Hello Bloggers,
So I write to you today coming from a different place - physically and mentally. Physically because I am at home on "christmas" break or winter break, whichever you choose. Mentally because I went to bed happy last night for the first time in a while. I have been so stressed in the past few months that I forgot what it was like to sleep happy - and damn if it did not feel amazing. But I am not writing to you all to tell you about my sleep patterns (that is for a whole new blog in general) but to speak of a time that many of you hold dear to your heart - christmas.
I won't beat around the bush, I am agnostic and find christmas rather stupid, but I feel that thanksgiving is too, oh and easter. I don't find them stupid because of the religiousness of the holidays (even though that is a part of it) but also because of how consumerish these specific days makes us. christmas was supposed to be a day to celebrate jc's birth - but hell, you can't even sell something in a public place with jesus on it (exaggerationnnn). christmas is now about the gifts, getting the "right" presents, who has the best christmas lights, who has the prettiest tree - not celebrating the birth of christ (who wasn't even born on christmas). I tried to sway my mom into not having christmas this year (to no avail). It is a known fact in my house that I am agnostic and christmas *and other religious holidays* do nothing for me. I would have been happy not having presents, but just getting together as a family, because that is all it is about right.
So I write this blog to encourage you, as readers, to think. I want you to think about whether you celebrate these holidays for their actual meaning and getting together with family or if you do it as a social thing. If the only reason you celebrate christmas is to get presents, rethink your life. And if you are only thankful for what your life is, and what you have been given at thanksgiving or christmas, then you also need to rethink your life. It is important to remember life can be taken from you at any second, and you will not be able to take your wii or your lexus with you. Instead, leave this earth giving your own gift - letting your family know you love them - and not just on christmas or thanksgiving. Ahhh, okay, I will leave you with that. I hope you all have a great day, and don't forget to ponder!
Much love, Kaylaaaaa :)
About Me
- Kayla E.
- Pilot Mtn, North Carolina, United States
- I am a quintessential Millennial. I am a graduate of High Point University with a B.A. in Political Science. I work at a Research Firm in Winston Salem. I am the proud mother of an almost 10 year little lady (somehow; when did she get so big!!). I love to read and learn. I spend a lot of my free time outside, hiking and exploring state parks. I am a feminist. I am very passionate about social and political issues.
12/19/11
12/8/11
oh, just abortion.
Hello bloggers,
I am sitting here trying to be productive - studying for finals and what not - but instead I am thinking about Rick Perry. I just watched a campaign ad for Rick Perry that consists of him denouncing gay rights, and encouraging the church and state to no longer be separate. The campaign ad was so shocking, I thought it was a joke, but instead it is the opening video on his campaign website: www.RickPerry.org. I am shocked and surprised that this man has any supporters, but damn if he did not just get endorsed by the president of the New Hampshire Right to Life thing. This is crazy. Every day I feel that women's rights are being flushed down the toilet, and we just sit back and watch it be destroyed. Sorry about that tangent.. but what I am curious about is why do Congressmen and Congresswomen, the President, and the Courts feel that they have ANY right to tell women that they can or cannot have an abortion. What right does anyone have to tell someone what they can do with their own body. I do not think that whether a person decides to have an abortion is any business of the state. Listen, I get it, it isn't Christian (to you Rick Perry) but damnit, not all of us are! And what is "Christian" about judging someone for having an abortion or what is "Christian" about telling someone what to do? If people would just start thinking about things in less of the idea of the abortion and more in the idea of choice, I feel more people would have a more positive feeling about what I am discussing. Have you ever noticed that people "for" abortion are known as Pro-Choice and those "against" abortion are Pro-Life. Why isn't it those "against" abortion be known as Anti-Choice.. or those "for" abortion be Pro-Kill the embryo. Because the argument was created to benefit both sides. The argument about abortion should NOT even exist. It should be a decision made between the doctor and the patient, and it shouldn't be about taking a life (if you consider the embryo before it is born). It should be focused on practicality, on the issue of health, and what is best for the person. Also, the argument around abortion is interesting because both sides are arguing something COMPLETELY different: one side is about choice and the other is about not taking a life.
