Bridal Dresses and Movits!

Yes, my readers, I am back on the inter-webs (as Philip de Franco is so fond of saying). Yes, its been a while, and yes, I have missed your smiling faces and opinions. I am now T-minus 2 months from a wonderful wedding, and the idea of starting a new life is both exhilarating and completely petrifying at the same time. Like showing up to your first rehearsal for your very first play. Needless to say, I have been busy, and I still have no idea what to expect.

But, on the subject of weddings, I was reading the news today and I came across something very interesting, that kind of threw my thinking for a loop. Once again, I find myself on the subject of gay-marriage, as it seems to be a major issue in the country. Here is the article that caught my attention, and I will sum up for those of you who don't want to read it. As you know, in the state of New York, gay-marriage has been made legal. And if you didn't fail 4th grade geography, you also know that New York and New Jersey are right next to each other. So, this bridal shop owner in New Jersey has a bride come in a try on dresses for her big day. The visit was accompanied by a follow-up call to the bride by the store owner. This, as I have learned recently, is a customary act for a bridal store. It was at this time that the store owner noticed that the bride crossed out "groom" on her contact sheet and put instead "partner." To which the store owner asked curiously "why"? Before I go any further, it is totally normal for people to ask questions about the bride and the groom. It gives them a clearer picture of who the couple is in order to serve them better. When the bride explained that she was gay, the store owner responded by telling that she could do no further business with the bride, that it was illegal in the state of New Jersey, and followed it all by saying as nicely as she could: "There is right and there is wrong. And this is wrong." This has caused a great amount of flying mud as the bride took the story to the media. The Bridal Shop has been down graded from a five-star shop to a one-star shop, and everyone is posting hate mail to this business owner.

So, here is my thinking. This store owner has a right to refuse business to anyone, since it is her store. She doesn't have to explain herself. If she doesn't want to do business with someone because they are blond instead of brunette, tall instead of short, or has a Southern accent, she can tell them to kick rocks, and she will be with in her rights. So, she also has the right to refuse business to a gay women.

Now most of you will scream discrimination on the bases of sexual orientation. That may be so, but, this women is still with-in her rights to deny the bride. 

And this brings up another point. As the bride has such a problem with the business owner, she is equally with in her rights to go to a different store that has the dress she was looking for. It is not as if the bride came in, tried on a dress, was paying for is, and then the business owner refused to sell it to her. The business owner was making a follow up call to see if the customer was still interested. I do not see why the bride has to go to such great lengths to destroy this business owner. 

You know, I find it fascinating that the gay and lesbian community is so intent on being accepted and being treated equally by all, when they have such a problem treating others equally. Any other person with an issue with a bridal store would simply go to another one. But this women calls the press and screams discrimination. I just feel like she's way out in left field. If her plan was to destroy this business, it isn't working, since the Bridal Shop has actually down well since this story came out.

So, tell me what you guys think:

Was the store owner with in her rights to deny the bride's business, or was the bride right in crying foul? Or where they both right and wrong?

And finally, on a parting note, I'd like to introduce you to my favorite band at the moment. Please do not be put off by the fact that they are Swedish, because they totally are awesome. Allow me to present: Movits! Tell  me what you think in the comment section, as well as answer the question of the day :)

Much love,

The Wondering Mind

Waking Up to the Real World

Normally I would start out a blog post by saying hello, and how are you, with a very happy-go-lucky attitude, as though the whole world is full of running puppies and dancing butterflies. How unlike that I feel today.

There have been a lot of things thrown at me in the last few hours, a great deal of them having to do with the state of America, and where we, the American people, stand as a nation. With all the information I currently have at my disposal, and all the different separate issues I could write about, I'm a complete mess. I've spent the last hour trying to come up with some convincing, well written, earth shattering blog that would move all of you to action. Let me just say, its a serious hit to a person's self confidence when they start a sentence six times, only to press the delete button every three words.

Are we oblivious? Or are we aware and just don't really care enough to do anything about it? Is Glee and American Idol and World of Warcraft really so important that we can ignore the issues around is? Can we really ignore the state of the world and this country that we live in any longer?

I say no. Even if all you do is tune into the news for an hour instead of channel surfing, or get on a news site  instead of Facebook for an hour, its still something. And when I say a news channel, I don't mean main stream CNN or NBC or even FOX. I mean off the beaten path for American's, like BBC or whatever other website that is going to force you to see the news and what is really going on.

Guys, we aren't the only country in the world, and by no means are we superior to everyone else. Its arrogance like that which has gotten us into the predicament we are in. For instance, did you know there is a massive drought in Somalia right now, and that, because of UN bureaucracy, it took weeks for them to get any aid after being declared in a state of emergency? People are dieing, babies are being left behind because its easier to let them starve, and it took weeks.

Heart-wrenching, yeah?

That's just one example.

And guys, in our own country, we have to wake up and see what's really going on in our government. Does anyone really know what's in Obama's healthcare bill? Does anyone really care? Well, you should. Not one Representative or Congressman had the time to read the bill before it had to be voted on. I know its old news, but doesn't that sound just flat out shady to you guys?

And I'm not saying that its a bad idea to take care of people. On the contrary, we need a good system where we can help people who don't have the ability to help themselves.

But this bill has so much extra stuff in it that has nothing to do with healthcare. For instance, there is a provision in the bill that allows the president, any president, to form an army of private citizens as large as the US Army to be under direct command of the president should this country be declared in a state of emergency. Isn't that what the military is partly for? 

And I know a lot of you are concerned about the debt ceiling, and frankly, so am I. But trying to understand it, and where the perceived issue is, is like hitting ones head against a brick wall, and then subjecting oneself to a voluntary beating with a crowbar. That's how bad the head ache is. Common sense says stop spending. But apparently, the minute anyone says that, they become Right Wing Conservative Republicans, and its supposed to be all their fault that the nation is in the pickle it's in...but I digress.

Guys, the world around us is changing. The America we live in is about to become something we never wanted to see, all under the banner of hope and freedom. And if we don't do something, our nightmares are going to become reality. And I don't want to see that happen.

I'm not going to apologize for my beliefs. I told you that once before. And I'm not going to cast blame where it is un-due, because, really, it's all of our faults. We vote the people into power who ignore our protestations and desires. We allow ourselves to be brainwashed into believing things. And we need to wake up.

So, Ladies and Gentlemen, the world is not puppies and butterflies. Its a lot darker and far more sinister. But my hope is that you are now awake and full aware. Or you have at least the smallest inner nudge to look up the information yourselves, and to not trust everything you hear and read.

So, tell me: are you awake?

Ground Rules

As most of you have already guessed, I am a Christian who has somehow found herself in the political realm of thinking. This was never my intent when I started this blog. This was simply supposed to be about what I saw and how my mind wandered as I contemplated the things around me. Almost like a journal.

But as I've pondered the world around me, and aloud said mind to wander and wonder, I have come to a devastating, all be it fascinating, conclusion. Insanity exists. And not just exists, but is in power over the country we live in.

So, here I am, once again, writing as I see fit, about my observations as an American Christian. But before I kick off this new chapter in my blogging life, I'd like to make a few observations, points, and lay some ground rules for my own thinking, just so every one is on the same page.

1) I believe God is a God of love, not war. So, on that account, I do not believe that it is necessary to lash out at someone whose beliefs are completely different from my own. However, if said person attempts to force there own thoughts and beliefs down mine or anyone else's throat, rest assured, I can find places in the Bible where God does discuss defending oneself.

