Is it January yet?

So...I'm reading Reuters and I follow this random rabbit hole to a quiz that can reduce people's political stances into a neat, labeled, political philosophy. According to the 20 questions (four of which don't factor) the quiz had deduced that I am a...

Moderate Liberal Populist.

Really, now. I am so glad that a 20 question survey (again, four of which don't factor) based on a five point scale, can tell me where I stand on the political spectrum. Now, if I could only find a candidate that is also a moderate liberal populist. Because I really want people like that running this country.

Random Would-be-Voter: Umm...I don't understand this policy.
Political Candidate A: What's not to understand?
Random Would-be-Voter: It doesn't say moderate, liberal or populist on it. How do I know if I should vote for you?
Political Candidate B: You shouldn't. I'm moderate, liberal and populist.
Political Candidate A: Me too. At least, today.

Random Would-Be Voter: Cool! [a slight pause.] What does it mean to be a moderate liberal populist, exactly?

[A long silence. Curtain falls as Political Candidates A and B search for more voters while Random Would-Be-Voter stands in line for Canadian Citizenship. End scene.]

Currently watching : Hairspray (Two-Disc Shake & Shimmy Edition)

I really shouldn't be this offended

The curse of the office email is the perpetual inflow of forwarded emails. I don't typically send forward emails, but I do enjoy the momentary distraction they provide. It's the equivalent of glancing at the headlines of popular magazines while waiting in line at the grocery store. Entertaining, but not really meant to be more than a vehicle to pass the time.

Much like this blog.

However, I ran across this forwarded email about a radio program asking people to write "in God we trust" on the back of our envelopes in an act of rebellion against the US Postal Service. (Really, guys...let's give the post office a break. They've got an odd mix of having too much power and too little at the same time.) Apparently, the USPS had said that the motto was too offensive to be on a stamp. Huh. Odd thing to get your underwear in a bunch.

Although I don't care too much over the form of retaliation, what interested me was this line: We must take back our nation from all the people who think that anything that offends them should be removed.

Now bear in mind that I'm ignoring the obvious hypocrisy that can be read in that statement, considering the possible source of the email. All of you are smart enough to figure that out for yourselves: Everyone is a hypocrite.

What makes me sad about this email is that it was meant to be meaningful and yet the meaning was lost in the trivial act they were asking us to take. Sure, you could "in God we trust" on every snail mail envelope you send and give some postal workers a little laughter to lighten their day, but it doesn't mean anything if people don't understand the fact that we have this freedom to do this. We have the freedom to proclaim whatever it is we believe, regardless if people agree with us or not.

This is why other nations hate us. They can't stand our pluralism. Someone who practices Judaism has the same rights as someone who practices Islam. Women can interact with men. Chinese people can learn Spanish. I can dye my hair any color I want, dance, and listen to jazz. We live in a pluralistic society based on the principle of the freedoms that protect the diversity of this nation. I may not agree with you, but you are free to believe whatever it is you want. Respect me, I respect you.

What we are apparently missing here is the respect. I find that people confuse a statement that offends me with a statement that disrespects me. I am sure the phrase "in God we trust" offends people. In fact, I'm counting on it. But what I don't want is that phrase to be used as a way to disrespect others or have that phrase be used to disrespect my beliefs in the same God that phrase just happens to be referring to.

Yes, in God I trust. And yes, I believe it is a principle of our founding fathers. And yes I believe it is printed on American money. (that, I actually can produce for you.) I agree with the statement that we need to take our nation back from fanatics who believe that anything offensive should be removed. But really, let's not fight over the words that have hardly any meaning. I think we can find something more important to fight over. I could care less if the American "motto" is taken off the money or the pledge of Allegiance, etc. But I do care if the freedoms that make it possible for me to say what I believe are taken away. There are real wrongs out there, people who are removing other people that truly offend them by restricting their rights, their freedoms, their liberties, their pursuit of happiness...and yes, their dignities.

Now over those human offenses, I can let my panties get in a bunch.

