Become Informed...

Very rarely, will I share my feelings on politics in an open place with people that a) aren't family, b) aren't family and c) aren't family. 

But I couldn't keep my blog silent tonight.  The past few days, although it seems like years, I have been seeing post after post about the government and Obamacare wrecking our innocent lives.  I have seen posts on Facebook from friends that are saying how scared they are because of all these changes to insurance and increases in their taxes and also how secret government people are going to come to your house and do "home inspections" and etc., etc., blah, blah, blah....  The list goes on and on and on....

For example, I saw a friend post this article and state that she is nauseous over it.  I, of course, thought that in all of my reading and following different things happening here in D.C. I never heard this come up in any discussion on Obamacare and that definitely caused me to really question if that was true.  So, I did research.  Quick little search on Google pulled up an immediate response on Snopes that said the article was false.  And honestly, do you really think that something like random home health visits to people just because they smoke or are young parents would slip by unnoticed and not one person in the entire nation would pick up on that or say anything?  No...  If you said yes - shame on you! 
Just because we vote to place representatives in both State and Federal positions - doesn't mean we just cross our fingers and hope they do what they say they are going to do when we cast our vote.  AFTER the elections, it is as much our job to follow, educate ourselves and understand what is happening on both the state and federal level each day, as it is the representatives job to make sure that the needs of their state are being addressed.  

People hear the word "government" and think of it as a body of one.  Not as it actually is - hundreds of people...  People are the mouthpiece for their city, county, state, nation.  We mainly hear about the corrupt politicians on the news and I know they are there, but there are also good ones that are behind the scenes doing everything they can to make a difference.  I truly believe that every vote counts and if a person doesn't vote because they don't think their vote will matter - they have no right to complain if they don't like the way things are being handled.

I am tired of people just seeing something posted on Facebook or a website that isn't credible and believe it as truth.  We have the right to question, do research, write letters, create petitions, email, and/or call our representatives!  So, go and get informed!  Don't just sit back and see how it the new tax laws or health insurance premiums are going to affect you and your family!  Figure it out the old fashioned way with a pen, paper and calculator!  Stop being sheep and start asking questions, do the research and then if you want go ahead and state your opinions.  Because then and only then - will I tolerate your ramblings and opinions. 

4th of July

I love holidays!! I love this one because it is a day to celebrate life in the U-S-A!!!

I got up early-ish, and went into work to say hello to some of my favorite people! I then went to the Institute and met up with ward members for a game of water kickball... Well, I watched the game! :) I was a little nervous to be running around the bases because they put soap in the water to keep it slippery. Having busted my back and tailbone before, the thought of smacking the ground wasn't too appealing! :)

We then talked and got ready to head over for the fireworks! I went a little earlier and grabbed a delicious snocone to enjoy before the show. There was also a band playing some music by the Beach Boys and a few oldies. Loved it! It was an amazing display of fireworks. It went on for literally forty minutes!!! By the end I was covered in ashes!

The night didn't end there.....

We went back to the institute to wait for traffic and play some card games. I was a little bummed because we didn't have two decks to play Phase 10, so I opted to stay out and watch.

I then went into the lobby and had a very nice conversation with a couple of the "oldies" in the ward, like me! It was great!!! :)

I love the people that I have had the chance to meet recently. I just can't believe how lucky I am to have such fun and interesting new friends! Life is good!! :)

Memorial Day 2011

There are many things that I have wanted to do while living here in DC and this year I can mark one of those off my list.

I visited Arlington on Memorial Day - but not only to visit the Cemetery - but to be there for the Laying of the Wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. At the crack of dawn (after accidentally falling back asleep) I received my wake up call from Logan saying they were waiting for me to start the trek to Arlington Cemetery.

We made it to the Visitor's Center where they had literally THOUSANDS of various colors of roses for all to take (for free) to lay on the grave and also to keep for a memory of the day. They were absolutely beautiful... And one thing that I thought was sooo thoughtful was the fact that they handed out a little flyer (my immediate thought was that it was so EVERYONE knew who donated the flowers), but it was solely to tell people to take some and lay them on the grave. It was such a thoughtful gesture that it made tears come to my eyes.

We then hopped in line to take the shuttle up to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. It was a LONG line - and it was SUPER HOT - but we finally made it.

We were able to get into the actual amphitheatre and see in person the President of the United States.

Here are a couple of pictures of the event! It was amazing!


Michelle Obama made it there as well! I just never thought that I would be that close to the President and his wife.


It was a wonderful way to remember the sacrifices some have made so I can enjoy the freedom of America.

Freedoms, Rights, Voices

I just finished a movie and couldn't help but feel very touched by the story that was shared. The movie was called, "We Were Soldiers," and was about the Vietnam War. There are so many times that I know I have taken for granted things that I have been blessed with in my life. Freedom to write on a blog about anything that comes to mind, freedom to practice a religion of my choice, freedom to move from one place to another, freedom to gain an education in a field of my choice, and so many others.

A friend passed away this weekend and she always told me to make sure that I enjoyed the life that I'd been given and to make sure that I not only thanked God, but thanked those who continued to fight for those rights - my rights. I work in a place were women and men served our country for many decades and the stories shared have changed me. I have been to the Army Hospital and seen soldiers both old and young with wounds/scars that are there because of battles fought for me and my America.

So, I want to take this time to thank those I know that have served or are serving to keep this the land of the free: Cody Womack, Glade Merkley, Grandpa Harvey, Michael Young, Clifford Merkley, Riley Beck, and my residents. Thank you!