We The People… July 9, 2008

 

I just got the best email from BIll and had to blog about it. I don’t know how this has escaped me; apparently its been forwarded across teh interwebs for quite sometime. But honestly, nothing has gotten me this fired up politically in a few days. As a matter of fact, Kit and I were talking politics last night and I was kind of depressed thinking about the direction I see our country heading and the great possibility that Osama Obama may be the next President. Heaven help us. 

The best part of what you’re about to read is the fact that it was written by a Congressman from the great state of Georgia, Mitchell Kaye (R), representing Cobb County. The worst part, you ask? He’s unfortunately a jort-wearing, 2 time graduate of Florida. Oh well, nobody’s perfect. 

Anyways, Congressman Kaye has written a brilliant response to the ever-increasing population of lazy, morons in this country that possess a ridiculous sense of self-entitlement. Bill’s email referred to it as the new Bill of Non Rights. I think it should be called…

 

The New Preamble To The Constitution Of The United States of America

“We the sensible people of the United States, in an attempt to help everyone get along, restore some semblance of justice, avoid more riots, keep our nation safe, promote positive behavior, and secure the blessings of debt-free liberty to ourselves and our great-great-great-grandchildren, hereby try one more time to ordain and establish some common sense guidelines for the terminally whiny, guilt ridden, delusional, and other liberal bed-wetters. We hold these truths to be self evident: that a whole lot of people are confused by the Bill of Rights and are so dim they require a Bill of NON-Rights.”

 

• ARTICLE I: You do not have the right to a new car, big screen TV, or any other form of wealth. More power to you if you can legally acquire them, but no one is guaranteeing anything.
• ARTICLE II: You do not have the right to never be offended. This country is based on freedom, and that means freedom for everyone — not just you! You may leave the room, turn the channel, express a different opinion, etc.; but the world is full of idiots, and probably always will be.
• ARTICLE III: You do not have the right to be free from harm. If you stick a screwdriver in your eye, learn to be more careful; do not expect the tool manufacturer to make you and all your relatives independently wealthy.
• ARTICLE IV: You do not have the right to free food and housing. Americans are the most charitable people to be found, and will gladly help anyone in need, but we are quickly growing weary of subsidizing generation after generation of professional couch potatoes who achieve nothing more than the creation of another generation of professional couch potatoes.
• ARTICLE V: You do not have the right to free health care. That would be nice, but from the looks of public housing, we’re just not interested in public health care.
• ARTICLE VI: You do not have the right to physically harm other people. If you kidnap, rape, intentionally maim, or kill someone, don’t be surprised if the rest of us want to see you fry in the electric chair.
• ARTICLE VII: You do not have the right to the possessions of others. If you rob, cheat, or coerce away the goods or services of other citizens, don’t be surprised if the rest of us get together and lock you away in a place where you still won’t have the right to a big screen color TV or a life of leisure.
• ARTICLE VIII: You do not have the right to a job. All of us sure want you to have a job, and will gladly help you along in hard times, but we expect you to take advantage of the opportunities of education and vocational training laid before you to make yourself useful.
• ARTICLE IX: You do not have the right to happiness. Being an American means that you have the right to PURSUE happiness, which by the way, is a lot easier if you are unencumbered by an over abundance of idiotic laws created by those of you who were confused by the Bill of Rights.
• ARTICLE X: This is an English speaking country. We don’t care where you are from, English is our language. Learn it or go back to wherever you came from!
• ARTICLE XI: You do not have the right to change our country’s history or heritage. This country was founded on the belief in one true God. And yet, you are given the freedom to believe in any religion, any faith, or no faith at all; with no fear of persecution. The phrase IN GOD WE TRUST is part of our heritage and history, and if you are uncomfortable with it, TOUGH!

 

I live and am registered to vote in Clarke County, so I don’t have the pleasure of punching Congressman Kaye’s name at the ballot box. Too bad he’s not running for President; I’d vote for him in a skinny minute. He’s already proven to be leagues above the two phonies currently clammoring for the job.

 

Amen and God Bless America!

My Country ‘Tis Of Thee July 4, 2008

“The second day of July 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the Day of Deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever.” President John Adams in a letter to his wife Abigail on July 3, 1776.

