OBX Chillin - 2013

            What’s up folks? I’m coming at you from the Outer Banks of North Carolina this week and let me tell you, it is gorgeous. We’ve had up and down weather from blue skies to fierce thunderstorms and it’s all part of the experience. This place is even better than I remember from our last trip down here four years ago, which was also my first OBX experience. This is only my second and with four years between the two, it is making me very reflective on how much has changed. All the crap that we’ve been through for the past four years and now we’re on the other side, whole and better than before, waiting for the next challenge. Inevitably, it will come, but not today.

            There is something about standing in the Sound out here, where the water comes up no farther than your waist, and the waves are pushing and pulling in a pulsing beat older than time. It’s the heartbeat of the world. The ocean is what all life comes from. And there’s no beating salty ocean air, or the feel of wet sand running through your fingers. I came down here with the frame of mind that I was going to enjoy myself no matter what, that nothing was going to get me down or ruin this time I have with my Bear. It’s amazing what a state of mind can change. Here it is Wednesday and this trip has been nothing but easy times and a relaxing frame of mind. Mornings with bacon and coffee and nights with delicious meals cooked by the family and a glass of Arbor Mist Sangria. Can I just add that it’s damn good to be over 21?

            Today is a little cooler than it’s been being this week, but that just means it’s good weather to park my rear out on the deck and get to work on the revisions for Blood Shadows. Yes, I brought my work with me. I haven’t done a thing to it the entire time I’ve been here, but the wheels have been turning so whenever I do get back at it, I’ll be ready and refreshed.

            Before I go, I want to add that North Carolina is such a gorgeous state. We’ve got mountains rising mighty and immortal to the west and gorgeous waters ever lapping at our shores to the east. We’ve got it all in Carolina, baby. Is it any wonder I love this state so much?

           

            Peace out from Carolina Kel, live from the OBX!

Political Witch...A One Time Only Deal

            I really do not feel like getting into a political discussion, especially not on the cusp of a vacation. However, I feel that certain comments and certain attitudes deserve addressing.

            First off, let’s agree on one thing. Politicians in general are low down dirty scum. They’re not trustworthy because most of them will betray every vow and every ideal they swore to uphold for the sake of money or votes. That being said, what is going on in North Carolina right now sucks. Our elected officials have been digging a hole for us for the past twenty years. This past November, we elected a Republican for the first time in twenty years. I’m not one to root for one party or the other, I registered Independent because I believe both parties are full of it. However, I feel that it was time for a switch up in North Carolina. Therein lies the problem.

            When you’re six feet under, it’s going to take a while to climb out. When the state budget is in the negatives and we’re in debt up to our eyeballs, it’s going to take some very practical measures to lower that debt and save our own hides. Programs are going to have to be cut. Money is going to have to be switched around to better accommodate everyone, at least until the budget is balanced. It’s like when everyone gave Mitt Romney hell for wanting to cut Big Bird out of the federal budget. What? Grow the hell up. When you’re in deep shit, you have to make sacrifices to get out. Of course you’re not going to like it, why would you? But it doesn’t change the fact that something has to be done if we ever want to get out of the hole we’re in.

            Do people think that the budget is going to magically fix itself? That there won’t be sacrifices along the way? If that’s the case, it’s not our education system but our common sense that is in dire straits.

            I don’t like what’s going on in NC either, but I’m trying to see the silver lining and hope that there’s a overall plan for the next four years, one that will have these sacrifices seeing their rewards. We don’t want to keep on the path we’re going, cutting one section every single time but showing no results with the overall budget. It’s my understanding that multiple sections are seeing cuts this time around and only time will tell if they pay off. I hope they do, just like I keep hoping that the federal government will get their stuff together, or someone will go out of office, I’ll take whichever comes first.

            So that’s my one and only strictly political post. I don’t usually do politics and I don’t plan on starting, but this was more of a need to express thoughts bubbling in my head anyway. Which is what I usually do. Eh, whatever. I’m off to stare at my suitcase for a while, maybe it will finish packing itself. ;)

            It’s only Thursday but everyone have a good weekend!