Rejoice in the small things

Finally got the packages sent off to family and quite a bit of organizing done around home today. I feeling relieved and thankful. I love that feeling of having accomplished a project, particularly when the tasks I have to do seem so overwhelming. Since my surgery, what tends to overwhelm me is mindboggling and sometimes frustrating. I look forward to a time when the little things are not as daunting and I can pick up speed once again, not just with my step, but in my life as well. When my daughter and I spent some time together lately, I teased her saying, "We're practicing for when I'm in my 70s. This is how it will be." Does that give you any idea as to how slow I move these days? Actually I should have said 90s or older, but I don't think she can image that happening. She's seventeen and at that age you believe pretty much believe that you're unstoppable (at least regarding what you are able to physically do). Aahhh...how little we realize and how much even I took for granted when I was young. :)

Other than that I have been listening to music instead of NPR or any news source. I'm on information overload and need a break from any "breaking news" for the time being. When I find my regular radio and TV stations getting on my nerves, I turn on the music. Music is healing in so many ways. Nickel Creek was my panacea throughout the day. Their music is a bluegrass, folkish style and the lyrics are haunting. Check them out at their website. http://www.nickelcreek.com/ My favorite song of theirs is The Lighthouse Tale. Tragically beautiful... Smootie Song is definitely worth a peek on the videos too. Or listen to their final concert together as Nickel Creek. http://www.npr.org/templates/player/mediaPlayer.html?action=1&t=1&islist=false&id=15731658&m=15908059 Nickel Creek is Chris Thile, Sara Watkins and Sean Watkins. The musical path they originally walked together has split into three separate paths for the future. I guess their final concert together was November 2008. I look forward to hearing the sounds their new ventures will create.

For the dancing...I'm including two videos today. The first is two dancers from China...you'll be amazed!! EVEN IF YOU DON'T WATCH ANY OF THE OTHER DANCE VIDEOS - WATCH THIS ONE!

This second video is a cultural dance from India.

The combo of all this today leaves me quoting a few lines from my poem "Hope Found"...

Sometimes I surprise myself, and am surprised at the same
in others, how in the midst of personal pain one can be so inspired
Life has often pummeled a creative soul aspiring
to reach within for a glimpse of heaven others may behold
I guess it stands without reason that talent will unfold
and come to light in dark places, where you find hearts aching.

Life can be a circus

That's how I feel somedays. Not necessarily today...all day, but...

Hearing the "drama" playing out in politics, I couldn't help but think of circuses today. Bill Richardson, Roland Burris, Rod Blagojevich, and Leon Panetta are all definitely acts for the media circus to ruminate. Then there's the Obamas moving to Washington D.C. and the upcoming inauguration. Not to mention the craziness going on between Israel and Hamas.

And while these "acts" are capturing our attention...

In Wyoming (a state that most people have probably rarely, if ever, given a passing thought to, let alone actually know where it is located) in the Yellowstone National Park, there have been 400 earthquake tremors since December 26, 2008. This may not seem like a big deal, but there is considerable concern that the amount of activity is unusual and what is triggering the level of activity unknown. Due to this information, there is speculation (by those paying attention) as to whether or not something catatrophic may be about to occur.

All the while we are going on about our daily lives, for the most part, unaware. It makes me wonder...why is so little said about this area and the potential for a catastrophe? I think that I tend to notice because Wyoming is my birthplace, and in the last year I've been considering visiting Yellowstone. As a result I've been listening to videos and reading up on this park, which is why I took the time to read the info about the recent tremor activity when it appeared on January 3, 2009.

Again I have to ask, "Why is so little said about this area?!" I'm thinking very few people know the info that is in this video clip. It's all really kinda crazy, and just a bit eerie...

Here's a link to the above video clip: http://video.aol.com/video-detail/yellowstone-super-volcano-jan-2009-warning/846011007/?icid=VIDURVNWS01
and a link to info on the tremor activity at Yellowstone National Park.
http://news.aol.com/article/yellowstone-earthquakes-raise-fears/292261

So what am I/what are we suppose to do with the above information?!?!?!? It's not like the USGS has released any significant warnings or directives to people in the area of impact on how to prepare for a possible supervolcanic eruption. So honestly I'm really unsure...other than "you could live each day, as if it were your last", but for me that just takes too much thought and emotion, and I'm not even going to get into that mode.