Living overseas for 5 years taught me more about patriotism than the 23 years prior that I had growing up as a privileged American. Living in an oppressed western African nation where freedom and liberty are just a dream showed me how blessed I was to have been born a citizen of the United States, and especially a southerner. More than ever before I began to appreciate how profoundly awesome it is to have the RIGHTS to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. I came to fully grasp what so many of my forefathers sacrificed just to live freely, speak freely, worship freely, expect justice, and to possess an equal protection of the law.

Because of my years abroad, the 4th of July is no longer just a day off for me. Its no longer about a party by the pool with friends & family or a day of fun on the lake. It will never again be just a day of cookouts, parades, & fireworks. Independence Day for me will hopefully always include those things, but only in celebration of the liberties & freedoms I so abundantly enjoy, at the great expense of so many during the last 232 years, and by the immeasurable grace of God Almighty.

 

 

As I sit here writing this all I want to do is thank God for His wisdom, grace, love, and mercy in guiding the creation of this magnificent country. At the same time I feel compelled to beg His forgiveness for my sins and the sins of my country. Everyday I see changes in the way we live our lives, gravitating towards what mankind wants and further away from what God intended. I firmly believe that our social fabric is at stake if we continue to separate ourselves from God’s ways. But also, the degree of liberty we enjoy today is dependent upon Americans believing in a transcendent moral order for the way in which we live. I believe that America is exceptional, not because we made it that way, but because we experienced God’s undeserved blessings upon this nation.

“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”  2 Chronicles 7:14

When we say, “God bless America,” we are asking God to treat our nation better than we deserve. The inclusion of God in America is what has historically been the best part of our country! The precious gift of God’s blessing is what has set us apart & made this country so extraordinary. And still seeking His blessing is a way of making sure that we can define our future in new and more promising ways. It is also a way of honoring the words in George Washington’s eloquent farewell address: “Religion and morality are indispensable and our national greatness, unless we allow them to be subverted and obliterated by secularism.”

But no oration or prayer I have to offer is as powerful as the ones given each year on this day to our Representatives by the Congressional Chaplain. This one in particular spoke to me today and was delivered July 2, 1969 to members of Congress on the Senate floor by the Rev. Edward L. R. Elson:

“We thank Thee, O God, that the freedom we celebrate in coming days is not an attainment, but an obtainment that it is Thy precious gift to man as part of his createdness. We thank Thee for the daring of our forefathers in reclaiming their “ancient rights.” We thank Thee, too, for the heroes’ valor, the patriots’ devotion, the prophets’ vision, and for all the blood and sweat and toil by which our freedom was purchased. As we commemorate our national independence accept again the declaration of our everlasting dependence upon Thee. In all our joy and thanksgiving enable us to remain a nation “under God,” and give us grace and goodness to minister to mankind in His name. Amen.” (Source: Congressional Record-Senate, 91st Congress)

 

Amen, indeed. May God continue to bless America.

Ash Wednesday February 8, 2008

“Then Abraham spoke up again: Now that I have been so bold as to speak to the Lord, though I am nothing but dust and ashes.” Genesis 18:27

Okay, so I realize I’m a couple of days late in getting this post up but I just totally scrapped my original post in favor of something more personal. I’m just in that kind of mood right now.

I’m a Baptist, even though I grew up with some Episcopalian influence from my Dad’s side of the family and a Methodist Pastor in my mom. I kind of like that I’m mixed. The Episcopalian’s gave me real wine for communion, and a counter-balance from the real fundamental stuff I heard in Baptist Sunday school. The Methodist’s gave me an appreciation for social service in my community, and social justice globally. They always supported me in prayer, and encouraged my mission work overseas. And the Baptist’s gave me a love for Bible study, Hymns, a way to apply God’s word into my daily life, and the fellowship with other Christians I really need in my life.

