The past few days have been nuts around here. I don't know where to begin, nor do I have the time. At this point I'm doing well to keep one eye half way open. So, before I fall asleep with my phone in my hand, I'll post this great quote I found a couple of months ago & shared with Niza. Ironically, she told me she really believed that, just like she "doesn't believe in burning bridges." I guess my super powers were acting up again & I didn't even know it. I really ought to see a doctor about that, eh? Oh well! Their loss, eh?
"The best thing to hold onto in life is each other."
~ Audrey Hepburn
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Friday, September 25, 2009
Eye Opener!!!
Originally, I had something else posted here, but after receiving a couple of emails, I decided it wasn't fair to leave it up, especially because it was written more out of emotion than anything else. I still believe this quote holds true, but I'd rather just leave it "up in the air" & allow people to interpret things for themselves.
It is part of human nature to hate the man you have hurt.
~ Tacitus
It is part of human nature to hate the man you have hurt.
~ Tacitus
Saturday, September 12, 2009
QOTD
Considering the craziness of the past couple of weeks, and the INSANE debates I've had on Facebook with my beloved old friends; and when I say old, I mean, from back in kindergarten; I have a quote from the current President of the United States, Barack Obama.
I have been a consistent and strong opponent of this war. I have also tried to act responsibly in that opposition to ensure that, having made the decision to go into Iraq, we provide our troops, who perform valiantly, the support they need to complete their mission. I have also stated publicly that I think we have both strategic interests and humanitarian responsibilities in ensuring that Iraq is as stable as possible under the circumstances. Finally, I said publicly that it is my preference not to micromanage the Commander-in-Chief in the prosecution of war. Ultimately, I do not believe that is the ideal role for Congress to play. But at a certain point, we have to draw a line. At a certain point, the American people have to have some confidence that we are not simply going down this blind alley in perpetuity. When it comes to the war in Iraq, the time for promises and assurances, for waiting and patience is over. Too many lives have been lost and too many billions have been spent for us to trust the President on another tried-and-failed policy, opposed by generals and experts, opposed by Democrats and Republicans, opposed by Americans and even the Iraqis themselves. It is time to change our policy. It is time to give Iraqis their country back, and it is time to refocus America's effort on the wider struggle against terror yet to be won.
~ Barack Obama
I have been a consistent and strong opponent of this war. I have also tried to act responsibly in that opposition to ensure that, having made the decision to go into Iraq, we provide our troops, who perform valiantly, the support they need to complete their mission. I have also stated publicly that I think we have both strategic interests and humanitarian responsibilities in ensuring that Iraq is as stable as possible under the circumstances. Finally, I said publicly that it is my preference not to micromanage the Commander-in-Chief in the prosecution of war. Ultimately, I do not believe that is the ideal role for Congress to play. But at a certain point, we have to draw a line. At a certain point, the American people have to have some confidence that we are not simply going down this blind alley in perpetuity. When it comes to the war in Iraq, the time for promises and assurances, for waiting and patience is over. Too many lives have been lost and too many billions have been spent for us to trust the President on another tried-and-failed policy, opposed by generals and experts, opposed by Democrats and Republicans, opposed by Americans and even the Iraqis themselves. It is time to change our policy. It is time to give Iraqis their country back, and it is time to refocus America's effort on the wider struggle against terror yet to be won.
~ Barack Obama
What message are we sending?
This is something I posted on the CBS forums for the "reality" show, Big Brother. Yes, I know it's trash, but I can't help myself. Granted, after this season, I really don't know if I can ever watch it again. So, take a look for yourself at what I had to say. The comments I received were "a mixed bag", but that's to be expected.
What Message Are We Sending???
First off I want to be upfront & say that I have supported Jeff & Jordan from the beginning. I realize this is a game I watch for entertainment purposes, as well as to 'study' sociology & psychology, and know that I have no stake in the outcome. No matter who wins or loses my life will be the same after the game as it was before. I have always felt that way about this game since Season 1. I have never really paid much attention to the message boards, if at all, although I have subscribed to the live feeds in years past & watched BBAD. This season, due to illness, has been completely different.
I still don't care, for the most part, who wins, because it won't change my life, but I am concerned about the bigger picture. I'm worried about the message this season's lack of enforcing the rules, allowance of shear & utter direspect, verbal attacks & numerous other behaviors that I've never seen on this show has sent to the viewers... specifically the youth of our country/world. As it is, there's a huge mentality among the youth of America that believes, "as long as I don't get caught, it's not wrong," instead of having boundaries, a conscience & morals that tell them something is wrong, instead of it being wrong regardless of whether you get caught, or not. I used to watch this show with my 15 y/o God daughter, and was a bit "upset" that she chose not to watch it this year so she could hang out with her friends. Darn those, teenagers!!! But, to be honest, I am glad she decided I was no longer as cool as her friends, because I would hate to have to explain to her WHY a network like CBS allows players like Natalie, Chima, Lydia & Kevin to break rules continuously with no consequences, why Jesse & Natalie pray before their meals, Jeff & Russell speak about their religion while every single member of that house drops the F bomb in almost every other sentence. I'm no prude, and I've been known to use that word, myself, BUT it's not something I say just "because I can", and I would certainly hope I would be mature enough to realize I was being watched 24 hours a day & control myself. I don't mean to judge the people who call themselves Christians, because I, too, am a Christian. I think what is more disconcerting is when you hear players like Lydia, Natalie, Chima & Jesse profess to be so "holy" and say things like, "We're the good ones," and watch how much they judge, name call & behave. How do you explain that to anyone who might ask how that behavior can be considered "Christian", or even moral, at best? And then we have Natalie calling Michelle the Devil and posting on her blog about how she's been able to testify to Kevin and bring him closer to God??? It really leaves a bad taste in my mouth.
