I've been absent for a week even though it doesn't feel like that long. What a whirlwind life is lately with traveling every weekend and weekdays being absorbed by church work, wedding planning, personal "stuff" and trying to get back into regular workouts. And seriously, you would not believe the latest office happenings.
A quick example:
With the inauguration of President Obama today, much of the office chat revolved around politics. At one point this afternoon, our receptionist "Okie Dokie girl", asked JB, the girl I work next to, and myself what the first words to "The Star-Spangled Banner" were. She and I both responded "O say can you see" only to be countered with a "No it's not" from OD girl. "That's what everyone thinks but it's really "Jose can you see"". She replied that during a discussion with her 12 year old son last night, he told her that his choir teacher had taught his choir class that most people believe the opening words to the famous patriotic song are "O say can you see" but they are really confused because it actually starts "Jose can you see"-you just gotta put the "huuuh" at the beginning. And so, since all 12 year olds are the authority on staples of patriotic music, she believed him.
I tell you, I work with brain surgeons. (Do you sense the extreme sarcasm?)
And speaking of patriotism, what a day for Americans! Though I may not agree with every position he takes or every view he supports, President Obama made history today and I could not be prouder to be an American. So much is criticized within our country but I don't believe anyone could dispute the fact that today, we came together and changed our world for the better. The acceptance and promotion of an African-American in the White House speaks volumes about the true change that is taking place in our land. To think that just 55 years ago, or country was still a place of segregation but now the 1st (partial) African-American has taken over the office of Commander-In-Chief of that same country is astounding. But I am so glad that my fellow citizens have seen fit to judge a man not by the color of his skin but by what they see in his heart. And that makes me proud to be an American.
Unfortunately, that's all for this post. Updates will follow soon but until then, God bless the USA and give President Obama the grace and wisdom to lead our country in the will of God.
Blessings,
B
Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Romans 13:1
Showing posts with label politics. Show all posts
Showing posts with label politics. Show all posts
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
GOTV
GET. OUT. THE. VOTE.
Before I begin the recounting of my anecdotal weekend, I thought I'd spread a little election season cheer and share the story of my second experience exercising my right as a resident of the U.S. to vote.
It hit me sometime in the middle of last week as I prepared for the coming days that I needed to make sure that I had everything in order for the upcoming election and the traveling that I will do for the holidays. So I checked my voter registration card and everything appeared to be ok until I turned it over and read the following:
"If you registered to vote by mail and this is your first time to vote in a Federal Election in Texas, you must present a form of identification. Please check www.suchandsuch.com to verify acceptable forms of identification."
So naturally I freak out and head to my local DL office to get my very 1st Texas Drivers' License. The problem(s) with this?
1. My current drivers' license from NC is expired so I have to take both the written and driving tests. (Seriously??? I'M 25!!! And have had no accidents or tickets EVER!)
2. The lady doing the driving tests was out until 2 and they don't schedule driving tests beyond 3:00pm. How ridiculous is that?!?!?!?
So I spent the better part of my lunch hour applying for my license and still didn't have it when I left. For the rest of the day and evening, I was worrying about 2 things.
1. What if the poll workers ask to see my driver's license?
2. What if the line is miles long and have to wait for hours to vote?
Well, let me calm your nerves now. Neither happened.
Hurriedly, I drove out to my polling location on my lunch break as I had seen on the morning news that there were lines HOURS long on the East coast. I figured if the line was too long now, I'd just come back after work when I had unlimited time. But, as I pulled into the parking lot of the church that my precinct was assigned to, much to my surprise, there were all of 3 cars in the parking lot. I then proceeded to enter the church into a small room (the size of my living room & kitchen) set up with a few tables, cardboard voting partitions, and numerous little old ladies. And I basically just walked right up to the check in table since there was NOBODY in line. As I checked in, the precious elderly lady who verified my name/address said to me, "You just look so put together with your blouse and your bracelet and your bag. You look so together."
And just when I thought all poll workers were stuffy and only concerned with politics. Luckily they're just 'poll' workers and not 'pole' workers. Ha!
So I cast my PAPER vote (ah, the joys of living in the country) and inserted it into the machine and left. Voting is so different here-I had a long wait in the 2004 election in Cleveland and I voted electronically so the whole paper thing was new to me. Rural Farm Town, Texas is quite a step back from Cleveland, Tennessee. But I'll take it for now.
