Love, Laughs and WTF?

I just want to travel now. 

Love that this guy was able to rhyme something with quinoa. 

WTF?

So glad Wednesday is over. 

Top 6: Things I've Learned About Myself Since Starting Grad School

As I am about to embark on my second year of grad school, I have done a lot of reflection on what I have learned thus far. Now, of course I have been immersed in the academic literature that so eloquently conveys the horror that is our social system, in addition to the steps we as social work warriors will take to conquer said horrors (dramatic, I know) - but what I am talking about here is what I have learned about myself.

Top 6: Things I've Learned About Myself Since Starting Grad School

1)    I get super nervous when introducing myself to large groups. I thought I got over this in my undergrad, but apparently not. I don’t even listen to who is before me; as I am too busy practicing what I am going to say. I always eff it up.

2)    I loathe sitting in circles. Every. Single. Class. Requires us to sit in a damn circle. Everyone can see you! At all times! I get zero sitting privacy!

3)    I can never correctly spell ‘privilege’ the first time. I mix I’s with E’s and the reverse…

4)    I rock APA. Thank goodness I worked at the Writing Center!

5)    I get awkward and uncomfortable when people blow their nose while talking to me. This happens to me far too often. Do I look away and give them their privacy? Or do I continue with the conversation and risk the chance I’ll have to tell them they missed something… You know, like a booger?  

6)    When I am tired of discussing micro/mezzo/macro social work – I find relief in discussing sex. I don’t know what it is, but whenever I am just DONE talking about the social worky stuff, something crazy inappropriate will come out of my mouth. Luckily, I have class with girls who also lack a filter.

Cheers to another year of circle sitting, booger picking, sex talk, class!

San Juan Islands

    

                                        

 In a continued anniversary celebration, we took a trip to the San Juan Islands. The weather was perfect, and the views were absolutely stunning. This was a great way to spend my last "free" weekend before school starts! 

DADT Repeal

Today, President Obama ended the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy. This policy has been in place for 18 years and has forced 14, 500 members of the U.S. Military to be discharged because they were thought to be gay, lesbian or bi-sexual. To say that someone cannot express who they really are for fear of losing their job would be unconstitutional, so why has it been okay for our Congress and Military to uphold such a policy? Today, the United States has made another step towards equity for all.  All I have to say is: It's about fucking time.

In recent months I have spoken to my Father and Step-Mother regarding this policy, both having served in the Army for over 20 years. To my surprise and disappointment, they were in full support of such a policy. I believe my Father's exact words were, "Gays don't belong in the Military. We don't need them." Hearing my father say that broke my heart. How could I have such a hateful father? He explained that having gay people in the Military would only cause problems. He continued on to say the most ignorant statement of them all: "I wouldn't want a gay guy in my bunk." Calm yourself Pops, I don't think a gay guy would want you either. 

The other piece to this heartbreak is something that I have never told my Father (and by continuing on, I am risking the chance that my father or step-mother read my blog): Dad, I'm Bi-sexual. Meaning, I like girls too. 

I am currently in a relationship with a boy. However, I have always been attracted to girls. Not only am I attracted to girls, but I have even been in relationships with girls. Over the past few years I have struggled to grip this "identity" because of the repercussions of "coming out".  I could go deeper into this, but my "coming out" story isn't the point. My point is: if I were in the Military, I would not have been able to be openly express who I am, or who I love. Everyday I would be fearful of being "found out" and without any just cause, discharged. How would you feel about that, Dad? Your own daughter? Would you feel any different? 

Regardless… thousands of lives have been changed today. Thousands of pounds of weight have been lifted off the shoulders of men and women serving our country. Imagine. These men and women, like my father and step-mother (who live so peacefully in their heterosexual relationship) can take in their own breath of freedom.

The irony in it all? To some, the scariest thing isn't grabbing a rifle and stepping into battle. The scariest thought might be opening up to their family, friends and colleagues. The repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" has given the courage and the civil right to do so.

It's about fucking time.

He's been posting YouTube videos for 5 months talking about his coming out experience in the military... but he finally shows his face yesterday and comes out to his Dad live, after news that "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" officially ended. 

Go Bananas

I've been in a baking frenzy lately. The changing of the seasons must be channeling my inner Martha Stewart and I am all about baked goods! With that said… here is the latest deliciousness. 

Cream Cheese Banana Bread

BREAD

3 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 3/4 cup butter, softened 8 ounces cream cheese, softened 2 cups granulated sugar 2 large eggs 1 & 1/2 cups mashed bananas (about 4 medium bananas) 1 cup chopped pecans, toasted 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 350°. Grease and flour two 8″x 4″ loaf pans. Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. Using an electric mixer, beat together butter and cream cheese until creamy. Gradually add sugar, mixing until light and fluffy. Add eggs, 1 at a time, mixing just until blended. Gradually add flour mixture to butter mixture, beating at low speed until blended. Stir in bananas, pecans, and vanilla extract. Divide batter evenly and spoon into prepared loaf pans.

TOPPING

1/2 cup packed brown sugar 1/2 cup chopped pecans, toasted 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour 1 tablespoon melted butter 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Combine all ingredients in a small bowl. Sprinkle evenly over batter in both loaf pans. Bake for 1 hour, or until a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean. If necessary, cover pans loosely with aluminum foil for the last 15 minutes to prevent excess browning. Cool bread in pans on wire racks for 10 minutes. Remove from pans to wire racks to cool completely.