It's All About Choice

And personal responsibility. Daddy came to me last night and said "Did you hear, they want to change the shape of a hot dog?" Yes, I had heard that. And, it makes my blood boil. I am one of those who believes that we were given the right to choose the direction and path of our lives. Some decisions we make are bad and we have to live with the consequences and some choices are good and we get to live with those consequences as well.

Are we not smart enough to make decisions for ourselves?? I guess the answer could be "No, there are some out there who can't/won't make those decisions for themselves." And, I guess, that is a reality. But, should the rest of us have to live our lives a certain way because the minority can't/won't use common sense? Ultimately taking away our personal freedom of choice??

I wear my seat belt. If I rode a motorcycle, I would wear a helmet. When I give my child a hot dog, I cut it up into small pieces so she won't choke. I don't need someone to make those decisions or choices for me. And, if I choose not to do those things, then I need to prepare myself for the consequences.

When we strip individuals of choices and responsibilities we make people lazy and weak and irresponsible. And that cannot be good for society as a whole. We are raising the next generation. I want the next generation to understand choice, responsibility and consequences. The next generation are our soldiers, doctors, lawyers, presidents.

I do my best to allow natural consequences in our home. Some times it is painful for me to watch. Sometimes I want to help my kids get out of a jam. And, honestly, sometimes I do. But, for the most part, I try to let things just happen. They have to pay restitution for items broken. They have to ask for forgiveness for personal offenses. They have to own up to their deceit. I don't want my kids growing up thinking someone else is going to take the heat, pick up the slack. That they can blame others for their choices. I don't believe my kids will wake up when their 18 and suddenly become responsible adults. It is something I need to teach along the way.

I have no doubt as they get older the consequences of their choices are going to be very painful. For them and for me. And I hope and pray that I can continue to let them grow and mature, learning and growing in responsibility.

But, for now, we will wear our seat belts and helmets and cut up our hot dogs. Not because some one tells us to. But because we do not want to suffer the consequences of the alternative . . .

Bonus Post

Which usually means a rant of some type and this is nooooo different. I just read AOL headlines that says something to the affect "Is Myron Rolle to Smart for the NFL?" As many of you know I am a sports LOVER. I love sports. I think sometimes more than my hubby.

Anyway, Myron Rolle is a graduate from FSU. He left his senior year to study at Oxford. He was a Rhodes Scholar recipient. NOW, the NFL questions his commitment to football!!!!! Has the world gone absolutely nuts!! This is questioned by men who "would be pumping gas for a living if it weren't for football."

"Welcome to the 21st century NFL, where your commitment to the game doesn't get questioned if you fail multiple drug tests, drive drunk or rape a woman. But woe unto you if you have the audacity to graduate early from college and take a year off to pursue a Rhodes Scholarship."

*all quotes from the AOL article.

I am ashamed. I am mortified. I am angry. I am disgusted. And as seriously considering boycotting professional football. I feel I need to do something (that won't physically hurt someone ;)

What is wrong with this world . . .

Heartache

My heart is breaking right now. In the big scheme of things it may seem silly. But, it isn't just what it is, it is what it is all about.

This is a rant post. I have said what I can say in public venues (and will continue to do so.) This is about a man, an inspiration to so many kids who didn't have inspiration or guidance or direction. It is about a man who came to a college where a 6 and 6 record was historical. It is about a man who spent the majority of his life living FSU football to the benefit of the university system.

When I first came to FSU I didn't know a thing about college football. I knew there where two teams in Florida and that was it. :) My first FSU game was in the "erector set." That is what everyone called the stadium. Just last week I had the pleasure of driving by campus to see the stadium that Bobby Bowden built. It was because of him, his dedication, his sacrifice, his love of the game that we have this great big beautiful brick and mortar stadium (new classrooms and offices I might add.) Not to mention the brand new baseball field. The sight was overwhelming!

I don't know stats and I don't have the facts, but I know that Bobby Bowden brought GREAT things to Florida State University as a whole. Every department, every area, every nook and cranny benefited from the powerhouse of FSU football. The team that Bobby built.

How can a bunch of men, that I know are my age or a little older forget all that?? How can you treat a man so disrespectfully who has sacrificed so much? I have explained to my children that what has happened to Bobby Bowden is all that is wrong with the world. That greed and selfishness and pride have dictated what happens to a loving, giving man. It is a travesty. It is deplorable. It is disgusting.

It is only football. Yes, just football. A man, a life is bigger than a sport. Bobby Bowden deserved to go out on his terms. He has made the university millions. He should have had one final farewell season. He deserved AT LEAST that. . .