American Idol vs. American Freedom

A friend of mine made an excellent point via social networking the other day, that I hadn't thought of before, but got my thought process moving: how many people who vote for American Idol are registered/do vote in the American political elections?

I don't assume that people love politics like I do, nor do I assume that people care as much as I do. Which, is totally fine AS LONG AS the freedoms we get to enjoy as Americans are respected and appreciated. Regardless of which side of the aisle you support, freedom isn't free, and much has been sacrificed so that there may be opposite sides of the aisle.

All of that to say, does it strike anyone else as strange, that the American public gets more excited about voting for people who can sing than they do the people who run our beloved country? That the clothes they wear, the songs they sing, their backgrounds as individuals are more important than issues, laws, and our national security? Because it strikes me as such. Frankly, I find it sad. Granted, I'm not one who has ever enjoyed any of the reality TV shows, and I am certainly not implying that there is anything wrong with them. What I AM implying, however, is that there is a problem with this discrepancy.

Though my opinions of reality stars aren't to be coveted (I have zero respect for any of them, save those on the Home Makeover show, because at least they're doing something worthwhile), my opinions of a lot of politicians aren't really that much better (and yes, there are some Republicans that make me nauseas, just not as bad as Pelosi the Grossy). I do however feel that if you are going to have a platform on which to be heard, that you need to do something meaningful with it. While "meaningful" can be interpreted many ways, isn't it something that should be thought about?

Why is it that voting in an election is such a big deal? So hard? Such a hassle? Such an inconvenience? Why do people take it so for granted? The "uninformed" excuse baffles my mind. Whose fault is that? The "I'm only one person" does the same, given that you then shouldn't vote for anything because you will never be more than one. How has society as a whole managed to put who hits which note better in higher regard than what we pay in taxes or how many immigrants cross the border?

I'm sure this makes me sound like I'm 54 instead of 24, given that I may be the only 20-something girl to feel this way, but it's something that bothers me. I don't know what to do to fix it (I was taught that if you're bothered, you do something about it, don't just wait for someone else to do something), but I am going to give it ample thought. At least I know America is capable of having an opinion and voicing it... now, if only we could get on to the things that really matter...

Bullying

I meant to write about this last week, but alas, it didn't happen. But, better late than never, yes?

It isn't a secret to most how I feel about the man who currently occupies the Oval Office at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. I don't have to like him, but because I am called to respect the position, I will do my best to deal with that, but like the bumper sticker says, "don't blame me, I didn't vote for him!"

Last week, amidst all that is happening in our world, President Obama held a conference on bullying. I will preface all of this by saying, that the recent tragedies of kids taking their own lives under the pressure they face from cruel peers, is heart breaking. Kids are kids, and kids are MEAN. They always have been, but with the introduction of cyber-bullying thanks to social networking has really taken the issue to a higher level.

There are two parts to this post; part one: bullying. Part Two: the conference on bullying. So first of all, from what little I know/understand, bullying has morphed over the last 60 years from being pushed on the playground and stealing someone's lunch money to some conglomerate of verbal abuse and bringing guns to school. Because I wasn't there, I can't say that more modern bullying is worse than what Beaver Cleaver faced, but my feeling is that it might be. Somewhere between shows like the Real Housewives (gag), Mean Girls (shoot me now), and WWF (which I can honestly say I've never watched, but we've all seen the previews), fighting/drama/conflict/bitchiness has become the "it" thing. If you don't bully, you'll be bullied... so pick your poison.

That being said, I can say that I was bullied... but then again, who hasn't? Now, logic says to a kid, "hey don't pick on the big kid who is like 5x your size", but when the big kid is me (the girl who is a foot taller and wider than everyone else in class, but will cry if you look at her the wrong way) logic is defied. As I got older, who's fault was it? Mine. As Eleanor Roosevelt says, "no one can make you feel inferior without your consent". As I matured, it was my fault that I allowed myself to internalize people's words and actions.

I can honestly say that I have never been hit (praise the Lord) except of course the one time the lady ran into me with her car (different story for a different day). At age 24, there are several reasons: first, I'm an only child. I have no siblings to hit me. Second, I was blessed with the most loving parents imaginable (for which I don't take for granted, domestic abuse makes me want to throw up). Finally, I didn't need to be hit... I let people's words do the hitting for them, so they never needed to exert the effort. But let's be real, we all know what it's like to be hurt by others words and actions; that pain is the result of people bullying. Sometimes they mean it, sometimes they don't, but I'd be hard pressed to find anyone over the age of two who comes from a wonderful, full of love home, that hasn't been bullied to some degree.

