Okay, I try to steer clear of "touchy" subjects, but I've seen this video a few times via Facebook and I got all teary-eyed watching it.
Why should I care? I honestly don't understand why after centuries of knowledge humans have acquired we are still treating people this way, letting them believe they are less than and it is appalling.
When will we learn, when will we truly be able to accept someone simply for who they are? And like most nights, I watched it, shared it, and went to bed.
Yet, as I was laying there, I couldn't shake the video and was reminded of my family members who are gay, and their struggles with "coming out." And then I thought of how my grandfather was treated as a child because of his skin and being told not to speak Te Reo Maori and how those influences transpired to his own children and their feelings, how they were treated.
One of my "aha" moments comes from when I was a child, visiting my great nanny and earlier we went shopping for dolls and I picked the brown doll because it reminded me of my great nanny and I thought the doll was beautiful, when I showed the doll to her and said it reminded me of her. She hugged me and said, "you don't want this doll with dark skin, your skin is lovely and don't let the sun darken you...always wear a sunhat." I didn't understand what she meant, but I realized that there was something different between the white doll and the brown doll, it was only until later that I realized she herself was brought up to be ashamed of her skin.
Discrimination is discrimination no matter how politicians, society, government, or religious groups try to sugar coat it....and to say it is not is baffling. I simply don't get it, I don't understand how anyone can see that it is not or how they justify it. And what is even more frustrating is that these people are most likely passing their views on to their children. I have friends of all nationalities, backgrounds, and religious affiliations, I don't pass judgement on their views, but I don't understand how some can use the argument that God didn't intend for gay people, only straight people (I mean really, you know this because you were there at creation, just like dinosaurs didn't exist either) and it's because the Bible told me so, well the Bible was transcribe by man to control the masses, and history shows that there are many versions, so who is to say what was really intended....
I get angry when I see signs like "God hates Fags" that mostly come from the Westboro Church people....I mean I'm not the most religious person, but I definitely believe in a higher spirit and I was told to "do unto others as you would have done to you." So, I find all of this hate mongering unbelievable, I mean seriously, do you want to be treated that way....I'm guessing not, so get a clue and take a lesson on karma.
And the biggest of all reasons I support gay rights, is simply for my children - I am no fortune teller, so I can't exactly predict my children's future partner, but I want them to see and hear from me that it is not okay to discriminate or treat people unfairly. And they will only learn this by seeing and watching their surroundings.
No person should be made to feel inferior, it makes my heart break when I hear on the news of some young teenager who took his/her life because they were "gay," I instantly think...what if that were my child and I think, did that child have the support of his/her parents, would it have made a difference? So, yes I'm trying to raise my little ones with love and respect, so years from now if God intends that either of my children were to "come out" they know it wouldn't affect how I love them or treat them. I think of the many people who struggle with the decision to "come out" or not and I honestly can't imagine how he/she must feel, especially when the world basically says, "It's not okay."
It is okay and I say that with as much conviction as those who say, "no, it's wrong," they are the ones who don't see life's bigger picture. It is not about how much you love God, pass judgements on others, and condemn everyone else who doesn't believe or follow your rules, because the beauty of God is that he gave us free will - so at the end of the day, it is our decisions that we have to justify, not using "God" as a tool to base their decisions. We are all human that deserve to be treated with kindness, respect, and the dignity that we all deserve. Ask yourself, "Are my hands clean" the next time you judge someone.
"Imagine all the people living life in peace. You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one. I hope someday you'll join us, and the world will be as one." - John Lennon
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Yummy Soups....
I recently made two different soups, both of which were super easy to make and most importantly delicious! I'll share the recipes here, I didn't take any photos, but these were good and have now made it into my collection of recipes.
Italian Gnocchi Soup
1 lb Italian Sausage (I used ground graziano italian sausage)
2 cup water
1 16 oz gnocchi
1 14 oz beef broth
1 can of cannellini beans
1 14 oz italian style stewed tomatoes
1/2 cup parmesan cheese
In a large pot, brown italian sausage (I like to add some white wine when cooking italian sausage and I also used a variety of spices, such as oregano, basil, garlic, rosemary). Once sausage is done, add 2 cup water, broth, gnocchi, tomatoes, cannellini, and bring to a boil.
