Sometimes A Comment Can Make You Stop and Think

Turner Syndrome and Sex - Ramblings of a Misguided Blonde

The above link actually goes to a "shadow" blog I use on Wordpress. Essentially, I import all of my posts from blogger into my Wordpress account. There are several reasons for this. 1. I can reach more people. 2. I have a back up version of my blog if something ever happened to Blogger. 3. I wanted to learn how to use Wordpress.

Well, from time to time, I get an e-mail saying that I have a comment on the Wordpress version of my blog. Sometimes it is spam, sometimes it is a nice note. This time, it was a revelation.

Here is the comment I received from Actorgirl:

"As someone who also only recently found out that some people are calling TS an 'intersex' condition, I'm with you. Not only puzzled, but really kind of offended. I am female, as is every other woman I know with TS. It's bad enough having my doctor (who I really do love, but she occasionally blew me away when I first starting seeing her) say, "You know, you've really changed my mind about TS." She had also been under the impression that women with TS were mentally retarded. This bothers me even more than that-- almost as much as the 'professor' in the graduate level Child Development class who called girls/women with TS 'creatures.' ::SIGH::

You are SO right about the questioning whether you are a 'real' woman, and it does NOT make it any easier to be told that you really aren't even FEMALE. Particularly for those of us who are mosaic or who are not 45X but who have one partially missing or partially repeated X chromosome... as you stated, no confusion about genitalia, no confusion about chromosomal gender. But a LOT of possible gender identification issues when you're told you're NOT what you ARE. I really honestly don't think TS meets the definition of an intersex condition, and we are all most assuredly females!"

This is what I wrote in response:

"Actorgirl, thank you so very much for commenting. I couldn't agree with you more. It seems to me that the most likely people to treat us (Turners women) as anything other than the women that we are are in fact doctors. It seems as though all too often doctors can’t get past the diagnosis to see that a human being is there right in front of their eyes.

How on Earth anyone could characterize Turners women as retarded is beyond me. Quite frankly, I don’t know any Turners women who haven’t at least earned a bachelors degree. I say that because it means that despite the fact that some may have learning disabilities, they are more than capable of managing the educational system.

Lindsey"

(You can read the original post here.)

As you can see, I have some definite views on the subject of intersex conditions and how Turners Syndrome is perceived by many people. What angers me is that there are so many people who want to label it a disability. A disability? What has it prevented me from doing in my life, besides reaching things on high shelves and having children the old fashioned way?

1. There are a lot of short people out there who don't have Turners Syndrome. Are we going to consider everyone who is short disabled?

2. The same thing goes for men and women who are dealing with infertility. There are many, many people who are unable to have children naturally.

I realize that there are a whole host of issues that can arise with Turners Syndrome, but most of the women and girls affected do not have serious physical disabilities (if any). With regards to mental disabilities, aside from very specific learning disabilities related to math and spatial reasoning (which are not always present), the rate of mental disability is comparable to the rest of the population.

Why then do we try to put artificial limitations and labels on individuals because we perceive them as different? I know that it is a human trait, but it has serious consequences. It just goes to show you that a simple comment can make a person angry all over again. I just wish that there was something constructive that I could do about it (aside from correcting misinformation when I see it).

Lindsey

Still Celebrating... and Waiting

Why does it seem as though this Christmas season won't end? It just seems to drag out. I know that it hasn't been perfect, and that I am frustrated that nothing appears to be on the horizon. Yet, I am trying to make the most of things and move on. I only hope that I will be able to stay on at Best Buy.

I'm not in a very "talkative" mood. Much more later.

Lindsey

A Few Notes from My Desk

Hi everyone,

I just wanted to thank readers who still haven't given up on my blogging efforts. There are a few things that I need to address.

1. This blog is once again political. I know that I said earlier this summer that I was going to refrain from discussing politics. Quite simply, Sarah Palin changed all of that for me. End of story.

2. You will see changes soon. I'm not going to outline them yet, but there is a lot in the works.

I just wanted to clear that all up!

Lindsey

Silence

I've been quiet for the last few days or so. I've watched as my former home, Houston, was devastated by Ike. There has been a lot going on in my family too. My silence hasn't been due to lake of material!

There are several things that I want to discuss here, and I hope to get started tonight.

