The Band Perry - If I Die Young

Pretty song : )

Couldn't Resist

Chloe dressed up as a ladybug for Halloween this year..too cute!

*~On BLAST~*

I'm sick and sad over all of the hate surrounding the elections. It's disgusting. I'm tired. I read a scathing e-mail from one of my family members to another that really made me realize the depth of hate that people are capable of. Of course it's even more sad that it is my family at odds (not that it's the first or even second time this has happened.), but to be so hateful to your family over a difference of political opinion? My question is this: If all you're doing is hurting people and driving them away, then they can't possibly be hearing your message, right? That REALLY makes me question your motives.
To all of the "Christians" I know, I have this to say--The jig is up. You are the extremist exception to the Christian rule. I will not judge religion based upon you and your example, because you exemplify nothing but ignorance.
Maybe some of you are uncomfortable reading this. Maybe I shouldn't be putting my family on blast in my blog, but know this: I haven't spoken with this side of my family since I was a kid when they tried to convince me that my dad was evil for working hard to have nice things. My blog, my opinions. I know my opinions to be only my own personal truth. Anytime you speak of religion or politics there's bound to be differing opinions but instead of avoiding it on my own blog, I'd like to make as many people as I can think about they way they communicate. Religious or not...do you approach people in a way that encourages them to be receptive to you? Sometimes I don't. I'm not perfect. Sometimes when Brian and I argue it takes me a minute to realize that if we each just spout off our grievances AT each other instead of talking TO each other, then we will never achieve UNDERSTANDING. When you love someone, your goal is never to alienate, degrade, or belittle them into understanding you. When you love someone you don't try to break them into little pieces so you can put them back together the way you want them, you love them for WHO THEY ARE.
So, for all the Christian radicals in my life.....I call bullsh*t. Don't speak to me about loving everyone until you actually learn how to do it.

Chloe Ellen - Newest Pictures

Making Strides

Hello blogosphere. The sun is shining , and although it's a little chilly, I would consider it a perfect day. I love sweater weather. :) I joined back up at the YMCA a few days ago so I wouldn't have an excuse to hibernate all winter. I went in yesterday, but had to stick to the treadmill because I wasn't quite sure how anything else worked! So sad. I'll have to do an equipment orientation soon. Looking forward to taking some classes though & ready to get my Tai-Chi on! I've heard it's relaxing, and since I have about zero flexibility it will be a nice alternative to the torture that some call yoga.
Brian has finally scheduled his GRE test for the end of the month, and as the application deadline for the graduate schools he is interested is Nov. 1st, we should know pretty soon (or at least in a few months) where he'll be going.
Exciting stuff!
Brian and I, along with his sister Melissa are doing a 4 mile walk on the 16th called Making Strides Against Breast Cancer. I'm looking forward to that, and hoping the weather cooperates. You can check out our team page and/or make a donation at:
http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR/MakingStridesAgainstBreastCancer/MSABCFY11Illinois?pg=team&fr_id=28105&team_id=791157

I'm curious to see how many people are doing it. I still need to find something pink to wear. :)

Walking Away from Good-Enough, in Search of Can’t-Live-Without

It's easy (and safe) to keep the good-enough around. I want the can't live without!

O Happy Day!

Life keeps getting better & better! I wake up happy. :) What more is there?