So, despite the above information (putting my head in the sand, I guess, so to speak), I'm on to other topics. I spent this day prepping the "Christmas/New Year" packages to send to family and to a friend. And I am easily overwhelmed by the seven I am sending. ...that's me! Easily overwhelmed with my own personal conflict of what I want to do and what I can realistically do each year during the Christmas season.

You may be thinking right now, "But Christmas was almost two weeks ago!?" Yeah! I know, but for some crazy reason every year it is so hard for me to get into the "Christmas mood" until Christmas eve and then I want to celebrate Christmas for the next several weeks!!! And, of course, that is just the opposite of the people around me. For example, one of my friends loves Christmas music, but she can not stand to hear another Christmas song played after December 25th. Me? I'm just getting started... So each year I'm ready to begin celebrating Christmas when everyone around me is ready and glad for it all to be OVER and put away til the next November!

Truly tho, I'd prefer to celebrate the Twelve Days (plus two) of Christmas or "the Christmas season" from December 24 through January 6th, rather than from November 29th to December 25th as is most common. It seems my preferences, often, do not line up with what is conventional.

I think this is how I would celebrate Christmas, if I could. I would attend one or two christmas plays/events sometime before December 25th...to spark the mood. Watch "A Christmas Carol" (one version or another of this classic favorite of mine) at least once before December 25th. Get a tree Christmas eve day and decorate it with family. Attend a Christmas eve service, preferably after dark, to begin the Christmas celebration. Help out an outreach ministry on Christmas morning, hopefully with the family along. Spend Christmas evening with family playing board games and eating delicious food. Over the next 11 days: 1)put up a new Christmas decoration in the home each day (something small, not elaborate), 2)make holiday treats and give them away to family, friends, and pan handlers, 3)do something unusual for someone unexpected each day, and 4)look for bargains (due to holiday sales) on Epiphany gifts (for the children in the family) and birthday gifts for the next year. Give small gifts to children in the family on January 6th, Epiphany, and gather as a family with a dinner celebration to remember once again not only Christ's birth, but the visit, worship and adoration from the wise men over the Christ child. Sometime during the twelve days of Christmas it would also be nice to go Christmas caroling in the snow and participate in a progressive dinner with family too. Well that's my "ideal" traditional Christmas celebration, but as you can see it doesn't really fit in with how everyone else celebrates the traditional American Christmas. So how much of it will ever play out for me in "real life"? At this point, most of it is just fantasizing...

So far, over the last eight years, Thanksgiving has been my favorite holiday, as I usually had it off from work, and was able to get together with family and friends to celebrate. Whereas during the Christmas holiday/New Year celebrations, I've usually had to work. Plus being single with no children in my house, the fact that most of my family live out-of-state and circumstances regarding my daughter...well...holidays of Christmas/New Year tend to be more melancholy for me.

I have been mulling and stewing over the celebration of Christmas for years. And every year I'm "late" in sending Christmas greetings and gifts to family and friends who do not live in Arizona. Having put into words what goes through my mind about Christmas celebrations, and how it plays out in my emotions...is basically an attempt to explain my persistant procrastination every year.

Regarding celebrating The Twelve Days of Christmas and Epiphany, here is some info I gleaned off the web. Seven years ago I did Christmas programming in detention that included similar information, which is when I was first exposed to and realized the interesting differences in how people around the year celebrate this time of the year.

January 6th – A Holiday Around the World
The Epiphany, Three Kings' Day, Twelfth Night, La Befana, and More
© Jennifer L. Price Dec 30, 2008
Link: http://holiday-entertaining.suite101.com/article.cfm/january_6th_a_holiday_around_the_world
January 6th is a special day in many countries and cultures--and is celebrated with various traditions all over the world.

The Christian holiday known as The Epiphany is celebrated each year on January 6th. The holiday is a feast that began to commemorate the introduction of Jesus in human form—the specific date of January 6th was first mentioned in 361.

