, they grow in our gardens. Each day we will process about 50,000 thoughts or thought seeds. Positive thoughts will produce positive results. Have you ever been aware of what you are thinking about during the day? Of the possible 50,000 thoughts in one day - if the positive thoughts were flowers and the negative thoughts were weeds - how would your garden look at the end of the day?

Great Spirit, let me plant positive seeds.

The meditations are copyright of Coyhis Publishing and can also be found in the book,
Meditations with Native American Elders: The Four Seasons at www.coyhispublishing.com.
Any republishing of part or all of their contents is prohibited.

Friday, November 23, 2012 - White Bison's Elder Meditation of the Day

Elder's Meditation of the Day - November 23 "We're sitting on our blessed Mother Earth from which we get our strength and determination, love and humility, all the beautiful attributes that we've been given. So turn to one another; love one another; respect one another; respect Mother Earth; respect the waters-because that's life itself!" -- Phil Lane, Sr. YANKTON SIOUX Our entire point of view can be altered by making one change to align with the principles of the Great Spirit. Let's say we decide to become respectful. As we become respectful, our attitude will change. We will automatically draw into our lives knowledge about the other principles of the Great Spirit such as love, appreciation, trust, beauty, and peace of mind. By focusing on these principles, we will let go of selfishness, self centeredness, self pity, dishonesty, and fear. You focus on respect, you get respect; you focus on love, you get love; you focus on the Red Road, you get peace of mind. Great Spirit, let me learn the lessons of respect. To unsubscribe, click here. The meditations are copyright of Coyhis Publishing and can also be found in the book, Meditations with Native American Elders: The Four Seasons at www.coyhispublishing.com. Any republishing of part or all of their contents is prohibited.

Thursday, November 22, 2012 - White Bison's Elder Meditation of the Day

Elder's Meditation of the Day - November 22
"It's the most precious thing...to know absolutely where you belong. There's a whole emotional wrapping-around-of-you here. You see the same rock, tree, road, clouds, sun -- you develop a nice kind of intimacy with the world around you. To be intimate is to grow, to learn...[it] is absolutely fulfilling. Intimacy, that's my magic word for why I live here."
-- Tessie Maranjo, SANTA CLARA PUEBLO
Every human being, to be mentally healthy, must have the feeling of belonging. When we have a sense of belonging we can be intimate. We can feel. We can connect. If we cannot develop this feeling of belonging, then we will feel lost of disconnected. To be disconnected from life is like walking around during the day not knowing the Sun exists. To have the feelings of intimacy is warm, glowy, joyful, loving, and connected. The feeling this Elder is talking about is available to everyone.

Great Spirit, let me be intimate.

To Subscribe: www.whitebison.org

Retail and the holiday....

So, by now many of you have heard about some Wal-Mart employees planning to walk out of work on Black Friday in protest of the store being open on Thanksgiving.  In some respects, I agree with their initiative, but in others I don't.  You see, it stinks that my husband has to go into work at 5 pm on Thanksgiving Day and work until 2 am.  I would much rather he be home with myself and my daughter and be able to go with us to a friends house for Thanksgiving Dinner.  This is our first holiday living in Tennessee and our immediate families will not be here to celebrate.  So, we were invited to share Thanksgiving with my old high school friend and his family over in Knoxville.  I feel horrible that I am going without Jeff and it saddens me that I feel so guilty about it.  I understand that he chose to get a job in retail (in actuallity, he took whatever job he could get in order to bring money into the home).  But I also remember a time when nothing was open on Thanksgiving.  Stores were dark and everyone was home with their families.  Perhaps if they could wait a little later to open - like maybe 10 pm??? 

I don't know the solution - big business will always be looking to make more money - and this is the most profitable time of year for retailers.  But at what price? Politicians talk constantly about "family values" - maybe family values need to be instilled in more businesses?  Happy Workers = high productivity & job loyalty.   Family values is just one of the reasons why I love my job.  My employer puts a lot into ensuring work-life-family balance. I do think, however, that we need to go back to those times when stores were closed on Sundays and Holidays - I think that it would say a lot for famiy values. 

Wednesday, November 21, 2012 - White Bison's Elder Meditation of the Day

Elder's Meditation of the Day - November 21
"In the absence of the sacred, nothing is sacred, everything is for sale."
-- Oren Lyons, ONONDAGA
The Elders often say that when something is sacred it has spiritual value. You'll hear, on the Earth there are sacred spots. You'll hear, our ceremonies are sacred, our children are sacred, marriage is sacred. When something is sacred it means it's so holy you can't attach a value to it. Therefore, it's not for sale. It's an insult to suggest buying something sacred. On the other hand, if we look at it differently, as there is no sacred land, ceremonies are not sacred, our children are not sacred, etc., then everything is for sale. Sacredness creates spiritual space. Sacredness makes things holy. Sacredness shows respect for God.

