Economic Stimulus?

Seriously?  I have many questions about the new president’s plans for a) the socializing of our government and b) nominating clearly corrupt criminals (alliteration, anyone?) to the presidency.  Now, before anyone tries to tell me that Bush nominated idiots to his Cabinet, my answer is, do you want this to be a repeat of the last 8 years?  And as for socializing the government, if you don’t think that is what is coming, you have quite the whallop aimed right at your head.

That is not, however, what I actually want to discuss.  What really bothers me is this so-called economic stimulus bill that is being pushed down the throats of Americans.  It’s almost disgusting how much money is being allocated to ideas that very obviously have nothing to do with stimulating the economy.  This bill is pork-barrel spending at its best (or worst?).  While I am not a Republican, I am a fiscal conservative, and this is really really bad.

The following is a list of the items within the Bill that the Republican members of Congress have deemed wasteful.  I have to say, I agree with many of them.  Some of them I am okay with, but, for example, $246 million in tax breaks to Hollywood producers is a blatant attempt to pay off some key figures in key circles.

Like I said, I believe that some of the measures the Republicans claim are wasteful would be extremely beneficial, like the $850 million for Amtrak.  But if this is what we are to expect from the Democrats for the next 2 to 4 to 6 to 8 years, I shudder to think what we as a nation will turn into.

• $2 billion earmark to re-start FutureGen, a near-zero emissions coal power plant in Illinois that the Department of Energy defunded last year because it said the project was inefficient.

• A $246 million tax break for Hollywood movie producers to buy motion picture film.

• $650 million for the digital television converter box coupon program.

• $88 million for the Coast Guard to design a new polar icebreaker (arctic ship).

• $448 million for constructing the Department of Homeland Security headquarters.

• $248 million for furniture at the new Homeland Security headquarters.

• $600 million to buy hybrid vehicles for federal employees.

• $400 million for the Centers for Disease Control to screen and prevent STD’s.

• $1.4 billion for rural waste disposal programs.

• $125 million for the Washington sewer system.

• $150 million for Smithsonian museum facilities.

• $1 billion for the 2010 Census, which has a projected cost overrun of $3 billion.

• $75 million for “smoking cessation activities.”

• $200 million for public computer centers at community colleges.

• $75 million for salaries of employees at the FBI.

• $25 million for tribal alcohol and substance abuse reduction.

• $500 million for flood reduction projects on the Mississippi River.

• $10 million to inspect canals in urban areas.

• $6 billion to turn federal buildings into “green” buildings.

• $500 million for state and local fire stations.

• $650 million for wildland fire management on forest service lands.

• $1.2 billion for “youth activities,” including youth summer job programs.

• $88 million for renovating the headquarters of the Public Health Service.

• $412 million for CDC buildings and property.

• $500 million for building and repairing National Institutes of Health facilities in Bethesda, Maryland.

• $160 million for “paid volunteers” at the Corporation for National and Community Service.

• $5.5 million for “energy efficiency initiatives” at the Department of Veterans Affairs National Cemetery Administration.

• $850 million for Amtrak.

• $100 million for reducing the hazard of lead-based paint.

• $75 million to construct a “security training” facility for State Department Security officers when they can be trained at existing facilities of other agencies.

• $110 million to the Farm Service Agency to upgrade computer systems.

• $200 million in funding for the lease of alternative energy vehicles for use on military installations.

(This list was provided by cnn.com in their recent article)

Saying Good-bye to Another Year

There is this song sung by Frank Sinatra that is running through my head right now: It Was A Very Good Year. It’s a nice song, sung by a man who lived a long life, full of triumph and failure, pleasure and pain.  For me, it has more of an immediate meaning, especially considering that it’s about an hour until midnight (in Midwestern America) and the beginning of a new year.

