It Ain't Me

During my first trip to Germany, back in high school, I visited relatives of my host student. They were very kind to me and showed me the sights of the Black Forest and surrounding areas. When we got back to their house for dinner, the aunt asked me if I wanted McDonald's for dinner. I was stunned and confused, and said, no, I would eat whatever they were preparing. The aunt said that she thought all Americans eat McDonald's. 

That wasn't the first time I realized that Americans are often misrepresented abroad...or even at home for that matter. It was just one of the first times it happened directly to me. Clearly, that had a resonating impact.

Now, I am aware of the unfavorable perception many around the world have about America and its citizens. Some perceptions are warranted, most are not. What's frustrating to me is that America isn't helping the cause, and it seems to be undermining us all the time by exporting the worst of American pop culture and politics, and much more. Unless you live in a particular society, you won't understand the intricacies of that culture. {This same philosophy applies to American perceptions about other cultures, too, 'k?} Stereotyping is just plain ignorant. Period.

A very simple example: When I hear ANYTHING about Snooki and her pals on Jersey Shore, I want to scream at the top of my lungs that "Not everyone from New Jersey is like that!!" We are as varied as the day is long.

Other examples: Not all Republicans are ignorant, bigoted Bible-thumping evil spawns of Satan (I can hear you mutter under your breath...you're not getting my point, are you?). Not all Democrats are ignorant, granola-loving, unwashed, unambitious, unemployed moochers. Not all Christians are born-again Tea Partiers and not all Muslims are terrorists. Not all Americans are overweight diabetics that only eat McDonald's. And one more for good measure - not everyone who is working class wants to be a part of the 99%. Strong words? Sure. I'm sure you've heard - maybe even said - worse. I don't mean to offend. But it's time that people (here and abroad) stop pigeonholing folks because they have only part - or a gross misinterpretation - of the story.

I don't let these people speak for me - or define me - and neither should America.

Merry Happy

It's just a few days before Christmas.  Where did the year go? 

Last year this time, I felt like 2010 ran me over, backed up, and did it again.  2010 was a terrible, horrible, no good very bad year. I had great hopes for 2011 - it was going to be a better year. It had to be. It surely couldn't get much worse.

And better 2011 was.  It started out a little shaky, but once it got some ground under its feet, it was off and running and barely looked back.  It wasn't perfect.  But it didn't have as much to apologize for, either. Except the Kardashian wedding, but that's another story. And as the year runs its final cool-down lap, it leaves me with a sense that, yes, 2012 will be an awesome year.  Don't ask me how I know these things. I just do. And even if the world ends on December 21, 2012, we can go out like rock stars, knowing that we had at least one good year behind us. 

So, even though it's just over a week away, I raise my imaginary glass and toast the end of one year and the beginning of another, and the sense that we may find ourselves in a place of happiness and contentment.

And for those celebrating the holidays now, I wish you a very Merry Happy!

Such Random Things (Inspirations)

As I write this, I'm listening to Brooke Fraser's "Flags," a gorgeous song about the suffering we all experience but how there is still hope in this world. As I become more acquainted with her music and often Christian-themed song writing, there is a sense of peace. Now, I'm not one to listen to overtly religious music. I just can't. I'm sorry.  But I'm a sucker for a tender song about hope and redemption, and this song brings to mind several friends I know who are "going through things" at the moment - maybe even you - and that we all can serve as that listening ear and provide a bit of inspiration.

So, with that - and with the celebration of Thanksgiving still lingering - I thought I would share some inspiring stories:

• Just over a year ago, a very good friend of mine was in a horrible accident. It wasn't certain this person would survive, and if so, it wasn't certain what quality of life she would have.  It's been a long, painful road over the last year for her and her family...and all of her friends who continued to pray for her.  I saw her just a few weeks ago and she has made tremendous progress.  I don't think it necessary to go into details, but let me tell you - to be able to be with my friend and talk like old times, to witness her strength and ever-present optimism and faith...she amazes me so much. Say what you want, but I truly believe Someone was listening to those prayers.
• This past weekend, my wonderful grandparents celebrated 73 years of marriage.  73. I struggle to think what 20 or 30 years might look like, but 73?  They have experienced war, death, caring for elders, illnesses, and so much more - things that would tear any couple today apart - and there is still so much love there.  I think about how many people I know who have divorced or are in unhappy marriages and how easily people give up.  It ain't easy, and my grandparents would be the first to tell you so. But it is a partnership, and it takes compromise from time to time.  I continue to learn so much from them.
• A couple I know recently gave birth to a beautiful baby...who was born with Downs Syndrome. It's one of those genetic disorders that, unfortunately, is not discussed much and is often at the center of gross misunderstanding. Public insensitivity and ignorance abound. Still, from day one, my friend and his wife fell in love with this bundle of joy and the love grows stronger every day. And from their corner of the world, they are trying to educate people a little more about this disorder. Their story is such an inspiration to me.
• A few weeks ago was the famed New York Marathon. Being as how I haven't run any sort of distance since my cross country days about 17 years ago, I am always impressed by people who train and run marathons, half-marathons, Tough Mudders and such. I always feel a little bit...how shall we say...fat and lazy? These races are no joke, and neither is training, and when a friend of mine trained and ran the marathon for the first time - mind you, a person I did not know was physically fit in any way - I was inspired.  No, I'm not preparing for a marathon. But it got me thinking that nothing is worth anything without a little pain and hard work. And although I push myself everyday to do the most I can do, do I really? Is it enough? It's time to step up.

These are just some of the stories from recent weeks that serve as inspiration to me.

What inspires you?

Only Half the Journey...

I recently returned from a vacation to Bavaria, Germany. It was lovely, as one would expect, full of gorgeous mountains, centuries-old churches, small alpine villages, tourist destinations and all the bratwurst and beer your tummy could handle. It was an experience that I will always treasure.

However, the one image that keeps recurring in my memory is not one of the many wonderful sights we saw on land, but one seen from the sky.

Call me crazy (you wouldn't be the first) but - despite the growing inconvenience, cost and total lack of comfort these days - I love to fly. I always try to get a window seat and follow along like a child tracing a map - the winding roads and waterways; the thin, white edges of the sea's coast like a torn sheet of paper; the discernible landmarks; the mountains capped with snow; the pillars of Earth rising out of the desert, and so on. It's like taking a second trip.

Coming home from Germany, we went north - probably to avoid some storms that were pressing through France. Up across Belgium, across the whipping winds of the North Sea, over England's rugged coast. We flew over the Irish Sea, and then across Ireland above the legendary stone walls, so neatly arranged - gleaming the Emerald Isle of our imaginations. Hours over the open Atlantic, and then suddenly - icebergs, anchored so near the coast of Newfoundland and tiny houses and their weathered inhabitants.

Icebergs.

I never saw icebergs before. I didn't even know they could drift so far south (or were we that far north?) From 30,000 feet, it was difficult to tell at first what the white spots were below us. Caps of waves? Bits of clouds that were popping into view? Boats? Then they became larger. There was even one so large I think it must have been a glacier (or not) with the bluest core I have ever seen. To think how cold it must be there, how the hearty the local people must be (I could not imagine winter there), and how blessed they are to have such incredible natural surroundings. To be so connected to the sea.

[I didn't take photos, but look at these from Downhome Magazine.

Icebergs.

They serve as my reminder that the earth-bound destination is only half of the journey - there is so much of the world out there. And even if it is viewed from afar, enjoy. And I hope someday to take my earth-bound destination to Newfoundland and see those icebergs close-up.