2) I do not expect every one to agree with me. In fact, I welcome it. Some of the best conversations I have ever had have been with people who do not agree with me. But I do expect to be treated with the same respect I give you. I do not intend to argue, only discuss.

3) I own that Christianity has made some mistakes. Religion is made of people. And no person is perfect. Please do not hold me personally accountable for 2,000 years worth of idiocy. Do I look immortal?

4) Jews, Muslims and Christians all share a common ancestry, therefore are entitled to some degree of respect from each other. But if you are going to call me an infidel or a goyim, allow me, with utmost respect, to call you a heathen.

5) I will use the Bible. Deal with it.

So, Ladies and Gentlemen, I hope this begins a new and beautiful chapter in our relationship as blogger and blog reader.

Love to my Readers,
The Wondering Mind

True Repression

Before you rail against me, remember this: I write it as I see it. And I see it as a Christian.

It has come to my attention in recent days events in society which have driven this nation to the edge. Once, if you followed the marked paths of thought you arrived at a conclusion that made sense...where reason had a rhyme. But, we have done the unthinkable and stepped off the path and followed our strange thinking to a conclusion that has no real reason behind it...it is simply a thought with nothing to provide a foundation. In a more "close minded" society, this was known as insanity. Those we hail as genius where once locked away behind iron bars, there thoughts confined to the walls of the asylum. I'm not so sure they should have ever been let out.

Where am I going with all this?

We, as a society, no longer have the ability to think intelligently without being told. We have been conditioned to take our cues from those around us, be it political or practical and simply follow. This a complete contradiction of my previous statement, but think about it. We have replaced silence with the sound of heavy metal on our Ipods. No longer do we listen to the wind whistling through the trees.We have replaced contemplating the world around us by video games and pc's. No longer do we watcha sunset over an unsuspecting sea. We are constantly tied to society, our latest technology cell phones the leash which holds us.

It is in this vast nothingness of thought that the seeds of deception are placed. We are taught in our schools, and in so called higher education, to accept things that any moral society would see as completely outrageous. We have become a Sodom and Gomorrah of sorts, where anything goes.

Under the guise of freedom of speech, we are told to except everything that is presented to us, or at least here them out. We are taught in our classrooms that respect for all beliefs and ideals must be tolerated. We are taught that any good ideal must be tested, and that if it is sound, it will come out on the other side stronger then before. But, when we challenge the ideals of others, we are instantly shot down, told that our teachers will not tolerate repression.

But isn't this, in itself, true repression?

A young man has the freedom to walk out of his class room and bow towards Mecca. No one stops him. The young women is free to speak of her religious beliefs, quoting the Quron and Allah through her veil. No one speaks against her. The young Jehovah's Witness boy is not forced to stand and pledge his allegiance to the country in which he was born. No one makes him. The homosexual is free is give a presentation of gay sex in front of his whole college class. No one tells him his lifestyle is wrong.

And yet, I am not free to pray before my final exam in my classroom begins. I am stopped. I am not free to read my Bible in class or wear brands that advertise my faith. I am persecuted for it. I am not free to say the Lords prayer or sing of my Gods greatness in my classroom. I am not permitted. I am not free to present an argument against Evolution in my Biology class. I am told that I am close minded, and I am wrong.

This is true repression.

But we refuse to shout of this repression and speak against it. Why? Do we fear persecution based on our belief system?

Yes. We are so terrified of being "politically incorrect", that we've forgotten what it means to be morally correct. We are so terrified of being failed in our classes, that we do not speak when we know we should. Where once people died for their faith, we refuse to even read of it.

This is true repression.

They persecute us because they know that they are wrong. They can not look at the cross that lays on my chest with out seeing our God looking at them with sadness in his eyes at their sin. They refuse to turn from they're wicked ways and do what is morally right. They choose.

But what they fail to realize is that it is this very same God that we glorify who gave them this choice. They have the freedom to follow, or to turn. They believe that they will be oppressed if they choose to follow the paths of righteousness. But in true righteousness, one finds freedom. Freedom from the confines of this world and human thinking. This is the choice we are given. And still they choose to persecute us.

This is true repression.

Under the guise of freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and freedom of expression, they have allowed the unthinkable. We truly are a corrupt nation, driven by insanity, and walking the narrow edge to its own destruction. But they view destruction as a salvation of sorts. And when we do choose to follow our hearts and do what we believe is right...walk away from the edge towards true salvation, we are silenced.

I am not free to speak my beliefs in public. I am not free to believe as my fathers have done before me. I am not free to express myself, be it in words, pictures, or thoughts. It is unacceptable in a society which accepts everything else.

This, is true repression.

The Art of Getting By

You now, when everything comes crashing down around you, and you have no choice but to pretend that its all ok, everything is simply peachy? Yeah. That.

I listen to music to get by. But it just makes it worse.

So, I try to write. And then I have nothing I want to write except for what is wrong.

So, I go outside and take a walk. But then the oxygen just makes my brain work more, and I think more.

And people wonder why when I'm extremely upset, I just fall asleep. Crazy, right?

So, I try to read a book out in the sunshine while listening to music, hoping that if I can't concentrate, my brain will land on something to follow, and I'll get back to simply getting by. But that doesn't work, because my brain can't focus on anyone thing.

Ugg...what a world we live in.

Four Years Later

It is only now, after four years of endless simply doing, that I realize I have gone absolutely nowhere.

When I graduated High School, I had such dreams and hopes for my future. I was going to be the one that wrote that book, sang that song, ran for that office, got that degree. It may sound odd, but I wanted to prove that no matter what I was, I was not defined by home school. I could make it, and I would. The world was at my feet, and no one was going to stop me in my quest to pick it up and take it.

And now I look at my life. I am 22 years old. Unless you count that transcript of straight A's and the transfer paper work to University, I have nothing even remotely akin to a degree, the history degree I wanted and the classes I desired to teach almost impossible to reach. There are so many stories floating around in my head, but I lack the courage to take up that pen and paper and finish one, afraid to see where it might take me as the characters play out in my head. The songs I would have written never had music put to them. And if you're going to run for public office, you have to have a degree in something. The reasons for all of these are far to complicated to even begin to go into detail.

And lets not even go into all the things I was good at and gave up on. Like the violin. Or American Sign Language. And have you tried to act in a public way in this city. Nigh unto impossible.

Anyway, I find myself looking back at four years that were nothing like I thought they would be. And now? I'm full time at a job that will never be a career, about to fulfill my 'calling' as a wife and a mother.  But what happens if I want more out of life? What if I don't want to just be a mom? What if I want to do more then that? What if I want to be remembered as more then that?

Don't misunderstand me. Being a mom is one of the most important things a women will ever have to do. If you screw up on everything else, and get that part right, then your life was totally worth it. But I just don't think that's all I'm cut out for. I have so many dreams and aspirations yet to be realized.

Am I just supposed to watch my kids fulfill their dreams with out ever living my own? If I teach them to dream big and go for it, when I never did, how is that a good example? Do I watch from the sidelines and clap and smile for my children, when all the time I am wishing I was up there with them?

Maybe its selfish of me to feel like this. Maybe its normal. But I feel like I am meant for more then that. Like where I am now is not where I am supposed to stay. Why would I have such dreams, such longing to be more then I am, if all I am meant to be is this? I see my life stretching out before me, and its not what I envisioned for myself at 18.

