Around the World in 80 Clicks

Expat Mom in Guatemala tagged me for a new meme that’s been traveling the globe and will keep going until it reaches every corner of the world. It`s called Around the World in 80 clicks.

This meme was started by Catherine of Her Bad Mother and David of It’s Not a Lecture. The idea is for moms around the world to share five things that they love about being a mom.

What do I LOVE about being a mom? Wow. That's a big question...

1. They love each other - I knew that I would love my kids. I knew my husband would love our kids. I knew they would love us. I also knew, intellectually, that they would love each other too, but to actually see this miracle happen - and to continue as they grow - was amazing. I still remember the first time they gave each other a real hug. Honor was barely old enough to sit up by herself, 4-5 months??... she needed some help balancing, but she had the strength... and Brian, who was not yet 3yo, was sitting next to her. They were playing and laughing, then, they looked at each other, smiled, and reached out and hugged each other. A real snuggle not encouraged or copied. They did it themselves and liked it so much that they did it again several times before turning their attention to other things. They are years older now, and they have their differences and squabbles here and there, but you can really tell that they love each other.... and I LOVE that I am a mom to two loving children.



2. They were born to be who they are - I birthed two babies, but they came into the world with set personalities that I had no part of forming - except, genetically, of course. Who knew?! You think of kids being born with physical traits, but full-blown characters? Attitudes right out of the womb? Oh yea.... We were not given two breathing pieces of blank living clay, to be molded as we saw fit, no, we were given two ready-made people... small in size and in need of care, feeding, toilet-training, language lessons, room and board times 18 years, and who knows what else. As a mom, I have a responsibility to set a good example and guide our children to be the best that they can possibly be, but I have no right or ability to 'make them' into anything. I cannot. It is impossible. The responsibility for forming their personalities and character... that's not on me. They had these traits built in. Motherhood is not 'just a job', it is more akin to a sacred duty. I feel like I have been entrusted with two beautiful pieces of the future and I LOVE the feeling of responsibility I have for these two little people as they discover who they are and who they were meant to be.

3. I am in love with my kids' dad - I mean, that seems obvious, right? Especially as I recently posted about our 17th anniversary. I look at our kids and, physically, I do not see myself or my husband in either child's features.. they look like each other! I sometimes see hints of my sister, or her children, or of my husband's aunt or uncle. A smile might remind me of a niece of nephew, but nothing of us (although other people claim to). And yet there they are - they are most definitely a part of who we are. Being their parents is definitely an integral part of our marriage. I look at them, and I LOVE my husband.

4. Watching them grow and learn - I like to think of myself as a knowledgeable person. I read, I study, I explore... I'm curious and like to try new things. Yet all the enjoyment I get from my personal studies, pales in comparison to watching our children learn as they grow. Oh, it can be frustrating at times... just ask Honor about my not letting her use kitchen appliances and/or sharp knives because they are not made child-sized and so are not safe for her. And ask Brian about cursive writing (uh... maybe you don't want to do that, to him it is curse-ive). But they discover, and rediscover, and experiment, and share with us as well as one another (sometimes they like to share new things with their sibling even before they share with Brad or I.) Their perspectives on the world around us is fascinating. I love how they manipulate and define and redefine. How they express their interpretations is also awe-inspiring... especially when it changes as they mature, and even more so when THEY can compare their new understanding to how they used to understand it. I LOVE that I can almost see their minds expanding on a daily basis.

5. Anticipation of the future - I have no idea what will happen next, and yet, I cannot wait. Of course, I have worries. We have had too many visits to the ER, hospitalizations, traumas and dramas and sad things... and I know life will bring more. I will hope and pray that it treats us kindly and gently, but I do not worry and fret. That's life. But life also brings so many good things. Adventures. Travel. Friends. Family. Pets. School. New skills. New accomplishments, etc. I LOVE the thought of the future with our kids.

This meme ends with a request to tag five moms around the world (only 5?!), so, in keeping with the global theme, I'll have to choose:

My sister-in-law at "Smiles and Trials" (US) - who has adopted around the world, and is in-process of doing so again. (For this story, read: Smiling All The Way Back)

Mama Seoul, fka Cairo Mama, who is temporarily in the US, but will soon be returning to Korea with her young son and new baby! She has reviewed baby and toddler products, breastfeeding, living in Korea, and most recently, VBAC (success!) and Hypnobabies birthing techniques.

Danie at Earth to Danie - currently in Canada, but don't blink or you'll miss her. Mother, expat, repat, soon to be moving again, and a witty author (published even "The Expat Arc" - free advertising! I try to be a good blog friend :-) !) .

Donna in China at "Email from the Embassy". Donna has four little ones and is very adept at writing about living life as an expat mom, as well as insights into daily life in Beijing.

And a close neighbor, Simple Answer, in Amman. She's a mother of two, and a US expat who is learning and blogging about life in Jordan... although I'm not sure how she manages, with all the side trips and other fascinating travel she does. (Me? Jealous? ;-) !)

(Sorry to skip over the other wonderful blogging moms, I read, but I was trying to choose blogs around the world! oh, and the meme was 'mom', so sorry to the dads too.)

