Hello. My name is...

...Julie.  How goes it?

Making a Statement

Just in case there was any question as to my political/social ideologies....

WARNING: Photos May Be Offensive to Tea Partiers

Down Memory Lane....

I decided to log in to a long ago abandoned LJ journal today to see what I had been up to "back in the day".  I figured I would share with you some of the entries from December, 2008 in that journal not only for archive sake, but as something to refer to in gauging if I've grown at all these past 2 and 1/2 years.  Oh yeah, and the Rapture is supposed to be happening at 6:00pm local time so for all you heathens being left behind, here are some stops on my little trip down memory lane for your viewing pleasure after the jump (and the Rapture)...

DADT.... Isn't it Ironic... Don't Ya Think?

They put their lives on the line for the sake of honor, liberty and freedom... yet, ironically, are asked to sacrifice their own honor, liberty and freedom. DADT needs to end.

Things That Make You Go Hmmmmmm.......

Ok so yes, I know...  It has been over a month since my last post.  What can I say? I go in spurts when it comes to blogging.  I'm not quite sure why because I am generally just chock full of hot air. I've had plenty to say in some groups I belong to on facebook but I think by the time I sit down to write an actual blog about the subject matter I feel that I have gotten it out of my system already and just don't feel like re-hashing the issue.  Well, I'm pretty sure there is more in me on these matters so this entry will consist of a sort of hodge podge of talking points and my thoughts on the issues at hand.  Some will be taken directly from what I said in my original comments in these groups and I'm sure I will add more to them as I get into the heart of it all.  Here goes...

Dear God,

Don't know if you noticed, but...

Your name is on a lot of quotes in this book.

Us crazy humans wrote it, you should take a look;

and all the people that you made in your image,

still believing that junk is true...

well I know it ain't, and so do you... Dear God.

~ Sarah McLachlan

Obama is a TERRORIST! A TERRORIST I Tell You!!!

Can you see my eyes rolling out of my head right now???  I just don't get it.  According to the American Heritage Dictionary of the American Language, 4th edition; a terrorist is "n.  One that engages in acts or an act of terrorism.; adj.  Of or relating to terrorism".  And, according to that same dictionary; terrorism is "n.  The unlawful use or threatened use of FORCE or VIOLENCE by a person or an organized group against people or property with the intention of intimidating or coercing societies or governments, often for ideological or political reasons".  So can someone please tell me how our current President fits this bill?  Seriously.  I just don't get it.  Lord I love living in the south... Doh!

Now, if you really want to talk terrorism, let's talk about this guy.

And because I generally like going out with a laugh, take a gander at this.

Even Silly Beauty Pageants Aren't Immune to the Increasing Bigotry in this Country

That's right all you ladies of ethnic decent... come to our country (LEGALLY!) and look pretty, just don't try and win any contests for it. What is our country coming to? So sad.

It's a beauty pageant for crying out loud, she's not running for presidency. So now we are trying to take rights away from LEGAL AMERICAN CITIZENS? I'm sorry, but people have really taken this issue to a sad level of ignorance.  And isn't it funny how people soon forget all the other slip-ups and transgressions of past so-called "real" American Miss USA winners. But more importantly, who the hell cares? It's a beauty pageant. The entire premise is based on an outdated, sexist, stereotype of women who are supposed to fit into some sort of mold that men have created of their idea of what they should strive to be. Gag. I just find it sickening that the rampant racism in this country has actually filtrated such an irrelevent beauty contest. Although... I don't know why I should be surprised.

"Glenn Beck has Nazi Tourettes!"

Well Said Mr. Hansen, Well Said...

Obama, Reid, Pelosi deserve our thanks Standard-Examiner – Ogden, Layton, Brigham, Weber, Davis, Top of Utah News

I is an Edumacated Gradgiate...

Well, I did it.  I am an official college graduate (again).  I now have my Masters of Science in Administration.  It has been a long haul but I have finally reached the finish line.  Whoo Hoo!  Haven't been on in a while because I've been writing term papers galore but now that I NEVER HAVE TO WRITE ANOTHER FREAKIN' TERM PAPER AGAIN, I should be back to ranting more often.  Even though there is no one to rant to... :o)

In other news, check this out.

History Has Been Made. Again. :o)

OK, so I read a pretty interesting article today that pretty much sums up how Conservatives have dug their own grave in terms of health care reform and it actually gave me hope that this small step forward will not be thwarted come November.

I find myself getting annoyed at the naysayers despite the victory that we have achieved today.  I'm refraining from arguing with people about it so this is where having a blog comes in mighty handy!

One of the biggest concerns of the right wingers is that health care reform is going to cost too much money.  This makes me wonder, do they want us to just do nothing about the millions of people without health care coverage??  By the way, the majority of government spending goes towards the two wars that are being fought as a result of the lies and personal agenda of the PREVIOUS administration... but Obama is supposed to clean that mess up too, right? Oh and lets not forget he needs to get it done overnight, if not then he MUST be a horrible President.  Yet another argument I've heard is that our government screwed up Social Security and Medicare so they don't want them having a hand in our medical insurance.  First of all, if left to the insurance companies, it would be just a matter of time before millions of American's became bankrupted themselves because of high cost premiums, drugs and medical procedures.  Second, what other government would you suggest change it? The one on Mars? Whether you like it or not, this is our government and something needed to be done. Granted, we have a long way to go before we truly have the health care reform we really need but the alternative was to sit on our asses and do nothing. The only thing I've heard from republicans during this process has been complaints about the bill that was presented. When changes were made to try to alleviate most of those complaints, the republicans came back with even more complaints. It became painfully evident early on that no matter how health care reform was presented, the republicans would vote against it and spew untruthful propaganda to try to stop it simply because they saw (see) it as a political strategy to get Obama out of office. Contrary to popular belief, just voting no on everything is not a responsible or patriotic action. As a matter of fact it makes it look like republicans care only about the money in their pockets rather than the better good, although granted, they've had that reputation for quite a while now.

