I Am...

There is something to be said for being comfortable with who you are as a person.  Today I commented on something a cousin posted as their Facebook status.  It annoyed me a bit. They suggested that the reason (Hurricane) Superstorm Sandy hit where it did is because many of those states either allow for same-sex marriage or will be voting for same-sex marriage and God was not pleased with that. That, to me, sounded like the most ignorant thing I've ever heard!  At the time I could only respond with, "Really? Oh, ok O_o"   Later a reply was posted saying they didn't mean to offend anyone and that it was just their opinion.  That's fine and good but I feel the need to share my opinion and posted this in response.

"I'm not offended, just surprised to see you think that way.  There are a lot more things I can think of as unpleasing to God than people wanting to get married legally like everyone else. There are 11 countries who recognize same-sex marriages and they weren't harmed.  Whole countries and not just states. Regardless of people getting married or not - there has been and always will be gay relationships. Do we blame all catastrophic weather and natural disasters on those relationships or just accept that bad weather happens because that's what weather does?  There are a lot of people affected (from newborns to adults) by the storm that could care less whether people have the right to marry or not and haven't even participated in any lobbying of such legislation.  I think the real lesson from this storm (or from God if you believe) is to recognize our own humanity and share the same care and love for those we know and who are strangers to us; regardless of who they are or whom they want to legally marry. The Golden Rule somehow comes to mind."

The "Dennis" a year ago would have just overlooked the comment and not said anything.   But I have this whole social justice thing living in me. I'm beginning to live in the idea of, "If not me, then who will speak up?"  PLUS, that comment was directed at the community I identify with.  I was not about to just let someone say some ridiculousness and wrap it up in a Bible Blanket. I am... no longer a bystander. There is a great video of Julian Bond, speaking on behalf of civil rights.  I'll place the video at the bottom of this post.

At any rate - moving on.  Here's my list of the 5 things I loved about today.

1. To have friends and family that were so concerned about my well-being.  While I hated hearing the phone buzz this morning - I'm grateful that it did.  People care! Thank you!
2. I love naps when it's cold outside (and inside cause I keep the temp low). 
3. Eggo Waffles Pumpkin Spice flavor. MMm, Mmm, good.
4. I am lovin' the new shirt designs I created today.  Especially the "I Am..." shirts. 
5. The Presidential election and other voting will take place in one week.  Actually, this time next Tuesday, we will know who our next President is.  We will know if another state in the union will allow for same-sex marriage. We will know which side the government will lean in terms of political party.  One thing I loved about today is reading the information about the Electoral College and how the President is managing the disaster of (Hurricane) Superstorm Sandy.
   
   

The 5 Things I Loved About Today - Being Sick Ain't One of Them...

Today I woke up feeling less than stellar.  I've caught a cold.  How could I catch a cold?  I've been healthy as can be.  I'm in the best shape of my life.  And I have been going to the gym.  AhhhHhh.... that's probably it.  Going to the gym on campus.  Where nasty, unclean machine usage occurs.  Makes since since I started using the gym I get sick a after a few days of exposure.  I won't let that hold me back though.

Here's the things that I loved about today.

1. Going to the Habitat for Humanity ReStore on the way back from running an errand. I wasn't planning on buying anything but I did. A towel rack, a toilet paper holder and two cans of wood stain. All for $6!
2. I went to my favorite Chinese Restaurant and got the General Tsos Chicken.  Even their lunch special was a huge serving! MmmmMmm... I ended up with lunch AND dinner. 
3. Got a surprise phone call or three.  Very nice. Not that it's a requirement. But it's nice. 
4. I loved that the students I work with are making things happen even while I'm out sick.  
5. I LOVE this video:

It's All in How You Look at It.

Which cup do you choose?

Today is one of those days where I really have to think about what cool things have happened today that I loved. Sometimes you have to reach into the "grateful bag". To be grateful for things that maintain your life and livlihood is a little bit easier. You can resolve to be thankful for living another day. You can be grateful that you were able to eat today. You can be grateful to have a roof over your head. But to think about the things you loved about the day is way more challenging than rattling off what I think of as a "given". You have to be mindful about it throughout the entire day.  It can be the way the sun was shining on the autumn leaves or having someone show you appreciation. Acknowledging those moments is what makes it special.

In thinking about what those moments or things were for the day, this is what I came up with.

1. I loved that I was able to share stories about Las Vegas with students today.  It was fun to see their reactions.
2. Roasted Pine Nut Humus by Sabra. That stuff is DELICIOUS!
3. I bowled a 170 game tonight.  That's pretty awesome!
4.  I got the new Taylor Swift CD, "Red" and I have to say that it's pretty good. I think she gets better with each album and less and less country.  Not that there's anything wrong with country music. hahaha  It's like she's taking lessons from the Shania Twain playbook.  Speaking of Shania - Where is the new music???
5. You have to give it to 7-Eleven.  Their Pumpkin Spice Latte tastes pretty damn good and is only $1.74 compared to the $4+ you'd pay at Starbucks.  Thank Heaven for 7-Eleven! Oh.. and since it's election season, I ALWAYS grab the blue cup!