Great Spirit, let me honor things that are sacred.

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Friday, November 16, 2012 - Elder's Meditation of the Day

Elder's Meditation of the Day - November 16
"We do not want riches, but we want to train our children right. Riches would do us no good. We could not take them with us to the other world. We do not want riches, we want peace and love."
-- Red Cloud, OGLALA LAKOTA
The Elders say that what is important is peace and love. To have material things is okay, but if not, that's okay too. To have peace and love is more important than anything material. Our children will see the value of peace and love only if adults show they are a priority. Too often we think we can offer material things and they will replace the time spent with our children. But the most important way to give our children peace and love is to spend time with them.

My Creator, give me Your peace and love today.

Wednesday, November 14, 2012 - White Bison's Elder Meditation of the Day

Elder's Meditation of the Day - November 14
"The hearts of little children are pure, and therefore, the Great Spirit may show to them many things which older people miss."
-- Black Elk (Hehaka Sapa) OGLALA LAKOTA
Sometimes adults think they know more than the children. But the children are closer to the truth. Have you ever noticed how quickly they can let go of resentments? Have you ever noticed how free they are of prejudice? Have you ever noticed how well the children listen to their bodies? Maybe adults need to be more like children. They are so innocent. The children pray to the Creator and trust that He will take care of them.

Grandfather, today let the children be my teacher.

Obama vs. Romney - Comparison of the major issues

Which candidate is right for YOU?  Which candidate aligns with your beliefs on the major issues?  It's time to stop listening to what the media wants you to know.  And it's time for voters to stop and think about what is important.  Use some common sense when making your choice for President.

Abortion:
Romney:  Pro-Life - Previously supported a Women's right to choose, but is now opposed to abortions, unless it involves cases of rape, incest, or the mother's life is in mortal danger. Does NOT support a Federal Ban on Abortions, however, favors States right to Ban Abortions.  He vetoed the "Contraception Bill" - effectively requiring parental consent for contraceptives for young women under 18. He is in favor of adoption, favors the repeal of Roe v. Wade in order to put the ability of to place pro-life legislation in the hands of the states, only if the legislation is voted on by the people of the state. Supports the de-funding of Planned Parenthood, which would limit a woman's ability to obtain contraceptives, mammograms, yearly PAP Smears and Breast Exams. He is not in favor of Embryonic Stem Cell research (research that is important to finding cures for diseases such as diabetes, cancer, MS & MD)

 In 1994, he explained (in a debate against the late Edward Kennedy) that he does not believe in imposing HIS personal beliefs on others.  He also stated that because of the death of a family member from an illegal abortion, he and his family have supported Roe v. Wade since 1970 and the right for women to choose, but in 2007 he told USA today that he no longer feels this way and that his prior position was wrong.  

Obama: Pro-Choice - Supported Federal Ban on funding elective abortions & federal subsidies that had been previously allowed in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) Supports the constitutional right that was upheld with Roe v. Wade - which protects not only a woman's health and reproductive freedoms but also affirms that the government should not intrude on private family matters.  He has also affirmed that he is committed to policies, programs and initiatives that help prevent unintended pregnancies, support pregnant women and mothers, encourage healthy relationships and promote adoption. . Obama disagrees with parental consent/notification - siting that some young women are not able to turn to their mothers & fathers in time of trouble, and in this case they should be permitted to to seek the advise of a trusted adult.  Obama supports Planned Parenthood, embryonic stem cell research and adoption.  

Afghanistan:
Romney: Believes that the US presence in Afghanistan should be decided upon by the Military top brass. He feels that the country should not make similar commitments in the future. He supports the current administrations deadline to remove troops from Afghanistan by September 2014 but disagrees with the plan that has been put in place to achieve it. 

Obama: On May 2, 2012, President Obama announced in front of hundreds of troops in Afghanistan that by the end of 2012 he would end combat operations in Afghanistan.  He also announced that he would hand of security control to the Afghani Forces by 2014. 

