We seem to have happy problems when it comes to the Thunder. Namely, we can't stop writing songs, and we like all of them. So right now, we're working on getting our new album, Time's Arrow, ready for release. Meanwhile, we've written enough material for CD #4, but also have songs written for an entire concept album. Also, we're thinking of releasing a Halloween EP. Also, we want to tour again this year.
It only sucks to have these problems because we're not loaded with money. We're not on a huge label that will allow us to record ALL the songs, plus we're only 4 people and we only have so many hours in the day. So what we have to do is pick and choose which route to go, pick and choose the strongest songs, pick and choose whether to go the traditional album route or... gasp! Release a concept album. Personally, it's one of my biggest dreams to release a concept album. As you might have noticed from the way I write my lyrics, I'm big into story telling. I love playing different parts and writing music from a character's perspective. So, a concept album would be a dream come true for me! However, there are also some songs we've written that I really love. Or I'm starting to. For example, yesterday we came up with a new song that matched lyrics I had already written and I got that "HAPPY DAY! NEW SONG!" tingle that I always get when we write something I love.
So, what to do? I'm not exactly sure. I'm happy we have these sorts of "problems" because it just goes to show that we're creative enough to continue writing music, recardless of the circumstances. There's still a lot of songs I'd like to write and sing, so you can bet we won't be quitting any time soon. I just wish it didn't have to take so long to share our music with the world!
Monday, January 7, 2013
Saturday, January 5, 2013
Four miles!
Today, I ran four miles. Was it worth the exhaustion? The jello-like feeling in my lower body? Sure! But holy crap, whenever I'm on that treadmill it's like one part confidence and ten parts torture.
The story is that in 2012 I gained like.. 15lbs. It sucks. I'm getting rid of it. My lowest weight was 122 and I'm trying to make my way back there. A few weeks ago, the day after Thanskgiving, I was HORRIFIED to discover that I was 140lbs. HOLY CRAP. "This is your way back to old Nina", I told myself. Never again. Old Nina (or, actually, young Nina..) was 180lbs. If I continued on my path, I knew I'd be back there. So, while it was difficult with the constant Holiday celebrations, I managed to curb my bad eating. I only indulged on sweets and junk during actual parties, or the holidays themselves. During my trip to Phoenix, I allowed myself to eat some stuff I wouldn't usually get because hey, how often do I get to fly to Phoenix?? (It was awesome, by the way...) and all that willpower actually worked. I didn't gain any more weight, and since I've kept up with my gym visits during the week I've gone down to 136lbs. Now, don't get me wrong. For someone 5' tall, this is still absolutely terrible. But hey, it's 4lbs lighter than I was during Thanksgiving, and that ain't bad.
Now that the holidays are over (my birthday next weekend does NOT count!), it's a lot easier to eat clean. I've been planning our meals in advance and only buying groceries for those meals, and for snacks allowed according to my dietary restrictions. It's hard because there are nights when I just wanna crash in front of the TV and mindlessly eat chips and salsa. Instead, I've got pickles and hard boiled eggs. It's not exactly a perfect substitution, but since I'm not hungry it allows me the ability to tell myself, "Hey, you're not hungry. You just want to eat because you want to eat." And that's not good, so no, I'm not over here eating an entire bowl of eggs and pickles. I take a bite and realize I'm being stupid.
So yeah, down four pounds as of today. I've got 11 pounds to go before I'm at my lowest weight, so that there is my goal. If I can keep it up, I know all make it.
Oh, did I mention I spent 30 minutes doing heavy upper body weightlifting? Ow.