All of that to say, when a kid's lunch money got stolen on the playground in 1955, that hurt. I'm sure it did; everyone wants to be accepted, and besides, everyone gets hungry at lunchtime! However, in 1955, when the bell rang, kids went home and were completely removed from the situation. In the 1990's when instant messaging was introduced (hello AIM and ICQ), it wasn't as easy to get away from (trust me, I know). Those words stung and cut and caused anger, tears, etc. But one of the biggest differences between then and now? Outside of someone talking about it later, it stayed between the two parties and wasn't on display for others to see. With Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, etc., any verbal damage can be viewed by the whole world... you've heard of viral videos on YouTube (prime example: kids beating other kids), but it is CRAZY how quickly making fun of others catches on... it spreads like wildfire (again, I've experienced both sides, one made me stronger, the other I still feel guilty about). Growing up is tough, but being ripped to shreds for the world to see exponentially increases the challenge.

The other part of this post, is my total disbelief that the president of the United States would hold a conference on bullying. He says it's because he was bullied... but um, excuse me sir, you're an idiot with big ears. Why wouldn't you be bullied? Oh by the way, who in the world (even those who are smart with normal sized ears) haven't been bullied? Are we supposed to feel sympathy for you? There is absolutely nothing that can be done in a lawmaker's office to fix the issue of bullying. Not only is the issue as old as time, it's individual and localized. It's a matter of changing culture, society, and relationship building to help the problem, however as long as there are humans, there will be bullying. We are a whole bunch of sinners living in a fallen world who all think we are super right 104% of the time (unfortunately, I am a prime example :/).

We are living in a time of unrest (the War on Terrorism, Egypt, Libya, guerilla warfare, Jihad, human trafficking, etc.). The value of the American dollar is falling, crime is rising, and in case no one has noticed, our politicians (on both sides of the aisle) are struggling to do anything productive. Maybe, just MAYBE law maker's (namely the head of this nation) should focus on those issues and butt OUT of the bullying issue... no law is going to change it. Empower the families, the teachers, the community to show a better way and do what we can to work with both the bullies and the bullied. Just a thought...

A trend, per se...

I certainly don't claim to be a Biblical scholar... my lack of the Word is nothing short of pathetic. Especially given my exposure to it in the past 24 years. I don't mean to be flippant about it, and especially don't mean to make excuses; I just don't want to claim to be something I'm not.

Despite 24 years of Sunday school, church, youth group, Christian high school AND college, etc. etc. I know the token verses, and a lot of the passages I have memorized aren't word for word and I couldn't give you the chapter and verse. Something I have been working on, and will continue to work on... since I didn't see the need to memorize content when I had scripture quizzes in school... just memorized 5 minutes prior for the grade (oh well, I guess hindsight really is 20/20).

However, BibleGateway.com, has become a close friend of mine as I learn more of the verses and where they are actually located in the books. Today, it pulled through once again. In the 19th chapter of Luke, when Jesus is coming to Jerusalem as a King, scriptures tell us...

³⁸ “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”

³⁹ Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples!”

⁴⁰ “I tell you,” he replied, “if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.”

The 40th verse was my motivation for looking it up in the first place. If WE (as in the human race) cease to praise the name of THE Lord, HIS creation will do it for us. Now, to me, that raises several excellent points:

1. The inanimate objects we are surrounded by, that we say are physically unable to speak, are created by the One who created life, so obviously, they can praise. Along with that, everything they do (sit still like a rock, blow in the wind like a tree, etc.) they do for the glory of the Lord. Ouch, I can't say I do the same.

2. The Lord is WORTHY of praise... He can not not be praised. It is impossible. If we who He wants praise from choose not to do so, others will have to take our places.

3. Finally, if it gets to that point; the point where rocks are crying out in praise due to our silence, it is NOT going to be pretty. That is literally all I will say about that; it elicits no further explanation.

All of this to say, what a TRAGEDY it would be for creation to have to cry out in worship because we do not. Please note, that I am in no way saying that I cry out in praise as I should and I am aware of how much I am contributing to this issue, which is part of why I am writing of it in the first place.

