i've been thinkin and praying for my sister alot this week. she's had a really rough summer with her husband being sick and then one of the nephews getting sick. she's been hosting my mom and her in-laws, who are there to help her while Cary (her husband) recovers from his last hospital visit. i dont want to go into too much detail cause i try to keep my siblings stuff as private as possible. don't want to infringe on their privacy.
been thinking alot about my mom, who is up in Indiana and has been there for the last week and half. she might be going crazy and all i can say - in her defense is that i dont blame her. nothing to do with my sis or the nephews or even my bro-in-law...you do the math.
i miss them (my sis and the boys) alot and if it was up to me, i'd fly up there as much as i could. unfortunately, that's just not possible.
it has been most interesting for sure.
i've been working on preparing everything for the big move. hard to believe that its less than 2 weeks away. in fact, i head to lubbock tomorrow to try and take care of some last minute details and am traveling there to celebrate my bro's 30th bday.
it has been such an odd summer. i say that like i know what a "normal" summer's supposed to look like. nothing about this year has been "normal."
my "tour" of travel has been set into motion. waiting to hear from my mom and her final decision about when/how she's come home. she has three options: return with my sister's in-laws, fly, or take the train.
all of that determines which city she'll be returning to and in turn, where I'll need to go to pick her up. so the plans for the last part of the week and first part of next week are a bit in limbo. if anything i learned from traveling in europe, its the art of flexibility. things rarely work out as planned so....i'm just waiting for the call with the details and will adjust my plans from there.
i will say that i'm pretty excited to see friends i've not seen in a while.
today i spent the day taking care of setting up utilities and such. goodness...didnt know it was gonna take several hours. needless to say, its all set up and i'll have electricity and running water and the cable/telephone/internet guy will be there on aug 7th to set everything up. feelin' more and more nervous about the whole thing as it nears.
i looked at the calendar today and was like "AH!"
however, i am excited about living in lbk during football season. oh tailgating and game days....exciting stuff. not excited about MBA orientation but hey...its all a part of the program...also excited about not having to deal with my dealership in angelo...yay!!!
so all this stuff is trivial and minor i realize. but its stuff that's been on my mind and stuff i've had to deal with as of late.
on my plate for now is the travel schedule and getting see friends i've not seen in a while and people i absolutely love! soooo excited...
i'd take plenty of pics but i think i might of killed my camera...almost fried my phone but it seems to be working fine now. what the heck is it with me and gadgets? seriously....not sure what i'm going to do. might shop around while i'm in LBK. we will see....
alright...will be posting the next week's happenings on the travel blog http://www.loudaleyva.blogspot.com/.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Sunday, July 12, 2009
travel post
i'm trying to keep my writings about travel and other thoughts separate so i'll post this week's events and happenings (since i'm traveling for the week) at www.loudaleyva.blogspot.com.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
travel, travel, travel
Finally worked out my "texas tour" schedule and here it is...
July 24-26 Dallas, TX
July 26-27 Austin, TX
July 30-31 San Antonio, TX
Aug 1-4 Houston/Galveston area
Aug 7 Moving to Lubbock!!!!
If you've got some available time during any of these dates, send me a tx, email, or call. Would love to visit with you!
*Schedule is tentative and subject to change. Any changes will be posted immediately.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
purging
the last 24 hours have been a bit strange. i've not been sleeping very well. not sure exactly what it is but just been feeling heavy of heart. i guess i should explain.
leaving to italy...left me in a place where i was completely out of my comfort zone. not a bad place to be but it presents challenges of its own. i learned more than i could ever dream possible by being gone that one month. learned things about myself i had yet to discover, saw beauty in people and places...and just experienced something that could not allow me to be the same in returning. i hadnt quite figured out how to categorize it or even figured out if i wanted to. i mean it is what it is and there's no going back from it.
i spent alot of time on those train rides thinking about where things are, where the journey was taking me, and what i needed in my life to arrive there...it was more about setting things right and getting rid of the stuff i dont need to carry around.
if you knew my life's story and all the things that have happened in my lifetime and to me...oh lord, we just dont have time. i cant say that i've been blameless in all the things that happened. no, in fact, alot of times i was the only party to blame for some of those downfalls. but no matter what, i knew that God was watching over me and when i felt like no one else was around or no one cared...i knew i could trust that He was.
i can only say that any strength i possess is from that knowledge and from that revealment of truth. knowing the one thing i can hold on to no matter what i face in this world. i think my travels in Italy were about shedding all the things hindering in my adulthood from getting to the places i'm supposed to get to....like fear...or lack of understanding...lack of trust...
and at the end, when the sun set....i discovered that more than anything it was about surrendering. surrendering my hopes and dreams and all that i entail and saying here it is do with it what you want. so coming home, i came back refreshed and renewed and i can say rested and at peace in a way i'd not felt in a long time.
by rested i mean in a spiritual sense and not so much physically. so coming home, of course there would be challenges and situations that need to be dealt with. i've been watching people i love go through some really hard times in the last few weeks. so life has been more about those things happening in the lives of the people i care about and deeply love.
i think my distraction has been this torn feeling of not being able to help in those situations and then my own obligations to prepare for the things to come in the next month. its supposed to be an exciting time and everyone keeps asking me if i'm excited about moving. let me be real honest.
i am excited but i'm also scared to death.
i guess i didnt realize how comfortable i got here. but it happened unbeknowst to myself. so here we are...i know this move is a good thing and in fact, i had a conversation about it last night. there are lot of variables in my life that i just dont have the answers too. but at the same time, i'm also not worried about those variables. i trust that they will work out as they are supposed to and in the right time.
there's a slew of other things going on. namely the major mess up with my substitutions on my degree plan. so here i am taking 6 hours (online). not as bad as everyone thinks. i mean i had 18 hrs (in class) and then 12 online classes (all sciences) last semester....so i think 6 hours will be ok.
also trying to get the trips worked out and then there's the extended family vacay. not sure who all's going but i know its going to be fun. how could it not?
if anything i brought back from Italy with me is this desire to live life in a way that i'll not have any regrets.
we have only to look at the last few weeks and all the celebrities who have passed. i cant end this without giving some sort of acknowledgement to Michael Jackson.
i caught the first part of the memorial with my mom and then met a friend for lunch and movie...which btw, was exactly what i needed! i had already set the dvr the night before, so i knew it was being recorded. out the door i went. after the movie (which i saw the Proposal) i headed to the bookstore to try and get the books i needed for my two classes. i headed home and watched the rest of the memorial and my mom joined me for a second viewing.
it was sad in sooo many ways.
i have alot of memories to MJ. my very first vinyl was an MJ record. i was telling my mom about it cause i remember her taking me to the mall to buy it. my bro had the MJ record player and i remember he had to put the needle on the record if we wanted to listen to it. my cousins would come over or we'd have neighborhood friends over and just jam out to our vinyls which consisted of strawberry shortcake, sesame street, and MJ.
