Truthful Tuesday

To be honest... I really don't have that much rolling around my head to be honest about today.  The days are going by in such a blur that it feels like I just wrote last week's Truthful Tuesday post and that not much has happened since then.

To be honest... I'm not thrilled about having to miss another day out of the classroom for another training.  While I believe that professional development is very important - I just hate having to miss so many days with my kiddos.  And by so many days, I mean once a month.  And that's too much in my opinion.  While I always get great stuff from my trainings - stuff that will help me in the classroom and better the educational experience for my kids - I can't help but miss them when I'm gone.  That's the part I don't like.

To be honest... I'm really going to have to keep myself from falling in to the Christmas bubble I get in to this time of year - when all I can think about is Christmas and I don't want to do anything but think about Christmas.  I've already started planning the Christmas party for school, and the activities we're going to do.  What I need to be planning is the content I'm going to be teaching for the next few weeks before any of the Christmas activities can take place.

To be honest... I really feel so blessed that I'm allowed to be able to think about Christmas celebrations at school. Then again, I do work in a town called Noel.  I just don't think it would be right to work in a town with that name and not be allowed to celebrate.

To be honest... I find it pretty humorous and mildly disturbing how much media attention is being given to the petitions for state secession.  From what I last read, twenty states have filed petitions for succession from the United States.  I don't know who started these petitions - but I think it's ridiculous.  Do people actually realize what succession would mean?  No more government funding for anything - which includes education and military.  Do all of the 20 states that have requested the petition (my own state and the state I work for is involved with this) believe that they could stand alone as their own nation?  But, at the end of the day, it's really not going to matter much.  Yahoo news says it best when they reported that being granted secession is:  

"Of course, this is mostly a symbolic gesture. The odds of the American government granting any state permission to go its own way are on par with winning the lottery while getting hit by a meteor while seeing Bigfoot while finding gluten-free pizza that tastes like the real thing."

To be honest... I'm now on the verge of going off on a big political rant and just don't have the time or energy.  I think it best that I just quit now and go get ready for work.

It's Tizzle Time

I'm in a little of a tizzle this morning.  Tizzle is a word.  It means a little frantic, not too frantic.  A little concerned, but not too concerned.  A lot unprepared - even though I'm really not.  And feeling really guilty - even though I don't really have anything to feel guilty for.

You see, I did something this weekend that is bad.  Really bad.  And now it's left me with the above after effects. 

I took the entire weekend off and didn't do a lick of work The.  Entire.  Time.

I know.  I'm just as shocked and appalled as you are.  How dare a first year teacher take an entire weekend off when there is no extended time off, no rhyme or reason, and a full week of classes awaiting me! 

Saturday, I went out and met Hope and Sanity for lunch...that lasted three hours.  We sat and talked and laughed and talked some more.  Before any of us knew it, we'd been sitting for three hours.  I had planned on having lunch and then spending the rest of the day shopping.  That didn't work out exactly, but I'm not complaining.  Having a three hour lunch is to be expected when it's the first time all three of us have gotten together since school started three months ago.

I did get some shopping done.  And I have at least got a nice chunk of my Christmas shopping done - even though there's plenty left to do.

Yesterday, the plan was to spend the morning getting all of my work done - and then relaxing in the afternoon.  But, then Hubby wanted me to go grocery shopping with him...and by the time we got home, I did not feel like sitting in front of my computer.  So, I sat on the couch instead.  I even took a nap at some point.

Then, I agreed to cook dinner.  I know, another shocking moment for you to process.  I'm just full of surprises and shock today. 

This morning, I woke up in a state of panic.  I hadn't done any of my work.  I have plans to write, tests to make, a sub to prepare for this week.  What was I thinking?

And then I remembered something.

I did the majority of my work before leaving Friday.  I wrote out my plans.  I got all of my grades entered.  I had a few minor things I had planned to do this weekend - but nothing that would completely derail my week if I didn't get it done.