I'll get riled up. And I will even consider forwarding your email. But other than that, I will stand by my right to be offended by your message, applaud your freedom to stand up for what you believe in, and ask for your respect to demonstrate the same.

Ok. Rant over. Go back to your daily lives.

Currently watching : Friends - The Complete Fifth Season

Happy Thanksgiving...

No pomp. A little circumstance...mainly because I don't know what "pomp" actually entails. For many, 2007 brought more pain and suffering than joy and dancing. I don't know if this year was exactly a banner year for me, but I'm content with a lot of things.

Here's the short list.

1. My job at World Vision. It is a blessing in so many ways and I thank my God for it.
2. My coffee shop. It has served (ha ha, I HATE puns!) as a sanctuary for me more than once.
3. My family. You keep me insane.
4. My church. I've caused you pain. You've caused me heartache. Which, makes us family. I love you all.
5. A chance to play piano again. I love it more than I thought I had. And its open so many other opportunities that I didn't know were available to me. Its good to feel like me again.
6. My Tuesday breakfast meetings with my friend Natalie. Its saved me more than once.
7. Accomplishing two out of my list of twenty-two things that I had wanted to do. Yeah!!

And of course...my Lord, my God. You make all things wonderful.

I hope all of you have a wonderful Thanksgiving. Eat turkey, look at your family and friends and just love on them. Sleep. Wake up. Repeat.

...and the evidence of things unseen

Shh...don't tell anyone, but I'm tired of typing one-handed. So...the wrist corset is off during this blog...

What I hope for...

1. Have a family of my own
2. Be published
3. See a true American leader in my lifetime...
4. Not be afraid of being seen
5. Have a voice of my own
6. Find a way to fix the American Education System
7. Be part of a political campaign
8. A better world for my grandchildren
9. Be comfortable in my own skin.
10. And of course...meet Jon Stewart and David Duchovny

Le sigh...I started all noble, but really, did you think that I wouldn't hope to meet those two?

Things I Miss...

Due to my stupid wrist and the "wrist corset" I have confined it to, typing with one hand is turning out to be quite the challenge. As such, this list is quite apropos. Currently, the full range and use of my right hand tops that list. Barring that, I present this list, courtesy of my left hand, typing at about 30 wpms...

Things I miss...
1. Joss Whedon shows on tv. They were some of the best, well-written shows to grace the small screen.
2. Not having every insecure thought be about my body and how I look.
3. Doing plays. Rehearsals were so much fun.
4. Performances (choir and piano)
5. Coming home to a home cooked meal
6. Playing board games with my mom and sister.
7. Not feeling guilty for taking naps.
8. Having the ability to function on less than five hours of sleep.
9. Reading for fun.
10. Watching movies in a theater and not complaining abut the non-matinee ticket price.
11. High school football games...yes, they were fun!
12. Not worrying about the price of gas.
13. My piano (which currently resides at my grandparent's house)
14. Not caring what others thought of me.
15. Baking cookies with my cousin JJ.
16. Dreyer's mint chocolate ice cream...sigh...
17. True summer vacations.
18. Sociology classes. (yes, I miss school.)
19. My toddlerville kids...why must you grow up?
20. Late night talks with my friends.

Sigh...and the world keeps changing. But always for the good...I hope.

Currently watching : Angel - Season Five

O Happy Day...

I know countdowns and top-ten lists usually circulate before New Year's, but Thanksgiving never really gets any attention. So here's my list to start of this week o'giving thanks...
Disclaimer: lists are not in any particular order and are subject to change due to my fickle nature...

Today has been brought to you by...things that make me happy...

