Nativity.

Well alrighty. I haven't blogged since January - which is unfortunate since so many things (amazing and heartbreaking) have happened in that time. However, when I sat down to blog tonight, I wanted to do a blog about a modern day analysis of the Nativity. I cannot do this in many other public forums because I do not choose to offend people of faith (which would not be intentional here, but I could see how it may come across that way). I went with my dear friend Kim tonight and her parents to see the Nativity Pageant at the Carillon...it was really beautiful, and I forgot how I love the music fitting in to it. Anyway - I haven't seen it since I was a kid...and I didn't think to pick it apart and tease out all the weirdness happening in the story..I was talking to Kim about it after and the following ideas came as a result.

(***let me set the stage here, it is two nights before Christmas, I am sitting on my chaise lounge, next to the warm glow of my gorgeous 7 foot tree, and listening to the "Sounds of the Season" channel on cable***)aaaaand go:

1) If a girl came to us today and told us she was a virgin, but was with child of the breath of God, we would look at her like she was a delusional girl of ill repute. Seriously. You mean to tell me you've never had sex, yet some angel came and bestowed a child upon you because you are in "good graces with God"? Really? I'm not sure how I would respond to this - probably with a very cautious call to the local crisis unit for a mental status exam. She would also probably end up on either an MTV show or a Lifetime movie: "16 and Immaculately Conceived"

2) If I were Joseph, and the aforementioned girl came to me (as my wife) and told me she was pregnant, but I knew it wasn't mine - I would be HIGHLY suspect. (*Maury voice* "JOSEPH: you are NOT the father.") How did this man just go along with it? I don't understand. I would have been livid. He's a better man than I would be, I guess. Just went with her, there was the kid, he didn't ask questions. That's a trusting husband.

3) Oh these Three Wise Men. If you were so wise, you would know that frankincense (smoking smell good stuff), myrrh (perfume) and gold (heavy and dangerous) do NOT...repeat: DO NOT belong at a baby shower. I don't get their thinking behind this. Diapers, a pacifier, burping cloth...y'know...

4) Why, in the story, do they continue to refer to Jesus being wrapped in "swaddling clothes"? Of COURSE you're going to swaddle your baby - it's calming. I won't go in to the importance of sensory input in children, but that's what's happening when you swaddle babies...it's necessary to growth, development, and calm. Why can't we just refer to it as Jesus' onesie? I mean - that's pretty much what it was, right? This story needs some updating I think. Jesus is in the hay, kickin'  it in his onesie. It most likely had a cross on it. Or a sheep.We'll go with a sheep. No...it would say "WWJD?" Yes, that sounds about right.

I hope that I haven't offended anyone, but looking at it as a grown up, and not as a person of deep (if any) religious faith - I felt like it needed some more clarification. I hope everyone (whoever even reads this - so all one of you) has a wonderful, safe and very happy holiday. If you're traveling, be safe...if you're not, be happy...and if you're drinking, make sure someone takes your phone before you drunk text.

Life.

I feel like it is absolutely ridiculous that we work our asses off, only to be dealt the cards that say "pay all of your bills, spend all of your money, have no fun/time for yourself". I know I bitch about money a lot, but it used to be something that I had a plethora of - it was much easier when splitting all bills with someone...but since I no longer have that luxury, it's kind of kicking my ass. I don't really love it - but at the same time, I don't want to live with anyone (roommate, girlfriend, etc.) so I guess I will just accept the consequences and keep it movin'. Diamond Dog and I gots all we need. I guess it's just hitting me extra hard because work messes with our paychecks in December, and I have to Christmas shop still. Yikes! I wish I had to motivation to get a second job, but I really don't think that I can deal with that and handle everything else. Hopefully going back to school will help.

I emailed 3 different PhD programs at VCU yesterday: social and behavioral health, counseling psychology and special education/disability policy. I can't decide which one I'm most interested in - and I can't express how much I am NOT looking forward to taking the GRE for admission...I was hoping my MAT combined with my Master's degree would suffice, but no dice. Oh-well...rules are rules :)

I'm interested to see how the upcoming Presidential show down shakes out. I think it will be really interesting to see which candidates end up being teased out on the republican side. I'm excited - this is going to be a very pumped up year.

My 2nd annual Christmas party is tomorrow - I'm so excited to see my friends and to just relax and enjoy good company. Due to the constant running around/gym/work/whatever, I feel like I don't get to see/spend much time with my friends - the guest list includes some super winners :) Should be around 25-30 folks here...I can't wait...my apartment is totally decorated. I love that when you look out the guest room you see the entire sky line lit up through the lights that are inside my own window. It's very pictureesque. Festive festive festive! I can't wait to see Christmas lights next week with Morgan - we've decided to tackle south side tacky lights since I've seen the ones in the West End countless times. I'm stoked.

Happy Friday, friends.

Thoughts.

Ok....so, let's start with health care in america...it blows. I'm unsure how it is that I would be financially responsible for $100 less than the cost of the ENTIRE surgery...yet I'm fully insured. So basically now you have to be extremely loaded in order to have a simple outpatient procedure done? That doesn't make sense to me - at all. It's all a joke...and it's all fueled by ignorance that if we had universal healthcare somehow our country would go to shit. NEWSFLASH: it already has.

Let's now discuss student loans. I hate to even start this thought because it just stresses me out to no end, but it's important to understand that it is impossible to get a job without going completely broke in loans (unless you're some super lucky trust fund baby or have an awesome job that actually pays for your education). I'm so tired of there being so much regulation on things that really don't need regulation, they need relief. It's ridiculous that I do what I do, love what I do - yet pay what I pay in loans each month. It's completely unfair.

I'm so very glad that Thanksgiving is coming up soon. I'm in major need of relax time with friends and family. THEN IT'S CHRISTMAS TIME!!!!!!! My favorite time of the year - I don't care if I go "overboard" with it, or people think me getting the big tree is a waste of money...it's my money, and it makes me happy. I love Christmas. I'm already so stoked that there's christmas stuff out in the stores (especially walgreens...)...Diamond Dog is getting a new sweater for Christmas and she will look super nifty. I'm very excited. We're also trying to coordinate a door decorating contest in our building - Kara's idea after I told her how awesome my door is gonna look.