In today’s edition of the San Diego Union-Tribune you will find a huge picture and the headline ‘Bravo, Italia!’ Of course, this refers to the World Cup that so many people are interested in. Know what I think? Well, you’re here so you must want to know. Much ado about nothing. Nothing. Zilch. Zero. Great for them but in the big picture of what’s going on, is it really necessary that this dominates the front page?

You might immediately assume that this post is about the World Cup, given the title of the post, and how I feel about it being so prominent, but you would be wrong. Here, now, I want to focus on something else. Something that deserves to be the bigger picture.

Really, are you aware that masked gunmen are executing people in Iraq? You are? Well, are you aware that they are executing Sunnis? Do you know why? Because they are Sunni. Uh huh. They are not killing allied servicemembers because we’re forcing democracy on a culture that doesn’t understand democracy. They’re not killing terrorists because they are advocating suicide bombings by women and children. Shiites are executing Sunnis. Because of who they are.

HAVE YOU FORGOTTEN RWANDA? Oh wait, they didn’t deserve this. The Iraqi people do, right? So go ahead, kill each other off because we’ll be better for it over here where our overinflated egos rule our lives, religion and politics.

But what about the people who are afraid of leaving their homes? What about the people who’s homes are stormed and family members executed in the streets with a bullet in their head solely because their last name is ‘Jubour?’ What about those who are yanked off buses and forced to show their identification proving they are Shiite and if not, they are immediately executed. What about those peace loving individuals who do not want our perverted version of government forced on them, but would still love to be able to live a happy life and not worry about whether or not their last name will get them tortured with power drills?

What are we doing about this? Are we, as a polluted government, doing anything at all? What about the U.N.? What about the E.U.? What about the Iraqi government? Is ANYONE doing ANYTHING at all?

I’m so tired of hearing about how some people deserve certain things. I’m tired of hearing that, because it has nothing to do with us, we should turn the other cheek. We are so fortunate to live in the country we do, however f***ed up it is. It is still better than most. NOT ALL, but most. While I don’t believe that we have the right to force people to live differently than they wish, I do feel that we have a responsibility to our BROTHERS AND SISTERS of the world, to make sure that this is stopped.

/sigh

My new favorite show is American Inventor. I love to hear about and see original ideas that showcase ingenuity and human spirit. You can see how their minds work and basically where their focus is in their lives based on these ideas and inventions.

The inventors are the shooting stars and the judges are the military unit charged with firing missles at the ones who are mistaken for UFOs. This woman on the panel of judges, in particular, is a complete and total feminist-gone-wrong. I imagine her husband home cooking dinner wearing an apron and waiting at the door with her martini when she comes home, pausing only to kiss her on the cheek and offer a foot massage.

This woman comes into the competition with another skinny, conventionally pretty blonde wearing a short black, silk robe. Removing the robe reveals this young blonde wearing small, white bikini style underwear and a red ribbon around her breasts, all tied up like a pretty little Yule gift.

So what does a tug on the ribbon do? You guessed it. A simple tug of the ribbon completely removes the ribbon *and* underwear, effective unwrapping the ‘package’ and causing gasps from the 3 men and a wonderful jaw drop from the woman. Then she turns into a spastic freaking monkey calling the women stupid and saying it’s degrading and humiliating. She leaves to get her coat and brings it back to the blonde covering her up, all the while yelling about how bad this is, they’re stupid and to grow up and get a real job.

Are you kidding me? My husband would buy that in a heartbeat! Hell, I would buy it! I think it’s an absolutely brilliant idea and the woman would make an ass ton of money on it.

What really surprised me what that the woman told them to just leave, they didn’t have a chance and the MEN didn’t even say anything! They just told them they had better leave. Talk about being pussies. No voting, no asking questions, no nothing. Just agreeing with this obviously stressed woman who is freaking out like a prude.

It’s people like that who foster the belief that being naked and sexy is wrong for adult women.