17 Years!!

What can I say? I've taken off the tags, thrown away the receipt... I'm keeping this guy!

Our anniversary was on a school night, and we no longer have a nanny, so we didn't got out for a late night date, but the kids stayed over with a friend, and we went to a very nice Chinese/Japanese restaurant nearby. Teppanyaki overlooking the Nile at sunset... how nice!

The restaurant is named "Fusion" and we found both the food and service to be excellent. Very pleasant atmosphere as well.

Not sure where we will be for next year's celebration, but this one was definitely fun.

Freedom of Religion in the US - it's about time

Tomorrow is Veteran's Day, but I'm thinking about this today, so I'll start early to get you all thinking about this important day too.

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof"

Sometimes, in the US, we take our freedoms and rights for granted. Often, we do so to such an extent that we do not notice when others in the US continue to face institutionalized bias and prejudice. It's easy to understand. We believe that our laws cover us, right? I mean, how often do we read that it is it wrong to "discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, skin color, religion, gender, or national origin"? It's everywhere! Wander over to the wiki page on Title VII of the Civil Rights Act and peruse a bit of history. Looks pretty good, and there are, clearly written, exceptions, but in this day and age, are people really hurt by that stuff. Does institutional discrimination against religion still occur? You bet it does.

In the year 2002, a World War II veteran, PFC Abraham Kooiman, who had been awarded a Bronze Star and Purple Heart, passed away. He was interred in Arlington National Cemetery, and his wife, like many other military spouses, applied to the VA for a headstone. Eligibility for a VA marker is stated as follows: "The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) furnishes upon request, at no charge to the applicant, a Government headstone or marker for the unmarked grave of any deceased eligible veteran in any cemetery around the world, regardless of their date of death. The VA may also provide a headstone or marker for graves that are marked with a private headstone or marker, for veterans that died on or after November 1, 1990.". However, although he met the eligibility requirements, the request for PFC Kooiman's headstone, with his emblem of belief, was denied. Why? Because of religious discrimination. PFC Kooiman was pagan.

To put it very simply, the VA has the authority to decide who has a valid religion, and who does not. Oh, they might argue against my wording here, but the reality is, if your symbol of belief is not on their approved list, too bad for you. They can discriminate against you. Oh, and you do not actually have to have a "religion" to be on the list... the symbol for Atheist is on their list, #16, and has been there for a long time... but if the VA does not approve of your religion, you are in for a legal battle. The battle for the pentacle took ten years. Much too long, in my humble opinion. Not only because of the shame of living with the hypocrisy... our soldiers can claim the religion they want whilst alive, they may proudly display it on their ID tags and practice their beliefs on active duty - but the VA does not have to honor them in death. This was shame enough. What is saddest to me though, is that although this particular legal battle ended in success in April of 2007, Mrs. Rosemary Kooiman passed away in March of 2005... the only pentacle she ever saw on her husband's headstone was an emblem, a sticker of protest, taped on the front his empty headstone.

I will not fill my blog retelling the history of the Pagan Headstone Campaign, the Veteran Pentacle Quest, or whatever name people wish to remember this particular fight under. This particular chapter is finally closed and the Wiccan Pentacle was finally included in the list of approved emblems by the VA. A very significant individual in this closing act, was Mrs. Roberta Stewart, wife of Sgt. Patrick D. Stewart who was killed in action in Afghanistan, and officials of the State of Nevada, who determined they had authority over State Veteran cemeteries and approved Sgt. Stewart's marker. Please visit the Circle Sanctuary page on the pentacle quest for more articles, history, images, and news articles.

I must share this quote:

John W. Whitehead, President of the Rutherford Institute, wrote in his June 5, 2006, editorial on Christianity Today's website, "Although our country was founded on a Judeo-Christian base, the Framers of the Constitution understood that religious freedom was for everyone, not just Christians. In other words, the only way that freedom can prevail for Christians is for Christians to stand up and fight for the minority beliefs and religions of others."

If only we all could display such tolerance! The world would be a much kinder place.

Also, drop by the VA website to view a list of 'approved emblems of belief'. True, the title of this page does say 'available', not 'approved', but scroll on down the list. Yes, that is the Wiccan symbol, finally, at the end there. But look further. Notice the fine print: "No graphics (logos, symbols, etc.) are permitted on Government-furnished headstones or markers other than the approved emblems of belief, the Civil War Union Shield, the Civil War Confederate Southern Cross of Honor, and the Medal of Honor insignias."
Did you see your emblem of belief as you scrolled down? If you are a member of a mainstream religion, you probably did. Lucky you. I'm a veteran, a Druid, and my symbol is not on the list.
The Awen

So, tomorrow, if you are off work for Veteran's day, first of all... enjoy the free day! Go shop, BBQ, do nothing, be free... that's what I'm doing! But remember our veterans. Think of our soldiers - past, present, and future. Reflect on our recent election and the historic relevance of our selecting President Obama. Think of the light that he has shone - full of hope and promise - his mere presence in the campaign a reflection of how much we have grown and changed as a nation, and we have, grown and changed, but let's not forget that we still have far to go. There are still pockets of bias, prejudice, and discrimination that should not exist. Keep this in mind, and have a blessed Veteran's day.