2008 has been quite the year.  I wonder sometimes how so much can be packed into 366 short days (Leap Year!).  It seems as though every day something new happened, something was hitting the news, causing incredible fervor.  I think it’s acceptable to say that it was a crazy year.  There were floods, earthquakes, hurricanes, Olympics, elections, Recessions, Economic crises, political scandals . . . the list goes on and on and on.  The world has hit a rough patch and a lot of people out there are probably wondering what has been so good about the last year.  As cheesy as it will sound, for me the best part about this year, as has been every year, is that we survived to see the next one.

As the world says a weary good-bye to 2008, I, too, say good-bye to the year behind me.  My thoughts, inevitably, turn to New Year’s 2008.  I was working at a restaurant in Chicago, and had to work that night.  I remember not making much money (certainly not enough to have made the sacrifice of working on New Year’s Eve), and getting out just in time to listen to the countdown from outside a bar with a co-worker I didn’t care very much for.  It was quite the inauspicious beginning.  Within two weeks, I had flown home to California and back again, been let go from the restaurant, and completed my grad school applications – all in the middle of a multi-record breaking winter in Chicago.  The next two months were spent stomping through the snow and cold trying to find a job.  My lowest point came when, in one week, I was rejected from a group of graduate programs and was running out of money.  Eventually I found a job, and decided on an awesome grad program, but I don’t think I will ever forget that point in February 2008.  The next months were filled with making/saving money (unsuccessfully).  During this time, I prepared to move yet again, and actually developed some pretty radical views on religion (theories I don’t think anyone would expect to actually come out of my mouth).  I got to see my Aunt get married to a man I am honored to call family now, and heard of the births of new family members.  I grew closer to all my sisters, and I feel like I can actually call them friends now – an incredibly awesome feeling.  My parents, grandfather and older sister have been my bulwark in the hard times, and my younger sisters the source of great entertainment to keep me distracted during the difficult times.

After moving north to begin a graduate program in Early Modern European history, I realized that I had stepped into an entirely new world – one I was not prepared for at all.  My first semester was an adjustment, to say the least, and I would be lying if I said that I had adjusted completely to grad life.  But I realized at some point, that, as difficult as this all is, I am finally doing exactly what I want to be doing, and what I should be doing at this point in my life.  Not many people say that they enjoy sitting in the library for 8 to 10 to 12 and more hours of the day reading, studying and writing.  But I can.  Ignoring all the procrastination, I have thoroughly enjoyed my productive library time the last few months and am looking forward to more.  There have been ups and downs this semester, but when it all comes down to it, the pros have outweighed the cons.

There have been three things that have helped get me through the toughest times this year – my 3 F’s.  Faith, Family and Friends.  Without these three, I couldn’t have done it.  I am, finally, exactly where I want to be.  Sure I’m alone again this year, with a head cold to ring in the New Year with me, but when I think about the foundation I have built for myself for 2009, I couldn’t be happier.

So as I raise my glass of Bailey’s on the rocks and sing Auld Lang Syne to 2008 and ring in 2009, I know that not only was it a very good year, but, with faith, family, and friends with me, it will be a very good year.

All in Moderation

What does it mean to be a Moderate in today’s society?  Well, let me tell you.  I am a fiscal conservative and a social liberal.  This means that I have no place in a society with such a polarized view of politics.  I feel like I’m entrenched in “No-Man’s Land” from WWI, with blue and red not only fighting around me but pulling me back and forth, trying to get me to cross over to their side.

When I argue with my rabidly conservative father and grandfather, I am a liberal who doesn’t know the “right way” and has been taken in by the liberal media (it’s not just “the media” anymore – it’s “the liberal media”).  According to them, many times, I don’t have the capacity to realize that those liberals out there are just out to destroy our freedoms and attack Christianity.  I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard the phrase, we’ll talk in 10 years or so when you really understand what’s going on.  OR when I get told that I don’t know what “evil” is.  That’s my favorite.

So I’ve been dealing with this for a while.  NOW I have a friend, a very good friend, who, essentially, is a Communist.  We argue constantly about politics and the “American way” (whatever that is anymore).  He’s all about the revolution and is just waiting for it to happen.  According to my friend, I am completely conservative and cannot understand the “right way” because I am too entrenched in my family’s political ideas (which is funny because I’m pretty sure my mother is more of a moderate liberal) and my religious upbringing (also funny because Catholics are the most liberal of the Christian religions) to truly understand that communism is the only way.

