9/11 Patriot Day

On September 11, 2001 I wrote this in my journal:

Almost 3,000 people died and countless more were injured and my only comment was one sentence.

Obviously, as a child in elementary school I didn't comprehend the impact of the terrorist attack.

Recently, I watched a movie called Flight 93. 

I began to think what I would have done had I been on one of the hijacked airplanes.

Who would I call? 

What would my last words be? 

Would I help to take back the plane?

It was strange watching a suspense filled movie and knowing it was a true story. 

That I was alive and aware when it happened.

How horrific for the people directly impacted by the attack.

It almost doesn't seem real. 

The older I get, the more I begin to comprehend the impact of this day in history.

I feel motivated to better observe this national day of mourning.

Taking time to be grateful for my safety and my life.

 According to wikipedia, the following is standard observance:

The flag of the United States is flown at half-staff at the White House and on all U.S. government buildings and establishments throughout the world; flags are also encouraged to be displayed on individual American homes. Additionally, a moment of silence is observed to correspond with the attacks, beginning at 8:46 AM (Eastern Daylight Time), the time the first plane, American Airlines Flight 11, struck the North Tower of the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001.

Lance Armstrong

A few years ago I met a man who read only non-fiction. He said there are too many amazing true stories to spend time reading make believe. Part of me agreed with that idea and I began focusing my reading on non-fiction as well, beginning with It's Not About the Bike by Lance Armstrong.

What an inspiring story. I was genuinely impressed. 

Fighting cancer, winning the Tour de France seven times.

What a legend.

Then years later, the truth comes out.

He cheated his way to victory.

So here I am caught in a dilemma... How many non-fiction books that I read should really be considered fiction? Lance Armstrong wrote an international bestseller, spent years lying to the world, and essentially became a hero because of those lies.

How many other people get away with similar dishonesty every single day? There was a similar scandal with author Greg Mortenson and his book Three Cups of Tea.

The deceit is disheartening. Especially because it highlights a lack of integrity throughout all of society.  How many people lie to my face each day and I believe them? Is it naive to be a trusting person? Is it better to be a skeptic or a cynic? Is that what kind of society we want to create?

Unfortunately, many pressures exist to encourage dishonesty. 

Admitting to a lie can be harder than being honest in the first place.

Lance deserves respect for taking accountability.

I hope we are creating a world that allows people to change.

I hope we are remembering that we are all imperfect.

I hope Lance Armstrong has another Journey Back to Life, this time keeping his integrity.

Feminism

What a controversial topic.

Everyone has something to say about the role of women.

Stay home and cook.

Keep up with men in the workplace.

Have babies.

Work from home.

Start your own company.

Clean the house.

Women aren't more or less depending on their chosen lifestyle.

The most important part is that it is a choice.

Women deserve to be valued just because they exist.

Nobody needs to be criticized or accused for staying home with their family.

Nor do they need to feel guilty for pursuing a career.

Feminism needs to be defending the right of women to choose their own lifestyle. 

Whether that lifestyle includes working, marrying, being religious, having a family, making decisions alone, or allowing their significant other to lead their home...
This is a choice women have and a choice that deserves respect.

"Find common ground rather than dwelling on our differences."

Guster

What a cool band. 

Playing together for 24 years. 

Still busking around the streets of Boston.

I saw them live when I was in high school.

Then again last week.

Both shows were extremely satisfying.

This time around I appreciated the musical variety.

I counted 20+ instruments used by various band members throughout the show.

Hopefully I can see them again in another 7 years.

Or sooner.

Vulnerability

This month, I'm embracing vulnerability.

"We must have the courage to be imperfect while striving for perfection. We must not allow our own guilt, the feminist books, the talk-show hosts, or the whole media culture to sell us a bill of goods—or rather a bill of nogoods. We can become so sidetracked in our compulsive search for identity and self-esteem that we really believe it can be found in having perfect figures or academic degrees or professional status or even absolute motherly success. Yet, in so searching externally, we can be torn from our true internal, eternal selves. We often worry so much about pleasing and performing for others that we lose our uniqueness—that full and relaxed acceptance of one’s self as a person of worth and individuality. We become so frightened and insecure that we cannot be generous toward the diversity and individuality, and yes, problems, of our neighbors." -Patricia T. Holland

Bucket List

I've got a big long list of things I want to do or see in my lifetime. Here are a few near the top of the list...

Iguaçu Falls

Sailing

Venice, Italy

Hang gliding

Scuba diving

BRAZIL

Go to Brazil.

You'll laugh.

You'll eat meat.

You'll speak Portuguese.

You'll relax.

You'll see beautiful things.

You'll never want to leave.

And you'll always want to go back.