We the People

I know I just posted a blog, and this won't happen too often, but I just had to get another one out there before the election results come in.

If you are looking for me to tell you the whys and why nots on who I think you should vote for...I hope you aren't holding your breath in anticipation. This is about us…the people who are choosing the next president. I don't know about you, but I am so sick of all the calls, mailers and commentary this year. Seems between television and social media added in, we are so overwhelmed with opinions and mistruths that it is hard to cut through to the core of what is REAL. Every time either candidate says something, the other side turns it into something else. Every time they may change their opinion, and sometimes don't you think it is because they are listening to us???, they are called a liar (even if they aren't lying). When there is unity between parties, great example being Christie and Obama, people gasp because apparently it isn't right that politicians can be human.

Everyone's mind is made up, or at least I hope so by this point. I hope that no matter who wins, we respect the office. I know that is a huge dream of mine, especially after what has been with the last two presidents. Think about this….the office of President is the leader of our great country. They have put themselves out there to "be in charge" of us. Yes, they make mistakes. Yes, they do things one side or the other doesn't agree with, but he, and maybe someday she, deserves respect. They are elected by us. Isn't it great we have that right?

This year's election has truly drawn out the worst in people. The name calling, the exaggerated stories, the arguing amongst we the people. It has become so hateful.  The political groups then get out and stir the hate pot with how they talk and they plant those seeds in our heads. Why? Do we not see how other countries are living? Do our daughters get shot because they think girls should have the right to go to school? We have it pretty lucky…democrat or republican. I would love it if those running for office would go out and just tell us what THEY will do..period. Don't worry about the other guy and knocking him down. I want to know what YOU, Mr. Candidate, will do. Yes, I know…this will never be the case. A girl can dream.

I will be voting. It's probably obvious to you if you see my Facebook page I will be voting Romney. Last election, I voted Obama. I even have a picture of me with him and I am proud of it! But, I can tell you this. No matter who wins, I know it will be what is meant to be and I will respect him as our leader. I need to put my trust in him if for no other reason, I know he will be doing a better job than I could! I hope….really hope…that we can all put this nastiness behind us. I pray that we can work together as a country. Not only in times of crisis as we have recently seen on the east coast, but because we are a great country called the UNITED States of America!

Cheers to November 7!

Confidence..Do YOU have it?

Well, I am finally back to do my first blog. Honestly, I debate whether to put it out there. I am sure my words are all over the place and I am embarrassed for anyone to read it, but that particular statement…. " I am embarrassed for anyone to read it" is what it is all about. Yes, I am writing this first paragraph last and as I so easily was typing the lack of confidence statement it hit me…a big Ah Ha moment! I hope that even one person gets something from it. Because if they do…it will make any negative thoughts some may have or I "think" they have, worth it!

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Lessons to be learned. Teaching your daughter to have confidence in herself and not worry about what others think, or what she perceives they are thinking. Seems very hypocritical when you yourself feel the same, wouldn't you say? I am learning this lesson more and more. Especially as Sydney grows. She is facing things already at a young age that if they aren't worked through in just the right way, it could shape her future self-esteem into something not so good.

Confidence….the definition is “self assurance or a belief in your ability to succeed”. One word, but there are so many ways to apply it to your life. Some are born with this wonderful trait of confidence, but if it doesn't come naturally, some gain it thru careers, talents and even relationships. Sometimes it lasts, but other times it goes up and down just like those careers, talents and relationships. Then there are those who never quite have it. Even though we are taught “don’t worry about what anyone thinks of you”, this can play a huge factor into how you feel about yourself.

Growing up I would say I had a lot of friends. And, even though we are now scattered all over the place, I still have some of those friendships. But, at the same time, I remember being made fun of for how I looked, mostly, but other things too. One specific incident, I remember getting prank phone calls from a guy that, frankly, got to be pretty scary for me. Telling me how pretty I was and how much he liked me and it just got really creepy. The worst part is that in the end, my parents and I were pretty sure it wasn’t even him, but it was “friends” who were getting a good laugh out of what I was going through. You can't stop all of this, no matter how many bully campaigns society comes out with. We can only build our kids up, and ourselves when we need it.