Budget:
Romney: Believes in the principle of "Reaganomics" - cut taxes which is believed to bring economic growth. Cut taxes on people making less than $200K a year and also cut payroll taxes on people aged 65 or older. He supports setting up a national catastrophic fund to ensure that people are entitled to home owners insurance in the event of natural disasters like Hurricanes and Tornadoes. He proposed an economic stimulus package with a price tag of $233 billion which is aimed at generating long term growth. This included lowering the corporate gains tax. Perpetrates the need for becoming energy independent by making investments in alternative energy sources, reduce gas prices, and reduce taxes on the middle-class. Wants to cut 342 odd different economic programs in order to protect the nation's defense and provide more funding to the military. Has a 10 year plan to bring savings worth $300 billion dollars by capping non-defense discretionary spending at inflation minus 1% and will veto any budget that exceeds that cap. Wants to convince government to cut deficits and raise American's savings rate by making more capitol available for companies for investment which would increase employment opportunities. 

Obama: Obama's plan are to reduce decades of economic inequality that prevails in the US. He wants to bring in a progressive tax code - which will involve raising tax rates for the HIGH income category proportionately while increasing the tax cuts and credits for the middle and low income sector.  He is believes in the overhaul of Health Care which will bring down the costs of Private Health. The American Recovery and Reinvestment act was aimed at creating 3.5 million new jobs, making important infrastructural investments and giving tax reliefs to 95% of working class Americans. He has a long term plan aimed at developing alternative sources of power like solar, bio fuels, and thermal power; reducing dependence on foreign oils and imports. By doing this, it will reduce the existing deficits. Supports improving our educational system, giving incentives to good teachers.  He aims to make college education available to everyone who are competant by expanding Pell Grants and initiating new tax credits.  

These are just a few of the comparisons.  If you want to see more unbiased  comparisons on other issues, visit http://2012.candidate-comparison.org/?compare=Romney&vs=Obama 

Football is Life....

You know why I like Autumn?  Not only does Mother Earth show us just how beautiful she is with all of her vibrant colors, but Autumn means it's Football Season.  Ever since I was a little girl, Football, to me, meant time with my family.  It meant 5 pm living room High School Football picks with my sister and my dad.  My dad would read the match-ups for the week and my sister and I would have to guess who the sportswriters had picked to win that week.  If we got it right, my dad wouldn't make a sound. But if we got it wrong he would make a funny buzzer sound....I can hear him making that sound as I write this.  Then there was Saturday afternoon College Football - not too big of a deal in our household unless one of our favorite schools was in a Bowl Game - Then we watched them an cheered our team on.  However, the biggest deal in our household was Pro-Football - but more importantly was Cleveland Browns Football and our hatred of the Steelers and the Broncos.  Cleveland Browns football - win or lose they were our team.  And even though people would tease us for being such big fans - they represented our hometown - they represented Ohio and they represented some of the best memories of my childhood.  

My parents had season tickets and I remember every year on my birthday (or as close to my birthday as possible) my mom would give up her ticket so I could go to the game with my dad and their group of friends that they had season tickets with.  "Uncle" Jim and "Aunt" Margie, Rick and T.J., Melissa and Susan.  I loved being their....I loved watching Bernie, Hanford, and the crew running and passing the ball up and down the field.  I loved being their when the Dawg Pound came to life every time our beloved Brownies would score --- it was especially sweet when they won.  Sitting at the Old Municipal Stadium with the smell of beef hot dogs and Ballpark Mustard mixed with the aroma of Pabst Blue Ribbon beer or Miller Lite.  

Then on December 17, 1995 - I was in my car at Kent State University Ashtabula when Art Modell came on WTAM 1100 AM to announce that at the end of the season, he was moving MY team to Baltimore, MD.  I won't lie, it brought tears to my eyes - how could he do this to Cleveland?  How could he do this to me? I wouldn't get to have those football games with my dad anymore.  I wouldn't get to spend that special time with him.  And who was I going to call "my" team now?  Back then Kent didn't have a good football team and it was hard to get excited about football.  

I did what any other football crazy girl would do - with reservation - I picked another team.  So I picked a team that reminded me of the glory days of my beloved Cleveland Browns. And the team that had one of the most attractive, blue-collar looking QB in the NFL - that's right I became a "Cheesehead".  I cheered on the Green Bay Packers every week of every season.  And I learned more and more about what it takes to be a great QB - a fast Wide Receiver, a strong Safety.  How important the Running Back is and how far a great Kicker could land a field goal - right through the middle of uprights from 53 yards away.  Ahhhhh - football - such a great thing. 

Then there was August 1999 - the Browns came back!!!!  It was a great day in Cleveland.  Even though the history was there - it was a new time - a new Era.  They weren't the same Browns of my childhood and I haven't shared a football game at Cleveland Browns Stadium with my Dad since 1994.  I miss those days.  The Browns aren't a good team right now - but they are still my team - I still bleed Brown & Orange.  I stay loyal to my home and the nostalgia of my child years.  I still love the Packers though and cheer them on every week as well.  Now I have two teams to cheer for and it just makes football that much more enjoyable.  