CBS isn't a small college network that could fall apart at any moment, and it makes me sick to my stomach that they allow these HGs to manipulate & blackmail them into giving them their way. After all, the HGs are SUPPOSED to be adults!!! And if they had to kick 4 out at a time, so be it. Bring the last 4 kicked out back in & go from there. Sometimes you have to do what's right, simply, because it's the right thing to do!!!
On the flip side, I don't know why I would think CBS would do the right thing when we just had a HUGE controversy over the President giving a speech to the youth of America about setting goals for themselves & the importance of an education. Our country has a huge portion of it's leaders & citizens who have no respect for the office of President of the US, and regardless of their political beliefs, can't get past their clouded judgement to, once again, see what is actually being said, and let it be done. And now we have this controversy of a Congressman calling the President a liar in the middle of his Address to Congress. Sure, he apologized... the next day, just to take it back and be supported by the right wing news/media/entertainers. Then, the left wing jumps in and starts a full on battle against the congressman and the entire right wing. What is wrong with our society? With this kind of mentality leading our country is it any wonder why we have "reality" shows and people in our daily lives who see no problem in lying, cheating & stealing to get ahead?
So, as the title of my post says, "What message are we sending?" Personally, I think it's a horrible message, and it's part of the reason why our country is in disaray. No one wants to accept responsibility for their actions, so they blame someone else. No one wants to work at getting ahead when they can get there by taking short cuts & screwing people over. Money, Money, Money!!! It's amazing the things some people will do for it, yet when it comes right down to it, no amount of money in the world will make you truly happy if you aren't right with yourself.
This BB house has sent the following messages: taking responsibility for your actions is not important, one should go to whatever means possible, even if it includes breaking laws/rules to get money b/c it's ok as long as you don't get caught or there are no consequences, working to get to the top isn't important & just like with money, you should do whatever it takes to get there, no matter who it hurts. And finally, ALWAYS take the easy way out, no matter what the consequence.
I don't know about anyone else, but it makes me sad to live in a world that works that way.
What Message Are We Sending???
First off I want to be upfront & say that I have supported Jeff & Jordan from the beginning. I realize this is a game I watch for entertainment purposes, as well as to 'study' sociology & psychology, and know that I have no stake in the outcome. No matter who wins or loses my life will be the same after the game as it was before. I have always felt that way about this game since Season 1. I have never really paid much attention to the message boards, if at all, although I have subscribed to the live feeds in years past & watched BBAD. This season, due to illness, has been completely different.
I still don't care, for the most part, who wins, because it won't change my life, but I am concerned about the bigger picture. I'm worried about the message this season's lack of enforcing the rules, allowance of shear & utter direspect, verbal attacks & numerous other behaviors that I've never seen on this show has sent to the viewers... specifically the youth of our country/world. As it is, there's a huge mentality among the youth of America that believes, "as long as I don't get caught, it's not wrong," instead of having boundaries, a conscience & morals that tell them something is wrong, instead of it being wrong regardless of whether you get caught, or not. I used to watch this show with my 15 y/o God daughter, and was a bit "upset" that she chose not to watch it this year so she could hang out with her friends. Darn those, teenagers!!! But, to be honest, I am glad she decided I was no longer as cool as her friends, because I would hate to have to explain to her WHY a network like CBS allows players like Natalie, Chima, Lydia & Kevin to break rules continuously with no consequences, why Jesse & Natalie pray before their meals, Jeff & Russell speak about their religion while every single member of that house drops the F bomb in almost every other sentence. I'm no prude, and I've been known to use that word, myself, BUT it's not something I say just "because I can", and I would certainly hope I would be mature enough to realize I was being watched 24 hours a day & control myself. I don't mean to judge the people who call themselves Christians, because I, too, am a Christian. I think what is more disconcerting is when you hear players like Lydia, Natalie, Chima & Jesse profess to be so "holy" and say things like, "We're the good ones," and watch how much they judge, name call & behave. How do you explain that to anyone who might ask how that behavior can be considered "Christian", or even moral, at best? And then we have Natalie calling Michelle the Devil and posting on her blog about how she's been able to testify to Kevin and bring him closer to God??? It really leaves a bad taste in my mouth.
