Pilgrimages of life

I am very upset that this class is over. I enjoyed every conversation, power point, video, and article that we covered (even the uncomfortable stuff). This class was the highlight of my day, where I could count on having a good laugh. I feel like I have learned a lot from this class. Now I have a better understanding of where I stand on certain issues. When we were learning about the "hook up" culture of college I was frightened for next year. Once we did the college interview I felt a lot better about it. Talking to a college student helped take the edge off of the obstacles I might run into next year.

I really enjoyed the 'The Way,' I wish that I was good at foreign languages and could just travel the world. I wish I could walk the Camino, but I feel like I don't have it in me. I could rough it for the most part, but peeing outside scares me so I don't think I could pull it off. I hope that one day I can overcome my fears and accomplish being a "free spirit," and open up to the world and soak in all it has to offer. Recently I have taken baby steps. I do not like to go public places by myself because I feel extremely awkward. However, this weekend I went to a walk with out a buddy, church alone, and today I went to the YMCA all by myself. It sounds lame, but for me it was a big deal. This class has helped me be more comfortable with myself.

Some say love

I think that the concept of a "soul mate" is a nice idea. Everyone would like to end up with their "perfect" partner. However, I think that people are looking for what they think is the perfect guy or girl, not what is perfect for them in particular. People are looking for their soul mate and creating an unrealistic ideal of who or what their mate should be. When it comes to love for me, I am seeking for a best friend. I hope to have relationships built on trust with someone I can laugh with and just be myself. One song that comes to mind is "Lucky" by Colbie Caillat and Jason Maraz. The song is about being in love with your best friend and how lucky they feel to have each other. In Justin Bieber's "U Smile," the young Justin talks about unconditional love. He proclaims his love saying your wish is my command demonstrating selfless love. Another song that illustrates love is "Everything" by Micheal Buble. He sings,  "whatever comes our way we'll see it through, and you know thats what our love can do!" In Alica Keys' "if I ain't got you," Alicia sings about how material things don't matter; all she needs is her significant other. The song "Ain't no mountain high enough," stresses being there of one another. In the song, if one is in need of the other, nothing can keep them apart.

The Changing Face of Marriage

I have had a very good experience with the domestic church.  At home my parents have taught me the importance of patience, unconditional love, and acceptance. They have demonstrated these values in their relationship with each other as well as my siblings and me. My mom has always stressed the importance of having faith and a relationship with God. Many tv shows are normalizing what was previously thought of as scandalous. Shows have all kinds of different marriages where gender, age, and race do not matter. I think it is a positive message to send that everyone should be accepted. Marriage should be focused on the love shared between two people. Some negative things in the media are focusing on the glitz and glam of the actual wedding instead of the marriage. It is also normalizing divorce. Because of this I think more people go into marriage with out fully thinking it through leading to divorce. I am very glad to hear that people with a college education are less likely to get divorced because I am fortunate enough to go to college next year. There I will hopefully discover myself and further develop my values. Doing this will eventually help me develop a domestic church one day.

Marriage and Vatican II

The Second Vatican Council formulated many teachings on marriage. One of these being that marriage and family are first on the list of modern needs of society. Marriage plays an important role in the church and society. The "Constitution on the Church in the Modern World," claims that marriage is a calling from God. Today, I do not think many people see it that way. People get married for a number of reasons, but I do not think that the majority of couples choose to get married because they feel it is their calling. In modern times, many couples choose to have nondenominational weddings, or elope. Modern couples are also getting married later in life, and because of the economic situation and current times, couples are not in any rush to start a family. I really liked the quote from "The Church in the Middle East" that stated "Conjugal love is not a fleeting event, but the patient project of a life time." It is sad to say that many couples are not in marriage for the long-haul. I feel that media and society has normalized divorce as a common occurrence so couples give up easily. I feel that patience is probably key when it comes to marriage.

Dating: What's the point?

