Question: Why is the term "gun control" such a black and white issue for so many people? Why is it that the minute you mention anything about it people get all crazy and defensive? Why as adults, are we so incapable of looking at the bigger picture and finding a middle ground that actually makes sense?
I feel that people should have the right to own guns, have them in their home, and use them (legally of course). I also feel like there is nothing wrong with having a gun in your home to use in case you or your family are in danger and need to shoot the shit out of someone who is trying to do the same thing to you or a loved one. You can bet your ass if someone came into my home with a gun and pointed it at my husband, or my child, I would not hesitate to shoot that person before they could harm my family. I think that is my right. I do not think "gun control" as it refers to limiting or taking away everyone's freedom to own weapons is right or logical.
But here is the major problem with gun access in this country. Everyone, has very easy access to these weapons. It takes very little to obtain a gun. Don't get me wrong, I plan to obtain a gun to have in my home. I have grown up around guns my whole life, and feel having one in my home for security purposes, or target shooting for fun, is great. BUT, I very much intend to use it responsibly. It will be locked up, not loaded, I will take classes to learn how to use them, how to be safe with them, etc. And in addition, I am pretty sure that I am mentally stable and healthy and will not allow anyone who may be unstable or mentally unfit to have access to my guns at all. If everyone in the world was like me, or like my family members who know how to use guns responsibly I would say everyone should have the right to have a gun. But, thinking in the bigger picture, many people are not like me. And it usually takes something tragic for us to be reminded of that.
I think everyone should have the right to the OPPORTUNITY to have a gun. What I mean is that, you can have a gun, as long as you pass some very important evaluations and requirements before doing so, such as demonstrating safety skills, knowing the legal side of using it, and proper maintenance and storage, and most importantly A MENTAL EVALUATION! For many people, these measures seem silly and inconvenient. But, there are also many many many people who are able to obtain guns, just as easily as me, you are not mentally fit to have one, or do not have enough knowledge on how to safely and properly use it.
Let's say I get a gun. All I had to do was apply for the license, registration, and maybe a take a course. Boom, I buy a gun. Is this OK? Sure, because I am responsible and will only use my gun for appropriate reasons. And I have fairly good judgement skills, so if I was in a life or death situation and felt the need to use my gun for protection, I would more than likely make a reasonable choice about whether or not I should indeed use that gun. I didn't need a psychological test in order to be safe with my gun.
Now a person with no criminal background, but suffers from severe mental instability and is not being treated for this mental illness, goes into the same gun store, gets his license, registration, maybe takes a gun course, and buys a gun. Same process. Except he has delusions that his parents, coworker, friend, etc are plotting to kill him, so he needs to take care of that. He got a gun just as easily as I did.
Again I do not think people should have their right to own guns taken away, but I do think that as responsible adults we need to look at the bigger picture and realize that their need to be stricter guidelines on how guns are obtained. If it makes it more complicated for someone like me to get a gun, that is FINE as long as that means that it makes it just as hard for someone like the Adam Lanza's of the world to get them too. And, if you are inclined to disagree with that statement, let me put it this way :"If you had a child in first grade, and someone came into their classroom and shot a killed your child and their schoolmates, would that fact that you were easily able to obtain your own gun put your mind at ease about the fact that crazy people running around in the world can at this moment get a gun just as easily as you can because that is their right?"
I should note that in this particular case, Adam Lanza got his guns from his mother who was a collector. They were legally obtained and my guess is that she never used them for any purposes other than what she was legally able to use them for. However, she was not responsible with those weapons, and obviously did not take precautions to keep them out of the hands of her son, who clearly was suffering from severe mental illness. In this case, I do not think she should have had the right to have those guns, because she could not handle them responsibly. Same with a knife, I am not going to leave a knife on the floor around a toddler because that would not be safe. If something happened to that toddler, I would be responsible because I failed to keep my knife out of the hands of someone who could not use it safely. If you can't handle your guns, you shouldn't have guns. And keeping them out of the hands of people who could be dangerous with them is a major part at being able to handle your guns.
I also should note that I also think that no matter how far gun control goes, there will always be gun violence...ALWAYS. Criminals are going to obtain guns illegally, and even if they can't get a gun, will find another method to get the job done. HOWEVER, there are many people out there, not necessarily "criminals" but extremely unstable, psychotic, mentally ill people (the Adam Lanza's of the world) who so often obtain guns legally, and then do tragic and unspeakable things that could have potentially been prevented with more screening, more responsibility, and more mental health services.
So I don't think people should have their guns taken away, but I also think that people who are so against gun control that they aren't willing to consider any middle ground are being completely ignorant to what is happening in the world right now. As a mental health professional I can assure you, there is a lot of CRAZY in this world, and not enough mental health services in the world to address it all, and people slip through the cracks, and tragic things happen. Can we not be adults and look beyond ourselves and our own lives and realize that their needs to be changes made. And, related topic, more focus on mental health services. Why are guns so accessible, yet mental health services are so hard for people to obtain?
I truly believe guns are not the problem. The people behind the guns are the problem. And the way that people obtain guns is the biggest problem of all.
Monday, December 17, 2012
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
Belly Button! Where did you go!?!?!