then there are the memories of my "cool" aunt who would let us watch MTV at her house. i remember when the thriller video came out, heck i remember when MTV was launched! lol...ok dating myself there but still...MJ was apart of my childhood and just to look at what he accomplished in his lifetime and then to look at the price he paid for his fame. it was sad. death is sad because it is a separation of the body and soul. we no longer have the physical connection to that human being in death. so to MJ and all the memories you created in my childhood, thank you. though i never could do the moonwalk and though we tried....we're grateful for the music you created and how it connects us to the days of old.
i'm a musician and though i never really look at myself in this manner, i suppose that i am an artist. so i can appreciate his genius and what we will miss in the years to come.
takes me back to my point about living life with no regrets. so often fear entraps us from doing something new or going to some place new...from experiencing something we've never experienced. we can paralyzed to the point that we miss out on beautiful experiences. i think that is the aspect i most appreciate about my summer travels.
i have people in my life who wont go anywhere without someone else and while i understand safety and such...in that manner i'm a bit fearless. just because no one else wants to go, i just dont see that as a reason to miss out on something.
though none go with me...still i will follow.
so let us forge ahead in this thing called life.
i promise that my writings to come won't be so serious in nature...just need to purge a few things on my mind. i'm sure there's more to come but for now, i need to get serious handle on this insomnia thing....gonna drive me nuts!
leaving to italy...left me in a place where i was completely out of my comfort zone. not a bad place to be but it presents challenges of its own. i learned more than i could ever dream possible by being gone that one month. learned things about myself i had yet to discover, saw beauty in people and places...and just experienced something that could not allow me to be the same in returning. i hadnt quite figured out how to categorize it or even figured out if i wanted to. i mean it is what it is and there's no going back from it.
i spent alot of time on those train rides thinking about where things are, where the journey was taking me, and what i needed in my life to arrive there...it was more about setting things right and getting rid of the stuff i dont need to carry around.
if you knew my life's story and all the things that have happened in my lifetime and to me...oh lord, we just dont have time. i cant say that i've been blameless in all the things that happened. no, in fact, alot of times i was the only party to blame for some of those downfalls. but no matter what, i knew that God was watching over me and when i felt like no one else was around or no one cared...i knew i could trust that He was.
i can only say that any strength i possess is from that knowledge and from that revealment of truth. knowing the one thing i can hold on to no matter what i face in this world. i think my travels in Italy were about shedding all the things hindering in my adulthood from getting to the places i'm supposed to get to....like fear...or lack of understanding...lack of trust...
and at the end, when the sun set....i discovered that more than anything it was about surrendering. surrendering my hopes and dreams and all that i entail and saying here it is do with it what you want. so coming home, i came back refreshed and renewed and i can say rested and at peace in a way i'd not felt in a long time.
by rested i mean in a spiritual sense and not so much physically. so coming home, of course there would be challenges and situations that need to be dealt with. i've been watching people i love go through some really hard times in the last few weeks. so life has been more about those things happening in the lives of the people i care about and deeply love.
i think my distraction has been this torn feeling of not being able to help in those situations and then my own obligations to prepare for the things to come in the next month. its supposed to be an exciting time and everyone keeps asking me if i'm excited about moving. let me be real honest.
i am excited but i'm also scared to death.
i guess i didnt realize how comfortable i got here. but it happened unbeknowst to myself. so here we are...i know this move is a good thing and in fact, i had a conversation about it last night. there are lot of variables in my life that i just dont have the answers too. but at the same time, i'm also not worried about those variables. i trust that they will work out as they are supposed to and in the right time.
there's a slew of other things going on. namely the major mess up with my substitutions on my degree plan. so here i am taking 6 hours (online). not as bad as everyone thinks. i mean i had 18 hrs (in class) and then 12 online classes (all sciences) last semester....so i think 6 hours will be ok.
also trying to get the trips worked out and then there's the extended family vacay. not sure who all's going but i know its going to be fun. how could it not?
if anything i brought back from Italy with me is this desire to live life in a way that i'll not have any regrets.
we have only to look at the last few weeks and all the celebrities who have passed. i cant end this without giving some sort of acknowledgement to Michael Jackson.
i caught the first part of the memorial with my mom and then met a friend for lunch and movie...which btw, was exactly what i needed! i had already set the dvr the night before, so i knew it was being recorded. out the door i went. after the movie (which i saw the Proposal) i headed to the bookstore to try and get the books i needed for my two classes. i headed home and watched the rest of the memorial and my mom joined me for a second viewing.
it was sad in sooo many ways.
i have alot of memories to MJ. my very first vinyl was an MJ record. i was telling my mom about it cause i remember her taking me to the mall to buy it. my bro had the MJ record player and i remember he had to put the needle on the record if we wanted to listen to it. my cousins would come over or we'd have neighborhood friends over and just jam out to our vinyls which consisted of strawberry shortcake, sesame street, and MJ.
then there are the memories of my "cool" aunt who would let us watch MTV at her house. i remember when the thriller video came out, heck i remember when MTV was launched! lol...ok dating myself there but still...MJ was apart of my childhood and just to look at what he accomplished in his lifetime and then to look at the price he paid for his fame. it was sad. death is sad because it is a separation of the body and soul. we no longer have the physical connection to that human being in death. so to MJ and all the memories you created in my childhood, thank you. though i never could do the moonwalk and though we tried....we're grateful for the music you created and how it connects us to the days of old.
i'm a musician and though i never really look at myself in this manner, i suppose that i am an artist. so i can appreciate his genius and what we will miss in the years to come.
takes me back to my point about living life with no regrets. so often fear entraps us from doing something new or going to some place new...from experiencing something we've never experienced. we can paralyzed to the point that we miss out on beautiful experiences. i think that is the aspect i most appreciate about my summer travels.
i have people in my life who wont go anywhere without someone else and while i understand safety and such...in that manner i'm a bit fearless. just because no one else wants to go, i just dont see that as a reason to miss out on something.
though none go with me...still i will follow.
so let us forge ahead in this thing called life.
i promise that my writings to come won't be so serious in nature...just need to purge a few things on my mind. i'm sure there's more to come but for now, i need to get serious handle on this insomnia thing....gonna drive me nuts!
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Residuals
i just got back a while ago from visiting with someone's who's words weigh heavily in my life. i've been in this sort of isolated funk since returning from my travels abroad. kinda hard to explain and not exactly something i want to put out for the whole world to read about. perhaps someday, but just not today.
anyhow...this funk hasnt necessarily been a bad thing and i'm sure its related to all the other things happening in my life. i posted on facebook that being an adult is overrated. it was completely related to all of that. just having to do the things that adults have to do.
i realized that there were alot of unncessary complications in my life.