But, it feels so weird that I'm now in a state of Tizzle.  I feel frantic because I haven't sat down and carefully calculated all of my plans this week.  I'm concerned because I feel like I'm forgetting something that I should have taken care of - and because I didn't do any work, I don't know what that is.  I feel unprepared because I always spend so much time going over and over my plans that I know them inside and out on Monday morning.  Not so much this morning, even though I know they are written and all I have to do is look at them when I get to school.  And the guilt stems from the fact that I'm still in this mindset that I am a first year teacher - and all first year teachers are expected to spend every waking minute up to their eyeballs in work.

I'm feeling all of those feelings this morning, but I'm also feeling a lot more relaxed that I've felt in a long time.  I feel like I really got to enjoy my weekend as it was happening - rather than planning it around how much time I needed to work. 

I don't plan on making a habit of not working on the weekends... but I realized this weekend that I don't always have to.  If I just put in a little extra work during the week, then maybe.. just maybe... I can have a full weekend off now and then to enjoy myself. 

I may just have to get used to feeling a little in a tizzle.

Thank You, Veterans

Today is Veteran's Day.  A day where those who have served in this country's military - and those that still do - are honored and remembered.  It's important for more reasons than I could ever list here - but it's important because so many people forget what's going on every single day on military bases, foreign countries, and the homes of family members who have people fighting abroad.

While we go about our daily lives complaining about presidential candidates, gas prices, the cost of living, the cost of groceries, our jobs, and any other thing we choose to complain about - we simply forget that we should be thankful we have any of those things...regardless of the price or the inconvenience.

What would we do if some man or woman appointed themselves as our leader, started imposing harsh and cruel punishments for petty crimes, rationed gas and food, and paid nothing wages to work grueling hours - that provide no support or stability to our families?  What would we do if women weren't allowed to walk in the streets without having their faces covered, were refused the right of education, were meant to serve the men without question or complaint?  How much would we complain if our houses were nothing more than shacks held together by pieces of rubble and scraps found on a street - and that same street served as our bathroom facilities?

It's easy to not think about, right?  Because we're not faced with any of those problems.  The majority of us, anyway.  If you're reading this right now - you certainly aren't faced with those dilemmas.

But there are thousands of people in countries that live that way.  They don't get a say in who runs their country.  They don't get to complain about prices of food and gas - because they'll eat whatever they can get their hands on... and will ask you what gas is.  There are even more children who don't have the benefit of any form of education system - while we often complain about the poor services offered by our own.

We complain.  We whine.  Constantly.

But, one day out of the year, we honor the people that give us all the benefits of the life we know.  We honor them, thank them..we then move on to our complaining and whining.

What I ask for is that instead of honoring the Veteran's today - you move on from this day and take a second before writing that next Facebook status complaining about whatever it is you're going to complain about - and ask yourself if it's worth it.  Take a second to think about what you have - and compare it to those that don't.  And while you're taking those few moments to think before you speak - include a thank you to a veteran, if you make the right decision to hold off on your whining and complaining.

Veteran's day should be everyday.  Because everyday we get to bask in the joys that our country offers.  Regardless of how crappy you think our government is, our how much our country is heading for the toilet - remember that there are countries that are already there... and we are most certainly NOT one of them.  All thanks to our veterans.

Before I go, here's a little dedication performed by my Peanut and the Jr. High band she plays with...

THANK YOU, VETERANS!

A Guide to Early Christmas Shopping

The time has come, folks.  My first adventure in to the world of Christmas shopping.  Now, technically, starting my Christmas shopping in early November is NOT early.  In fact, most years I'm all done by now.  I usually get out there towards the end of September middle of October.  But, to many, the second weekend of November is early.

How many of you out there have kids or family members to buy for, but have absolutely no idea what to get them?  Yeah.  Me too.  I have three children - all different ages and in to different things.  It's just impossible to try and figure out what they want.  So, I decided to come up with a quick tip guide for Christmas shopping for those that you love.  