Okay, so my thing is. Why do people feel it is an issue of the state to even consider or argue abortion. I feel like it should be the person's decision whether or not to have one. It should be a decision between her and her doctor (and her husband/boyfriend). One that is based on facts, not opinions or religious rhetoric. In all honesty though, I feel that everyone should be given a choice to decide whether an abortion is the right decision. And if abortion is illegal, a woman wouldn't even have the ability to choose - her decision would be made for her. Now if that isn't taking a step back in the wrong direction, I don't know what is.
To me, it doesn't matter if you currently consider yourself pro-choice (pro-kill the embryo) or pro-life (anti-choice), but I feel that no one has the right to tell you what to do with the embryo inside of you. Accordingly, whether you would choose to have one is irrelevant as well, because people make their own decision. So why not make abortion legal, a decision to be made between the patient and the doctor. If you wouldn't have one, fine don't but that doesn't mean you should take it from everyone else.
Have a good day :)
I am sitting here trying to be productive - studying for finals and what not - but instead I am thinking about Rick Perry. I just watched a campaign ad for Rick Perry that consists of him denouncing gay rights, and encouraging the church and state to no longer be separate. The campaign ad was so shocking, I thought it was a joke, but instead it is the opening video on his campaign website: www.RickPerry.org. I am shocked and surprised that this man has any supporters, but damn if he did not just get endorsed by the president of the New Hampshire Right to Life thing. This is crazy. Every day I feel that women's rights are being flushed down the toilet, and we just sit back and watch it be destroyed. Sorry about that tangent.. but what I am curious about is why do Congressmen and Congresswomen, the President, and the Courts feel that they have ANY right to tell women that they can or cannot have an abortion. What right does anyone have to tell someone what they can do with their own body. I do not think that whether a person decides to have an abortion is any business of the state. Listen, I get it, it isn't Christian (to you Rick Perry) but damnit, not all of us are! And what is "Christian" about judging someone for having an abortion or what is "Christian" about telling someone what to do? If people would just start thinking about things in less of the idea of the abortion and more in the idea of choice, I feel more people would have a more positive feeling about what I am discussing. Have you ever noticed that people "for" abortion are known as Pro-Choice and those "against" abortion are Pro-Life. Why isn't it those "against" abortion be known as Anti-Choice.. or those "for" abortion be Pro-Kill the embryo. Because the argument was created to benefit both sides. The argument about abortion should NOT even exist. It should be a decision made between the doctor and the patient, and it shouldn't be about taking a life (if you consider the embryo before it is born). It should be focused on practicality, on the issue of health, and what is best for the person. Also, the argument around abortion is interesting because both sides are arguing something COMPLETELY different: one side is about choice and the other is about not taking a life.
Okay, so my thing is. Why do people feel it is an issue of the state to even consider or argue abortion. I feel like it should be the person's decision whether or not to have one. It should be a decision between her and her doctor (and her husband/boyfriend). One that is based on facts, not opinions or religious rhetoric. In all honesty though, I feel that everyone should be given a choice to decide whether an abortion is the right decision. And if abortion is illegal, a woman wouldn't even have the ability to choose - her decision would be made for her. Now if that isn't taking a step back in the wrong direction, I don't know what is.
To me, it doesn't matter if you currently consider yourself pro-choice (pro-kill the embryo) or pro-life (anti-choice), but I feel that no one has the right to tell you what to do with the embryo inside of you. Accordingly, whether you would choose to have one is irrelevant as well, because people make their own decision. So why not make abortion legal, a decision to be made between the patient and the doctor. If you wouldn't have one, fine don't but that doesn't mean you should take it from everyone else.
Have a good day :)
8/9/11
Life Flashes Before Your Eyes
Hey guys! Hope all is well with everyone. It has been a little while since I wrote on here, and there are a few things that have happened since the third - that I would like to speak about.
