Thursday, December 3, 2009
Moving On
To all the readers who read this blog, I have decided to start a new one. A place where judgmental eyes are kept at bay. This way, only people who are reasonable and actually care about me can have access to it. I will send out a link with the new address.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
25 Days
Finally, I am writing more. I have a short story to enter in a competition through Writer's Digest as well as two novels that I would love to get published, not to mention 3 other books I have in my head. I feel so inspired! If I could make money at it, I would love nothing more than to stay home and write.
I feel like so many things in my life are coming together. I have a better grasp as to who I am. For once, I feel settled. And surprisingly, I feel this amongst a lot of other chaos that has arisen. For one, I discovered that my father deleted me from his facebook friend's list. True, big deal, it's facebook. However, this seems like another nail in the coffin with him cutting me out of his life.
So even with all of that, my writing is what's gotten me through and made me feel whole. My writing has always been a part of me and it seems like that's how I define myself. I feel like I betray that when I tell people where my paycheck comes from, because that's not who I really am. I'm not a finance person, obsessed with money and uncreative. I'm someone who's lost in my head, getting to know characters who are taking me with them on amazing adventures. One day, you can experience these adventures too, once the stories have been written.
I feel like so many things in my life are coming together. I have a better grasp as to who I am. For once, I feel settled. And surprisingly, I feel this amongst a lot of other chaos that has arisen. For one, I discovered that my father deleted me from his facebook friend's list. True, big deal, it's facebook. However, this seems like another nail in the coffin with him cutting me out of his life.
So even with all of that, my writing is what's gotten me through and made me feel whole. My writing has always been a part of me and it seems like that's how I define myself. I feel like I betray that when I tell people where my paycheck comes from, because that's not who I really am. I'm not a finance person, obsessed with money and uncreative. I'm someone who's lost in my head, getting to know characters who are taking me with them on amazing adventures. One day, you can experience these adventures too, once the stories have been written.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
The Power of Language
I’m so tired of these stupid polls that ask people if prayer should be allowed in public schools. Prayer has never been banned in public schools! The federal law only states that a school official, teacher, administrator, etc. is not allowed to lead a group of students (or one student for that matter) in prayer. However, students can lead students (voluntarily) in prayer. A student who wishes to pray before their meal at lunch is not punished for bowing his or her head. Wake up and smell the reality.
It’s annoying to me to think how blown out of proportion some issues are. I had a professor in college who said as long as there are tests, there will always be prayer in schools. And I had to laugh. What student hasn’t forgotten about a test and said a quick prayer to whoever begging for wisdom. Federal laws do NOT ban this practice.
I enjoy my right to not have prayer forced on me in public settings. Prayer is a very personal private matter between and individual and his or her god. The same as religion. It’s not something to be flaunted, forced, etc. I respect everyone’s right to their faith and would encourage them to practice it if it makes them happy, even if I don’t understand it.
So next time someone poses a question on prayer in school, or the intermixing of government and religion, ask yourself a very important question: are the words of this bill framed in a way to sway my opinion/vote? Bills are named to convince the general public about issues. Hence why the movements are pro-life/pro-choice. Those opposing sects names are meant to sway opinions. Obviously, how positive does pro-life ring? Someone wouldn’t want to be “pro-death” but that’s what the pro-life movement would have you believe the pro-choicers are. Because what else would be the opposite of pro-life?
So much is implied within a movement’s/bill’s name. So before you absently click yes, that you support prayer in public school, think about the context and remember, that you can bow your head at any time of your choosing, so long as you do not disrupt class or force others to join. And if what you’re really trying to do is set an example in the public practice of your faith, what message does it send to force your peers to participate?
Monday, October 5, 2009
My Choice
My life has taken many twists and turns over the past few months. I have experienced loss, happiness, passion, sorrow, and the list goes on and on. I have yet to decide how all of this is going to affect me. Because that’s what it is, my choice.
Recently, my father has decided to cut me out of his life. Though he didn’t do it as blatantly as I just stated it, he left me the choice, either have the girlfriend and don’t visit, or come visit as much as you want… alone. In his sweet e-mail, he tells me he wishes to have no dialogue, no compromise, and bashes my mother. I have not responded to this e-mail. There are no words. In fact this is the first ‘public’ statement I’ve made.