Lindsey

Unhinged Sexism

I simply can not believe the blatantly sexist attacks thrown at Sarah Palin. As a women, I'm beginning to wonder if I've been sold a huge pack of lies. What angers me the most is the suggestion that Sarah Palin isn't a good mother simply because she is running for national office and she happens to have five children. She would not be facing this criticism if she was a father of five children.

What about her husband? He reportedly spends most of his time at home running his businesses. I wouldn't be surprised if his commercial fishing business is largely seasonal. Does this sound familiar? It should to those who know me and my family. My Dad was around much more than most during my childhood due to similar circumstances (he owns and operates a seasonal business).

In fact, during my first nine months of life, my Dad took me everywhere. My Mom decided to go back to teaching and my Dad was my caregiver during the day during the school year. There are stories of how he took me with him when he would take care of business for the canoe livery. One of my Grandfather's best friends talked about it for years. This man, who decidedly came from a very different generation, happened to own our small town newspaper and provided many printing services for my Dad's business. He couldn't get over a businessman caring for his infant daughter, taking her everywhere with him.

My point is this. Gender still does matter a great deal to Democrats when it comes to powerful Republican women. A commentator, a female at that, had the gull to suggest that conservative Republicans are the ones who have issue with a mother of five as the Vice Presidential candidate. Hello? Has this woman met many modern conservatives?

Due to family and societal circumstances, I happen to know roughly an equal amount of conservative Republicans, so-called progressive Democrats, and what I'll term "old school" Democrats (Roosevelt Democrats). Of all of the conservatives I know, there are maybe three out of several dozen that I'd term sexist. They are unlikely to support any female candidate for high national office. Actually, one of the three actually called me almost as it was announced that Palin was the choice. She was upset (yes, women can be some of the most ardent sexists), but as soon as I told her what I had heard about Palin, she was happy (although still disappointed that it wasn't Romney). In my experience, sexism is less prevalent in conservatives than in other camps.

On the other hand, some of the most hypocritical, sexist people I know term themselves progressive Democrats. Many like to term sexual equality in terms of brute sexuality. Women are now able to express themselves sexually. In those terms, many progressives think that that is all that is needed. Yet, they hold women to a double standard. If a woman sleeps around, she is a slut. Think of the portrayal of Paris Hilton and Britney Spears by supposedly PROGRESSIVE Hollywood. Women can have choice, but there is hell to pay if it is the wrong choice.

What about true opportunities, specifically job opportunities? What about what really matters? I, for one, am much more than just a sexual being. This is exactly why this garbage hurled at Palin just leaves me reeling.

I can't help but think of my Grandpa. According to the traditional progressive Democratic party line, he would seemingly be the most sexist person around. He was a lifelong conservative Republican businessman, a father of five daughters, and his wife was a stay-at-home mom. Why then did he win an award from a women's group for his work in supporting women in business? Why did all five of his daughters receive college educations and go on to successful careers, in spite of the fact that all of them are mothers too? Why did four out of five of his granddaughters (of college age) pursue business degrees? He never fit the mold and he never doubted the talents of smart, independent women. My Grandma is the one who made the decision to stay home to raise her five daughters. She may have regretted not pursuing a teaching career, but my Grandpa had nothing to do with her choice (those who know my Grandma know that she is nothing if not her own woman). He would be appalled at what the press is doing to Palin.

Hopefully it is clear just why I am so angry with the treatment of Palin thus far. She is certainly becoming a role model for me. I hope that she continues to inspire a whole generation of women, not just conservative women. She certainly represents a strain of American culture.

Lindsey

The First Day of School

Due to a relatively new law in Michigan (schools must start after Labor Day), tomorrow will be the first day of school for most students in Michigan (K-12). Quite frankly, I would be kidding myself if I didn't admit that I truly miss school, whether k-12 or college. It was always something to look forward to after a summer of fun, sun, swimming, relatives, and work. Growing up, our household had two very distinct seasons, the school year and the canoeing/camping season.

Most families with children divide their year into the school year and summer; not our family. My parents' campground and canoe livery brought much more work and responsibility to summer. Don't get me wrong, I adored growing up around the canoe livery. It meant seeing my paternal grandparents everyday, time on the river, lots of people everywhere, and learning useful skills. It also meant that I could spend time with my Mom shopping for supplies in Saginaw. Inevitably, we would run to the mall too. I loved having an opportunity to spend time alone with my Mom alone. It was relatively rare.