This will probably be a wee bit depressing when compared to my other blogs but unfortunately it has been on my mind the past few days/week. Recently my grandma's boyfriend was put into a nursing home, which I knew was coming but is still hard to deal with. Since I was little, he has been there with my grandma and was always willing to help. It's hard to think that his health may not be able to battle his illnesses any more. I think my grandma would like to pretend it isn't hard on her, but I am sure it is. Speaking of my grandma (better known as Nanny), she is a two- time lung cancer survivor who has trouble walking, and she cut her leg pretty bad yesterday. Fortunately my mom was able to go and get her and take her to the ER, she only needed six stitches. My nanny means the world to me, and I only want her to be okay, and to live forever, and sometimes I just feel like "forever" may be dwindling down. Death is a scary thing amongst us mortals (I have been reading a lot of supernatural books) but it is definite. Death is the only sure thing in this life, and I do believe that is why it is so scary - there is nothing you can do to prevent it, there is nothing you can do that would ensure you have a longer life, it is just going to happen - and it can at any moment.
I was shown this reality at birth, being born a "blue baby" and almost dying. Fortunately, the doctors were able to preform open heart surgery and prevent my death (at that moment), but I know that it could happen at any time and to people who haven't been able to fully live their life. Both my nanny and her boyfriend have lived a long life, but some of the people who leave this earth haven't. I am sure you are wondering why I am being so reflective right now and it is because I almost witnessed this first hand a couple of days ago. My best friend in elementary and middle school was involved in a really bad wreck two days ago, her brother and his girlfriend were there too - all of them being 21 or under. Even though we have moved apart the past few years, the thought of her being seriously injured (or more than she is) or even death is a horrible feeling. Unfortunately, it could have happened - very easily. I am grateful that she is only in ICU and will be able to heal, it is still a heart-wrenching feeling.
Okay that is enough of depressing things. Pretty much I just want to say to live your life the way you want it. Make sure that you are making yourself happy. Don't live life like you are going to die tomorrow, but live it as if you would want to - with a smile on your face. :) Have a great day! :)
This will probably be a wee bit depressing when compared to my other blogs but unfortunately it has been on my mind the past few days/week. Recently my grandma's boyfriend was put into a nursing home, which I knew was coming but is still hard to deal with. Since I was little, he has been there with my grandma and was always willing to help. It's hard to think that his health may not be able to battle his illnesses any more. I think my grandma would like to pretend it isn't hard on her, but I am sure it is. Speaking of my grandma (better known as Nanny), she is a two- time lung cancer survivor who has trouble walking, and she cut her leg pretty bad yesterday. Fortunately my mom was able to go and get her and take her to the ER, she only needed six stitches. My nanny means the world to me, and I only want her to be okay, and to live forever, and sometimes I just feel like "forever" may be dwindling down. Death is a scary thing amongst us mortals (I have been reading a lot of supernatural books) but it is definite. Death is the only sure thing in this life, and I do believe that is why it is so scary - there is nothing you can do to prevent it, there is nothing you can do that would ensure you have a longer life, it is just going to happen - and it can at any moment.
I was shown this reality at birth, being born a "blue baby" and almost dying. Fortunately, the doctors were able to preform open heart surgery and prevent my death (at that moment), but I know that it could happen at any time and to people who haven't been able to fully live their life. Both my nanny and her boyfriend have lived a long life, but some of the people who leave this earth haven't. I am sure you are wondering why I am being so reflective right now and it is because I almost witnessed this first hand a couple of days ago. My best friend in elementary and middle school was involved in a really bad wreck two days ago, her brother and his girlfriend were there too - all of them being 21 or under. Even though we have moved apart the past few years, the thought of her being seriously injured (or more than she is) or even death is a horrible feeling. Unfortunately, it could have happened - very easily. I am grateful that she is only in ICU and will be able to heal, it is still a heart-wrenching feeling.
Okay that is enough of depressing things. Pretty much I just want to say to live your life the way you want it. Make sure that you are making yourself happy. Don't live life like you are going to die tomorrow, but live it as if you would want to - with a smile on your face. :) Have a great day! :)
8/3/11
Keep On Keeping On
Well guys, how are yall doing today? I have had a really good day, believe it or not! I finally got a cat, which I am stoked about. Which brings me to my discussion topic for the day, ANIMALS.
