Are the Holidays Over Yet???

     Well, my time in Arizona is almost complete.  I love spending time with my family, but I often feel guilty about the chosen career path I've decided to take.  It's the one topic that isn't supposed to be discussed at family events.  I always go out of my way to make sure I don't bring up the topic around family, especially since I am opposite side of the political spectrum.  It always seems to be another member which says something small or asks me a ligament question about a certain aspect of politics. Once that happens, there is always that one family member who just has to chime in with their thoughts even though they have no clue what they are talking about...or if they do, it is not of their own thought process.  I generally do not say anything and just let it slide; but, it is like a volcano...it keeps building up and building up.  Eventually, someone makes a comment one to many and I let it lose because I never back down from an argument, even if I have to just say "well, that's your opinion" or something like that.
     I mean, it is one thing to disagree with me.  That is fine.  If we all agreed on everything then society would be a boring place. In fact, it is very american to disagree and have intelligent conversation about complex issues in order to solve said issues.  What I don't like s when someone flat-out challenges your stand when you have spent your entire life and career in that particular field.  Yes, I am well versed in Healthcare issues and when legislation were passed; and, I am also well versed on different foreign relations bills.  I am even well versed in MANY social issues and their effects on society.  I will never apologize for my level of education, or the pursuing of further education.  As my uncle tends to say, "knowledge is power". I honestly don't care if I'm the black sheep of the family, but I do know what I'm talking about when people start talking about MY field of expertise.  Also, a side note, just because one goes to college does not mean they will have all liberal professors or they will suddenly all "drink kool aide".  I can't help the fact that you can't understand the knowledge that I know, but how dare you attempt to insult what I do for a living.  If my career bothers you that much and if you feel so threatened by my intellect in a vast array of professional fields, then I'm sorry but please get over it.  I make it a personal effort to not make people feel uncomfortable and always try to respect the wishes of others, the least you can do is respect my career and the education I've had to earn to become successful in my line of work. Geez!
     Ok, I'm fine. It just bothers me. So I guess dinner is ready so I should probably get ready for that.  Only two more days and then I'll be bound for North Carolina.  I know some changes I'll be making in 2013.  Some will be good and some will be bad.  I just know I need to start living for me and reduce my guilt for my life decisions. I accept everyone else's life decisions and faults, so I think it's time for others to start doing that with me. Okay, end of rant.

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).