The story is that in 2012 I gained like.. 15lbs. It sucks. I'm getting rid of it. My lowest weight was 122 and I'm trying to make my way back there. A few weeks ago, the day after Thanskgiving, I was HORRIFIED to discover that I was 140lbs. HOLY CRAP. "This is your way back to old Nina", I told myself. Never again. Old Nina (or, actually, young Nina..) was 180lbs. If I continued on my path, I knew I'd be back there. So, while it was difficult with the constant Holiday celebrations, I managed to curb my bad eating. I only indulged on sweets and junk during actual parties, or the holidays themselves. During my trip to Phoenix, I allowed myself to eat some stuff I wouldn't usually get because hey, how often do I get to fly to Phoenix?? (It was awesome, by the way...) and all that willpower actually worked. I didn't gain any more weight, and since I've kept up with my gym visits during the week I've gone down to 136lbs. Now, don't get me wrong. For someone 5' tall, this is still absolutely terrible. But hey, it's 4lbs lighter than I was during Thanksgiving, and that ain't bad.
Now that the holidays are over (my birthday next weekend does NOT count!), it's a lot easier to eat clean. I've been planning our meals in advance and only buying groceries for those meals, and for snacks allowed according to my dietary restrictions. It's hard because there are nights when I just wanna crash in front of the TV and mindlessly eat chips and salsa. Instead, I've got pickles and hard boiled eggs. It's not exactly a perfect substitution, but since I'm not hungry it allows me the ability to tell myself, "Hey, you're not hungry. You just want to eat because you want to eat." And that's not good, so no, I'm not over here eating an entire bowl of eggs and pickles. I take a bite and realize I'm being stupid.
So yeah, down four pounds as of today. I've got 11 pounds to go before I'm at my lowest weight, so that there is my goal. If I can keep it up, I know all make it.
Oh, did I mention I spent 30 minutes doing heavy upper body weightlifting? Ow.
Friday, January 4, 2013
Another year, more whining, waaah...
Well, this is it. The last year of my 20's. I've had a lot of fantastic youthful experiences which have involved drinking and partying and oh so many things. I loved my 20's. Having been sheltered by my parents until I was 22, moving out after college was my awakening. I did everything I wasn't allowed to do. I got a fast car, stayed out late, drank booze with friends in weird places, and dressed however I wanted whenever I wanted! (Except at work.) All while being tied to the same guy I met when I was 19. How very crazy of me.
Anyhow, now I'm turning 29 (IN TEN DAYS, OH GOD) and I'm scared. I'm so scared!! I remember when Willy's best friend turned 25 and how much he whined about it. Now he's about to turn 30, he's getting married, and here Willy and I am living in a place we own. We own a place. We have a cat. WE'RE ADULTS AND I HATE IT. If only I could go back to those carefree days in Manassas when I "worked" (I didn't do much) at a place where I had my own office and lived in an apartment with roommates. Thems was the days. I suppose it isn't like I feel any LESS free, now. I suppose in many ways, I'm even more free. I travel more, I have more money (kinda..), and I've got a lot more going on musically.
The only thing that's missing is my figure. Backin Manassas, I was a steady 122 for a long time. This was my lowest weight and I was able to cling to it. I kept trying to lose more, and at one point even made it to 119, but 122 was definitely the best I could do without going crazy. I wore a size 6 pair of jeans. What I wouldn't give to be back to that! Since then, I've steadily magically horribly gained and lost the same 10-15lbs. It's a bad habit that I blame mostly on our touring schedule and my friends all being so gaddamn supportive. COME ON, GUYS. Why can't everyone be as mean to me as I am to myself? That's a terrible request, I take it back. But seriously, I gotta lose this weight and get back to 122. I discovered recently that I can't fit into those size 6 jeans anymore, and it broke my heart. I loved those jeans. I drove to St. Paul in those jeans. How could I not fit them, anymore!? I feel like I betrayed myself, so, it's back to eating clean for me.
Luckily, I've been good about going to the gym every week, so I don't need to start all over again. I never stopped running and a lot of my clothes still fit, but you know me.. I gain it all in my legs and thats the hardest place to lose weight. But gosh darnit, it's a new year, and I refuse to spend it miserable in my own body. I know how to lose weight, I just need to regain the old patience that I once had and f'ing do it.