I had a long discussion today with my mom about animals and their role in the world/ecosystem. She argued that they are second to humans, and that humans should ultimately come first. And in theory I think I would have to agree, but when it comes down to it I just don't know if I can. Because animals have just as much of a role in our ecosystem and our atmosphere as humans do. But either way, animals have always been a huge part of my life - all kinds of animals. My pets have been like family members to me, and they are extremely special! I am just so excited about my new little kitty, he is just SOOOO cute! :)
But I don't have much to blog about, so I will let you all go!! Have a great rest of the night! :)
I had a long discussion today with my mom about animals and their role in the world/ecosystem. She argued that they are second to humans, and that humans should ultimately come first. And in theory I think I would have to agree, but when it comes down to it I just don't know if I can. Because animals have just as much of a role in our ecosystem and our atmosphere as humans do. But either way, animals have always been a huge part of my life - all kinds of animals. My pets have been like family members to me, and they are extremely special! I am just so excited about my new little kitty, he is just SOOOO cute! :)
But I don't have much to blog about, so I will let you all go!! Have a great rest of the night! :)
8/1/11
When Life Hands You Lemons....
Everyone has heard that more than annoying saying: When life hands you lemons, make lemonade. Unfortunately, the saying may have some truth behind it. I prefer a different saying with a similar message: Life has its ups and downs, but it takes the sad days to realize the happy, better ones. Either way, whichever saying you prefer, the ultimate message is the same: take the negative and make it positive; use what you have been given. But right now, that is the last thing I want to even think about - making things happier or better. FORGET IT! I thought today was going to be a good day, it's August after all, and August is usually such a happy month. Boy was I wrong.
I love getting texts early in the day saying how bad of a person I am, and that I, pretty much, can't do anything right. Those are my personal favorite! Or finally getting my ring back from my ex-boyfriend, only to realize the mail lost it. The fact that I have been asking it back for almost a month now only makes that experience TEN TIMES BETTER. Oh, but I am sure that someone optimistic and who lives for the chance to use the damn lemonade saying would day, at least you have your health or something along those lines. Well personally, I want my ring back, and I would love for someone to realize that when you make mistakes you can't take them back, but all you can do is apologize and move on.
Mistakes are something in life that everyone makes, and yet no one wants to realize it is human nature. Mistakes cannot be undone or made better, they happened - it's over. Mistakes should become part of the past, and an experience to learn from - not harp on. However, people don't look at it like that, I am coming to find out. Mistakes will be thrown in your face when you least expect it, may even be by someone you least expect it. But realize, at some point in your life, every mistake you made will be brought to your attention - more than likely once you have already tried to forget it. Just a key piece of knowledge I have learned, don't regret any actions (whether they be mistakes or not) because you did learn something, or got something out of the experience. And if you didn't, you still shouldn't regret it, because you thought it was the right thing to do at the time - everyone's hindsight is 20/20.
Ughh, okay so I am done venting/ranting for the day! Sorry guys for throwing all of this out there; I am just having a bad day! Hope everyone else is enjoying the day!
I love getting texts early in the day saying how bad of a person I am, and that I, pretty much, can't do anything right. Those are my personal favorite! Or finally getting my ring back from my ex-boyfriend, only to realize the mail lost it. The fact that I have been asking it back for almost a month now only makes that experience TEN TIMES BETTER. Oh, but I am sure that someone optimistic and who lives for the chance to use the damn lemonade saying would day, at least you have your health or something along those lines. Well personally, I want my ring back, and I would love for someone to realize that when you make mistakes you can't take them back, but all you can do is apologize and move on.
Mistakes are something in life that everyone makes, and yet no one wants to realize it is human nature. Mistakes cannot be undone or made better, they happened - it's over. Mistakes should become part of the past, and an experience to learn from - not harp on. However, people don't look at it like that, I am coming to find out. Mistakes will be thrown in your face when you least expect it, may even be by someone you least expect it. But realize, at some point in your life, every mistake you made will be brought to your attention - more than likely once you have already tried to forget it. Just a key piece of knowledge I have learned, don't regret any actions (whether they be mistakes or not) because you did learn something, or got something out of the experience. And if you didn't, you still shouldn't regret it, because you thought it was the right thing to do at the time - everyone's hindsight is 20/20.