It doesn't take a rocket scientist, or even someone like me (who is often several fries and a toy short of a Happy Meal) to realize that in the past oh, I don't know... 10 or so years, that natural disasters seem to happen more and more. In my personal memory, it feels like since the tsunami in India right after Christmas 2004, tsunamis (most recently Japan), earthquakes (New Zealand, Peru, Haiti), hurricanes (Katrina... lest you forget, check in with those from New Orleans), blizzards (hello winter 2010-1), etc. have been on the rise.

I am no theologian (please try to contain your shock), but it's my simple, ignorant, based on nothing more than a gut feeling, that the "rocks are crying out" per se. As we (humans, which unfortunately I am VERY much of one) continue to lose sight of what's important, and often neglect to praise and worship the One who is worthy, His creation feels the need to move (earthquakes), blow (hurricanes), and raise its hands (tornadoes) in our place.

Though I know our country is known as "Christian nation", is there really such a thing? Is that really an accurate name given that prayer, the Ten Commandments, the Nativity scene, and "God" can't be mentioned anywhere unless it is for use of irreverent humor? While I don't believe for a millisecond that the Lord is punishing these nations for neglecting Him, I do believe that the responsibility to praise is there, it is simply a matter of who it is fulfilled by; and I strongly believe that He'd rather hear it from us than those boulders, but that's just my thought. When the psalmist in Psalm 150:6 says, "let everything that HAS BREATH praise the Lord", he meant it. He wasn't referring to nature and objects... he was referring to those who have been given life.

My heart breaks for all who have been effected by these tragedies (most recently the Japanese) and my prayers go out to them (genuinely, not just because that's what you're "supposed to say"). I in no way mean to discount what has happened or trivialize the pain that people have felt. I pray that I (and many others) begin to take worship so seriously, that the boulders can go back to being big cement masses, the trees can go back to shaking their leaves (preferably regrowing green leaves for spring please and thank you) and that the oceans can go back to being serene bodies of crystal blue water. Naturally, this isn't just for their benefit... I believe that the manifestation of praise to the King in our lives will do wonders... for ALL. Praise be to the LORD.

Brandy Meets Daniel Powter

"Have You Ever" had a "Bad Day"?

You know, the day when...
...you sleep through your alarm
...wake up to a phone call that's the wrong number
...you trip and fall over a shoe as you pop out of bed
...put your contacts in the wrong eyes
...over cook your eggs
...your gas light is on and you're running late
...you pass out at the gym because you forget to take your medicines (ALL of them)
...run home to take them & get pulled over
...break a dish when you're making lunch
...spill the milk
...forget your list for Walmart and have to go back - twice
...get the date wrong on a meeting
...put shaving gel in your hair instead of shampoo
...realize you're out of soap with shampoo in your hair
...get chewed out by a guy who likes you that you don't like back
...burn your hand on the hair straightener
...trip over the dog's bone & fall down the stairs
All before 4:00?

Wouldn't that suck if that's how your Tuesday, March 1 was? If you're not sure, ask me and I will tell you.

2/3 of the way there!

I was born, raised, and still reside in the state of Indiana (don't ask me how I feel about the 3rd part of that sentence, as that is a conversation for another day). However, after over 24 years here, I am STILL not used to the winters, the cold, the gray, and the dreary. I don't know why my body craves the Vitamin D and serotonin from the sun like it does, but the lack of it sure throws me out of whack. Exhaustion, moodiness, tears... you name it, if it's negative, I will encompass it. I guess you could call it some sort of withdraw, because in the summertime, I'm about as energetic and peppy as people care to be around. I know this is shocking, but I can be a bit much... a bit over the top, a lot to handle... (please wipe that surprised look off your face, it's no secret).

All of that to say, today is the last day of February... woo hoo! I literally can not stand January, February and March in the state of Indiana. I don't mean to complain, but those three months are a challenge for me to get through. So today, I'm going to look at the glass as half full... or in this case, 2/3 full because two of the three yucky months are OVER! We are now less than a month away from the official start of spring and would you believe... I heard a bird chirping today!

One of my favorite sounds in the world is children laughing (I take after my Momma). I love to hear the sound of a boat taking off in the middle of the lake, the ding of the timer when cookies come out of the oven, and a squeal from someone I care about when they have good news. But one of the best sounds of all? Birds chirping after a long, harsh, drab winter. It's so invigorating I just want to run around outside yelling "yippee" at the top of my lungs. (Don't judge me, I've done it before.)

