Another Day...

It's been a while sense I've left my thoughts -- though I've just replied to many of the nice thoughts left while I was gone.  It seems the nation is in turmoil and where I live things around me are falling apart.  I work at a school and the news media has been here the last two days filming the controversy over highly emotional issues on the ballot.  I'm not usually interested in politics, but when issues are placed on the ballot that will change my lifestyle and force me to do things I don't think I should have to do, I have to speak out.

I'm talking about the California Prop 8 campaign that I will be voting on.  I have seriously listened to both sides of the table. I understand the gay and lesbian community wanting to be recognized. I have co-workers who are in that situation. And though I don't agree with their lifestyle, I have never put anyone down for living their life the way they want. I don't think it's any of my business.  And on the same token, I don't think others should force me to change my lifestyle or to feel one way about it or another.

In all that I've read, in all that I've heard, I am convinced that this proposition has nothing to do with taking rights away from the gay and lesbian community, and has everything to do with imposing their lifestyle on society.  I know this may shock some who may happen to come across this post... but hear me out.  It's already happening in states and countries who have changed their laws about same-sex marriage.  Schools are required to teach that homosexual behavior is a normal option - parents that don't feel the same way have no say about what their children hear regarding homosexual education.  In other words, they can't "opt" their children out like they can when a PG-13 movie is shown.  Churches are being required to marry same-sex couples or have fines imposed and a loss of tax exemption because of the "hate crime status" due to their religious belief that it's wrong.  Photographers who prefer not to shoot gay weddings are being fined because they are discriminating.  Adoption agencies are having to close if they don't place children with same-sex couples.

Like I said previously.  I don't have a problem with people living their life the way they want, but when it begins to punish those who don't believe the same way, the line must be drawn.

I think a couple of posts back... well, a couple of years back, I mentioned the need to stand for something every once in a while.  I think I've found something to stand for... I stand for the family...  for the nation...  for freedoms we have always enjoyed.  I don't think they should be taken away because a small group of people want to force others to say what they belive is wrong is right.

And, like Forest once said, "that all I have to say about that..."

Late Night

Seems like sleep doesn't come easy lately. There are so many things to get done, and sometimes just thinking about them makes the night longer. I was hoping to get taxes done and bills paid tonight, but too much is going on to get either finished. I guess I have to go back to the basics of one step at a time and one of these days I'll arive in a place I want to be. Seems like life can sweep you along and off into different directions if you don't take a stand every once in a while. I think I'm ready to take one of those stands because I'm a bit tired of being swept into the corner along with other places I'd rather not be. Have you ever felt that way?

Life in the Fast Lane...

Lately my life has been one big blur as events and moments pass by so quickly they're hard to notice. It's as if I'm a passenger on an express train and have to turn my head quickly to focus on things as they zip by. I've thought several times how nice it would be to buy a place in the country and slow my life down. Work the land and spend a lot of time with the family. It seems a shame we feel that we have to get old enough to retire before we think it's o.k. to make a drastic change. And by the time that day comes, most people are too tired or feeble to make it happen. They die with the though of "what if...". My wife is ready to pickup and move without a trace. But the kids are settled in school, and my work is close. I've applied at a few other places, to see what's out there and if something comes of it I may end up making some drastic change before gray wins.

Getting Healthy

Last week I started a plan to get into shape. I'm walking more during the day, drinking a boat load of water... and I'm trying to eat a bit healthier. So far it's working. I've already lost 4 pounds and I'm feeling quite a bit better. Grandma Moses once said: "Life is what we make it. Always has been, always will be." I figured I better start to get more active before parts start falling off - you know, make something of myself before it makes me. Well, it's not quite that bad, but I tend to spend most of my day sitting in front of a computer because of my line of work. It's amazing the difference a little walk can make in the middle of the day. You should try it.

A New Day

I thought I'd start this blog to record some of the day-to-day inspiration and random thoughts that pass my way, most of which come from my family. How quickly I forget things when I don't write them down.

Ok, how about a little inspiration from an unusual source... I was watching CSI (crime scene investigation) on TV the other day and there was an old man working as a greeter in a store. This quote is from what he said. "Don't let the heartaches of the past steel the happiness of the present." There ya go.