1.  Make them write a list.  I tell my children to "have at it" - meaning go as crazy as they want.  Big, small, expensive, cheap.. it doesn't matter.  From having a list, you can really get a good idea of the things your kids are "in to".  Peanut just handed me a 3 page list - even though when I asked her what she wanted for Christmas a couple of days ago, she responded with "I don't know".  That always happens.  Kids don't know when you ask them.  Have them sit down and think about it - and then write it down.  Peanut got really smart and went to the web for ideas.  Jelly's list is over a page, even though the only things she told me she wanted was an iPad and a phone.  *Insert eye roll*.  Butter's still working on his, so I have no idea what to expect.. but he's been working hard on it.  Now, if I could just get him to work as hard on his homework....

2.  Focus on themes from the list.  If your kids are anything like mine, there's usually an apparent theme to their list.  Peanut's theme is probably a typical teenage girl's theme: Stuff to make them look prettier.  Clothes, make-up, shoes, accessories.  Jelly's theme is stuffed animals and artsy stuff.  I'm going to take a guess that Butter's will probably focus on outdoorsy stuff.  The best part about themes is that you can buy stuff that's not on the list - but still hit things they want.

I'm going to interject here and explain why I don't just buy what they put on their lists.  Well, because in my mind - Christmas should have an appeal of surprise.  I don't want my kids knowing what they're going to get.  Another reason why I have them write such an extensive list.  They know they're not going to get all of it - but that brings an element of surprise.  They will wonder what I picked and what I didn't.  They will be surprised when I've managed to find things they didn't even think about.  I don't like Christmas to be predictable.  Remember, I love the thrill of seeing their faces just as much as they like opening stuff.

3.  Remember that kids focus on quantity not quality.  It's always been my rule that each kid opens the same amount of gifts on Christmas morning.  I've had many parents venomously disagree with that logic.  Many focus on how much money is spent.  Each child gets a certain amount of money - and then the gifts are calculated that way.  Some kids may open a couple of more expensive gifts, while another child sits there and opens 10 gifts.  The same amount of money was spent - but they just don't get that.  Trust me.  It doesn't matter how much you try and explain this to children - they always believe you love the kid that got the most more.  So you bought them a PS3 while their sibling got ten toys that equate to the cost of a PS3?  PS3 kid now believes that ten toy sibling is loved WAY more.  Yes, it's stupid... and probably should teach children the value of money, blah, blah, blah... but I don't want to mess with that come Christmas morning. 

4.  Include some Christmas charity.  All year, I try and get my kids to downsize their hoards of stuff.  I tell them that if they don't use something, it's time to get rid of it.  But, that just never happens... until Christmas time.  When I'm able to explain - and my kids happen to see firsthand - the amount of kids that don't get to have a good Christmas, they are more than willing to open up the floodgates of getting rid of their stuff to give it to the less fortunate.  It's a tradition I started a few years ago, and one that I cherish now.  Even Jelly has a big hand in sorting her toys and clothes to give away.  I let them chose what stays and goes - and where it goes.  It's there deal.  And I also don't allow the "out with the old in with the new" mentality.  This isn't about making room for the new stuff, it's about spreading some Christmas cheer to kids that need it.

5.  Have fun.  One thing I refuse to get wrapped up in is Christmas shopping stress.  It's probably why I refuse to wait until the last minute to go out and shop.  If I don't find something this weekend, I still have plenty of time to find it.  I'm not running around like a headless chicken trying to get everything done in a day - while running down my competition with shopping carts in the process.  It's another reason why I don't head out with a specific list.  Browsing and looking is apart of the fun of Christmas shopping.  Making a mad dash for the hottest item of the season just isn't something I'll do.  It's not fun.  And again, Christmas shopping (for me) is just as fun as watching the kids open it all Christmas morning.  If I start to lose the element of fun, then it's game over.