HEY LADY! If you sell it, I would buy it.

National City Budget Cuts

Many of you aren’t aware of what’s happening here in San Diego simply because you don’t live here. A very short synopsis to bring you up to speed. Awhile back, National City (southern part of SD, close to Tijuana) put a measure on the ballot to vote for/against a $.01 tax increase to solve some budget issues. These issues are a long standing problem here in San Diego, a huge mess which is not showing any signs of getting any better. Anyhoo, the voters decided against it. Yay for them! I have my opinions about the government bleeding America’s citizens by taxation but it’s a rant and I don’t want to type it at this moment in time. So they had a community meeting where they made the announcement that they were going to just have to make up for this by cutting police and fire departments. About 20 police officers are going to get laid off, one fire department will close and numerous programs such as their gang task force will face extreme cuts. Oh yeah, the residents can avoid this by approving the same tax measure on the next ballot. Umm….what the hell is up with that? That is a blatent use of strongarm tactics to get their way! It really angers me that they are giving this ‘choice.’ Where are the budget cuts in the salaries of government *employees* making hundreds of thousands of dollars a year on a job that a monkey could do blindfolded and with his hands tied to his ankles??? Where are the budget cuts on all of the personal expenses which city residents pay for when these so-called representatives take their family on vacations to Disneyland and write it off because they attend one business/political meeting during this week of ‘vacation time?’ Where are the budget cuts in the amount of funds allowed for representatives to host dinner parties and gatherings to impress members of government from other counties? Where the heck does all of the money from parking meters go? Man oh man…you know what they need? I’ll tell you the perfect solution. They need a single mother or father who has worked hard for everything they have gotten in life to come in and give their budget a severe kick in the ass. If only I didn’t hate politics so much..

Snow boots? In San Diego? What’s up with that?

So I went to Vons the other day to grab some groceries and I notice several women walking around in these soft suede looking snow boots. I’m a bit worried because I think it must have started really downpouring outside while I was in the store. Then I realize they have no other rain gear and are as dry as a bone. Okay, whatever. Blow it off and move on. I leave and as I’m driving out of the parking lot I have to slow down quickly because of this idiot blonde with a fake tan that makes her look like someone stuck a couple of wiggly eyes on an orange starts walking across the drive without looking. Guess those wiggly eyes couldn’t focus because of all the…well…wiggling. Anyhoo, I stop and she walks by and what to my eyes behold? She’s wearing a white tank top, what looks like short 80s jogging shorts and….you guess it. Snow boots halfway up to her knees. Are you kidding me? If this is today’s fashion, I am so out of the loop and wish to remain on the outskirts.

In one of my Yahoo groups I received a post about a ‘haunted’ jewelry box on eBay. Of course, I had to check it out. The bidding is over but the item is 5657571632. I encourage you to check it out if you are desperately in need of a laugh. I couldn’t manage to make myself read the whole listing because it is completely in CAPS and was hurting my eyes and head. However, scroll down to the set of pictures. You’ll have the main picture with ‘orbs’ in front of it which look like a sticky jewel on the lens of the camera. Next you’ll see a regular picture without the ‘orbs.’ Then you’ll see two pictures of the ‘haunted’ jewelry box floating in mid-air. Yup. Floating. This is where I encourage you to look the hardest. See the box floating? See the wall behind it? See the shadow of the fucking fishing line they used to string up the box to make it look like it’s floating?

C’mon people. At least do some editing to make it look genuine. Sheesh.

