Hey guys--

This is my update a la Starbucks. I'm waiting on Jerid and his friend Jim to get here, and we're going over to the new tattoo place. Jerid is amazing, and is taking me to get my nose pierced for my birthday. It really does beat the hell out of the Hot Topic gift card that I was otherwise going to get. I hope they get here BEFORE noon though, because I feel like a fish out of water. This place is teeming with Liberty kids.

Anyway, this week has been pretty cool. Got to chill with Phil the other day. He, Ben, and I went to apply for jobs at the J Crew call center. I never thought I'd be applying THERE, but hey, a job is a job.

My Christmas gifts that I bought online, have been pouring in the past 2 days. Yesterday alone, I got like 10 packages from USPS. Also, UPS has been by the past two days. I am grateful that my dress that I ordered to wear for my birthday, came in yesterday. I am hoping that the strapless bra I ordered to wear with it comes in, or otherwise, I don't know what I am going to do. It's a halter dress, and I can't just got buy some random strapless bra, because I hate underwire. TMI guys, I know.

*sigh* What else?

I don't even want to get into the politics thing right now, but it's sort of a hot topic. All I have to say about it is that Sarah Palin is an epic fail for the Republican Party. I believe the Dems have it in the bag this November. If hell freezes over and the Republicans win, goodbye America... hello UK! I can't imagine our country being ran by beauty and the beast.

My birthday is tomorrow, and I have a lot of people coming out to my "party" at B Dub's. There is one person who keeps making excuses for not wanting to come. They "might have to work," even though he's apparently not on the schedule that night and I was told by one of my friends that works there that he wouldn't be called in. He has to "stay home and start researching his senior thesis," even though another friend who is coming to my party, said he told her that she and one of my other friends could come over and hang with him after my party. His girl "might be coming down," though I haven't heard anything more about that. And the latest: "I actually made the show at school, so I'm going to start having practice" (though I doubt practice will start THIS Saturday.) So, every excuse has pretty much been busted, yet he's still coming up with stuff. Then, get this. He's having a party NEXT Saturday for his birthday that I was invited to. I guess I'm expected to still come to his, even though he doesn't come to mine. He said like 20 of his friends couldn't make it. I told him to go ahead and make it 21 if he didn't come to mine. Bitchy, yes, but it is just unfair to me. And it's my birthday... I'm allowed to be a little selfish, in my opinion.

Anyway, I think that's it for now. I am going to probably go order a hot coffee (almost done with my frap and it's cold as all gets out in here,) and play my pool game while I wait for Jerid.

Peace,
Michelle

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Now playing: Alanis Morissette - Hand In My Pocket
http://foxytunes.com/artist/alanis+morissette/track/hand+in+my+pocket

It's time for an update a la Michelle.

I got some really good comments on my last post. People weren't judgmental or rude about my recent change in beliefs, like I thought they would be. In fact, I've been encouraged to follow my own path. Thanks to those of you who commented, and who were nice about it.

I've recently made some changes in my social circle. I cleaned up my Facebook and Live Journal friends lists. I had a couple of people on LiveJournal who really just wanted to bust my chops all the time. I got tired of unsolicited advice that was always holier-than-thou, hypocritical, and constant. And on Facebook, there were a lot of people I just don't talk to a lot, and whom I'm not great friends with, so I took them off.

So, here's the "big" news. I regret to say that my job at The Mezzanine has come to an end already. And before some of you jump to conclusions, NO, I did not quit. Since I started working there, things haven't been going too well. There has been bad communication, lack of training, and other things. After the busy Wednesday without training and the lack of communication on Thursday, I had a talk with Michelle and asked her if she thought I was going to work out working there. She asked what I thought, and I said I didn't know, and wanted her honest opinion. She said she had concerns. She said I was making mistakes that could cost business, and that she didn't think I had the confidence it took to do the work there. So, she wanted to give it one more day (today,) but I came home and thought about it long and hard, then gave her a call, and told her that I thought she could find someone more qualified. So no, I didn't quit, and no, she didn't fire me, but we reached a mutual understanding. So, it's back to the old drawing board for jobs. I have a few prospects.

