I'm From The South

Kyran writes about her disappointment in the Southern states in the election and also about the many changes made in various states to deny rights to homosexuals.

I can understand how it looks. But I also know that there is change happening here. Florida voted blue this time. North Carolina too. Of course, here in Florida, an amendment was passed that defines marriage as a legal union between one man and one woman. I don't think anyone even fought it.

The point I would like to make is this - I was raised by a man who was born in southern Alabama. I used to joke to my friends that he was Florida's version of Archie Bunker. I've watched him mellow over the years. And I'd like to think that some of that was the influence of his two daughters. I believe that he and my mother are finally understanding that race doesn't define a person. That a bad person could be any color, and that one day, we'll all look the same anyway.

My husband and I have a grand-niece who is biracial. She is treated the same as all the other kids in the family. Of course, that's on my husband's side of the family, so my parents don't have to deal directly with it. But I think they see it through my eyes and realize that there's no reason to treat her any differently.

I think that people who are raised as racists and bigots will remain so if they stay in the same place. If they move away from that daily influence, progress can be made. I'm sure there are pockets of hatred all over the US, they're just a little larger and a little more concentrated here in the south. But we're making inroads, and I think President-Elect Obama will cause a lot of them to soften a little more. At least, I hope so.

What Now?

I am inspired by President-Elect Obama to get involved, to "start the hard work", but I don't really know where or how to start. I want to work shoulder-to-shoulder with him to lift up our country, to show that Americans can and will work together to straighten this mess out, but I don't know what to do.

I did not volunteer in his campaign, because I am not a talker. I don't like talking to strangers and I'm not very good at it, so I certainly didn't see myself knocking on doors or making calls (I really hate talking on the phone). So I did nothing, except talk to some of my friends and family about my support of his cause.

Now, I want to do something. I'm sure something will surface that I can use my talents for. I guess I'll just have to wait and see.

Grumpy Old Men

So, I was not looking forward to the office today, because my two bosses are staunch Repubs. Surprisingly, they weren't quite as bad as I expected. I think they may even give President-Elect Obama a fighting chance. Don't get me wrong. At the first hint of blood, they'll be on him like nobody's business.

For now, I'll take what I can get. ;)

Nauseous

All the problems being posted on this page do not make me feel very comfortable. C'mon, Florida, can't we just get this thing right?!

I just looked at it again and the map isn't even working! Gah!

More Camping Talk

Camping is one of our favorite things to do. We started out as tent campers, but several years ago my dad rescued a little fiberglass camper from being sent to the dump. We used it and fell in love! So much better than sleeping in a tent.

So, anyway, the little camper stays under our carport now. Our kids have outgrown it, so when we camp, our son has a tent now. The tiny bunk beds are way too small for him. But it's perfect for our granddaughter. We just need to get her completely potty-trained before we take her with us.

Hopefully, I'll be able to post some pictures of our little "egg" soon. Anyone out there love camping too? If so, I'd love to hear your stories.

Fall Camping, Anyone?

We started a new tradition last Thanksgiving. We, along with some friends and family, spent the long weekend camping at a local county park. It's heavily wooded and quiet. Close to home makes it even more appealing.

We're going to have a great time!

I Voted Early!

That's what my sticker says! I think this is the first time I've left the voting booth with a shit-eating grin on my face. Can it happen? I hope so!

If you haven't yet, VOTE OBAMA!!!!!