Yes, friendships. They can be really hard for young and old alike, can't they? The famous "you can't play with us" thing as the group runs away from you when you are young is a popular thing for the little ones. Making fun of their looks, calling them names, telling them they aren't cool enough to be part of the group. For most, how can that not affect your confidence? Sure, it is easy to say go off and play with someone else but when any from that "group" are what you consider a really good friend, it's hard not to lose a little self-esteem…confidence. "Why don't they like me?" "Are they never going to be my friend?" "What is wrong with ME?" Sometimes it comes to the point when we are so desperate for a friend that we, again both children and adults, hang out with people who might not be so good for us just to have people to do things with. But, this isn't the answer. As adults, this is when you must find a way to build on your own, remember not to rely on others to make you feel value. For our children, we somehow need to help them feel good about themselves and that no matter who likes them or doesn't, they still mean something. Easy to say, isn't it?

Confidence. Self-Esteem. What’s the answer? Nope, you aren't going to find it here. Obviously, if you know me well you will know that I trust in God completely and the right answer would be to say just give it all to Him and He will take care of it. But, I also know that I am not a good example of following that advice. It is something I work hard at every day and still come up short. What about our kids? How do we make it better for them? I don't know the answer to that either but what I will say is that I try to teach Sydney to be more aware of others. Say kind words no matter how you are being treated. Of course, she is 8 and she is human. This isn't always going to work. She has feelings that will get hurt. But, I guess my answer for today is to keep stressing to her to be kind in all situations, because it will make her a better person throughout her life,  which will contribute to that confidence. Build on her strengths. Teach her to not dwell on her weaknesses. Baby steps…first steps…. All heading toward the mile marker sign of Confidence!

Wow....I am writing it!

For a long time now I have been wanting to blog, but never get around to it. I think of so many things to say, especially when "big" topics come up in the news and I really want to say what I think...in a nice way of course! But, the moment fades because I am usually thinking of it at 2:00 a.m. or while I am getting ready to go somewhere. Now that school is starting soon, I find myself thinking of it as sort of New Year's Eve and think I should make a resolution. So, here in my first blog, I will talk about the fact that I am going to do just that! Then, if it is already started I will keep up with it. That is how it works, isn't it?

Even though I always have good intentions to do so, I rarely read too many blogs to see how it is done, so mine might be way off base. But, it is mine so it should be my style...yes, that is right Lori, there is not a wrong way to do it! The problem comes up in that I am a worrier about what people think (That subject would make for a good blog session!!). I love writing. I have even been told I am good at it every Christmas. It seems I can express on paper my thoughts much better than in my words. I love !!! and " " and ...... so get used to those!!

My question to myself is why do it. Several reasons, I suppose. The most important is that someday maybe it will help someone, or at least make them feel they aren't alone and/or aren't the only one who feels or thinks a certain way. But, it is also a release. I have found as wonderful as FB and Twitter are, I can get really worked up on some posts people make. I have a habit of posting...and then deleting....my thoughts on the matter. I have always believed I should be more brave, but am too scared to be! This way, maybe I can say what I think on issues of the world, religion, politics (UGH!) and all those other things that are more fun like home decorating, crafting and kids and most importantly....VACATIONS!

In no way will I try to offend anyone. It will never be formal or really deep in thought. I like thinking in simple terms and I think that gets a point across just as well. There will be grammatical and spelling errors, but I am sure you can over look those. And, who knows I may be telling only myself this right now because I don't know if anyone will ever be interested or even find it!

(Psst....if you aren't, that is ok. I am doing this for fun!)

So, here's to Blog 1....For what it's worth! And, as a side note I typed this ahead of time. Took me longer to figure out how to post it. Yikes!