{palestine} the gaza conflict

Though I try and bring light to the many wonders of life on this blog, there are unfortunately things happening in this world that aren't so lovely. Events that cannot be ignored. Today, I am referring to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the current occupation in the Gaza Strip. This past week I attended a bridge vigil for Palestine and was inspired by the support from non-violence advocates of all ages.

The conflict is no longer about the "religious rights" of Israelis or Arabs--it has transformed into violent racism and terrorism. Neither government wholesomely represents the true sentiments of its general population, and instead they are advocating the hatred and oppression of the other. I do not pretend to know every detail about the current situation in Gaza but I have intensely studied the history of Arab-Israeli tensions (which go back hundreds of years) and do my best to stay updated.

Protests like these are not held to insult either religion or ethnic identity, but rather to bring awareness to the horrific results of the fighting between these two governments: the unnecessary suffering of innocent civilians. 

the list book

I'm one of those people that really likes making lists. I make to-do lists filled with things I've already done and fill up yesterday's box in the calendar; just to cross them off. I'm not ashamed to admit that if you took a look at the lock screen on my phone, you'd see a daily to-do list. But if I didn't make these lists, things wouldn't get done. So here is one of my many single-purpose notebooks: the list book.
This book is filled with special lists primarily separate from other plain to-do types of things. It's filled with things I want to do, places I want to see, and all the things that I feel I should do to help me become the person I want to be. Of course it also has a few wish lists and other fun things...but I always have this with me!

I'm proud to say that since writing this list, I've gone on a rollerblading escapade with my neighbors, eaten a surprisingly delicious lunch at Olive Garden and just checked out three more Jodi Picoult novels!