Happy 2009!

Happy 2009, people! I know I’ve been away for some time, but I needed a moment to regroup, reassess, relax, renew...and...well, you get the picture. Nevertheless, I’m back, and I wanted to share a few things with all of you about 2008. Last year was a doozy, but I managed to come away from it relatively unscathed and with some fresh new lessons to add to my life’s treasure box.

Here are just a few reflections (recaps):

The year 2008 will be forever memorable due to the fact that the United States elected its first African-American president – a monumental feat that no one could have predicted for years to come. That moment truly reinforced the notion that anything is possible.

Hurricane Ike really put into perspective the term “home sweet home”.

The economy tanked in spite of those telling me that it was just fine and not to pay too much attention to the media hype – since, in their minds, that was all an election tactic.

Diva became the new word for bitch, and elitist became a four-letter word.

I learned that change means different things to different individuals; and while there are those who hate change, there are those who just hate.

I sadly lost friendships but was fortunate enough to gain new ones.

I learned that my opinions matter to no one else but me, but having the opportunity to express them is huge.

Saying "no" to people doesn’t make you a bad person.

I learned that standing up for others is not always an easy task, but it is sometimes necessary.

I learned the true meaning of love.

I learned that friends are not just those companions that are around when things are fantastic, fun, and everything is on the straight and narrow. Friendship is also defined by how your compadres handle circumstances when things are less than perfect.

And most importantly, I understand true forgiveness – of others as well as myself. But forgiveness requires a specific formula: recognition + a sincere apology + acceptance + time = forgiveness.

I learned that people are just as judgmental today as they’ve always been. But I never understood just how much others' views mean to us. And the way we want to be viewed through their eyes impacts our own behavior queue.

I learned that I’m sometimes envious of the way men always seem to stick up for one another (even if the other guy is blatantly in the wrong), but women have difficulty in this area.

I noticed that I've assimilated so much to my surroundings that I’ve nearly become invisible. Trying to express your individualism is most difficult.

So, I made it through 2008 with a fraction more of knowledge and experience. And as I fold up the past year and put it away, I widen my mental and emotional spectrum and welcome the new year. I look forward to furthering my education. Here’s to a higher level of learning in 2009!

A Little Humor

Generally Speaking...

By now, many Americans have heard the news of Colin Powell’s endorsement of Sen. Barack Obama.  And during a time when there are still undecided voters, I thought that the voice of a well-respected leader, former Secretary of State, 12th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and decorated General would offer some direction and solace for those concerned, unsure, and/or angry voters.  But, the response has been baffling.  I am seriously amazed by the mean-spirited, repugnant, and outrageous backlash that has infected the radio waves, blogs, and the countless minds of yahoos.

No, Colin Powell is not supporting Obama because he’s African-American.  I repeat.  Colin Powell is not endorsing Obama because of his race.  Powell clearly stated in his interview with Tom Brokaw, on “Meet the Press”, the reasons why he decided to endorse Obama over McCain.  He cited his decision was influenced by McCain’s selection of Palin as a running mate, John McCain’s handling of the economic crisis, and the increasing negative personal attacks that McCain’s campaign has launched in the recent weeks.  And for those of you who may have missed it, here’s a link to the actual interview... http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032608

What it is equally astonishing to me is how quickly some conservatives are willing to dismiss Powell and do an “about face” on one of their own.  So, this highly respected figure, who served under four presidents (Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush) is now being classified as a racist, a socialist liberal, a liar, traitor, and many other nasty things that I will not reproduce here – just because he chooses to vote for the better candidate.  Are we to assume that Joe Lieberman is a racist because he chooses McCain?  No, I don’t think so!

With regards to choosing Obama based on race, Powell stated, “If I had only had that in mind, I could have done this six, eight, 10 months ago.”  I’m not going to quote the entire interview.  Anyone can read the transcript or view the video clip for themselves.  I just want to reaffirm that not all African-Americans are voting for Obama because they identify with the color of his skin.  

I get extremely annoyed every time some yokel feels that race has to be the deciding factor.  How about the fact that Obama is just simply the better candidate who just happens to be black?