Honestly, I don't have it in my heart to feel any other way on this issue. Again, something needed to be done about the millions of people currently without healthcare coverage and while I don't think that this bill will miraculously solve all of our problems, I think it's a step in the right direction. So many are concerned about raised taxes and while that is a valid concern, I think that human life takes precedent over taxes. I probably make about 1/3 the money of the people complaining about this bill.  And I'm pretty positive it's the people who make over $200,000.  This is a very happy day for me because I believe it provides a light at the end of a tunnel that so many have been trapped inside of for so long. In 20 years I believe I'm going to look back and be proud of this day. You may not believe that but I do. And we both have that right. Time will tell. Until then, I'm just going to be happy and not let naysayers bring me down. Peace out non-existent homie's.

Compassion versus Indoctrination

"We live in a culture that discourages empathy. A culture that too often tells us our principle goal in life is to be rich, thin, young, famous, safe, and entertained. A culture where those in power too often encourage these selfish impulses. They will tell you that the Americans who sleep in the streets and beg for food got there because they're all lazy or weak of spirit. That the inner-city children who are trapped in dilapidated schools can't learn and won't learn and so we should just give up on them entirely. That the innocent people being slaughtered and expelled from their homes half a world away are somebody else's problem to take care of. I hope you don't listen to this. I hope you choose to broaden, and not contract, your ambit of concern. Not because you have an obligation to those who are less fortunate, although you do have that obligation. Not because you have a debt to all of those who helped you get to where you are, although you do have that debt. It's because you have an obligation to yourself. Because our individual salvation depends on collective salvation. And because it's only when you hitch your wagon to something larger than yourself that you will realize your true potential - and become full-grown." This was read to us this morning in the very first Unitarian Universalist service I have ever attended.  And the author of that was, of course, Barack Obama.  It's because of words like these that I have such an issue with those that say Obama is a horrible man.  Really?  Because I haven't heard anything out of his mouth that would indicate that.  Then there are those that say actions speak louder than words.  Yes indeed they do.  And I for one wish that those who say it cannot be done, would get out of the way of the man trying to get things done.  Sheesh!  End rant. :o)

So as I was saying.... I attended my first ever UU service this morning with my sister (A) and what a refreshing experience.  The speaker this morning was the director of the Ft. Walton Beach homeless shelter.  He spoke on compassion.  My initial impression is that this is a church that promotes philanthropy, good deeds and acceptance of one another through fellowship instead of indoctrination.... a good first impression indeed. :o)  Of course, A and I are both pretty shy and felt a bit out of place so we weren't very social.  But we plan to attend next week as well and hopefully we can get up the courage to socialize a bit more.

Hmmmm..... what else?  Well, I've fallen behind in school and I think I'm going to have to send an email to one of my Professor's begging him to let me turn assignments in late for at least partial credit.  Seeing as this is my last semester, ever, I really hope he lets me...

And let me just say.... I  LOVE Queen Latifah. :o)

Loneliness, Onions and Babies

Oh my...

http://www.theonion.com/content/opinion/my_constituents_care_way_more?utm_source=onion_rss_daily

K got off work late last week (Friday 3:00am and he was supposed to be home Wednesday afternoon).  He was home a whole 5 days and got called back offshore a week early.  So he will be gone three weeks this time.  I miss him terribly and sometimes hate his job but I keep telling myself to think of the positives... (more money, better sex, appreciating each other more, blah, blah, BLAH)  *sigh*  It hasn't worked yet. :o(

On another topic.... I really want a baby...  so bad some days I could cry.  It's something I don't talk about in great detail with people because I'm afraid that's exactly what I'd do.  And I hate crying in front of people.  So much so that at funeral's I sit in the back so that if I do start crying I can leave and go to the restroom. I see friends' baby pictures and hear all of their wonderful kiddo stories, and I crave it.  I've been told I can't have a baby but I refuse to give up trying (plus trying is fun ;o)).  Some days, I think I'm too old to be trying to have a baby and others I think, so what!  I feel like I'm being left out of this amazing, special, club that mothers belong to and I want to join dammit!  Ugh... so frustrating.  On top of that, I'm scared to talk to K about this.  His daughter is almost grown now, he is 11 years older than I am and I don't even know if he would want another child.  This is something I should know right?  I just can't get up the courage to ask him about it.  I've hinted at it and he hasn't shot the idea down, but how do I know for sure if he is really open to it unless I come right out and ask him?  We aren't married.  Yet.  But at this point, I'm all for doing things ass backwards and getting pregnant first.  I used to dream of getting married, waiting two years to have my first child and then having another 2 years later.  Forget that man!  Just give me a baby now please.  Do I sound crazy?  Hmmmm... I think I just might. ;o)

Anyway... I just needed to get that out.  Back to work. :o)