R-E-S-P-E-C-T

...find out what it means to me. Everyone knows that song and sings it to the top of their lungs. Of course when we sing it, we are thinking to ourselves, "Yeah! I've got it going on. Respect me!"

All too often, and I include myself in this statement, we don't turn that around. Point the finger in the other direction, towards ourselves. It's a hard line to walk- being true to yourself and respecting yourself, while also trying to be respectful of others. Doing what you can in the world to take care of yourself without walking on another person.

Let's just say that in my new environment, there seems to be alot of self respect but not enough respect for others. When I talk about respect, I mean the appreciation and/or tolerance of differences. Not that I am completely new to the culture here, I just haven't lived in it for a while. I sit back to observe and listen to the aspects of the culture. I often find myself in the minority on any myriad of issues. So, I listen more. Try to understand more, ask questions to clarify. Yet, when I try engage the other person in a dialogue about it or discuss something that was offensive I'm met with hostility and the conversations end. I expect more from an educational environment, even more so in higher education, where freedom of thought and the exploration of issues IS the purpose of the institution. Instead, the result is the isolation of people into the pockets of people who think most like them and there is seldom interaction between them.

So, I guess my point is- take the time to hear each other more, discuss more and learn more. There is so much hate, misunderstanding and lack of respect (intentional or not) put out into our world everyday. We each have the power to try and change that. Even if it is in our own little corner of the world.

So, respect yourself and respect others. Peace and Love. I'm off my soap box for the night.

Home Is Where the Heart Is

You can kiss your family and friends good-bye and put miles between you, but at the same time you carry them with you in your heart, your mind, your stomach, because you do not just live in a world but a world lives in you. ~Frederick Buechner

This is not a new lesson for me, but it was certainly reinforced this past weekend. I've always felt this way about my family since I've lived away from Texas for over 5 years now. My understanding of this has developed into something more given John and I are so far apart. I know my heart is in Oregon, but my body and mind are in Florida. Not always an easy task, but we are managing. Home is where your heart is and friends are the ones who make your world no matter where you are. I'm lucky to have a partner, family and friends who provide that for me.

The trip to Oregon was very fun and much needed. Of course it seemed to fly by. A sneak peek into our adventures can be seen in the pictures I posted above:
1) John and I hiked a 5 mile trail up to a butte overlooking Eugene. A beautiful site both on the way up and from the top. You can see me in "Fern Gully" as we called it on the way up.
2 ) John and I at Crater Lake in the Cascade mountains. It was a little cloudy that day, but the color of the water is the bluest I've ever seen. This is the deepest lake in the US and 7th in the world. The lake was formed when Mt. Mazama erupted over 7,500 years ago and the mountain collapsed into itself, creating the crater that was then filled by water from rainfall and snow melt. We are on the porch of the lodge that sits on the rim of the lake having a cup of hot cocoa.

Well, I've got to get back to my school work. I'm liking my assistantship and classes, as well as getting to know my cohort folks better. I hope that you are well and to hear from you soon! :)

Come Sail Away, Come Sail Away with Me....

This weekend is busy trying to make sure I have everything done so I can head out to Oregon on Wednesday. I cannot wait to get there and see John and the cats. It's been way to long- 2 months. See you soon honey!

But, before I bust out of here I wanted to let you know that my roommate Liz and I are locally famous. Last weekend she invited me out to her families house on the coast. We participated in a dingy sailboat race. While we didn't fare too well in the race, we had a great time. Liz's family called last night to let us know that we were in the local weekly newspaper! Check out the picture...the other picture here is a picture that her aunt took of us that day. By the way, when dolphins surface about 3 feet from your boat it's a little alarming! Once I figured out they weren't sharks I was okay. :)

The devastation from Hurricane Katrina continues to unfold this week. I am very sad for those who are suffering most. This is the most visible image of the plight of those who are poverty stricken in our country that my generation has ever seen. May we continue to help our brothers and sisters here at home who are in need of a shoulder to cry on and help rebuilding a life in a new place without anything but a broken spirit.

Something New....

Well, I am trying something new by creating this blog. First, I hope to utilize it as a way to write frequently about what is on my mind. Maybe this will help to prepare me for all the writing I have ahead of me! Second, I hope that this can be an outlet for me to express myself since so many of my nearest and dearest are far away.

I hope you enjoy this alternative way to get to know me. I also look forward to seeing your posts in the comments section. Talk with you soon!