(ok so a side note, i'm watching "Cake Boss" and they were showing some of the traditional Italian pasteries - turns out i had quite a few in Italy! YUMMY!)
ok so the unncessary complications. i decided to make less complicated. however, in making things less complicated - things got more complicated than i bargained for but just temporarily. doesnt make sense but doesnt really matter.
needless to say, i'm moving towards a less complicated life (if that's even possible). i'm still trying to sort through my schedule and just exactly where i'm supposed to be and when. one of the things i've not yet gotten a handle on but its ok because that's what this part of the summer is supposed to be about. the last sort of care-freeness before delving into graduate work. i've been afforded a rare luxury and i'm enjoying every moment of it!
there have been alot of different things going on. first the whole week long trip up to chicago which was alot of fun. my mom, bro, and i getting some time with my sis. trying to get back and figure out a routine which i've not been successful at. i figured the only way i'd get back into any kind of routine is to get up early and get to KOA (back to running). hadnt been in a routine like that for some while. at the very least, i feel like i'd be able to clear my head. sorta been swirling with all sorts of things.
did i mention, i forgot i have to make a grad school deposit? yeah just remembered today when i was looking at my orientation papers! agh! i'll get those funds back, but watching them go still hurts just the same.
i have mixed feelings about moving. on one hand, i'm excited cause i'll be closer to my bro and hello its TTU. i mean...that intself...makes me happy. but at the same time, i'm sorta sad to leave. change is inevitable, i realize that and probably more so now after being gone a month.
lots of things changed while i was gone. i didnt expect life to stand still but it was a bit jarring coming back and trying to get a handle of everything that was going on. i guess in a while i expected to come back and find things the way i left them. completely impossible but i just didnt think much about it.
this is how life goes.
sure change happens, but i feel like a major shift within myself has occurred. not necessarily bad or good but just a completely different perspective and view. i didnt expect it and was a bit jolted when i discovered it was there. i mean, how can you travel half way around the world...be in a situation with 20 something almost strangers (i knew a few people going on the trip) and experience a completely different culture and then not come back changed in some way? its impossible....
i've been working on pics and working on a post of things i saw on my journey and travels. have a few more trips on the books and i think i wrote about them previously. there are some friends i've not seen in a while and i'd like to get some time to visit with them. always a good thing!
also trying to get things ready for the move! ish...i keep trying to procrastinate but i refuse to allow myself any sort of self-sabotag-ish moves...plus i'd rather be ready to go then struggling to get things done!
my visit to my sister's was a bit unusual only because i didnt get alot of time with my sister. however, i did get to visit with my nephews whom i love so much! oh they're adorable and I realized that those boys hold the strings to my heart. seriously...
ok so on a serious note...my sister's husband who's been sick was hospitalized earlier this week. this has been an on-going thing. i worry for my sister because i know its a bit taxing on her. any kind of illness is taxing and i ask for prayers for her, her husband, and her two little ones. there's a possibility i may be driving back with my mother sometime in the next week, so we will see.
just alot of things up in the air at this point.
oh yeah. i also havent mentioned that i'm taking 6 hours for the second summer session. technically, i'm supposed to be done as in complete, finished, over, and done with....yeah except for my "oh so brilliant" school staffers who didnt substitute my hours for my international studies courses correctly! so i was already registered for one class the second summer session even though i didnt really need it. has to do with me needing to be at the very least in "part-time" status. uhm...yeah...long story short...i have 6 hours for the second session...not so worried about the classes because i've had one of the professors before. but finally, finally...after these grades post (184 hrs), i'll be done! and can eagerly await for my diploma in the mail! LOL
only me...only me...
anyhow...this funk hasnt necessarily been a bad thing and i'm sure its related to all the other things happening in my life. i posted on facebook that being an adult is overrated. it was completely related to all of that. just having to do the things that adults have to do.
i realized that there were alot of unncessary complications in my life.
(ok so a side note, i'm watching "Cake Boss" and they were showing some of the traditional Italian pasteries - turns out i had quite a few in Italy! YUMMY!)
ok so the unncessary complications. i decided to make less complicated. however, in making things less complicated - things got more complicated than i bargained for but just temporarily. doesnt make sense but doesnt really matter.
needless to say, i'm moving towards a less complicated life (if that's even possible). i'm still trying to sort through my schedule and just exactly where i'm supposed to be and when. one of the things i've not yet gotten a handle on but its ok because that's what this part of the summer is supposed to be about. the last sort of care-freeness before delving into graduate work. i've been afforded a rare luxury and i'm enjoying every moment of it!
there have been alot of different things going on. first the whole week long trip up to chicago which was alot of fun. my mom, bro, and i getting some time with my sis. trying to get back and figure out a routine which i've not been successful at. i figured the only way i'd get back into any kind of routine is to get up early and get to KOA (back to running). hadnt been in a routine like that for some while. at the very least, i feel like i'd be able to clear my head. sorta been swirling with all sorts of things.
did i mention, i forgot i have to make a grad school deposit? yeah just remembered today when i was looking at my orientation papers! agh! i'll get those funds back, but watching them go still hurts just the same.
i have mixed feelings about moving. on one hand, i'm excited cause i'll be closer to my bro and hello its TTU. i mean...that intself...makes me happy. but at the same time, i'm sorta sad to leave. change is inevitable, i realize that and probably more so now after being gone a month.
lots of things changed while i was gone. i didnt expect life to stand still but it was a bit jarring coming back and trying to get a handle of everything that was going on. i guess in a while i expected to come back and find things the way i left them. completely impossible but i just didnt think much about it.
this is how life goes.
sure change happens, but i feel like a major shift within myself has occurred. not necessarily bad or good but just a completely different perspective and view. i didnt expect it and was a bit jolted when i discovered it was there. i mean, how can you travel half way around the world...be in a situation with 20 something almost strangers (i knew a few people going on the trip) and experience a completely different culture and then not come back changed in some way? its impossible....
i've been working on pics and working on a post of things i saw on my journey and travels. have a few more trips on the books and i think i wrote about them previously. there are some friends i've not seen in a while and i'd like to get some time to visit with them. always a good thing!
also trying to get things ready for the move! ish...i keep trying to procrastinate but i refuse to allow myself any sort of self-sabotag-ish moves...plus i'd rather be ready to go then struggling to get things done!
my visit to my sister's was a bit unusual only because i didnt get alot of time with my sister. however, i did get to visit with my nephews whom i love so much! oh they're adorable and I realized that those boys hold the strings to my heart. seriously...
ok so on a serious note...my sister's husband who's been sick was hospitalized earlier this week. this has been an on-going thing. i worry for my sister because i know its a bit taxing on her. any kind of illness is taxing and i ask for prayers for her, her husband, and her two little ones. there's a possibility i may be driving back with my mother sometime in the next week, so we will see.
just alot of things up in the air at this point.
oh yeah. i also havent mentioned that i'm taking 6 hours for the second summer session. technically, i'm supposed to be done as in complete, finished, over, and done with....yeah except for my "oh so brilliant" school staffers who didnt substitute my hours for my international studies courses correctly! so i was already registered for one class the second summer session even though i didnt really need it. has to do with me needing to be at the very least in "part-time" status. uhm...yeah...long story short...i have 6 hours for the second session...not so worried about the classes because i've had one of the professors before. but finally, finally...after these grades post (184 hrs), i'll be done! and can eagerly await for my diploma in the mail! LOL
only me...only me...