As much fun as summer always was, it also meant eight to ten weeks of hard work for my parents. Both were always eager for Labor Day weekend. I always looked forward to going back to school. Of course, I would be nervous too, but there was always much more excitement within me. During the weeks before school would start, I would have crazy dreams of the first day of school. It started right before I started 4th grade (I was changing elementary schools that year) and occurred faithfully every year until I graduated from high school. There is a deep part of me that would love to become a teacher, but I'm just not sure if it is meant to be.

Best of luck to all the students and teachers who are going back to school tomorrow. My Mom and sister will be going back as elementary school teachers, and my little brother will be entering his senior year of high school.

Lindsey

Flatlanders

The first time I realized just how geography affects a person's frame of reference, or world view, had to be in late December 2001. My parents had just picked me up from the Detroit Metro Airport; I had just completed a semester studying abroad in Quito, Ecuador at La Universidad de San Francisco del Quito (a small, private university). The story of my trip traveling back to Michigan from Ecuador that December is a story unto itself, but that will have to wait.

As my parents and I were traveling north on I-75, it struck me just how flat the landscape was. I even made the comment to my Mom, who then made an obvious comment of her own, "I suppose that is why they call us flatlanders." Still, the contrast of the Andes Mountains and the flat terrain of the Saginaw Valley can't be overstated. Inevitably it changes how people who live there view the world.

For whatever reason, the inherent flatness of mid-Michigan struck me again last Saturday. Brian and I were traveling along US 10 from Bay City to Midland in his truck. It was a beautiful summer day with only a few puffy white clouds in the sky. I don't know why the flatness stuck me then, but it did. There was nothing to break the horizon besides trees and grass, along with the occasional house or overpass.

So what does this have to do with how people view the world? I can only answer that by sharing how the geography of where I grew up shaped how I viewed my world. Growing up between Standish, Sterling, and Omer, it was always almost exactly six miles to the nearest small town in various directions from our home. If you traveled along US-23, there were always approximately seven miles between small towns. There are seven miles between Pinconning, Standish, Omer, and AuGres. As a child, if I wanted to see a movie, do any kind of shopping, or eat at a chain restaurant (other than fast food), I had to travel roughly thirty miles either north or south to either West Branch or Bay City. Growing up, Bay City was my idea of perfection. Imagine - a mall and movie theater nearby! Now that I'm older and have lived in suburbia for nearly a decade, I don't enjoy malls much anymore and never have the desire to go to movies (we have Netflix). Even though my priorities have changed, I now love Bay City for other reasons, namely Saginaw Bay and the Saginaw River (not to mention the people, the sense of community, and its history).

In Ecuador, it was quite a different story. While everything is spread out here in mid-Michigan, that just isn't the case in Quito, Ecuador. In Quito, houses and businesses are closed behind walls. Everything is created to make you feel enclosed, secure. Even in small towns, buildings are clustered together in European style. The effects of colonialism are everywhere. Yet, when you get get beyond the cities, drive the mountain roads, and visit the open haciendas, you feel as though you are transferred to a mountainous Texas. There are truly wide open spaces so wide that you feel as though you are about to travel to the end of the Earth. The mountains are in the background and its foothills serve to open up the space before you. There is no human need for enclosure in mid-Michigan, but there certainly is in the Andes. Most people want to experience mountains from a safe vantage point (that, however, does not explain the nature of the mountain roads).

If you study the geography of Ecuador, you quickly realize that it is one of the most geographically diverse countries in Latin America. It contains wide plains, the Andes Mountains, tropical rain forests, and the Galapagos Islands, not to mention Pacific beaches. I experienced it all to some extent while I was there, but I was especially drawn to water. Growing up along the banks of the Rifle River and near Saginaw Bay, I suppose I've always been drawn to water. As a child, some of my favorite memories were of family dinners at restaurants along Lake Huron and Saginaw Bay, namely the Point AuGres Hotel (great pizza) and the Bear Track Inn, both of which have long since closed. As I grew up and moved away, I don't think that it was a coincidence that I chose to study at Michigan State University. While the Red Cedar isn't all that spectacular, it does a lot to add to the park-like feel of campus. During my time in Austin, Texas, I gravitated towards Lake Travis (a river by Michigan standards). In the back of my mind, I partially attribute my dislike of Houston to a lack of water. Brian and I drove to Galveston a few times during our year in Houston, but it just didn't seem close enough. Neither of us could get enough of Galveston.