This whole story may seem pointless to many of you but I write it to note that even though I've lived in Small Town, Texas for over a year now, I still haven't lost my 'big(ger) city' thinking. It takes lots of adjustment for this country living.
Blessings y'all,
(yeah, I'm city but not that city)
Bethany :)
Before I begin the recounting of my anecdotal weekend, I thought I'd spread a little election season cheer and share the story of my second experience exercising my right as a resident of the U.S. to vote.
It hit me sometime in the middle of last week as I prepared for the coming days that I needed to make sure that I had everything in order for the upcoming election and the traveling that I will do for the holidays. So I checked my voter registration card and everything appeared to be ok until I turned it over and read the following:
"If you registered to vote by mail and this is your first time to vote in a Federal Election in Texas, you must present a form of identification. Please check www.suchandsuch.com to verify acceptable forms of identification."
So naturally I freak out and head to my local DL office to get my very 1st Texas Drivers' License. The problem(s) with this?
1. My current drivers' license from NC is expired so I have to take both the written and driving tests. (Seriously??? I'M 25!!! And have had no accidents or tickets EVER!)
2. The lady doing the driving tests was out until 2 and they don't schedule driving tests beyond 3:00pm. How ridiculous is that?!?!?!?
So I spent the better part of my lunch hour applying for my license and still didn't have it when I left. For the rest of the day and evening, I was worrying about 2 things.
1. What if the poll workers ask to see my driver's license?
2. What if the line is miles long and have to wait for hours to vote?
Well, let me calm your nerves now. Neither happened.
Hurriedly, I drove out to my polling location on my lunch break as I had seen on the morning news that there were lines HOURS long on the East coast. I figured if the line was too long now, I'd just come back after work when I had unlimited time. But, as I pulled into the parking lot of the church that my precinct was assigned to, much to my surprise, there were all of 3 cars in the parking lot. I then proceeded to enter the church into a small room (the size of my living room & kitchen) set up with a few tables, cardboard voting partitions, and numerous little old ladies. And I basically just walked right up to the check in table since there was NOBODY in line. As I checked in, the precious elderly lady who verified my name/address said to me, "You just look so put together with your blouse and your bracelet and your bag. You look so together."
And just when I thought all poll workers were stuffy and only concerned with politics. Luckily they're just 'poll' workers and not 'pole' workers. Ha!
So I cast my PAPER vote (ah, the joys of living in the country) and inserted it into the machine and left. Voting is so different here-I had a long wait in the 2004 election in Cleveland and I voted electronically so the whole paper thing was new to me. Rural Farm Town, Texas is quite a step back from Cleveland, Tennessee. But I'll take it for now.
This whole story may seem pointless to many of you but I write it to note that even though I've lived in Small Town, Texas for over a year now, I still haven't lost my 'big(ger) city' thinking. It takes lots of adjustment for this country living.
Blessings y'all,
(yeah, I'm city but not that city)
Bethany :)
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Political Sentiments
Just a quick political rant. I try not to share too many of my political views lest it be proven that I am a politcal novice-even though the whole government/political scene really intrigues me.
While watching The O'Reilly Factor (hosted by FOX news' Bill O'Reilly) I was struck with this brilliant idea:
Bill O'Reilly should run for president.
Honestly people, I'm starting to agree with some of my colleagues who expressed this sentiment yesterday: Out of more than 300 million residents of the United States, are Obama & McCain really the best candidates we have to offer for President? Like many people I converse with, I am not impressed with either option. Neither one has made any profound presentation that has won my devout loyalty and so, with the rest of America, I wait. And I pray. And then I wait some more.
But as I watched Mr. O'Reilly last night, I really identified with his passion and zeal to help the average American people. His re-cap of the debate and how he desired for both senators to express some aggression in their road to the White House was exactly how I felt. I wasn't able to watch much of the debate when it aired live but the clips I've seen and the coverage the election has received since have not shown me a person who is going to stand up and fight for anything. Understandably, a candidate must have an even-temper and not be easily angered but I believe even just a little emotion is not just appropriate but is called for.
So Bill, when are you gonna go out on a limb and and take the chance??? I know you've already got my vote!
While watching The O'Reilly Factor (hosted by FOX news' Bill O'Reilly) I was struck with this brilliant idea:
Bill O'Reilly should run for president.