Therefore, I argue with my father about one set of issues and am a liberal, and then I argue with my friend about the same issues and am conservative!  I understand that, in the grand scheme of things, Americans are, as a people, way more conservative in ideals than Canadians and Europeans.  I totally get that.  But it is absolutely amazing that, in order to be a moderate in this country, you are attacked by both sides!  And both Democrats and Republicans have their heads shoved so far up their asses that they can’t tell that they are acting like idiots.  It is patently obvious that we shouldn’t be spending money willy-nilly right now, and yet that is exactly what is happening, especially now with the election of a Democratic president and an incredibly Democratic Congress.  And the “Grand Ole Party” has proven that it no longer “walks the walk” or actually believes in being fiscally conservative, which has been proven by the fact that our National Debt doubled while the Republicans were in control.  Give me a break

I am definitely a fiscal conservative.  I think it is extremely foolish to put ourselves deeper and deeper into debt in order to get ourselves out of debt.  I also am very concerned with the fact that the government is getting more involved with the market.  We have nationalized the banks, but everyone is so concerned with their own financial woes (real or perceived), that they do not truly realize what that means.  One of the first steps on the road to complete governmental control is for the governments to take control of the financial sector.  I’m sorry, but I don’t think it is right for the government to tell me what I should be doing with my money (whatever is left after they take out taxes).  And I definitely don’t think it’s right for the government to tell people that it is okay to spend money you don’t have because eventually it’s just going to bite us all in the ass.  It has become apparent to me that the Stimulus package was absolutely useless and this Bailout plan will be no better – all it will do is put off the inevitable.

On the other hand, I am a social liberal.  I am against the death penalty, I am for stem-cell research.  While I am personally against abortion, I believe that this nation is not prepared for the ramifications at all levels if abortion were to be outlawed.  I believe that the violence in this country is caused by a laxity in gun laws and the drug war that has lost us countless lives.  I believe that first and foremost on our nation’s priorities should be education, but that people are too busy worrying about how they are going to pay for their McMansions and luxury cars to care about the plight of our nation’s children.  I believe that every child in this country should have access to affordable medical care.  I believe that welfare was a good idea, but needs to be greatly reformed.  I believe in Social Security, but that it should be the people’s choice as to what happens to the money when it is taken from our paycheck (a little bit of both, there, don’t you think?).  I believe that while climate change is real, it is a combination of many factors, not just human interference, and the sooner we get rid of our dependence on all oil, but especially foreign oil, the better off this country will be.  I believe that war is wrong, and I wonder if there should be a formal investigation into the real reasons why the US invaded Iraq.

This is what it means to be a moderate in American society.  Well, in my mind at least.  For those of you who wish to blast my beliefs, know that it comes from a deep sense of who I am as a person and what I want this nation to become.  I didn’t come to any conclusion lightly, and to assume that I have because of media bias or even familial loyalty is not only ludicrous, but insulting.

So to all of you who think that straddling the fence is the easy way out – you have no idea what it truly means to compromise.  And to all of you who think that this country hasn’t been damaged by the partisan nature of our government – think about the Congressional approval ratings or when the last time you actually believed that Republicans and Democrats were working together.

Random Thought 14

Or, why I believe in soulmates.

In this crazy, cynical world full of hate, I often run into people who are completely incredulous when I tell them that I believe in soulmates.  Willing to over-analyze the concept, people ask me how it’s possible, or if people can have more than one soulmate, and if so, if that cheapens the concept.  All I want to say to all of you nay-sayers is that, whether or not you believe in the concept of soulmates, they are there.  Unfortunately, not everyone meets their soulmate, but it can definitely be said that soulmate-dom (I know that’s not a word) can develop over time.  And just because you don’t necessarily meet your soulmate doesn’t mean that you are doomed to a life of misery and loneliness.  And no, your soulmate doesn’t need to be your romantic partner.

