We spent Christmas Eve at Ryan's Family's house. After dinner with their extended family, Ryan's newphew fell asleep on the car ride home. Once he was in bed, we started wrapping the remaining gifts and eating Santa's cookies.
Ryan's Family's Tree just after Santa's visit
Stockings hung with care
The final gifts were wrapped and placed under the tree by about 2am. Then, exhausted, we retired for the night knowing it would only be a few hours before Sean was waking us all up.
Christmas Morning!
"We plunged into the cornucopia quivering with desire and the ecstasy of unbridled avarice."-Ralphie, A Christmas Story
"Guys... guys, wake up! Santa came! OH MY GOSH! Santa came, there's presents!"
He let us sleep until about 8am, can't complain. He was spazzing out when he saw all the gifts under the tree. Ryan was the first to get up, I think he was just as excited as Sean was. Then he woke me up (I pretended to be sleeping, still) Slowly but surely the rest of the family came down the stairs with big yawns and sleepy eyes. Mom put a pot of coffee on while we decided who would play Santa.
He would NOT sit still for 2 seconds
"Santa brought me gum! Oh my gosh!"
A POTATO!!!??? Thanks Uncle Ryan
Ryan, his Mom, his Sister (who is pregnant) all watching Sean open his gifts.
Oh boy! Long Johns! "Oh, I hate getting old..."
His favorite gift from Santa - an XBOX360 and Halo 3!
I would rate myself an "almost never." I am usually very passive. I don't get involved in arguments or fuel drama. I don't pay too much attention to things that bother me. I try to ignore negative subjects and focus on the positive side. But, recently I feel like this is impossible. There are too many things messed up in this world to ignore. Too many people suffering, too many injustices happening. I can no longer sit comfortably knowing these things; seeing these things happening. I feel like there has to be something I can do tomake it right. This is so blatantly wrong... how could I not do anything?
First, I want to know if I'm alone in this. I am the only one who feels this way? Or I am just the only one who realizes it; that realizes how messed up these things are? I'm asking all of you to enlighten yourselves.
While reading this list - pay attention to how it makes you feel. And please, share with me those feelings. Thank you.
The 2012 Defense Authorization Bill
The legislation would deny suspected terrorists, even U.S. citizens
seized within the nation's borders, the right to trial and subject them
to indefinite detention. The bill was drafted in secret
by Sens. Carl Levin (D-Mich.) and John McCain (R-Ariz.) and passed in a
closed-door committee meeting, without even a single hearing.
Hello!!! Did we not all learn about the Salem Witch Trialswhile we were in school? We cannot allow fear to control us! This law would allow anyone to point at you and say "TERRORIST" and then off you'd go to Guantanamo Bay. NO evidence. NO trial. NO rights. And this bill as already passed.
hey guys i'm just gonna lean on you while you make-out. okay?
Overly Sexual Advertising
Hey, Hollister! I thought you sold clothes. I don't see any clothes in this picture!
or this one...
Nope. No clothes. Why is every product sold always sold with sex? Clothing stores are one thing, but how do you explain this?
a purse
cologne
a camera
organ donation
It's not only that it targets impressionable young people, or that it directly insults our intelligence, or that it objectifies women... It just plain makes me uncomfortable!
Messed up, right?
Senate Bill 732
Requires abortion providers to meet the standards of ambulatory surgery
centers — passed out of the chamber and will be sent on to Gov. Tom Corbett to be signed into law. This law will make it more difficult for the average woman to seek prenatal health-care and/or abortions. The costs will drive most, if not all, independent abortion clinics out of business meaning that if you choose to have an abortion you have the option of an expensive hospital or dangerous illegal clinic.
How is it that a bunch of old, white men can decide "what is right" for young women? I don't vote in every election so that some asshole can decide to take away my rights. If a young woman becomes pregnant she has the right to choose. I believe that choice directly effects not only her future but her generation's future and the world we live in. There is a theory proposed by Freakonomics writer Steven Levitt where he says less unwanted children being born means less crime.
I can't help but agree with him. And the fact that these lawmakers are fighting to take this right away so quickly, being it was only passed in the 1970's - it just doesn't make sense. This isn't the only thing the government is pursuing to hurt young women. States across America are cutting funding or limiting services for Planned Parenthood. I have been going to my local Planned Parenthood since I was in High School! When I was younger, it was awkward talking to my parents about anything, let alone sex! I went to Planned Parenthood for guidance and advice. Later, when I was ready to have sex I returned for condoms (because it was way to embarrassing to buy them at CVS.) I went to them the day after my boyfriend pressured me into having unprotected sex for the "Morning After Pill" and they gave my Plan B free of charge. At 18, I no longer was eligible for health care from the state, so where did I go for my exam? Planned Parenthood. And where did I receive a free STD test? Planned Parenthood. And where did I learn about with Women's Plan which allows me to get free birth control from the state? Planned Parenthood. And where do I still go today to get safe, reliable, and free yearly exams? Planned fucking Parenthood. And the government wants to cut their funding?
So this isn't my first Christmas in my own place but it IS the first year I haven't had any loaned or hand-me-down decorations to use! I'm starting completely from scratch. I thought, instead of heading to Target and spending big bucks on fancy decor that was most likely made in China - I've decided to take a more responsible approach. Not only will it be easier on my bank account, but it is more sustainable and the results: much more meaningful. I'm very much looking forward to getting started. I can't believe it's December 14th already! Here is a list of some ideas I've collected from other blogs and websites. Feel free to be inspired! Merry Christmas.