I refuse to let his bigotry bring me down. I know I have other family members who love and support me and losing someone who doesn’t really care about me, isn’t really a loss. Think about it, life is much sweeter when you don’t have to defend who you are.
This experience has further motivated me and has gotten me excited for the upcoming Equality March on Washington this weekend. Cleve Jones, the founder of the Names Project Memorial Quilt has organized a march on Washington to show the nation and our government that we’re not going to take being discriminated against. This weekend, I am excited to be a part of something historical; an event that is being led by one of the movement’s great leaders.
I had a choice as to how to take my father’s decision. Rather than drag it out, plea my case, etc. I have decided to stand with my fellow GLBT brothers and sisters to plead our case to the nation. Together, our voices united, the words will resonate in the nation’s ears and will be better equipped to bring about change. I might not be able to change one man’s views, but standing together, our voices will drown out dissent and foster equality through love and compassion and the 14th Amendment which guarantees equal rights to all citizens of this great nation!
Monday, July 6, 2009
The Best Laid Plans...
Sometimes, there is a fine line between strategic a move to outwit your opponent and an ill-conceived plan. True, dumb luck has gotten us all out of a bind, but when considering our leaders, current and future, we expect them to surround themselves with people who can advice them against making decisions that could thwart their ambitions.
On Friday, Alaska’s Governor Sarah Palin announced that she would be resigning her leadership role as governor later this month. Palin’s explanation for this move is vague at best citing to reunite the country with conservative values… does this mean a run for the White House in 2012? Will she be taking on a leadership role within the RNC helping them fundraise for 2010 and 2012 elections? Her constituents have been left in the dark?
I am faulting no one for pursuing their political ambitions, but I question her route in the pursuit. No one path is the golden path to any office. Everything is circumstantial. What is the mood of the voters, the political climate, etc.? Any candidate who ignores this is destined to fail. That being said, Palin has just handed the Democratic Party the biggest gift if she does decide to make a run for the White House. One of the biggest criticisms from 2008 was her lack of experience, both foreign and domestic.
The bullet on her resume as Alaska’s Governor was the controversial Bridge to Nowhere, and even that came back to bite her. Since the election, what has she done other than attack David Letterman and become a grandmother (she had less to do with the latter)?
If she is planning a bid for the White House in 2012, I would have advised her to retain her leadership role and work to make positive change in Alaska (positive as she terms it as a Conservative. I’m not here to argue that right now) I would advise her to build a relationship with the media that would view her as being credible rather than a joke.
The next couple of years, it will be interesting to watch what she does and how she pursues her political aspirations. I freely admit that the media will be more critical of her as a political leader because she is a woman. That being said, she’ll have to be smarter in how she pursues this office. She’ll need to surround herself with better advisers than the ones she has currently.
On Friday, Alaska’s Governor Sarah Palin announced that she would be resigning her leadership role as governor later this month. Palin’s explanation for this move is vague at best citing to reunite the country with conservative values… does this mean a run for the White House in 2012? Will she be taking on a leadership role within the RNC helping them fundraise for 2010 and 2012 elections? Her constituents have been left in the dark?
I am faulting no one for pursuing their political ambitions, but I question her route in the pursuit. No one path is the golden path to any office. Everything is circumstantial. What is the mood of the voters, the political climate, etc.? Any candidate who ignores this is destined to fail. That being said, Palin has just handed the Democratic Party the biggest gift if she does decide to make a run for the White House. One of the biggest criticisms from 2008 was her lack of experience, both foreign and domestic.
The bullet on her resume as Alaska’s Governor was the controversial Bridge to Nowhere, and even that came back to bite her. Since the election, what has she done other than attack David Letterman and become a grandmother (she had less to do with the latter)?
If she is planning a bid for the White House in 2012, I would have advised her to retain her leadership role and work to make positive change in Alaska (positive as she terms it as a Conservative. I’m not here to argue that right now) I would advise her to build a relationship with the media that would view her as being credible rather than a joke.
The next couple of years, it will be interesting to watch what she does and how she pursues her political aspirations. I freely admit that the media will be more critical of her as a political leader because she is a woman. That being said, she’ll have to be smarter in how she pursues this office. She’ll need to surround herself with better advisers than the ones she has currently.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Updates and Issues
Okay, so 5 months has been a long time for me to stay away and I apologize for that. While I have engaged in other online forums, I have neglected to maintain and update this blog. However, that will change.