I am officially 8 months pregnant this week. I feel great!! Except for the normal side effects of stuffy noses, sore joints, lack of breath, squished internal organs, waddling, etc. I can definitely tell that Baby Corey has had a growth spurt just within the last week. I am bigger, my belly button is flatter, and he has been giving me the most amazingly strong punches and kicks that stop me dead in my tracks and force me to catch my breath. I swear one of these times he is going to bust through and go all Alien movie on me. I am so thankful for all of these symptoms that reassure me that everything is going well. While I never had this little control over my body and have pretty much decided that nothing about my body works the way it used to anymore, I also feel so much stronger than I ever have, even though it takes me 10 times longer to get my butt up and off the couch with quite a few huffs and puffs.
I am also now officially in nesting mode. We have been working hard on getting Corey's nursery in order, putting away toys, organizing clothes, etc. This boy is SPOILED! I can't believe all the things he has already. I knew it takes work to keep a kids room clean, but little did I know that this is a challenge even BEFORE the kid is even born! I think I already have about 8 loads of clothes to wash, and have also realized that my opinion that we probably wouldn't need a toy box for a baby was 100% wrong. But the room is coming together nicely, with Daddy's help of course, and I think Corey will feel right at home once he is ready to move in.
Considering I am a rather anxious person by nature, it is suprising to me how not nervous I am for Corey to arrive. I have always just felt my entire life that my purpose on Earth was to be a mom, and I am so ready for the challenge. I am nervous about breast feeding, especially once I go back to work. And I am nervous that I will feel like I am not spending enough time with him once I go back to work. I feel like the daycare workers will see him more than I will! I am already having MAJOR separation anxiety about taking him to daycare once I am done with maternity leave. I am so thankful that someday I will be able to be a stay at home mom and probably won't have to go through this with furture children, but having to accept that your first baby will be in the care of non-family members makes me jealous. Why should they get to spend so much time with him!?!?! I cried dropping my dog off at the kennel for Thanksgiving, how in the world can anyone expect me to drop off my child and leave him everyday!?!? That is just not natural. I think Daddy is going to have to do the dropping off and I will do the picking up. Daddies are much stronger and rational than mommies when it comes to this I think.
So now I am just counting down the days until Corey is due to arrive. 57 days! Hopefully he decides to grace us with his presence a little earlier than that though as I am getting very impatient to meet him =D
I am also now officially in nesting mode. We have been working hard on getting Corey's nursery in order, putting away toys, organizing clothes, etc. This boy is SPOILED! I can't believe all the things he has already. I knew it takes work to keep a kids room clean, but little did I know that this is a challenge even BEFORE the kid is even born! I think I already have about 8 loads of clothes to wash, and have also realized that my opinion that we probably wouldn't need a toy box for a baby was 100% wrong. But the room is coming together nicely, with Daddy's help of course, and I think Corey will feel right at home once he is ready to move in.
Considering I am a rather anxious person by nature, it is suprising to me how not nervous I am for Corey to arrive. I have always just felt my entire life that my purpose on Earth was to be a mom, and I am so ready for the challenge. I am nervous about breast feeding, especially once I go back to work. And I am nervous that I will feel like I am not spending enough time with him once I go back to work. I feel like the daycare workers will see him more than I will! I am already having MAJOR separation anxiety about taking him to daycare once I am done with maternity leave. I am so thankful that someday I will be able to be a stay at home mom and probably won't have to go through this with furture children, but having to accept that your first baby will be in the care of non-family members makes me jealous. Why should they get to spend so much time with him!?!?! I cried dropping my dog off at the kennel for Thanksgiving, how in the world can anyone expect me to drop off my child and leave him everyday!?!? That is just not natural. I think Daddy is going to have to do the dropping off and I will do the picking up. Daddies are much stronger and rational than mommies when it comes to this I think.
So now I am just counting down the days until Corey is due to arrive. 57 days! Hopefully he decides to grace us with his presence a little earlier than that though as I am getting very impatient to meet him =D
Monday, November 19, 2012
If you want to hear some GREAT music, these are my recommendations!
These are the tunes that I am currently obsessed with...some are oldies but goodies, and some are current.
Such Great Heights ~ Iron & Wine
Last of Days ~ A Fine Frenzy
Panic Room 302 ~ Riverside
Insurgents ~ Steven Wilson
In My Time of Need ~ Opeth
Skyfall ~ Adele
Fade Into You ~ Mazzy Star
Terrible Love ~ Birdy
Shelter ~ Birdy
A Team ~ Ed Shearan
My Blood ~ Ellie Goulding
Anything Can Happen ~ Ellie Goulding
Flightless Bird, American Mouth ~ Iron & Wine
Breathe Me ~ Sia
Mad World ~ Gary Jules
Overcome ~ Live
Love Will Find a Way ~ Blessed Union of Souls
Cut ~ Plumb
In My Arms ~ Plumb (tear jerker for pregnant ladies, or maybe mommies in general)
Colorblind ~ Counting Crows
Blue Jeans ~ Lana Del Ray
The Funeral ~ Band of Horses
I am probably forgetting so many right now, but these are the ones that make me squeal with joy when I hear them on Pandora (since many of them aren't played on the stupid radio).
Such Great Heights ~ Iron & Wine
Last of Days ~ A Fine Frenzy
Panic Room 302 ~ Riverside
Insurgents ~ Steven Wilson
In My Time of Need ~ Opeth
Skyfall ~ Adele
Fade Into You ~ Mazzy Star
Terrible Love ~ Birdy
Shelter ~ Birdy
A Team ~ Ed Shearan
My Blood ~ Ellie Goulding
Anything Can Happen ~ Ellie Goulding
Flightless Bird, American Mouth ~ Iron & Wine
Breathe Me ~ Sia
Mad World ~ Gary Jules
Overcome ~ Live
Love Will Find a Way ~ Blessed Union of Souls
Cut ~ Plumb
In My Arms ~ Plumb (tear jerker for pregnant ladies, or maybe mommies in general)
Colorblind ~ Counting Crows
Blue Jeans ~ Lana Del Ray
The Funeral ~ Band of Horses
I am probably forgetting so many right now, but these are the ones that make me squeal with joy when I hear them on Pandora (since many of them aren't played on the stupid radio).