Eastern Christians believe that The Epiphany was the day Christ was baptized in the Jordan River, while Western Christians believe the day commemorates the day the Magi (also known as the Three Kings and Three Wiseman) visited the baby Jesus Christ bringing gifts.
Three King’s Day (Spain, Philippines, Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, and more)
Many countries celebrate January 6th as Three King’s Day, celebrating the day Melchor, Gaspar, and Balthazar visited Jesus as a child bringing gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

In Spain, the Philippines, and certain parts of Latin America, El Día de los Reyes (The Day of the Kings) is celebrated with children leaving shoes out overnight to collect gifts from the Kings and sweets, drink, and hay as a gift for the Kings and their camels. A special cake known as Rosca de Reyes is made with a small doll of Jesus baked inside—depending on the country, the finder of the doll must pay for the cake, host a party later in the year, or simply serves as king for the day.

In the Netherlands and Belgium, the day is known as Drie koningen (Three King’s Day). Three children dress in costume to represent the three kings and visit houses singing songs, receiving sweets or coins from each door. German children also visit houses singing songs dressed as the three kings, but leave behind the initials of the three kings above the door frames to bless the family for the new year.

Twelfth Day of Christmas (some parts of the United States, United Kingdom)
According to many historians, the well-known twelve days of Christmas actually represent the twelve days between December 25th and January 6th, not the twelve days before Christmas. In the past, these days were celebrated with gift giving feasts with January 6th serving as the Twelfth Night, made popular by William Shakespeare’s play.

Some traditions are still carried out around the world with a yule log burning all twelve nights in America and Christmas decorations being taken down on the 6th in the United Kingdom (some think it’s unlucky to do so earlier).

Speaking of tradition...here's a video clip of some dance moves in Mexico. I'll be showing a dance video with each of my posts this week, as I stated in the Jan. 4th post.

This video is not the best quality, but it is a form of mexican dance that I enjoy watching. I really like the vibrant colors that Mexico, China, and India use in their dance customes, and how they use their costumes as a part of the dance.

Still recuperating...

Home again, but starting to feel better. Yuck! I hate this sick, laid up stuff. I feel like I haven't been myself since my surgery in October. It definitely gives me more empathy for those who face chronic health problems, as I have been seriously blessed with good health for the majority of my life.

Staying home gave me the opportunity to watch the NBC show 'Superstars of Dance'. This is a global competition of dance stars. I'm not necessarily interested in who wins, but it is fantastic to watch dancing styles from so many cultures. The countries competing on the show are Argentina, India, Australia, South Africa, USA, Ireland, Russia, and China. The first show aired tonight and continues tomorrow (Monday 01/05/08) 7pm central time.

I thought it would be interesting to include dance videos from various countries/cultures in my posts throughout the next week leading up to my birthday. Maybe someday I will take up dance lessons myself once I can get my knees back into shape. I don't know if that is realistic or not. Honestly I would just settle for being able to hike.

Either way I love dance of almost any form. According to 'You Tube' these dancers are from Georgia. This is not a country involved in the competion, but I plan to include videos from around the globe. Watching the various dance routines tonight, I couldn't help but think "Whoa!..not with my knees!". What these Georgia dancers are capable of executing...well it is down right amazing! This particular dance is high energy!! Watching this dance, I can't help but wonder if knee surgery is common in Georgia. :)


(As I'm not sure how long the video is allowed to be shown on my blog, I'm including the link to it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LCSsap5_luw&feature=related)

Recuperating at home

Should be at work right now, but here I am at home instead. I was attacked by the intestinal monster yesterday and he did a serious number on me. I had to leave work because of the increasingly intense pain I was experiencing. I forfeited my holiday pay with that decision, which is very disappointing, but I just could not graciously handle that level of pain at work. It took 12 more hours, countless hot showers, crying, and various remedies to fight off this pain monster. I think I will stay on a liquid diet for a week or so. The pain is now at a manageable level and so I don't want to take any chances. It was crazy, as this seemed to come out of nowhere. All kinds of stuff goes through one's head in these moments-food poisoning? nasty flu bug? complications from constipation? diverticulitis? celiac? I guess it's time to make that yearly trek to the doctor. If I can get in within a week or so, the memory of my excruciating ordeal will add intensity and seriousness to a request for a more extensive checkup.