Friday, July 3, 2009
patriotism
my plans of a routine have not panned out quite like i had hoped! no, i've been a bit more lackadaisical these days. on the upside, i am doing things that i enjoy and that is always a welcomed treasure. if you may, times been afforded so that i can do the things that i enjoy and i'm truly appreciative.
life for the moment is calm and serene. no major fires to douse and no major drama to report. its lovely and so very welcomed.
today's or i should say tonight's blog comes from a new place of introspection. it started with a pot of beans i made earlier. i know, what does a bot of beans have to do with anything? well these are frijoles a la charra. some of you might be thinking, what's there to making a pot of beans? throw in some ingredients and let them boil...oh but its not that easy. some would even say its a bit of an art.
i'd like to think so anway.
no, my beans require putting in certain ingredients at just the right time. so i began my pot of beans sometime around 5pm. i imagine they wont be ready to eat until morning. sure they may be ready to eat now but will taste better tomorrow!
mmm so most of the country is preparing for cook-outs and barbeques. my family is like most. we've planned a bit of a feast though not to any degree of previous 4ths. no, this one is a bit more laid back and quite relaxed. its strange because any of you who know me, know that being relaxed is usually not associated with my name. i'm usually going a hundred and ten miles in all directions. but no...this summer is different. i've slowed things down, purposefully - i might add.
maybe its from spending a month half-way across the globe, maybe its from realizing that time is fleeting. moments are whizzing past us without recognition of where they are going. i've just really realized that life is changing. each day that passes it changes and i've always know that...but these last few months i have here before moving...seem a bit more precious to me.
call it aging, call it whatever. i just want to enjoy my time and enjoy being so close to family.
which is the topic of my blog tonight.
july 4th.
so many great things about it and also so many tragic things about it. i know i've blogged about how my mom's dad died on 4th of july when she was only 19. for the longest time we never celebrated the 4th. i never knew him but only know the stories my mom has told us. he served during the Korean conflict and now in my mother's possession is the flag presented to my grandmother at his funeral.
it's not encased in anything, which i never understood why. but i think it has to do with my grandmother not knowing where to find a case for it. my mom was inquiring about it. i think that i should buy one for her. i'm not sure how she feels about that flag all these years though i know she proudly supports our armed forces. i have to think that she would be proud to display his flag.
i'm not really sure what tomorrow will bring. especially since i returned to the land of cell phones and txt messages. hard to believe that i went almost 7 weeks without it. not that i missed it. even after i had the service restored, i left it at home for several hours. i have a feeling i'll be looking for it over the next few weeks!
so just when you thought my travels were done...nope. still have several more trips before the summer ends. I'll spend a week in Galveston with my parents on a mission trip and probably another week there on vacation with the extended fam (the irony). alot of changes happening for our extended fam. there will be three cousins living in lubbock come aug. so our fam vacay is the last bit of hoo-rah before we we move. should be fun. these are the same crazy people i eat dinner and lunch with on a regular basis. going to miss them so much but let's not think about that just yet!
ok so in addition to those two trips, i'm also trying to get in trips to dallas, austin, houston, and san antonio to see good friends that i havent seen in a while. just seems like i should get in a visit now while i have the chance because what's the likeli-hood of taht happening once i move further north? and its not like people LOVE visiting lubbock. i've already gotten a "why are you moving there?" from numerous folks.
i am really looking forward to Texas Tech football and the madness that ensues! the tailgating and crazy fans! oh i just love it!
alright...so happy 4th to everyone. be safe and remember to have a bucket of water around when dealing with fireworks because as we so poignantly learned one year you have to be careful cause "you dont want to shoot your other eye out!"
life for the moment is calm and serene. no major fires to douse and no major drama to report. its lovely and so very welcomed.
today's or i should say tonight's blog comes from a new place of introspection. it started with a pot of beans i made earlier. i know, what does a bot of beans have to do with anything? well these are frijoles a la charra. some of you might be thinking, what's there to making a pot of beans? throw in some ingredients and let them boil...oh but its not that easy. some would even say its a bit of an art.
i'd like to think so anway.
no, my beans require putting in certain ingredients at just the right time. so i began my pot of beans sometime around 5pm. i imagine they wont be ready to eat until morning. sure they may be ready to eat now but will taste better tomorrow!
mmm so most of the country is preparing for cook-outs and barbeques. my family is like most. we've planned a bit of a feast though not to any degree of previous 4ths. no, this one is a bit more laid back and quite relaxed. its strange because any of you who know me, know that being relaxed is usually not associated with my name. i'm usually going a hundred and ten miles in all directions. but no...this summer is different. i've slowed things down, purposefully - i might add.
maybe its from spending a month half-way across the globe, maybe its from realizing that time is fleeting. moments are whizzing past us without recognition of where they are going. i've just really realized that life is changing. each day that passes it changes and i've always know that...but these last few months i have here before moving...seem a bit more precious to me.
call it aging, call it whatever. i just want to enjoy my time and enjoy being so close to family.
which is the topic of my blog tonight.
july 4th.
so many great things about it and also so many tragic things about it. i know i've blogged about how my mom's dad died on 4th of july when she was only 19. for the longest time we never celebrated the 4th. i never knew him but only know the stories my mom has told us. he served during the Korean conflict and now in my mother's possession is the flag presented to my grandmother at his funeral.
it's not encased in anything, which i never understood why. but i think it has to do with my grandmother not knowing where to find a case for it. my mom was inquiring about it. i think that i should buy one for her. i'm not sure how she feels about that flag all these years though i know she proudly supports our armed forces. i have to think that she would be proud to display his flag.
i'm not really sure what tomorrow will bring. especially since i returned to the land of cell phones and txt messages. hard to believe that i went almost 7 weeks without it. not that i missed it. even after i had the service restored, i left it at home for several hours. i have a feeling i'll be looking for it over the next few weeks!
so just when you thought my travels were done...nope. still have several more trips before the summer ends. I'll spend a week in Galveston with my parents on a mission trip and probably another week there on vacation with the extended fam (the irony). alot of changes happening for our extended fam. there will be three cousins living in lubbock come aug. so our fam vacay is the last bit of hoo-rah before we we move. should be fun. these are the same crazy people i eat dinner and lunch with on a regular basis. going to miss them so much but let's not think about that just yet!
ok so in addition to those two trips, i'm also trying to get in trips to dallas, austin, houston, and san antonio to see good friends that i havent seen in a while. just seems like i should get in a visit now while i have the chance because what's the likeli-hood of taht happening once i move further north? and its not like people LOVE visiting lubbock. i've already gotten a "why are you moving there?" from numerous folks.
i am really looking forward to Texas Tech football and the madness that ensues! the tailgating and crazy fans! oh i just love it!
alright...so happy 4th to everyone. be safe and remember to have a bucket of water around when dealing with fireworks because as we so poignantly learned one year you have to be careful cause "you dont want to shoot your other eye out!"