Support our heros... all of them.

Listen....

Watch CBS Videos Online

Or read the text .

Obama

Last night at dinner, I asked my kids if they knew what special event was going on in the United States today (yesterday). They thought a moment and Brian said, "I know! Elections!" And Honor said, "I know too. My teacher said people are choosing a new president.", then she went on to tell me how her kindergarten class then voted on their favorite foods. Pizza won, so they ordered one and had it for snack!

We talked about the election some, and the candidates. Guess I hadn't been keeping them too much in the loop, because as I explained that this was an election that people would remember for a very long time, because it could be the first time an African-American could be President.

Why Mommy?

Well... because of history, because of discrimination based on skin color...

Why?

Because that's what people did.

Why? A long time ago?

No. When your grandparents were kids, it would have been impossible as 'colored folks' were not even allowed to vote, share schools, eat at the same places, etc. When we were kids, laws had changed, but people still had a lot to work out and there was still a lot of bias and hate. (I had to define bias and prejudice for them).

Why?

Sometimes people are slow to change.

But change has come today.

Personally, I am not a Democrat - too socialist/communist. That doesn't help America. But the Republicans have totally screwed things up. Truthfully, I think either McCain or Obama would have been a fine choice for President (except for Palin - my god, what was that about?!)... but only domestically. If either had won, they'd have faced the same problems, the same need for moderation, compromise, and working across party lines. Both seemed to be equally competent and honorable. Both would have been a good choice for America. But the world. The world, I believe, has had enough of the Republicans for awhile. Probably enough of Democrats-business-as-usual too. Obama seemed to provide an icon of change. Change is what is needed. We aren't going to succeed with what the Republicans have been doing. Nor, do we want a pure Democratic agenda either... I do NOT think it will be allowed. I believe we will be seeing more moderate actions. As our Egyptian hosts would say... Insha'allah!

Congrats Obama!

Visit "Martinis for Two" for an awesome video: CLICK

And passing this on, because I like it (Thanks Richard for sharing it):

“Rosa sat so Martin could walk.
Martin walked so Barack could run.
Barack ran so your children could fly.”
-Author unknown

Sharing the good vibes

I am lucky. I have a great family. I have an awesome husband and we have wonderful kids. We travel and live in interesting places. I have gathered experience on all of this - either through my own personal doings, or via what I have heard and read from others, in person, email, or internet. I have always wanted to give back - to do unto others as others have done for us. We've been given helpful hints, warnings and advice on many topics... it seems silly not to pass it on, and we do. We answer questions. We have sponsored new arrivals - formally and informally. We gossip and spread news and other helpful rumors, but wouldn't it be of more benefit it it could be packaged, organized, sortable, and archived? Also, we are usually unable to bring all of our friends and family to visit and share our home - wherever it may be - and therefore, I always like to try and bring our home to them, not just the famous touristy bits, but the real-life parts too.

I have, over the years, tried out various internet tools. I have attempted journals, blogs, webpages, etc. Usually with very little success. Failure is mostly due to technology, or the lack thereof. Traveling to, and living in areas with poor internet can make interfacing with the web a painful and discouraging process. Eventually I gave up and settled on one favorite, easy to use website and uploaded favorite pictures and comments when the whims of the internet gods smiled upon me and allowed the power of upload to flow in my favor.

My sister-in-law is a blogger and she created her "Smiles and Trials" a few years ago. She has done such a wonderful job, that I was inspired to try blogging again. Apparently, I was also trying 'Blogger' again, because when I went to create an account, I found that I already had one, as well as a test blog... set up and hardly touched. I forget where or when I'd dabbled with it, but apparently it was either too new of a tool, or I had bad connection, or both. I ditched the old set-up and started this blog. That was nearly a year ago, and I have truly been enjoying myself, not to mention that I now feel like less of a freeloader - no more take and no give.

Speaking of which, a very witty lady - wise, humorous, and possibly dangerous (meaning that it only the nicest of ways, of course... she'll make you use your brain, and enjoy the process... ), whose blog I have only recently discovered courtesy of another blogger friend's recommendation (thank you Simple Answer!) - presented me with a very pretty award:

“This blog invests and believes, in ‘proximity’ meaning, that blogging makes us 'close'. They are all charming blogs, and the majority of them aim to show the marvels of friendship; there are persons who are not interested when we give them a prize, and then they help to cut these bows; do we want that they are cut, or that they propagate? Then let’s try to give more attention to them! So with this prize we must deliver it to eight bloggers that in turn must make the same thing and put this text.”

Thank you Tobi et al. Besides all warm and fuzzy, I feel honored. It is a pretty prize and I shall now perform my duty as a proximity patroness, and pass this award along to the following bloggers. They are each doing their part to make the world a 'smaller' and more cozy place with their contributions to the world wide web of friendship:

Smiles and Trials

Mama Seoul

Simple Answer

Lulu's Bay

Earth to Danie

Martinis for Two

Wandering the World

Expat Mom

Thank you all. Feel the love, and send it on.