Addendum to #3 - Don't spend a small fortune on Christmas.  After rereading my #3, it comes across that my kids are spoiled brats who don't understand the meaning of money.  That's not the case.  My kids are absolutely wonderful when it comes to Christmas.  There could be one gift waiting for them under the tree Christmas morning, and they wouldn't complain.  I wasn't really directing that piece of advice based on the behaviors of my own children - just past experiences I've seen and gone through elsewhere.  Which makes me state this addendum.  Don't feel like you have to spend a small fortune on Christmas.  

I save for Christmas, I plan ahead.  It is always my hope that I can give my kids a big Christmas - and that's me.. not them.  I'm the biggest kid in my house on Christmas morning.  I have a hard time sleeping.  I am the first one up Christmas morning.  All because the highlight of my entire year is watching my children open up their Christmas gifts.  But, even though I want them to get lots of stuff - I won't ever compromise the family budget just so they can get some new toys.  And, in honesty, I do try and set aside a similar amount of money for each child - I just buy accordingly so that they all end up with the same amount of gifts to open.  I pick out one "big" item - cost not size- and then piddle around from there.  There have been years that have been better than others... but my Christmas budget is something I hold sacred.  I go out with an amount I know I can spend - and that's it.  No budging, no swaying.  What I end up with is based on how I can watch out for sales, select items from the list that are "comparable", and just doing the best I can.  My kids have always and will always understand this.  Christmas isn't about putting yourself in to unneeded debt.  

So, there you have it... a few quick tips for Christmas shopping.  So, now there's just one thing left for me to do... go get in the shower and ready for my day out.  YAY!!

Friday's Letters

Dear Weekend... I have a lot of fun planned for you and I.  There will be dining, and shopping, and snuggling, and relaxing.  I promise to show you a good time, if you promise to make Sunday one of those days where I can get everything done in a short amount of time.  Thankfully, I have most of my work finished this week - I know, shocking, right?  I worked hard this week just to ensure that you and I could spend some quality time together - enjoying every moment.  I know, I'm just as excited as you are.

Dear Sanity and Hope... I can't freakin' wait for our lunch date tomorrow.  I've been counting the days down all week to be able to see you both.  A girls afternoon out is just what I need.  We can catch up, share our school stories, and make those realizations that we're all grown up and have accomplished our dreams.

Dear People Who Continue to Whine About the Election on Facebook... It's over, people.  It's time to move on.  Surely you can find something else to complain about.  Christmas is coming - that's an issue that can divide our country.  Half of the country is probably excited, while the other half is dreading it.  That's the type of situation you all love, right?  Those of you that are excited can post about how great Christmas is going to be, how much shopping you have to do, and how much you're excited - while the other half can complain how commercialized Christmas is, how much it's moved away from it's true meaning, and how you're sick of hearing about it..even though you post about it every five seconds.  Ready?  GO!

Dear Blog Sponsors... For two years I ran a weight loss blog, and I had maybe one or two sponsors approach me to do giveaways, sample products, etc.  Now, since no longer running a weight loss blog, I've had over half a dozen approach me in just the past couple of weeks.  What gives?  Is this some kind of sign from a higher power I should be paying attention to?  I would love to try and blog about new weight loss products, host a giveaway, and other super fun stuff - but now, in good conscience, I can't.  Because that's not what I do anymore.  I don't have that kind of traffic anymore, for one, and it just wouldn't be right to partake in activities that would lead people to believe that I'm back to blogging about weight loss.  Where were you all this time last year?  Not to blame my defeat on anyone or anything but myself, but I know things would have been a lot more exciting had I had a few more sponsors approach me with incentives and gifts for doing what I was doing.

Dear Creators of SongPop, Hangin' with Friends, and Draw Something... Thank you for providing me with a few fun games that take my mind off the hustle and bustle of everyday life.  I have several games on my phone and iPad - but you three games are the ones I love the most.  Simply because they take just a couple of minutes to play.  I moved away from playing games on my phone for a long time because they started to bore me - but I've decided to rekindle our friendship and give you all another chance at keeping me entertained. 