I see why anti-daters think that dating is practice for divorce, but I do not agree with them. Dating does involve eventually breaking up, but without dating you will never learn what you want and need in relationships. If you do not date, how are you going to find a spouse? Through dating I think people learn a lot about themselves. By dating and interacting with others, you build relationships. You learn how to care for and respect another person. I don't think that people should carelessly date, but if two people genuinely care for each other  and have good intentions I am all for dating. I think it is healthy to casually date. By that I don't mean hook up with random strangers, but to go out on a date with someone with out the pressure or stress of a serious relationship. I am concerned with the hook-up culture in college. If that is not your style, where do you fit in? What do you do? How do you meet people?

Gender Roles Proposal

I think that it is definitely a problem that some women think a marriage proposal should be a complete surprise. It is important to be on the same page as your significant other. I also think people hold a lot of high expectations when it comes to proposals. I think a lot of men would be completely caught off guard if the girl proposed. I think some would feel disappointed that they didn't get to buy a ring or plan a romantic engagement. I go back and forth on whether or not I think it is the man's job to propose. Really I think it just depends on the couple and whatever they feel. As long as the two people getting engaged are in love then that is all that matters. Not so much the ring or how it happened, but the decision that they will spend the rest of their lives together. My grandparents got engaged on my grandmother's birthday, and my dad proposed to my mom on his birthday.

"wonderful gift and awesome responsibility"

I thought the Church was very clear and open about their views on sexuality. Sex is not meant to be considered dirty or impure, but sacred and unifying. The sacred act of sex, in the Church's eyes, is only sacred and acceptable when performed in the unity of marriage between a man and woman. The Church feels sex is mainly  for procreation. They address that sexual activity between singles, homosexual or heterosexual, is not acceptable. The Church also states they are aware being chaste is not always the easiest thing, but try to point out that in the end it is worth waiting for. From reading this article, I have a better understanding of the Churches veiws.

Who I am

I am who I am for many reasons. One of the biggest reasons is my family. I am lucky to have two very awesome and loving parents. Throughout my whole life they have always supported me and believed in me. They let me participate in whatever activities I wanted, allowing me to be my true self. My parents never tried to change who I was or control what crafts or hobbies I participated in. This freedom helped me develop into the creative, well-rounded person I am today. I know that I can accomplish anything I put my mind to because thats the way my parents raised me.

My friends are also a very big part of who I am. I am lucky to have many different friends from the activities I participate in. Some of my best friends are from my club volleyball team when I was 13. We all still talk and hang out as much as possible. We are all very different, but share the same passion for volleyball and love to laugh. I also  have my best friends from both grade school, and the Mount. My friends allow me to be my wacky self without judging me. When I am around all my friends I never feel pressure to act a certain way. Not all of us have the same interests, but we respect eachother and accept eachother for who we are. When I am feeling down, or need someone to talk to my friends are always there to cheer me up or to listen. In return I try to do the same for them.

Music also makes me the person I am today. When I was very young I knew I wanted to play an instrument. At first I started with the piano. I enjoyed it, but I wasn't fully committed to the instrument. Then I began to play the clarinet in 3rd grade with the school band. I loved going to practice and playing the music. Once I had an understanding of the clarinet I doubled up on the alto saxophone. Once I got to high school I continued with my music in the orchestra. Freshman year I taught myself how to play the flute. Music has always helped me when I am frustrated, feeling down, or am just plain bored. I will randomly pick up one of my intruments and play to get away from the stress of life. I love learning how to play new instruments. During orchestra I am always asking to see someone's violin, cello, or trying to keep a beat on the drums.

Mission Statement

To appreciate the little things in life. To try and live in the moment and take in the beauty of life. To laugh with loved ones or even strangers everyday. To not take my talents for granted, and share my music, baked goods, creativity and skills with others. To always make sure I am there for my friends, family, and neighbors when they are in need. To stay true to what I feel is right in my gut, and always try to be honest. To not treat others diferently because we do not see eye to eye, but treat them with respect and embrace thier way of life. To have an understanding of other people and to be understood.