Ughh, okay so I am done venting/ranting for the day! Sorry guys for throwing all of this out there; I am just having a bad day! Hope everyone else is enjoying the day!
7/29/11
My God is not Your God
Hey guys!
So yesterday sparked a discussion topic for me, focused on my religion - or lack thereof. Since I was young, I have questioned religion. I was brought up Baptist, but when I was about 8 or so I started questioning some of the ideas and beliefs that were taught in the religion. Neither of my parents would what you would say religious, and I was never made to go to church. However, both of my parents were very willing to answer any questions I had about religion, and they were very open to the idea of me being so curious about it. If my mom could have known then that I would be on the brink of becoming an Atheist, she might have decided differently when I was little. But I am very glad that she didn't, well that neither of my parents pushed religion down my throat. I was raised to have my own opinion and to make a decision about religion based on my own thoughts and feelings, not on what I was TOLD to believe. I think one of the most irritating things about having my own beliefs on religion is the backlash from society. Especially here in the South, if you are anything other than Christian, something is wrong with you. There is no accepting someone of a different religious preference where I am from. The funny thing is, I am probably more "Christian" then the whole lot of them. I live by my own moral and ethical guidelines, and I refuse to have some sort of safety net (religion) that I can just push all of my problems on.
Sorry if I am ranting. Yesterday I was talked down to and made to feel about the size of an ant just because of my religion, or lack of religion. As an agnostic, I am very welcoming of people of different religions. I think of their beliefs and different experiences as a good way to learn and become more knowledgeable of what is out there. However, people of religions typically think that people of no religion worship the devil, and are pure evil - which just isn't true. Everyone is entitled to their own beliefs, whether it be on religion or whatever, and as a person (who would not want to be TOLD what to believe) I would never force my beliefs on someone else. There is a way to inform and there is a way to criticize. Just remember next time when you are having a religious discussion with someone, you are probably going to disagree about something and that doesn't make either of you wrong, it makes you different. We should all be accepting of different people and beliefs because without these differences - we would all be the same! (BORING) So my god might not be your god, but I am still a person with feelings, beliefs, morals, and a brain - don't talk down to me - your religion does not make you superior!
Have a good day!
So yesterday sparked a discussion topic for me, focused on my religion - or lack thereof. Since I was young, I have questioned religion. I was brought up Baptist, but when I was about 8 or so I started questioning some of the ideas and beliefs that were taught in the religion. Neither of my parents would what you would say religious, and I was never made to go to church. However, both of my parents were very willing to answer any questions I had about religion, and they were very open to the idea of me being so curious about it. If my mom could have known then that I would be on the brink of becoming an Atheist, she might have decided differently when I was little. But I am very glad that she didn't, well that neither of my parents pushed religion down my throat. I was raised to have my own opinion and to make a decision about religion based on my own thoughts and feelings, not on what I was TOLD to believe. I think one of the most irritating things about having my own beliefs on religion is the backlash from society. Especially here in the South, if you are anything other than Christian, something is wrong with you. There is no accepting someone of a different religious preference where I am from. The funny thing is, I am probably more "Christian" then the whole lot of them. I live by my own moral and ethical guidelines, and I refuse to have some sort of safety net (religion) that I can just push all of my problems on.
Sorry if I am ranting. Yesterday I was talked down to and made to feel about the size of an ant just because of my religion, or lack of religion. As an agnostic, I am very welcoming of people of different religions. I think of their beliefs and different experiences as a good way to learn and become more knowledgeable of what is out there. However, people of religions typically think that people of no religion worship the devil, and are pure evil - which just isn't true. Everyone is entitled to their own beliefs, whether it be on religion or whatever, and as a person (who would not want to be TOLD what to believe) I would never force my beliefs on someone else. There is a way to inform and there is a way to criticize. Just remember next time when you are having a religious discussion with someone, you are probably going to disagree about something and that doesn't make either of you wrong, it makes you different. We should all be accepting of different people and beliefs because without these differences - we would all be the same! (BORING) So my god might not be your god, but I am still a person with feelings, beliefs, morals, and a brain - don't talk down to me - your religion does not make you superior!
Have a good day!
7/27/11
Food for Thought
Hey guys!
