What to write about....?

I've had alot going on lately, and alot more coming up in the next few weeks, and I've been wanting to update my blog. I just can't seem to figure out what to write about.

A couple of friends have acted in such a way as to disappoint me recently, but out of consideration for them, I can't write about it in a public blog, even if it is supposed to be a sort of diary and I have desperately wanted to write just to process everything. Suffice it to say, one friend made me angry with passive-agressive behavior she is known for and that causes me to continually question why I remain connected to her at all. The other wrote a couple of things on her blog that just twisted my stomach into knots to read and lead me to write a letter to her that made me cry the entire way through and then delete her and her husband from my friends list.

So, that's been a bit wrenching!

I've also wanted to write about the upcoming presidential election. I'm more intellectually involved with this race than any other, and I've been voting for fifteen years now (yep, I started promptly at 18). I'm not a particularly political person, inherently, but I do feel it is a priviledge and responsibility to participate in my country's election process. I feel honored to have the opportunity to take part in the selection of our leaders, and I take it seriously. I wish more people would. This year is pivotal and important, so please, please, please vote and encourage everyone you know to do the same. I honestly do not care who you vote for, just cast that vote!! Especially if you are a member of a minorty group. You have a voice in the voting booth, and you must use it if you want to make this country a better place for you and your children!

Educating yourself about the issues is the biggest favor you can do for yourself. Make an informed decision, please don't just vote out of some illusory party loyalty, family tradition, or because someone (your parents, your spouse, your religious leader) told you to. Vote your heart and mind, which means you need to know which candidates' ideas best align with yours. And, remember, you are voting for TWO people, not just one in presidential campaigns! You don't have to tell anyone who you voted for. Heck, you can even lie if you feel you have to! But, there is no one in there with you. When you step up to cast your vote, only you know who you chose, you only have to answer to yourself and your Gods. Don't be bullied into giving someone your support, stand up for yourself and your values! You can do this! It's THAT important!

Speaking of candidates, I will say that my research has lead me to support Barack Obama wholeheartedly. I am a long-suffering liberal, though admittedly not nearly as liberal as my beautiful huband. I usually align myself with Democratic candidates, but I've been known to vote outside party lines when the candidate is right. Please don't leave hateful comments if you disagree. I respect your right and ability to disagree, and I won't be drawn into any sort of debate. This is a personal opinion and a personal decision. I'm not here to convince you because only you can make your choice, but I will challenge you to get educated on your choices and look at the issues and candidates with an open mind. There are a great many things I admire and respect John McCain for, and he has done many great things, of that there is no doubt. However, I don't vote on one or two issues. I don't vote on soundbites and political ads. I don't vote because of gender or race anymore than I vote AGAINST it (both are terrible and unacceptable; either way you are excluding someone because of somethinn they can't change). I vote on information about the people running, about how they conduct themselves and their campaigns, on their values and stances, on their responses and reactions, on their records and promises, and on my instinct. Please, please, please, vote on those things as well.

On the fiber front, I've been very busy as well. I recently learned to spin from my friend Donald, whose lovely wife Donna I met through Ravelry. They are quite a couple and one I hope to get to know more and I already enjoy their company immensely! I've been running a comprehensive crochet-along on my group, Harry's Happy Hookers, on Ravelry in which we are making several toys for Care of Magical Creatures. It's fun and all the toys are animals from the HP Universe. I'm also participating in the Harry Potter Knitting/Crochet House Cup, and that is a blast! I've been crocheting my heart out for the good of Slytherin House, to which I belong in this competition, and I've gotten alot of cool FOs out of the deal, so win-win. You can check out my Ravelry project list for some pics and details, if you're interested.

On to bellydance: We've been dancing our hearts out, creating new shows, preparing for upcoming shows, getting some great kudos and feedback, and just generally running around like chickens with our heads cut off. It's fun, but dang! I'm ready for a bit of a break. We had t-shirts and buttons made with our logo on black, so let me know if you're interested in wearing the logo of the next big thing in bellydance! :) Also, check out our website for info on where we are, what we are up to, and how you can get us for performances and workshops. Oh, and vote for us (#23, Alchemy) in IAMED's Belly Dance Photo Contest! We made it to the finals out of thousand's of submitted photos, and we'd love to do well!! Thanks in advance for your support!

Family life: I'm happier than I've ever been, getting to see the kids and my husband so much, but it is increasingly obvious that I must have a job very, very soon. So, send me good vibes that I get something that is good for my family and myself soon. And, if you know of anywhere in the CSRA, especially North Augusta, where I might inquire about teaching bellydance classeson a weekly basis, please let me know!

Ok, I think that's all for now. :)

BB!
~Jeannie