On Tuesday the San Diego Union-Tribune printed a front page article titled ‘Doctors: Cough Syrups No Help’ This article goes on to say that The American College of Chest Physicians is revealing an “open secret in the medical community: over the counter cough supressants don’t work…” It continues that this specifically applies to the active ingredients dextromethorphn and guaifenesin. An open secret in the medical community? Hmmm… If it’s such an open secret and, as the article implies, most or all doctors are aware of this, why are these remedies still being prescribed by the majority of so-called doctors who work in military medical facilities? Military doctors are far from being the brightest crayons in the box, which is an ‘open secret’ most military families are aware of. Guaifenesin is prescribed almost as much as vitamin M, which is what we call Motrin. Both are a cure all for any condition you may have. Got a headache? Vitamin M. Got a cough and green stuff coming out of every orifice? Guaifenesin. Antibiotics? Nope, it is now taboo for you to receive them for anything. Cancer of the brain with pus oozing blisters all over your body would probably get you a special vitamin M/guaifenesin mixture in a handy salve or liquid to be applied until body parts fall off and it becomes obvious that ’something else’ is going on. At least then you’ll get some nifty Percocet. At least enough to get you addicted and then…yoink!

I’m sure that most people haven’t heard of this dude in France who has frozen his parents, per his father’s request, since 2002. France’s top administrative court has ruled that the son must either cremate or bury them, finally. Apparently this has been going on for a couple of years (the legal battle) and now the son is considering appealing. Big shocker. When you do something like this, odds are you are going to fight opposition until the absolute end. But my bringing this up is not to discuss cryogenics. I feel the possibility is there, along with other things that may seem fantastical right now but entirely possible in the future. If there is one. But that’s another post. Anyway, my issue is with the thinking that these dead people can be brought back when a cure is found for the illness that killed them, or played a part in their demise. No one seems to be stating the obvious. In order for this theory of cryogenics to even be possible there is something far more intricate than disease to be conquered and that is death itself. I firmly believe that death is insurmountable. You cannot live without dying. Yes, we can delay death but we cannot eliminate this outcome. We can delay it by staying in good health, taking care of ourselves and praying that no ’superbug’ or new disease becomes so powerful that it wipes out our species in the blink of an eye. We can delay death with machines beating our hearts for us, breathing for us, providing us with nutrients ensuring our shell’s survival. But damnit, we cannot escape it with our spark intact. The spark that makes us ‘alive’ in a sense that we are more than our bodies natural, automatic functions. Keep in mind I’m not talking about spirits or ‘afterlife’ or anything of that nature. Just about what makes us alive. In order for cryogenics to be successful, we must be able to freeze our bodies at a point where ‘life’ is still sustained. Am I the only one in the world who sees this obvious problem? Huh? And I’m a high school dropout.

Last, but not least. Is it really possible to get a plastic cut? Good story for this one. The fam and I are at Von’s picking up some essentials such as Pepsi. The hubby has been gloomy all day for some reason, he usually gets like this on yucky days. Anyway, we’re at the checkout and the girl bagging our groceries apparently hurt her hand on the bag or something. Next thing I know, the hubby is asking her if she’s alright. She looks at him like he’s just sprouted three new heads and says she’s fine. So he asked her is she got a plastic cut. You know, because when you’re bagging with paper bags you could get a paper cut. But she’s using plastic bags. So his logic tells him that she must have gotten a…..drumroll…..plastic cut. Ahem. Yup. That’s my man!

Why is it that some people think they know everything and everyone? Do they have some insight into human nature that the rest of us in the world, including those trained professionals with Ph.Ds, are lacking? Do they receive this information from little fairies flitting about their halos, whispering in their ears? Or are they just full of shit? That one gets my vote.

Why *do* I keep an online journal? Why do I post here day after day, not bothering to check out how many people are reading my journal every day? (Well, I did check once and the number was quite impressive. Things that make you go…’WTF?’ ) Why do I post my (sometimes) deepest feelings here for God and everyone to see? Well, one person on the ‘net thinks she has the answer. Allow me to share.

“People who write online journals about what is going on in their private lives are publicly asking for attention in that subtle-internet-way.”

That must be why I didn’t tell anyone that I even had a site for two full years. Damn. I could have been getting so much more attention if only I had advertised. That was some good stuff. Lots-o-drama, but it definitely gave some insight into my inner workings. Oh yeah, about that….