So, how did I come to this realization?  Mainly because I’ve seen it.  My grandparents were soulmates, and I don’t think there is a single person who knows them who would think otherwise.  And when I talk to Grandpa about Grandma (who passed away), it’s immediately apparent that they were meant to be together.  I remember hearing the story of when they met from both Grandma and Grandpa, and it really is amazing.  I have other examples, but I don’t want to embarrass them just in case they ever read this.

It’s not surprising that today people don’t understand the concept of soulmates.  With the divorce rate as it is, and the new-found cynicism following the “Free Love Movement” of the ’60s, who can blame people for not wanting to admit to fully connecting to just one human being?  But it does happen, and it is definitely real.

As a final note to this random thought, I will leave you with the article that sparked this blog.  I do believe in destiny as a converging of free will and fate, but just read the article, and maybe you’ll understand what I mean.

Amazing Holocause Love Story Lives On

Random Thought 13

Or, Why I Am Single.

And probably will remain that way.  Forever.  I am 24 years old now and I have never had a boyfriend.  Now, you can tell me that’s really young to be worrying about this stuff, but I’m not kidding when I say that I have never ever dated anyone longer than a month.  This isn’t even the problem.

You see, since I’ve started grad school, I’ve had some time to think about all this stuff.  You get home by 2 or 3pm everyday and procrastinate a lot, and you end up with time to think.  My problem is that I am attracted to inappropriate men.  And they are attracted to me.  No matter how inappropriate or in what way they are inappropriate, I will end up attracted.  It’s very frustrating.

So here’s what I’m saying, right now.  STOP IT.  Inappropriate men – STOP going after women looking for an appropriate man!  You know you are inappropriate!  Leave us alone!  I realize this is my fault, too, I’m not an idiot and I don’t have a martyr’s complex, but seriously!  Inapproriate men just distract us from what our real goals are.  And let’s be honest, women get distracted easily.  So please, go back to whatever is making you inappropriate and leave appropriate women alone.

Me, I’m going to hole myself up in my apartment for a little longer, and then continue to look for an appropriate man.

A(nother) Great Depression

It’s closer than we think.  On September 29, 2008, the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 failed in the House of Representatives.  This is just the first step towards approving a bill, but now it will not even get to the Senate or the White House without some major changes.  That’s part of the great system of checks and balances we have in the American government – one branch doesn’t like it, it doesn’t go through.

On September 29, 2008, exactly one month (to the day) before the 79th anniversary of the beginning of what is currently known as the Great Depression, the DOW dropped 777 points.  The greatest drop in one day EVER.  Ironically enough, the number 777 is significant Biblically.  You see, the number 3 means “completion” and the number 7 means “perfection”.  So you could say that 777 means “complete perfection”.  (To give a correlation – the number 6 means “imperfection” so 666 is “complete imperfection” – I think you can take it from there.)

I am afraid.  I am honestly afraid of what will happen in the coming days, weeks, months, years.  Not what will happen to the economy, or even the government.  I’m afraid of what will happen to the people.  We are hurting right now.  We have no confidence in anything.  People will continue to lose their jobs, homes, their lives as they know it.  The soul of our nation is hurting, it’s wounded.  We have been brought low by 2 wars which have little support, but are still killing Americans, Iraqis and Afghanis.  Approval of the US Congress is, at last count, at 9%.  Presidential approval – 20% (if that).  And in the midst of all this, voting has begun in one of the most-watched elections in the history of the US.  An election that, from what I can tell, won’t bring very much “change” no matter who is elected.

And yet, here is my plug for hope.  This is a cycle.  Granted, a cycle that has gone down further than other years.  It will get better.  We, as Americans, as world citizens, have to stick through it.  We don’t really have a choice.  This is life, this, sometimes unfortunately, the way things are.  But it will get better.  The problem we all seem to have is a lack of preparation for the future.  No one thinks, when things are good, that things will go bad, and no one thinks, when things are bad, that they will get better.  But they will.  We must have hope, we must have confidence in ourselves as Americans, as humans.