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Apologies from an Imperfect Mother Part One
I am sorry that I swear so often. You will soon learn I do it much more when I am in a good mood than when I am in a bad one.
I am sorry that I have to drink some coffee with caffeine in the mornings in order to function. I broke the habit during the first trimester, but after many sleepless nights, I just couldn't take it anymore.
I am sorry that I make you listen to music you might not like and sing at the top of my lungs. No, I am not a professional singer and I am sure that eventually this behavior will be very embarrassing for you. I will try to break this habit before you start school.
I am sorry that once in a while, my hormones get the best of me and I go on a greasy food or candy/carbohydrate binge.
I am sorry that sometimes when I am not paying attention while sitting on the couch, the cats sometimes jump on my stomach, and maybe your face.
I am sorry that I don't eat as many vegetables as I should.
I am sorry that I sometimes push and poke you just to try to get you to move, probably when you are trying to sleep...but you make mommy nervous when you aren't beating the crap out of my uterus!
I am sorry that I don't do prenatal yoga religiously like I said I would.
I am sorry the dog barks so much. And I am sorry that most likely this is never going to stop. Please learn to sleep through it, PLEASE!
I am sorry that I sometimes eat deli meat, which has NOT been microwaved first.
I am sorry that I often sleep on my back, despite trying many techniques to keep me on my left side. I hope you are still getting an adequate amount of blood flow during those moments.
I am sorry that I laugh so loud and sometimes startle you. You seem to be getting much more used to that though.
To be continued.... =D
Monday, November 12, 2012
The Joys of Pregnancy
I officially started my 3rd trimester last week, so I thought it would be fun to reflect on what my pregnancy has been like thus far. In just about 11 weeks I should be holding my little baby boy, and I cannot wait. Everyone keeps telling me how fast time is going. I guess I can somewhat see their perspective. But for me, this has not exactly been a quick and speedy process. My little one and I have had quite the journey together, and while I have appreciated every single moment, and am so thankful that he is healthy as can be, he has also given me a few experiences that have really tested my mental and physical strength, as well as my husband's :)
First trimester was just hell. Complete and total hell. I was so sick, every day, all day. Couldn't eat or drink without being revisited by that food/beverage about 10 minutes later. I couldn't brush my teeth without puking for the first 14 weeks, which totally defeats the purpose of brushing them in the first place. There was NO food that tasted good. I was exhausted. There were days I would just hang out on the bathroom floor and sob in between puking spells, swearing to myself that I would NEVER get pregnant again, haha. My poor hubby did everything he could to comfort me. He did EVERYTHING! My laundry, cleaning, cooking, dog duty, etc etc...everything! I missed a lot of work. I pretty much just felt useless. Thank goodness Scott and my work were so understanding. To top it off, we decided to wait until the end of or first trimester to tell anyone in the family that we were expecting, so we were handling all of it on our own, which honestly, made it easier I think. It was kind of nice having that little secret, just the two of us, anyway :) I remember the first morning that I was able to brush my teeth and although my entire body tried to make it happen, I didn't puke!! I felt like I had just conquered the world. It wasn't the end of being sick though. To this day I still have moments, but at least by 14 weeks I was starting to function somewhat normally again.
2 Trimester was MUCH more exciting. Around 15 weeks I was sitting at my desk at work and felt what I would compare to 3 kernals of popcorn popping in my stomach. It was like nothing I had felt before, and thought it might be the baby, but I thought surely it would be too soon to feel any movement yet. I tried to talk myself out of it, but really I knew it was the little one, finally getting strong enough to make his/her presence known. And it was about time!! As I started feeling better, I could start enjoying the pregnancy more. All the movements were fun to feel as they got stronger, and I was really enjoying the fact that I could eat again! And although seeing my weight go up and up and up on the scale was/is somewhat terrifying, I was so happy when I finally started to see the appearance of a baby bump! At 19 weeks, we found out our little one was going to be a boy! Little Corey. Scott picked the name :) He gave us a little scare at the ultrasound as he was laying in a position that made it impossible for the tech to determine the sex. I was so worried I would have to wait even longer to find out that I was panicking. I could not wait another day, I had to know. Finally, after a lot of patience, and Scott making a joke which made me laugh to the point that it jostled the baby, we were finally able to get a good look. "YEP! No doubt about it, that is a boy!!!"
I think one of my most favorite parts about pregnancy so far is when Scott felt the baby move for the first time. Since I started feeling movement at 15 weeks, I wanted so badly for Scott to be able to experience it too. I don't know what it is about Scott, but no matter how much Little Corey is moving, the minute he puts his hand on my stomach, the baby calms right down and goes completely still. I guess I can understand, as Scott has always been a very calming influence on me, but COME ON BABY! Finally, it happened, and Corey gave a little kick to Daddy. The look on Scott's face is one that I will never forget. Words can't even describe it. I thought that I loved my husband as much as I possibly could until I got pregnant. After that, he is not just my husband. He is the father of my baby, and I see him in a completely new way. My love for him is even deeper now. We have made a PERSON together. One that will be a little bit me and a little bit him. That is amazing! He is going to be an awesome father.
