What I Think.
I have decided to not go into detail here about how I feel about controversial issues, but not because I am a coward (which I may be but not because of this). I feel that it is very easy to misinterpret everything I write (need a class), and so I don't want to risk offending anyone. However, I do not mind discussing ANYTHING personally... I can even talk about diarrhea if you would like. You may find yourself wondering about past posts that may prove this decision hypocritical, I would say... you're wrong. If I said it in the past, I probably believe I am right (self-proclaimed-self-righteous-jerk) and therefore there is not controversy to be had. Thank you for caring about my opinions.
My dad and step-mom were just in town, and I don't think they had any fun. They still bought Chris and I loads of fun and alcohol.
Would you buy a raffle ticket for the chance to shave my head?
Paris Je'Taime= Goooooooood Film!!!
Comments.
When I politely turned down signing a petition today (that I could really not be sure about it's intentions) about sex education, nobody that I was with batted an eye. I assume they were not concerned with my stand, knew that I didn't want to just jump into signing something, respected that my opinion may be different than theirs, or just didn't have any concern about my choice. The petition passer then moved onto Chris and a group he was standing with, and I did not see what happened there but I assume that Chris did not sign either. The one thing I did witness was someone asking Chris:
Chris' Friend- "Are you not pro-choice?"
Chris- "Uhh."
CF- "Wait, you aren't pro-choice!?"
Chris- "Well umm no I'm not not exactly pro-choice... but I'm not..."
CF- ???? (judgement) ????!!! She turned away and the heat was off.
I smiled at Chris and he didn't seem frazzled.
You do all understand that pro-choice and pro-life are like the labels democrat and republican or black and white.... ? So many times those labels are just too extreme and not accurate.
Chris surely felt confident in this interaction because he didn't fully disclose any of his opinions and nobody had the chance to misunderstand, be hurt by, or be disappointed in his real response. However, I felt really disappointed. I like when my friends either don't make me explain or give me the benefit of the doubt, listen to me fully, and accept my opinions and beliefs for what they are... my beliefs.
Another happening of the day...
I was greeting someone and simply asked them if they had seen the parade... and they answered with one of those sarcastic condescending responses. As I ignored this and asked another question, I was met with the same sort of response again. I tried to be polite and act as if I didn't notice, but what the heck. Maybe they were having a bad day or maybe they didn't realize that they were responding this way... but it was definitely bothersome.
Neither of these stories are necessarily life changing, but they kind of defined my day. As most people have been really supportive of my marathon training, their is one person that keeps being very discouraging... and that also seeped into today. The sun was out, people were celebrating, there was a parade... and I let those instances shape my mood. Hmm. Seems as though I need some perspective.
Feeling Lazy
I need Amy Popp to tell me to run.
I swear that I am disciplined, but damn is it hard to run according to schedule. It doesn't help that work takes over my whole life so that when I do have time to run I am just wiped out and ready to sleep.
Chris tells me to run... it doesn't work as well because he is not doing the running with me.
I can't even read a book these days.
All I am ever interested in doing during my free time is eating and catching up on sleep. That's not completely true, I do still make time for friends.
Here is a request (because I like to think that you are interested in holding me accountable) why don't you call me or text me or comment on my blog with a little encouraging threat about my running....
Maybe that will work.
Would you come if I invited you...-
to a fund-raising auction? What would be auctioned off? I don't know yet. My mom makes some cool stuff so maybe she would contribute. I could make some goodies. I could do the date thing. Pass along some of your ideas to me.
I need to know:
1.) What else to auction off?
2.) If you have something that you would be willing to donate to have auctioned off?
3.) If this is a good idea and if you could would come to it?
4.) Where would I have it?
5.) Should I provide snacks and beverages or make people purchase them for a very small price?
6.) Entertainment?
7.) Should I pay Katie to make invitations?
Ok, now that that's out of the way... how are you? I am busy these days... it feels pretty darn good. However, the busy-ness makes it harder to stick to a running routine. I will run though, never fear, I HAVE to run.