And how do I even go about becoming what I see myself as? How do I begin to realize these dreams when I'm stuck in a dead end job with bills to pay and no way out? Maybe it sounds depressed, and maybe your right....but I want more out of this life then what I see. And I want to be more in life then what I am.

The Wondering Mind

Poet

The first poem I have written in a long time. Meant to be read, each verse, in one breath with no pauses...hope it doesn't disappoint.

Poet is as poet does

But what’s a poet to do

When there is no inspiration

And no further expectation?

How does one write

When the rhyming doesn’t come forward

The words don’t match

And I can’t find any lose thought to catch?

Easy to call myself a writer

Hard to actually do the writing

And harder still to make gray matter

Black and tangible on white paper

Whoever said a poet had to write

A writer to publish

An artist to draw

A painter to paint?

Are poems written inside

And then committed to paper

Only after we’ve taken the time

To form them completely in our minds?

Do we write them in our souls

Are they there in our eyes

Do they burst forth with no effort

Do they require skill to craft?

Do true poets and writers try

Do they labor over every word

Or is it something that just happens

Without control and equation?

Does it burst out

Poet as powerless to stop it as

Cars crashing and planets spinning

Water rising and fires burning?

Is it as chaotic as all that

Or is it a thing of beauty when it happens

Like the dance of a childs first step

And the suns first bubble of light over the dark horizon

Does God give it or is it simply us

Searching for the right words

To commit to paper

And show to our peers

Are poets born or made

Is language an accident or a gift

Do we write because we like to

Or do we write because we need to?

At It Again

I had to laugh today as yet again, another one of my least favorite groups has come against all that is moral and right and just.

Their name: The Westboro Baptist Church
Their mission: World Domination.

Ok, so I'm kidding about the whole World Domination thing, but these people desperately need to get a grip on reality and all that's decent before something bad happens. Like maybe they get stoned. Or God sends fire down from heaven to incinerate the whole church, protestation, church building, cars, and maybe all their pets, animals and livestock as well. Now that would be Old School Bible.

Anyone up for a stoning? Just kidding.

Well, here is the article that caught my attention today as this vile group did what they do best: Westboro to Protest Joplin, MO.

Now, once again, what really gets me, is how these people keep shooting themselves in the foot. Like protesting churches. Who does that? The Bible preaches unity, not division among the church.

And I don't understand why these people can't realize how much they have hurt themselves and their message. They have created a great deal of bad feeling among the people, therefor hurting the testimony of God's loving kindness. How can you further the gospel, when all you do is call people fags, tell everyone the tragedies in their lives are God's punishment, and spread hate and lies? Are they a little teched? I think so!

The only good thing to come out of all of this, is how many good people out there are willing to take a stand against this organization.

Doing things like this:

Hopefully there are some people in Missouri who have the ability to make it out to Joplin and put this organization in its proper place. In a backwater dilapidated church were the only attenders are in-bred from the same family.

So, without further ado, the questions of the day:
1) What would your sign say if you could protest the WBC?
and
2) Does this group affect the way you feel about Christians?

I am, as always, yours,

The Wondering Mind

Did Someone Say Judgment Day?

Hey guys! I do so love knowing you are out there reading this.

Are you aware of the date today? It is May 20th, 2011. This date is not so important, unless you take into account what is coming tomorrow. Apparently, Judgment Day is tomorrow. Which means this time tomorrow, all my Christian Peeps and I will be chillin on a cloud in heaven while all the rest of you haters and sinners burn down here is a blaze of fire and brimestone...

Really?

Seriously?

Who comes up with this stuff?

Oh, that's right. Some religious wack-job who decided, since it didn't work out the first time, to try to get people freaked out again on this whole "Judgment Day" thing. Did you know that people lost everything because of this guy last time? Yeah, back in 1992, he came out with a book called 1994? that predicted the same thing was going to happen...in 1994.

And its all based on some random Bible scriptures and complicated math equations, that he knits together, seemingly with out crack or tear, into a logical hypothesis.

But let me point out the main flaw with his argument. Being that I am a Christian, and the fact that this man uses Bible to state his position and theory, indulge me:

In Matthew 24:36 it says this: But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.


This is to say that NO PERSON, be he prophet, angle, demon, or Jesus Christ himself, knows when God is coming back!

And that, my friends, is the one MAJOR flaw in this mans argument.

For Shame, Harold Camping, for shame.

Now, I know some people honestly believe Mr. Campings logic. Ok, I understand. Mass hysteria is so not the answer. And I know that in those of us who do not believe, there is still that little nagging thought in the back of our minds, just wondering if maybe, just maybe, there is some truth to it.

Allow me: Unless God stopped giving His people dreams and hopes for the future, then there is no way Judgement Day is happening tomorrow. The day He ceases to do that, I will be afraid. But not until then.

So, here is what I propose. No laughing at them on Sunday when they all file back into church with their heads hung low. I don't even want to hear a snicker. Just smile and say: "May 22nd. Isn't it a beautiful day to still be alive?"

And now, for the QOTD:

1) What are your plans for tomorrow when the world ends (lol)?
and/or
2) Do you believe there is any truth to Mr Campings theory?

I am, as always,
Yours,
The Wondering Mind

Double Standards Suck

Hey Readers, how's it going? Me? I'm good...just got over the flu, and now my wonderful fiancée has it...but thats not why you read my blog, right? Naw, I didn't think so.

So, two news stories got my goat today while I was skimming the headlines.

The first is this one:
Gay Rights vs Newt Gingrich

I just have to say, this particular news story is hilarious. I mean glitter? Seriously? Lets run down the reasons for the obvious hilarity and ridiculousness of this particular incident.

All of footage they happen to show of Gingrich, he is completely calm, and just kinda brushes things off. He's just doing his own thing, signing books, kissing babies, shaking hands, that kind of thing. Ok, not kissing babies, but still, you get my drift.

And along comes this guy, in an act of mental obstruction, who is completely calm, and proceeds to dump glitter all over Mr. Gingrich. What I find hysterical, is that right before this guy dumps glitter all over Gingrich, Gingrich asks his name, and shakes his hand, and is about to sign his book, as cool as a cucumber.

And then a whole bunch of glitter comes down on his head. "Taste the Rainbow" is shouted, followed by a plea to stop anti-gay politics because it is dividing our country, not fixing the economy. The guy is dragged out while making this ruckus. The funny thing is, Gingrich doesn't even blink an eye...he just keeps on keeping on, brushing off the table and simply smiling and saying "nice to live in a free country."

Ok, I have to agree with the protester on the fact that this whole issue is dividing our country and not fixing our economy. It shouldn't even be an issue. But let's be reminded of who exactly made it an issue: the gay and lesbian community made it so in California way back with the whole gay-marriage issue. And now this trivial little bit of drivel is in the news...some people will stoop to anything to get a story.

The second story which catches my eye is this one:
Immigrants form Mexico

Ok, I understand the whole "Human Rights!" cry, but this one just upsets me. Over 500 people attempted to cross the border into the US. Illegally. And were held in terrible conditions. And were there illegally.

ILLEGALLY!!!!

Yes, people need to have the chance at a better life, and should have the right to try to get to that chance. But there are ways to get into this country without paying someone to take you across illegally. I get it, really, I do. But why are we being sympathetic to a group of over 500 people who are breaking the rules on how to get here, and are only going to strain our tax budget even more?