I have only experienced this level of pain on three other occasions. The first time was in 1991 when I gave birth to my daughter. Then in 2004 I made a visit to the ER because of sharp adominal pains, thinking that my appendix was about to erupt. The docs did all kinds of tests on me, and basically concluded that I needed a colonoscopy to determine whether or not I had diverticulitis. As I experienced no additional pain or intestinal problems in the months following that ER visit, I chose to put off having a colonoscopy for another time. As a side note, I was under considerable financial stress at the time, and my conclusion was that my worrying had wreaked havoc on my GI tract. I am a strong believer that stress can significantly affect/alter one's physical health.

Since then I've experienced occasional discomfort/sharp pains in my stomach/intestines due to physical issues, and each time over-the-counter medicine has alleviated the problem. Essentially it comes down to aging and lack of fiber in my diet, as well as needing to drink more water, exercise more, etc.

So here I am writing this post and listening to/somewhat watching the Arizona Cardinal-Atlanta Falcon game, which is playing almost in my backyard. Well, sort of anyway, I mean I live only three miles from the University of Phoenix stadium where the game is taking place. I'm not a true Cardinal fan, and usually find myself making smart-aleck comments to guys at work that follow the games. [Go Phoenix Suns!!!!] But I thought I'd catch this game, as this is the first time for the Cardinals to make the playoffs since 1998 and first post season game since 1947. Not to mention there was speculation as to whether this game would be televised at all.

News was there were 3700 available tickets to the Card-Falcon game by Thursday afternoon. I guess in order for a game to receive network airtime, it has to be sold out 72 hours prior to kickoff time. The Cardinals were given two 24 hour extensions by the NFL to get those tickets sold. A Phoenix company, Leslie's Pool Supplies reportedly pitched in to help and swooped up a large numbers of tickets. Nice marketing move for Leslie's, as it's likely that most Cardinal players own pools, not to mention a majority of their fans here in the Valley of the Sun. Ha! (The above pic is from the Cardinal's website and I thought it was cool. Here's the link-http://azcardinals.com/news/detail.php?PRKey=2803)

Football fever kinda runs in my immediate family. Three of my four brothers played high school football. I lived in Nebraska from 1978 to 1983 and was a die hard Husker fan. My brothers and their families are Husker (Nebraska Cornhuskers) fans. It runs in the blood of many who reside or have resided in Nebraska. Coincidentially my daughter is currently dating and "in love" with a football player. Her "birthfather" was a football fanatic...and on and on it goes.

The Nebraska Cornhuskers (8-4) won their 2008 bowl game against the Clemson Tigers (7-4). I did not see the game, but from what I read kicker Alex Henery (#90) carried the game with four field goals. The final score was 26 - 21. A link to info about the game off the Husker site is:

http://www.huskers.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=100&ATCLID=3638246

After reading about the outcome of the Gator Bowl, and doing a search on Alex Henery, I found an amazing fact about this young man. He kicked a 57 yard field goal offering up the winning points against the Colorado Buffalos on November 29, 2008. Final score: Huskers 40- Buffalos 31. Of course, none of this is news to hardcore Husker fans, but here's a link to video coverage of Henery's field goal. Definitely memorable.

http://www.scoresreport.com/tag/alex-henery-nebraska-field-goal/

Final score: Arizona Cardinals 30 - Atlanta Falcons 24

Kudos to the players and their fans!!!!

Definitely a beginner

It is now 2009 and there's a whole year ahead of living life...what will change? improve? shock? disappoint? surprise? What is now unknown, at this time next year, will, once again, be history. Will it repeat itself? So often it does. I have to admit sometimes I feel like a hamster just spinning a wheel round and round.

I've been thinking about this blogging thing too. I really originally started this blog simply to be able to write responses to other blogspot.com bloggers. So far I'm frustrated with the amount of time I spend posting just one blog! And so I know that if I'm going to stick with this blog, I've got to change my approach or maybe my mindset, and drastically cut back the time I spend pouring over what I write.