Reduce the heat till gnocchi floats - pour into bowls and sprinkle cheese on top. Serve immediately. I typically serve this with focaccia bread, you'll be surprised at how great this soup is.
African Chicken Peanut Stew
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 large skinless, boneless chicken breast halves*
*(I cooked a whole chicken the night before and used the shredded chicken from the chicken for the soup, which I also used the chicken stock from boiling the chicken instead of browning it in a skillet)
1 onion, chopped
2 red bell peppers, sliced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
2 sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into bite-size pieces
3 cups sliced carrots
4 cups chicken broth, or more as needed
1/2 teaspoon curry powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 cup brown rice
1 cup crunchy peanut butter
Either brown the chicken in a skillet or you can do what I did, which was cook a whole chicken the night before and used the shredded chicken from the chicken for the soup, transfer the chicken into the slow cooker. Add the onions, peppers, and garlic.
Stir the crushed tomatoes, sweet potatoes, carrots, chicken broth (I saved the chicken stock from the night before), curry powder, cumin, chili powder, cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, cinnamon, and black pepper into the slow cooker.
Set the cooker to High, and cook for 5 to 6 hours, or cook on Low for 10 hours. Stir in additional chicken broth throughout the cooking time if needed.
Mix in the brown rice 3 hours before serving, and mix in the peanut butter at least 1 hour before serving. Shred chicken meat (if you haven't shredded it) and serve hot. I also like to make some additional rice that I don't put in the crockpot to serve with.
The aroma of this dish is wonderful and all the medley of spices and peanut putter go together well.
"Nothing would be more tiresome than eating and drinking if God had not made them a pleasure as well as a necessity." ~Voltaire
Italian Gnocchi Soup
1 lb Italian Sausage (I used ground graziano italian sausage)
2 cup water
1 16 oz gnocchi
1 14 oz beef broth
1 can of cannellini beans
1 14 oz italian style stewed tomatoes
1/2 cup parmesan cheese
In a large pot, brown italian sausage (I like to add some white wine when cooking italian sausage and I also used a variety of spices, such as oregano, basil, garlic, rosemary). Once sausage is done, add 2 cup water, broth, gnocchi, tomatoes, cannellini, and bring to a boil.
Reduce the heat till gnocchi floats - pour into bowls and sprinkle cheese on top. Serve immediately. I typically serve this with focaccia bread, you'll be surprised at how great this soup is.
African Chicken Peanut Stew
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 large skinless, boneless chicken breast halves*
*(I cooked a whole chicken the night before and used the shredded chicken from the chicken for the soup, which I also used the chicken stock from boiling the chicken instead of browning it in a skillet)
1 onion, chopped
2 red bell peppers, sliced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
2 sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into bite-size pieces
3 cups sliced carrots
4 cups chicken broth, or more as needed
1/2 teaspoon curry powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 cup brown rice
1 cup crunchy peanut butter
Either brown the chicken in a skillet or you can do what I did, which was cook a whole chicken the night before and used the shredded chicken from the chicken for the soup, transfer the chicken into the slow cooker. Add the onions, peppers, and garlic.
Stir the crushed tomatoes, sweet potatoes, carrots, chicken broth (I saved the chicken stock from the night before), curry powder, cumin, chili powder, cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, cinnamon, and black pepper into the slow cooker.
Set the cooker to High, and cook for 5 to 6 hours, or cook on Low for 10 hours. Stir in additional chicken broth throughout the cooking time if needed.
Mix in the brown rice 3 hours before serving, and mix in the peanut butter at least 1 hour before serving. Shred chicken meat (if you haven't shredded it) and serve hot. I also like to make some additional rice that I don't put in the crockpot to serve with.
The aroma of this dish is wonderful and all the medley of spices and peanut putter go together well.