Dear People Who Have Gone Out or Plan to go Out and Purchase the Board Game 'Words With Friends'... Not to pop your bubbles or anything, but many years ago a game was created that you may enjoy.  It's called Scrabble.  It's a game where you create words with tiles, get extra points by placing letters on certain squares on the board and using letters that have a higher point value.  Sound familiar?  Oh, wait.. that's because Words with Friends is Scrabble.  Unless I'm missing something.  I can totally see why you would want to pay $20 for Words with Friends instead of paying $10 for Scrabble.  Scrabble just isn't cool anymore, right?

Dear Me... The past couple of weeks have been pretty awesome, am I right?  You seem to be a lot happier, less stressed, and more focused on the plans and goals you have for yourself and the kids in your class.  I know that you've put in a lot of time and effort creating the units you're now using in your classroom - but you're seeing the payoff for your hard work.. and that's what makes it all worth it.  It means a lot when you wake up each morning excited about the day ahead.  While you still have moments of feeling a little overwhelmed, just remember to take one day at a time.  You got in to this career for a reason - because you wanted a job that you were excited about going to every day.  I think we can both agree that has happened for you.  Just keep doing what you're doing.  It's getting to that time of year that makes you all giddy and excited...and you just run with that.  Life is good.  

Thanksgiving Thankful Thursday - Part I

Welcome to the first installment of a three part series of Thanksgiving Thankful Thursday!  Today, and the next two Thursdays, I'm going to list ten things that I'm thankful for - giving me 30 things - being the same amount as if I were to do a daily thankful blurb on Facebook.  Which is really what all this is about.  I've seen so many people do a daily thanks status update, that I wanted in on the action... but knew that I wouldn't keep up with doing it each day.

So, I've given myself the challenge of doing lists....

1.  I am thankful for my children.  Each will earn their own spot on the list at some point, but combined there's so much to be thankful for.  Together, they teach me the value of patience.  They have taught me that my patience level way exceeds the realm of "normal".  I have now managed to teach myself how to tune those babies out for a really long time when they are arguing and fighting and bickering over stupid stuff.  They have taught me how much I love my hair - and that it's not worth pulling it out.  They put true meaning to the phrase "three's a crowd", but can then defy that statement in a blink of an eye - when on the occasional moments they are all getting along just fine.  But most of all, they have taught me that no matter how much they fight or get on my nerves... I love them all unconditionally... and that one day, I hope they have kids just like them.  HA!

2.  I am thankful for Hubby.  Or should I say, his ability to cook.  I could create an entire list on the reasons I'm thankful for him.  On top of that list would be the fact that I'm so thankful he likes to cook - so that I don't have to.  There's just nothing better than coming home from a long day at work and having a wonderful dinner, prepared homemade from Hubby's hands.  He is the bomb diggaty in the kitchen.  And, like my three children, he will have other spots on this list..at some point.

3.  I am thankful that after a very long search, and months of sadness and dismay, I was able to find a job in what I believe to be the best school eva!  The culture and hominess of my school is just something I haven't experienced anywhere else.  I feel part of the team.  I feel like I belong.  I feel like a valued and important piece of the school community - and that my efforts are being recognized and appreciated.  It's feelings like these that label the "everything happens for a reason" statement.  Yes, there were other schools I wanted to work for - because I'd had experience in those schools.  But, at the end of the day, I was taught a very valuable lesson...that good things come to those that wait.  Boy, aren't I a bag full of sayings this morning!

4.  I am thankful for my cat, Katniss.  She was the first thing I got for myself after being offered my job.  She was my reward, my little something to treat myself.  Despite saying I never wanted another pet, after having to give away my beloved dog Asia - I am so glad I didn't keep myself to that.  I loved Asia, but I can now say that I have never had a pet that was more loving or better suited for me than Katniss.  She cuddles with me, she comes when I call her, and she doesn't make any mess in the house.  Oh, and she gets triple bonus points for the fact that Hubby adores her too.  