In other news, the Democratic National Convention is over. I'm sad. I watched speeches from the biggest names all week. Last night, Obama gave almost an hour-long acceptance speech, but it was good. He and Biden are going to make a great team. Gobama!

On the McSame side, he's picked his Vice President. He announced this morning, that Alaskan Governor, Sarah Palin, do be his running mate. Good luck, John McSame. You're gonna need it.

So, Ben got his school refund back. Since then, we've paid off all of our credit cards, the Kay bill, and started Christmas shopping. Yes, Christmas shopping in August. I cannot convey to you all how much I hate Christmas shopping, in the store, when everyone else is doing the same. So, I am starting mine and Ben's Christmas shopping now, online.

Well, I think that's it from here. I need to get off here and go pay some more bills.

Peace,
Michelle

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Now playing: Coldplay - Viva La Vida
http://foxytunes.com/artist/coldplay/track/viva+la+vida

After I set my status on Facebook to "Michelle is contemplating writing a new blog about her personal beliefs, but knows she'll get attacked for them, per usual, by the majority" a little while ago, my friend Thomas encouraged me to actually go and write said blog.

So at the risk of every Christian person I bitching me out, here it goes.

I went to church for fifteen years-- from the time I was 6 to the time I was 22, with one year that I didn't go because there were no good churches nearby when I lived in Goode. I was "saved" when I was 16. The entire time I went to church, basically just followed after what each preacher and other Christian adults said. I never really sat down and worked out what I believed. I was always looking to impress someone more mature in the Christian faith.

People in the Christian faith really let me down. Mostly ones that went to two churches-- Lion of Judah Ministries and Rainbow Forest Baptist Church. Then, I went to Liberty University, where conservative and Christian-only thoughts were pushed down my throat. I know it's a private, Christian school, but I think it's healthy to encourage options.

Anyway, upon being let down and having certain thoughts and ideas pushed on me, I got angry at, and began questioning the validity of God.

Upon my leaving Liberty, I began to venture out and develop my own thoughts and ideas. I have come up with this:

If God existed, even though people are allowed to have their own free will, why does God allow bad things happen to good people? I know that some of you will comment that God is punishing people for their sin. What about those who don't believe in God? How can someone that a person doesn't believe to be real, punish them?

Also, Christianity is NOT the only religion that exists, no matter how much Christians want to believe it is. There are tons of religions. Christianity is one of them, but there's also Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Catholicism, Atheism, Agnosticism, and beyond. Each religion is correct to the individual who believes it. Who am I to judge how someone seeks their spiritual fulfillment?

As for myself, after all I've been through, after believing in God for so long and praying without any response, feeling empty despite my belief in God, and whatnot, I don't know what to believe. I don't know if I want to believe in anything, to be honest.

I hate to apply a label here, but if I identified with anything, it'd be one of the "non-religions," agnosticism. I don't know, and don't think you can know what the higher being, if there is one, is.

I'm sorry if this collides with your worldview and beliefs, but I cannot continue to say I accept yours as valid, if I don't truly believe it. I know that this is going to severely upset and make some of you disappointed in me... but I want to quit pretending I agree with something I don't. I want to be honest with everyone... and myself.

Peace,
Michelle



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Now playing: John Mayer - Dreaming With A Broken Heart
http://foxytunes.com/artist/john+mayer/track/dreaming+with+a+broken+heart

Hey hey...

I'm about to head off to church (yeah, me, church...) But I had some downtime beforehand, so I figured I'd update.

This week has been fairly interesting. I started my new job at The Mezzanine. We went to dinner at Olive Garden and Build-a-Bear with Ben's grandparents. I missed my 3rd day of work due to sickness. Ben finished his first week of school. We gave his parents a small tour of Bedford. I got my hair chopped off. And now, we're going to church, then to talk finances with his parents today.