Make no mistake, not one denomination is perfect. None of us are. Each come with their own set of questions, doubt, and even hypocrisy. It wasn’t until I was older, when my faith became my own, that I realized that God is the only perfect part of the equation. The church, even though Christ’s bride, is imperfect because its filled with imperfect humans. But the influence of each church and congregation, flaws and all, have helped to guide, protect, and shape my faith and who I am. My faith is very important to me. I was raised in church but spent my years of college away from church, with the exception of being a Chreaster of course. I know what my life is like without faith and I don’t ever want to go back. That’s not to say I don’t have moments of frustration, doubt, and even anger. I do, believe me. That’s sort of the reason for this post.

I lost my Dad before New Year’s. He had just turned 60. Not to be dramatic, but I still think I’m in a state of shock. It’s hard to fathom, comprehend, and imagine some days. Others, I just don’t want to get out of bed. I’m trying to live my life in a new town, a new school but it’s becoming increasingly more difficult to put on a happy face….especially since everywhere I turn lately I see my Dad. If there was one thing I did to make my Father proud, it was following him to Athens. It’s just a little ironic that I move back here 2 weeks before he passed away. I just assumed he would’ve experienced this with me.

I’m not angry or bitter at God though; I just don’t understand why. I probably never will. I am angry, no question. I’m pissed if you wanna know the truth. I’m disappointed in myself for not being a better daughter. I’m ashamed that I’ve taken that anger out on others, especially someone really close to me. And I’m frustrated that I can’t seem to figure out what to do next, where to go from here, etc., on my own. I’m just not happy, no matter what I do. I’m miserable a lot and I’m sick of it. The only thing I know to do is turn to God. I’ve been doing this all along, but not enough apparently. I’m holding onto stuff that’s beginning to eat me alive. I’ve seen what bitterness and resentment can do to a person and I refuse to let that happen to me. So I called the only old friend I have in Athens and decided to go with her to the Ash Wednesday service at her church, First Baptist. I was a little late, but am so glad I went. It was beautiful, solemn, and carthartic for me.

Ash Wednesday service is one of my favorite worship services of the year. If you’ve never been, you should go, if only to experience it once. The Lenten and Easter season mean more to me than Christmas, which is saying a lot. It’s just such a cleansing time and an opportunity to prepare your heart for Holy Week. Ash Wednesday for me is symboilc, but so purposeful. It’s when I can approach the altar in true repentance, seeking forgiveness for my sins and let go of past wounds. The struggle for me this year is that I haven’t held up my end of the bargain. I went to the alter Wednesday night and was marked with the sign of the cross from the ashes of last year’s palms. Yet I left there without leaving my biggest burdens. I sought to be forgiven, but wasn’t ready to forgive in return. That’s pretty selfish & arrogant, considering it’s really all God has asked of me, you know?

“And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those
who trespass against us.” Luke 11:4

I can’t go back to the altar during Holy Week and certainly not on Easter Sunday without obeying what little God has asked of me. I can’t go back to Him seeking grace & mercy for my life without first being willing to extend the same to others. And I can’t go back to worship my risen Lord & Saviour with a heart of anger. No way.

WWJD. That’s been on my mind the last couple of days. What would Jesus do with me right now? Don’t answer that. Seriously though, that’s the question I’ve been asking myself…. What would He do? What is He asking me to do? How do I get from where I am right now to where I need to be, where He wants me to be? I don’t know, but I know how to find out.

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find;
knock and the door will be open to you.” Matthew 7:7

One of the most interesting parts of the season of Lent is it’s length - 40 days. Forty days from Ash Wednesday to Easter Sunday, excluding sabbaths. The number of days Moses was on Mt. Sinai in the presence of God (Exodus 24:18). The period that Noah was adrift on the ark (Genesis 8:6). The duration of Elijah’s journey to hear God’s voice (1King 19:8). And most importantly, the exact amount of time Jesus spent in the wilderness (Mark 1:13) after His baptism.

If it worked for Moses, Elijah, Noah, and Jesus then it will surely be sufficient for me. So, this Lent I have more than one sin to absolve. Who am I kidding? Let’s face it, I’ve got more than I care to count! But for this season in my life I’m choosing to focus on setting myself free. Free of the anger, guilt, resentment, bitterness, and shame that’s weighed me down lately.  Free to move forward and rejoice in the blessings I have, not mourn for the ones I’ve lost. And free to truly love & cherish those who love & cherish me.