I've begun to realize that the posts I like to read are more personal, about family life and personal struggles and triumphs. I feel reluctant to move in a more personal direction with what I write here. But I have to ask myself, "Who's more likely to read this blog? And what do they want to know about me, my opinions, etc.? Well...my family will be the most likely to read what I write, for the time being, and so why not get more personal? As I write more about my everyday life...maybe I'll convince my family members to do the same. It really is a great way to find out about each other for those of us who do a better job of communicating in writing than in conversing.

I'll continue to post my opinions about what's going on in the world around me, along with adding items/stories of interest that I stumble across. And I will begin to write bits and pieces about my life...what is going on with me, what I'm doing, etc.

So here goes...I've spent quite a bit of time in the past couple days baking pans of brownies, a pan of lasagna and garlic bread sticks. I enjoy giving food as gifts to friends and co-workers. It was a cheaper way to shower lots of people with "love and good wishes". Also I recently ate a delicious dish, Tortellacci, at Uno Chicago Grill at the Arizona Center. My daughter picked it out and I have to say her choice was fantastic. Here's a description: PILLOWS OF PASTA (TORTELLACCI) Jumbo tortellini stuffed with beef, veal and pancetta, then topped with an Alfredo, Parmesan and our traditional Italian Bolognese sauce. We were both pleasantly surprised.

Work in detention has been extremely slow, which has allowed me to focus on Beat writings and writing responses. Writing these responses can also take considerable time, but I love reading creative writing by teens in detention and having the opportunity to respond in a way that encourages them to continue writing and also to think about the message they send in what they write. Providing increasing opportunities for teens to write in detention is one of my passions. Unfortunately I am somewhat limited, following my knee surgery, in what I can do to pursue this passion. I will have to remain in Control until May to allow for a complete recovery and safe return to the rigors and risks of working directly with the teens on units.

Blogging for beginners...yes that's me. I 've got alot to learn and that excites me! There is so much to learn about not only the computer, but life and relationships. The challenge is finding a balance between work, relationships (family and/or friends), hobbies, etc. Blogging for beginners was a topic covered on Talk of the Nation/NPR today with Neal Conan...check it out, if interested. http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=98935599

Veteren's Day and Beyond

Veteran’s Day…much attention is paid to those in military service on this day to honor and thank them for their service. What many feel and what this day means to so many veterans and their families most likely cannot be put into words…

Two of my brothers served time in the military. I am thankful that they were able to serve our country during times of “peace” and that they did not have to see combat. A close family member, whom we considered “our grandfather”, served in the Korean war (and possibly WWII). He passed away in 2004. Beyond the tragedies of the war he witnessed during his service, and his war injuries, he was able to live a long, fulfilling life. There are many families who have veterans in their family who served during time of war, and they revere and honor those family members, not only for their service to our country, but because they go on to positively impact their home communities in a variety of ways.

But there is a flip side to service in the military, during times of war. Many veterans have mountains to climb when they return from service in a war zone...for some the mountains become insurmountable. So I have on my heart and mind, not only those serving in Iraq, Afghanistan, and around the world, or waiting on bases to be deployed, not only those who have given their lives for "democracy", not only those who been able to find a path in civilian life, after returning from war and have gone on to live fulfilling lives, but, also, those who struggle with "the demons of war" long after they return. Some of these "soldiers" are a significant number of the homeless in our country. It breaks my heart to think how they got from where they were to where they are today.

I listened to a broadcast on the Diane Rehm’s show (NPR.org), today, discussing the current situations many veterans face: I encourage you to check out this link:
http://wamu.org/programs/dr/ Where will we go beyond Veteran’s Day to address the needs of these men and women?? Personally, my outlook is that because those serving in the military are government employees, it is the responsibility of the government to go above and beyond to meet their needs in a timely manner, which means NOW…not many, many months later. What others, as individuals and non-profit agencies, are able to do to reach out to veterans in their communities, I think is commendable. I imagine it is a difficult outreach (and at the same time a deeply moving) in which to be involved.

Here are some additional links to read more from and about veterans.
http://www.veteransforamerica.org/
http://www.mysanantonio.com/military/33484094.html
The 'Here and Now' broadcast today was also interesting and informative. Link is to the left.

