December has been fun. Paul re-enlisted into the Marine Corps for the LAST TIME! Mom and Tony came to visit for Christmas. We went bowling and site seeing at Point Loma. Even though the Winter Solstice has passed we are still waiting for Jack Frost to appear. It is funny as soon as the weather dips into the high 50's to low 60's everyone is decked out in their parkas and boots. I do admit that at times it can feel chilly but not near wintery enough for me.
Paul may be going to a class in Vegas at the end of January. Terra and I will go visit him for a weekend. Can't say "no" to a few nights in Vegas! Then from April to May Paul may be going to Career Course to prepare of a promotion. After that we'll be packing and readying the house for the move across country. These next few months will go by fast I bet. Better hold tight and enjoy what time we have left in California.
Last night Paul, Terra, and I drove to downtown San Diego to participate in a protest/march. We vow to never again stay quiet about our political thoughts, I am very glad to see that the march made local news. I was only able to take a few pictures before our camera battery died. It was a great moment and I am proud of all of us. Especially Terra, I know she is still young but I am hoping that she will learn from this moment that it is important to stand up for what is right.
Well thanksgiving is all over. We had a good time over with our friends, lots of food. I think I am sold on a smoked Ham for holidays. Just delicious and easy.
The day after we decided to go for a hike to hopefully work off some of that food that we ate. Decided on the "hard" hike which was a great time but man it was a ball buster that I was not prepared for. Nice views though.
Also putting some pictures up of the shadowbox I made for a friend. It turned out acceptable.
It has been a week since the devastating news and I think I am done crying. Oh man it was rough but I think I am ready to move forward. I have come to understand that the East Coast and West Coast are living in bubbles. We seem to be the only logical thinking beings in this country. However it happened, he won. Breathe.
Here are my thoughts on the matter and also my promises:
Speak my mind. Even though we live in California we live in a strongly conservative area of California. Apparently the non-logical beings aren't afraid of speaking their minds and the election results are the consequences are must live with. 47% of registered voters did not vote this election. That shocks me. I know voting turnouts haven't been strong in the recent elections but really? Nearly half did not vote? I must not be afraid to speak my mind. I must not care what others will think of my because of my opinions. I am not required to change differing opinions but I am required to be honest with myself and speak my mind.
Stand up. It is sad to say but over the next four years large amounts of our fellow brothers and sisters will be marginalized. I will stand up when I see or hear something that I know is wrong. I will be a safe haven and protect those that need help.
Be active. Not only will I speak my mind but I will take a more active role in politics. Rallies and marches. Volunteering and canvasing. All of these things are not too big for one to do, after all this is our future. Why would I not be willing to sacrifice a little of my time for something that I know is right? It is never too late to be active.
I have to remind myself that there may be some good come from the election results. He does have a lot of infrastructure projects in mind and that is sure to bring in some jobs. Before the election he was not a Republican, he was a Democrat so it is possible his ideas will not do as much damage as I think. No one knows what will happen and that is part of the fear factor. So let's just promise to unite and fight for what we know to be right. Wipe away your tears, it is time to act.
Last week Terra got a surprise award from her school. She was nominated and won the character counts award for the second graders. It was a pretty big deal, and she got to go up on stage and get a little said about her.
Terra had a Pre-Halloween event at her school which was a lot of fun. Sort of a small carnival atmosphere. Hilariously/frustratingly she didn't want to go as a pirate, but as Supergirl. Which was a bummer because the only costumes that Mary and I had were Pirates. I used the parts of Mary's costume she wasn't using, and with a white shirt and some face paint I became Captain Lowrent!
Arrrrgh! Me tights are fancy!
Gettin' some tickets.
I had a few pictures of Terra swinging that mallet, this one is pretty great.
Bean bag tossing with a lollypop like it aint no thang.
Way too many kids in this bouncy thing. Terra got smooshed at one point and was getting upset. She got out though and survived just fine.
Splatter ball was cool. I told her to wing it as hard as she could to see if it would pop. Alas, no luck.
Technically Mary is on faculty at the school, so she was able to be sent to the Jail where the teachers go. Haha, I had to bail her out.
Box full of gross things you had to identify by feel. Gooey banana is a great idea till you realize there is no place near by to wipe your hands.
They had a lazer tag sort of thing that Terra played. Girl had fun but zero tactical moves, just run and gun the whole time, haha!