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
half-way there
its not technically the middle of summer but we're close. the summer has been crazy and sooo much fun! definitely have put in the miles with many more to go before summer ends. finally finished my undergrad work which was just incredible. celebrated with close friends and family and a few days after was off to spend a month in Italy/Greece.
the experience was beyond words. i got to see sooo many historical places and learned so much. i'm so very glad and appreciative of the experience. you can read my trip blog at www.loudaleyva.blogspot.com
i'm working on posting all of the pics but there are quite a few. so its been a daunting task! but hopefully i'll get them up in the next few days.
i finished a portfolio i need to wrap up and am working on a few personal projects. one would be my dad's website. need to make some major revisions and then need to update my e-folio and include some new works. i'm hopeful all that work will aide me in finding a job in lubbock.
yes, its fast upon me. moving to lubbock! i'd been thinking about it but not to any real depth. i think the move is now starting to become a reality as i begin making preparations. working on packing up stuff i dont plan on taking to move to storage. not to mention having to re-organize the storage unit.
however...given all the work that looms, i did find out some really great news. i received a fee waiver in the amount of $3600. super great news and the scholarship i applied for had some delays in the selection process so i should know something by mid-to late july. that award could have significant impact upon part-time/full-time employment.
the plan for now (should i not get the scholarship) is to attend part-time and try and work full-time. that will give me enough time to re-take the LSAT and reapply for early admissions to Tech Law. I cant accumulate more than 12 grad hrs before matriculating into law school if i want to do the joint program which for so many reasons is what i really want to do. ok so if i dont get into law school...the next option is to just finish out my MBA at Tech, graduate, apply to several schools and decide where to go to law school based upon where i'm accepted.
i have alot of work to do and plan on meeting with my academic addvisor at angelo state to discuss my options. i also need to make a visit up to lubbock to visit with an advisor to finish the registration process. lots to do and for the first time in most of my life..i'm not worried about the when or where's. i mean, all i can do is give me best and then let God orchestrate the rest. as always, He's been faithful to see me to where I need to be. so i'm at complete peace with where things stand.
planning on making a few trips before moving and a family vacation is still in the works. it'll be nice to go somewhere and just chill. i'm hopin that spot will include some water cause for some reason, water makes me relaxed. we'll just have to wait and see!
the experience was beyond words. i got to see sooo many historical places and learned so much. i'm so very glad and appreciative of the experience. you can read my trip blog at www.loudaleyva.blogspot.com
i'm working on posting all of the pics but there are quite a few. so its been a daunting task! but hopefully i'll get them up in the next few days.
i finished a portfolio i need to wrap up and am working on a few personal projects. one would be my dad's website. need to make some major revisions and then need to update my e-folio and include some new works. i'm hopeful all that work will aide me in finding a job in lubbock.
yes, its fast upon me. moving to lubbock! i'd been thinking about it but not to any real depth. i think the move is now starting to become a reality as i begin making preparations. working on packing up stuff i dont plan on taking to move to storage. not to mention having to re-organize the storage unit.
however...given all the work that looms, i did find out some really great news. i received a fee waiver in the amount of $3600. super great news and the scholarship i applied for had some delays in the selection process so i should know something by mid-to late july. that award could have significant impact upon part-time/full-time employment.
the plan for now (should i not get the scholarship) is to attend part-time and try and work full-time. that will give me enough time to re-take the LSAT and reapply for early admissions to Tech Law. I cant accumulate more than 12 grad hrs before matriculating into law school if i want to do the joint program which for so many reasons is what i really want to do. ok so if i dont get into law school...the next option is to just finish out my MBA at Tech, graduate, apply to several schools and decide where to go to law school based upon where i'm accepted.
i have alot of work to do and plan on meeting with my academic addvisor at angelo state to discuss my options. i also need to make a visit up to lubbock to visit with an advisor to finish the registration process. lots to do and for the first time in most of my life..i'm not worried about the when or where's. i mean, all i can do is give me best and then let God orchestrate the rest. as always, He's been faithful to see me to where I need to be. so i'm at complete peace with where things stand.
planning on making a few trips before moving and a family vacation is still in the works. it'll be nice to go somewhere and just chill. i'm hopin that spot will include some water cause for some reason, water makes me relaxed. we'll just have to wait and see!
Thursday, April 23, 2009
propriety
i've been wanting to write this one for a while but lately its been a little hectic. ok not just a little, more like beyond-my-wildest-imagination insane.
i promise i'm not a study-holic but if you've followed my facebook or tweets...then you're probably thinking "does she do anything besides study?" in this week alone, i planned a bday dinner for my mother, baked her a cake, and started working on my grad invites and will finish them up over the weekend all while trying to recover from an upper respiratory infection/brochitis. i'm asthmatic so it takes me a couple of weeks to get over those things once they've gone full blown.
so i'm still truckin along, determined to finish the semester strong. things like baking a cake or making cookies are more like stress relievers because i can let my creativity flow. uhmmm ok so, i gotta warn ya'. i might rant and rave in this one. my words have been inspired by this semesters activities and in recent days a specific situation.
alright, so we all know that in college yes you are often placed in groups and inevitably there's always that one person, for lack of a better word, the slacker. the one who thinks they can coast and free-load off of everyone else's hard work and dedication.
maybe the idea that everyone should carry their share of the load is a sort of "group utopia," an abstract idealistic of group philosophy? i can hope and wish can't i?
so what is it in us that gives some the desire to work hard and the others to slack and free-load? i'm not gonna say that i'm the hardest work on the planet cause i've had my moments of "slackerism." i will say that moments of slacking are not common and are usually induced by fatigue and/or exhaustion. it could also be that i think i work harder than i really do?
maybe that's the abstract idealism that "no one else works harder than we do."
i grew up in a home where i was taught that hard work in deed pays off. even if does not reap the rewards we think it will, the satisfaction of giving your all and doing your best is enough to make the effort worthwhile.
this is how i describe my parents. if any work ethic i possess, i owe it to my parents for instilling in me a desire to give my all and to do my best. for teaching me that there is pride in hard work even if there are no rewards and that is how i've approached most things in my life.
it is why i study all the time or am writing a paper or working on this or working on that. it is why i streamlined my life of activities and commitments a few years ago to dedicate my time to this linger goal called educational attainment.
i've worked hard for to earn my grades in the last two years and i have moments of "will it be enough" since i've not yet heard word regarding my law school application. but i stop my thoughts and remind myself that i can take pride in my efforts regardless of the fruits rewarded. i know what i've put into the work and know what i've gained as a result. what does it matter if no one else knows?
its this work ethic that won't let me slack in the remaining few weeks before graduating and leaving to italy/greece with a study abroad program. my living room is strewn with books and notes, evidence of my recent activities.
i dont know what life will be like once this pace subsides. i've thought about it. actually, its more like dreamed about it. God has been really good to me in that He's provided brackets of time to rest and relax enough to sustain me.
surprisingly i'm not the frazzled state i would normally be, maybe that's because i'm not working this time around so it feels more manageable or maybe its because i realize that i could be working and i realize that i can tolerate the present state a bit longer.
either way, light is at the end of the tunnel. one thing i can be sure of is that i'll take with me this "work ethic." i realized i'm a bit of a work horse. as in, i wont stop till i drop dead. it wasnt until the other night that i realized my parents are the same way. they wont give up until the jobs one. i've seen them display that in their careers, education, family life, and ministries.
one of the things i'm determined to do is take a family vacay. well, two actually. one with extended family and the other with my parents and siblings. not sure where or for how long, but a vacation it will be.