There have been so many other amazing things about being pregnant. Getting to see my parents faces when they found out we were pregnant, when they found out we were having a boy, and when they got to feel the baby move! Seeing all of our families excitement over our greatest achievement is also extremely exciting and heartwarming. Getting to see the baby on the ultrasound monitor, hearing his heartbeat, feeling his kicks and movements getting stronger, learning his patterns, etc. Everything is just magical. I feel so connected to him, I felt like I have known him forever. He is getting so strong, sometimes I feel like he is trying to bust out early with all of his kicks and punches. And no matter how much they hurt, or even if they take my breath away, I smile at every single one. He definitely likes to make sure I know he's in there. He especially likes to let me know when he's hungry. Takes after his daddy.
I cannot describe how incredibly happy I am that I am in my 3rd and final trimester. I ache all over, can't sleep at all, pee every 30 minutes, and waddle like a hippo. I weigh the most I ever have in my life, I am in bed by 9pm and have a very hard time rolling out of bed before 7:30am. I can't breathe because my nose is plugged and my lungs are squished. My hands and feet go numb fairly regularly, and I have given up makeup just so I can stay in bed an extra 20 minutes every morning. It is safe to say that everything about my body has changed, and it is weird getting used to the feeling that you no longer have much control over what your body does anymore. But all of these things combined are more bearable than the misery I experienced during my first 3 months when I literally thought I was dying.
And yet, every second I am thankful that I am experiencing all of these normal things. My pregnancy, while not glamorous, has been perfect! Baby is healthy, his growth is always right on target (exactly to the day, every time). His heartbeat it strong, all body parts developing normally from what the ultrasounds can tell. I couldn't have asked for anything better. Every new symptom, even though I grunt a groan about them, also make me smile, because they wouldn't be happening if it wasn't for the little kiddo growing like a weed in my belly. All of it has been SO worth it. It has been the hardest, and yet the best experience of my life. All I have ever cared about in life is being a wife and mother, and I truly feel that my life is complete. Although I plan on at least 2 more babies in the future. I have never been happier, and it's only going to get better from here. I am so proud of the life the my husband and I are creating for ourselves and our children. It has been a long road, and lots of hard work. But we did it together and I couldn't imagine raising a family with anyone other than my Scottypoo. I could not be more content or fulfilled. I am so completely blessed and I am reminded of that every day.
First trimester was just hell. Complete and total hell. I was so sick, every day, all day. Couldn't eat or drink without being revisited by that food/beverage about 10 minutes later. I couldn't brush my teeth without puking for the first 14 weeks, which totally defeats the purpose of brushing them in the first place. There was NO food that tasted good. I was exhausted. There were days I would just hang out on the bathroom floor and sob in between puking spells, swearing to myself that I would NEVER get pregnant again, haha. My poor hubby did everything he could to comfort me. He did EVERYTHING! My laundry, cleaning, cooking, dog duty, etc etc...everything! I missed a lot of work. I pretty much just felt useless. Thank goodness Scott and my work were so understanding. To top it off, we decided to wait until the end of or first trimester to tell anyone in the family that we were expecting, so we were handling all of it on our own, which honestly, made it easier I think. It was kind of nice having that little secret, just the two of us, anyway :) I remember the first morning that I was able to brush my teeth and although my entire body tried to make it happen, I didn't puke!! I felt like I had just conquered the world. It wasn't the end of being sick though. To this day I still have moments, but at least by 14 weeks I was starting to function somewhat normally again.
2 Trimester was MUCH more exciting. Around 15 weeks I was sitting at my desk at work and felt what I would compare to 3 kernals of popcorn popping in my stomach. It was like nothing I had felt before, and thought it might be the baby, but I thought surely it would be too soon to feel any movement yet. I tried to talk myself out of it, but really I knew it was the little one, finally getting strong enough to make his/her presence known. And it was about time!! As I started feeling better, I could start enjoying the pregnancy more. All the movements were fun to feel as they got stronger, and I was really enjoying the fact that I could eat again! And although seeing my weight go up and up and up on the scale was/is somewhat terrifying, I was so happy when I finally started to see the appearance of a baby bump! At 19 weeks, we found out our little one was going to be a boy! Little Corey. Scott picked the name :) He gave us a little scare at the ultrasound as he was laying in a position that made it impossible for the tech to determine the sex. I was so worried I would have to wait even longer to find out that I was panicking. I could not wait another day, I had to know. Finally, after a lot of patience, and Scott making a joke which made me laugh to the point that it jostled the baby, we were finally able to get a good look. "YEP! No doubt about it, that is a boy!!!"
I think one of my most favorite parts about pregnancy so far is when Scott felt the baby move for the first time. Since I started feeling movement at 15 weeks, I wanted so badly for Scott to be able to experience it too. I don't know what it is about Scott, but no matter how much Little Corey is moving, the minute he puts his hand on my stomach, the baby calms right down and goes completely still. I guess I can understand, as Scott has always been a very calming influence on me, but COME ON BABY! Finally, it happened, and Corey gave a little kick to Daddy. The look on Scott's face is one that I will never forget. Words can't even describe it. I thought that I loved my husband as much as I possibly could until I got pregnant. After that, he is not just my husband. He is the father of my baby, and I see him in a completely new way. My love for him is even deeper now. We have made a PERSON together. One that will be a little bit me and a little bit him. That is amazing! He is going to be an awesome father.
