Memorial Day

In the midst of finals and the end of the school year (no days off here), it's easy to forget about the true meaning of this holiday-- all of the men and women who have served and are serving our amazing country in ways that are small and  in ways that are immeasurably huge. And not only those in uniform, but the families and loved ones that sacrifice so much of what they have to be the amazing support system to our heroes.

They're the reason for our rich past and they're the reason for our promising futures.

So happy Memorial Day! And God Bless America.

America, I love you.

Welp. It's all over. And  unfortunately, it did not swing my way (or, I would argue, that it didn't swing our way... but that's a whole other blog post). So, I'm bummed to say the least.

Last night was suspenseful and emotional and frustrating and then, all of a sudden, the word Ohio flashed up on the screen and then last night was over.

I'm struggling to find the words to describe the disappointment, fear, and anger that I'm feeling without it turning this post into a huge rant, and so I'm just going to write what I keep reminding myself of in my head:

God was not surprised by the outcome of this election. 

He is in control of our country, just as he has been since the day it was created.

Instead of casting negativity, I feel that as an American, it is my duty to be respectful of our President and I'm going to do my best to be supportive of the fact that this is the man that my fellow citizens have chosen to lead our country. ...Lots and lots of prayers. 

I mean... besides completely tearing apart our country financially and making an even greater mess of the one we already had, he didn't really follow through on many of his promises for the first four years, so with any luck he may be as worthless for the next four, yeah? (Sorry, sorry-- it just slipped out. Supportive. Right. Yes.)

I warned Frances and Claire the other day that I might be a in a little bit down in the dumps for the next few days (read: uncontrollable sobs -- I may be sometimes a little overdramatic...). 

As predicted, this morning I was being a little sad sack and so Frances pulled me out from under the wreckage and took me to get pancakes for breakfast. When we got to the restaurant, we sat down by a group of Army men and although Frances wouldn't allow me to ask to take a picture with them, it did make me realize that I am still so lucky and blessed to live in this country. And I can still eat pancakes with my friend. And butter is still delicious and legal (for now). And that's that. 

Election Day

Good morning, friends! In case you've been taking a nap for the past few year or so, today is a very important day in America. It's election day, by golly! 

But not just any old election... the election for, among a handful of other important positions, the President of the United States of America. The President of the United States of America. Wow. What a thing to think about. One man in charge of an entire country-- a country of which, I believe, to be the greatest in the entire world. Can you imagine? What a responsibility. This is a job that can positively and negatively influence such a great number of people. And what's important for me to remember is that these influences can be made no matter what the party affiliation may be.  

This is my very first presidential election to vote in-- something that I have looked forward to nearly my entire life. Full disclosure: I may or may not have gotten a little teary when filling out my absent-tee ballot. What can I say? I am my mother's daughter. And what an honor and privilege it is to be able to vote! To be able to exercise the freedom to have a voice in a political system that affects our everyday lives and to be able to take part in, at its most basic level, a great tradition that our country has passed down since it's inception. 

Although my political views are quite strong and I do my very best to be as educated as I can on the subjects concerning our country and how it pertains to me, I claim to be no expert. And although I am very much my mother's daughter in that, with the right prompting, I can get a little feisty when talking politics, I am going to do my very best to refrain. What I do know is that today is an important day. And, for lack of a better word, it is a colossal waste to not take part in one of the very few duties as  members of this democracy.  And on top of that, I would wager to say that the majority of the reasons one wouldn't turn out on election day comes down to a whole load of excuses that ultimately boil down to apathy and sheer laziness. (Hey-- I said I would do my best to refrain...) So vote! Why in the world wouldn't you want your voice to be heard?

Anyway, no matter what happens today, I'm beginning it and ending it with these verses:

But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations. Psalm 33:11

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by the testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. Plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11

PS- I am going to be very stressed all day... and nomatter who wins, there will probably be tears... my ballot has been mailed and this whole shebang is out of my hands... but... I am going to wear red underwear for a little extra good luck.