As of today, I've been clean since January 2nd. I know, big deal, but the first few days are the hardest. I've been trying to stick to clean eating by making sure I've always got food around me, in case I feel the need to cheat. So instead of grabbing chocolate, I'm grabbing almonds. Instead of making excuses because I'm too tired to cook, I've got a pot roast in the crock pot RIGHT NOW. So long as I can continue to plan in advance, this shouldn't be too hard... so bring it on, new year!
It seems like 2013 is gonna have a lot more opportunities, so the last thing I need is to feel like I missed out on them because I'm too fat. ONWARD AND FORWARD! String cheese and pickles!
Anyhow, now I'm turning 29 (IN TEN DAYS, OH GOD) and I'm scared. I'm so scared!! I remember when Willy's best friend turned 25 and how much he whined about it. Now he's about to turn 30, he's getting married, and here Willy and I am living in a place we own. We own a place. We have a cat. WE'RE ADULTS AND I HATE IT. If only I could go back to those carefree days in Manassas when I "worked" (I didn't do much) at a place where I had my own office and lived in an apartment with roommates. Thems was the days. I suppose it isn't like I feel any LESS free, now. I suppose in many ways, I'm even more free. I travel more, I have more money (kinda..), and I've got a lot more going on musically.
 | ||
| Me in '08.. wanna wear those jeans again! |
Luckily, I've been good about going to the gym every week, so I don't need to start all over again. I never stopped running and a lot of my clothes still fit, but you know me.. I gain it all in my legs and thats the hardest place to lose weight. But gosh darnit, it's a new year, and I refuse to spend it miserable in my own body. I know how to lose weight, I just need to regain the old patience that I once had and f'ing do it.
As of today, I've been clean since January 2nd. I know, big deal, but the first few days are the hardest. I've been trying to stick to clean eating by making sure I've always got food around me, in case I feel the need to cheat. So instead of grabbing chocolate, I'm grabbing almonds. Instead of making excuses because I'm too tired to cook, I've got a pot roast in the crock pot RIGHT NOW. So long as I can continue to plan in advance, this shouldn't be too hard... so bring it on, new year!
It seems like 2013 is gonna have a lot more opportunities, so the last thing I need is to feel like I missed out on them because I'm too fat. ONWARD AND FORWARD! String cheese and pickles!
Sunday, December 23, 2012
Christmas is coming!
It's almost here! Right now, in laying on the couch with Willy. We're listening to The Big Broadcast on NPR while our fake Wii fireplace roars on the TV. I've got tea and after a workout, band practice, and a good clean dinner (fish and green beans) I'm feeling pretty good!
I thought that enjoying Christmas treats would be okay but to be honest, I just hate how it makes me feel. I get all depressed and fatigued and there's nothing fun about that. I hope I can just keep telling myself that. I was planning on making paella for Christmas but the truth is, not only would eating a bunch of rice make me feel gross, but my mom has diabetes. I hate the idea of putting out something starchy that will make her sick. So, I figure, why not do a big beautiful pot roast? Everyone will love it, it will be healthy, and I won't have to worry about feeling gross after. That'll be a gift to my mom and myself and our family.
And now I gotta get some sleep. Tomorrow I gotta to to the post office and try to find myself a Dutch oven, though I'm terrified of Christmas eve shopping!!
I thought that enjoying Christmas treats would be okay but to be honest, I just hate how it makes me feel. I get all depressed and fatigued and there's nothing fun about that. I hope I can just keep telling myself that. I was planning on making paella for Christmas but the truth is, not only would eating a bunch of rice make me feel gross, but my mom has diabetes. I hate the idea of putting out something starchy that will make her sick. So, I figure, why not do a big beautiful pot roast? Everyone will love it, it will be healthy, and I won't have to worry about feeling gross after. That'll be a gift to my mom and myself and our family.
And now I gotta get some sleep. Tomorrow I gotta to to the post office and try to find myself a Dutch oven, though I'm terrified of Christmas eve shopping!!