So today, I am thankful. Today we are 59 days into the 90 day stretch... and those birds are pretty doggone excited, too!

Follow-Up...

As I reread my post on the current health care system, I became worried that I may have come across in a pompous or arrogant manner; which I certainly had no intent of doing. My belief that health care is a privilege, not a right, is because our freedoms and the "free market system" that is supposed to exist in "democracy" dictates it as such.

I did not mean to seem like I was bragging that I have great health insurance; I'm blessed, yes, but I certainly don't mean to take that for granted. My point was simply that our government shouldn't take from some to give to others... we, as Christians, should do so without the government's help. I understand that there are many unfortunate circumstances, and I certainly wouldn't ever wish or condemn anyone in any type of situation, I just don't believe that a socialist approach is the way to go.

When Jesus lived as a man on this earth, he was not a rich man by human standards. However, you never saw Him taking from rich to give to poor... rather you saw Him reaching out and helping those less fortunate and that's what I believe we are called to do. We should help take care of the sick and the needy out of our love for Christ who has taught us to love others.

Again, I am truly sorry if my post came across in a rude, demeaning manner... that was not my intent; I just wanted to express my gratitude for the system that is helping me as I go through this "valley" if you will, and voice my opinion against a government run health care system... not to say that those who have not don't deserve to be treated and taken care of.

I can't imagine what it must be like to be in a situation in terms of health when care is out of reach, and my heart breaks for all who have to walk through physical trials in the first place. May God bless all those who suffer as HIS grace is sufficient.

#5: CURRENT Health Care System

I am a firm believer in the concept that everyone has "something". Some of us deal with physical health issues, others financial issues, others addictions, others still abuse, so on and so forth. There isn't a soul among us who isn't tormented by some form of SOMEthing. I will give the devil this: as much of a bastard as he is, he is sure a creative bastard! He comes up with different ways to challenge us, test our faith and drag us down. Seriously, don't know what else to call him but a bastard (and let's be real, that's keeping it rated PG).

In my case, currently, it's my health. I don't mean that in a "woe is me" way, it just is what it is... I am very blessed in many ways and it could always be much worse. That being said though, I have had a lot of experience with our current free health care system, and while yes it is expensive, it's FABULOUS. Yes, I'm blessed to have health insurance (thanks, daddy!). Yes, I'm blessed to have access to good doctors. And praise the Lord for those things!

Don't get me started on my thoughts of the so-called government take over of our health care system. This blog, and the world wide web for that matter, aren't big enough to hold my thoughts, feelings, and frankly the expletives I'd like to throw in with said perspectives. But our current system? Yeah, it's baller.

The people who are taking the time, putting in the effort, taking out the student loans, sacrificing anything outside of education to become doctors, in my opinion, deserve the compensation they receive! The Obama-ramuses' take that away, and they've stolen the incentive to work hard to become a doctor. And frankly, I don't want some C-student who has mediocre work ethic operating on or treating me (call me snotty, but SERIOUSLY!). Should this occur, a system that serves everyone will be useless given that the quality of the care won't be worth anything to anyone. Currently, we have great for some but not for all. Then, we would have no good for all.

People from all over the world come to America to utilize its incredible health care because it is one of the few remaining free systems in the world. Look at Canada and the train wreck their health care system is in... need I say more?

All of the time I have spent being a part of our health care system, has made me realize how BLESSED we are to have it, and how SCREWED (yes, I know that's not the most sophisticated way of saying it, but it certainly gets the point across) we will be if it is taken away from us. I do not mean to be pompous that I have had opportunities and access to healthcare while others who are less fortunate have not... but healthcare is a privilege, not a right. For me, for you, and for anyone else... it is something to be appreciated, not something one is entitled to. Furthermore, there are many organizations that exist to help those with medical expenses... our government doesn't need to do it by robbing some people of good healthcare to give all mediocre healthcare.

Jesus calls us to care for those less fortunate, those who are sick, those who are in need (Matthew 26) and as Christians, it is our responsibility to do so. Not in the name of socialism, but in the name of Christ. Our government forcing all to do so while some of those who are benefiting continue to milk the system and blow what little money they have in irresponsible manners (notice I say some, not all) is not only unfair, but will lead to further demise of our already fragile (due to the damage done) system.