At the onset of the Great Depression, John D. Rockefeller said “These are days when many are discouraged.  In the 93 years of my life, depressions have come and gone.  Prosperity has always returned and will again.”  It took 12 years and a world war for prosperity to return, but it did return.

And we will prosper again.

The Great Depression . . . Part 2?

There is a growing trend in this country called “Tent Cities“, where groups of people are setting up tents and living in them because they have lost their homes – many because of the housing crisis.  When I read this, I immediately thought of the Great Depression of the 1930s.  I can’t help but wonder if this is just another sign that there is going to be another Great Depression.

The thing about the current economic crisis is that, at a basic level (or maybe more complex), it shows a level of similarity that should be terrifying to anyone who can comprehend what it may mean.  The last few years have been defined by a sense of entitlement held by the American public, stretching from the lower middle class to the highest echelons of society.  It cannot be denied, especially considering the damning evidence, that people were (and still are) all too willing to purchase things they cannot afford.  I will be the first to admit that I have fallen into this trap myself – I think the major difference is that I don’t expect the government to bail me out.  The problem is, with sub-prime lending and an interesting phenomenon called “Interest-Only Loans”, America cannot afford to work it’s way out of the hole that it dug.  We are definitely on the brink of global economic collapse because of our actions.  The global economy is so dependent on our success that if we fail, they also fail.  I firmly believe that, had AIG not been saved by the Fed, we would have seen another Depression as bad as that of the 1930s – worthy of the capital “d”.

The “Roaring Twenties” has been characterized as a time period of great wealth and a great lack of responsibility.  I challenge you to ask yourselves – what is the difference between then and now?  How many people do you know/have heard of who had loans they couldn’t possibly pay off if the economy (like it always does) went down even a little bit?  How can people not understand that planning for the future is so much more important than “living for the present”?  How can we be surprised by these recent events – and why is it shocking that it would occur in our financial sector?  Sure the Stock Market surged over the past few days because the government FINALLY acted as they should have.  That doesn’t mean we are out of danger – not at all.  If anything, this wild roller coaster the Stock Market is on should signal to the average American that things are just as unstable as they were yesterday, and there is no such thing as a “quick fix” or a “band-aid”.  There can’t be.  We need to stabilize the base of the pyramid, not fix the surface wounds on the top.  It won’t work this time.

Those of you who know me know that I am not a fan of government involvement.  Even though I refuse to identify with a political party or even republican/liberal paths, I guess it can be said that I am closer to a libertarian than anything else.  Unfortunately, those ideas may have worked in another situation, a different setting.  Now, there is no choice but to have the government act.  They need to act quickly and decisively to help implement long-term change.  I am not foolish enough to think that I know enough to present an answer; I know there are people who can, though.  There also must be an official investigation as to the practices of the financial sector as well as the people running it.  As much as this is the everyday American’s fault (because it is), there is no doubt in my mind that the people running these companies hold a certain amount of blame as well.

Let us hope that, as the government dumps millions and millions of tax-payers’ dollars into the economy, that we have learned the lesson history tried to teach us almost 80 years ago.

Editing, anyone?

There are sites all over the internet poking fun at appalling grammar and spelling mistakes.  Of course, people are going to mess up grammatically, I don’t think anyone would argue that the English language is one of the most annoying and difficult to learn to speak, read and write.  Plus, the rules change constantly (since I graduated from high school in 2002, the rule on comma usage listing in paragraphs – like in the previous sentence – have changed at least 3 times).  So, yes, there are going to be mistakes, even with the wonders technology has given us, like spell check, grammar check and so on.

But here’s the thing.  When you don’t edit your documents, no matter if they are an advertisement, essay, thesis, or STAMP, you end up in a conundrum like The Fish and Wildlife Service has found themselves, which is described in the following CNN article:

Duck stamp number sends callers to sex line.

Lesson of the day?  ALWAYS EDIT YOUR DOCUMENTS.  Even if you hate it, and even if you only do it once, it protects against absolutely idiotic mistakes.  There is nothing more embarrassing than writing a stunning paper and discovering – after it’s been turned in – that you spelled “their” as “there” or “your” as “you’re”.  There are many other examples I could use, but really, it all comes down to being aware of what you are writing.  You’d be amazed at how much a simple spelling error can cost you – just ask any lawyer.

