Those who represent the Pink Line.

International Women's Day is another year away, but that doesn't stop the work we do, the lives we lead, or the influence we have on others. Instead, it means we have more reasons and ways to show our support for one another and the world in which we live (and hopefully love).

I just came across this update courtesy of the United Nations: A Female Approach to Peacekeeping. If I was given any writing assignment, I know I would enjoy something along the lines of what Doreen Carvajal tackled.

It is "toss me a barf bag" worthy that war is a given in our culture. It is an understatement when shouting "this bag is quickly filling up!" Whether we are preparing for war, loading a gun, wrapping one up or mapping plans for the next one, we are thriving upon a neverending battle (pun intended).

If we keep at it and keep 'em coming, I'd say it's about time we consider a back-up plan. I was thrilled to find out the U.N. has already stepped up to the plate and taken the lead. Carvajal describes a campaign effort formed by the U.N. in hopes of solving a solution through the power and influence of . . . of . . . of women. 

I believe this theory stems from the fact women are nurturers. Not all of us have a motherly strand, but for the most part women gravitate towards issues of suffering, helplessness, children, peace making, structure, love and I'll say it - filling comfort in one's stomach. People want to prove themselves. We want to show everything we know to as many as we can. Women harness their role as if they were a Budweiser Clydesdale. We ain't no pony in the back, but rather the strength and support leading the stampede. This is where the women behind and most often in front of the frontline come into play. Placing women and women soldiers into the field creates a different outcome. Period.

"The theory — which has evolved since pioneering female peacekeepers started participating in U.N. missions in the Balkans in the 1990s — is that women employ distinctive social skills in a rugged macho domain. They are being counted on to bring calm to the streets and the barracks, acting as public servants instead of invaders."

Indian and Nigerian women, two of the "top contributors" behind this effort, are taking it upon themselves to defend this new role and watch as the world of war turns sideways. The nurturing gene embedded in their veins is being released onto those who fear, crave and inject terror into their neighbors. These women are also leaving their homes and children back home to provide for those damaged by the war such as the those in Nigeria. 

Nigeria "was battered by 14 years of civil war that left about 200,000 people dead and survivors haunted by torture, systematic rapes and the exploitation of drug-addicted boy soldiers." This says a lot about the U.N. and these women. The demand for something new and as a result something positive has boiled down to women offering everything they have to their family and themselves only to transition this role into another country, another culture and another human being(s). 

I was intrigued by this article and by the work of these women. I am not sure if I had children and an already established life, I could pack up my suitcase, travel into a world torn apart by war and hope everything I know could somehow make a difference to someone else.  My glass is more than half-full when thinking about the women who make up the Pink Line. In fact, my pink lemonade is spilling over knowing what these women have given up in order to give back. 

Nigeria Image

Some days you gotta dance.

This past weekend wasn't the best, and it wasn't the worst. My shell thickened, my mind was a race horse, my heart was shattered, my stomach tied itself into a knot, true friends were there when I needed them, sensitive issues were thought to be humorous, distance proved to be a hurdle mounted atop another hurdle, and I found myself learning more and more about ... myself.

A good friend of mine in Boise once told me, "In order to appreciate the good, you must endure the bad." This quote appeared in my last blog, and it's the reason I'm bringing it to this one. This weekend came my way in full force, did some damage and now has left me appreciating all the "good" surrounding the uncovered "bad." When it rains it often pours, but in my book it only means you need to slip on your rain boots, find a few puddles and dance. In any instance and through any situation, sometimes the best decision is to take your glass, give it a good rinse and fill her back up (all the way to the rim)!
Photo

This one's for the girls.

Today is a day I wish was celebrated in the same fashion as Christmas, Thanksgiving, Birthdays, Easter, and going out on a limb and including the 4th of July. March 8th is also known as International Women's Day, which oddly enough is celebrated around the world, minus us over here in the U.S.A. Today is a day representing birth, appreciation, respect and beauty, new beginnings, and a celebration of freedom. Today marks the day women around the world stamped their footprints within history books and established a different tomorrow for those who follow.

International Women's Day should not be skipped over as it continues to be in the U.S., but instead celebrated in honor of every woman who has raised her voice, stood in line, removed herself from a line, proved herself in the working world, lived up to what it means to be a mother, provided for her community, destroyed stereotypes (formed new ones), made it known she was not nor will she ever be a "minority," and last but not least found confidence within herself to be the best she could be and in return instilled self-worth in everyone around her.

Today is a day for women around the globe to come together and share a smile. Today is a day we must remember where we came from and where we want to go. Today is the day for every woman before my life and within my life to be honored. Today is my day!

Happy International Women's Day!

Picture taken from Google images.

No words will ever amount to the love I have for my parents.

This should have been my first post.

I've spent 24 years of my life watching, listening, following and admiring my parents. They raised two kids in a world where "structure" meant very little to a good 60+% of American families. Punishment was looked down upon, but adhering to a child's complaint and constant tantrum meant you were doing what's right. No! My parents lined us up following strict rules, making sure we tackled our chores, and above all respected them and those around us. I'm not sure how or why Chris and I got so lucky, but we did and I will be forever grateful.

My appreciation sneaks up on me during the most unexpected times and I want to point out two examples where my pops and mum go above and beyond. In advance, thank you two from the bottom of my heart all the way to the tips of my toes.

Last night I came across a strange encounter with a man walking down a pathway, and it was during this jaunt of mine, I knew taking a longer route was the safe bet considering long = main roads = people around. As a woman with an eagle eye for safety, I opted for the longer route and came home thankful all was well. It was shortly after I caught my breath, guzzled some water, and passed out on my cloud things quickly caught up to speed.

I woke up dripping sweat, draining my tear ducts and shaking in fear. I awoke from a nightmare where I was being stalked, chased, and threatened with murder. Sweet dreams, right? Negatory. I woke up wondering if this really was part of my sleep or if someone was peeping outside my window. What was my next move? Pick up the phone and dial someone for "safety." I contemplated a few people but knew in the end my dad would be the most responsive and not upset if I woke him. After hearing his comforting voice, "Is everything okay?" I knew everything was going to be okay. I told him the story and he offered the best advice anyone could during this moment. I listened to his every word and followed his advice.

The night went on and next came the day. Work has been picking up over the last few months, and while this is a good thing for the work side of things, it has caused a few stressful days on my end. Stress is sometimes necessary to get the blood pumping and your body derailed out of routine, BUT when you lack sleep and add 3 cups of stress, your blood starts boiling. My face went red, my nerves were shaking, and I wasn't sure if I was going to make it through the afternoon. Well considering it's now almost midnight, what happened from 12 - 5 pm? My mum sent me an email. Of course she did! I know mothers have this instinctive trait to sense their children's fears and anxieties, and my mom definitely takes the gold. She sent me the most nurturing email at a time when I needed nothing more than a hug.

My dad carries the compassion and my mom bags the strength. I wouldn't be where I am today, nor would I be the person with the attitude I have if it wasn't for these two elements instilled in my upbringing every single day! Listen to your gut and follow your feet. Wherever you feel hesitation, slow down, but whenever you start looking at the ground please pull your shoulders back and focus on the sky. Today was one of those days where I firmly realized my parents will never know how thankful I am for their support, their never-ending aid, and their willingness to pick up the phone and send me a hug.

Thank you again and again. I love you!