Maybe

You know, I've been thinking, and maybe it all really is about me. I mean why not?

Olympics

For the most part, I hate the concept of the organized sports machine. It amazes me that so much money is spent on arena's and stadiums when there are so many other uses for that money that would actually help people. Yes, they do create jobs - I give you that, and this is a heated discussion that my husband and I get into every now and then. But it makes me crazy that people care more about who wins and what is going on with their team than they do about the world, or their country, or even humanity. It really, really, really makes me crazy. Yes, it is an elitist attitude, and I fully admit to it.

I grew up in a political household and I had no concept that there were so many sporting games on the television. I didn't realize people spent Sunday's sitting on their couches watching football. I didn't even realize that sports were on all Sunday day. In my house Sunday's meant Meet the Press and Masterpiece Theater. The only game I can recall watching in our house was a Super Bowl that the Dolphins were in. That's not to say that my father never watched sports, but not that I can remember. I remember him on Sunday mornings sitting in the kitchen drinking orange juice out of a wine glass (that drove my mother crazy because then she had to hand wash it because it couldn't go in the dishwasher) watching Meet the Press.

My father was always being invited to go to this game or that game, and did go. That seemed perfectly acceptable, but to sit and watch a game on t.v. seemed ridiculous. I frequently went to hockey games and loved them. To this day hockey is the only game I follow, and yes, I am a hypocrite to some degree about it. Not only do I want a good game, but I've come to expect blood. It's not a good game if there isn't a good fight in my opinion. I can't tell you players names so much any more, or what their numbers and positions are as I once could, but I passionately love the Flyers and loathe the New Jersey Devils with my entire being.

The Winter Olympics however bring out another side of me. I admit to enjoying them, and recommend watching them to everyone. I get caught up in the winter biathalon, and shake my head in dismay when someone misses a shot. I become an expert in skating and point out little wobbles. I have become an avid short track speed skating fan. I will watch curling and gasp at the perfect slide of a stone, and exclaim "DOH" when someone falls while skiing. I shed tears of joy and sorrow for athletes from all over the world when I hear of their inspiring stories, and of course I love the hockey. I feel that the Olympics bring out the best in everyone, or at least I like to think so. How can you not get caught up in the excitement?

So for two weeks every 4 years I become a sport addict, I admit it, and I love it. It gets me excited and I'm full of energy and tension. It doesn't really matter what sport is being aired, I will watch it. So I say to you two things tonight:

1) To the U.S. hockey team - WOOT - GO U.S.A.!!!!!!!!!!

2) And during these two weeks of my sports addiction, I admit to being a hypocrite - but that's Ms. Hypocrite to you..........................

really?

So I find it kind of ironic that McDonalds is a sponsor of the Olympics. Achieve physical and athletic greatness by eating total unhealthy crap! It's not just me is it?

Closed mind and heart are evil; gays are not

Title to the Letter to the Editor in the Wilmington News Journal I wrote - years ago - like maybe 15 years ago - and was published. It is pinned to the board above my desk and I am prompted to share it as we wait on the Prop 8 trial.

"I read Ralph Trader's [of the Conservative Caucus of Delaware] Oct. 17th letter. "Disgusting to display homosexual pride." As a heterosexual female, I find his views disgusting.

He states that a homosexual lifestyle is contrary to the will of God and that the Old Testament and New Testament express this view. I am not a very religious person, but I was sent to Catholic school (preschool through grade 12), and if he was talking about the Christian God, I am confused. The teachings that were stressed the most in religion class were: God is all loving and all forgiving; love and acceptance; and judge not least ye be judged. I also remember being taught that Jesus was accepting of all - lepers, tax collectors and prostitutes to name a few.

I was brought up in a very moral home, with two wonderful, loving parents who taught me the values I live by. Never once was I taught that homosexuals were evil or disgusting. I was taught, however, that closed minds and hearts were.

Several of my parents' best friends are homosexuals. I thank them for bringing their friends into my life. They are some of the most warm-hearted, kind, and giving people I have been blessed with meeting."


I still feel the same way. I have many gay friends, and gay family members and I feel blessed that they have chosen to include me in their lives. I was lucky to have been brought up in a home where people were people, they weren't grouped into "straight" or "gay", and Doug and I do our best to bring that mentality into our household. Love is love, it knows no color, or sex. It is a gift that I hope my daughter is blessed with - from whomever she chooses to receive it from.

Is it really so different?

I was watching a show on the Koran and it's different interpretations. It was very much like the Bible and different interpretations. In either you can pick and choose different sections and verses to support any view you may choose to support.

I also just want to point out that Muslims killing Christians/Jews isn't really so different from what the Christians did during the Crusades is it?

Go a head and call me a liberal, socialist, terrorist sympathizer - but I'm right.

Memories - light the corners of my mind

That is such a cheesy song, but New Years always makes me weepy and nostalgic. I am particularly thinking about when I lived in Newark on Cleveland Avenue, and when I lived in Trolley Square in Wilmington. I am working on writing something about memories and those that were there with me during then. I'm thinking about including pictures too - if I can find them. Stay tuned.......