When Will He Propose???

I really liked this article on Busted Halo.  It brings to the forefront some ideals that are not consciously noticed.  The media tends to glamourize the idea of “the proposal” and does not always show that prior conversation is necessary to build a strong foundation.  In speaking with my parents, I know that they had spoken about the topic of marriage pre-proposal.  This is a logical thing to do in order to discuss topics such as children, lifestyle, careers and any changes that come with marriage.  A traditional proposal is the dream of many; however, I think that the world should bring more of the modern ways into play in our society.  Men’s thought process of being “the breadwinner”, in my opinion, is slowly fading to the background.  Women are becoming leaders in all facets of industry and men can take charge at home.

Wall-E Robot Engagement Ring box (too cute!)

Human Sexuality: 'Wonderful Gift' and 'Awesome Responsibility'

A response to the article by Richard Sparks:

Human Sexuality: 'Wonderful Gift' and 'Awesome Responsibility' by Richard Sparks is a clear overview on the basic teachings of the Church.  Most of the positions the Church takes in relation to controversial topics regarding sexuality were pretty much what I personally expected.  I understand their positions on unitive dimension, procreative dimension, married partners, single persons, and today's adolescents.  However, the stance on homosexual couples seems a bit hypocritical, in my opinion.  On the one hand they state, "homosexual [persons], like everyone else, should not suffer from prejudice against their basic human rights.  They have a right to respect, friendship and justice.  They should have an active role in the Christian community" (To Live in Christ Jesus, #52).  Yet, is not the Church denying them human rights and respect by not accepting who they love, as well as the right to marry?  This particular section stood out to me: “homosexual activity, as distinguished from homosexual orientation, is morally wrong" (Human Sexuality, 55). While the gay or lesbian orientation is not morally wrong (nor freely chosen), a homosexual person is not thereby free to engage in genital sexual activity with persons of the same sex.”  The Church will acknowledge that being homosexual is not a choice but something you naturally feel as a person (and as a child of God), but does not feel that loving your partner, (in a homosexual relationship) in a physical (or even marital) way is acceptable.

Mission Statement

            As a daughter, sister, friend, student, patient, performer, Catholic, American, and human, I pledge to believe in myself and others. I promise to try to better our future and the futures of the next generations.  I promise to try change the culture of our society. I believe in power in numbers.  If one person can change the world, then imagine the potential in hundreds. 

I promise to use my knowledge to hear the music of the world; to help people find their voices.  I pledge to heal; to heal myself and to help others regain their strength.

Change does not just happen.  It is forged by empowered women with open minds who keep innovation and inspiration first.  I believe I can be one of those women.

Who Am I?

I am a person of great contrasts, I've been told.  At one time you might see me belting out a number in the fall musical....and the next time, I could be wearing safety goggles working in the pit of my high school's all-girl robotics team.  My interests fall from one end of the spectrum to the other.

Ever since I was a little girl, I dreamed of being on the stage, and, throughout the years I have had many opportunities to do so...in musical theatre, glee club, orchestra, a cappella choir, handbell choir, liturgy singers and dancers, and dance recitals.  But when I started high school, my engineering side came through. The world of robotics invaded my soul. 

Robotics is a different stage. It's where teamwork and know-how meet and join forces. The task of building a robot to perform a certain set of goals in six short weeks from scraps of metal in the leaky basement under the convent attached to our school...well, it's quite exhilarating!

I am a girl with some contrasting interests, who will be just as thrilled playing the lead of Toffee in Zombie Prom this fall as I will be using a drill press to build the next generation of competition robot come January

            Crohn's Disease, it is not contagious and it is not very sexy when it comes to chronic, lifelong conditions, but it is part of what makes me, me.  I was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease in 2005 after drastically losing weight and constantly being sick and in pain.  It was impossible for me to have even a bite of oatmeal before becoming sick.  As soon as I was diagnosed, my family and I were put in contact with organizations specifically for Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).  I joined the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation (CCFA) right away; that was one of the best decisions I have ever made.  After being stabilized with diet and medication, I became instantly involved with the organization.  In 2007 I was asked to serve as Youth Ambassador for the Philadelphia/ Delaware Valley Chapter of CCFA. Speaking at various events, raising awareness about IBD and funds to find a cure is an honor I truly embrace.  Aside from this position with the CCFA, I captain a team for the annual Take Steps walk held in May and attend a one-week overnight camp for kids and teens with Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis (Camp Oasis).  This past summer, my 7^th year at the camp, I was a Leader-in-Training and will return as a counselor.  This one week, though it may seem like just another summer camp, is the highlight of my year and I can honestly say I am a much different, and better, person because of it.

Crohn’s Disease is a HUGE part of my life.  I know that I would be radically different without it and would not change a thing.  I may have Crohn’s Disease, but it does not have me.