“What have I accomplished in this huge attempt to ego stroke myself? Danger and bad karma.” (this person has a blog, btw)

Danger. Bad Karma. Tell me, would you rather I hold all of my anger and frustration inside and obliterate that one unlucky person who finally brings me to the breaking point on a warm, sunny California Tuesday? Or maybe it’s more acceptable to lie down on a couch and tell my problems to a shrink at $200/hour so that they can tell me how to properly express my anger and frustration. Wait. Been there, done that. As a matter of fact, my shrink told me during one of my first visits that he felt it would be extremely helpful for me to write down what I was feeling and thinking during these times. By golly, guess what? It helped! Go figure. Now I write things down, effectively working through them and maybe, possibly, write something that would strike a chord with some gentle reader who has had enough and needs to know that they aren’t alone in their feelings and thoughts. So what does this person think of people like me?

“…when I read other peoples sites that have put so much time and effort into creating this illusion for others to read, and give the ability to peer through a window at every aspect of their lives with the illusion of fact; I can’t help but feel so much compassion for them. They don’t see what they are doing. They are creating something that doesn’t exist and they truly believe in it and what they think it stands for. How sad. They are identifying themselves with an illusion because they can’t/won’t figure out their true self. One day their expectations for the site will bust because they are creating an entity out of nothing. Time is precious, and using up so much precious time creating an illusion for their ego to feel better is asinine. When they grow old is that site going to be beneficial? Is it going to help them grow as a person and in their spirituality? Does it benefit society as a whole? Do they give out nothing but positive energy for the good of all? Or is it totally ego centered with everything candy coated to their approval so that it doesn’t show the negative side of their life? No one wants others to know their deepest darkest humiliating secrets. No one. But, why show only the positive side that they want others to believe as real through the journal without the negative to balance it out? That isn’t being ‘honest’ in their illusion of so-called truth, no? Why not discuss the little nasty side they keep to themselves and are so afraid others will find out about? Then their façade will be destroyed? Are they worried no one will be so interested in their life anymore?”

Now don’t get me wrong. She does make a couple of decent points, I’ll give her that. It’s just too bad that it is said in the tone of Sister Mary Francis, while rapping your knuckles with that hard wooden ruler. Would I still write here if no one read it? Yup. Did for two years. Is my facade destroyed because some people I know have made it to my site and read my innermost workings on an almost daily basis? Nope. I have bared so much on my website. I have said things that I have never said to another living soul, save my husband. I have been frank and outright and brutally honest. For me. That’s it. For me. If others have read what I’ve written and have been compelled to comment, I thank them. They are my friends and I love them all. I may not always like opinions, especially from stupid people, but if their opinions are an attempt at constructive dialogue, are well thought out, are not ‘I’m right and you’re wrong’ and are said in love, I welcome them all and value them.

It bears mentioning that this person, apparently, used to have a blog where she wrote what she was feeling in the moment. She has since evolved spiritually and is no longer the same person who felt the need to work through things in this manner.

Moral of the story? Do not make the mistake of thinking you know what is in the best interest of another person. Do not ever believe that ANY group of people all think/feel/believe/act the same. Not everyone uses a blog for attention. Not everyone uses a blog to work through their issues. Your reasons for doing something are probably not the same as everyone else who does it. And you know what? That’s okay. Accept our differences without being pious. It really is just that simple.

And so to you, my friend, I raise my glass of ice cold Pepsi and proudly proclaim, “What The Fuck?”

Today I have a very personal WTF for you. Maybe it’s something you can identify with, maybe not. On January 6th I will have been on this earth for 3 decades. 30 years. 10,950 days. 15,768,000 minutes. Where has the time gone? Seriously, WTF??

I have two children, a first and only husband of my very own, a home, two cars, a dog, a cat, a little garden. I cook our dinners, do our laundry, homeschool my children and keep our house clean. When, exactly, should I start feeling like an adult? Sometimes I still feel like I’m playing house. I don’t see myself as 30 and I certainly don’t feel like I’m 30. I see other women on television and in the ‘real world’ who are 30 and they look so mature and responsible and old to me. Do I look that old? I don’t think I look 30 but I’m sure I do.