1. Gene Kelly...of course, "Singing in the Rain."
2. A cool, crisp fall day.
3. Beethoven
4. Yo-Yo Ma and the cello
5. Playing piano with our awesome worship team at Discovery!
6. Drinking coffee on a rainy day
7. Laughing until my stomach hurts and my eyes are brimming with tears.
8. Jon Stewart and David Duchovny...(you knew they had to be here somewhere.)
9. White roses
10. The sound of rain (sheesh...my 3rd reference to rain...which brings me to...)
11. Weatherman Chris
12. My cousins. They're crazy.
13. The Reduced Shakespeare Company & the Complete Works of Shakespeare...Abridged!
14. People who are as nerdy and awkward as I am!
15. Snowmen.
16. "Bring it On." I know, I know...Bad movie. Stupid Kirsten Dunst. But it never ceases to make me happy.
17. Mmm...cookies.
18. Playing Scrabble with my Starbucks friends.
19. Getting lost in Barnes and Noble in Seattle.
20. Mr. Bingley in the A&E version of Pride and Prejudice. He's so amazingly delightful in his naiveté. It makes me smile.
21. Beatles' "Blackbird."
22. Van Morrison's "Brown-Eyed Girl."
23. Writing the perfect line for a skit or story.
24. Dreyer's Mint Chocolate Ice Cream. Oh how I miss thee.

More lists to come...

Currently watching : Ocean’s Thirteen (Widescreen Edition)

My Midnight Confession...

...when I tell all the world that I love you...

Yes, its another song stuck in my head. Just go with it.

Second of all...no more midnight blogs.

I recently attended the Christian Musicians Summit this weekend. I didn't know what to expect out of it since this was my first year attending the event and I had only "officially" joined the team two weeks ago. And since I had to work on Friday, I had to drive my by lonesome and missed a whole day of fellowship with people I had wanted to get to know. Believe me, a lot can happen in the car on the way there. That's where people start bonding, and I missed out on it.

You guessed it: Grr. Argh.

I have a tendency to withdraw and isolate during these events and I was starting with two strikes against me. And if you count the fact that I was already heartbroken when I had first joined the team, I suppose one could say I was technically out.

Amazingly enough, despite my broken heart (and without a voice most of the morning), I still encountered God. I still encountered love. I still connected with the awesome group of people that make up the worship team of my church.

Oh yeah...I was confessing something. I don't often go to this place, but if you can bear with me, this is my confession. So if you can't take it, wait until my next blog. I promise to be funny. But tread with caution with what follows: here be spoilers.

For a couple of months now, I felt my heart going under an assault. Everything seemed to break my heart. People, places, circumstances. As soon as I found the shattered pieces and tried to glue it back, another piece would break off. I hate trying to fix it all by myself. Can't someone just take it? Can't someone just hug me at the end of the day and tell me that everything is going to be all right? Can't I encounter someone who will just love me?

All I want is someone to take care of my heart.

Tonight...I finally realized that someone already has. And I struggle with it being enough.

Currently listening : Let The Praises Ring By Lincoln Brewster

Shoot, Dang...is that a Christmas Song I hear?

I walked into Starbucks today and was hit with a wall of red.

Because Halloween is over, Corporate Starbucks ushered in the holiday season. Christmas songs will be playing, eggnog lattes will be steaming, and Starbucks Cards will be loading. Not exactly 'Twas the Night Before Christmas...but welcome to the holiday season.

Go Capitalism.

As I was walking through the store, I was overcome with extreme sadness. For the past three holidays I have worked for Starbucks and this year will be my first one free from the clutches of consumerism. But instead of dancing my dance of joy, I was actually gripped with sadness and nostalgia. I am actually going to miss it. I am going to miss this happy time of year and the random craziness that goes with Christmas. I will miss meeting all the interesting people who come into the store looking for a warm drink or a last-minute present for the Christmas party they're already late for. There really is a special feeling that happens at a Starbucks store during the holiday season and yes, I miss it.

But when I ordered a drink, a different assortment of memories flooded back; memories of the holiday season last year and the chaos that insued and the inevitable hatred and loathing for people that followed.

Now that I don't miss.