so what brought on all this talk of hard work? with all the insanity that is the semester, one of my groups had homework due. needless to say one group member was assigned less problems than the remainder of us in the group. everyone managed to finish their problems except for the person who was assigned the least amount of problems....no that person completed 1 problem. 1!!!!!
no comment....
so anyhow i leave you with a few final words
To have striven, to have made the effort, to have been true to certain ideals - this alone is worth the struggle. ~ William Penn
i promise i'm not a study-holic but if you've followed my facebook or tweets...then you're probably thinking "does she do anything besides study?" in this week alone, i planned a bday dinner for my mother, baked her a cake, and started working on my grad invites and will finish them up over the weekend all while trying to recover from an upper respiratory infection/brochitis. i'm asthmatic so it takes me a couple of weeks to get over those things once they've gone full blown.
so i'm still truckin along, determined to finish the semester strong. things like baking a cake or making cookies are more like stress relievers because i can let my creativity flow. uhmmm ok so, i gotta warn ya'. i might rant and rave in this one. my words have been inspired by this semesters activities and in recent days a specific situation.
alright, so we all know that in college yes you are often placed in groups and inevitably there's always that one person, for lack of a better word, the slacker. the one who thinks they can coast and free-load off of everyone else's hard work and dedication.
maybe the idea that everyone should carry their share of the load is a sort of "group utopia," an abstract idealistic of group philosophy? i can hope and wish can't i?
so what is it in us that gives some the desire to work hard and the others to slack and free-load? i'm not gonna say that i'm the hardest work on the planet cause i've had my moments of "slackerism." i will say that moments of slacking are not common and are usually induced by fatigue and/or exhaustion. it could also be that i think i work harder than i really do?
maybe that's the abstract idealism that "no one else works harder than we do."
i grew up in a home where i was taught that hard work in deed pays off. even if does not reap the rewards we think it will, the satisfaction of giving your all and doing your best is enough to make the effort worthwhile.
this is how i describe my parents. if any work ethic i possess, i owe it to my parents for instilling in me a desire to give my all and to do my best. for teaching me that there is pride in hard work even if there are no rewards and that is how i've approached most things in my life.
it is why i study all the time or am writing a paper or working on this or working on that. it is why i streamlined my life of activities and commitments a few years ago to dedicate my time to this linger goal called educational attainment.
i've worked hard for to earn my grades in the last two years and i have moments of "will it be enough" since i've not yet heard word regarding my law school application. but i stop my thoughts and remind myself that i can take pride in my efforts regardless of the fruits rewarded. i know what i've put into the work and know what i've gained as a result. what does it matter if no one else knows?
its this work ethic that won't let me slack in the remaining few weeks before graduating and leaving to italy/greece with a study abroad program. my living room is strewn with books and notes, evidence of my recent activities.
i dont know what life will be like once this pace subsides. i've thought about it. actually, its more like dreamed about it. God has been really good to me in that He's provided brackets of time to rest and relax enough to sustain me.
surprisingly i'm not the frazzled state i would normally be, maybe that's because i'm not working this time around so it feels more manageable or maybe its because i realize that i could be working and i realize that i can tolerate the present state a bit longer.
either way, light is at the end of the tunnel. one thing i can be sure of is that i'll take with me this "work ethic." i realized i'm a bit of a work horse. as in, i wont stop till i drop dead. it wasnt until the other night that i realized my parents are the same way. they wont give up until the jobs one. i've seen them display that in their careers, education, family life, and ministries.
one of the things i'm determined to do is take a family vacay. well, two actually. one with extended family and the other with my parents and siblings. not sure where or for how long, but a vacation it will be.
so what brought on all this talk of hard work? with all the insanity that is the semester, one of my groups had homework due. needless to say one group member was assigned less problems than the remainder of us in the group. everyone managed to finish their problems except for the person who was assigned the least amount of problems....no that person completed 1 problem. 1!!!!!
no comment....
so anyhow i leave you with a few final words
To have striven, to have made the effort, to have been true to certain ideals - this alone is worth the struggle. ~ William Penn
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
to infinity and beyond
I realize that its been a while since i've posted here and I had promised to post more regularly. Well this is my attempt to do so. Decided to re-post some items i'd previously posted at myspace/facebook so here we go. I've revised this blog and added some new thoughts to it as well.
i've been enjoying the winter break. delving back into some familar territory and taking on some new tasks. so far its been interesting. i've probably blogged about this before but i revisit this topic because its something i'm dealing with in the now. i've had this funny take on where i'm at. i have moments where i chose to be silent and moments where i voice my thoughts and opinions but mostly, i've silently observed. i've felt there have been lessons i needed to learn without interruption by my sometimes premature thoughts.
i've written about being judged or being judged by what others say rather than actual interaction or experience with that person. often times my lack of interaction is apparently enough to "confirm" what others have been told so rather than find out for themselves i'm labeled this or that and treated with a bit of disdain or indifference. you'd think no big deal because people of the world do it all the time right? well its certainly not expected by people of faith...yet there it is. as clear as day. judgement set upon me based upon something that happened several years ago or some miscommunication that occurred ages ago.
what happened to the the belief in the power of God to change people for the better? i realize that i have to apply that concept in my own life. Those that i've felt have bitterly betrayed me at various moments of my life, forgiveness and a renewed view of those individuals must be found. We've all wronged each other now and again. It happens but that's the beauty of love...it foregoes those transgressions and resides/abounds in forgiveness at least unconditional love does. Thats the kind of love spoken about in the bible, the kind of love as believers we've been called to practice.
Forgiveness is one of those areas that does not come easy to most. In fact, its one of those topics that seems most hardest to practice. We (as in human tendencies) tend to harbor those ill feelings towards those who have wronged us. Maybe its because we think/feel that vindication is served when we enact our angry or upset feelings towards our perpetrator. but its not...our harbored ill feelings can do damage to others but really they do the most damage to ourselves. forgiveness of others is key to moving on to a new place and key to brining freedom in life. how can we expect God's forgiveness when we dont extend it ourselves?
there's a freedom that comes when we forgive those who have failed us or wronged us. it allows us to move forward and to progress in the journey of faith. forgiveness is a choice. it is not something we wake up to and just happens. rather its a conscious choice that we make to move forward and past whatever inequity inacted against our person. in that conscious colletive choice, because its not just a matter of the mind to decide but in heart and spirit, we leave the past in the past and walk in the present. in that choice is where we make our greatest progress. progress can be a funny thing because sometimes from our vantage point it doesnt seem that we are making any progress at all.
it isnt until we look back at the mile markers in our lives to see how far we've really travelled that we can finally realize that yes we have made progress in the journey of faith. that somehow where we've been and what we've been through has propelled us to a new place or a new seasons. half the time we dont even realize it has occured. instead we find ourselves awakening to something unfamilar. takes us a minute to realize that yes we have moved into something new.
that seems to be where i've found myself. a new unfamilar place.
i have my own list of wrong-doings and mistakes. actions i sometimes wish i had though through more carefully or words i wish i had chosen more selectively. but for better or worse they have been enacted into being. they cant be taken back, cant be retracted, or ignored as if they didnt exist. instead i can only move forward from them, remembering the consquences they brought. that may be the greatest reason why i pause in reaction to whatever may be happening in life.
