I Voted! Where's My Cookie?

I mailed my ballot in a week ago. I can tell you that was the easiest part of the process. I studied the voters' pamphlet and for each decision, I felt like I was just picking the lesser of two evils.

In spite of the mud-slinging circus elections have become, I am thankful for the right to vote and the systems in place to make it an accessible and unencumbered process for me. I know that is not the case in many countries and even some U.S. states. I'm proud to vote in the first state in the 20th century and the fifth state in the Union to enact women’s suffrage.

Washington State celebrates the centennial of women's suffrage this month. Check out http://www.washingtonwomenshistory.org/events/centennial.aspx for more information.

Thanksgiving Begins Today

As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them. --John Fitzgerald Kennedy

Today, I'm thankful for this guy right here. Every day I realize more and more how important he is to me and how much he means to me. I have trouble putting into words why, without dredging up some unpleasantness, but it's because of the rough patches we've weathered, that makes me grateful for his presence in my life. A presence that steadies me and comforts me.

A year ago, we hit our lowest point in our marriage. We both made mistakes, poor decisions and reacted badly to perceived wrongs. We broke each other's hearts with irrational arguments, angry, raised voices, harsh words, that lead to disengagement, and withdrawal. I was ready to call it quits. I was tired. 

But he refused to give up. He believed in us. Still believes in us, even when he knows I don't have the same resolve. He's helping me find that resolve again. Every time he makes me laugh. Every time he puts my needs first. Every time he gives me space. Every time he appreciates the things I do. Every time he thinks twice and reacts in a way I am still not accustomed to. Simple things to most, maybe, but huge in my eyes.

A year later, our marriage is far from perfect. I know there's no such thing. Couples can only strive for a strong marriage. If you had asked me earlier this year how much faith I had in us working things out, I would have said, "Not much, really." But as the year comes to a close, I can see more and more how much he's tried. How much he's changed.  When I need it, he gives me space. Sometimes he knows before I do that I need my me time. And though he knows why my heart remains heavy, he's the one who wipes my tears and holds me close. He exercises greater patience and just like when he first won me over, has just been there. So I've been asking myself more and more lately what's stopping me from trusting that this could work?

Maybe this is totally unrelated, but I recently clicked on "A Message from God" app on Facebook, something I rarely do. But on the rare occasions I do, the message is eerily fitting. On Friday, October 29, apparently God wanted to me to know:

... that decision is only wishful thinking until you take that first irreversible step. You can tell yourself that you have already decided, that nothing now can stop you, but if that step backwards is so much safer than step forwards, what will hold you true to your path when the going gets tough? Sometimes, the right thing to do is to take that first irreversible step, the one after which you cannot go back. And now, for you, is one of those times. 

I Don't Understand. I Really Don't.

I was just bragging to a friend the other day about how well I've handled October this year. Every October, since 2005, I have struggled to get through this month, wishing away any gloom that threatened to overshadow the vibrant colors of my otherwise favorite time of year. This past October 8 was the 5th anniversary of my miscarriage and I felt like I was finally, just finally, working my way towards a healthier outlook on life. I felt more positive, I felt more at peace. I kept busy, focusing on my blessings and enjoying my haves rather than dwelling on my have-nots.

Then I read this story this morning.

Hoquiam man accused of assaulting baby - Crime Reports - The Olympian - Olympia, Washington

The baby was only 5 months old, and for some reason this man thought nothing about picking her up by her neck. A grown man. Her father. I remember taking a deep breath and willing myself to remain calm, but my heart just started pounding and I felt myself start shaking. I was at work, reading the news on my phone. I had to put my phone down and run to the rest room, I thought I was going to be sick. But I was able to talk myself through it and calm down. I left my phone alone the rest of the day and concentrated on work.

When I got home, I finally checked my phone again out of habit. I checked on my friends and family on Facebook, then checked my KOMO News app for the latest headlines. This story caught my eye:

Baby killed after interrupting mom's Facebook time

A young mom got so angry at her  baby for crying while she played Farmville on Facebook, shook the baby hard. Twice. The second time AFTER having a smoke and "composing" herself. 

For the second time today I felt my blood pressure spike.  There was a roar in my ears and angry curse words rolled off my tongue. I have never felt such anger, disgust and venom towards a stranger before in my life. I'm pretty sure if I this woman had been in front of me she would have been a lifeless heap within seconds. The rage I felt  was overwhelming and gave way to tears and sobs.  I let my guard down and was soon awash in despair and helplessness. 

I don't understand. I really don't understand anymore. How are these people allowed to procreate? Why do they get blessed by the privilege of bringing a life into this crazy world? Why? Why them? How do they not even realize how lucky they are? They were entrusted with life's most precious gift and had no regard whatsoever for that honor. I am so tired of the unfairness of it all. I don't even have the energy any more to shake my fists at the sky, literally or figuratively. 

And so I don't escape this October unscathed. I had my annual meltdown. Gareth tried to comfort me the best he could, but I'm sure he still feels the pain as keenly as I do. It's just easier to escape into video games and movies. Me? I had my baking tonight to focus on. I'll try to find something else to focus on for the rest of this month. Thank goodness there are only 3 days left in it. 

Yes, things like these make me question my faith. Yes, things like these make me angry at God. There, I admit it. But still I pray for the baby in Hoquiam. I pray for the soul of the baby who died in Florida. I still pray for the one I lost 5 years ago. I pray the children out there who deserve so much better and I pray for the women and men who desperately want to be parents.  I pray for me. I pray for Gareth.

Maybe one day my prayers will be answered. 

Maybe one day I'll understand. 

Child of the Moon

Born under the cancer sign, I am a moonchild. My moods seem to be governed by the moon phases, for when I see a full moon, that is when I feel my most content and happy. A new moon, one I cannot see, seems to coincide with the days I feel my most restless and out of sorts.

I've never been one to follow astrology and horoscopes, but when I read descriptions of my sign, they rarely miss the mark. I'm a big fan of relaxation and satisfaction. I am emotional and I'm my happiest when my surroundings are comfortable, and my bitchiest when my environment isn't to my liking. I'm strongly attracted to water and find peace and spiritual recharge when I am within sight of large bodies of water.

Though I'm reluctant to admit it, my mood swings can be extreme. Nothing thrills me more than sweet words and nothing cuts deeper than unkind words. My family is of the utmost importance to me and while I'm friendly, I do not make friends easily. But when I do welcome someone into my world, they become a permanent part of my world.

The connection between my mood and moon phases was probably apparent to everyone (who knows well) but me. I can be kind of oblivious that way. I prefer carefree, but that's not quite accurate. I guess selectively ignorant is probably the better term. I'm sure the correlation will be stronger now that I'm looking for it. So, according to this month's calendar, you and I will like me best around the 21st through the 24th.