"Nothing would be more tiresome than eating and drinking if God had not made them a pleasure as well as a necessity." ~Voltaire
Friday, December 30, 2011
Final Days of 2011 Winding Down....
Well it has been one hell of a year, I'm sad to say good-bye, but always looking forward to new beginnings, which 2012 brings and I know that it will only get better.
Of course the end of the year it is always a good time to reflect and I have to say overall 2011 was a GREAT year in all aspects of my life. I've been trying to refocus my energy with a more positive attitude and started visualizing what I wanted in life, so when I looked back at my post from last year, I was quite surprised.
Here is the link to last year's post, if you are so inclined to read it. After reading it, it really didn't dawn on me all the progress I made on a emotional level. Of course, there are still days that are harder than others, but I don't let it get to me like before. I create my happiness and how I react to situations, no one else is responsible for that and that realization has greatly changed my life.
I have big plans for 2012 and have no doubt that I will reach those goals, it may not happen in one year, but it will happen. There is the saying, that everyday is an opportunity and as simple as that saying is, the reality is huge once you realize that all that is holding you back is yourself.
I refuse to carry any one's baggage and as far as mending any relationships with certain people in my life, I've opened the doors, but I can't force anyone to walk in. I can't change anyone or their views, I can only change how I interact with them.
So, here is to 2012....I look forward to new beginnings and a few challenges tossed in, just to keep things interesting of course. May your new year be blessed!
"Today is going to be most difficult and challenging. Today I will face my fears and stand up for what I believe is right. Today my noble and selfless acts will be accused of cruel and greedy intentions. No matter what the outcome, I will be stronger, my family will be closer, and I will finally have the closure that I have been seeking for so many years." - Unknown
Of course the end of the year it is always a good time to reflect and I have to say overall 2011 was a GREAT year in all aspects of my life. I've been trying to refocus my energy with a more positive attitude and started visualizing what I wanted in life, so when I looked back at my post from last year, I was quite surprised.
Here is the link to last year's post, if you are so inclined to read it. After reading it, it really didn't dawn on me all the progress I made on a emotional level. Of course, there are still days that are harder than others, but I don't let it get to me like before. I create my happiness and how I react to situations, no one else is responsible for that and that realization has greatly changed my life.
I have big plans for 2012 and have no doubt that I will reach those goals, it may not happen in one year, but it will happen. There is the saying, that everyday is an opportunity and as simple as that saying is, the reality is huge once you realize that all that is holding you back is yourself.
I refuse to carry any one's baggage and as far as mending any relationships with certain people in my life, I've opened the doors, but I can't force anyone to walk in. I can't change anyone or their views, I can only change how I interact with them.
So, here is to 2012....I look forward to new beginnings and a few challenges tossed in, just to keep things interesting of course. May your new year be blessed!
"Today is going to be most difficult and challenging. Today I will face my fears and stand up for what I believe is right. Today my noble and selfless acts will be accused of cruel and greedy intentions. No matter what the outcome, I will be stronger, my family will be closer, and I will finally have the closure that I have been seeking for so many years." - Unknown
Friday, December 23, 2011
On the Eve of the Eve.....
I've been sending thoughts and prayers to family in Christchurch, they were hit with four earthquakes yesterday, most of the repairs that the city and residents have been making since the February one are now gone. My heart breaks for the city and I wonder what the future holds for this beloved city. Kia Kaha Christchurch!
So, on the eve of the eve, shopping is complete, presents are wrapped and tucked under the tree, oh what a relief. And I have to admit that I've never felt more at ease than presently, I've not let a thing bother me. I typically get all anxious and worked-up during the holidays, but I'm actually enjoying everything around me, it is a nice change. Part of me thinks it is because the weather has been so mild lately and typically I get a nice helping of seasonal depression, but the weather has been great.
I've also realized that I am only responsible for my feelings, no one else is and I can choose to hold on to hurts and grudges or let it go. And granted I'm still working on all of this, but I realize that life is too short and I need to focus on the people that are around us versus those who choose not to be a part of our lives while at the same time not being a doormat. I'm not going to apologize for the sake of apologizing. Negative attracts negative and positive attracts positive, therefore I am living in the positive.
