How to Handle Lunch Table Bullies by Shania

Last night The New Normal returned to the television after a short, holiday break.

Shania, the daughter of the surrogate mother, is easily one of my favorite characters.  She is a unique individual who doesn't bend to the norm, but she still wants what everyone wants, to be accepted.  Some girls at school were being rude and bullying her. 

Her grandmother tried to help by putting her in a "Nancy Reagan Red" suit, complete with pearls.  You guessed it, it didn't work. 

Next, the assistant taught her to wiggle her head, wag her finger, and knock them from their high horses by pointing out their flaws and declaring herself Queen Bee.  It worked.

Later, you see them all at Shania's house.  Shania is standing on the coffee table carrying on...until finally she declares there will be no Queen Bee.  The other girls are confused, which Shania follows up with the need for women to support each other (she then hands them books about her favorite feminists).  But, the best part is her saying they were going to burn all their barbies to break the idea of their bodies having to look a certain way and then "...dance intoxicated by the plastic fumes."  Seriously, I cracked up.

Anyway, I just needed to share that quote.

Happy Birthday, Wolverine

Freshman Throwback; Superbowling

 I have this friend who refuses to tilt her fedora like Sinatra.
Instead, she wears it flat on her head.
Mules should take stubborn lessons from her.
Cats could take loyalty lessons from her ;)

We became friends our Freshman year.
Our personalities are very different, but we click.
I call her Hollander.
She teases me about what ever girly, pink, sparkly, dramatic, crazy planning thing I happen to do.

During our sophomore year she brought it to our hall's attention that someone was stealing her food.
My roommate and I promptly went and told her it was not us, but we felt so guilty.
Then, we (Hollander and I) surprised everyone by doing a wicked rendition of Loathing from, you guessed it, Wicked.  (We were awesome)

Holland is creative, talented, spontaneous, and a little bit crazy (in the good way).
And, I am most blessed to have her as a friend!
She has stretched my character.
She is a true friend.

Happy Birthday and I love you, Hollander!

P.S.  And she doubles as Wolverine!

A Few Dates for Your Calendar

I've opened this page to write about three times today?  Or maybe more, if I include last night.
Nothing seems to stick.  Some things are better left to one's personal journal.

Well, a few things of note:
The Australian Open begins January 14!
Miss America is this Saturday at 9PM EST =)  (Party!)
Shows are starting to pick up the next part of their seasons (Yippee!)
And, our President will be reinstated at his inauguration on January 21, 2013!
Also, White Collar comes back January 22!!!

Speaking of 2013, anyone else forgetting to change from a 2 to a 3?
I may have written 2012 in my journal.
Imagine switching from the year 2999 to 3000.  Personally, I think it will be mind blowing.

So far this morning, I have successfully avoided that which I set out to do.
I must now go and do it.

Till next time!

The Return of Downton: Celebrate!

Found here

The third season of Downton Abbey premiered last night.  I've only been waiting since...June?  My gratification was delayed because of this little thing called work.  But, upon arriving home around midnight, I watched the first episode (and ate some Christmas chocolate)!

Initially, it was difficult getting back in the swing of things, but after twenty minutes or so, things went back to normal.  It was exciting, intriguing, and satisfying.  I appreciate the writers allowing us to see the wedding, rather than postponing till the next episode.  In fact, that is what I like about the way the show is written.  There is a level of completeness, even when many situations are still unresolved.  Like the end of season two.  Instead of making us anxiously wait SIX MONTHS for Matthew to propose, they rounded out the season with a most lovely proposal...in the snow...with stars, if my memory recalls correctly.  It was a dream.

A few of my favourite Downton people:
-Lady Grantham: Her wit and humor are fabulous.  I will always side with her (my apologies, Mrs. Crawley).
-Lady Mary: Her line at the wedding, "I should hate to be predictable."  She exudes class and adventure.  One of my goals.
-Lady Cora Crawley: Patience, wit, and totally in control...well, except over her money (poor thing).
-Shirley MacLaine as the American Grandmother:  Brilliant move.  She is fabulous!  "Now Mary, do tell me all of your wedding plans, and I'll see what I can do to improve them."

Least favourite Downton people:
-Thomas: Smug, irritating, and deceitful.
-Mrs. O'Brian: Sly, manipulative, and odd loyalties

In a few weeks I will be home on a Sunday night, which means, Mama and I must make tea and scones to enjoy episode three!