takes me a moment to realize that yes...its a hard moment in life but like all things, it will pass. we are not exempt from the hard times or from trying times. but instead of dwelling on where we are or what is happening we can take comfort in knowing who is seeing us through it and knowing we are never alone through it.
its been a long time coming given all the things that life threw my way in the past couple of years. there've been moments where i've felt like i didnt have the strength to endure the challenges i was facing. yet God always provided. i finally took the much needed hiatus i'd been trying to take. it was a hiatus to just be still and clear my mind and life from voices and situations that had become such distractions. i wasnt sure what that would look like or entail. while i'd like to say my experience was successful, i can only say that i learned much from the experience.
in the last few days, i've had some really encouraging conversations that have reminded me of life's purpose and the journey. its amazing how God works in that way and how He speaks to us through different mediums. sometimes its through a friends words, sometimes its the testimony of someone elses life, sometimes its through scripture or something we read or hear....the point is that we have to key in to hear His voice. not necessarily an easy thing to do. but when you're hungry you'll wait and you'll listen...
i'm excited for 2009. just the myriad of conversations and the many new doors opening. its exciting and sometimes a bit overwhelming but i go back to trusting what i know...and that is that i'll never be led astray. everything has worked out even when it didnt seem like it would and i trust that God is fully in control. i'm not worried about the road ahead or the choices that need to be made. as always they will be made when they need to be made and in just the right instance i'll know the choice that must be chosen. God has always been faithful that way.
There is a peace that transcends all understanding. With that peace we can face any trial, challenge, or mountain thrown our way and we can do it with confidence. Its because of unconditional love that we are able to tap into that peace. so i leave with what love is and what it is not so that when we come face to face with it we can clearly see it and know it.
1 Corinthians 13
4Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. i'm so grateful that it always trust, alwas hopes, and always perseveres.
i've been enjoying the winter break. delving back into some familar territory and taking on some new tasks. so far its been interesting. i've probably blogged about this before but i revisit this topic because its something i'm dealing with in the now. i've had this funny take on where i'm at. i have moments where i chose to be silent and moments where i voice my thoughts and opinions but mostly, i've silently observed. i've felt there have been lessons i needed to learn without interruption by my sometimes premature thoughts.
i've written about being judged or being judged by what others say rather than actual interaction or experience with that person. often times my lack of interaction is apparently enough to "confirm" what others have been told so rather than find out for themselves i'm labeled this or that and treated with a bit of disdain or indifference. you'd think no big deal because people of the world do it all the time right? well its certainly not expected by people of faith...yet there it is. as clear as day. judgement set upon me based upon something that happened several years ago or some miscommunication that occurred ages ago.
what happened to the the belief in the power of God to change people for the better? i realize that i have to apply that concept in my own life. Those that i've felt have bitterly betrayed me at various moments of my life, forgiveness and a renewed view of those individuals must be found. We've all wronged each other now and again. It happens but that's the beauty of love...it foregoes those transgressions and resides/abounds in forgiveness at least unconditional love does. Thats the kind of love spoken about in the bible, the kind of love as believers we've been called to practice.
Forgiveness is one of those areas that does not come easy to most. In fact, its one of those topics that seems most hardest to practice. We (as in human tendencies) tend to harbor those ill feelings towards those who have wronged us. Maybe its because we think/feel that vindication is served when we enact our angry or upset feelings towards our perpetrator. but its not...our harbored ill feelings can do damage to others but really they do the most damage to ourselves. forgiveness of others is key to moving on to a new place and key to brining freedom in life. how can we expect God's forgiveness when we dont extend it ourselves?
there's a freedom that comes when we forgive those who have failed us or wronged us. it allows us to move forward and to progress in the journey of faith. forgiveness is a choice. it is not something we wake up to and just happens. rather its a conscious choice that we make to move forward and past whatever inequity inacted against our person. in that conscious colletive choice, because its not just a matter of the mind to decide but in heart and spirit, we leave the past in the past and walk in the present. in that choice is where we make our greatest progress. progress can be a funny thing because sometimes from our vantage point it doesnt seem that we are making any progress at all.
it isnt until we look back at the mile markers in our lives to see how far we've really travelled that we can finally realize that yes we have made progress in the journey of faith. that somehow where we've been and what we've been through has propelled us to a new place or a new seasons. half the time we dont even realize it has occured. instead we find ourselves awakening to something unfamilar. takes us a minute to realize that yes we have moved into something new.
that seems to be where i've found myself. a new unfamilar place.
i have my own list of wrong-doings and mistakes. actions i sometimes wish i had though through more carefully or words i wish i had chosen more selectively. but for better or worse they have been enacted into being. they cant be taken back, cant be retracted, or ignored as if they didnt exist. instead i can only move forward from them, remembering the consquences they brought. that may be the greatest reason why i pause in reaction to whatever may be happening in life.
takes me a moment to realize that yes...its a hard moment in life but like all things, it will pass. we are not exempt from the hard times or from trying times. but instead of dwelling on where we are or what is happening we can take comfort in knowing who is seeing us through it and knowing we are never alone through it.
its been a long time coming given all the things that life threw my way in the past couple of years. there've been moments where i've felt like i didnt have the strength to endure the challenges i was facing. yet God always provided. i finally took the much needed hiatus i'd been trying to take. it was a hiatus to just be still and clear my mind and life from voices and situations that had become such distractions. i wasnt sure what that would look like or entail. while i'd like to say my experience was successful, i can only say that i learned much from the experience.
in the last few days, i've had some really encouraging conversations that have reminded me of life's purpose and the journey. its amazing how God works in that way and how He speaks to us through different mediums. sometimes its through a friends words, sometimes its the testimony of someone elses life, sometimes its through scripture or something we read or hear....the point is that we have to key in to hear His voice. not necessarily an easy thing to do. but when you're hungry you'll wait and you'll listen...
i'm excited for 2009. just the myriad of conversations and the many new doors opening. its exciting and sometimes a bit overwhelming but i go back to trusting what i know...and that is that i'll never be led astray. everything has worked out even when it didnt seem like it would and i trust that God is fully in control. i'm not worried about the road ahead or the choices that need to be made. as always they will be made when they need to be made and in just the right instance i'll know the choice that must be chosen. God has always been faithful that way.
There is a peace that transcends all understanding. With that peace we can face any trial, challenge, or mountain thrown our way and we can do it with confidence. Its because of unconditional love that we are able to tap into that peace. so i leave with what love is and what it is not so that when we come face to face with it we can clearly see it and know it.
1 Corinthians 13
4Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. i'm so grateful that it always trust, alwas hopes, and always perseveres.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Country First
I wasn't sure if I was going to blog about the election but I decided that there were a few things I wanted to voice.
This particular election was a bit bittersweet for me. First, I was soooo happy to see the record turnout and to see so many Americans participating in this important process. It made a obvious difference in this particular election. I was truly elated to hear that people felt their vote was represented and their voice was heard because truly it was heard.
