Week 25

Week 25
Originally uploaded by KLLippoldt.

And so the discomfort begins. As my doctor said, "I hate to tell you this, but, you're pregnant!" upon hearing my one complaint. "Oh, my aching back!" I guess this was bound to happen as my weight shifted out front--especially since (fortunately or unfortunately) I haven't spread out to the sides. But, yes, the back pain is a new friend. This weekend I even had to send BJ to the grocery store for me; I was that uncomfortable. He did good, though. He actually stuck to the list and did not make any impulse purchases (for which he is famous).

Otherwise, everything has been smooth sailing! At my latest doctor's appointment I'd gained another 5 pounds, my belly grew to 24-inches, and Peanut's heart rate has stayed strong and consistent. 150 this time, 150 last time, and 154 at the ultrasound. As doc says, "Whatever that means." I was even commended on my mobility in that I could sit up without assistance after laying on the examining table. Yeah me!

Happy Holidays . . . and I mean it!

For the past two days, the Chicago Tribune has had articles about the religious right sqwauking and carrying on about "taking the Christ out of Christmas." What's the problem? Apparently that retailers and governmental institutions are daring to embrace all the people of America and wish "Happy Holidays" instead of "Merry Christmas." For shame! I'm right now feeling the need to boycott Target and Kohl's, and throw away my White House holiday card. I mean, Christmas card.

Get off it, people! Fine--you believe in Christ and the importance of His birth (which, by the way, historical data indicates did not occur anywhere near our sacred December 25th, nor in the year "0"). That's wonderful. Being raised Catholic, I tend to find comfort in the Christian beliefs and mythology. But, guess what I've realized? There are people out there, even in semi-rural Illinois, who don't! Through the years, I have had friends who are Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, and (gasp!) atheist. Stranger still, many of these major religions have significant events during the November/December period. Channukah, Ramadan and it's Eid al Fitr as examples. So, do I blatantly ignore the importance of their beliefs and celebrations, instead forcing my beliefs and traditions upon them? Something about that just doesn't sit right with me.

And, it shouldn't with our Christian Right friends. Christ's teachings, whether you belive he was the Messiah or not, were about love and acceptance. It's only been since man got involved that God became this picky, strict, and demanding deity. As a delinquent Christian who celebrates Christmas, I find that it's simply in the spirit of the season to wish good will and joy to my neighbor. Does that sentiment have to come packaged with caveat about Jesus? No. Why? Because maybe H/he doesn't have a place in their belief system. Because I honestly don't think H/he would want a condition placed on "loving thy neighbor". So, if I know someone is of a particular faith, say Judaism, I will wish them a Happy Channukah, and if I have no clue, I'll say Happy Holidays because that's all I mean: Be happy and well during the season and upcoming year.

Now, recently, our beloved Speaker of the House & Oswego High School Homeboy, Mr. Hastert, requested that the Capitol "holiday tree" be called what it is: a "Christmas tree". Fine. I have no problem with that. I mean, let's not be ridiculous. If you're putting up a big, green conifer, covering it in lights and gaudy baubles, there's a good chance it's not to celebrate Ramadan. However, condemning retailers who put on "Holiday sales"? Give me a break--so they didn't call it a Christmas sale. Plenty of people give & get gifts for Channukah! If you buy something in December it has to be for Christmas? And, if you're not Christian you should pay full price? Or, calling President Bush a hypocrite for sending out a holiday greeting this year, not a Christmas card. That is the height of this man's hypocrisy? OK, well that's another point. But, those greetings go to 1.4 million people. And, like it or not, but as the President of the USA, he represents people of all colors and faiths. Why shouldn't the President be "politically correct"? Why shouldn't he send a non-denominational greeting when that is one of the founding tenents of our democracy (whether those Protestant founding fathers realized it or not--The Catholics were coming! And, hey, once they start pouring in, it's Hindus and Buddhists right behind.)?

So, Happy Holidays to all of you, whether it be Christmas, Channukah, Ramadan, the Winter Solstice, or Aunt Sally's 40th birthday. May the Force be with you.