I walked out of the store, took in the free air and smiled. Sure, I miss this part of working at Starbucks but I wouldn't go back. (Not for that at least.) This year, I actually get to spread the Christmas cheer to the people I love, not serving sugared drinks to strangers that don't care about me. This year, I get to spend time with family and friends and be awake enough to remember it. This year, I get to go to parties and not smell/reek of coffee and steamed milk. This year, I get to actually call the holidays, "Christmas," and not fear the risk of insulting somebody. No green aprons, no extra-hot eggnog lattes/scrambled eggs, no up-selling a coffee machine to someone who just came in for a cup of coffee.

And definitely no more of "I'm the Happiest Christmas Tree" stuck on repeat. (I still get nightmares.)

In the end, my Christmas celebration will not be brought to me by Starbucks. And that my friend, is what I consider a wonderful gift.

Currently watching : The West Wing - The Complete First Season

Happy Birthday

People have often said that I have a good phone voice.

I don't know why, but people say that I have a good, professional voice. I think I sound like a nasal, whiny kid. Apparently, my "phone voice" has been an asset in my past administrative jobs and which makes up most of my current job. And it so happens that odd compliment is the basis of how I make my living.

Last weekend, I got sick. Then come Monday morning, I lost my voice. This isn't exactly the best thing to happen when you work at a call center.

Shoot, dang.

By the time I arrived to work, my voice had returned, but in a scratchy, throaty/breathy tone.

Fine...it was my sexy voice.

Again, not good when you work at a call center. Well, at least the call center that I work for. It doesn't exactly bode well. People at Starbucks used to make fun of that voice, teasing me and goading me to keep that voice for the promise of bigger tips.

Silly Rabbits.

So throughout my work day, I thought about those people and laughed to myself at the odd situation I was in. People were nice to me for the most part. Five hours later, my "regular" voice had come back. Sure, I was embarrassed a couple of times, and I begged my supervisors and quality coaches not to listen to those phone recordings.

Happy Birthday, Mr. President.

Currently watching : Psycho (Collector’s Edition)

Election Day 2007

I won't guarantee that this won't be a little bit about the upcoming presidential election.

Now, I get it. I really do. People don't like election time. People harassing other people about
confusing legislations they are trying to push doesn't exactly warm the heart Apparently, we are bottom line people who need pictures to explain complicated contracts. We're also a people who are looking for real leaders who help us believing in the things that are important to us; the things that make us proud to be American.

And yet...

Every year we get a chance to make our voice heard. We get a chance to let the people we've "chosen" know what we will stand for and what we will not. And every year we blow it. I can't tell anymore if its because we're annoyed from choosing the lesser of who-gives-a-crap year after year or if we just don't think voting works any more. Whether we vote yes or no, we get the feeling we're being screwed.

Odds are, we are being screwed.

Sure, my absentee ballot won't amount to much. But I will vote. I will vote every year I am able to make a clear decision. I don't care if it matters or if it doesn't change anything. Voting is my right. Voting is my right just as it is my right to exercise my freedom to write this blog.

Yes, I get tired of it. I get tired of being the champion of a dying freedom granted by a broken system. I am looking forward to the presidential election just as much as the next person. I get tired of being shouted down and I get tired of not being able to effectively chose a leader that can actually lead this country. I hate the small pickings. I hate that everything is run by money and by power and by people who obscenely abuse both.

So why do I care? Why do I, after all my frustrations, still vote?

Because it reminds me that pieces of paper and a group of men in closed rooms don't change the world. We do. You do. I do. We, flesh and blood, not ink upon white or green paper, have the ability to change the world. Our government may not be able to do it the way we hope it would--which tells me that its a good thing that they shouldn't. They already have proven that they can't. We are the ones who teach our kids. We help the poor. We find ways to create cures, invent and innovate better living, promote peace. Granted, government doesn't make it easy, but so many people before us have done it without their help and many people after us will do the same.
I don't care if people vote or not. I'm not asking for your vote, and it is your right to chose not to. But I hope that people don't stop talking about what is important to them or stop looking for ways to make this world better than when we had entered it.

Currently watching : The West Wing - The Complete Sixth Season