Oh, and none of this “texting lingo” crap.  “To” and “too” are not “2″!!!

Learn proper English!

Winners and Losers

The Olympics ended last week, and in the aftermath of the spectacle, I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about what happened regarding the athletes.  (I feel the need to make that clarification because there are a lot of interesting parallels that can be drawn between these Olympics and the 1936 Olympic games in Berlin when Hitler and the Nazis were asserting their control over Germany, and, at the same time, trying to show the world how wonderful they were and their emergence as a world power.  I’m not the only one who noticed this – there were actually news reports looking at this and many bloggers – here is an example from Politics Monthly.  Only the future can tell us if the parallels we have drawn here had any foundation, but the prospect is a little terrifying considering the tenuous world climate, and China’s constant need to “prove itself”.  However, this is something to be discussed at a later time, today I prefer to place the focus where the focus should be during an Olympic games – on solidarity between nations and the athletes themselves.)

So one of the best parts about the Olympics (and something NBC capitalized on to the extreme) are the stories.  I love being a historian because of the realization that everyone has a story.  Everyone has a background, and learning who they are makes their triumphs all the more special.  We are bonded to the athletes through a common nationality – even though the United States is going through a very difficult time right now (although, that could have helped the success of the Olympics – Americans going up against the rest of the world in a time when no one thinks we can succeed).  We had the opportunity, more so than ever, to discover the backgrounds of the various athletes – we were able to celebrate with them when they triumphed and commiserate with them when they lost.

We learned a lot about these athletes, and some amazing results came out of the Olympics. There were some devastating events, as well, one of the worst being the tragic death of Todd Bachman and serious injury of his wife Barbara, the parents of Hugh McCutcheon’s wife.  Death strikes daily, but this seemed to wrench the hearts of every American half a world away.  The men’s volleyball team were grieving this tragedy, but were able to triumph and actually won the Gold (this story can be found here).

Michael Phelps is now considered one of the best athletes of all time – he is the winner of 8 Gold medals, and he broke a ridiculous amount of world records.  The best part of all of it, though, by far, was his grace and humility when he accepted every single one of those medals.  His obvious dedication to his mother seems rivaled only by his dedication to swimming.  He showed the world what the meaning of the word “winner” truly is.  Not only did he show the world that an incredible feat could be overcome (and made it look easy!), but he showed the world how to be a winner.  This, I think, is truly what makes him one of the greatest athletes the world has ever seen and will ever see.

There are winners who are true winners, winners who are actually losers, and losers who are really winners, and losers who are just losers.  The true winners are those who make our hearts soar when we see them on the podium, as well as the losers who are winners who end up on the podium, but not necessarily where they thought they would be.  There is a certain grace that should be seen among those who triumph.  When we see it, we rejoice in the fact that we know these people are good people (or can put up a good front, at least).  When we learn they have been tested clean for steroids and won just because they are that good, we feel secure in the belief that these winners really do deserve to win.

When a team surmounts incredible odds, and comes back from years of defeat to win the Gold (as did the Redeem Team), we are proud because we knew they worked hard to triumph over those odds.  For the first time, I think ever, I actually liked Kobe Bryant.  In fact, I thought he was fantastic.  In an interview with Chris Collinsworth, (some of which can be seen on this Youtube video), he stood up to some blatant anti-American sentiment (from an American no less!) and stated not only that he was proud to be an American, but that it was the greatest country in the world.  I was watching that with my sister’s mom, and after that interview was done, we were speechless.  I turned her and just said, wow.  She agreed, and I, still amazed, told her that I thought it was the first time I was truly impressed with Kobe Bryant.  He was brilliant.  It still kind of amazes me.  It really added to the joy I felt when I learned that the Redeem Team had won the Gold – and were very gracious in their win as well.  It’s incredible to see, and wonderful to remember.