Our current health care system has saved my life and many others... robbing our great nation of the system and those who make it possible would be one of the greatest tragedies in our great nation's history.

#4: Patriotism

I should specify, that in this series of "loves for my country", they aren't ranked in any particular order... they are all on the list, but please don't think that I love deodorant more than patriotism, it's simply the way the posts have fallen.

So several months ago (November, to be exact) I went to lunch with my Shorty (a.k.a my maternal 89 year old grandfather) on Veteran's Day. We went to Applebee's because they were giving Veterans a free meal that day, and my Shorty was a P-51 pilot in World War II. To me, this is a HUGE deal. I love everything about the 1940's, and frankly believe I may have been born in the wrong generation.

Anyways, while we were there, countless people questioned him, thanked him, and wanted to hear all about his time in the U.S. Air Corps. He was to bring his military I.D. to receive his free meal, but since he couldn't find it, he chose to bring a picture of he and my grandmother on their wedding day as he was in uniform and the picture was taken on the base. He proudly told the inquisitors of his time served, and showed off his beautiful bride to anyone who wanted to see. There are so few WWII Veterans left, that you could tell how impressed people were by him. They thanked him for his service, his sacrifice, his risks, his time, his energy... to which he politely replied with a shy "my pleasure".

Now, here's the thing... Shorty was in the war towards the end, because he was young. He wasn't a part of the draft, he freely elected to enlist because he wanted to serve his country. At 19, he didn't even meet the weight requirement to fly (he needed to be 120, but he was only 113 - I obviously don't take after his genetics) but the physician fudged his weight so he could get in to that cockpit.

I have a couple great uncles who were in the Battle of the Bulge, on the beaches of Normandy, one who was an officer directly under General MacArthur. While all of these examples pertain specifically to one war, they also are specific to a generation. A generation whose freedoms were directly attacked time and time again, but who would never retreat. Since that horrible war, there have been countless more, and just like my grandfather, there have been countless people who have freely chosen to enlist in our armed services to protect the freedoms and rights we hold dear, and often take for granted.

While again, patriotism is not specific to only America, the pride (some) Americans have for their beloved nation is enough to give me goosebumps. To hear the National Anthem, the Pledge of Allegiance, or to see the flag flown at half-staff in honor of tragedy reminds me of how deep patriotism runs. If I could individually thank every person who has sacrificed so that I may vote, travel, and worship as I desire, I would. In the meantime, I will continue to pray for them and for their loved ones, for the leadership of this country, and that those who want to hurt America will fail. I think Toby Keith says it best in his "Courtesy of the Red, White, & Blue"...

American Girls and American Guys
We'll always stand up and salute
We'll always recognize
When we see Old Glory Flying
There's a lot of men dead
So we can sleep in peace at night
When we lay down our head

Now this nation that I love
Has fallen under attack
A mighty sucker punch came flyin' in
From somewhere in the back
Soon as we could see clearly
Through our big black eye
Man, we lit up your world
Like the 4th of July

Hey Uncle Sam
Put your name at the top of his list
And the Statue of Liberty
Started shakin' her fist
And the eagle will fly
Man, it's gonna be hell
When you hear Mother Freedom
Start ringin' her bell
And it feels like the whole wide world is raining down on you
Brought to you Courtesy of the Red White and Blue

Justice will be served
And the battle will rage
This big dog will fight
When you rattle his cage
And you'll be sorry that you messed with
The U.S. of A.
'Cause we'll put a boot in your ass
It's the American way!

#3: Football

We are now two weeks post-Superbowl and I am have already having withdraws from the absolutely FANTASTIC game of American football. I get that soccer is the "original" football because it actually uses feet and is the world's sport and ya, ya, ya, but let's be real: what sport is as great as football?

As huge of a sports fan as I am, I am also a girlie girl, so I will start with the most obvious aspect of my heterosexual love of a sport: football pants. Which of course go hand-in-hand with some of the specific position players' builds: quarterback, tight end (literally, hehe), wide receiver, cornerback... to name just a few. Six foot something men without an ounce of body fat on them in spandex capris: you won't hear me complaining. Personally, I have yet to find a sport that has better looking players than football... seriously (not to mention my older-man crush on Joe Montana; he still looks THAT good!)

The tackling: it's the most civilized way to settle a score (literally again, wow, I'm on a roll!) in the oldest way known to man. Defense says to the offense, "you've got something we want" (the ball) and "I am now going to take you down so we can get it". Simple concept... complex execution.