Like many others, I often wonder if our geographic preferences are imprinted upon us from birth. No matter where I go or where I live, I will always gravitate towards lakes, rivers, and flat land. I'm beginning to think that I'm becoming too influenced by what I read. Is that really such a bad thing?

Lindsey

I'm Back

I really missed blogging. Over the last month or so, I've resolved some long-standing issues in my life, and hopefully addressing those issues head on will ultimately lead me to a career (and eventually career success). It is a long, complicated story, but unfortunately, not an uncommon one in Michigan right now.

Cleaning out the office I share with Brian, I came across many of my files from college. There were a couple of projects of which I am proud. I also spent a lot of time going through all of my paperwork - bills, insurance papers, letters, cards, note-worthy newspaper clippings. It feels great to actually have a nice working space once again.

A couple of things happened through this entire process (there are still a few things I need to do) of organizing things in my life, including relationships (long story), that made me realize that I'm really not that far from achieving my goals. It is good to know and motivates me to finally find a permanent solution to that overriding question that has plagued me for three years and caused so much destruction in my life - the question of a career and a job.

As I said earlier, I'm far from the only well-educated young professional in this situation in Michigan. I'm tired of everyone focusing on everything but bringing new jobs to this state. We are instead focusing on educating the workforce of Texas, California, Arizona, and pretty much the rest of the country. I really wish I knew how to get involved in helping to turn this sorry state around. Any ideas? I'm tired of just talking about it and feeling powerless.

Lindsey

More Extended Silence

I apologize for getting on such a tangent the other day. Sometimes you need to just get things out in the open, and that is what happened the other day. I can't thank those who commented on the entry enough.

One male commentator asked whether or not I've considered adoption. Quite frankly, I've spent the last 18 years weighing the pros and cons of in vitro fertilization and adoption. I've known about my infertility since I was nine years old (my parents were pretty much backed into a situation where they had to tell me what was going on). Even though I'm a proud supporter of adoption, it doesn't really change the situation.

There are a couple of things that need to get out in the open. First and foremost, my Mom spent years telling me that I really shouldn't worry about it much. By the time I was ready to have kids, the technology would catch up. In a sense, she was right. Physically, there is nothing preventing me from going through in vitro fertilization. That said, the more I learned about it, the more I thought about the implications, the more I researched it, the less appealing it became. I've read personal accounts of women who have successfully and unsuccessfully gone through the process.

There is no guarantee that it will work on the first try or even the hundredth. In addition, I'm in a position where I would need a donor egg (I do not have ovaries due to Turners Syndrome, hence the issue of infertility). I've thought about it long and hard. At one time, I considered asking my sister to be the egg donor, but how do you ask someone something like that? Then, I truly sat down and thought about what that meant. I would have a child that was genetically my sister's and my husband's (Brian's). It would be way too weird. That said, I've learned that some Moms of girls with Turners Syndrome are seeking to gain permission to freeze their eggs for eventual use by their daughters. I see nothing wrong with it. It is a loving gesture from a Mother to a daughter, although it would be way too creepy for me to consider if it was an option. Even with an unrelated egg donor, it would be strange to think of the child as genetically the product of my husband and some random woman.

As many issues as there are with in vitro fertilization, it was the emotional roller coaster described by women who have had the procedure, successful or unsuccessful, that really did me in. I'm the first to admit that I don't think that I could handle it. I don't know how I could get through the devastation of having to go through the procedure two or three times and still face the probability that I may never get pregnant. I don't want to put myself or my family through that.

You may be asking yourself why I'm concerned at all as it seems clear that adoption in the obvious choice for me. In a sense, adoption is the obvious choice, and I have no real qualms about it. I grew up around adoption, and I don't believe that there is less of a bond there. That said, as selfish as this sounds, I want to experience being pregnant. I really do, as stupid as that sounds. I mean, who wants to willingly go through the process of gaining lots of weight, having mood swings and cravings, only to later experience lots of intense pain? Well, millions of women do it every year. Life is precious (although we are rapidly losing sight of that in the current word), and what could be greater than creating new life? That's what bothers me. I want to experience a new life growing inside of me. It really is as simple and as complicated as that.