Have you ever wanted someone or something bad enough you do not think you could live without it? I am sort of in a predicament now where I am feeling that way. I think that to be ultimately happy with my life I need this void filled - and I know who/what I want it filled with. But the all important question is how do I make sure that happens. Life is confusing like this. You want and want and want, but when it is something you NEED it seems like you will never be able to have it. I think what makes my predicament so much harder is that what I need is here and it is so close to being mine, but yet still so far away. It is like tasting a delicious meal but not ever being able to have more than just a couple of bites. I sometimes wonder if this is how life was meant to be, one big struggle - a journey that forces you to compromise and accept second best. I surely hope not, because if it is I think I may want to just give up now (not really but you know). And this goes for other things than just love and relationships, such as a specific job or a certain house. In life it seems that we, as humans, are always striving to have more - but I am willing to having nothing else as long as I have this person. And is that wrong? Is it wrong to be so infatuated with someone that you would pretty much give up everything to be with them? I do not believe so because with this person would come ultimate happiness and that is what I only want out of life.
Sorry this blog may seem a little overloaded for 10 am, but I am just thinking a lot. This blog is just food for thought and if you have suggestions or comments, please, I am all ears! Everyone have a great day and don't forget to keep trying!
"When one door shuts another one opens, unless you are stuck in a revolving door." --me
Have you ever wanted someone or something bad enough you do not think you could live without it? I am sort of in a predicament now where I am feeling that way. I think that to be ultimately happy with my life I need this void filled - and I know who/what I want it filled with. But the all important question is how do I make sure that happens. Life is confusing like this. You want and want and want, but when it is something you NEED it seems like you will never be able to have it. I think what makes my predicament so much harder is that what I need is here and it is so close to being mine, but yet still so far away. It is like tasting a delicious meal but not ever being able to have more than just a couple of bites. I sometimes wonder if this is how life was meant to be, one big struggle - a journey that forces you to compromise and accept second best. I surely hope not, because if it is I think I may want to just give up now (not really but you know). And this goes for other things than just love and relationships, such as a specific job or a certain house. In life it seems that we, as humans, are always striving to have more - but I am willing to having nothing else as long as I have this person. And is that wrong? Is it wrong to be so infatuated with someone that you would pretty much give up everything to be with them? I do not believe so because with this person would come ultimate happiness and that is what I only want out of life.
Sorry this blog may seem a little overloaded for 10 am, but I am just thinking a lot. This blog is just food for thought and if you have suggestions or comments, please, I am all ears! Everyone have a great day and don't forget to keep trying!
"When one door shuts another one opens, unless you are stuck in a revolving door." --me
7/25/11
Bonjour!
Hey guys!
I am new blogger and I wanted to introduce myself before I begin to actually blog. My name is Kayla and I am 21; a college student at High Point University in North Carolina. I study political science, and I have a minor in economics and I will be graduating this May!! :) I have full intentions of getting some sort of job in public polling and moving to Maryland to live once I graduate. I have always been very studious but some of my real passion lay in more arts focused things, such as I love to paint, write, and design. I also LOVE to read - which is one reason why I am doing this blog.
Since about eight grade (so 7 years ago) I have pretty much only read romances, whether it be historical, fictional, western, harlequins...it didn't matter. I am a hopeless romantic and I am always searching for that right one. Which is ultimately my biggest mistake, because as the saying has it - you fall in love when you are not looking for it. (ha, what a joke!) Clearly, I feel differently because I don't think it has anything to do with looking for it or not, if it is meant to be, it will be. And there is my problem! Who is meant to be? Reading books has opened my mind up to other things than just romance (mainly so), but also things like religion and politics. I will speak of all of these things in my blog because this blog will represent my life as I search for its true meaning. I will try to write at least twice a week, but I will go ahead and admit I may not hold up to that!
I hope, if I have any readers, that you will comment when you see fit, and trust me I am always up for suggestions on problems that I have and so forth. Also, I will forewarn that I am not a structured writer and many of my blogs will be just like I am having a conversation with you - so deal! :P But I look forward to entertaining you all with my thoughts, jokes, and life stories as you search with me for a meaning of my life. I appreciate all of the support that I can get through this long, daring battle!
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