It’s hard for me to comprehend this passage of time. I wonder if it’s yet another psychosis. Like, one day I’m just going to crack and be one of those old ladies we all laugh at who wear ’stylish’ clothing three sizes too small, paint layers of color on their faces to hide their wrinkles and dance a jig to hip hop music in the local clubs, embarrassing their children at every turn.

Acceptance. That’s my goal for this year. Acceptance of myself, as I am. Gray hair and all.

I received an email a couple of days ago, a request to be added as someone’s friend on MySpace. My MySpace profile uses my real name so I can’t link you to the guy’s profile to show you how creepy it is. You know, with me staying anonymous and all. Anyhoo….I get this request and I don’t recognize the name so I visit the profile to see who this person is. Sometimes you get these real goobers who go around sending out all kinds of requests and it’s just weird.

I get to this guy’s profile and it turns out to be very….mental. The picture is a prison pic, jumpsuit and all. His hobbies are working in the prison laundry and playing cards for smokes and he can’t wait for 2007. Okay, very easy to do and could just be funny. Jump to his little ‘About Me’ section. He says that he’s working on ‘The —— Project.’ The dashes being my name, of course. Anyhoo, he apologizes to the general female portion of MySpace dribble and says he will only add women whose name is ——. He has 200 friends. They are all women named ——.

Apparently, some chicks out there don’t find this creepy at all which amazes me. But I have an advantage. I have him figured out. A chick named —— put him in prison and when he gets out, he’s going to track down and murder everyone named ——. Uh huh. Yeah, go ahead. Add me as a friend, you sicko freak headed wangdoodle.

I think not.

Yeah, okay. I forgot about it yesterday. But no worries, I heard a couple of things that were very interesting today that are taking priority on my ‘what the fuck?’ list.

By now I’m sure everyone has figured out that 103.7 (San Diego) has turned to talk radio. To be honest, I’m loving it. I finally get to hear the lovely Tom Leykis, whom I haven’t heard since our days of living near Seattle in ‘96-’97. I’ve always loved his show simply because it’s entertaining. I may not always agree with him, of course, but it is definitely entertaining. Especially when he gets on his Atheist soapbox. Anyhoo, I was listening to him tonight and he was talking about how some states have lowered the blood alcohol levels as part of a renewed interest in stopping drunk driving. First, let me say that I am a very strange person when it comes to political beliefs. Rather than lean toward one party, I kinda follow what I decide is something called “Common Sense,’ or CS. My daily life is based on this elusive principle, CS. Yeah, I’m Pagan. Yeah, I like strip clubs (but not in CA), yeah I smoke a little dope every now and again, mainly once or twice a year and only then if I’m lucky. But when it comes to my children, I’m extremely conservative. I want my kids to stay kids for as long as possible and enjoy that time. I don’t want violent sex offenders out on the street (more on that later) and I don’t think women should be allowed to strut in the grocery store half nekked. Moving on. So Tom was talking about drinking and driving and how these new policies don’t stop it, just put more people into the system, because the penalties aren’t strict or even enforced to the fullest extent of the law. Agreed. Then he takes a couple of callers from drunk ass mutherfuckers who are driving down the road as they’re on the phone. This guy fills a water bottle with vodka every night, puts it in his freezer and takes it to work the next morning. Then he puts it in his lounge area fridge at work. Then he drinks it on his way home from work. A 1 liter bottle of vodka while he’s driving down the road. Then this mutherfucker has the nerve to say that he’s not ever worried about being pulled over and arrested because the firefighter sticker he has on his car is a ‘get out of jail free card.’ His exact words. Then he says that even if he did get arrested he wouldn’t stop the drinking and driving until about the 3rd offense where the penalties get really rough, or he gets into an accident and seriously hurts someone. Seriously. What the fuck is up with that????? Things like that make me so angry and scared to drive my children around in the car! God(s) help them if anyone ever hits my car because they’re stupid. When it comes to things like that, I have the worst road rage and would probably get out and proceed to beat the living shit out of them.