I know that I won’t be leaving church on Easter Sunday fully and completely healed of my Dad’s death. That’s gonna come eventually, but not any time soon. I know that. But I also know that when I leave the altar on Easter I’ll be a lot closer to the grace & mercy I so desperately seek and want to extend to others, than I am right now. 

So You Say It’s Your Birthday… February 3, 2008

The secret to a Happy Birthday can be found in achieving balance…

 

Forkful of cake, spoonful of ice cream…Forkful of cake, spoonful of ice cream…

Hope you have a great day and know what a blessing you are to so many, especially me!

“May the Lord bless you and keep you.
May the Lord shine His light upon you,
May the Lord be gracious to you
and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26

Church of Hate November 5, 2007

I know for the last few months I’ve written an awful lot on UGA football, but today I just felt like putting my feelings down about something that’s consuming my town at the moment.

In case you’re not familiar, I live in Greenville, SC and have since middle school. Four of the seven college students who died tragically in last week’s fire on Ocean Isle beach were from Greenville - three were students at USC, one was a student at Clemson. Just last month another USC student from Greenville died after falling out of his dorm window. That makes five kids under the age of twenty who’ve passed away in a month - most all of them went to the same high school as well.

I personally know two of the families who lost a child. And several families who were close to those that passed. It’s still hard for me to wrap my little brain around how profoundly this loss of precious life will affect my community for years to come. And it’s near impossible for me to fully comprehend the depth of loss for the families and loved ones of these great kids.

Memorial services and funerals started at the end of last week and are continuing today. There is just a feeling of tremendous grief and sadness in my town right now. It’s all anyone talks about. It’s just so hard to fathom. My hope and prayer initially was that the services of rememberance would allow a process of healing to begin. If nothing else, I’ve just prayed that God would bless these families with a peace that passes all understanding and comfort them in the days to come. I had no idea just how important that prayer would become until today.

Between classes this morning I decided to run a few errands. I listen to local talk radio and they were again discussing this morning the Ocean Isle beach fire. I had to pull my car over when I heard them mention that the cult from Westboro Baptist Church were here to protest the funerals. I’m still stunned and crying as I type this.

I’m sure you know who these hateful people are. They’ve been protesting the funerals of fallen soldiers for years now. They decend upon towns across America, bringing their vile signs and shouting with such venom, it absolutely astounds me that they associate themselves with the Word of God. Now they’ve come to my town. They’ve come to harrass these families in the most vulgar way and at their most desperate hour to further ther own depraved agenda.

If you’ve ever heard a recording or seen footage of these people in action from news clips, it can nearly bring you to your knees in horror or send you over the edge in anger. My emotions today have already run the gamut. When I heard the Westboro cult had invaded my community, I texted a close friend. His reply sums up my feelings quite simply…”Some people are just plain worthless.” Amen. 

First, let me make it abundantly clear that these people are not affiliated with the Baptist church in any way, shape, or form. Period. They are independant from any and all Baptist conventions and associations worldwide. I am a Baptist and find their abuse of my denomination’s name absolutely perverse. Second, the members/congregants of this so-called church are made up intirely from one family - the Phelps family of Kansas. Thank God they’ve yet to gain ground and recruit new members. Third, this group is dangerous on so many levels, but especially because they are well-versed and educated in constitutional law. Eleven children of the patriarch & founder of this hate group, Fred Phelps, are licensed and practicing attorneys. They each know very well how to maneuver and circumnavigate First Ammendment law and precedent. I think that fact alone concerns me more than any others, quite honestly.

They’ve exploited their First Ammendment rights to free speech & freedom of religion for years, but are monitored closesly by the Anti-Defamation League. And they are currently classified as a hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center. Yet still they’ve been allowed to torment the families of fallen soldiers, gay/lesbian individuals, Catholics, Muslims, and Jews during bereavement services.

Fortunately, the American justice system prevailed last week in limiting the First Ammendment rights of the WBC. On Friday a federal jury in Baltimore, Maryland issued an $10.9 million dollar civil judgment against the WBC, ruling their speech was too vulgar and offensive - therefore not protected by the First Ammendment. The verdict comes in the case filed by Albert Snyder after his son Matthew’s funeral was picketed by the WBC. Lance Cpl Matthew Snyder died March 3, 2006 while serving our country in Iraq.

