Memorial Day Weekend and other stuff.

Well, this Memorial Day I will be doing a quick trip home to see the folks and introduce them to my boyfriend.  

Yes!  I have a boyfriend.  Sorry, I didn't mention it sooner.  I've already met his parents several times and absolutely adore them.  Which is wonderful because I love my man!  I'm all excited with anticipation and absolutely giddy.

It will be just a quick 3 day trip because we both have work but it more than enough time with the family.  It would have been too much for everyone if this first trip together was longer.  

Too bad it is Memorial Day that we're going.  We won't be going to Disneyland while there because it will be crazy crowded.  Oh well next time!

My dad is already threatening to tease us mercilessly.  I hope that don't scare him off but I think I've given him some warning.

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On to other stuff.

This past Saturday was my local tournament for my Martial Arts school.  I participated in three events and only medaled in the one that had just me and one other.  Yeah, I don't count that as a victory.  All three events ended up being back-to-back.  The adrenaline surge brought on by the performance left me shaking afterwards and no sugar left in the blood.  I wasn't stupid, I had eaten breakfast and had a small lunch before the events started up but nervousness and excitement seem to burn more calories than usual.

I had invited my boyfriend to come watch so he was there.  He told me afterwards he thought I was brave for doing that.  As an ex-marching band and concert band member who participated in various competitions and auditions, it didn't seem that brave.  But I was grateful for the compliment and didn't bother telling him I was somewhat used to it.  Still doesn't make it less nerve-racking, you just know how to push through it.

Still I had fun and looking forward to participating in the Plum Blossom Tournament this fall.  That's the big one that has schools from all over the world showing up.  Seriously, I saw people from an Italian school participating in the last year's.

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WARNING!
This next part is a bit of a ramble on Ideology.  I have no desire to offend anyone so if you are the type who finds their faith offended easily, (please be honest with yourself it will save us both a big headache later,) don't read any further.
WARNING!

I saw something really funny last week and wished I had my camera and wasn't driving.  Some of you may recall adopt-a-highway signs that act as advertising for businesses and such.  On one stretch of road, I saw a sign that read:

                                    FACTS
                           First Athiest Church
                              of True Science



My first thought was:  The Church of the Non-Believers really does exist!

Which is funny and a bit sad.  I thought the whole point of being Athiest was that they had lost faith, been disillusioned or simply reject anything that can't be explained logically.  I respect that.  I'm not going to force my beliefs on anyone.  Everyone has to come to terms with the universe and the great beyond on their own.

What makes me feel sad is the fact there are Athiest out there that are so impassioned about their non-beliefs that they must covert everyone to being non-believers.  They spit venom on anything that doesn't agree with their view of the universe and thus they become hypocrits.  They are no longer Athiests, in my opinion, they are members of the Church of Non-Believers.  They attack others' beliefs with the same zealotry as impassioned members of other religions and actively push their views on others and aren't content to just accept the diversity of the world.

I thought Athiests were rejecting all religions, often due to the harm religious organizations have caused throughout history, and here this particular set has gone and made their own organized religion.  I think this is just adding to the problem.  Now you have another denomination that is at war with the rest of the world.

Don't deny that this is what that is.

While I'm sure most Athiest, like the majority of us, are of the live and let live variety.  I'm just left scratching my head over this vocal minority that seems to live to convert, denouce and be offended by anything to do with religion.  If you really don't believe in any higher power then what are you so scared of?  Yes, I do believe it is fear motivating this behavior.  No one who is comfortable with their beliefs will ever scream them to the heavens for all to hear.  

Leading by example and people choosing to follow and being converted in that way is fine.  Helping people, speaking to them about your beliefs and why you believe that way and answering their questions is fine.  Slamming your beliefs in people's faces, telling them their way of thinking is wrong and that they are eternally damned/are part of the larger problem of the world is not fine.

For those who feel all Athiests are sad and should be prayed for because you think they are on their way to Hell, I don't feel that way.  I honestly believe, God takes deeds over words.  If you live your life with light and grace and help when you can because you believe it is the right then to do as a human not because someone said God says you're supposed to, then he will accept you in the end regardless if you believe in him.  You lived your life the way he wanted and forgives your lack of faith.