My most extensive exposure to war and those serving in war has been through movies-from "Saving Private Ryan" to "Windtalkers" to "Jarhead"-and most recently, my attempt to read Anthony Swofford’s book, Jarhead. The movies depict war as graphically horrific and traumatic during the experience, but soldiers do what they have to do to obey orders, complete their mission, and somehow come home alive, if not in one piece. Reading Jarhead has been difficult for me, too, due to it’s shocking content (reminds me of when I read A Million Little Pieces), though I have yet to hear that Swofford was fictionalizing his story. I have not yet finished this book and have to lay it down from time to time. My hope is to eventually write a spokenword piece for veterans of war. I have more research to do, though, before I’m able to write a piece that accurately describes their experience.

Earlier this year I heard Barack and Michelle Obama’s speak out on their support of extended benefits to returning veterans. Their comments definitely sparked my attention after all the coverage on Walter Reed Army Medical Center and the current condition of The Department of Veteran’s Affairs. This link basically outlines what Obama says he supports regarding benefits for veterans and those in military service: http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/michaelgottwald/gGgYCg
Whether the next administration is able to reduce the bureaucratic paper nightmare and provide the services to Veterans in a quick, efficient manner remains to be seen. Even though I have had little personal contact with war veterans, I am aware of the difficulties many face in “transitioning” back to civilian life after active duty in a war zone, and am shaken and saddened by what they endure not only in service, but life after war.

Psalm 91, has often been a personal comfort of mine, whenever a friend would take on what I knew to be a potentially dangerous task/assignment …
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust. Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. You will not fear the terror of the night, not the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near to you. You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked. If you make the Most High your dwelling-even the Lord, who is my refuge-then no harm will befall you, no disaster will come near your tent. For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. You will tread upon the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent. “Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation.”

So many have died in so many wars…stunning numbers…and each person’s death impacted their families, friends, co-worker, etc. The ripple effect of war may be neverending. Why some men/women are killed, and others live, is hard to fathom...people can attribute many things…fate, prayer, luck, the heroics of another fallen comrade… There are many reasons, and the answers to “Why? may be difficult or impossible to sort out. But for those in service who live, and for the families and friends of those who have given their lives or are currently serving in the military, we can, at least, commit to supporting them, in whatever ways we can not only on Veterans Day, but the days beyond, as they daily face vexing challenges, struggles, and decisions, inside and outside the warzone.

Honestly I am speaking mostly to myself in this post, as a reminder, because it is so easy to just go on about life here in America, when I do not have immediate family or close friends currently in Iraq or Afghanistan, and not truly take in the sacrifices those who do and are make each and every day. Recently a daughter of my long time friend, Chelle, signed up for service, completed boot camp and is currently stationed in Texas. My heart sunk when I first heard she was considering military service, because I feared not only for her life, but for her life beyond possible deployment to war in the middle east. Knowing that she could be deployed within the next year and knowing that she will be working in the medical field, brings the war and it's impact on daily life closer to home. Figuring out how I can support her, and others in service, has now become a more pertinent issue for me personally. I guess, in some ways, that is a good thing.

A Matter of Perspective

We are witnesses of triumph and tragedy this first week in November. What is seen as triumph and what is seen as tragedy is not always agreed upon by all. Sometimes it is obvious, such as a beloved co-worker's home that burned to the ground late this week, and the sister of another co-worker that lost her battle with cancer earlier in the week. Sometimes the conclusion is not as obvious and becomes a matter of one's perspective. This historic election was certainly that. Triumph or tragedy?

I know, myself, that I was moved to tears starting on Monday evening, after viewing a special by Frontline, The Choice 2008, and the tears came and went over the course of the next two days. As a result of Barack Obama's moving victory and the shocking tragedies that struck many families throughout the world this week, definitely a rainstorm of tears (of overwhelming joy and piercing loss) was shed throughout the world.