As an update for my goals, my fifth book is nearly completed and I've survived 2 surgeries this year. In addition, I've learned to ride a motorcycle and have taken my bike out on a couple of spins. While I love the city, I'm itching for an open road to enjoy some rolling hills and curves.
But on to more important matters. Lots has happened in the news over the past many months. There are six states now who recognize and perform same-sex marriages and Washington, D.C. is about to join the ranks as another entity that will recognize same-sex marriages.
We have seen the battles for this civil right span across the country and both parties have called on their bases to engage in this debate. A couple of weeks ago, I was privileged to attend a rally held in D.C. (Dupont) in protest to the California Supreme Court's decision to uphold Prop 8 but at the same time ensured that the same-sex marriages that were performed during that time remained legal. A decision that left all parties scratching their heads.
The debate has also headlined in New York with civil rights groups, religious organizations, and GLBT organizations taking to the streets and contacting their representatives on this issue. My prediction is that New York will soon follow New England's example and won't deny any of their citizens equal rights.
As I've said repeatedly in previous posts, I don't understand the fear associated with same-sex marriage. The slippery slope arguments and the religious zealots make arguements that have been used to protest other civil rights legislation in the past. At what point will we, as a nation, recognize that these arguments are nothing but fear tactics designed to distort the truth?
The past weekend, I attended my first Gay Pride in Washington D.C. My girl friend was unable to attend, but instead, I went with a group and had a blast. Admittedly, I was intimidated at first because I didn't know what to expect. Next year, I want to ride my motorcycle with Dykes on Bikes to help kick off the parade!
As an update for my goals, my fifth book is nearly completed and I've survived 2 surgeries this year. In addition, I've learned to ride a motorcycle and have taken my bike out on a couple of spins. While I love the city, I'm itching for an open road to enjoy some rolling hills and curves.
But on to more important matters. Lots has happened in the news over the past many months. There are six states now who recognize and perform same-sex marriages and Washington, D.C. is about to join the ranks as another entity that will recognize same-sex marriages.
We have seen the battles for this civil right span across the country and both parties have called on their bases to engage in this debate. A couple of weeks ago, I was privileged to attend a rally held in D.C. (Dupont) in protest to the California Supreme Court's decision to uphold Prop 8 but at the same time ensured that the same-sex marriages that were performed during that time remained legal. A decision that left all parties scratching their heads.
The debate has also headlined in New York with civil rights groups, religious organizations, and GLBT organizations taking to the streets and contacting their representatives on this issue. My prediction is that New York will soon follow New England's example and won't deny any of their citizens equal rights.
As I've said repeatedly in previous posts, I don't understand the fear associated with same-sex marriage. The slippery slope arguments and the religious zealots make arguements that have been used to protest other civil rights legislation in the past. At what point will we, as a nation, recognize that these arguments are nothing but fear tactics designed to distort the truth?
The past weekend, I attended my first Gay Pride in Washington D.C. My girl friend was unable to attend, but instead, I went with a group and had a blast. Admittedly, I was intimidated at first because I didn't know what to expect. Next year, I want to ride my motorcycle with Dykes on Bikes to help kick off the parade!
Monday, January 5, 2009
A Personal Look
In 2009 I’m filled with hope optimism. As corny as I know that sounds. But I’m not intending to use the branded words that I’m sure some believe Obama coined. Instead, I feel drawn to contribute to my community and to make a difference in someone’s life. With this, I want to throw my hat in the ring on a couple of different fronts. So we can call them New Years Resolutions or simply goals, but here they are.
One: I feel compelled to start by making a difference in the lives of domestic violence victims. There are so many resources that are lacking and the education that is given to this epidemic is grossly inadequate. Therefore, I’m proposing to start a non-profit that would benefit victims by starting a mentor program.
The non-profit would be called Just In TIME (Today Is My Empowerment). In addition, there will be a website that is secure specifically for domestic violence victims and will house a minimal staff.
Participants will be paired with a more seasoned domestic violence survivor in their area so the new victim would have an additional resource other than their counselor to call. The mentee would also be indoctrinated into a new community, one that understands their needs. The mentee would learn safe spaces and be accountable to their mentor. This last part would be especially important because statistically speaking; it takes victims on average 12 attempts to leave their abuser.