As expected, the WBC plans to fight this judgment on appeal. The Snyder Family may never see a penny of that verdict, but this case was never about the money. It was about setting legal precedent for other grieving families.

“I hope this is enough to deter them from doing this to other families,” said Snyder. “All I kept thinking about was my son Matt and all the other parents who went through it — this will set a precedence.”  

As a matter of fact, the WBC is expected to answer charges including flag mutilation, disturbing the peace, and negligent child abuse in a Nebraska court later this week.

I’m not naive enough to think these verdicts and future charges will deter the Phelps family in the least. I do pray however that more communities will exercise this new precedent as a way to enforce & protect our rights  to peaceful assembly.

Today though, I’m praying specifically for God to silence this family and prevent them from hurting already devastated families.

 *************************************************************************************

Note: I included a link above on the Westboro cult so that you can educate yourself about their history. Notice that I chose the wikipedia page. Their own url includes the word hate and a prejudicial slur that I refuse to support. I’ve never visited their site and don’t ever intend to.

Secrets September 30, 2007

Over the last couple of months I’ve become addicted to this website that Kit introduced to me. It’s called PostSecret. If you haven’t visited the site yet, you should. It started out as a community art project where people anonymously mail in their personal secrets on a postcard. It’s now become this cult-like phenomenon with currently almost 99 million hits on the site. I’m not entirely sure what Frank Warren’s (the founder) objective is with the project, other than to be some emotional outlet for people. It’s been talked about on the Today Show, Late Night with DL, and now there are a couple of books with previously published secrets. Every Sunday the site updates the newest, latest postcards of the week - and I never miss it.

The weird part is seeing yourself in some of the secrets. One night I was talking with a friend about something personal and then saw the same secret the next day on the site. Now, nearly every week I visit the site, I read something that I can empathize with, understand, or have experienced myself. More than not though, I read things that shock me and make me think about how other people live. Just know, you’ll read things that range anywhere from funny, weird, hopeful, and dark to those that are downright disgusting or bizarre. Either way it’s like watching an oncoming train wreck… and I can’t take my eyes off it.

I’ll be honest, the first time I clicked on PostSecret, it creeped me out for several reasons:

1) I felt like a voyeur, like I was invading someone’s private thoughts and feelings.
2) I felt depressed. A lot of the secrets are morose and some are just disturbing.
3) I had a heavy heart. It’s hard to read about someone hurting when you know you can do nothing but pray.

If you’ve never visited the site, you have to watch this video. It’s actually pretty well done, plays Sia as the background music (”Breathe Me” is one of my favorite songs btw), and does a much better job than me in explaining the project.

I know, it’s stunning right? I can’t justify why I keep going back every week or what draws me there. I have no explaination that’s plausable or adequate enough to convey the attraction. It is what it is, I guess. <I hate that expression, btw, but don’t know any other way to say it.>

If anything, it’s another weekly reminder of how small I am… I have a great life. I’m pursuing a dream. I have a bright future ahead of me. I have great friends and I’m surrounded by many people who love me. I possess 2 amazing gifts: faith and hope. I have no real problems compared to most in this world. I’ve only experienced suffering as an outsider, really. I know that I’m truly blessed beyond measure.

With all that being said, I wonder if I would ever have the courage to write out my deepest, darkest secret on a postcard. I wonder what I would write, what secret I would tell. I wonder if I would ever have the guts to mail it in, knowing damn well that it might be published. I wonder if anyone I know would recognize my secret or wonder if any of them are from me, could be me. I wonder. 

Anyways, I hope it speaks to you in some way like it does me. Check out the site and let me know what you think.

“Be my friend
hold me, wrap me up
unfold me
I am small
and needy
warm me up
and breathe me”

Never Forget September 11, 2007

It’s hard to believe that it’s been 6 years since the most horrific day on American soil since Pearl Harbor. I would love to say that I could blog eloquently about my reflections concerning that day, but quite frankly I just don’t have the energy, much less the talent.