Those who know me know that I am biracial – African-American and Vietnamese.  (Yes, I’m a product of the war.)  And, my significant other happens to be white.  And because of our apparent differences, we’ve had a few instances where my boyfriend’s friends were not so “friendly” towards me.  So even though we’re totally colorblind, as are most of our friends and cohorts, I can attest that racism is still alive and kicking.  But, I don’t think it has any place in this election – or anywhere else.

I’m certain there are morons out there who will vote for Obama because he’s black, just like there are simpletons who will not vote for him because he is black.  It is what it is.  As for me, I’d like to think that I am intelligent enough to weigh the pros/cons of each side, decipher all of the information that is thrown at me, filter the excess noise, and arrive at a sensible conclusion.  Furthermore, I’d like to think that I’m voting for more than a man.  I would like to see real change come to this country.

I don’t want to see another conservative judge on the Supreme Court.  I don’t want to see civil liberties thrown to the way side, and I don’t want to continue funding terrorism by bankrupting our own country (at a rate of $10 billion a month).  I want to see the United States leading the charge for an energy revolution.  I want to see better infrastructure, new job development, less greed, and more inclusiveness in this country.  And I believe that the best hope we have at achieving all of these things is Barack Obama.  

So, please, don’t belittle my choice of a presidential candidate to just being a “black thing”.  And don’t insult or be so quick to judge Powell because you do not agree with his selection.  Maybe...just maybe, he has put more thought into his decision.  After all, I don’t believe a man could get to the position he has by not using sound judgment.  

This election is so important on so many levels.  It goes way beyond racial identity; and for those who cannot recognize that fact, maybe you need to reevaluate yourself and ask what are you basing your decision on.

Babies R Not Us

I recently had a friend ask me to write an entry, on my blog, about relationships.  With a bit hesitation, I told him I would oblige. It's not that I mind discussing relationship issues, I just did not want to dedicate a bulk of the site to this topic.  And, knowing myself, I could easily ramble on for days about all of the "interesting" experiences I've had. 

So, to prevent myself from giving everyone my take on the topic, I've decided to open up a forum about various relationship matters in order to allow others to have a turn at expressing themselves.  Plus, I think switching gears for a moment away from politics, the depressing economic crisis, and hurricane devastation is a nice change. 

There will be plenty of opportunity for me to give you all my views on romance, love, dating, and overall living.  

So, please feel free to weigh in on this topic and LETS TALK SOME TRASH...

The Question of the Day is:  Should your boyfriend help out, financially, with the purchase of birth control?

If you're in a serious relationship with someone who is not ready for children, who actually cringes at the thought of a little rugrat running around, and nearly breaks down into tears each time a friend announces that they're having a baby, then birth control is probably a part of your normal sexual routine.   And, birth control is a given if you are not at the stage where a child can be cut and pasted easily into your window, and on occasion, you wake up the next morning wearing the same clothes you had on the night before and still drunk.  So, should the two of you split the cost of birth control -- whatever type it may be?

More likely, than not, it's usually the female who foots the cost for pills, IUDS, rings, shots or other forms of control.  But, the benefits are enjoyed by both, you and your partner.   And, if you both agree on not having babies, what is his role in all of this?

Hurricane Ike

Hello guys & dolls!

As life gets back to some sort of normalcy after Hurricane Ike, and I have finally regained power, clean running water, and the internet, I want to take a moment to reflect on just how good my life really is.  In spite of some "minor" inconveniences, I came out of this ordeal virtually unscathed.  My home took on a little flood water, but it is still standing.  And, my friends and loved ones are all doing well.  So for me, life is great!

I would like to take this opportunity to say thanks to a handful of people who made this experience more than bearable.  Thanks to Michelle D. and Chad for a delectable bowl of venison chili and red beans and rice, on the night of the storm.  The beers and cocktails were a nice bonus, too!  And thanks to Karen and "Brucey Bobby" for giving us refuge for two nights, a place to shower, a hot meal, and sharing your electricity so that we could reconnect with the world.

For all of those who lost everything, are displaced, still without power, or just starting to recover, my thoughts and prayers are with you all.  Take care of yourselves and one another.

Here are a few pics of my neighborhood a day or two after the storm...