I see (along with many others) Obama's clear election win, securing the popular and electoral vote (as a biracial/African American) as the historic event it is. Over the last two decades I have spent numerous time researching the history of African Americans in this country, from the early days of slavery through the early 1970s, particularly the Civil Rights Movement. I know that when Martin Luther King, Jr. was killed, he was just beginning the fight against economic inequalities in this country. Since his and Malcolm X's assassinations, there has not been a powerful, far-reaching leadership of black/African Americans or minorities, in general. That is why I believe the comment "Is he the one?" was brought up again in reference to Barack Obama. I found some anti-Obama rhetoric on-line regarding this remark that suggested people were looking for "a messiah or savior" in Obama. I do not believe that is the case, in a spiritual sense, but I do believe people were hoping for powerful, persuasive leadership to come to black americans for direction and motivational change beyond what occurred in the 1960s.

My personal opinion is without the move of God on people's hearts, this man would not have been elected to serve as president of our country. I realize that some may strongly disagree with this opinion, believing either that Obama had some sort of "mystical" impact on people-a cult-like following of radical socialists and naive idealists "deceived more by what Obama didn't say than by what he did say" or that he won simply because he ran an effective, well-organized, deliberate campaign. But it is too hard for me to believe that he won on his campaigning, ideas, and character alone, because I know that racism in this country is truly alive and well. I have had the unfortunate, eye-opening experience of witnessing it, firsthand, on quite a few occasions mostly since the 1980s. People may now know, for the most part, what is racially politically correct, but that does not mean that the heart of the matter has changed substantially. The amazing thing is that Barack Obama is a man born from the union of a caucasian american and an african, and despite the fact that some Americans, at times, continue to frown on and disapprove of interacial, and interreligious relationships, he was somehow able to connect with voters, all across our nation. I do not view Obama as a savior (political or spiritual), but I do believe his election and position, as President of the United States, will make a powerful positive impact on many people who see themselves as disenfranchised. I believe that he has not only the voters of America to thank, but the Creator of the Universe.

I encourage you to view the Frontline program, if you can find the time. After watching this documentary, I was reminded of why I hold great respect for both McCain and Obama. Frontline provided historical background and a non-partisan view on both men. I know the election is over, but here's the link if you are interested: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/choice2008/

In the last 4-5 days I have heard much naysaying, and yes, there is reason for concern about our world in many aspects. Everyone seems to have their own passionate agenda. And we can all run around pursuing our own "issues" with much abandon, blaming others for what we can and can't accomplish, possibly spinning our wheels or rhetoric, or we can heed this truth..."if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land. (I Chronicles 7:14). I was truly humbled by what happened on election day, and compelled to seek God's face diligently, not only for what change may come out of and to Washington D.C., but to our own lives and how we, personally, can impact those around us daily.

Now to the original reason I wanted to post my opinions this evening. Positive viewing experiences!!! I hear many complain about the erosion of TV viewing, and, yes, there may be much to complain about! But we all have a choice to watch (or not watch) what is on...be it network TV, cable, or DVD/movies, etc. In fact there are many interesting and positive TV programs out there. One of my favorites is Extreme Makeover: Home Edition! This program is awesome and a testament to making a positive difference in people's lives. We are all responsible to do more than just sit on our butts in front of the TV or computer. (Possibly if you are complaining about the lack of quality programming, you need to invest your time elsewhere...for example the world around you.) I have to say that Obama's election has placed in me a conviction to do more to make a difference in the world around me! Not to mention guys like Ty Pennington and all the people who come out to help build homes for deserving families/families faced with unusual challenges or committed to making a difference in their community/world! I encourage you to check out a little history on Ty on Wikipedia and to check out the show, if you haven't already.
Here are the links:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ty_Pennington
http://abc.go.com/primetime/xtremehome/index?pn=index

Also I watched a cool show this evening on PBS. It was a documentary on penguins in Africa. I had watched the March of the Penguins earlier this year. It was incredibly informative and stunning! The PBS documentary tonight - Wild! Penguin Invasion
When penguins takeover a popular South African beach resort, laughter, fun and conflict ensue - was more light hearted and actually pretty funny. One part, showed the impact (again) that everyday people can have when coming together to address a potential tragedy. (I tried to find a link to the show, but was unsuccessful.)

You can't convince me that one has to compromise one's values in order to be entertained! There are many good programs out there. It depends on where you are looking!