I've not talked alot about who I was going to vote for. Though if you asked me, I'd gladly tell you with no reservations. I'm not a democrat as some people assume. Partly because of a die hard republican family influence but also because there are certain ideals that I identify more closely to with the Republican Party. There are ideals that I just can't seem to accept from the democrat party position regarding certain and specific issues.
Next which is truly remarkable to me, I didnt think I'd see the day when a bi-racial president would be elected. I know this may be in part of where I live and the environment that I come from but I am so absolutely amazed. As a minority and as a female I think it definitely sends the message that yes anything is possible in America. Did I think our country was ready for this kinda of move? No, I didn't but apparently i was wrong.
And so we have our first bi-racial President. It truly is history in the making and for those of us involved in the process, we can live to tell our children and grandchildren about it. Tell them how grant park became jubilation park and what we were thinking in the moments when the election was called. Tell them about the celebration that insued not just in america but also around the world. I cannot imagine what Dr King's response would be to this victory. The emotions I felt watching Rev Jesse Jackson in tears listening to Obama deliver his victory speech...it made me proud to be an american.
I don't necessarily agree with Jesse Jackson's strong arm tactics regarding race or agree with his approach...but I certainly could not deny him that moment. Just think, to be part of a civil rights movement in the way that he has, to fight a struggle for as long as he has fought, and then to see the time and the moment when they had reached what they considered the promise land is beyond any words that could give that moment the justice it so rightly deserves.
While my own people have not endured those kinds of struggle, so many have endured others struggles such as to be accepted, to learn a new language, and in many cases the right to be here legally. It has most definitely stirred me to re-consider the direction of my own legal career and the issue of immigration which i take up serious residence with. I've witnessed first-hand the difficulty that some encounter in the process of trying to become a citizen.
But I digress so now I'll return to the topic of this blog which is the election. I voted for one democratic candidate because I know him and felt confident that he was the best candidate. I found it interesting to hear, read, and see the response to this newly elected president. For some I was most appreciative of their responses and for others I was completely mortified. so let's start with the responses I was appreciative about.
A friend of mine is an attorney in North Carolina. He wrote a very poignant blog that I identified with. I appreciate his insight but more importantly how gracious he was to President Elect Obama. He is after all what I would consider a staunch Republican. It is that sort of attitude and approach that I think as Republicans and as Americans that we should engage our fellow Democrat Americans. This is the reason we live in this land...we are able to choose freely what we believe and choose who to identify with. Those are the freedoms fought for us by the generations who have gone before us.
The second comes from a friend of mine. I've obtained his permission to re-post his thoughts. So here are his "Ten Thoughts on the Election."
1. There seems to be this thought that African-Americans in this country voted for Barak Obama because of he was an African-American. I sincerely hope this is not the case.If someone stated they were NOT going to vote for a person based on the color of their skin, that would be racist, right? Would it not also be racist to say that someone WAS going to vote for someone based on the color of their skin?
2. If you are making a point about the election, or people’s reaction to it, using foul language only makes you sound less intelligent. It is one thing to curse in day-to-day life, but when presenting your views in written form for others to view, you only hurt your own point by cursing.
3. While I do not condone the “America is dooooomed” philosophy that I have been hearing for the past 20 hours, nor do I find it fitting that Obama supporters should call them “whiners”.Seriously? Then what do you call all of that complaining we heard from the left for the past eight years?
4. I believe it behooves all American citizens, regardless of who you voted for, to give Barak a fair chance. If policies are enacted that you do not agree with, if laws are passed that you find unacceptable, by all means, express your opinion, but stating that our country is doomed, or that he is going to be a horrible president before he has even been sworn in is a little premature.
5. Does anyone ever remember a more gracious losing candidate than John McCain? I realize we often think the latest thing to happen also makes it best, but I do not remember any of the three losing candidates of my lifetime giving such a gracious concession speech. His speech was definitely a good step on reuniting our country after 20 years of being divided.
6. If it takes the nation electing a leader who shares your values for you to be proud of your country, please examine what you really view America to be. If you are in a club that you are only proud to be in when 53% of the club agrees with you, then maybe that isn’t the club for you. That goes the other way, if America elects a president you don’t agree with, and you lose pride in what she is, than perhaps you weren’t really proud of what America really is.
7. Republicans controlled two of the three branches of government for 6 of the last 8 years. They controlled all three for 4 of the last 8. For most of this time, Democrats have stated how they could do it better and have pointed out, often times in a very divisive manner, how they could do better. It is time to stop talking and start doing. Democrats hold the majority in both congressional houses and have the presidency. After all that talk about change and all the finger-pointing, the biggest mistake would be to get nothing done.
8. Right now we stand as a country divided. CNN shows that the popular vote was split 53% to 46% in favor of Barak Obama. That is a 7% difference. Not really as big as the Electoral College makes it sound. That means that a large portion of this country did not vote for our next president. We as a nation need to do what we can to stand together, instead of standing to the right, or the left of an imaginary line. This will not happen easily or overnight, but berating people of the other side does nothing to aid that cause. America is great because of our differences. We all know this. However, it seems that people on the left are having a hard time respecting the difference of the person on the right, and vice versa. This problem is on both sides.
9. Just a quick one here….how come the best two speeches of the entire campaign were done AFTER the campaign was finished? I guess when they aren’t trying to be politicians any longer, these are pretty good guys.
10. What can you do if you are a republican and you are unhappy about the election? Well first of all, complaining changes nothing. Nor does declaring for succession. However, there will be another election, in just two years, for senate and congressional seats. If you are really unhappy about the current balance of power, DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT. Republicans could regain control of one or two of the houses in 2010. Call your local Republican party and see what you can do or educate yourself so that you can better educate others on the REAL issues. Complaining does nothing.
To expound negatively on the gain of one party is to exponentially increase the size of loss for the losing party. What I have read and seen in regards to responses of fellow Republicans is disheartening. I have several friends who are alum from Baylor and are minorities so I'm sure this article will also sadden them as well. I've heard the responses from what I consider to be ignorant and immature people throwing temper tantrums because their candidate didnt win.
Winning and losing is a part and fact of life. We win some and we lose some. we do not always win, do not always get our way, and I believe that it is in our losses that true character is developed and defined. The voice of america has spoken and has called for change. Unless the Republican Party can move forward and develop policies that are relevant to the needs of america then we will continue to see Democrat victories in the years to come. To be mature is to accept the outcome of this race and move forward in a way that is positive and beneficial to all americans.
While I know that my statements may be idealistic and are sometimes far from reality. I can hope and pray that we will progress as people and unify under the common identity as Amercians.
As Christians, the Bible says we are to submit to the authorities of the land. President Elect Obama will represent to us the authority of this land. He deserves our respect and we should be responsible in respecting the privilege he has earned to be the leader of the free world. Our responsibility now is to pray for him and our nation as we move forward and to positively contribute to our communities and the nation as a whole. May God bless america and may He bless those of you who read this. It is with much love, gratitude, and patriotism as an hispanic christian american that I write this.
May we look back at this historical moment in time and know that we did all that we could to make our world a better place. Above the political divisions and factions, we are americans and even though this was a Republican slogan I feel it holds true now more than ever, let us graciously move forward...remembering
"Country First"
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