There is an old episode of "Roseanne" where the men pretend that they are upset that they can't have babies. It was funny, but far from the truth. The way I look at it, men get to be a part of the process once they become fathers. No matter how far the Far Left goes in trying to make men obsolete, they are still very much needed as part of the process. This may be politically incorrect now, but they are needed in the entire process of raising children.

So where does that leave people like me? From time to time, I do feel left out. One day, I imagine that Brian and I will adopt. It will probably help me deal with all of these issues. That said, I'll always wonder what it is like to be pregnant.

Lindsey

Extended Silence

Things have been rough lately, but I have resolved quite a few issues in my life. Sometimes I wonder how things could have ever gotten so screwed up in the first place. Once it is all over, I plan to write several blog posts regarding what I've been through the last few years.

Most people don't realize it, but Mother's Day is extremely difficult for me. Sometimes I don't know how I'll ever "get over" my infertility. It hurts. Over all, I am fortunate to have such a wonderful Mother and a two loving Grandmothers still in my life. I don't know what I'll do when they're gone. That said, having those strong women in my life almost makes things worse. I want to one day be a role model like them, but how will I ever get a chance? My Grandma recently tried to explain to me how wonderful it is to have grandchildren. It just made me want to cry to realize that I'll never have that experience. I've always been told "just wait until you have children someday." Why didn't anyone stop and think that that is probably out of the picture for me?

For whatever reason, I've been thinking a lot about two particular TV series finales lately. Both the series finales of "Roseanne" and "Six Feet Under" left viewers with much to think about. Both dealt with issues of life and death, purpose, and family relationships. I just finished watching the "Six Feet Under" finally again. It drives right to the heart of what has been bothering me, plaguing me even, over the last three or four years. What is my purpose here?

Seriously. Why was I put here on this Earth if I am unable to have children? That simple question has haunted me ever since I found out I have Turner Syndrome. I'm now watching the people I grew up with start careers, get married, and have babies. I have none of that yet at 27. It hurts deeply, much more that I would ever care to admit. My little sister is getting married this fall, and how long will it be before she is pregnant? I'll be ecstatic for her, of course. However, I'll also be a little sad. She and her family will live on the other side of the state. I won't be able to dote on my nieces and nephews.

Believe it or not, I am convinced that my career difficulties (to say the least) are tied to the fact that I will never have children. When you are trying to substitute a career for having children, you are bound to be bitterly disappointed. Nothing has enough meaning. As a result, you quickly begin to be apathetic. I long for something meaningful in my life (in addition to my family relationships and my relationship with Brian), but I've been unsuccessful. I'm severely disillusioned.

Thank you for putting up with my little rant. I deal with these issues every single day, and it is hard for me to articulate just how deeply they hurt. I hope to resume normal blogging soon.

Lindsey

Strange Days

I've had a few personal things going that are, well, just strange. For example, I've been involved with an online Facebook game called Knighthood. It's been a lot of fun, but the woman who was my 'liege" in the game literally died a few days ago. I never met her, but I just spoke to her online not even a week ago. It is just, well, sad.

In addition, I went to lunch with my Grandma Reid today. She had a doctor's appointment. She is a very independent woman and has never asked that I go with her to such appointments before. Well, today she did. She wanted another set of ears there (I can understand it due to the fact that her hearing is shot and has been for decades). I just can't help but wonder "why now?"

There is also a personal situation with my other Grandma, Grandma Buttrick, that has come up within the last few days. It directly affects me, and I have some decisions to make. It isn't easy. It isn't pretty. I just wish I knew where to go from here.

Once again, I have this deep seated feeling that the world is turned on its head. We certainly live in strange times.