READ THIS one.
This is an attempt to get back to educating and being educated about being a responsible shopper.
What used to be responsible shopper
I wanted to just give you a glimpse of the labels that you are buying. I do realize that there are different issues that are more important for each of us. For instance, for some it's if the company is green, for others it's if they are animal friendly, for me it's typically about human rights, and still to others it's about diversity among the company make up. I tried to copy and paste some of each of these things.
Nestle- "The company is also one of the world's largest chocolate producers contributing to child and forced labor problems in cocoa-growing nations."
Aveda- (Aveda is owned by Estee Lauder) "Estée Lauder has not signed the Compact for Safe Cosmetics, which calls for the removal of cancer-causing ingredients from personal care products. In addition, Estée Lauder has been cited for sweatshop labor abuses, toxic dumping, and antitrust issues."
Coke- (This is a general statement, please read further on their website. "Unfortunately, Coke continues to work against human rights, the environment, and the health of consumers, showing few signs of meaningful change."
Gap- "Examples of labor abuse still common include mandatory and unpaid overtime work, sub-poverty wages, and unhealthy working conditions."
Apple- "Apple has consistently lagged behind competitors, particularly HP and Dell, in environmental programs such as recycling computers; phasing out toxic chemicals like PVC from its computers; ensuring transparency and a willingness to talk to environmental groups."
Subway- "However, the company has been accused of aggressively marketing its franchise with little concern for the success of individual franchisees. Critics claim that Doctors Associates leases Subway rights without regard to proximity or market saturation, leading to diminished sales and performance for individual store owners."
Google- "However, the company has disappointed people around the world by catering to government-imposed censorship in China, failing to act against child pornography distribution in Brazil and for allegedly taking advantage of advertisers in the US."
Many of the other companies that you are wondering about are on this website... so go and explore.
I want to...
1. Paint the apartment
2. Go for a long run
3. Grocery shop
4. Shower
5. Read
6. Write
7. Clean
I don't think that I can do all of that today. Most people would suggest doing it another day, but I gave up my other day off and I am usually too tired on the days that I work. I will keep you updated on whether I can live up to the list... which I should have made on a piece of paper and not my blog.
Sunny Today
Erin Molnar tagged along with the Colleen, what a good surprise.
Today we went to breakfast and then we attempted shopping... After that we strolled on the beach and caught some rays... very nice. Now at work, I feel exhausted.
I am going to be putting in more hours at Inspiration soon... and I hope that this does not cause burn out.
Hmm... boring boring boring. See you.
What happened to my font?
It doesn't look like that in the pre- publish post form.
To Athens and Back Again
Last Wednesday I went to Athens and returned on Friday night... that is my best excuse for not being here. I saw Lyndsey Jo... Teeter and she was wearing a long black skirt. There was nothing amazing about this skirt other than the Teet was in it. I have seen her in skirts and dresses before, but never a floor length straight skirt with two slits up the sides. She has sexy legs.
What do you think of this:
WIN A
DATE WITH
TALYA STRADER!
I was thinking about fundraising for this marathon stuff and that was the first idea that popped into my mind. It would have to be very different than a date because I am not sure Chris would love the idea of me dating anyone other than him. It would also have to be less like winning and more like paying for a date with me... and then am I selling myself? I feel like a lot of fundraising is boring for the ones who are giving the funds... like they don't get enough back from the money that they put forth. I mean I will be running for a long time and that's a lot but not $1,000 worth of running. I should be more creative... like a bake sale... or host a coffee tasting... or throw a party... or plan a date for you and I (and maybe pay for it?) Does anyone have any other ideas? What would you give me your money for?
-It's already a worthy cause.
-I am already running a ridiculous amount.
-I will be sending you a letter.
-What else?
In other news... I re- fell in love with Inspiration today.
In other other news... Colleen will be visiting this weekend.
In past news... Lauren was stuck in Chicago which meant I got to spend more time with her and her baby Isabella.