Double standards suck.

So, without further ado, I present the questions of the day:
1) Gay politics: Should they be an issue, and why or why not?
and/or
2) Where do you stand on the whole illegal immigrants/human trafficking issue. Should these people be allowed in after all this?

Hope your lives are awesome!
Much love,

The Wondering Mind

The World As We Know It

Hello, readers. I warn you now, today's post is not for the faint of heart or the fearful.

In light of recent events, its pretty obvious that the world is changing. I know that's a given, since change is something that can not be stopped. It must happen. The world we live in today is not the same as the one our parents lived in.

But I was thinking about how the world will be different in a few years. All the major religions of the world have some kind of end of world story or prophesy. Its a disastrous event that leaves the world a burning mass of destruction, pock-marked by wars and riddled with disease and hunger and death. In all of these religions, the major deity (aka God) comes back for the faithful, and after, it's a happy world again.

But in order to get there, it requires a lot of pain and suffering. I mean, every bad thing you can think of has to happen. And this has me thinking as I watch the news and I watch what's going on with the economy, from gas prices to food prices to how hard it is to get a job, to politics. What if we are getting close to self-destruction?

The world is changing, I have no doubt of that. America, no matter how amazing we think we are, we are losing. We have gotten ourselves so deeply into debt, and we have no way to get out. Our value system is shot, and we have no way to fix it. I'm not saying everyone needs to get down on their knees and start begging for mercy from the God they believe in. No. What I'm saying is that there is something coming that we are not prepared for.

So, here are my questions for the day.
1) Clearly the world is changing. Do you believe it is bring us closer to the end?
and, if so
2) What does that end look like?
if not,
3) How will the world get better or fix itself?

I am sorry to post this, but I promised myself a while ago to be honest with you, my readers, and post what I believe is important. And this is pretty important.

Much love,
The Wondering Mind

Photographs and Pakistan

Hello, my readers out there in the blogging worlds. It is hot in sunny Cali, but my blood started to boil as an unsolicited slew of information came my way. As it would any other American.

First, Obama has decided that photographs of the body of Bin Laden are not to be released to the public. I think I just heard a collective "What?!" go through all of your minds. 

This goes completely against what Leon Panetta, the director of the CIA, said. According to him, there was never any doubt that at some point, American's would get to see this, or any photo of the dead Osama Bin Laden.

And Obama's lame reasoning? Are you ready to be shocked?

He doesn't want any photos to be used as "incitement or as a propaganda tool". And, according to Jay Carney, the White House Spokes Person, it would present a national security risk.

Ok, now, pull your jaws up from the the floor and let me nail this one.

WE DON'T CARE!!!! 

I think all America really wants right now, considering what we've been through, and the people we've lost, is to finally have the satisfaction of knowing, of seeing proof. And do you honestly thing that there is no way to get those pictures, if they even exist? I bet China or Japan already has hacked the CIA and has those pictures on some data base somewhere. Not to mention the possibility that one of those SEAL's has it on a cell phone or a camera...we all remember what went down with Saddam Hussein on that front. And this raises all kinds of questions, like the possibility that Osama was never dead to begin with.

And then I come to my next boiling point. Pakistan.

Ladies and gentlemen of the American Public, let me ask you. When was the last time we did something like this to another nations flag?

Try never. And where are they doing this? Pakistan! And we're the haters? The very country that pleaded ignorance of Bin Laden's whereabouts, is now protesting the country that was the most harmed by him. In a sickening display of ultimate loyalty, like the goats they are so fond of raising, they have been herded and have made Bin Laden into a national hero, doing things like this:

  

Honestly? Is he the Messiah or something, the savior of the world? In three days, is he going to rise again from the sea, if he's even dead to begin with? I think we would have heard of it by now if he was.

And let's discuss foreign policy in Pakistan. They bull face lied to us! You can not tell me that they did not know of Bin Laden's whereabouts in their own country. He is looked up to all over the Muslim world, an international figure. He practically lived next door to the Pakistan Military Academy! And they didn't know? It's not like he ever took a walk outside the walls of his compound or let his family go to school or anything, right? Its not like any of his son's ever attended the Military Academy that was with walking distance from his house, right? Naw, I believe them, don't you?

And this is why Pakistan was never informed of the raid the SEAL's were going to preform. Even the Director of the CIA, Leon Panetta, said they were not informed because they might "alert the target". That's about as close as you can come to saying, "Yeah, we see through all of your talk, and you know what? You are full of it!"

And then, the Pakistani Foreign Ministry Head, Salman Bashir, has the audacity to find the vocalization of our long held suspicions "disquieting". Of course he would find this disquieting. It means that we are no longer funding his government with our American dollars, since he flat out betrayed us. A regular Benedict Arnold, fraternizing and hiding American Public Enemy number One. Mr Bashir is also willing to make an exception for our little escapade into his country because of this public enemy number one, but violating Pakistans sovereignty shouldn't be made a habit. Does anyone else find this absolutely ridiculous and ludicrous?

And know we come to my favorite part of this whole Pakistan issue. The Pakistani military is holding survivors, who have been wounded, in a secret location in Rawalpindi and Islamabad. They are being treated for gun shot wounds.

First of all, they are holding survivors of a US raid on the head of Al Quada's home. Secondly, they are treating them for gun shot wounds. Why were these people there in the first place, if they were not members of Al Quada or sympathetic to its cause? And why is Pakistan harboring them?

It sounds kind of sinister, doesn't it? And its disquieting to think that these people, who we trusted, should never have been put in a position of trust to begin with.

So, readers, here is my questions for you:

1) Why do you think Obama is with holding the photo's of Bin Laden?

and

2) What are your thoughts on the whole Pakistan issue?

Much love,

The Wondering Mind

World Safer?

Hey, Readers! Interesting world we live in, huh?

As most of you probably know, Master Mind Panic Terrorist aka Osama bin Laden has been officially declared dead. Shocked? I didn't think so.

After 10 long years, the man who was behind possibly the greatest tragedy in American History has finally met his maker. I wonder if he got his virgins.

But that's beside the point. How many of us feel safer now that he is dead? And that the blood of those violently killed on 9/11 or in the subsequent war is avenged? I don't know if I do. And here is why.

Bin Laden has always been the spiritual leader of Al Queda. I know in the Middle East, this also means that he is the political leader. But the likelihood that he was in fact the mastermind behind the tragedies that have befallen this great nation are unlikely. He was a target, a rallying point to keep the spirit of the war alive. As long as he lived, there was a reason the continue fighting in Iraq. Like the battle cry of Sam Houston's army at San Jacinto, we cried out "Remember 9/11!" and screamed for blood. And know we have it.

But is the world safer with out him? Probably not. As I said before, he was the figure head. The possibility that he was only decoy for the real power is not very evident. But, according to abc news, when the SEALS searched the house for any information, they found broken computers. Hard drives missing. Which means all the information that could link anyone to Al Quada, all future plans, everything, is now, gone. Its in someone else's hands. Someone who can use, expound, and improve upon those plans

Are you scared yet?

I won't even begin to cover why Pakistan was made un-aware of the US's plan to go in a destroy him...I just don't have the time or the patience to deal with liars and traitors.

And finally, lets discuss how timely this news is in the Obama Administration. How's everyone feeling about Obama? Pretty good, right? Let me ask you this: How where you feeling on Friday? That's what I thought. His approval rating was at the lowest it's ever been. The possibility of him being re-elected was almost non-existent. And now we have this information that Osama is dead. And who looks like the hero, since it was him who signed the release for the SEAL? Yep, you guessed it.