Thankfully though, Kit wrote a great post remembering what that day was like for him. His list of memories triggered my own and I know they will do the same for you. Be sure to leave your list in his comments section.

I’m so thankful that I can never forget that day. September 11, 2001 sparked a fire in me to be a better American…To love, serve and honor my country. To preserve it’s values and respect it’s history. To revere those who courageously protect my freedom day and night. To continually seek God’s guidance and blessing upon a nation so magnificent only He could create.

  

May God Bless America.

Movin’ On August 3, 2007

Most of you know by now that sweet Amy H. is leaving Greenvegas for a new life with Manny in Massachusetts soon. And to confirm the news, I received a “save the date” card in the mail today. Congratulations you two! That’s right, she’s getting married this December 15th and once again I’ve been asked to be a bridesmaid. For those of you counting, yes this will be my 9th time in the bridal party. Ten is my limit, I swear! Seriously though, I’m honored & overjoyed to stand up with Amy and so happy that she’s found a great guy. She is truly my oldest friend - we’ve known each other since birth. We grew up in church together, shared a few heartaches and growing pains, lots of laughs, and so many triumphs over the years.

 
I’ll miss you more than you know.

As happy as I am for Amy & Manny, I am completely sad as well. As much as Manny fell in love with Amy’s southern charm, a love affair with Dixie never materialized unfortunately. So they’re setting up house above the Mason-Dixon, much to my chagrin… and Amy will be moving to Boston next month. Sux for me.  

Since Amy is moving soon, this of course means my condo will be empty. I thought about leasing it out again and even had an offer last week, but I realized how much I’ve missed my bachelorette pad.  Don’t get me wrong, being at home this last year rebuilding my life has been just what I desperately needed. But, as you all have noticed, my life is so good right now & it just keeps getting better. I’m loving being back in school full-time, working (if you call it that) at the lab, being around so many people who love me and finding a new, great somebody. I just know that I’m ready to move on & move back into my home, you know? It’s time, I promise.

So, I’m sending out my own “save the date” card via this blog. Mark your calenders for Friday & Saturday October 5th & 6th - that’s when I’m moving back in. Yes, I know its football season, but I’ve done my homework. The Dawgs will be in Knoxville to collect rent, the lamecocks (sorry, but I had to) are playing UK on the 4th, and praise God none of y’all are Climpson fans. Because you all are such great friends I am prepared to reward you handsomely with plenty of beer, food, and a promise that we will be done before kickoff. If you can help, I would be much abliged & forever in your debt- just call me, shoot me an email, or leave a comment!

Who are you crushing? July 17, 2007

If you know me at all, you know that I am a huge Friends fan. Andrea and I lived for Thursday nights in college - we always hosted “Must See TV Night” & then would hit downtown with everybody. The extent of my Friends trivia knowledge is unparalled by most. A fact that I am both proud of & embarrassed by at the same time.

A good friend and I were talking the other night about a topic from one of my favorite Friends episodes… the one where Ross & Rachel make up their own fantasy lists of 5 celebrities they can hook-up with. I’ll let him tell you who made his cut. Until then, here’s my list, and yes it is laminated:

1. Harry Connick jr. - the hair, the lips, the dimples, the voice
2. John Cusack - Say Anything, High Fidelity, Serendipity - just to name a few
3. Jack Black - nothing sexier than a man that can make me laugh
4. Josh Holloway - hella bonus points for being a Dawg
5. Clive Owen - seriously, no explanation needed

“She’s gone. I gave her my heart, she gave me a pen.”

Before you tell me who’s on your list, check out these articles I came across the other day. It takes a look at the psychology behind your celeb crushes. Meaning, it reveals a little about the love you really want to find. This one is for the guys and this one is for the ladies.

If you know me, then it will take you all of 5 seconds to peg which crush fits me best: that’s right… The sweet, sensitive guy (aka Lloyd Dobler in Say Anything).  I won’t tell you which category I think I fit in from the guys’ list though Definitely curious to read what you think!
 

Brazil - Adventure for the Senses July 12, 2007

No joke - the above title is the motto of Brazil. Believe me, the sentiment is apropos! I’ve traveled to more than 25 countries since 1999, but Brazil was never one of them. That is until yesterday….