Friday, December 7, 2012
A confession in the name of rock..
Alright people, brace yourselves. What I'm about to tell you is pretty insane. I, your resident Queen of Hell, your party-going binge-drinking metal-loving card-carying mosh-pit enthusiast... do not like "rock n' roll".
Try not to pee yourself. I shall explain.
I'm not sure how it happened, but during my formulative years I wasn't really exposed to rock. Metal? a little. I found that I was drawn to musicals, which makes sense, because all my parents let me watch were Disney movies. My neighborhood was decidedly more into hip hop, and my parents wouldn't let me listen to it. Nor was I allowed to listen to Madonna, who would have been a terrible example anyway (thanks, mom and dad!). You all know this story. I grew up sheltered. But even when I got to high school, and even as I tried my best to like the popular music, none of it stuck. I didn't FEEL anything. I listened to DC101 and 98Rock and gave Nirvana and Creed and Hole and Garbage and whoever else was famous at the time a genuine try. Nothin'. It didn't hit me in the heart.
I discovered metal just a bit after, but only because X Japan made me realize why I liked them; it wasn't the ballads, or the genuine emotional blah blah blah, it was their few (very few) truly HEAVY METAL songs that I wanted and craved. I needed more of THAT, I decided. And here we are today.
So even now, as I listen to a swingin' rock n' roll beat, a nice guitar, something uplifting and happy and party-rockin', I am dead inside. Like a petrified corpse. It just doesn't hit me, and in a way, that makes me kind of sad. Everyone loves rock n' roll, right? Instead, I feel like the chick at the end of the movie version of Christine. As she sees the smoking cube of what used to be a murderous mass of metal, and a dude walks by with a boom box playing classic rock.
"I hate rock n' roll."
I feel you, sister. Though, admittedly, for much different reasons.
How is it possible to hate rock and absolutely love metal? I really have no idea. There's a really fine line between the two, after all. Some of Priest's more uh.. sparkly stuff could easily be considered rock, but I still like it kinda. I enjoy listening to AC/DC. That's rock, right? But man, that swinging happy "hard rock" on the radio about doin' people and partying or crying about your boyfriend or whatever.. it just does not click with me. Even when Hammerfall sings songs about cheating on their girlfriend and getting caught (I shit you not) it typically doesn't vibe well with me. Real-world situations and relatable content? Not to me, it isn't.
I don't know, maybe I'm just weird. But, if you should happen to see me cringe once someone turns on the "latest hits" on the radio, now you know why.
Try not to pee yourself. I shall explain.
I'm not sure how it happened, but during my formulative years I wasn't really exposed to rock. Metal? a little. I found that I was drawn to musicals, which makes sense, because all my parents let me watch were Disney movies. My neighborhood was decidedly more into hip hop, and my parents wouldn't let me listen to it. Nor was I allowed to listen to Madonna, who would have been a terrible example anyway (thanks, mom and dad!). You all know this story. I grew up sheltered. But even when I got to high school, and even as I tried my best to like the popular music, none of it stuck. I didn't FEEL anything. I listened to DC101 and 98Rock and gave Nirvana and Creed and Hole and Garbage and whoever else was famous at the time a genuine try. Nothin'. It didn't hit me in the heart.
I discovered metal just a bit after, but only because X Japan made me realize why I liked them; it wasn't the ballads, or the genuine emotional blah blah blah, it was their few (very few) truly HEAVY METAL songs that I wanted and craved. I needed more of THAT, I decided. And here we are today.
So even now, as I listen to a swingin' rock n' roll beat, a nice guitar, something uplifting and happy and party-rockin', I am dead inside. Like a petrified corpse. It just doesn't hit me, and in a way, that makes me kind of sad. Everyone loves rock n' roll, right? Instead, I feel like the chick at the end of the movie version of Christine. As she sees the smoking cube of what used to be a murderous mass of metal, and a dude walks by with a boom box playing classic rock.
