I Stand Alone

I like Godsmack. I have been a rock chick since I heard the first few notes on the album Van Halen. My favorite of theirs is Awake, but Cryin' Like a Bitch runs pretty close. But this blog isn't about music; I digressed. Big surprise there. Hubby and I have been sick this week. Hubby more so than I, poor thing. Anyway, we have been up at all hours of the night. During that time I caught a movie I can't remember the name of and it doesn't really matter. A question got asked in the movie and the answer had me thinking. Yes, we are all in trouble now. It's not as important to know what you stand against, but what you stand for. Well, crap. Get all philosophical on me while I am sleep deprived. That means I'll think about it for days.

I know I stand very firmly for family. My family is very important to me. But family isn't just those people that you share blood with. Family encompasses all those that love you and you love. I have friends that I wish I could bring with me when we move. I love them, their kids, and all their little quirks. More importantly, they love us right back. Family is the people that you love and love you back despite the quirks. People that will be there for you and with you. I love my family.
I love my country. I am not happy with the people that represent us, but I am proud to be American. I was raised during the Cold War, when patriotism was an every day thing. Now it seems that we can't even be proud for fear of hurting the feelings of people from other countries. Get over it, you big bunch of wusses. I cry when I hear The Star Spangled Banner. I love the Pledge of Allegiance. I love the way the Old Glory looks when she waves in the wind. Amazing. I love that in our relatively short life as a country we have accomplished much and helped many.

I think we all need to take responsibility for ourselves. Break the cycle, so to speak. It doesn't matter how you were raised or your circumstances. The only person we can ever really be responsible for is ourselves. Had a crappy childhood? Move on. Get over it. Excuses just keep you down. Use whatever it is to make you better, help you overcome the burden. Or wallow around in your misery and get bitch slapped by me. Either way, I'm good. Our circumstances after the fact are no one's fault but our own. Cowboy up and ride.

I believe that if this country went back to a simpler way of life, we would be much better off. I'm not talking Little House on the Prairie simple. Why is it so important to have the big house, big car, big TV? Why is it so important to have the latest and greatest. I think technology is killing us and making us lazy. I see us riding around in chairs like in Wall-E, dependent on food in a cup we drink with a straw and weighing 800 pounds. This comes from the woman who is typing this blog on her laptop computer, with a wireless connection, and playing Words with Friends on her iPod. Remember, when you point the finger of blame, you have three fingers pointing back at you. I would give it all up. I have been made fun of because I make meals from scratch, feed my family organic food, and homeschool. Who are you? Laura Ingalls? No, bitch, I'm not that sweet. Get in my face again about doing right by my family and I'll knock you in the dirt. What I actually said was "Jealous much?" That shut her up.

I believe that love and compassion are amazing things. I believe that people can and do care about others. I believe that we can turn this country back into something incredibly great. I believe that humility and pride can go hand in hand. I believe that Jesus died for me and you. I believe that there is nothing more wonderful than hearing my kids laugh and seeing them smile. I believe and I have hope and I have dreams.

What do you believe?