Tolerance...or a lack thereof

Hello everyone…I know it seems kinda strange for me to write any time within a month of the last post that I made, but from time to time, things happen that get me to thinking about things and, as usually happens for me, the more I think about it, the more charged up about the topic I get. This will be the result of that charge. Actually, depending on how this is received, I have at least two other posts that can follow this one.

Let me preface this by saying that I know for a fact that some people aren’t going to like what I’m about to write here. That can be for several reasons, none of which I will get into at this point, but I want to say, “I understand”. I understand if you get upset. I understand if you get frustrated. And I really understand if you don’t get the point.

I’ve gone through quite a bit of transformation over the last couple years. Many of you know everything that happened, some of you know some of what happened, and a few of you know little to none of what happened. Honestly, those of you that know little to nothing aren’t missing anything that can’t be summed up in one word: LIFE. Life happened and caused me to analyze my life, my thoughts and my direction. What I got out of it got me to where I am today. I don’t expect you to agree or understand…you don’t even have to accept it. It just IS…and that’s all there is to it.

As long-term readers of my blog will know, I’m not one to spout off my thoughts about politics, religion or any of the other highly opinionated and heated topics that there are. Sure, I glance off fringe issues from time to time, but that’s because they are important to me at that time. I would never attempt to make anyone think the way I think. I would never tell you that you are wrong for thinking the way you think. To me, that is the ultimate insult. It means that the forcer has no confidence in your ability to look at things on your own and to make your own opinions. I will not do this.

I hate politics as a general rule. It is my opinion that a vast majority of politicians are not looking out for their constituents or their constituent’s best interest. They are looking out for El Numero Uno – Themselves. To me, I think that’s a complete waste of time, energy and, quite frankly, air and food. Why should I vote for someone who is going to go to the Capitol and do exactly as he sees fit (whether he really agrees with the way he votes, or he is paid to vote the way others want him or her to)?

Does this mean that I don’t have opinions? Heavens no! I have opinions on just about every topic that you can come up with…it’s just that to me, opinions are like elbows…everyone has at least one. Does it matter what my opinion is? In the global sense, no. I know that no matter what I think, there is going to be someone else with a differing opinion and, with the multitudes of people that are alive, the aggregate opinion is, in all realities, null.

What do I think about immigration laws, abortion, gays and lesbians or a multitude of other topics? I think everyone should be allowed to do whatever it is that they think is right as, ultimately, they are the ones that will have to pay for their choice. There are limitations to this, of course, because the ultimate of this would be chaos…but, aside from some general rules…this is what I think.

I think the same thing about religion. Everyone should be free to do whatever it is that they feel is necessary to do because, ultimately, they have to answer for what they have, or have not done. I was brought up as a Southern Baptist but right now, I have no clue what I am. I agree with many different philosophies…that’s all I can really say for sure. Does this make me a bad person? Depending on who you ask, of course, the answer will vary. I’ve looked at what I was taught and have drawn my own conclusions and opinions as a result. To me, this makes more sense than blindly swallowing what one has been fed.

I want to close with this thought: whether you are an Islamic Fundamentalist, or a Ultra-Conservative Right Winger…There is no reason to be tolerant of the intolerant…to do so only fuels their fire.

On the Road Again...

Greetings one and all! I know it’s been a while since I last wrote, but those of you that frequent my blog realize that’s not anything new. So awaaaaaay we go!

Lots of things are going to be changing soon for groovy and I, and I want to let everyone know that doesn’t already know (ie: friends, distant relatives, people we don’t know etc).

On May 26^th, groovy and I will begin a nice 33 hour long drive to Montana. It is there that we are going to be living! Yay! That’s right…we’re moving to “Big Sky” country. Way out there where moose roam free and there are no speed limits! Ok, so neither one of those are actually based off of anything but my opinions, but hey…this is my blog, so I’ll write what I want!

This has come as not much of a surprise for some (“I’m so happy for you! You’ll love it there!”), and quite a surprise for others (“Do they have internet there? Running water?”). For both sets of people, I can honestly say, I’m looking forward to this move for several reasons which I will outline here.

1) For those of you who have never been to the DC metro area, it’s a completely different world. Well, let me clarify that: it’s completely different than any place I’ve ever been. The people are ALWAYS on the go and are seriously into their jobs and moving up on the corporate ladder. This is all fine and good, but for the most part leaves little room for socialization, friendship, peace and a general sense of “belonging”. I honestly feel like I am walking around with a big “O” on my forehead that stands for “outsider”. I’m not trying to be bitter…it’s just how I feel.

2) Until recently, I could honestly say that I don’t have any friends here at all. This has changed over the last couple months through developing relationships at work with “Tomassa”, “XO” (he was in the Navy) and my supervisor “Curly” (her hair…she’s not a Stooge). Sure, we have hung out with people that groovy works with, but I never really had the time to adopt them as my friends too. They are great people, don’t get me wrong, and I enjoyed every minute with them…but I tended to do what I always do which is sit back and watch people interact.

3) I enjoy my job and, as I’ve already said, am genuinely going to miss some of the people I work with…but the job isn’t ideal for me. Before you say it, I know there isn’t anything really IDEAL for anyone…but this job…well, I’ll explain. I’m a morning person that has desires to increase my knowledge base as much as possible wile increasing my responsibility levels. Having said that, understand that I work the noon to 8pm shift at a school where the people are heavily entrenched in their positions. This doesn’t lead much possibility for me to move up or to learn new things.

4) Groovy, who previously was working for one of the alphabet soup groups that the government is full of, was not happy or designed to work with the people and organization she was with. This was starting to effect quite a bit of things and after thinking about it and doing tons of research, soul-searching and interviewing, she decided that she wanted to go back to school and get a degree in Social Work. So, she applied to one of the better schools in this field and was accepted (as if there were any doubt).

To be honest, there are other reasons, but those are the main reasons for leaving. We’ve experienced some upsets in the process so far, and I am sure there may be some more before we’re all settled in again in Montana…but you know what? We can handle it. We can handle it because we’re determined…and we’re going to make it happen!