5.  I am thankful for my health.  I have had my shares of ups and downs in terms of my weight situation.  And while I am much heavier than I was a couple of years ago... and I let all of my hard work of losing so much weight fall to the wayside.. I'm still healthy.  It was my goal to be able to stand on my feet for 7 hours a day and not feel pain.  I wanted to be able to play with my students when the opportunities arose.  I wanted to be full of energy each day.  And even though the number on the scale doesn't align with what I thought I needed to have in order to make those things happen... I've somehow managed to do it.  Yes, I'm exhausted each day when I come home - but I'm active and energetic when I'm at work, and that's the important part.

6.  I am thankful for Hangin' with Friends and SongPop.  Two games that I have on my iPhone.  They are a small slice of fun that I can have - that only takes a few moments of my day.  They keep my brain challenged in a fun way - that's separate from the classroom... and give me just a few minutes each day to act like a total kid and just play silly games.

7.  On that same note, I'm thankful for my Hangin' with Friends buddy.  He's the only person I play the game with - but we have a lot of fun together.  He happens to be a friend of the family, so it's always funny to send each other silly notes when we're playing.  He gives me a small sense of being around friends, even when I'm sitting on the couch watching TV. 

8. I am thankful for Blogger.  This little tidbit of the Internet has brought me so much in the past few years.  I have been able to record the events of my life as they've taken place.. be good or bad.... without it costing me a single penny.  Yeah, Facebook is great, Twitter is meh, but Blogger?  This is my social media outlet.  This is where I belong.  This is where I can be myself, say what I want, and then go back and remember it all over again.  While I have struggled with discovering who I am as a blogger, one thing has always remained the same:  I blog what I have to say, and if someone doesn't like it - they can go elsewhere.  

9.  I am thankful that I have gone through so many struggles in my 30 years of being on this earth.  Yep, you heard me... I am thankful for the struggles.  While my life isn't some constant heartbreaking tale of trials and tribulations, I've had my fair share of ups and downs.  Teenager problems with my parents, being a run-away, teen pregnancy, abusive partner, homelessness... they've all been a part of my life story.  And even though they have been some pretty horrible experiences - I wouldn't change a single one.  Why?  Because each of those things have made me the person I am today.  I am strong, I am passionate, I am devoted - all because of the struggles I've had to go through to get me here.  My experiences and hardship in life has given me powerful ammunition to use against the kids that will come through my classroom.  They have given me tools to use with my own children.  I have become the partner, mother, and teacher I am because of those hardships - and I just wouldn't be the awesome person I am today without them.

10.  I am thankful that I am able to come up with a list of thirty things to be thankful about.  Even though this is the last thing on this week's list, I am excited and ready for the next two installments.  I thought that coming up with thirty things would be difficult.. but then I realized I could probably do this for months.  There's just so much good I have in my life - and so much to be thankful for.  I've only just started and I haven't even gotten to some of the juicier stuff - like each of my kids, or my family.  And while they aren't on this list, it doesn't mean that they are less important.  This list.. all three parts... are in no specific order of importance.  I'm deliberately mixing it up.  And while several parts of this overall list may seem a little insignificant to some - they are very important to me.  In fact, I'm now worrying if I'll be able to have enough room for all of the things I want to talk about. 


There you go.  One part down, two to go.  Now, I must go get ready for work.

What a Wise News Caster

This is it, folks.  Our next President has been chosen.  If for some reason, you've completely locked yourself away from the world around you... I'll spoil the fun and let you know that our next President is... the same President.  Last night, Barack Obama was re-elected as President.

I, like probably millions of Americans, sat in front of my TV watching and waiting.  I listened to the commentary, and I tried to process all of the information being given about poll numbers and swing states and battlegrounds.  But, in the end, I found myself only caring about the news caster was saying about the turmoil of our country.