The game itself: of the main sports that don't run continually during game time (i.e. basketball) all others, save football, are chasing a little white thing... does anyone else find that boring after oh, say, 10 minutes? Soccer, baseball, hockey... little white thing being chased by grown men in games that drag on forever. Not football! Football games are long enough that they make it worth your while to make the effort to go to the game or somewhere to watch the game, they keep your attention even though play isn't always continual amd again, they wear FOOTBALL PANTS. (Frankly, that in and of itself should be enough!)

Finally, I don't know if anyone besides me has noticed this (not because I'm so smart, but because of the misfires in my brain, I think of random stuff...) but for the most part (I didn't do enough research on this to find the statistics, because there are bad apples everywhere) players in the NFL aren't/don't seem to be in trouble nearly as often as other professional athletes. Now, again, I give the disclaimer that there are plenty of NFL idiots (I mean, what do you expect... they get hit in the head all the time!) who drive under the influence, beat their wives/girlfriends, allow their ego to drive their manhood, etc. However, Roger Goodell (the NFL commissioner) doesn't mess around with punishments: you screw up, you pay. Big Ben is a prime example. Brett Favre (who almost single handedly derailed this argument, given that despite his genius on the field several years ago, is a world-class idiot) is also a case of punishment being enforced. Good work, Rog! Whereas the MLB seems to constantly have steroid issues on top of the aforementioned bad decisions, the NBA seems to have become little more than street ball of ego-maniacs like Lebron James. Doesn't anyone remember when the NBA was cool? When it was Reggie, MJ, Scottie Pippen, etc.? You know, guys who actually knew how to play the game and had some fundamentals (again, not to say they weren't idiots off the court, but at least they weren't when they were on the court!) Furthermore, a lot of the "do-gooders" in professional sports today come from football, and have come from football in the past, I could write a long list of NFL players involved in doing the right thing and being the right person for the right reasons: find me three in one sport alone (save Josh Hamilton of the Texas Rangers because he's a cut above most people in general, let alone professional athletes or baseball players) because I couldn't come up with three in other sports.

So as unorganized as the idea of number three is, I am extremely grateful for the game of football, its hitting, rule enforcing, good-doing PANTS.

#2: Deodorant

Another thing I love about America, is its embrace for deodorant (and personal hygiene in general), but specifically the pH balanced goodness that prevents the stench. Again, I understand that Americans certainly aren't the only people to embrace the stuff, nor were we necessarily the rocket scientists who came up with it, but the stuff is GOOD.

I would go so far as to say whoever it was who did create it, should probably win an award (I'd suggest the Nobel Peace prize, but then again, those are given to people who don't do or know anything, ahem Obama...) so I'm not going to go there. But honestly, think about it... at the risk of being so politically uncorrect that my blog gets shut down and I get arrested for being a white Christian girl, I won't single out any specific cultures or races, but in case you haven't noticed, there are SOME in this world who don't utilize the gift of deodorant... even while in this country! (On a side note, my only beef with them is their body odor, I truly have nothing against nor am I prejudice towards any specific group of people.)

I know that "smells"probably aren't a crucial deal in the long run of life per se, but just think about it: how many different times, circumstances, situations, etc. has some form of a stench made or broken your experience? I mean hellooooo warm garlic and butter when you walk into Biaggi's. Hellooooooo dark chocolate and fruit when you walk into DeBrand's. Helloooooo person at the gym next to you who ate Biaggi's last night (EW!).

If you have ever been around someone who hasn't exercised their right to use deodorant, you know exactly what I'm talking about... it's a struggle to breathe it in, and while I can't speak for others, it makes my stomach think it's an olympic gymnast that needs to do an entire floor routine of jumps, flips, and cartwheels.

Furthermore, deodorant is like America (oh yes, I took it there): it comes in all shapes, colors, sizes, style and scents (notice I say "scents", not "odors"). Stick, solid, white, clear, men's, women's, travel size, value size, fierce ice, powder fresh, etc. It's like we can compare the Wal-Mart aisle of deodorant to our melting pot of folks!

So all in all, I'm extremely thankful for the stuff. I know it's a little thing, but they say (who ever "they" are) that it's the "little things in life", and this "little thing" can make or break a situation and any innocent bystander's temporary well-being.