Just a quick post

The holidays are more or less over, at least the more hectic part of them is finished, and I'm still winding down.

It's been a little hard. I spent Christmas with my dad, and then spent New Years with my mom. Payroll at work made a mistake, and until I know what's going on I'm on edge. I'd still tired and I'm more than a little peeved with a lot of people.

Sometimes, people get so upset over things that are just facts of life. And I understand, on some level, because I agree that it's wrong, and I don't see any reason why these things should be true, but as long as humans are imperfect creatures, then these particular problems will exist.

There will always be liars, there will always be judgmental Christians (regardless of denomination), and so on and so forth, and no place is free of them, so when people use those as excuses for moving I tend to think it's a bit naive. No matter where you go those people will exist, so why let them make the decisions for you? If you're happy at this church, and you like it, then make yourself at home and ignore Sister Bertha Better-than-you and the others in the Amen Pew. (yes, I am referencing the Mississippi Squirrel Revival, but it works)

And I'm all for people helping each other, but if some one doesn't want to help or can't help, you can't just automatically assume you know why! Especially if you know that person has anxiety or something! And dear God! Yes, I believe God protects His children, but I also think that sometimes He protects us by our own actions. If you know that an area of town is not safe after 5pm, you probably shouldn't go there because yeah, sure, St. Michael could escort you down the street with a flaming sword or something, but why make him? Do you really need to be there after 5pm? No? Then why go? Why put yourself in danger when you don't need to?

I'm not trying to be unfeeling, or difficult, but in this, I'm a fairly logical person. Sometimes God sends a miracle, and sometimes, God sends a boat and expects us to have to good sense to get in before we drown!

It is okay for you to do things for yourself, and guess what? If it's okay for you to do something for yourself, it's okay for other people to do something for themselves as well!

Ugh.

I love my family....but sometimes, I get a little annoyed.

Love you all,
Tara

The day before Thanksgiving (At least if you're American)

It's Wednesday night, and tomorrow is Thanksgiving here in my little corner of the world. This time, last year, I had two friends, neither of whom lived near me, was working as a janitor (a thankless job that barely paid for the gas my truck needed), was stressed over college, and was lying to myself about the damage my parents' divorce had caused for the third year in a row.

I've come a long ways from there. Now, I have five friends (yay!), two of whom live within a short distance from me, a different job that pays better, no college (though I really do need to go back) and while I'm still trying to work through my problems, I'm doing a lot better. I also have a new baby sister, my relationship with my mother is better, and my journey into the Catholic church is well under-way.

I'm still a little stressed, but I imagine I'll be stressed until they put me in my grave, so I'm really not to worried about that. I feel a lot better, even with all of my ranting.

So, how do I plan on spending my Thanksgiving? Well, I'm going to help Granma cook and clean, I'm going to watch the parade and the Muppet Christmas Carol, I'm going to read A Christmas Carol, set up my Christmas playlist for work, work on my knitting, and just generally enjoy the day.

Thanksgiving officially marks the start of my holiday season, and I'm really looking forward to it.

This year is also the first year that I'll be celebrating Advent. I've got a nice little wreath and candles, and two books, the Magnificat Advent companion and The Little way of Advent. While I don't feel the same kinship to St. Therese that so many seem to, I do find her Little Way to be lovely in it's openness. Both books look promising, and I'm hoping they help me celebrate my first Advent properly.

Anyway, I'm just on to wish all of you a safe and happy Thanksgiving.

Yours always,
Tara