I would like this non-profit to work in conjunction with on non-profits in the area that specialize in domestic violence advocacy. I believe that a unified front to change legislation, education, and training on the issue will also be important for domestic violence to no longer be an epidemic that hides in the shadows.
Two: The book that you’ve all heard me talk about, Survivor, I am picking out publishers to push this book. I want to tell my story as a domestic violence survivor. I know that it helped me to learn other people’s stories and I want to also educate with the book about the realities victims of domestic violence face. Such as, I wanted to answer questions regarding why I stayed? Why I returned? Didn’t I respect myself? Etc.
Three: I’m job searching now that I have finished my Masters in Public Administration and I’m seeking employment in the public sphere. I’m looking for a job where I can contribute my skills and experience in communication, 2D Design, an interest in politics, and being an advocate for the underprivileged. (Sounds easy doesn’t it J ) Mostly, I just want to know that I’m making a difference. Yes, I’m still an idealist at heart and I probably always will be.
Four: I have two book ideas in my head right now.
Cry For Me No More is a book about a daughter who is struggling with forgiving herself for being angry and forgiving her mother for what she feels was not loving her enough during her childhood after her mother’s untimely death from breast cancer. The story is told through flashbacks and present day settings.
In the Eyes of the Saved (still playing a little with the title) is a story about a girl who leaves her small southern town to stake her own claim and discover her own truths. Her father, a small-town southern Baptist minister and his flock are deeply disturbed and sadden by her decision to leave. However, she realized that before she was ‘saved’ the world her father and his faith presented her didn’t seem to be the whole story. And in turn, she discovers her own path through a series of experiences told from a comedic and satirical point of view.
So those are my goals for 2009. If anyone has any suggestions, please, feel free to comment back and let me know your thoughts.
One: I feel compelled to start by making a difference in the lives of domestic violence victims. There are so many resources that are lacking and the education that is given to this epidemic is grossly inadequate. Therefore, I’m proposing to start a non-profit that would benefit victims by starting a mentor program.
The non-profit would be called Just In TIME (Today Is My Empowerment). In addition, there will be a website that is secure specifically for domestic violence victims and will house a minimal staff.
Participants will be paired with a more seasoned domestic violence survivor in their area so the new victim would have an additional resource other than their counselor to call. The mentee would also be indoctrinated into a new community, one that understands their needs. The mentee would learn safe spaces and be accountable to their mentor. This last part would be especially important because statistically speaking; it takes victims on average 12 attempts to leave their abuser.
I would like this non-profit to work in conjunction with on non-profits in the area that specialize in domestic violence advocacy. I believe that a unified front to change legislation, education, and training on the issue will also be important for domestic violence to no longer be an epidemic that hides in the shadows.
Two: The book that you’ve all heard me talk about, Survivor, I am picking out publishers to push this book. I want to tell my story as a domestic violence survivor. I know that it helped me to learn other people’s stories and I want to also educate with the book about the realities victims of domestic violence face. Such as, I wanted to answer questions regarding why I stayed? Why I returned? Didn’t I respect myself? Etc.
Three: I’m job searching now that I have finished my Masters in Public Administration and I’m seeking employment in the public sphere. I’m looking for a job where I can contribute my skills and experience in communication, 2D Design, an interest in politics, and being an advocate for the underprivileged. (Sounds easy doesn’t it J ) Mostly, I just want to know that I’m making a difference. Yes, I’m still an idealist at heart and I probably always will be.
Four: I have two book ideas in my head right now.
Cry For Me No More is a book about a daughter who is struggling with forgiving herself for being angry and forgiving her mother for what she feels was not loving her enough during her childhood after her mother’s untimely death from breast cancer. The story is told through flashbacks and present day settings.
In the Eyes of the Saved (still playing a little with the title) is a story about a girl who leaves her small southern town to stake her own claim and discover her own truths. Her father, a small-town southern Baptist minister and his flock are deeply disturbed and sadden by her decision to leave. However, she realized that before she was ‘saved’ the world her father and his faith presented her didn’t seem to be the whole story. And in turn, she discovers her own path through a series of experiences told from a comedic and satirical point of view.
So those are my goals for 2009. If anyone has any suggestions, please, feel free to comment back and let me know your thoughts.
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