Honestly people, I'm starting to agree with some of my colleagues who expressed this sentiment yesterday: Out of more than 300 million residents of the United States, are Obama & McCain really the best candidates we have to offer for President? Like many people I converse with, I am not impressed with either option. Neither one has made any profound presentation that has won my devout loyalty and so, with the rest of America, I wait. And I pray. And then I wait some more.
But as I watched Mr. O'Reilly last night, I really identified with his passion and zeal to help the average American people. His re-cap of the debate and how he desired for both senators to express some aggression in their road to the White House was exactly how I felt. I wasn't able to watch much of the debate when it aired live but the clips I've seen and the coverage the election has received since have not shown me a person who is going to stand up and fight for anything. Understandably, a candidate must have an even-temper and not be easily angered but I believe even just a little emotion is not just appropriate but is called for.
So Bill, when are you gonna go out on a limb and and take the chance??? I know you've already got my vote!
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Day 3
Thankful in 30
1. The couple at church who volunteered to teach the 9-11 year old class on Wednesdays. I love my kids but will be glad to be able to be fed on Wednesdays. (Yes Mom, this means I'll be able to have dinner w/you on my birthday.)
2. Cooler evening temps announcing autumn's impending arrival.
3. An amazing, funny, intellectual, devoted, loving man of God who I just happen to call my boyfriend. (And whose birthday is in exactly 30 days.)
4. Productive days at work when I can catch up.
5. Calendars.
************************************************************************
In other news, this presidential race just got interesting to me tonight. On Friday, when I heard of McCain's choice for VP, my immediate first thought was, "He is such a fool!". (I literally said that out loud.) Over the past few days, I've seen any chance of a Republican continuance of power dwindle especially after the story about her eldest daughter surfaced. But after her speech tonight, all I can say is, "Wow." I see now why people love her so much. Granted, I'm not sure if any of them knew why until tonight but she really worked the crowd, gave an outstanding speech and portrayed herself as a strong, resilient lady, ready to serve. And so, the plot thickens...dun, dun, duuuuuuunnnnnnn.
Let me also take this opportunity to say thank you to Z:
You have changed my life in so many ways. I never dreamed a love like yours existed but I am so thankful it does. Moreso, I am thankful God is allowing me to experience it. I don't know how He did it but He brought us together and I've found a once in a lifetime love. Words will never adequately convey my feelings but they're all I've got. Thank you-for loving me just the way I am and inspiring me to better myself each day. Just as with God's love, I am so unworthy but thank you for being His hands, His feet, and His heart to me. I love you.
The End.
Blessings,
Bethany
Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:18
1. The couple at church who volunteered to teach the 9-11 year old class on Wednesdays. I love my kids but will be glad to be able to be fed on Wednesdays. (Yes Mom, this means I'll be able to have dinner w/you on my birthday.)
2. Cooler evening temps announcing autumn's impending arrival.
3. An amazing, funny, intellectual, devoted, loving man of God who I just happen to call my boyfriend. (And whose birthday is in exactly 30 days.)
4. Productive days at work when I can catch up.
5. Calendars.
************************************************************************
In other news, this presidential race just got interesting to me tonight. On Friday, when I heard of McCain's choice for VP, my immediate first thought was, "He is such a fool!". (I literally said that out loud.) Over the past few days, I've seen any chance of a Republican continuance of power dwindle especially after the story about her eldest daughter surfaced. But after her speech tonight, all I can say is, "Wow." I see now why people love her so much. Granted, I'm not sure if any of them knew why until tonight but she really worked the crowd, gave an outstanding speech and portrayed herself as a strong, resilient lady, ready to serve. And so, the plot thickens...dun, dun, duuuuuuunnnnnnn.
Let me also take this opportunity to say thank you to Z:
You have changed my life in so many ways. I never dreamed a love like yours existed but I am so thankful it does. Moreso, I am thankful God is allowing me to experience it. I don't know how He did it but He brought us together and I've found a once in a lifetime love. Words will never adequately convey my feelings but they're all I've got. Thank you-for loving me just the way I am and inspiring me to better myself each day. Just as with God's love, I am so unworthy but thank you for being His hands, His feet, and His heart to me. I love you.
The End.
Blessings,
Bethany
Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:18
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