Christmas

I stole this from Ashley who stole it from Jennifer.

Christmas Fun


1. Wrapping paper or gift bags
Wrapping paper. I LOVE wrapped gifts. It makes Christmas so much fun, but Santa never wrapped our gifts. Everything always looked so magical sitting under the lights on the tree.

2. Real tree or artificial?
REAL

3. When do you put up the tree?
Whenever we have time. It's a delicate situation when you're using a real tree.

4. When do you take it down?
Depends on time - probably after the New Year.

5. Do you like eggnog?
not really

6. Favorite gift received as a child?
my Redline bike is the first thing that comes to mind

7. Do you have a nativity scene?
Yes... see Ashley's post

8. Hardest person to buy for?
Grandaddy and Dad... they already have everything

9. Easiest person to buy for?
Marissa

10. Worst gift you received?
I don't remember, but it was probably some clothes with ruffles or something that I would never wear.

11. Mail or email cards?
Mail

12. Favorite Christmas movie?
Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas?
Usually October

14. Have you ever recycled a gift?
Yes

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas?
mom's chocolate pie and peanut brittle

16. Clear or colored lights?
Colored

17. Favorite holiday song?
O Holy Night

18. Travel or stay at home at Christmas?
Travel around Christmas, but stay home on Christmas

19. Can you name all the reindeer?
Let's see... Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donder, Blitzen, & Rudolf

20. Angel or star on top of the tree?
Star

21. Open Christmas eve or morning?
When I was growing up we always opened gifts on Christmas Eve, but now we open some before, or after depending on when we're all there. At my house we open them on Christmas Day.

22. What’s the corniest tradition you miss doing?
Decorating the tree to Captain Kangaroo's Christmas Album

23. Most annoying thing about this time of year?
Crowds!

24. What’s the worst thing you’ve seen related to Christmas?
People behaving like idiots.

25. Which looks best, theme trees or homey trees?
I think both look nice, but I prefer homey trees.

26. Gingerbread or sugar cookies?
Sugar cookies for sure.

27. Do you like fruitcake?
I don't think so. I'm not sure if I've ever actually tried it.

EQUALITY

I have reached my limit. I have always been one to keep quite and not rock the boat especially when I thought it may make people uncomfortable. I have decided to break free of those chains. At the risk of offending, upsetting, or alienating people I just want to say Wake Up!

I am tired of feeling like a second class citizen. I am tired of feeling like I need to justify my lifestyle or my relationshhips. I am tired of people using religion as a weapon against me. I will not stand for it any more.

This country was founded on religious freedom, which I completely agree with. I believe that everyone has the right to believe and practice whatever form of religion they choose. I also believe that I have a right as an American citizen not to be forced to practice someone else's religion. That is why this country's founders also established a seperation of church and state.

I am talking about civil rights. If you do not believe in gay marriage because of your religion, then I suggest going to a church that does not perform marriage ceremonies for gay people. It is that simple. Believe what you want, practice what you want, but don't try to force it on me.

Jonestown

This is an actual image of the aftermath at Jonestown. I tried to avoid pictures of the carnage, but I wanted a picture that had this sign in it. This was a sign that hung in the pavilion at Jonestown. An appropriate message.

Tomorrow marks the 30th anniversary of the tragedy at Jonestown. Some of you may wonder why I would include this on my blog, or maybe even why I care about Jonestown at all. Well let me see if I can explain. The tragedy occurred on November 18,1978. I was almost 4 yrs old and even though I didn't know what was going on, I remember seeing photos on television at my grandmother's house. Fast forward to adulthood... I have always been interested in why people do things, why they become part of certain groups, why they follow certain people. I had read a few things about the People's Temple over the years, and I guess like many people I just assumed they were some whack job cult. I couple of years ago I came across a book about Jim Jones and The People's Temple at a garage sale. I read this book and was so moved by the stories of the people that belonged to the temple that I began to read more stories. I did some research and was blown away. I guess my point is that whether or not you ever read anything else about The People's Temple, I would like to say that by all accounts, the vast majority of the members were wonderful people. They came from all walks of life. They were regular people just like you and me. If you are interested in reading more check out this link. http://jonestown.sdsu.edu.

Over 900 people died that day in Guyana, many of them were children. Take pause and remember them.

Songs to Live By

Check out my other blog if you haven't already.

songstoliveby.blogspot.com

Cuties

Is Home A State Of Mind?

"Terezka, a disturbed child in an orphanage. The scrawl on the blackboard is her drawing of "home". Poland, 1948" ... I read that before she was placed in an orphanage, she lived in a concentration camp. -ak

I was moved the first time I saw this picture, and I continue to be moved every time I see it. We are all imprisoned by our minds to some extent.