On another note I am however, beginning to lose my voice, some days are worse than others, but I'm hoping it won't last long. Although, I'm sure my kids would probably enjoy me not talking or telling them to pick up, pick up, tidy your room. Though I was getting some weird looks as the store clerk was ringing up my groceries, made me conscience enough to say, "I'm losing my voice" as I wanted to say, go suck it pixie head.
I've also been trying to swear less in front of the kiddies, I have a horrible potty mouth sometimes and lately the kids will point it out when I say a bad word, so I've been trying my best.
I didn't tell them I was thinking of substitute words and we were heading to school and the parking lot of the school drives me up the wall, so I blurted out you silly turtle ducker and the kids looked at each other and then roared with laughter. I decided these substitutes were much better.
"And the Grinch, with his Grinch-feet ice cold in the snow, stood puzzling and puzzling, how could it be so? It came without ribbons. It came without tags. It came without packages, boxes or bags. And he puzzled and puzzled 'till his puzzler was sore. Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before. What if Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store. What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more.” - Dr. Seuss
So, on the eve of the eve, shopping is complete, presents are wrapped and tucked under the tree, oh what a relief. And I have to admit that I've never felt more at ease than presently, I've not let a thing bother me. I typically get all anxious and worked-up during the holidays, but I'm actually enjoying everything around me, it is a nice change. Part of me thinks it is because the weather has been so mild lately and typically I get a nice helping of seasonal depression, but the weather has been great.
I've also realized that I am only responsible for my feelings, no one else is and I can choose to hold on to hurts and grudges or let it go. And granted I'm still working on all of this, but I realize that life is too short and I need to focus on the people that are around us versus those who choose not to be a part of our lives while at the same time not being a doormat. I'm not going to apologize for the sake of apologizing. Negative attracts negative and positive attracts positive, therefore I am living in the positive.
On another note I am however, beginning to lose my voice, some days are worse than others, but I'm hoping it won't last long. Although, I'm sure my kids would probably enjoy me not talking or telling them to pick up, pick up, tidy your room. Though I was getting some weird looks as the store clerk was ringing up my groceries, made me conscience enough to say, "I'm losing my voice" as I wanted to say, go suck it pixie head.
I've also been trying to swear less in front of the kiddies, I have a horrible potty mouth sometimes and lately the kids will point it out when I say a bad word, so I've been trying my best.
I didn't tell them I was thinking of substitute words and we were heading to school and the parking lot of the school drives me up the wall, so I blurted out you silly turtle ducker and the kids looked at each other and then roared with laughter. I decided these substitutes were much better.
"And the Grinch, with his Grinch-feet ice cold in the snow, stood puzzling and puzzling, how could it be so? It came without ribbons. It came without tags. It came without packages, boxes or bags. And he puzzled and puzzled 'till his puzzler was sore. Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before. What if Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store. What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more.” - Dr. Seuss
Little Hands....
So the kids have made all their crafts for the holidays and presents they are giving out. We've made gingerbread ornaments and a "little hand" craft, which I recently saw on Pinterest and also on a friends Facebook page.
We added some different elements, but overall I'm happy with how they came out and the kids had fund tracing each others hand and cutting it out.
"Facing a mirror you see merely your own countenance; facing your child you finally understand how everyone else has seen you." - Daniel Raeburn
We added some different elements, but overall I'm happy with how they came out and the kids had fund tracing each others hand and cutting it out.
"Facing a mirror you see merely your own countenance; facing your child you finally understand how everyone else has seen you." - Daniel Raeburn
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Christmas Countdown
Yes, it is upon us...Christmas time...the kids have their last day of school before winter break tomorrow. Tonight, we took part in my little man's first piano recital. He started lessons in October and he played "O Christmas Tree," he did good for his first performance.
