Now that the election is over, let's talk politics

I am a moderate. I find it hard to align myself with a political party. I am usually disgusted to the point that I am hopeless that politicians will do anything that is not in their best interest and the needs of our country are rarely addressed.

I also agree with aspects of both the Republican and Democratic Platforms. This is another reason I cannot favor either one.

Regarding health care reform I guess I identify more with Obama's plan. Just like good roads to drive on, disaster relief, and national security, I believe healthcare DOES fall into the category of things the government provides it's citizens. I like the stipulations put on my health insurance company last year. I like that I no longer have to pay for my annual exam, and I am happy contraceptives are covered. I am comforted by that "preexisting conditions" will not hinder my children (namely the one with a rare medical irregularity in his cervical vertebrae) and they will still be able to get insurance, regardless of conditions we are unable to control. I am glad there is no cap to what my insurance will pay if we encounter a life threatening disease and would not have the means for treatment. I have traveled to countries where the government does not provide for nor protect their poorest citizens and it is heartbreaking.

However, after reading this post Dear Senator, Congressman, and/or Mr President I see reason for more change and equity among women within the women's reproductive rights issue. If dollars are the issue, I'd be willing to revoke my 100% coverage for annual exam and contraceptives knowing it would help another women struggling on the other side of reproductive issues. In my view, if government is going to help one side, they should also help the other - or just get out of the reproductive business. What do you think about my friend's post?  

Lent

I usually do something for lent. I was raised Catholic and that's the part that stuck I guess. (And my love for Palm Sunday. I miss those long slender palms handed out at the doorway that one Sunday of the year. I miss shaping them into a cross, or inventing other shapes I could create.)

ANYWAY...

This year I struggled to decide what to "do" for lent. Since I am no longer a practicing Catholic, I decided I can just make up my own rules for the 40 days. But this year I just couldn't nail down my goal until today. Yes, I know I'm late, but as aforementioned, it isn't part of my religion anymore anyway. I figure it's a bonus now.

CARPE DIEM will be my theme for lent 2012. Each day I will find someway to grab hold and do something I love.

YESTERDAY: My blog helped me define my goal for today.
TODAY: I watched my K/1 Spanish class listen to books and plays written by my 2nd/3rd grade class. They have worked for MONTHS on this performance and it was an hour of bliss. I loved it!

getting more out of life...

As I chatted with a friend at work today we were having a Carpe Diem kind of discussion.
I found a silver lining in the downturn of the economy -
When I was in my 20s I thought life was great and would only get better in my 30s and so on.
In some ways it has, in many it has not. In fact, I would say I am less optimistic now than I was a decade ago. However, because I no longer believe there is any security that the future brings something better than today, it helps me to make the most of things now. Life might only get harder, so I'll make the most of things now.

CARPE DIEM items:
1. Working for something I care about = Teaching Spanish & Global Studies at Foothills School
2. Helping & Creating = www.originallynew.com
3. Watching my flowers bud in the yard. Spring is coming!
4. Making sure my family knows I love them.
5. Finding ways to help in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints

What do you do to seize the day?

Originally New - 1st donation

We returned to my old mission area of San Antonio, Chile and gave Originally New shirts to 120 people! www.originallynew.com

Help us help more. Buy a t-shirt please. Thanks!

Give. Help. Share. Launching Originally New

The WilliamsFam5 have come up with a new plan to help out internationally, and be fashionable at the same time!

Don't you love wearing new clothes? It feels so empowering and refreshing to pull a new shirt over your head. We believe all people feel that way, regardless of where they are from. That's why we started "originally new", aka "on."

Some people in underdeveloped countries never get that opportunity to have their own new clothes. Sure, they're dressed, but everything they wear is hand me down, donated, and discarded. For each tee you purchase, "on." will put a fresh new tee on the back of someone in need on your behalf. 

Our first tee shirt give away is to a small village in San Antonio, Chile on February 5, 2012. We are paying it forward now, with a goal of selling 100 shirts. Buy yourself and an amigo tees for $22 for the two, and be a part of our pioneer phase.

The more we sell, the more we'll give. Follow our blog for pictures, and upcoming news about our second give away in Costa Rica, May 2012. Buy shirts and spread the word now so we can give away more in May!

www.originallynew.com

 

Pinterest

I told myself that as a reward for passing my "big teacher test" I could get a pinterest account. It's nice to have time to collect things I like online. I posted a lot of my personal photos of trips I've taken tonight, so if you are interested - check out my pinterest boards. https://pinterest.com/

Happy pinning.

2012: already exciting

Lucas' tooth finally decided to come out.

Ian cracked his forehead on the kitchen chair. Glued, not stitched. (Thank you Dr. Heiner)

Elliott & Katie's baby girl was born! 1/9/12, 7 lbs 10 oz. 

No name yet, so I just call her my sweet baby.

I think Elliott is a pretty great dad already.

Fast forward review of the past 6 months

Amazon Region, Ecuador 

August 2011: 

I was in Ecuador. Ian's 9th birthday. Brooklyn's 11th birthday. Aaron is super-dad. I came home, and went back to work 10 hours later.

September:

School. Working at school.  Field trips with school. I studied for a big teaching certification test.

Ian at the Idaho Bird Observatory releasing a songbird.

  

Cub Scouts is back in session! 

Soccer Season! 4 Practices Weekly and Saturday Games!

October: 

Youth Ambassadors for Ecuador visit Boise for 3 weeks, and I'm in charge.

Aaron invests in a Go Pro Camera that everyone in the family enjoys

Corn Mazes 

Halloween: Lucas = White Ninja, Brooklyn = Christmas Mantle, Ian = Ninja Bandit

November: 

We had a baby shower for Katie & Elliott

Lucas got his tonsils out.

 

 I studied for my test. I had a birthday. Aaron had a birthday. The USA had Thanksgiving.

Lucas' baby teeth forgot to get loose and fall out. But the big ones are in.

December: 

I PASSED my test! 

(HOORAY! Now I can teach any subject K-8th grade. AND now I can have a life again!) 

Brooklyn continues to rock! 

We took a family vacation to Midway, Utah.

Christmas lights at the Salt Lake Temple 

I went to Madrid, Spain for a Professional Development Training for a few days. 

 

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Once upon a time...

I had a blog.
I had good intentions.
I had a lot to say; too much.
I didn't know where to start.
I was too far behind.

I am back.