"I hate rock n' roll."
I feel you, sister. Though, admittedly, for much different reasons.
How is it possible to hate rock and absolutely love metal? I really have no idea. There's a really fine line between the two, after all. Some of Priest's more uh.. sparkly stuff could easily be considered rock, but I still like it kinda. I enjoy listening to AC/DC. That's rock, right? But man, that swinging happy "hard rock" on the radio about doin' people and partying or crying about your boyfriend or whatever.. it just does not click with me. Even when Hammerfall sings songs about cheating on their girlfriend and getting caught (I shit you not) it typically doesn't vibe well with me. Real-world situations and relatable content? Not to me, it isn't.
I don't know, maybe I'm just weird. But, if you should happen to see me cringe once someone turns on the "latest hits" on the radio, now you know why.
Monday, November 19, 2012
Thanksgiving!
It's that time of the year, again. The time when everyone posts what they're thankful for on Facebook, leaving you to question your own life and figure out what it is that you're thankful for.
I have a lot of be thankful for, I know. Willy reminds me constantly. And I try to tell them, as often as I can, how much I appreciate having a band that is as talented and fun to be with as mine. So allow me to gush a little bit.
1. Jesse. Finally, a bass player who can not only play bass well, and by EAR no less, but who can also play keyboard so I don't have to. A bass player who has character, who moves around the stage with me, who plays along when I do goofy singer things, who actually SINGS with me. Jesse, who is definitely the best looking person on stage, taking the attention way from me every night with his curly hair and Undertaker-like hat. I am so thankful for Jesse that I'm willing to put a tracking device in his neck and keep it active for the rest of his life.
2. Chris. Hands down the best drummer I've ever known, and I didn't even need to sell my first born child to get him! This is a guy who pushes himself without needing someone else to do it for him. A guy who actually really wants to be the best. He's a gaddamn show off, and even if Josh says it throws off the attention sometimes (lol), I don't particularly mind because how many other bands can say they have a drummer who can do the shit he does? I'm thankful because after going through, what 6-7 drummers in the past, he's the first guy I've ever met who can just do the things you ask him to do without an issue. "Hey Chris, how about you throw some double bass in there?" How does he answer? Does he say, "I'll work on it, later" like the French dude I played with for one show who came to rehearsal with a huge shiny kit and a zebra striped drum mat? No, he just does it. Because he's Chris and he can.
3. Josh. Okay, he annoys the hell out of me, but there's no denying that he can play circles around all the other jack-offs in this town. Plus, he knows how to write music that isn't boring and stupid. And yes, there's a lot of other things I could say about him (he's one of my best friends at this point) but I'm sticking to music. I'd murder him if he tried to leave. I would go straight up Misery on his ass and break his ankles. He knows this. I will not be forced to work with another shitty guitarist who plays in drop D because it sounds "heavy". I will never be forced to sing Paranoid again.
I'm thankful for these three guys. Not just because it's good to play with them, and write with them, but because I can hang with them. When we tour, it's not just work. It's like a vacation. A magical smelly vacation full of heavy metal and BBQ. After having spent more than a week on the road with these guys, I know there's nothing else I'd rather be doing than get cooped up in a van and driven all over the country to play in front of audiences that could go from tens to hundreds. I love it and I love them.
Happy Thanksgiving!
I have a lot of be thankful for, I know. Willy reminds me constantly. And I try to tell them, as often as I can, how much I appreciate having a band that is as talented and fun to be with as mine. So allow me to gush a little bit.
1. Jesse. Finally, a bass player who can not only play bass well, and by EAR no less, but who can also play keyboard so I don't have to. A bass player who has character, who moves around the stage with me, who plays along when I do goofy singer things, who actually SINGS with me. Jesse, who is definitely the best looking person on stage, taking the attention way from me every night with his curly hair and Undertaker-like hat. I am so thankful for Jesse that I'm willing to put a tracking device in his neck and keep it active for the rest of his life.