Lindsey

Grow Up! Men Are Not The Enemy

I absolutely can't stand it when women find it necessary to put down all men. I've been reading a lot of Rachel Lucas and Dr. Helen lately, and both are among the first to highlight feminist screeds. Well, there is a piece that was published that really is hard to believe if you don't read it for yourself. Can you imagine chastising your spouse in public? Now can you imagine what would happen if a husband chastised his wife in public? The sheer gull of this woman (and I use that term loosely as I don't want to be associated at all with the likes of her; I just don't) is mind-bending. I planned to comment extensively on the topic, but The Anchoress does a wonderful job of commenting on the original article, and she dissects the reactions of Rachel and Dr. Helen. I'm quite surprised that DADvocate hasn't weighed in on the subject yet, but I'm sure that he will (I'm counting on it!).

I've been meaning to write a post honoring some of the men in my life, past and present. Now I'm even more determined to do so. I truly sympathize with men in our society. I'm just glad that there are many others, male and female, that think the way I do about this particular subject. It is always nice not to be alone.

Lindsey

My husband is a gem, a jewel! | The Anchoress

From My Personal Experience, Rachel Lucas Is Correct - Conservatives ARE Nicer Than Liberals

The piece below wasn't much of a revelation for me. I've been an observer of human nature for quite some time, and in general, most of the conservatives I've know are nicer than most liberals I know. This statement was particularly true in college. Anyway, Rachel Lucas yet again makes some very good points in her latest entry.

I really wish it wasn't so though. I'd love to have a fair, honest debate on the actual issues. That doesn't even seem possible anymore due to the Politically Correct nature of politics these days. I truly wish that we could get beyond all of the labels, but it just isn't happening folks. Then again, I should be a Democrat, right? Just for once, I'd like to be debated on what I actually say, not the Republican National Committee's talking points. Since when does identifying with a political party mean that you have to agree with everything position that party has taken? I'd love to know.

Rachel Lucas » Blog Archive » Conservatives are nicer than liberals.

Lindsey

Yet Another Interruption

Life just has a way of disrupting everything. I had a very personal errand to take care of yesterday, and I ended up seeing most of my family (more on that later; there is a great story behind it all). As worried as I was about the outcome, it couldn't have come to a better resolution.

As it happens, Tuesday would have been my Grandpa Buttrick's 83rd birthday. Sadly, we lost him last June. That is why we pretty much all congregated at my Grandma Buttrick's house yesterday. We all miss him terribly. It is hard to believe that he passed away close to a year ago.

Much more to come as always,

Lindsey

PS - There won't be a "Profile of a Writer" yet again this week. I want to do it right.

Yet Another Apology

I'm not sure why I feel the need to apologize when I'm away from the keyboard for a day or two, but I do. Even though I blog for myself, I owe it to my readers to provide an explanation if I'm suddenly gone for a few days.

In this case, it wasn't just one thing, it was several. I'm trying to figure out the best way to handle a couple of delicate situations, I didn't receive the necessary information to do the in depth profile of a writer as I had hoped (I still want to do it this week), and I had to take care of some things around the house. Nothing exciting, just life in general.

From the time I was ten years old, I've wished for 48 hours in a day. There is so much that I want to do in life that I feel as though I never have enough time or money. It has always been that way, and it is really paralyzing me (actually, it has since I graduated in 2004). I need to make some decisions and have the gumption to follow through and actually put my whole heart into it.

Lindsey

Drama

Sometimes I feel as though I bring all of the drama on myself. Nothing is ever as bad as it seems and just about any obstacle can be overcome. I'm just frustrated. I do genuinely feel sidelined in both the economic and political sphere. I know that it is within my power to rectify the situation, but I don't even know where to begin. I can't force anyone to hire me, and quite frankly, there is not much hiring going on around here at all. It would be a completely different story if Brian and I were in a position to move. In fact, if we wanted to move to the other side of Michigan, my sister could get me a job right away. If Brian's career wasn't going well, I'd be pressuring him to move.

The thing is that I've been torn for nearly three years. If I stay, I have the love and support of my family, Brian's family, and Brian. The only issue that Brian and I face is my lack of employment, and as a result, financial stress. I should consider myself lucky, but it doesn't feel that way. I feel as though I'm holding us back, and I'm of service to no one. I suffered rejection as a child, but this is much worse. If I left, I would lose Brian, not see my family nearly as often, and I would have to start over completely. I could never leave Brian.