Next we have our lovely San Diego court system. I really am losing all respect for authority in this ridiculous country. Remember CS? Completely lacking in our law enforcement agencies. For real. One Douglas ‘Jackass’ Badger, aged 63, has been ordered to be released from Atascadero State Hospital. This fuckhead has a 20 year history of VIOLENT SEXUAL CRIMES including, but not limited to, sexually assulting male hitchikers with a gun. 20 fucking years! He’s already been released and recaptured and now we get to do it all over again. Yay. Back in July, when the order for his release was first given, it was rescinded because the psychologist who deemed him ‘fit’ had an affair with another sexually violent criminal. A little partial, dontcha think? Now the plan is that he will be released when a plan is in place for him to be placed in a ‘highly structured setting.’ Umm, excuse me but isn’t that what the fucking mental hospital was????? Tell me, what ‘highly structured setting’ is there in the community? Oh yeah, there is also the typical ‘poor me, i’m not responsible for my behavior because i was abused’ bullshit. Said asshole was angry at his father for beating him when he was little and he took it out on his victims. Well, you know something dickweed? I was angry at my sister for beating me. I was angry at my mother for ignoring me. I was angry with the assholes at school who pretended I didn’t exist and the teachers who ignored my depression. I was angry with the mutherfucker who molested me when I was a baby. I was angry with my ex boyfriend for raping me. Where am I now? Fucking normal, that’s where. Asshole. What the fuck? You find a way to deal and you move on. And if you’re so nuts that something clicks in your head and you go off on a violent tangent, you should never be let out of confinement anyway. Personally, I don’t believe that mental illness is ever cured and once you have gone off the deep end and hurt someone, you’re gone for good. And I don’t want anyone emailing me about how depression is mental illness and all of that shit. My blog, my opinion and I don’t believe depression is a mental illness. Don’t care that it’s classified as a mental illness and I don’t care if you say that you have been on pills for 15 years and now you’re all peachy freaking ducky. It’s not the pills that have ‘cured’ you, it’s the counseling that goes along with being prescribed the pills that has given you the tools to deal with the depression. And don’t tell me I don’t know what I’m talking about, either. Been there, done that, drank the charcoal, wore the nutty gown.

Oh boy, better stop there. Sometimes I get going on about the craziest things. Anyway, that’s my WTF for today.

Sheep. That’s all Americans are. Big, fat, hairy, brainless, spineless sheep. It’s so much easier to follow common thought and theory instead of (now here’s a novel idea) THINKING. Yep. That big thing inside of our skulls that feels kind of tight when you have an orgasm is actually good for something! Go figure.

Dan Brown should have put a disclaimer on his book. Or better yet, one of those little secondary titles underneath the main title. Something like this: “The daVinci Code” and beneath it would read “Or How To Make A Fool Of Yourself For A Few Years Debating The Content Of This Book Where You Will End Up Looking Like A Moron Because It’s Fiction.”

Umm….hello people! It’s fiction! Shit, my son learned this word in kindergarten. Made up, untrue, for fun and profit. It’s marketed as fiction. The first page of the book is titled “Fact:” and further lists all of the things contained in the book which are fact, leaving out a few key points, but whatever. Anyhoo the point is that the ‘facts’ in this book take up a whole two, narrow, very small paragraphs.

Get a freaking life people. Just enjoy the book.

Imagine the good that could have come from keeping one man alive. With his high profile supporters he could have really made a marked difference in the future of gangs all over the country.