There have been so many other amazing things about being pregnant. Getting to see my parents faces when they found out we were pregnant, when they found out we were having a boy, and when they got to feel the baby move! Seeing all of our families excitement over our greatest achievement is also extremely exciting and heartwarming. Getting to see the baby on the ultrasound monitor, hearing his heartbeat, feeling his kicks and movements getting stronger, learning his patterns, etc. Everything is just magical. I feel so connected to him, I felt like I have known him forever. He is getting so strong, sometimes I feel like he is trying to bust out early with all of his kicks and punches. And no matter how much they hurt, or even if they take my breath away, I smile at every single one. He definitely likes to make sure I know he's in there. He especially likes to let me know when he's hungry. Takes after his daddy.
I cannot describe how incredibly happy I am that I am in my 3rd and final trimester. I ache all over, can't sleep at all, pee every 30 minutes, and waddle like a hippo. I weigh the most I ever have in my life, I am in bed by 9pm and have a very hard time rolling out of bed before 7:30am. I can't breathe because my nose is plugged and my lungs are squished. My hands and feet go numb fairly regularly, and I have given up makeup just so I can stay in bed an extra 20 minutes every morning. It is safe to say that everything about my body has changed, and it is weird getting used to the feeling that you no longer have much control over what your body does anymore. But all of these things combined are more bearable than the misery I experienced during my first 3 months when I literally thought I was dying.
And yet, every second I am thankful that I am experiencing all of these normal things. My pregnancy, while not glamorous, has been perfect! Baby is healthy, his growth is always right on target (exactly to the day, every time). His heartbeat it strong, all body parts developing normally from what the ultrasounds can tell. I couldn't have asked for anything better. Every new symptom, even though I grunt a groan about them, also make me smile, because they wouldn't be happening if it wasn't for the little kiddo growing like a weed in my belly. All of it has been SO worth it. It has been the hardest, and yet the best experience of my life. All I have ever cared about in life is being a wife and mother, and I truly feel that my life is complete. Although I plan on at least 2 more babies in the future. I have never been happier, and it's only going to get better from here. I am so proud of the life the my husband and I are creating for ourselves and our children. It has been a long road, and lots of hard work. But we did it together and I couldn't imagine raising a family with anyone other than my Scottypoo. I could not be more content or fulfilled. I am so completely blessed and I am reminded of that every day.
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
My voting dilemma...
Lately I have tried not to be too political on Facebook. The reason is not at all that I don't care about the election, but because as opinionated as I am, I did not feel confident enough in either candidate to vote for them. It bugs me but I just cannot pick a side, which is unfortunately what you are forced to do in this country since no third party is ever given a shot for Presidency. That being said, since I did not get to express my opinions by voting, I thought I would blog about them.
I was raised Conservative, and for many years blindly just believed whatever political information was spewed at me, and thought little about it myself. Some of it, I still value. Mainly, on the topic of abortion. I am sickened at the thought of it, the process. Up until I would say just months ago, I would vote for a conservative politician on that issue alone. There are a lot of flaws with that logic that I still wrestle with. Mainly that it is just plain ignorant to vote for a person on ONE issue alone. Additionally, now that I am pregnant, and realize what an physical and emotional roller coaster it is, is has opened my eyes. I still do not believe abortion is right, in general. But if I was a woman who was raped, or who's life was in serious danger by having a baby, and someone else told me that I had to carry/and give birth to a rapist's child, or I had to risk my own life, I would be PISSED. In reality, I would carry that child, I would like to think I would risk my life for my unborn baby, BUT those should be my choices, not someone else's. Now that I know what being pregnant entails, I don't want anyone else telling me what I should or should not do with my body and the baby inside me. I honestly think these are the only two circumstances where I can justify in my mind why someone might consider abortion, and this is still what holds me back from voting for someone who supports a woman's right to choose in any circumstance. This is my biggest hang up. I don't know if that makes sense, but it does in my head. Anywho, moving on.
Why can I not just stop thinking and vote Conservative? A lot of reasons, all based on life experiences that I have been very fortunate to have in my adult life that has helped me see the world very differently than I used to when I was a very sheltered, younger person. I work in the social services field. I work with individuals who have come from some of the most horrific and traumatic backgrounds, and daily have so many obstacles to overcome because of these circumstances. They have more to teach me and society than most "regular" people. We are expected to "fix" people, but do it on as little money and resources as possible. In addition to that, those of us in the social services field are constantly getting burnt out by high caseloads, lack of resources because of funding cuts, and to top it off, low salaries. You know who most likely will vote to cut funding to social service programs? Conservatives. Hard to vote for that.
Education? Who typically supports funding cuts for education or at least does not put it as a top priority? Conservatives. Not liking that.
Off-shore drilling (which in my opinion is sickening)? Conservatives.
But what do liberals (and yes I do recognize this is somewhat generalizing), and in this case Obama support:
Funding for Education
Healthcare reform (which I am sorry, complain about Obamacare if you want, but SOMETHING needed to change, and I respect the guy who tried something and is actually making something happen).
Solar Energy (which COME ON, is AWESOME!)
Conservation of the Environment
Equal Rights ( I know way too many awesome gay people/couples who would respect the commitment of marriage more than most straight people, so One Man, One Woman is a crock of complete shit).
