The Jobes

The Holiday Season?

daniellejobe — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 18:21:45 +0000

Everywhere there are old men dressed as Santa Claus, blow-up reindeer displays, and Christmas carolers. Oh, the joys of the holidays?

Every December, homes are decorated with Christmas lights, nativity scenes decorate lawns, and Santa’s elves stand by to take pictures of giddy children at malls. People call out “Merry Christmas” and “Happy Holidays,” but if it is the holiday season, why is it that only Christmas seems to be recognized? Where are the Jewish menorahs and the Kwanzaa kinaras?

Of course, Christianity is a large part in America’s society, but does that mean other holidays should not appreciated as well? As a society that emphasizes tolerance and acceptance, should we not respect and acknowledge different religious, cultural, and ethnic holidays during the months of November and December?

Hanukah starts on the 1^st of December, but goes practically unnoticed. With over 5 million Jewish people living in the United States, you’d think there’d be some sort of recognition and respect. Kwanzaa is December 26^th, yet most people fail to even remember the date. But Christmas, well that’s a different story, falling on December 25^th, it is a national holiday–virtually everybody gets Christmas day off.

So why are we, a nation blended with different cultures and ethnic groups, selfish enough to exclude our brothers and sisters during the holiday festivities? Every year, consumers are bombarded with Christmas themes and Christmas sales. Yet, what if you weren’t a Christian; what if you and your family celebrated Hanukah instead? Take a minuet and think how you would feel if this happened to you. Excluded? How about invisible?

What makes it right to overlook other holidays during the season? Why only Christmas? If a Jewish Israeli came to America during the holiday season, one might think that Christmas is the symbol of Christian American selfishness and commercialism.

The holiday season should be a time to celebrate peace, love, and joy, not a time to celebrate one’s religion. We’re all in this together–Americans should unite and love one another, with equality for all. This includes Christians recognizing their neighbors who might not tell their children about Jesus’ birth, but rather the stories of the Maccabee’s and their caves.

It is important for Americans to realize the importance of other holidays. By doing so, we can spread the true message of the holiday spirit–love.

Love–isn’t that what Jesus would want? How about the Macabees? What about Ron Karenga who started Kwanzaa? If we all just took a little time to recognize all of these influencers, we’d have a better appreciation for our own society and realize more the importance of the season.

Santa does not need to leave America; he just needs a couple more friends. We need to open our hearts and our minds. How hard is it to stop and think about Hanukah on December 1^st? How hard is it to read a book on Kwanzaa? It is these small steps that we all can do to start changing this society from admiring only white Christian tradition to include all the people of America.

“The Blind Side”

daniellejobe — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 07:59:58 +0000

Michael and I were both impressed with the movie “The Blind Side,” starring Quinton Aaron & Sandra Bullock. The film is about the Raven’s rookie offensive lineman, Michael Oher.

Michael & his parents

Oher grew up with a crack addict mother and a runaway father. He was shuffled around the foster system and eventually forgotten about. With a grade point average of “0. something,” Oher ended up @ a private school (a school coach convinced the board to let him in to play sports). Teachers and students continued to underestimate him and neglect him, but it was an unlikely family that gave him the chance. The chance to succeed and become what he was destined to be– great. You’ll have to watch or read the beautiful story of this young talented man.

The film delves deep into societal and moral responsibility. It’s real and “raw.” I didn’t want it to end, but was so happy at the end. It’s one of those movies where you can teach your kids about sharing, acceptance, and most importantly family love–even when it is not your blood family.

From the film

Michael was just as impressed (thumbs up even more, being that Michael RARELY likes a family-friendly film). He even didn’t mind Sandra’s Bullock’s performance.

This teaches values and the importance of respecting one another. As well as giving people who don’t think they have a chance, an opportunity. Mrs. Touhy, Oher’s adoptive mom (Sandra Bullock), put it perfectly into perspective, “I’m not changing his life–he’s changing mine.”

Family love

Halloween

daniellejobe — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 18:58:18 +0000

We had originally anticipated a busier & crazier halloween, but because of Georgie’s accident, halloween was far from our minds. It wasn’t until a week before the 31st did we remember we had the Filipino party to go to, and it was a must-Michael and Rob were to be judges. We’re scurried off looking for a great costume for Michael and much to his utter delight he found it… Almost a replica from his favorite movie-Poultry Gist. I however, was not very impressed. Yet, it was a fun night, with lots of food and laughter.

Michael and Rob @ the Filipino Community party

The very next week, it was Halloween. @ first we thought we’d just spend it watching a scary movie, but once talking to our friends we realized we really needed to have a good time. So, I got a witch’s outfit and Michael used his same one. We had a great time, it went by fast, but we were glad to spend it together with friends!

Me, Rachelle, and Victoria

Georgie Porgie

daniellejobe — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 01:37:06 +0000

So, yes after one post we went M.I.A. but for a legitimate reason, little Georgie had emergency surgery and was in ICU for 11 days! His disk slipped while we were all relaxing in the living room. It was quite traumatic for all of us. Frankie went days without playing, the big dogs were solemn and Michael and I didn’t know just what to do. Yet, we persisted that George would make it home soon, and thankfully today he is finally resting his little head next to me (Danielle).

It took some time today for everybody to get used to him being here, with some disadvantages. First, the dogs couldn’t control their excitement and stressed George out and myself quite a bit. Yet, once Michael got home and was able to play with the other dogs as I sat quietly with George on my lap things started to smooth out. Until….we tried to get George some much needed rest by putting him in the crate, while the other dogs looked on he whimpered quietly until I relented. So, as a mom I carefully took him out and walked slowly over to the couch, and then to my horror and disgust, George let one go….Since we ourselves have to release his bladder, you know which number I am talking about….(2)….Yeah… After sorting that MESS up, I introduced George to a new plush bed. Well, needless to say, it took a little while before he realized if he wanted to stay out of the crate, he’d have to relax. Now as I write he sleeps deeply next to me on his new plush bed. :)

It feels great to have the 7th member back in our little pack. We all know it is going to be tough but we also know it is not impossible. With water therapy, acupuncture, and a lot of good lovin’ George will be back to Georgie Porgie in no time. George is just George and he likes to take his time. If that’s how he wants to go about it, then we have no problem with that at all. If George had a life motto, Douglas Horton would say it best, “Drive slow and enjoy the scenery – drive fast and join the scenery.” Slow is good, at least for this pup and we all will be sure to be there enjoying the scenery with him.

Grandma & George during a visit @ the hospital.

Conformity @ it’s finest

daniellejobe — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 00:37:36 +0000

So after much resistance I have decided to start blogging. I had originally said I wouldn’t blog, but now due to blogging for my class, and the fact that I’m a twenty-something, married, college senior it almost seem inevitable. So here it is a gateway into our lives! However, we (meaning Michael & I) feel that this blog can be used as a great tool for friends and family members to see what we up to, and that fact that we’re moving to Upstate Ny in only a matter of time, we figured this is a great way to keep everyone posted.