Over a Month’s Worth of Scattered Thoughts

Posted by Donna on August 20, 2009

20 August 2009

Several people have commented lately that it’s been awhile since I wrote in my blog. Although I knew that was true, the few times I’ve tried to write an entry, I just wasn’t able to produce anything blog-worthy.

Not sure if today will be different, but I’ll give it a try. If you are reading this, you’ll know I found some redeeming and hopefully interesting thoughts to share with you.

Before I get started, I’d like to say Happy Birthday! to my mother-in-law Priscilla. Although she died in February, today was her special day and God’s gift to my world. Also Happy Birthday to Aunt Celeste and nephew Travis! More gifts from God.

Next I hate to admit that Earl was right. He said he thought my last blog entry was in July. I could have sworn it was the end of June. He was right. Oh bother. I’ll never live that one down. I may have to go back and change the date on that last entry.

It’s been approximately 40 days since my last entry. Surely my life hasn’t been so dull that there was nothing to write about. A few fleeting memories pop into my head but I decided to pull out my handy-dandy calendar to pick out the highlights to share.

Here’s a summary for you. In the past 40 days I have:

• Had a massage and a facial (gotta being pampered… even if I have to pay someone to do it)
• Had six breakfast or lunch visits with friends and family
• Attended my first politically based meeting of concerned citizens
• Attended a Toby Keith and Trace Adkins concert
• Visited twice with my mother in Massachusetts (we’re planning a September road trip to Nashville)
• Had several “of a female nature” tests and procedures done (TMI… sorry… but it’s on my calendar!)
• Lined up contractors to do some repair work on the house (roof, windows, steps)
• Attended three Concerts in the Park
• Spent 13 days training at my Air National Guard unit (gave me a nice two week break from my regular job, but it meant working 15 days straight)
• Celebrated Sean’s 19th birthday!
• Brought my car to the garage twice
• Attended another LL Bean Outdoor Discovery School shotgun class. Gerry went with me this time. Had a blast (pun intended)

Those are the calendar worthy things that have kept me busy.

Some non-calendar events that come to mind are:

• Published a book of poems my mother-in-law wrote. Gave them to family members at a tree planting memorial gathering last weekend.
• Started studying and obsessing over handguns (I want one!)
• Helped my daughter move in to her first apartment
• Enrolled in a college graphic design class and bought my books for it
• Signed up for two handgun basics classes that will be held this weekend

Hadn’t realized how much I’ve accomplished or how busy I’ve been over the past 40 days. It’s always nice to take time to reflect and review what’s been going on in life. That’s one of the reasons I love my calendar. I write a lot on it. There are few days in a month that don’t have one or more entries on it. I keep my calendars from year to year as a sort of journal.

But all that doesn’t really explain why I haven’t been writing more. But it is something I think about often.

So here’s what I’ve come up with…

My interests are changing. Primarily based on concern for the direction our country is moving in. Although I’m a registered Republican my views are more Libertarian. Definitely conservative when it comes to fiscal issues but more moderate when it comes to social issues (unless we can’t pay for the programs/solutions).

I’ve done a pretty good job of being your typical apathetic American. I’ve always thought things won’t change and I haven’t really cared. But now, with the “hope and change” president in office, I think that things will change… and I don’t like the changes he wants to make.

Living in a predominately liberal based state I’ve learned to just keep my mouth shut about my own political views because even my friends can get pretty nasty and hurtful when I offer a different opinion.

But I’m feeling, for the first time in my life, that it’s up to me to instill “hope and change” in America, too. To do that I need to become better informed. That, in and of itself, is a daunting task. There is so much information/misinformation/disinformation out there. I don’t want to just repeat the talking points of my favorite radio personalities or columnists, I want to read the legislation, develop my own opinions, create my own talking points.

But it’s time consuming and energy stealing. I’m not at the point yet where it energizes me. I’m not at the point where I relish a hearty debate. I still feel timid, mousy, and unprepared for the road I think I need to walk.

So that’s why I haven’t been writing. The fluffy posts of the past had their place and now that I’ve unburdened my soul with these words, perhaps I’ll be able to share both my growth as a concerned and informed American as well as the day-to-day minutia of my life.

Life was easier when the first (and sometimes only) headlines I read were from people.com. But it’s long past time for me to grow up and be an American… and that means accepting all the rights and responsibilities that go with that term.

What does it mean to you to be an American? Many of us are too busy working and living our lives to get involved with the political decisions that will ultimately impact every aspect our work and personal lives, but should we really just sit back and let other people make those decisions without our input? If you’ve ever doubted whether our political leaders have your best interests at heart, it may be time for you to get involved too.

I’m still trying to figure all this out. It’s confusing, overwhelming, and scary. But those of you who know me well know that I don’t usually back down from a challenge. So as my friend Mike says… “Ever onward, never backward” (or something like that).

Hugs,

–Donna

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