It kills me that Michigan is doing nothing to help people actually live here (i.e. jobs). This state has educated an entire generation of workers for the southwest at this point. The supposed leaders of this state claim that education is the key to securing Michigan's economic future. While I agree to an extent, it doesn't change the fact that there is nothing here for college graduates. We may have some of the best universities in the country, but we have limited (very limited) opportunities for college graduates - at least on the east side of the state.

The whole thing frustrates me to no end. I've been dealing with these issues for nearly three years. The only people who care are my family, Brian, and Brian's family. People in this area seem to have a general idea of what is going on, but no one is willing to do anything about it. If I had any kind of political power, I would be using it to help find a solution to this type of situation. I know for a fact that I'm not the only person going through this.

Lindsey

This Just Makes Me Sick

You have to read this firsthand account of Michelle Malkin's experience. You can read it here. Also, as if that wasn't enough, you can read about the latest Obama scandal here. I find the Anchoress's assessment interesting, although I disagree. However, the reason I disagree probably has more to do with the difference between Protestants and Catholics rather than a true difference between my stance on issues and those of the Anchoress.

I'm seriously losing faith in just about everything at this point. I can understand the other side; however, I can't understand why the Angry Left has chosen to essentially curtail all discussion. If you think that I'm overreacting, try being a conservative college student these days. From what I've been reading, it is much worse than when I was an undergrad at MSU. There just seems to be no room for any opposing viewpoint anymore and that deeply disturbs me.

My Big, Angry Rant

Today has not been a good day. Please just humor me while I get this off of my chest.

I'm tired.
I'm tired of worrying about my Grandmothers.
I'm tired of trying to prove my worth to potential employers.
I'm tired of the political mess that is currently the United States of America.
I'm tired of people feeling as though they are entitled to things.
I'm tired of people (especially one person in particular) comparing me to my little sister.
I'm tired of worrying about finances.
I'm tired of growing older.
I'm tired of working hard for absolutely nothing.
I'm tired of having nothing to show for my "career" at age 27.
I'm tired of struggling every day.
I'm tired of bad things of happening to great people and places (my neighbors and Michigan).
I'm tired of apathy.
I'm tired of worrying about what other people think.
I'm tired of feeling as though I have no monetary worth in Michigan's backwards economy.
I'm tired of having no energy.
I'm tired of always having to prove myself.
I'm tired of everyone wanting a piece of my future (i.e. money).
I'm tired of my country and my state being run by people who don't care and who do not have leadership skills.
I'm tired of people wondering when Brian and I will get married.
I'm tired.

Any questions?

Getting It Right

Here is yet another insightful article over at The Anchoress. She highlights a heartfelt piece by David Mamet. It touches on a subject that I've long thought about, discussed, etc. It is a discussion of how the Democratic party no longer represents freedom of thought or freedom period. It pits classical liberals against today's Democratic party. The result isn't pretty.

Some time ago I wrote a piece on why I should be a Democrat (you can find it here). A comment I received from Darren over at Right on the Left Coast brought the point home. There is more diversity in today's Republican party, period. There is more diversity in thought, more discussion of core values, etc. In my opinion, the Democratic party has become a parody of itself. I just hope more people wake up soon. There are a lot of people being misled by both parties.

Lindsey

My Apologies....

From time to time, it becomes necessary to explain what is going on behind the scenes. You may have noticed that my blogging has been very light as of late. There are a couple of reasons for that. First off, I've been working for a music website that will be launched to the public at the end of this month. I already have over 30 pieces written there. I've mentioned it here a few times, but I didn't realize at the time that those not registered with the private beta would not have the ability to see my profile - yet.

This website appears tailor made for me, and I hope to be compensated for it (we'll see if I actually get the check). However, compensation comes into play for only the first 30 entries. Thus, I will only be adding one new entry a day now. I enjoy the website enough to continue with it; however, it isn't worth my time spending hours a day there. As a result, I've come up with a happy medium.

In addition to getting things taken care of at JamsBio, I haven't felt well the last few days. I've felt lethargic, had severe headaches, and felt drained of energy. I'm not sure why, but I'm feeling better now. It hasn't helped that I've had a lot on my mind too. Everyone is growing up around me, and it is time to make some serious decisions with regards to my career. No matter what happens, I don't want to give up my writing.

Now that things are getting back to normal, the blog should be returning to normal as well. There are several posts that I've been planning.

Hope all is well!

Lindsey