CBS isn't a small college network that could fall apart at any moment, and it makes me sick to my stomach that they allow these HGs to manipulate & blackmail them into giving them their way. After all, the HGs are SUPPOSED to be adults!!! And if they had to kick 4 out at a time, so be it. Bring the last 4 kicked out back in & go from there. Sometimes you have to do what's right, simply, because it's the right thing to do!!!
On the flip side, I don't know why I would think CBS would do the right thing when we just had a HUGE controversy over the President giving a speech to the youth of America about setting goals for themselves & the importance of an education. Our country has a huge portion of it's leaders & citizens who have no respect for the office of President of the US, and regardless of their political beliefs, can't get past their clouded judgement to, once again, see what is actually being said, and let it be done. And now we have this controversy of a Congressman calling the President a liar in the middle of his Address to Congress. Sure, he apologized... the next day, just to take it back and be supported by the right wing news/media/entertainers. Then, the left wing jumps in and starts a full on battle against the congressman and the entire right wing. What is wrong with our society? With this kind of mentality leading our country is it any wonder why we have "reality" shows and people in our daily lives who see no problem in lying, cheating & stealing to get ahead?
So, as the title of my post says, "What message are we sending?" Personally, I think it's a horrible message, and it's part of the reason why our country is in disaray. No one wants to accept responsibility for their actions, so they blame someone else. No one wants to work at getting ahead when they can get there by taking short cuts & screwing people over. Money, Money, Money!!! It's amazing the things some people will do for it, yet when it comes right down to it, no amount of money in the world will make you truly happy if you aren't right with yourself.
This BB house has sent the following messages: taking responsibility for your actions is not important, one should go to whatever means possible, even if it includes breaking laws/rules to get money b/c it's ok as long as you don't get caught or there are no consequences, working to get to the top isn't important & just like with money, you should do whatever it takes to get there, no matter who it hurts. And finally, ALWAYS take the easy way out, no matter what the consequence.
I don't know about anyone else, but it makes me sad to live in a world that works that way.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Off to Houston & Big Brother
I leave for Houston to see GI specialist number 3 in the morning, so I'm trying to keep nothing but positive thoughts in my head... (and the Big Brother 11 scandal). Yes, I do watch "reality tv". I have to have something remind me that my life "isn't that bad"!!!
As a fan of the show since season 1 & an avid sociology & psychology "student in life", if you will, I have been asked by many friends what I think about what has happened in the past few days. Well, I'll save the BIG POST for when I get back, because I want to make sure it's clear and concise, so I'm not to misinterpreted... at least by the fewest number of people possible.
But, what I will say is this... As an adult, Chima needs to accept responsibility for every single action she took, and every word that came out of her mouth, as does every single other house guest. I absolutely DO NOT agree with the way Russell treated A LOT of the people in the GAME! Yes, people, it is a game, but at least he accepts responsibility for his actions and words, and he has apologized. It will NEVER cease to amaze me the lengths people will go to hurt others.
I was reading the BB Forum last night, and people are actually emailing a former employer of Chima's and threatening to no longer read their website if they continue to employ her and telling them what she's done on the show. First of all, as I stated in the beginning of the sentence, she no longer works there, and hasn't since last year, so that point is mute, but what are the chances that an "entertainment" website in Hollywood wouldn't know what was happening in the Big Brother house? It is the 2nd highest ranked reality show in the US. Plus, as I've often stated before, WHAT ON EARTH WOULD POSSESS SOMEONE TO BUTT THEIR NOSE INTO SOMEONE ELSE'S BUSINESS LIKE THAT? In this instance, particularly, it is clear that Chima has done a fine job of making things pretty bad for herself.
***I can't believe I didn't post this before I left. I guess I accidentally clicked on the wrong button and only saved it. That's why it's just now showing> Oooopsie!!!
Thursday, August 13, 2009
11 Years
WOW!!! Today is a day for many people I know to celebrate the day they were born, but most importantly, to me, is my nephew, Spencer. I can't believe he's 11 years old. It seems like just yesterday that he was learning to walk and make himself throw-up. A beautiful picture, isn't it? But isn't that what kids do? Anyway, here's to you, Spence...
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!
And, since he's still a child, and I feel it's very important to constantly be teaching them the best of EVERYTHING, here's a WONDER quote someone just sent me. I don't know if I've actually ever heard this one before, but I definitely believe it's true.
This is the way of peace: Overcome evil with good, falsehood with truth, and hatred with love.
~ Peace Pilgrim
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Update & QOTD
I haven't posted in a while, because my health has gotten MUCH worse, and I just don't have the energy. I'm afraid something that could have been cleared up with a short and simple procedure back in March has now developed into something that could possibly become life threatening, pancreatitis. HOPEFULLY, the doctor I'm going to see in Houston in a week will be able to keep that from happening, but we just can't know. I hate to speak negatively about doctors as a whole, but out of 5, I have only come across 1 that would listen to me, and from the research I've done, that seems to be a VERY COMMON occurrence with this "affliction", if you will, and that doctor can only do so much, as his specialty is pain management.
This quote doesn't have anything to do with what's going on with my health, but I got it in my email today, and I really liked it, so I thought I'd share it.
Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be?
~ Marianne Williamson
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