No, I am not saying that Bin Laden is not, in fact dead. I'm just saying that the likelihood of this being news to the Admisitration is extremely low. Its probably been on Obama's Presidential desk for at least a month.

And why? Because Obama want's to get re-elected, and finish what he started.

So, my readers out there in blogging world. Tell me:

1) Do you feel safer
and
2) Is this a political ploy, or do you care?

And that is how I see it.

Highways

So, the running theme of my life lately has been total stress. I freak out when things aren't going my way, get bossy and try to make it how I think it should go.

No, I am not a control freak.

I have to know things so I can make right decisions, and if I don't know what's going on, it just upsets me even more. This creates drama.

I want people to think well of me. And I want them to be happy. It colors my decision making process to the point of rediculum.

No, I am not a people pleaser.

So what if I am all these things? So what if what I want just so happens to be what makes people happy. And so what if I need to know and have things go my way?

But that is not the point of this blog today.

Today, I came to a very important realization. I am 21 years old. And I am old enough to start living my life on my own terms. We only get one chance to live. We have one life, and when its over, its over. Depending on what you believe, there is no other chance to take the bull by the horns and force it in the direction you want it to go.

So, what am I getting at?

So many people are a part of our lives. These people have a hand in shaping out lives and color our decisions in everything. But it is not what makes us. We decide who we are. We decide what we believe. We are a product of our own past and and our own thoughts and our own beliefs and our own actions.

So, what am I saying?

Stop trying to make everything right. Stop trying to get everything to go your own way. And enjoy the life that God has gifted you with. You only get one shot at it. Make today the best day of your life, this moment the most important, and only take the things that stress you out as they come.

Don't freak out when you don't know what's going on. Don't control the out come.

Cause you know what? When the highway of life takes the most unexpected turns, the scenery is the most beautiful.

Love to my readers :)

Conflict of Interest on Prop 8

Hello Readers! As Philip DeFranco likes to say "I love yo faces!"

So, here's the deal today: Look way back in your memories to 2008. Do you guys remember that little thing we voted on called Prop 8? You do? Oh, good! It was that thing that defined marriage in CA as hetero. It also provided for previous same-sex marriages, by recognizing all of them that had taken place before November 2008. It was kind of a big deal, if you guys remember.

Well, in 2010, a District Judge named Walker overturned the proposition in a cases known as Perry v. Schwarzenegger. It was deemed that Prop 8 was unconstitutional, violating the 14th Amendment, and a stay was put in effect on Prop 8 pending further appeal, aka, its going to the Supreme Court.

This isn't my issue...if you desire to know how I feel about same-sex marriage and relationships, I have a blog  already posted discussing where my thoughts are on the subject. No, what gets me is what's in recent news. Judge Walker, now retired, the guy who overturned Prop 8 and sent it to the Supreme Court, had a back story that the public was only made aware of recently.

Judge Walker is gay.

His 10-month relationship has just been revealed. Now, the issue with this is how it effected the original case and its subsequent judgement. If you look back at the time-line, when Walker initially presided over this case, he was just starting out in his relationship. The argument from the opposition is that this had an effect on how he ruled the case, that he had a Conflict of Interest.

Two things:

1) Why wouldn't he say something? If he didn't have anything to hide, and he was truly interested in giving an honest ruling, why would he not mention in casual conversation "hey, my boyfriend and I...."?

2) Does it change anything? I know this adds more fuel to the fire of the people trying to uphold Prop 8, but does it really change anything in the eyes of the government?

Its not that I think Prop 8 is un-constitutional. It isn't. But before you jump down my throat, let me explain why. Why the heck would you put something that is simple common knowledge, like breathing, into a document about how to run a country? You wouldn't! The definition of marriage never should have even been a question. But in this time and country, it is.

So, guys, here's what I want from you. I am interested in your honest opinions. Should Walker have stepped up and said something? And either way, in light of the present government, does it change anything?

I am, as always, grateful to have you all out there listening.

With love, the Wondering Mind

Glenn Beck, Government Shutdowns, and the Anarchist Cookbook

Hello, fellow wonderers.

I am busy.

And I am stressed.

But do you really care? No? I didn't think so.

So, here's what I think today.

Glenn Beck Show is no longer going to be played on Fox News. As I know a lot of you liberals are out there cheering, here is what I say: You bunch of haters! Glenn Beck's show is all about honest opinion and research. And being honest. And telling the truth. And giving the American people his honest research. And his honest opinion based on that honest research. Did I mention he was honest?

Which is way more then I can say for you guys.

Sorry to say the truth (no, actually, I'm not), but you never gave the poor guy any credit for what he did. It was always stuff like "Glenn Beck doesn't know what he's talking about" and "Glenn Beck is a racist" and "Glenn Beck is intolerant" and "Glenn Beck hates babies and women" and "Glenn Beck is a slaver"...ok, maybe not the last two, but see? You shouted foul so much about him, that nobody cares what you think anymore. Sure, you're celebrating his exit from national tv. But really, guys? Who gives? He's still going to publish books, be on the radio, and the web. You'll have about as much luck getting rid of him as you did Rush Limba...so good luck with that.

On the "close" government shut down of last weekend: I love you all to pieces, but stop spending money! You know what really gets me about the whole thing? That if the government did shutdown, guess who doesn't get paid? The military. And guess who still does? Politicians. How is this even remotely ok? The guys out there risking there lives for us have to worry about whether there families are getting food, but the guys sitting in there thousand dollar Armani suits and driving in limo's still get a super fat paycheck....so how about this: The politicians take a pay cut of about 20%, and we poor that money back into the economy. Thats a budget plan I'd like to see.

And please. Blaming the Republican Party for the stale mate they were denying the rights of "underprivileged women to get healthcare"? Say it like it is: The Republican Party wanted the Federal government to stop funding Planned Parenthood. And when you snapped your fingers like a valley girl and said "like, so totally, like, not happening," it was game on! And it was you who refused to budge when the Reps came back with a plan to distribute said funds to the states, and then the states do as they see fit with it...as in funding Planned Parenthood or state run clinics. So, lets review: who's fault was it? But really? Tell the truth and stop pulling at my heart strings!

If this post gets removed, you'll know why. (The government hates me)

So, that's all I've got for today. I'm gonna go google anarchist cookbook and see if the government kicks down my door.

Much love,
The Wondering Mind

The Perfect Relationship

Hello, my blogging readers!

I know there is much going on the world these days, but, just for one day, I'd like to bask in a momentous occasion that has occurred in my own life, and the implications of such.

On Sunday last, my boyfriend of 2 years and 3 months got down on one knee and requested my hand in marriage. Which, as you most assuredly can imagine, shocked me into utter silence...but not so long that I couldn't give this wonderful man my answer. And the answer was a resounding "OF COURSE!"

Now that its been a little while, I thought it most prudent to post a blog on love and marriage. This event has got me thinking. Not so much about the act of love, but the feeling of love. It also made me wonder. Why is it, every book, movie, or series I have every seen or read, always ends with the wedding? Or that heart-stopping kiss that sweeps you into the moment and leaves you with a tear in your eye? Why does it never go on, into the actual marriage part of the relationship? We know how to deal with romantic relationships, but what about marriage relationships?