My daughter asked me "Why do you like football so much Mom?  It's boring."  I can't explain it to her; other than saying "It's life."  She might never understand Pass Interference, roughing the passer or encroachment.  She might never know what "offensive holding" is or understand why the coach throws a red flag when he doesn't agree with the referee's call on the field or why, if he loses the challenge, the team loses one of their timeouts for the half.  But what she will know is that mom wasn't afraid to cheer for the underdog.  Mom remained passionate about her teams.  

I will cheer on the Browns, the Packers, the Golden Flashes and the Buckeyes - win or lose they are my teams.  Win or lose they help give meaning to life. 

White Bison's Elder's Meditaton of the Day ~ October 24, 2012

Elder's Meditation of the Day - October 24
"We create that bad among ourselves. We create it; then we try to call it devil, satan, or evil. But man creates it. There is no devil. Man creates the devil."
-- Wallace Black Elk, LAKOTA
Inside every human being are the laws and codes by which we should live. These laws and codes are communicated to us through a little voice. When we are still, this voice guides us. If we choose to live out of harmony, our lives become filled with anger, hate, selfishness, dishonesty, etc... When these things appear in our lives, we give up accountability and blame it on something or someone else. If we want to live in harmony, we need to pray our way back to living the principles the Creator gave us.

Grandfather, today let me walk with the principles. 


 

The meditations are copyright of Coyhis Publishing and can also be found in the book,
Meditations with Native American Elders: The Four Seasons at www.coyhispublishing.com.
Any republishing of part or all of their contents is prohibited.

Elder's Medication of the Day - October 23, 2012

Elder's Meditation of the Day - October 23
"We do not walk alone. Great Being walks beside us. Know this and be grateful."
-- Polingaysi Q“yawayma, HOPI
Many religions have different names for these Beings. Some are called angels, some are called spirits. These Spirit Beings are helpers. They guide us, protect us and will help us during our times of need. Sometimes they give us dreams. We need not be afraid when these Spirit Helpers come. We need to understand they are the Creator's helpers.

Great Spirit, send me the helpers to guide my path as I seek to walk in Your service. 


 

The meditations are copyright of Coyhis Publishing and can also be found in the book,
Meditations with Native American Elders: The Four Seasons at www.coyhispublishing.com.
Any republishing of part or all of their contents is prohibited.

White Bison's Elder's Meditation of the Day ~ October 22, 2012

Elder's Meditation of the Day - October 22
"Growth is a painful process."
-- Wilma Mankiller, CHEROKEE
Whenever we grow, we usually need to let go of emotional attachments. Letting go can be painful. Sometimes growth allows us to deal with fear. All fear can fit into two categories: one, we're going to lose something we have, and two, we're not going to get something we want. Both of these categories can cause pain. The best way to grow is to pray to the Great Spirit and ask Him to guide and protect us. All growth is guided by God.

My Creator, guide my growth today and give me Your love and courage to help my pain.

To subscriber: www.whitebison.com

Kent State University: Josh Cribbs

President?

Okay, so I have kept my mouth shut for a long time on all the presidential election stuff, but I just can't keep quiet anymore.  I thought that I would just throw this out there for people to think about....be informed and choose the best candidate for you....but when doing so think about the issues that mean the most to you.  For me, in no special order, what matters most to me are the following:

1. Women's and Gay Rights Issues - I believe in marriage equality...and yes that means that I believe that the GLBT community should have the same rights as me and my husband do.  The same rights as all heterosexual couples have.  Legally, Marriage is a legal, binding contract.  Anyone over the age of 18 can enter into a contract - this includes the Civil Union of two individuals who love and respect each other and want to show a commitment to one another just as I have with my husband. I believe that the government has no right to tell a couple who they can love and who they can enter into the contract of marriage with.  The constitution of the United States allows (in fact dictates) the separation between Church and State.  Therefore, we don't need elected officials telling us who we can and cannot love and who we can and cannot marry.  - I don't want an elected official who believes in passing laws that take us back to the 1800 and early 1900's by limited who can and cannot enter into Marriage - it's not a government issue - it's a church issue. In addition, I don't want an elected official who believes in the repeal of Roe v. Wade and going back to the 1960's by making abortion illegal.  A woman should have the right to choose.  In today's world, we have more and more options available to us by way of contraception.  Circumstances do happen to people who try the best they can to practice safe sex.  By taking away the right for women on Medicaid to obtain birth control, we are limiting the woman's right to choose.  In addition, I do not feel that the Government has any right to push their interpretation of the bible on the rest of the country.  For me, my child was a miracle - and while it was difficult to be a single mother - I would have made the same choice over again.  For some though, they try everything that they can to avoid an unwanted pregnancy, but still they face a decision.  This decision should be theirs, not one by the Federal of State Governments. 