^^^Do these things cost money? Yes. Does that mean it might result in a tax increase? Yes. Am I OK with this? Yes. We are going to spend money, we might as well invest it in things that actually give us a chance at bettering our lives long-term. People need to be able to afford education so they can get GOOD jobs. People need affordable healthcare options so that they can actually get medical treatment when they need it without going into massive amounts of debt. And unless we start looking at greener, more environmentally friendly options for energy and sustaining our environment, we are just screwed. The world's resources are not going to last forever.
One of the big arguments I here people making in support for Romney is his plan to create jobs. What kind of jobs does he want to create?
Another argument is that they don't like "Obamacare". If someone can tell me exactly what Romney is going to do that will be better and ensure that everyone will get good healthcare, then please, detail that for me. But I know many people, no fault of their own, who have not had access to good insurance and have benefited from Obamacare. Personally, my insurance sucks, and I have much more confidence in Obama's chances at somehow doing something that impacts me than Romney.
Gun control. In general, I do not support gun control (typically a conservative stance). However, I do think as a professional in the mental health field, that before anyone acquires a fire arm, they are obligated to register, take classes, AND undergo some form of mental/psychiatric exam. It is too easy to get a firearm and too easy to carry. Many people can handle this responsibility just fine. Many cannot, and these are the people who will screw things up for everyone. Is this stance a bit too liberal for most conservative anti-gun control supporters? Yes. Do I think people should have the right to have weapons in their home? Yes, IF they can prove that they are fit to have them.
I am sure I have forgotten a lot of important things here, but if anyone is reading up to this point anyway and had made some sense of what I have said I am impressed!
Do I claim to be an expert on any of these issues? No. But I would bet my house that anyone reading this isn't either. Regardless of who you choose to vote for, I hope that you have put at least as much thought into it as I have, and debated with yourself in your mind so much that you can honestly say you are thinking for yourself and standing up for what you believe in and not blindly following what someone else has told you you should believe. I think the most insulting thing someone can do is tell me what I should think, who I should vote for, for no good reason, other than "That is just what's right". Life experiences shape our choices and my life experiences have opened my eyes to the fact that a lot of what I blindly believed before does not work for me now and I feel obligated to figure out what DOES work for me before I go vote for someone and say that I support them in leading me, and this country.
I know that there is a great deal about politics that I do not understand, and because I am in such a transition stage in my life of figuring out who I am and what I stand for, I just couldn't bring myself to chose one side. Really, I was just a bit of a chicken because while in the past I would blindly vote republican, I knew 100% I did not want to do that this year. But, I just couldn't get over that hurdle and vote Democrat either. I am frustrated with myself for this, but I am proud that I am feeling so strongly about figuring out what I stand for so I can confidently vote in the next election. I know who I would have voted for this year, and a big part of me feels very irresponsible for not doing it and standing up for a lot of the issues that I AM so passionate about. But I do not EVER want to be one of those people who vote for a candidate just because they are of a certain party, or just because they hate the other candidate. But just because I did not vote does not mean I don't care. I do care a great deal actually. I just wish that everything that I cared about was wrapped up all nicely in a little package to make things much clearer. But it's not, and so my journey of self-discovery continues. A lot of people might not like it or agree with me, and to all of them I say, kiss my ass and suck a fat one because I have probably given my political beliefs a lot more thought than you ever did because if you had taken it that seriously, you would understand what a difficult choice is really can be.
I was raised Conservative, and for many years blindly just believed whatever political information was spewed at me, and thought little about it myself. Some of it, I still value. Mainly, on the topic of abortion. I am sickened at the thought of it, the process. Up until I would say just months ago, I would vote for a conservative politician on that issue alone. There are a lot of flaws with that logic that I still wrestle with. Mainly that it is just plain ignorant to vote for a person on ONE issue alone. Additionally, now that I am pregnant, and realize what an physical and emotional roller coaster it is, is has opened my eyes. I still do not believe abortion is right, in general. But if I was a woman who was raped, or who's life was in serious danger by having a baby, and someone else told me that I had to carry/and give birth to a rapist's child, or I had to risk my own life, I would be PISSED. In reality, I would carry that child, I would like to think I would risk my life for my unborn baby, BUT those should be my choices, not someone else's. Now that I know what being pregnant entails, I don't want anyone else telling me what I should or should not do with my body and the baby inside me. I honestly think these are the only two circumstances where I can justify in my mind why someone might consider abortion, and this is still what holds me back from voting for someone who supports a woman's right to choose in any circumstance. This is my biggest hang up. I don't know if that makes sense, but it does in my head. Anywho, moving on.
Why can I not just stop thinking and vote Conservative? A lot of reasons, all based on life experiences that I have been very fortunate to have in my adult life that has helped me see the world very differently than I used to when I was a very sheltered, younger person. I work in the social services field. I work with individuals who have come from some of the most horrific and traumatic backgrounds, and daily have so many obstacles to overcome because of these circumstances. They have more to teach me and society than most "regular" people. We are expected to "fix" people, but do it on as little money and resources as possible. In addition to that, those of us in the social services field are constantly getting burnt out by high caseloads, lack of resources because of funding cuts, and to top it off, low salaries. You know who most likely will vote to cut funding to social service programs? Conservatives. Hard to vote for that.
Education? Who typically supports funding cuts for education or at least does not put it as a top priority? Conservatives. Not liking that.
Off-shore drilling (which in my opinion is sickening)? Conservatives.