And what about romance? Does it end with the wedding vows and that first night alone? I don't think it ever should, but does it? I know that when you marry, your feelings change, and the whole relationship changes...but how does it change?

There are several amazing examples of good marriages out there for me to draw from. But there's this one couple that I really look up too. Its not like they've been married for years and years, but I just love being around them. They clearly adore each other, laughter a consistent component of their relationship. The delight they have in each other radiates off of them, making you so very happy and at ease when in their presence. They are the kind of couple one aspires to be like. He still surprises her with burned CD's of music she mentioned in passing and little romantic get-aways. She still cooks him his favorite meals and greets him with a "Hey Honey" and kiss when he walks through the front door. They are the best of friends and are clearly still madly in love with each other...its a beautiful relationship.

So, is that how its supposed to go?

And then you have my parents. They have been together for something like 45 years, and have grown used to each other. My mom is still gorgeous and looks like someone 15 years her junior. My dad, while bald and semi-toothless (long story) looks about 20 years younger then he really is. Sure, they get annoyed with each other sometimes. They've had there arguments, many of which I've been privy too. But my dad try's, in the best way he knows how, to be romantic and to help around the house. He shows his love by cooking dinner for my mom, and picking up the groceries for her. My mom listens when my dad gets home from work and keeps a clean house for him. She holds family issues at bay until he's ready to hear them. And they still laugh with each other sometimes. With my dad's goofy sense of humor, who wouldn't laugh?

The truth is, I don't know what to expect. You can't get all your information from movies, TV, or books (I know, you're thinking: Really, Wondering Mind?) But I can get some real information from the example people set. And I guess I'll just have to cross bridges when I get them.

But I'd like to know what you guys think. What happens to Romance after marriage? And do you have any amazing examples to draw from?

In the mean time....I have a wedding to plan and fiancée to hug :)

Much love,
The Wondering Mind

Inherent Goodness in Japan

Hello, my readers. I hope all is well in your respective worlds, despite what happened in Japan on Friday morning. On that front, if any of you out there happen to be from Japan or have family there, I extend my condolences and pray for your continued safety and peace of mind.

After much deliberation among my colleagues (aka, my bf), I came to the conclusion that it would be unfair to "stir the hornets nest" concerning the American response to this disaster. I would rather pose a question and raise a few concerns.

I have noticed in recent news, there have been no instances of looting in the regions of Japan most ravaged by the earthquake/tsunami/threat of nuclear fall-out. I began to wonder why. Why a country so in need of help wouldn't simply take it. I began to contrast in my own mind our own disaster in New Orleans when Katrina struck. And then I struck logic gold.

When Katrina hit New Orleans, the people literally looted to the point of rediculum. There were people filling up trash cans of goods, and not just necessities. They were breaking into jewelery and clothing stores and taking things that they had literally no need of, as the coast guard and police just stood by and watched. 10 pairs of jeans and shirts, 3 pairs of designer heels. There was no concept of right and wrong, yours and mine. In the end, it became bloody as the police where forced to shoot people who wouldn't stop taking and taking. It was terrible!

No lets discuss Japan. In the greatest Earthquake in recorded history, worst tsunami and the most devastating damage, there have been no instances of looting that I have seen or heard about. Why? In a place where just to stay alive long enough to make it through the night, is there no looting, no taking out of desperation, or even possibly greed?

Some analysts are citing culture. Actually, mostly all of them are. This, again, got me thinking. Is it ingrained in them since birth the importance of social goodness? Or are they just inherently good?

Why is it that America, in its worst crisis, turns to crime and thievery, when this country, whom we take little notice of, shines brighter in its darkest hour?

It just made me think. Most of Japan is family centered. They may be hight-tech, but that doesn't mean they are isolationists. There is nothing higher to them then family. In America, we spend so much time trying to get away from our families, and more time with our computers and Facebook and cell phones and Wii's and gaming consoles. We do not treasure family. So, is this the reason for the difference?

Frankly, I don't know. But I wonder, what do you, my readers think? Is America flushing its goodness and morality down the figurative technology toilet, or is it just a difference in culture?

So, leave a comment in the section below and let me know what you guys think.

<3
The Wondering Mind

The Big-Bang Theory

In this time and day where simple faith is being replaced with science, I feel it necessary to discuss certain idea's which are, in fact, under attack.

I used to attend community college. If you know anything about public community college, the populace consists mostly of left-wing extremist professors and impressionable youths with very little to no moral or religious grounding. These left-wing extremists mold their students into liberalistic zombies all under the guise of high-education, thus creating an environment where immoral and faithless ideas fester and thrive like an infection. It makes it increasingly difficult for the faithful and well grounded few to continue to hold on to truths firmly ingrained in ones mind since childhood. It starts with a simple nod of the head, and then an essay change to maintain that GPA. And before you know it, you are just another zombie, ready to infest the world with extreme liberalism. You become Godless.

But this is not my point. I have a simple discussion today I'd like to present to you. A friend of mine from high school is one of those people who will argue God and her ideas, and will do so brilliantly. Recently, she had a run-in with an astronomy professor arguing the Big-Bang theory. Now, her response to this, being who she is, is to immediately raise her hand and argue the existence of God and His hand in the creation of the universe. This did not go over well.

But this got me thinking. This simple truth, which most people understand, has been completely perverted into something very far from the truth.

For those of you don't know, according to the book of Genesis, which is the foundation of the Torah, Bible, and Koran, God created the universe and everything in it in 6 days, including man-kind. Its the very first story of creation, and is still believed by the 3 major religions of the world, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. The way in which the Universe is created is extremely orderly, with nothing random about it.

The Big-Bang Theory, on the other hand, is basically the chaos theory. The Universe at one point was very small and dense. A phase transition caused an explosion, and the universe expanded rapidly. Basically, there was this huge flash, a resounding bang, and when the particle dust cleared, the universe and planet earth was kinda just sitting there. Mix in a few billion years, add a whole slew of random mutation and genetic chaos, and before you know it, you have us.

As I usually do, allow me to use logic to come to some form of an arguement against this. I have learned over the course of my studies that the universe is anything but random. There is a consistent order to everything, from photosynthesis to the formation of embryo to the course of planets as they rotate around a star. There is no chaos in anything. Something has to happen before something else can take place. Rain must fall before crops can grow. A thought has to form before an essay can be written. A egg has to be fertilized before a child is born. Event followed by event, cause and effect, a systematic chain of occurrences. There is a system of laws in every science known to man-kind, a set or rules and order.

A system is a design. Even scientists do not discount the idea that there is some sort of a design to the universe. But if there is a design, it must be created. It can not be at random. It must be systematic. And if there is a design, there must also be a designer.

And now, before any of you go begin to discount my point, allow me to offer the following: I never once, in the above 2 paragraphs where I stated my argument, quoted the Bible. Which makes my point of reference valid.

So now, where does this leave my friend in community college arguing against the liberalism of her professor? With an incredible anti-dote to the zombie virus that is affecting her peers. Once again, logic wins the argument.

Finally, allow me to sum up my findings with following quote by the revered Father of Physics: "Science without Religion is lame, Religion without Science is Blind."

The Wondering Mind.

Longing for the Beach

Hello, Blogging World!

Its warmth of the spring sun has finally seeped into the California soil, and my long drenched bones are just now beginning to thaw. But alas, I find myself, yet again, trapped in a stucco cage, unable to escape the bars of society and gainful employment. Why is this an issue, you ask? Because its 75 degrees F outside! And the far away sounds of crashing waves and seagulls call my name, as the imagined feel of salty spray on my face beacons me further out into the ocean....