2. Chris. Hands down the best drummer I've ever known, and I didn't even need to sell my first born child to get him! This is a guy who pushes himself without needing someone else to do it for him. A guy who actually really wants to be the best. He's a gaddamn show off, and even if Josh says it throws off the attention sometimes (lol), I don't particularly mind because how many other bands can say they have a drummer who can do the shit he does? I'm thankful because after going through, what 6-7 drummers in the past, he's the first guy I've ever met who can just do the things you ask him to do without an issue. "Hey Chris, how about you throw some double bass in there?" How does he answer? Does he say, "I'll work on it, later" like the French dude I played with for one show who came to rehearsal with a huge shiny kit and a zebra striped drum mat? No, he just does it. Because he's Chris and he can.
3. Josh. Okay, he annoys the hell out of me, but there's no denying that he can play circles around all the other jack-offs in this town. Plus, he knows how to write music that isn't boring and stupid. And yes, there's a lot of other things I could say about him (he's one of my best friends at this point) but I'm sticking to music. I'd murder him if he tried to leave. I would go straight up Misery on his ass and break his ankles. He knows this. I will not be forced to work with another shitty guitarist who plays in drop D because it sounds "heavy". I will never be forced to sing Paranoid again.
I'm thankful for these three guys. Not just because it's good to play with them, and write with them, but because I can hang with them. When we tour, it's not just work. It's like a vacation. A magical smelly vacation full of heavy metal and BBQ. After having spent more than a week on the road with these guys, I know there's nothing else I'd rather be doing than get cooped up in a van and driven all over the country to play in front of audiences that could go from tens to hundreds. I love it and I love them.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Friday, November 9, 2012
Heading South!
So I finally downloaded an app to blog from my phone. As some of you know, I'm pretty quiet before shows. Even the day of, I try to keep my talking to a minimum. So it's kinda annoying to be in a van with my band and not able to join in much of the conversation. You don't realize how much you miss talking until you can't.
So instead, I'm gonna blog! Specifically, I'm gonna blog about the conversation they were having about what's on everyone's minds; the election. I have a confession! I was a registered Republican, as recently as when I lived in Virginia. I truly believed in conservative ideals. I liked their strong Christian values. Then Obama was elected. Suddenly I realized, all those "Christian values" were, were a thinly veiled way of controlling other people. How did I come to this conclusion? Health care.
So, I grew up without health care. I had asthma and terrible allergies and we never knew why. I had no idea I was allergic to dogs until I was in college and I started to see a pattern, but like most families, we had dogs. I loved my dogs! But I was constantly sick, I caught flus easily, my asthma was bad. My mom would take me to the doctor whenever it got serious. High fevers, ear infections, that kind of thing. As a kid, I never understood the value of those doctors visits. My mom paid cash. My dad was the only one working because it would have costed MORE for my mom to put us in daycare than it would for her to just stay home and take care of us. They made me feel like we were normal, but once I got up college and my asthma got worse, I knew that wasn't true.
One winter, I got asthma bad. Really bad. Dry air always hurts me, but my attack got so bad I couldn't breathe. I felt myself getting light headed as I struggled to breathe, so my mom did the only thing she could and took me to the ER. Some treatments later, I discovered it cost over a thousand dollars. Yes, more than a thousand dollars. I was in college and suddenly the value of health care made sense. I tried my best not to get sick, but things always happened and my asthma didn't get better.
Fast forward to my first job. Right out of college I got a good job and they offered health care. Suddenly I could see a doctor when I needed to. I saw her for asthma, she gave me Advair. I saw her for whatever I needed, and never had to worry about more than a $15 copay. I've had health insurance ever since, and now I understand that value. I understand what it's like to grow up sick, in a nation full of opportunity.