Do you love Downton, too?
I'm happy to say, I've hooked several people on to the show ;)

Behind "The New Normal"

               While reading the reason behind this display, tears almost came to my eyes.

 

I remember seeing a new NBC show advertised at the end of the summer.

The New Normal caught my attention because its purpose was to substitute the "normal" family (i.e. male, female, children) with a "new normal" family (i.e. a gay couple preparing to have a child).  I wanted to see the show when it came out, but life was busy, I forgot about it, and only remembered it last week.  I found the show and began watching it.

The show does not attempt objectivity.  It creates tension between those who are gay and pro-gay and those who are anti-gay.  Two extremes are shown, with very little/to no balance.  Situations that occur are thought provoking.  The stereotype of Christians, especially conservative Christians (that, sadly, is often true), is written into the show.  Political propaganda and jabs are made throughout many episodes.  The homosexual lifestyle is lauded and placed in the best possible light, while the heterosexual marriages shown or alluded to have either fallen apart or are currently falling apart.

Does the show make me uncomfortable?  Sometimes.  Is the content thought provoking and educational?  Very.  The family on the screen is kind and loving.  I would like to know them.  The show brought issues to light that I have not thought about.  The struggles and prejudices that are faced by anyone not "normal", even by other people not considered "normal", but in a different way, are saddening.  People need to be loved, regardless of gender, sexuality, age, race, culture, ability or disability, etc.

All through college I found myself interacting with the questions of homosexuality.  Early freshman year a group called Soul Force visited my school.  A group of students, including me, spent several hours visiting with this organization advocating the acceptance of LGBT(Q) (Lesbian, Gay, Bi, Transgender, and most recently added, Queer--those confused and figuring out their sexuality).  There were large groups talking in circles, small groups sitting around conversing, and cliques of two and three people chatting over open Bibles.  Our school provided lunch for everyone as we learned more about each other and our beliefs.

To round off my university career, a Christian, gay man named Wesley Hill came to speak at my church.  He wrote a book called Washed and Waiting (that, for the record, I intend to read...just haven't yet) that addresses the challenges of being gay, celibate, and a Christian.  The statement that most stood out to me from his talks, and is ingrained in my mind, is that we (Christians) should be accepting (of homosexuals--in and out of the church, but especially in) but not affirming (of the non-celibate, gay lifestyle).  Listening to Wesley talk blew my mind.  My thoughts about homosexuals and homosexuality were challenged.  I was not a gay hater, but I didn't know how to interact with a gay person while disagreeing with their lifestyle choice.  By no means have I figured it out, but I have a new perspective.

Back to the show.  As a result of my various experiences in college, I want to think I was filtering the show through different lenses.  Yes, aspects of the show made me uncomfortable, but as a Christian I cannot veil myself from the things I do not like and/or agree with.  The show has positive points.  It portrays many of the ways our culture and sub cultures are prejudiced, and not just towards homosexuals.

One of the most important things I learned in college is to think, and to think critically.  It takes practice, but while watching The New Normal, it was my goal.

Wanting to Write and Not Wait

Photo by K.L.R.

Excitement and anticipation are two of the most overwhelming emotions.
All I want to do is write. But, it is not time to share what I want to share.
I must remember, these are my Roaring Twenties, and I want them to be good.
I should make a painting or a collage to remind myself.

In the months after graduation, I had to figure out how to no longer be an official student.  The realization hit me a few days ago, I am in real life.  I am here, standing, not missing college (except for the occasional day).  I am finding a new identity (title wise).  Moving on is part of life, albeit a difficult part, and certainly my least favourite part.  I don't ache missing my church any longer.  The vacancy is there--probably will always be--but I have to move forward.  (Ok, maybe I just ignore missing it to avoid the ache...but I have definitely improved.)

I feel a bit in limbo. 
It should go away soon. 
I'll start a new life. 
I'm off and away!
*Feeling a little Seussy*

Just An Average New Years...with Nerf Guns

Family.
New Years Day was full of family.
Most of the cousins were together.
Best time of the day, you ask?
When they brought out a nerf gun and started shooting at the bay window in the living room (you know, the room with the breakable stuff  ;) ).
My cousin, Gabriel, grabbed a couple of dry erase markers and drew a bulls eye on the window.
Then, from ages 3 to 50+ we clamored for a turn at shooting the gun.
**I was the only one to get a straight bulls eye!**

Of course, the usual happened.
We watched the Rose Parade, ate tons of food, drank New Years punch, played games, watched football, laughed, and enjoyed the little ones.