It is my desire, on this incredibly lovely day that has induced me to shake out my short skirt and t-shirt, to visit the great expanse of the ocean, enjoying the feel of water and sand as they tickle my bare feet. I feel as though it has been long since I have been in its company.

But alas, as I said before, duty calls with its bleak voice and rings out the responsibilities in my name: Car insurace, car payment, school saving, savings in general...

But I shall still continue to envision myself watching a beautiful sunset over the blue waves, the salty air and sound  of seagulls.

Sigh.

Much love,
The Wondering Mind

God's Love, the WBC, and the Bible

Dear Readers,

Today, I am very angry. And this is why:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110302/ap_on_re_us/us_supreme_court_funeral_protests

After some extensive research (aka what I could find when I Googled it), I have become so very upset and angry with this church that believes they are doing "God's Will," that I know I need to write it out before I put this anger on display in my workplace.

Firstly, allow me to discuss the whole "God Hates Fags" issue. This is the title of their website, as well as a by-line Westboro Baptist consistently uses in their protests. I am a Bible-believing Christian, and I don't usually try to shove it in your faces, but allow me to quote scripture in my attempt to refute this issue. WBC states that God hates the gays. In the Bible, being gay is constituted as a sin, therefore making a gay person a sinner (don't hate me, its in the Bible.) Romans 5:8, says this:  But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. This would mean simply that every sinner, no matter what they have done or how they have done it, is beloved of God, because He allowed His son, His only son, to die brutally for them. If you follow this logic, you discover that all Homosexuals, being sinners, are in fact, loved of God. Unconditionally loved. Where there is love,  there can be no hate. Therefore, God does, in point of fact, love "fags". This is not to say that God excepts or condones their sin. This is to say that God has genuine love of His people, be they in sin or otherwise, and would have them at His side in heaven, if they would simply repent. 


Secondly, this WBC has made a practice of protesting at fallen soldiers funerals, dishonoring the dead by using them as a spring board to catapult their beliefs into the public eye. This, in of itself, creates such an unholy rage in me. I come from a long line of military men. My Grandfather was medaled in WWII, my father was in the Air force, my oldest brother was in the Army during Desert storm, one of them is still serving in the Army as a Staff Sergeant, one is about to join the Navy, and my nephew is about to join the Marines. My brother served 4 tours in Iraq, seen many a good man die in battle. He has never been the same. He has seen things that he won't even tell his beloved wife about, and somehow, still manages to hang on to himself. He's lost friends, brothers, subordinates. He has done this all in defense of a country that he loves. These soldiers that this church choses to protest have all fallen in this way. They are hero's. And they chose to desecrate their memory by protesting the last chance their family's have to honor them. Forget being a Christian, this is a blatant disregard of the thing that is most fragile in human existence: life itself.


Thirdly, the practice of protesting Jewish War Memorials and the Jews themselves. The WBC states over and over again that Nazi Holocaust was God's punishment on the Jews for tolerating the above mentioned Homosexuals. They also state the Jews will not remain God's chosen people for very long because of this tolerance. Something like 6 million people were killed during the Nazi Holocaust. This is over half the Jewish population of Europe at the time, 1/3 of the world's total Jewish population, a number they have yet to recover from. Let us exclude the fact that these people are the called "God's Chosen". God allowed 6 million people, men, women, and children, to die as brutally as can possibly be imagined, by a people that hated everything about them, and now is not allowed their numbers recover? Really? As I stated before, God loves ALL people, be they His chosen or otherwise. And I don't think He would be that brutal in doling out judgement, especially since the death of His son. The Jews, believe it or not, are still God's chosen people. In Deuteronomy 7:6, it says this: For you are a people holy to the Lord your God. The Lord your God has chosen you out of all the peoples on the face of the earth to be His people, His treasured possession. God can not break His own covenant. It goes against everything in the Bible and everything we believe in. The only change to this covenant, is the addition of the Gentiles who have confessed belief in Jesus Christ. In 1 Peter 2:9, Peter says "But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light," in reference to New Christians. I think I've beat that topic to death.

Fourthly, protesting this country. The people of the WBC have said that the terrorist attacks of 9/11 were God's punishment on a country that tolerated the gay community. They also state that this is the whole reason for the war in Iraq, and that God is using Muslims to kill American soldiers, therefore bringing judgement on America. What? Putting that aside, the issue of Homosexuality, though been around for a while, wasn't a major political issue until roughly 15 years ago, and has only been a serious issue for 2 years. So, what is their foundation for this belief? And, as we all know, Muslims declared themselves enemies of America because we have a Christian foundation and also support Israel. So, they believe that God, their God, would punish the country they live in, to get His point across? Need I say more?

There are many, many, many more topics I could cover on this radical group, but suffice to say that they are royally whack. How could a people who claim to believe the Bible and love God, protest this way? Have they not read their Bible's and seen the truth of the words reflected there? How can a group who claims to love God be so full of Hate, when it says right there in 1 John 4:16 that God is love. And in 1 Corinthians 13, John speaks of love, saying: "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails." This group has not followed this passage. They have dishonored the fallen hero's of this country. They have been self-seeking in their attempt to be heard by the public. They do not rejoice with the truth because they spread lies and hate. They do not protect, in fact, they shatter.

They are giving Christians a bad name, and while I respect the courts decision to uphold the 1st Amendment, I do not believe that this group, the Westboro Baptist Church, has any right or foundation to protest as they do. They have perverted the definition of God's love, dishonored the memory of fallen soldiers, desecrated the mass graves of the Jewish people, and built themselves up to be enemies of the American people. They are very mislead, and have only to read the Bible to see this. Their hate has clouded their judgement. Forget being a Christian. Any true believer in the God of this world would be able to see that they are wrong, even if they can not define why. Why can't the WBC?

Randomocity

Hello, my readers!

I am overly hyper, so I thought I'd share with you what is in my head at the moment, and why exactly it is there. Let the random escapade begin:

Toxic by Brittney Spears.
Ok, so I know it sounds lame, but have any of you heard the Glee version of this famous song? Its amazing!
Here's the youtube link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ighs9gjIXQ

Weekend rush:
Or lack there of. The reason for this? I haven't had a weekend to kick back and just chill out in weeks...its depressing. Especially considering I work full time, have a maxed schedule, and only have the weekend to hang out...

Belting it out:
Besides the fact that I'm currently spinning Glee? (I swear, I am no obsessed) My sister and I used to sing Phantom of the Opera, and I absolutely loved being the Phantom, because I could sing as loud and powerfully as I could. This weekend, I get to rehearse and sing with the people from Summit Church. And I get to belt it.

Singing in General:
I love doing any kind of singing. It doesn't matter if I'm center stage, or just do harmony. I love the way voices blend together in a perfect cord. It makes me feel like I'm a part of something bigger then I could ever be. There is a certain joy attained from it...for me at least.

Starbucks:
Well...its payday and it's not Coffee Friday...I want my Carmel Macchiato.

My Guy:
Need I say more?

Adventuring:
Because I need one.

So that was just a small peek into my overly hyper, randomized mind...had I more time, I could probably go one forever.

So, it is with out further ado, I wish you, all my Readers, a very Happy Friday.
Enjoy:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bR3K5uB-wMA

The Wondering Mind

Feeling Silly

I hate feeling silly when I try new things and they just don't work out.

