Freedom.

Its not unusual for me to find myself randomly thinking about America during the day. I love history, I live right across the river from the most powerful city in the world, I come from a military family, I watch shows like "JAG" and “The West Wing” and so forth…But the past week because of obvious major events I have been thinking even more often about our country and how truly blessed we are to live here.

I’m not going to go into many details about the election because that’s not what my blog is about, but I will say this: I was disappointed with the results Tuesday night, but not gloom-and-doom depressed. The whole day/night I kept thinking about how wonderful it was that we have the freedom to vote who we want to public office-we hold that control. And even though the day symbolized division, it made my heart happy thinking of how united voting makes us. Most people going to the polls last Tuesday went there full of hope that their man would win and become President of the United States. We were in a way, united in that hope.

I feel so blessed that I had the ability to vote. This was my first time being able to vote in person, and my heart was pounding as I pushed the buttons on the machine. I am an American. I have the right to vote someone into office, and the right to vote them out of office. And so does every other American.

(And I know I wouldn’t go into the election, but I love this picture of Mitt by Charles Dharapak. Sue me.)

I think its only appropriate that Veterans Day was five days after the election, because of course we wouldn’t have the right to vote without the service and sacrifice of our veterans. I get so upset with people who are so defiant about not voting. My thoughts are: educate yourself on the issues and go vote. If civic duty doesn’t motivate you, just think about the many men who suffered and died on the beach at Normandy or in the jungles of Vietnam so that you could be free to voice your opinion.

Thankfully, I have three great veterans in my life who have always been great examples to me of being selfless, disciplined, and faithful to the cause of defending our nation.

1^st Lt. Lloyd H. Morgan, USMC ret.

Grandpa Morgan was a Marine for 33 years. He served in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam, most notably fighting at the Chosin Reservoir. He was able to vote in Virginia on Tuesday and was so happy :)

Lt. Col. J. Alan Price, USAF

Grandpa Price was an enlisted sailor in WWII in the Navy and then joined the Air Force. He was a fighter pilot in Korea and Vietnam and worked at the Pentagon and other assorted stations. He passed away four years ago and I wish I could call him and tell him thank you.

Cdr. Clark A. Price, USN ret.

My dad will always be the very best person that I have ever known. A lot of this ties to his career in the Navy as a JAG Corps officer. The Navy was lucky to have him because he is the most just, fair person that I know. He was the epitomy of a good naval officer.

I will be forever grateful for all veterans that have served our country, and those who did not return. We were able to choose our next president because they were ready to fight on our behalf. How blessed we are.

"King of New York".

About a year ago, G and I heard that "Newsies" was going on the stage as an Off Broadway production in New Jersey and knew we HAD to go. I used to watch the movie all the time when I was little because my sister was in love with Christian Bale and I still LOVE to watch it and listen to the music.

Anyway, this March they moved to Broadway and I have been trying to go ever since. I haven't had a chance to go for one reason or another, but this weekend, it worked out for Britt, Caity and I to go! FINALLY.

We had to get individual seats because there weren't three together, but it was okay because they were 50% off and the musical was UH-MAZING. Oh my goodness...seriously friends. It surpassed all my expectations. The dancing was amazing, the singing was amazing, the guy who played Jack Kelly was amazing...AHHHH. There was so much energy in the theatre and you could tell the actors were really enjoying themselves. I HIGHLY recommend it. To everyone. It will make you happy. I can't wait to go again in January with my sistas.

It was the perfect day. We were only there for Saturday (longggg day) but we had a great time. The weather was great-not too cold/windy but cool enough to wear a jacket-and we had wonderful time seeing "Newsies" and walking around Manhattan.

Success!

Raja.

One Saturday last October, Jaklyn and I ventured out to run some errands. We went to Target, and when we came out, walked by PetsMart and saw they were doing cat adoptions. We went in to leisurely look and there was only one kitten to come up to the cage and interact with us.

We came home with this:

We eventually settled on the name Raja because she has stripes that make her look like a tiger, specifically the one in "Aladdin". Growing up, I never had a real pet, other than a few fish because Papa Price is not a fan of animals in the house. So this was pretty exciting for me.

A lot of people don't like Raja and I can understand why. She is fiesty, bratty, and spicy. I've gotten a lot of scratches and bite marks from interacting with her. A lot of the time I wish she could be like those sweet cats you see that just sit there. But she has her tender moments..

A few reasons why Raja is great:

She makes a nice taco filling.

Shes likes books.

She appreciates Sunday naps.

She stays clean.

She knows when she's done something bad.

She misses us when we go out of town.

She can sleep in any position.

She helped me paint my room.

She waits by my door for me to get home.

She's really tall.

And sometimes, she's just cute.

Happy 1 Year Adoption Raja!