Tuesday, December 25, 2012

Christmas Road Trip to Arizona Part 2


Well, it has been a long day on the road, but we are safely in Arizona for Christmas! We even went to the evening service of church.  It was interesting and a nice service.  It is amazing the level of information I have learned from the Political Rhetoric class and how I apply it to almost everything I hear each day.  I can certainly give credit to Dr. Beth Huber for teaching me the basics of Rhetoric.
So anyway, this will be my first Christmas in Arizona. I am fairly excited about this endeavor.   In addition to that, I have family coming in from California and they have a new addition to their family unit.  Needless to say, I am a first cousin…I think anyway.  This will be the first time I will meet her. As for her parents, I am really excited to see them. I love my aunt and uncle! They are awesome, hip, and closer to my age so it seems like we relate on a lot of levels.
As I write this, I realize that I am writing this on Christmas Eve.  I don’t plan on making a blog entry on Christmas Day.  I try to abstain from all electronic distractions like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, iPhone (in general), FourSquare, etc.  It is always a big challenge to me so hopefully I will be able to go the whole day without checking my phone; or, at least once at the very least.  I know I’ve stated that the holidays are the most stressful time of the year.  I guess the only reason to justify that is because I am my own person.  I know I am much different than the rest of the family (in just about every way). However, at the end of the day, I am able to look past all of the differences and try to just enjoy the company of my family and the time together.  If there is anything to be taken away from the year 2012, it is simply this: spend as much time as you can with those you love because you never know when it might be the last time.  I can say that it is a mature thought for someone in their twenty’s.  I know this is the “time of one’s life”, but it honestly doesn’t need to be all about oneself.; to me, that is selfish (on certain levels anyway).  The only things to really take away from this blog piece are: 1) Texas is the most boring state to drive; 2) Dr. Huber from Western Carolina University is the best Professor to have for any Rhetoric class; 3) Try and go as long as you can without social media (even if it is just five minutes a day); and, 4) Remember that no matter how complex your family members can be, at the end of the day they are still family so cherish your time together while you can.
With all of that said, one other challenge that I will have this week is to not engage in any political discussions – even if provoked…like earlier tonight. I know…good luck with that, right? If I can ride two days in a truck with a parent who is on the opposite side of the political spectrum, I think I can go a few more days with family members that are on that same side. So yes, the challenge has been accepted…and I always win because I’m a fierce competitor.
I hope everyone has a wonderful & blessed Christmas, Kwanza, Hanukkah, winter solstice, or holiday season (mainly whatever you are celebrating over the next couple of days).  If you are traveling, I wish you safe travels to your destinations and will think positive thoughts and energy to you and those that travel with you.  Have a blessed holiday season! I image my next blog piece will be either Thursday or Friday (I’ll be back in North Carolina on the thirtieth of December).

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