Like when you try to wear a different style shoe that you thought looked great with your favorite jeans, and you just feel uncomfortable all day.

Or you try a new hairstyle, just to mix it up, and it gets either completely ignored, or you get asked "what happened to your hair?"

Or you try being nice to someone, and they ask what's wrong with you.

Or you try a new recipe for your family, spend a whole bunch of time testing and thinking and preparing, and it doesn't come out right. And then your mom kindly says "Its just missing something" as she grimaces with the first bite.

Or the time you work on your hand writing, and then people say they can't read it.

Or that new program for organization just doesn't work out. Or a better one exists.

Or you tried something new, and people just rejected it.

I understand that you will never know unless you try...but it sure does feel uncomfortable...and I cry when I get embarrassed. Which is even more embarrassing.

Anybody feel the same?

Cherrio,
The Wondering Mind

God-Given Talent

Have you ever noticed how insecure people are?

So insecure that they fail to use the gift God gave them?

I know someone with an incredible singing voice who refuses to sing in public. Its not that he's shy, because he sings with me all the time. He just doesn't believe his voice is as wonderful as it really is.

The thing is, when he sings the Phantom of the Opera, it makes the hair on the back of my neck stand on end and sends a chill down my spine. But he doesn't think he's good enough.

He can pick up a tenor harmony if I sing melody, and hold it. A cappella.

He has a voice that belongs on Broadway, and can sing any show tune I throw at him. In a manly way, of course.  He is incredible with modern music, like Jason Mraz or Micheal Buble. And yet, he still doesn't think he's good enough.

Why is that? He says no one ever told him he had an incredible voice. Everyone was so focused on his older brother's singing "talent", they dismissed the younger. But wouldn't his desire be to prove himself the better of the two?

He refuses sing in public until he gets some "formal training". And yet, he declines to talk to the people who could train him for free. And yet, he doesn't need any more training. He's amazing already, his voice a perfect blend of pitch and tone.

So, what is my point?

This young man has a natural talent in an area that few will ever achieve. But he's so insecure about how he sounds and what people will think, that he refuses to use his God given gift...I wish he would. He would be surprised about what people have to say.

God says to use what He gave us. And I know He gave this young man his voice for a reason. So why not take a risk, belt it out, and watch the surprise on everyone else's face?

Thank God its Coffee Friday

Today is Coffee Friday. Most of you can probably figure out what that means, but allow me to expound on my new found tradition and its history.

I used to be a caffeine junky. No, I was and never will be a loyal fan of rockstars or monsters. The single time I attempted a sip, so revolting did I find the taste I was almost bowing to the porcelain god. Give me a Pepsi or a coke, however, and watch the pure state of bliss that settled over my face as I took the first sip. On the way to school, I found myself stopping in at Starbucks, and to my utter horror, ordering my own personal brand of herione. It got so bad, I found my self immune to the effects it should have had on my sleep. Even worse then that, I watched as I became irritable and sleepy if I missed a dose.

And then one day, I looked around and thought, "why am I drinking all of this?" With that, I decided to quit cold turkey. Let the head ache begin. Literally.

So know, instead of having coffee and Pepsi every day, I have Coffee Friday. Its a little reward to myself for getting through the week between paydays. I so look forward to this twice a month, that it has a special place of honor in my date book. You would feel the same if you could but taste the carmelly goodness I so enjoy.

So, now I simply thank God for Iced Grande Soy Carmel Macchiato's, Upside down, Extra Carmel :)

Much Love,
The Wondering Mind

ps. Starbucks is trying to take over the world

Insert page break here

I just recently realized that I don't really have to post mind shattering, life-defining posts on my blog. It can be only a few short paragraphs, a small journal, even, concerning the things I notice about life around. This is extremely refreshing, considering I usually start writing a blog, get half way done, and then get distracted by the "gainful employment" I am currently engaged in. The result: about 20 unfinished blog posts and an twinge of regret that my readers, if I have any, never see them. They are all deeply profound...but I just never finish them.

You should know that I am now working a full time job to save for University. Turns out you actually need money to go to school, and its impossible to get any from the government if your me. Aka, white, citizen, with middle class parents. I'm still going to be a history professor someday. But right now, its off the work house to discover what real life is all about.

I miss winter break. (Insert cry here)

Any way, I won't make any promises, but I'm hoping you, as my readers, will be seeing a lot more of me.

With much love,
The Wondering Mind

This Country

What kind of a country do we live in? You know, I used to think that this was a place of freedom. I used to think this was a country, where, like my home, I could speak my mind, and not get ridiculed for what I had to say. I used to think I could make something of myself and be somebody in this country. I used to think I had a say in the happenings taking place in our nations capital. I used to think I could make a difference.

How naive I was, for I am a simply girl. 

I am not a Mexican illegal. I am not "African-American". I am a white girl, of European decent, born and raised right here in California, The US of A.

I am not poor. I do not collect un-employment, and neither do my parents. I still live at home and therefore make enough to buy my own car and live comfortably.

My parents are not lower-class citizens. My dad is a successful business owner, who makes enough for us to at least attempt a life of some comfort.

I am not a part of any union. I actually work for my money. I believe in the independence of women, but not at the expense of their children.

I am not lesbian. I am heterosexual, and no, I do not question my orientation...I like guys. I like how they look, smell, and taste, and how they want to take care of me and mine.

I am not Atheist, Muslim, Jewish, Hindu, into Scientology, or whatever else you want to peg on the religion list. I am a Christian, who has an unwavering faith in God.

In short, I am your average middle-class American. So why is this all a bad thing?

Because I literally have no voice. I used to think that I could say what I thought. But no. In college, they tell you that all views are respected in the class room. But they are not. A lesbian can get up and talk about her relationship with her girlfriend, but I can't get up and tell everyone how wonderful being a hetero is. They make you question every little thing. Your foundation of belief and trust can be destroyed with a single class of American Government. But if I question this....it is simply not allowed.

I can't get money to go to school because I am just a middle class white girl. My parents make to much, and I'm to European. Never mind that I'm the youngest of 10. Never mind that my GPA is amazing for someone who's been in community college for as long as I have.

But the guy whose parents ran here from their country, with not legality, can get everything, EVERYTHING for FREE! Tuition. Books. Entrance to State. Not me...I take a year off just to save to go to University.

I used to think that I had a say in what happened in this great nations fair capital. Do I? Why not, you ask? Have any of you noticed, my fair blog readers, that this government is doing things that none of us would agree to? Never mind the healthcare bill. Lets talk taxes. Lets talk the countries deficit, that keeps getting worse. And why? Because this government is funding all these groups and programs that I, as a white European American, can not get into.

Why is every time I bring up politics at the dinner table, everyone either gets upset or starts crying? Because we are desolate. We are disillusioned with our government and our country. We can do nothing to change where our country is.

I guess, all my bloggers out there that I hope read this...I guess what I'm saying is that I'm frustrated. I find that I can do nothing. I am seen as just a 20-something who doesn't really have her head screwed on right. You have to have age and money to get things done in this world...of which I have neither. And I feel as though the whole of the world works against me, simply for the means of having someone to work against. This government is failing...even I can see it. 

I'm not inciting a revolution...but I'm not so sure its a bad idea. 

If you read this, and feel the same way....then just know, you aren't alone. There is at least one person out there who feels as you do.