Clemency is a powerful tool but only if you choose to use it. Wasn’t there an article in the paper a few days ago about a man who spent something like 17 years in prison, claiming innocence the whole time? Finally his case was reopened and he was released. Men who rape and murder children are left in prison, some even being released eventually with our limited capacity/laws to monitor them. Yet this man, who could have had endless opportunities to do wonderful things, dies by lethal injection.

What must one man do before he is forgiven? What are the lengths we have to go to before we are deemed worthy of a chance? I back the death penalty whole heartedly but there are instances where it is no longer appropriate. This is one of those times.

Rest in peace, Tookie.

So, this is going to be a short one due to the fact that I decided to do this so late in the week. Now remember, I’m not always so witty so keep your expectations low. And on to the first…

When I think of milkshakes, I think of smooth strawberry milkshakes from McHell. Best thing they make and I love them. Well, I used to. I’m sure you all have seen the milkshake commercial on television by now. At least, those who are in this area. I’m not sure if it’s broadcast anywhere else and I’m almost positive it’s not in Middletown, USA. Anyhoo, this commercial is for Carl’s Jr and features Mr. Everyday shaking his groove thang to the song “Get Busy.’ With a cow. Let me say that again just so you know I am serious. There is a guy who is dancing to a song with a cow. Not just any song, mind you. A line from the song is “It’s all good girl turn me on ’til a early morn’.” Uh huh. Hello!?!? Is it just me or does that guy look really happy? Seriously, check out his eyes. He’s digging it! Don’t believe me? Check it out… Reminds me of that commercial for some children’s medicine where the little girl says “But it will hurt if I swallow!” In case you’re wondering who the ‘geniuses’ were who gave the go ahead for this one, it’s Los Angeles advertising agency Mendelsohn|Zien. Go MZ. Moving on…..

A Jehovah’s Witness showed up at Cathy Infusino’s apartment by mistake and was looking for a neighbor who was interested in the religion. She apologized for the error and tried to leave but Infusino grabbed her by the hair and pulled her into the apartment where she used a butcher knife to beat her. I would post that article on my front door but I would probably be censored and end up in jail or something. I’ll bet all of the Witnesses are checking their lists twice this holiday season!

Since you asked, I’ll tell you. In light of the stupidity that seems to run rampant in this state, I am compelled to make my precious WTF a weekly post. The plan is to collect various WTF items throughout the week and post a commentary on Sundays. Believe me, I already have a couple ready to go but I will hold off until Sunday. You know, to keep you guessing.

If you have something to contribute, feel free to email me your own commentaries or article liks at me@onbeingme.com

This whole Christmas thing really has me in a tizzy. I simply cannot believe how narrow minded people are. Now, I’m talking people in general. Christian, Pagan, white, black, zebra or lizard. People are just all fuckered up.

I’m a member of a few (okay dozens) of Yahoo groups for various topics. Some religious, some sexual, some about homeschool and some fairly normal in the grand scope of things. One of my Yahoo groups started a thread which prompted my previous post here. This is a homeschooling group based in San Diego and is comprised of those who homeschool, those who work with charter schools (like us) and those just starting out and interested in homeschool. All around, as far as homeschooling information goes, a decent group. There’s a lot of information that has proved invaluable to me in planning lessons.

However, on a social level they don’t seem to be that friendly. When I joined, I took the time to type something up to introduce myself to the group, as is curteous. I didn’t mention anything unrelated and surely didn’t mention I was Pagan because, in my experience, the majority of those who homeschool are Christian. Now before you right wing freaks start giving me comments to moderate remember this: I said those three key words which get me off the hook, ‘in my experience.’ Moving on.