But what do liberals (and yes I do recognize this is somewhat generalizing), and in this case Obama support:
Funding for Education
Healthcare reform (which I am sorry, complain about Obamacare if you want, but SOMETHING needed to change, and I respect the guy who tried something and is actually making something happen).
Solar Energy (which COME ON, is AWESOME!)
Conservation of the Environment
Equal Rights ( I know way too many awesome gay people/couples who would respect the commitment of marriage more than most straight people, so One Man, One Woman is a crock of complete shit).
^^^Do these things cost money? Yes. Does that mean it might result in a tax increase? Yes. Am I OK with this? Yes. We are going to spend money, we might as well invest it in things that actually give us a chance at bettering our lives long-term. People need to be able to afford education so they can get GOOD jobs. People need affordable healthcare options so that they can actually get medical treatment when they need it without going into massive amounts of debt. And unless we start looking at greener, more environmentally friendly options for energy and sustaining our environment, we are just screwed. The world's resources are not going to last forever.
One of the big arguments I here people making in support for Romney is his plan to create jobs. What kind of jobs does he want to create?
Another argument is that they don't like "Obamacare". If someone can tell me exactly what Romney is going to do that will be better and ensure that everyone will get good healthcare, then please, detail that for me. But I know many people, no fault of their own, who have not had access to good insurance and have benefited from Obamacare. Personally, my insurance sucks, and I have much more confidence in Obama's chances at somehow doing something that impacts me than Romney.
Gun control. In general, I do not support gun control (typically a conservative stance). However, I do think as a professional in the mental health field, that before anyone acquires a fire arm, they are obligated to register, take classes, AND undergo some form of mental/psychiatric exam. It is too easy to get a firearm and too easy to carry. Many people can handle this responsibility just fine. Many cannot, and these are the people who will screw things up for everyone. Is this stance a bit too liberal for most conservative anti-gun control supporters? Yes. Do I think people should have the right to have weapons in their home? Yes, IF they can prove that they are fit to have them.
I am sure I have forgotten a lot of important things here, but if anyone is reading up to this point anyway and had made some sense of what I have said I am impressed!
Do I claim to be an expert on any of these issues? No. But I would bet my house that anyone reading this isn't either. Regardless of who you choose to vote for, I hope that you have put at least as much thought into it as I have, and debated with yourself in your mind so much that you can honestly say you are thinking for yourself and standing up for what you believe in and not blindly following what someone else has told you you should believe. I think the most insulting thing someone can do is tell me what I should think, who I should vote for, for no good reason, other than "That is just what's right". Life experiences shape our choices and my life experiences have opened my eyes to the fact that a lot of what I blindly believed before does not work for me now and I feel obligated to figure out what DOES work for me before I go vote for someone and say that I support them in leading me, and this country.
I know that there is a great deal about politics that I do not understand, and because I am in such a transition stage in my life of figuring out who I am and what I stand for, I just couldn't bring myself to chose one side. Really, I was just a bit of a chicken because while in the past I would blindly vote republican, I knew 100% I did not want to do that this year. But, I just couldn't get over that hurdle and vote Democrat either. I am frustrated with myself for this, but I am proud that I am feeling so strongly about figuring out what I stand for so I can confidently vote in the next election. I know who I would have voted for this year, and a big part of me feels very irresponsible for not doing it and standing up for a lot of the issues that I AM so passionate about. But I do not EVER want to be one of those people who vote for a candidate just because they are of a certain party, or just because they hate the other candidate. But just because I did not vote does not mean I don't care. I do care a great deal actually. I just wish that everything that I cared about was wrapped up all nicely in a little package to make things much clearer. But it's not, and so my journey of self-discovery continues. A lot of people might not like it or agree with me, and to all of them I say, kiss my ass and suck a fat one because I have probably given my political beliefs a lot more thought than you ever did because if you had taken it that seriously, you would understand what a difficult choice is really can be.
Things I Am Thankful For Part 2
In no particular order:
8. Being employed. Although I don't like working, and would much rather be a stay at home wife and mommy, I know working right now is important and I am thankful that I can bring home a paycheck and help us work toward our goals.
9.My compassion and ability to connect with people who are mentally ill. I find mental illness fascinating, and I take pride in being able to form relationships with some of the most mentally unstable people even without having experienced their illnesses first hand.
10. My ability to separate my personal and professional life. Personally, I am introverted and not at all out to impress anyone. Pretty much take the approach that most people, except those important to me, can suck it. Professionally, things are very different.
11. People who fight for and care about animal rights.
12. Perhaps one of the things I am most thankful for is that Scott and I are very close to reaching our ultimate goals in life of having a family, Scott working as a Psychologist, and me being a stay at home mommy! Probably won't all happen for a few more years but we are close, and have worked SO hard to get here. All the waiting and working and sacraficing is paying off and we are starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel.
13. Coffee
14. Food
15. Health
16. PURSES!!!!!
17. Shoes, Make Up, Clothes, Malls, Macy's, Target.
18. Horror Movies
19. Daniel Craig movies
20. Good music
21. Moments of piece and quiet when someone is NOT chomping or popping gum, eating near me, whistling, talking too loudly, etc etc etc. These moments do not happen nearly as often as I would prefer.
22. Fun pens/highlighters/office products
23. Common sense
24. Humor
25. I have a feeling I am forgetting some rather significant things so I dedicate this one to all of those things.
8. Being employed. Although I don't like working, and would much rather be a stay at home wife and mommy, I know working right now is important and I am thankful that I can bring home a paycheck and help us work toward our goals.