Many people showed their grace in losing as well – there are so many at these games.  So many athletes, so few awards.  An old tradition of grasping forearms (with their sword hand), showed each side that they were hiding no weapons.  This tradition has carried on throughout the centuries and turned into the shaking of hands in an effort to show good will.  Few realize how important those handshakes are until it doesn’t happen, or is rebuffed.  Thankfully, I did not see or hear of it happen during these games, and it is always amazing to me that the decorum continues.  It shows that those who didn’t win gold are also winners.

It is always sad to see an athlete fall from grace, and even more devastating when it could have been avoided with a better sense of playing fairly.  Cuban Angel Matos was disqualified from the Bronze medal match in taekwondo when he took too much injury time.  In reaction, he kicked the referee full on in the face, injuring him.  As a result, he has been banned for life (officially, “due process” will be followed, but that seems to be the likely outcome).  The NBC article can be found here.  Apparently, there were protests about judging throughout the tournament, but that is no excuse for lashing out like that.  Reportedly, the athlete, the coach, and even Castro, are unrepentant on this matter, saying that he was rightfully indignant.  I don’t care who you are, what nation you are supporting, or what game you are playing.  That kind of unsportsmanlike conduct cannot be excused.  Matos, and the coach, deserve what they got.

I think some great things can be learned from the Olympic athletes, and especially, since so much press was put on them, Team USA.  Remember the adage: “Reap what you sow”?  Well, in the world arena, when athletes take the stage, the rest of humanity should stand up and take notes.

I love the Olympics.  Everyone has a story.

Birthday Thoughts

As the title of my blog indicates, I turned another year older yesterday.  Yes, I have completed 24 years on this earth and am entering my 25th.  (For those who don’t want to do the basic math, it means I’m 24.)

As it seems to happen every year, I become a little contemplative in the days surrounding my birthday.  I wonder where I’ve been, what I have learned, who I have encountered. 

This year, I think I learned a lot about myself and a lot about how to deal with others (although, I have to admit, I can read people very well as an observer, but not so well in a social setting).  I learned that I don’t always say the right thing, and, more often than not, I cause problems when I just mean to tell a joke.  I realized that, once again, I am blessed with a fresh start and that, hopefully, not only will I make the most of it, but I will be successful as well.  The opportunity I have been given is a great one, and I would be wise to take advantage of it.  I discovered that I am smart.  While I didn’t get into my first choice of college, I realized that I am intelligent, and my all around application was enough to get into a top college, with an excellent History department.  Instead of getting the usual one advisor, I got two – two very successful advisors who, I have a feeling, will keep me very busy.  I was also blessed enough to obtain funding through an assistantship that basically helps me finance my schooling for the next year, and, potentially, years to come (let’s be honest, things are never for certain in life)

I learned that I truly love being an American.  That may sound odd, but I love this country.  I love the opportunity it has given me, the freedom to say how I feel, and the pleasure of being part of such a great nation.  I can only hope that this country continues to thrive and gets out of the hole we seem to be in.  I also hope, that for the year ahead, other Americans will realize how important it is to support the country as we work to change it for the better instead of tearing it down all the time.  Remember the phrase “you catch more flies with honey than with vinegar”?  Well, I think it applies to change as well. 

The best part about my year, I think, is the way my faith has grown.  My faith has become a central part of who I am, instead of just something I associate with.  I cannot deny that there are many issues where the Catholic Church and I do not agree, but I don’t let that interfere with my faith.  I strongly believe that there is an inherent difference between faith and religion.  The Sacraments, Ten Commandments and other expressions found in Catholic dogma allow me to express my faith, but I do not let doctrine I don’t agree with interfere with my relationship with my God and my faith.

All in all, I have had many ups and downs in this last year, but it has been a good year.  I refuse to believe that any of my years have been bad years for the simple fact that I am alive to reflect on them, but some do happen to be better than others.  However, this year truly has been a good year.  When I look back on it 5, 10, 15 years from now, I don’t know how I will feel about it.  But as I look on it now, it’s been a good year.