Tuesday, January 30, 2007

Bye Bye Yankee...

Approximately 30 days ago, I signed my car over to the state of TN. I have a TN license plate. It's green. It's ugly. It freaks me out.

On that same glorious day, I declared residency in TN.

Today, I became the recipient of a TN driver's license. My car is no longer a Yankee and neither am I. Not only did I get a TN license today, but I lost my PA one - that's right, they confiscated it. State law. Bye Bye, North. Hello, Dirty South.

So, it's official. I've commited. 100%. There's no turning back. I am a resident of a southern state. It's weird. It's scary. It freaks me out.

Sunday, January 28, 2007

The Single Life

A great deal of the amazing women I know are single, myself included. (Yes, you read that correctly - I think I am an amazing person). Sometimes, I find this rather difficult to comprehend rationally. Each of these women I am thinking of has a lot to offer;

First, they are intelligent, capable of indulging conversation on many levels by entertaining multiple perspectives and appreciating differing viewpoints.

Second, they are socially capable of making new acquaintances, able to easily portray their true selves to others. They are not socially awkward or socially inept.

Third, they are easy-going and fun to be around. Each of them carries a uniqueness that is inspiring – when you spend one moment with them, you look forward to the next moment because you know it will be time well spent.

Fourth, they can find humor in just about every situation where humor is appropriate. This is a sign to me that they can find the simplicity and joy in life’s everyday, often mundane situations.

Fifth, they are passionate. There is something, or at times some things, that move them – they feel motivated to share their passions, often to make our world a better place.

Now, I know many of them like the single life, so I am not saying they SHOULD be in relationships. I truly don’t believe that. I believe we live in a society in which people place too much stock in relationships. There are people who judge us singletons for not being in a relationship, thinking we are not “normal” or “there is something wrong with us.” The fact of the matter is, many of us who are single like being single.

I’ve discussed this with these amazing friends because, at many times, I wouldn’t trade my single life for anything. I value what it has to offer; often, it is as simple as I can do whatever I want, whenever I want just about every day and, thus, I am usually getting everything I want out of my days. But, like most things, there are moments where the grass looks greener on the other side.

I go back and forth, not often, but seldom enough to wonder when it will be that I will find that person and relationship that will make me want to give up all of my daily joys and pleasures of my single life. I am pretty sure my friends have the same feelings.

Some days, the single life is most excellent, and some days you are wondering when it’s your turn to find that one person you want to spend quality time with, time that matters. Not every one of us is rushing to a future of marriage, but it is true that a lot of singletons, at the very least, want to entertain the idea of a relationship – give it a go for a while and see how things pan out. The hardest thing, I think, is actually taking the chance. I just keep wondering when my chance will present itself.

Thursday, January 04, 2007

A New Era.

Today, the Democrats rose to power behind Nancy Pelosi, and I must say, I am quite excited about what the future holds for this country. I am optimistic that Congress and the House of Representatives will get their stuff together and begin to move America in a more positive direction. It's time to regain everything good about this great country as we move into the future.

There is a lot of controversy surrounding today's events on Capitol Hill. First, there are the numerous people who are bitter than the Democrats hold more seats in both Congress and the House. Second, there are those same numerous people who are also bitter than a female, Nancy Pelosi, is the Speaker of the House, and thus, second in line for President if such an instance would become necessary.

I, on the other hand, think this is phenomenal - it's about time there's some change in the make up of our governing bodies and I am pleased to support a female in control. I am also pleased to support both governing bodies as they are the most diverse groups of their nature to date - this variety in perspective can only help our leaders make decisions that take into consideration the wide interests of our diverse citizenship. Again, I think this is phenomenal.

The third biggest controversy discussed on the news today had to do with a new Congressman in the state of Minnesota, Keith Ellison. Congressman Ellison was sworn into office today by placing his hand upon a Quran, as he is a converted Muslim. Many people are appalled by this, as he is the first to use the Quran as he was sworn in.

Again, I disagree.

The fact of the matter is a Congressman or a Congresswoman does NOT have to even use a book to be sworn in. True, most choose to place their hand upon a Bible for this event, but this is not required by law. The swearing in requires the Congress-person to vow to uphold the Constitution of the United States. This makes me wonder:

Why, then, do they not require Congress-persons to be sworn in by placing their hand on a copy of the Constitution?

I mean, that would make sense, right?

But, like most things in America, there is choice here in what one does, and the choice is personal. There is no right or wrong.

I find it perfectly fine that Congressman Ellison chose to use the Quran. I find it perfectly find that others may use the Bible and still others nothing.

I mean, isn't that the right we have as US citizens? The right to choose? The right to do what we believe best for us, as long as we do not infringe upon the rights of others?

Seems to me there isn't a problem here. Seems to me people are just ridiculous and looking to make mountains out of molehills.

There's always something, I guess.

Regardless, it's time to MoveOn. Get on board.

Tuesday, January 02, 2007

Out with the old and in with the new.

Adios 2006!

The past year was pretty phenomenal. For starters, I solidified a full time job with a real salary and real benefits. This alone made the year excellent because a real pay check each month afforded me numerous opportunities to experience things I wouldn't otherwise have experienced. Moving into a new apartment in a new location in Memphis was also a wise decision that has proven to be worthwhile. I've much more enjoyed Memphis because of where I live and what I can easily access in terms of entertainment and dining. In general, life was pretty good in 2006 - I learned a great deal about myself and what I want from my daily experiences, and I have gained a new perspective on my approach to life in general.

Most importanly, though, 2006 was a great year for me to build new friendships and savor exisiting friendships. For those of you who've been there through all of the madness and chaos of the past year, you know I appreciate you and your friendship! Thanks for that!

So now it's time to welcome 2007! I am pretty excited about the upcoming year, and I have a great outlook on what is headed my way.

First, I am pumped about my job, and I am looking forward to what learning and growth and memories my students will bring over the next year. Second, I am excited about the places I will travel to in the next year, which at this point are still to be determined, but I am confident my travels will take me to many exciting places where I can experience great people and great moments. Third, I am looking forward to my personal challenges and goals because I think the timing is right for me to really make some good changes to my personal life. Here's the short list:

1. Cook meals more often and eat out less.
2. Curse less and compliment more.
3. Drink more water and less caffeine.
4. Eat more vegetables and less junk food.
5. Read more books and watch less television.
6. Exercise more and lounge less.
7. Savor as much time as possible with excellent people and spend less time worrying about those who aren't worth it.

That's the nitty gritty, more or less.

Here's wishing for high hopes in 2007!