9.My compassion and ability to connect with people who are mentally ill. I find mental illness fascinating, and I take pride in being able to form relationships with some of the most mentally unstable people even without having experienced their illnesses first hand.
10. My ability to separate my personal and professional life. Personally, I am introverted and not at all out to impress anyone. Pretty much take the approach that most people, except those important to me, can suck it. Professionally, things are very different.
11. People who fight for and care about animal rights.
12. Perhaps one of the things I am most thankful for is that Scott and I are very close to reaching our ultimate goals in life of having a family, Scott working as a Psychologist, and me being a stay at home mommy! Probably won't all happen for a few more years but we are close, and have worked SO hard to get here. All the waiting and working and sacraficing is paying off and we are starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel.
13. Coffee
14. Food
15. Health
16. PURSES!!!!!
17. Shoes, Make Up, Clothes, Malls, Macy's, Target.
18. Horror Movies
19. Daniel Craig movies
20. Good music
21. Moments of piece and quiet when someone is NOT chomping or popping gum, eating near me, whistling, talking too loudly, etc etc etc. These moments do not happen nearly as often as I would prefer.
22. Fun pens/highlighters/office products
23. Common sense
24. Humor
25. I have a feeling I am forgetting some rather significant things so I dedicate this one to all of those things.
Monday, November 5, 2012
Things I Am Thankful For
I have not blogged in a long time, but recently there has been a surge of blogging by Facebook friends and I realized that it is good for the soul to put stuff out there, so I am updating mine! I am choosing today to list many of the things I am thankful for, this being Thanksgiving time and all. So here it goes.
1. My most valuable possession, my Husband. He is my absolute best friend, and I feel like together, we can conquer ANYTHING. He amazes me every single day with everything he is doing personally and professionally. He is a wonderful husband, he will be a wonderful father, and I am completely proud to say that he is mine and that my world revolves around him.
2. My baby boy! I feel like I have known him my whole life. I don't know why, I just feel so strongly connected to him, and would do anything for him. I feel like I can take on anything in the world if it means doing it for him, and he isn't even due until January.
3. My parents. They have always given everything they possibly can. Never once did I ever feel unloved or like I didn't have anyone to turn to. They made me feel like I could accomplish anything, and they showed me how a person who loves me should treat me. I feel like I owe so much to them and I hope that I do as great of a job at making my child feel as loved as I always felt, and still feel.
4. My brother. Now that we are getting older and don't want to rip each others faces off all the time, I have to say he is turning into a pretty cool guy, probably because he has such an awesome sister ;) He also amazes me at everything he is accomplishing, and I always brag that he has surpassed my accomplishments (at least academically) and I am 100% the overly proud sister who brags about "My brother, the law student" who not only goes to law school, but kicks law schools ass! Proud of him.
5. The In-Laws. I lucked out here! I can say that I honestly look forward to spending time with these people! We have had so many fun experiences and they have generously shared so many of their interests with me and included me from the start. They have helped us in so many ways that I am beyond grateful for, the greatest one of course is sharing their son/brother with me! I feel so fortunate for them. Also, I have the most adorable niece in the world, who I have been lucky enough to know from the day she was born, and I cannot wait to see all of the things she does in her life.
6. My animals. They drive me nuts, puke on my floors, sometimes stink, and ruin my furniture with their claws and fur. But damn it, they make me smile everyday and love me unconditionally no matter what mood I am in. A home just isn't complete without a little animal chaos.
7. I am thankful for much more but the baby in my belly is demanding food, so those things will have to wait until next time...
1. My most valuable possession, my Husband. He is my absolute best friend, and I feel like together, we can conquer ANYTHING. He amazes me every single day with everything he is doing personally and professionally. He is a wonderful husband, he will be a wonderful father, and I am completely proud to say that he is mine and that my world revolves around him.
2. My baby boy! I feel like I have known him my whole life. I don't know why, I just feel so strongly connected to him, and would do anything for him. I feel like I can take on anything in the world if it means doing it for him, and he isn't even due until January.
3. My parents. They have always given everything they possibly can. Never once did I ever feel unloved or like I didn't have anyone to turn to. They made me feel like I could accomplish anything, and they showed me how a person who loves me should treat me. I feel like I owe so much to them and I hope that I do as great of a job at making my child feel as loved as I always felt, and still feel.
4. My brother. Now that we are getting older and don't want to rip each others faces off all the time, I have to say he is turning into a pretty cool guy, probably because he has such an awesome sister ;) He also amazes me at everything he is accomplishing, and I always brag that he has surpassed my accomplishments (at least academically) and I am 100% the overly proud sister who brags about "My brother, the law student" who not only goes to law school, but kicks law schools ass! Proud of him.
5. The In-Laws. I lucked out here! I can say that I honestly look forward to spending time with these people! We have had so many fun experiences and they have generously shared so many of their interests with me and included me from the start. They have helped us in so many ways that I am beyond grateful for, the greatest one of course is sharing their son/brother with me! I feel so fortunate for them. Also, I have the most adorable niece in the world, who I have been lucky enough to know from the day she was born, and I cannot wait to see all of the things she does in her life.
6. My animals. They drive me nuts, puke on my floors, sometimes stink, and ruin my furniture with their claws and fur. But damn it, they make me smile everyday and love me unconditionally no matter what mood I am in. A home just isn't complete without a little animal chaos.
7. I am thankful for much more but the baby in my belly is demanding food, so those things will have to wait until next time...
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