It was funny because prior to going, he asked if he could get a "sports coat" like daddy. So, we looked for a jacket and thankfully found one that was even on clearance. His eyes lit up and he had the biggest grin on his face!
His recital was short and it was great to see all the kids at varying degrees of piano talent and I was so proud to see him up there doing his best.
We also won the holiday "lighting" contest in our neighborhood, which was an unexpected, but nice surprise.
I'm looking forward to Christmas, this year I tried to focus on something the kids are interested in and get things that help foster that interest, so I think I am just as excited for Christmas as the kids are. In the past, the holiday times tend to come with some drama, but I'm happy to report that this year we have had none.
I've had many breakthroughs this year and taking control of my emotions and what bothers me or what doesn't helps. Deciding what I want and focusing on what I'm grateful for has definitely moved things in a more positive direction. I've stopped focusing on what is lacking and instead creating what I want and I'm refusing to let negative thoughts and energy come into my life.
“Finish every day and be done with it. You have done what you could; some blunders and absurdities no doubt crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day; you shall begin it serenely and with too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense.”
It was funny because prior to going, he asked if he could get a "sports coat" like daddy. So, we looked for a jacket and thankfully found one that was even on clearance. His eyes lit up and he had the biggest grin on his face!
His recital was short and it was great to see all the kids at varying degrees of piano talent and I was so proud to see him up there doing his best.
We also won the holiday "lighting" contest in our neighborhood, which was an unexpected, but nice surprise.I'm looking forward to Christmas, this year I tried to focus on something the kids are interested in and get things that help foster that interest, so I think I am just as excited for Christmas as the kids are. In the past, the holiday times tend to come with some drama, but I'm happy to report that this year we have had none.
I've had many breakthroughs this year and taking control of my emotions and what bothers me or what doesn't helps. Deciding what I want and focusing on what I'm grateful for has definitely moved things in a more positive direction. I've stopped focusing on what is lacking and instead creating what I want and I'm refusing to let negative thoughts and energy come into my life.
“Finish every day and be done with it. You have done what you could; some blunders and absurdities no doubt crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day; you shall begin it serenely and with too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense.”
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
A house full of cookies....
So, we are in the midst of December and of course baking has taken over in our house. Over the weekend, I hosted a Ugly Sweater Cookie Swap, which I think was fun. We had a ton of cookies and I asked the guests to bring at least 5 dozen cookies and then they got to take home several dozen cookies from the various cookies that were available. It was a good time.
This weekend we are also making swirl-a-ball ornaments to give away. You take clear ornament balls, get some tempera paint mix with some water and then use eye droppers to put into the ornament and swirl the paint inside the ornaments, which makes neat swirly designs.
On on completely different topic, I'm watching "Waiting on Superman," and it is hard to watch without really getting upset to think where we are with the education of our children. We are quickly slipping behind and we are allowing it to happen. Every child deserves the best education and we tell our children to believe and that they can accomplish anything as long as they get an education, but then we can't even give them an education that they deserve. What is it going to take to really change the system, because it is clear that our focus isn't on the children, the system is broken.
I'm thankful that my children are where they are.....and I fully am aware of that. Education should not be to recall a list of facts, words or any other useless information, it should be stimulating and engaging so that it moves to our long-term memory rather than short term.
This weekend we are also making swirl-a-ball ornaments to give away. You take clear ornament balls, get some tempera paint mix with some water and then use eye droppers to put into the ornament and swirl the paint inside the ornaments, which makes neat swirly designs.
On on completely different topic, I'm watching "Waiting on Superman," and it is hard to watch without really getting upset to think where we are with the education of our children. We are quickly slipping behind and we are allowing it to happen. Every child deserves the best education and we tell our children to believe and that they can accomplish anything as long as they get an education, but then we can't even give them an education that they deserve. What is it going to take to really change the system, because it is clear that our focus isn't on the children, the system is broken.
I'm thankful that my children are where they are.....and I fully am aware of that. Education should not be to recall a list of facts, words or any other useless information, it should be stimulating and engaging so that it moves to our long-term memory rather than short term.
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