I’ll start from the beginning. During a previous late night conversation with a certain someone, who shall remain nameless, I was asked if I would ever consider joining the legions of ladies who now frequent “the Brazil.” I was not asked to purchase a ticket, per se, but was cajoled into believing that I would really like the scenery.

Well the next night, after heavy wine indulgences, Andrea & I decided that we were the adventurous types & up for the challenge. Our trip to “the Brazil” (and I do mean the FULL Brazil) was yesterday. The accomodations were lovely, but the trip itself was horrifying, excruciating, and humiliatingly hysterical nonetheless. We were told that we might experience a “little discomfort.” That has to be the biggest lie of the century! A “little discomfort” is what I feel when I have a tummy ache. This pain can only be compared to being scalped or giving birth to twins at the same time! I kid you not. If you think I’m exagerating, please by all means, try it yourself.

We were poked, prodded, pulled, ripped, and made to contort our bodies in ungodly positions all while trying to keep our composure & remain lucid.  I swear to you, I began hallucinating about the afterlife when we hit the 30 minute mark! 

After an hour & 20 minutes (no shit!) we were “braziled.” <Insert hallelujah chorus here>

Once Andrea & I regained our faculties, we waddled our way down to Latitude for some serious alcohol therapy (thank you Jesus) with our not-so-brave bffs, Leah & Christina. Cowards. Unfortunately, someone neglected to tell us that sitting down would not be in our best interest. Mercifully, the aforementioned cowardly bffs kept a steady flow of limoncello shots, gin & tonics, and laughter coming in the hopes of numbing our pain.

Thankfully, I can say that Andrea and I are feelin’ fine today, but the mere thought of having to go back for a repeat performance in 13 days makes me want to hang myself. No seriously, I am glad that I visited “the Brazil” - the view from day two is most definitely a whole different beach!

Endings July 9, 2007

I’m a girlie girl. It goes without saying I like happy endings. In movies, tv dramas, books, etc. nothing is better than a happy ending. I value those so much because real life is anything but a happy ending so much of the time.

A few days ago a friend dropped by to tell me that she & her husband are separating. It hit me like a ton of bricks & literally made me sick. My God, I witnessed their courtship & was in their wedding. Honestly, I NEVER would have thought these two would fall into that “more than 50%” category. That truly scares the hell out of me. I mean, if they couldn’t make it who can?

My parents are divorced, the parents of my best friends are divorced. Seems like everyone I know is touched by divorce in some way or another. I hate it & I don’t understand it - never will.

I just wonder whatever happened to the word commitment. Did it escape our vocabulary? Do we not understsand its meaning? Or have we become so self-absorbed that we no longer grasp the ethos of marriage, one flesh?  

To me, marriage isn’t just about love. Marriage isn’t just about growing together. Marriage isn’t just about happy times. Not even close.

I had the privilege recently to attend the 40th anniversary party of Bill’s parents. As the party dwindled, we congregated outside and someone asked the typical question… “what is your secret for making it 40 years together?” Bill’s mom immediately laughed & said the secret is staying in love. Bill’s dad then countered with an answer of wisdom that will stay with me for the rest of my life. He said that the secret to their marriage had nothing to do with love, but everything to do with commitment. He very candidly told us that if love was the secret he would’ve been gone long ago. Don’t get me wrong, he adores his wife. Its just that, as he put it, there are many tough times in a marriage where love doesn’t even begin to cover the pain & hurt. <At this point he had our complete attention.> He said that what got them to 40 years was simply commitment. They made a commitment before God to love, honor, and cherish - but above all they made a commitment to each other.

I’ve thought about the words from Bill’s dad for weeks now. I can’t recall a single piece of advice that spoke to my heart in such a profound way. Mr. H, I hope you know how grateful I am to know & be loved like a daughter by a man like you.

I say all of this, not to judge another’s situation - far from it actually. I love this couple so much & I pray that an unhappy ending is not in their future. I say all of this because I want to pass along the most purposeful counsel I’ve ever received.

I hope its as much of a blessing to you as it is to me.  And I pray for only happy endings to all of you… and me as well.