Anyhoo, since there are quite a few people who post regularly I figured I would get the standard welcome and introductory questions about what we are studying, who we are with, yadda, yadda, yadda. Nope. Nothing. It wasn’t posted in the middle of an overwhelming thread and the posts per day are a reasonable amount, nothing to make me feel my introduction was overlooked. I did receive emails from 3 ladies who emailed me directly asking the usual. I responded but that was the end of it. Nothing back. In about 6 weeks. Nothing. And yes, this was well before the email snafu. Then, a couple of days ago I remembered that it is a Yahoo group. And when my name shows up on a post, it links to my Yahoo profile. Of course I have some general interests such as military, sewing and California. I also have ‘other’ interests such as occult, magick and lesbian. I can’t very well explain in my profile that ‘lesbian’ is there so I would stop getting IMs from guys wanting to fuck the once hot chick in the dress. That would defeat the purpose. So it’s all there in black and white.

I have not posted to the group since, and I won’t, but something else has pushed my big red alert button and I had to write about it. The following is a direct quote from a lady on the group:

“Many Christians are very respectful of others’ religions. I believe that most Christians are very tolerant in allowing people of all faiths and no faiths to celebrate their holidays exclusively or not celebrate them at all. I have many friends who are not Christians and I am very respectful of their beliefs even when they come to my home. But when we want to celebrate our religious holidays and customs, we have to suddenly become inclusive for the whole world. This country was founded on Christian values and I don’t understand why people who do not believe in Christ and what Christmas represents, just don’t opt out if they do not want to celebrate the holiday.”

Yet another WTF moment. Let’s dissect this, shall we? SOME Christians are very respectful, just as SOME Pagans are very respectful. And WTF is up with the comment about THEIR holiday? Umm…excuse me. It may be THEIR holiday but THEIR timing has been proven to be all off. Current research shows that IF IF IF IF the story about the birth of Jesus was true, given the astronomical points in the sky that long ago, his actual birth would have been MONTHS away from December. Next, she’s very respectful of other’s beliefs EVEN when they come to her home. Well thank you, Miss Manners, for doing such a massive favor for other’s. Shouldn’t we teach our children, AND BELIEVE OURSELVES, that it is expected to behave as such? i.e. “I’m not racist, I have black friends!” So now we come to celebrating THEIR religious customs and values and having to become inclusive. Isn’t it the other way around, my friend? Let’s say that my husband was Pagan and would work on Christmas day but wanted Yule off. Do you think the government is going to say, “Gee golly, of course!” No fricken way! Christmas is shoved in our faces at every corner and we are supposed to tolerate it because we’re ‘the minority.’ If you don’t want to include me as a non-Christian, keep your X-Mas advertisements off my door and shove a candy cane up your ass. Was this country founded on Christian values? It’s my understanding that this country was founded for the purpose of setting up a fishing colony to catch fish and send them back to England to be sold. These were economic reasons, not religious reasons.

*sigh*

Now, I realize that this post may seem a bit contradictory to my previous one but it’s really not. I’m just trying to figure out a way to get the Christians to stop printing on THEIR cards ‘Yuletide Greetings!’

Feel free to post on your own blog, exactly as it appears, linking to the original site.

——————————————————————————————————
From Douglas Stambler stambler_k_d@lycos.com

We are here in San Diego. What is our next step?
Thank you.
In Christ,
Douglas Stambler

— To: Douglas Stambler (stambler_k_d@lycos.com)
I’m sorry… I’m not sure what you mean?

— Douglas Stambler (stambler_k_d@lycos.com)
God led me to your website. We have been sent to Sandiego. Now what do we do?

— To: Douglas Stambler (stambler_k_d@lycos.com)
Who, pray tell is we? God led you to my website? What direction did God give you, love?

— Douglas Stambler (stambler_k_d@lycos.com)
aliens are coming, that’s what you said on your website. we’re here in san diego, waiting for the next
step. i thought you knew. your website said that you knew. oh, sorry. bye.

— To: Douglas Stambler (stambler_k_d@lycos.com)
Aliens are coming? On my website? But God sent you, right?

— Douglas Stambler (stambler_k_d@lycos.com) wrote:
huh? who are you?

— To: Douglas Stambler (stambler_k_d@lycos.com)
Exactly. I wiped your mind. It’s an alien mind trick.

Read the entire conversation here.