You see, one thing I've realized about this election...and something I've really tried to explain to my students... is that things got really nasty.  Too nasty.  It was another dirty fight to the end.  I couldn't agree more when the commentator said that half of the country will think that the country is now heading for disaster while the other half believes it's been saved from disaster.  A gaping, gigantic rift has divided our country because of this election.

And I called it about the Facebook statuses.  I saw the exact same scenario going on over there.  There were statuses declaring that our country was now safe, while other people declared that we are now coming to the end.

The news caster then went on to something I had been thinking for a while.  Why on earth one side can't work with the other side to fix the problems of this country is just beyond me.

That's what this country needs.

If a Democrat is going to be President, the Republicans are going to run the House, and the Democrats are going to run the senate...they have to work together.  What's caused this country to dig it's self in to a shallow grave is the fact that both sides stand on opposite sides of the playing field.  It's like a never ending football game where the defense from both sides are going to block anything that comes there way.  No scoring will take place as long as they gridlock with each other.

As I sat with my kids yesterday afternoon, answering some wonderful questions, I was able to shine a light on both sides.  I was able to show that Obama had some great plans for the country, and Romney had some great plans for the country.  I sat completely in the middle - not swaying to one side or the other.  When someone asked a question, I made sure I gave benefits from both sides of the coin.  And they soon realized that it was much harder to pick someone than they thought.  There were also a lot of misconceptions running rampart.  My Hispanic kids told me that their families had to vote for Obama or they would all have to leave the country.  Some of my kids told me that their families were voting for Romney, because Obama wasn't a Christian - and it's not right to have a President that wasn't a Christian.

Some of the blarney that escaped these innocent children's mouths were put there because of what they'd heard, what they'd been told...a solid divide down the middle.

Until one of my darlings said the thought that had been playing on my mind, and apparently been playing on the news caster's mind last night.  Why can't both sides just work together and do all of the good things they promise?

Ah, if only it were that easy.

It warmed my heart just a little to watch the discussion going on in the Fox news room last night... and you probably won't ever see me making that statement again.  There were Democrats and Republicans sitting together and having meaningful discussion.  One side praised the other side for various things.  One side made suggestions to the other side, and there wasn't a harsh word lashed back.  There was agreement.  WHAT THE WHAT?  Agreement between a Democrat and a Republican?  Oh yes.  They discussed how sad of a situation our country is in with the "Me against You" scenario that has played out all over the place.

Change can only happen when all parties involved are on board.  That's just how it is.  One person can't step up to the plate with talk of change, if everyone standing between him and making that change is against it.

I pray with everything inside of me that one day, our country can move away from one side or the other and focus on how one side can work with the other.  Just one day, I'd like to watch a debate where either Democrat or Republican stands in front of the country and says...

"I have lots of ideas and change I want to do for this country, but I know that I can't do it alone.  My hope is that if I win this election, I will have the support of the other party and we can work together to bring the change that we all so desperately want and need.  While I don't agree with everything my running mate wants to do, there are some valid points he/she makes - and I believe that our end goal is the same.  We may have different ways we want to get there.. but I truly believe that if it's a joint effort from both parties - we can improve the lives of everyone.  Rich, poor, black, white, Hispanic, Asian, gay, straight, Christian, or non-Christian.  If we can just set aside our personal differences, step in to the shoes of others that so desperately seek a different kind of change, and find a balance... our country will be on the fast track to being the country our citizens so desperately want."

I would vote for that person in a blink of an eye.  Regardless of what political party he/she came from.

And, yes, I'm fully aware that what I speak is really a hopeless wish.  I know that it's not as simple as singing Kumbaya around a fire pit and hashing out the differences.  I know that the ideas and plans for one side are usually the opposite from the other.  There's no way to really work together if one wants one thing and the other wants the complete opposite.

But, one thing is for sure.  Barack Obama is our President again.  Half the country isn't happy about that, half the country is rejoicing.  It is what it is.

I just hope that I can move forward in to this month of thanks not seeing anymore hate or nastiness.  Whatever side you're on, it's over now... time to move on... and let's all just try and get along.  M'kay?