2. The Economy ~ The past has shown me that everytime we have elected officials who prescribe to the right-wing philosophy of economics and tax code, the people of this land have suffered in astronomical ways.  Under economic principles of the left-wing - especially during the 8 years of the Clinton Administration - we have experienced some of the most prosperous economic times of our lives.  I don't want 4 years of living under the principles and philosophies of a man who is out of touch with the working man and woman.  I work hard to provide for my family and under the Obama Administration, my husband went back work after 2 years of being unemployed.  I have had more oppurtunities come my way then ever before under Obama's plans.  The company that employs me is growing....and I am making the most money I have ever made in my life.  So when someone asks me - Are you better off under Obama?  My answer is Yes, obsolutely and I know a lot of other people are too - even if they don't really want to see it.  Do we have a lot more work to do?  Yes, and I don't think that either candidate can do everything that needs to be done to undo 8 years of George W. Bush and his "plans" for this country. 

3. Education - As a former teacher, I believe that the education plans of Mitt Romney are not going to help our future.  We need teachers who are qualified and we need teachers who can lose their jobs because they don't perform.  HOWEVER, I don't believe that standardized testing mandates are good for our children either.  My daughter has a learning disability. Her disability causes her to have trouble with reading and comprehension because her brain cannot process words the same way.  That doesn't make my child dumb and it doesn't indicate that she won't be successful.  In fact, verbally, my daughter is perhaps well more advanced then others in her grade.  I want there to be more help for children with disabilities.  And I want the school system to take responsibility for helping her learn.  I know she has a learning disability based on my experiences as an educator, but because she is not severe enough, she does not get classified as needing additional help.  This places her in a position to "fail" by the standards of the State and Federal Departments of  Education.  That needs to change. 

That's all for today.  It's time for me to be a mother and wife - gotta get some things marked off my todo list.  Have a great day y'all!

Memories

I have been thinking a lot lately about my life and how many people have been part of it.  Recently I noticed myself trying to remember things that happened in the past.  Not to dwell on the bad but to cherish the good.  I have realized that all the things that have gone on in my life happened to make me into the person that I am. 

Today a co-worker pointed out how much I know about certain subjects - subjects that I am passionate about.  I laughed, because I thought everyone was like me.  I take pride in where I come from.  Who my friends are, the kind of family that I have and the person that I want to be.  I am a work in progress.  

All of my memories are what make me the person that I.  They drive me to be successful and reach for the stars.  I remember my sophomore year of high school when a bandmate was killed in a car accident.  He was living his dream in the Marine Corps Delayed Entry Program.  I have never forgotten Steve, but I fear a lot of my other bandmates have.  I don't hear anyone mention him any more.  Do they have scrapbook clippings of the news paper articles?  Did they keep a copy of his memorial card?  What about his senior picture?  I still have my copy in my photo album.  

And then there was the younger brother of one of my classmates, who left this earth 15 years ago today.  I remember his laugh and I remember his goofy nature, but I know there are others that knew him better than I.  

I also think about the boy who was shot and killed down the street from house....I think it was 1991 or 1992 - I learned about it from my Aunt who worked for an attorney at the time. I don't really know how she found out about it, but I remember her calling our house and telling us that a young boy was found dead down the street from us.  Do people remember him?  Do people still mourn his untimely departure from the physical?  

As I sit back and reflect on my life I realize that I have been through a lot in the 35 1/2 years I have been walking the planet.  I am no stranger to loss but I am also no stranger to the enjoyment that life can give.  Sometimes I forget to be grateful for what I do have.  

Today, I am going to try to remain grateful.  Grateful for my husband and my daughter.  Grateful for the dog that I am allergic to, who makes me mad but also makes me laugh so hard I pee my pants.  Grateful for my job - no matter how stressed I can get at times, I realize that if it weren't for my job, I wouldn't have a career and would have no means of supporting my family.  I am grateful for the roof over my head and the car that I drive.  I am grateful for the bounty of friends that I have made over the years.  I am grateful that I have learned how to live a good, spiritual life and follow a path that is right for me.  

I am opinionated and blunt, but that is what makes me who I am.