Well I'm one of those "haves" in a world of "have not"s, now. I have a good job, a home, and a family. I'm lucky but there are so many others who aren't. I don't think it's right that children should grow up without health insurance when all it would take is for us to share a little. I understand that some people think that being forced by the government to share is wrong. I get that they don't like the feeling if government control. I get it. And I'm against a lot of government regulations. I just think that maybe we, as Americans, should look at the big picture. Our country will only be stronger if we all have access to health care. That kid who gets treatment for his asthma, he might be your doctor someday. That kid who gets treatment for a birth defect, he might create the greatest invention the US has ever seen. But they can't if we don't help. And I can think of no greater Christian value than charity, especially charity that helps treat the poor and destitute. Double especially when they live in the same country--, hell, the same city as you.
If you are a "have", please think of the "have not"s. Nobody is "entitled" to health care, food, clothing... But in a country as great as ours, shouldn't we want them to have it? I do. That's why I voted for Obama. He sold me on Obamacare. Because of his campaigning on the subject of healthcare for all, he made me into one of his biggest fans. I just want to hug him for all those kids and adults who might never have to live in pain ever again.
So instead, I'm gonna blog! Specifically, I'm gonna blog about the conversation they were having about what's on everyone's minds; the election. I have a confession! I was a registered Republican, as recently as when I lived in Virginia. I truly believed in conservative ideals. I liked their strong Christian values. Then Obama was elected. Suddenly I realized, all those "Christian values" were, were a thinly veiled way of controlling other people. How did I come to this conclusion? Health care.
So, I grew up without health care. I had asthma and terrible allergies and we never knew why. I had no idea I was allergic to dogs until I was in college and I started to see a pattern, but like most families, we had dogs. I loved my dogs! But I was constantly sick, I caught flus easily, my asthma was bad. My mom would take me to the doctor whenever it got serious. High fevers, ear infections, that kind of thing. As a kid, I never understood the value of those doctors visits. My mom paid cash. My dad was the only one working because it would have costed MORE for my mom to put us in daycare than it would for her to just stay home and take care of us. They made me feel like we were normal, but once I got up college and my asthma got worse, I knew that wasn't true.
One winter, I got asthma bad. Really bad. Dry air always hurts me, but my attack got so bad I couldn't breathe. I felt myself getting light headed as I struggled to breathe, so my mom did the only thing she could and took me to the ER. Some treatments later, I discovered it cost over a thousand dollars. Yes, more than a thousand dollars. I was in college and suddenly the value of health care made sense. I tried my best not to get sick, but things always happened and my asthma didn't get better.
Fast forward to my first job. Right out of college I got a good job and they offered health care. Suddenly I could see a doctor when I needed to. I saw her for asthma, she gave me Advair. I saw her for whatever I needed, and never had to worry about more than a $15 copay. I've had health insurance ever since, and now I understand that value. I understand what it's like to grow up sick, in a nation full of opportunity.
Well I'm one of those "haves" in a world of "have not"s, now. I have a good job, a home, and a family. I'm lucky but there are so many others who aren't. I don't think it's right that children should grow up without health insurance when all it would take is for us to share a little. I understand that some people think that being forced by the government to share is wrong. I get that they don't like the feeling if government control. I get it. And I'm against a lot of government regulations. I just think that maybe we, as Americans, should look at the big picture. Our country will only be stronger if we all have access to health care. That kid who gets treatment for his asthma, he might be your doctor someday. That kid who gets treatment for a birth defect, he might create the greatest invention the US has ever seen. But they can't if we don't help. And I can think of no greater Christian value than charity, especially charity that helps treat the poor and destitute. Double especially when they live in the same country--, hell, the same city as you.
If you are a "have", please think of the "have not"s. Nobody is "entitled" to health care, food, clothing... But in a country as great as ours, shouldn't we want them to have it? I do. That's why I voted for Obama. He sold me on Obamacare. Because of his campaigning on the subject of healthcare for all, he made me into one of his biggest fans. I just want to hug him for all those kids and adults who might never have to live in pain ever again.
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