Tomorrow is Ben's 21st birthday. He's gotten most of his birthday presents early. Firefly on DVD and Mythbusters Mega Movie Myths on DVD from me, Physics of the Impossible book from my parents, new laptop from his dad, and $60 cash from his grandparents. I got him one more thing to open tomorrow, on his birthday. He's also getting a Reese's dessert thing instead of a cake (he's not too much on cake.) We're both off tomorrow for his birthday.

In less than two weeks, is my birthday. I have gotten one birthday gift early, from Randall. National Treasure 2: Book of Secrets. On my birthday, which is a Saturday, I am having a get together at Buffalo Wild Wings. I have made an event on Facebook about it, but for those of you not on Facebook, and whom I haven't invited, feel free to come. We're meeting at like 6. We may do something afterward, but we'll cross that bridge when we come to it. Gifts aren't required, but always appreciated. Just come out and have some fun with Ms. 24-year-old.

Autumn is approaching, and I am hella excited! If anyone knows me, they know how enamored I am by autumn. I hope it's true that we have an early autumn. I also hope it lasts a long time, and it's an elongated autumn. I wish it was autumn all year. I don't care for any of the other seasons. Well, sometimes spring... but only when it's March. In the spirit of the approaching season, I've decorated mine and Ben's room for autumn. It's totally boss.

Hmm what else?

I'm enjoying my job. Some of you should come visit. I work Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 11-2. I'm also working this Thursday, to make up for being off on Ben's birthday. I am going to try to get Phil a job there.

ANYway... I guess I should get off of here, so I can get ready to go to church (again... me... church...)

Peace,
Michelle

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Now playing: Alanis Morissette - All I Really Want
http://foxytunes.com/artist/alanis+morissette/track/all+i+really+want




New haircut!!

I feel like this song basically sums me up. I love Alanis Morissette!

"Hand in my Pocket" -Alanis Morissette

I'm broke but I'm happy
I'm poor but I'm kind
I'm short but I'm healthy, yeah
I'm high but I'm grounded
I'm sane but I'm overwhelmed
I'm lost but I'm hopeful baby

What it all comes down to
Is that everything's gonna be fine fine fine
I've got one hand in my pocket
And the other one is giving a high five

I feel drunk but I'm sober
I'm young and I'm underpaid
I'm tired but I'm working, yeah
I care but I'm worthless
I'm here but I'm really gone
I'm wrong and I'm sorry baby

What it all comes down to
Is that everything's gonna be quite alright
I've got one hand in my pocket
And the other one is flicking a cigarette

What it all comes down to
Is that I haven't got it all figured out just yet
I've got one hand in my pocket
And the other one is giving the peace sign

I'm free but I'm focused
I'm green but I'm wise
I'm shy but I'm friendly baby
I'm sad but I'm laughing
I'm brave but I'm chicken shit
I'm sick but I'm pretty baby

And what it all boils down to
Is that no one's really got it figured out just yet
I've got one hand in my pocket
And the other one is playing the piano

What it all comes down to my friends
Is that everything's just fine fine fine
I've got one hand in my pocket
And the other one is hailing a taxicab...


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Now playing: Alanis Morissette - Hand In My Pocket
http://foxytunes.com/artist/alanis+morissette/track/hand+in+my+pocket

I totally finally did the seemingly impossible. I got a job. GASP! I was hanging out in Lynchburg yesterday, at Barnes and Noble, etc. while Ben was doing his obligatory "Christian Community Service" at Resnet Blitz, and Michelle from The Mezzanine called me. She told me I could start Monday at 11. I'm pretty excited... I have somewhat of a life now. Haha!

I gave in to my usual thing, and gave Ben his birthday presents 10 days early yesterday. I couldn't help it. =( I wanted him to have them. He loved what I got him. I got him Firefly, the series, and Mythbusters Movie Myths DVD. Mom gave him what she got him, too. She got him this book he wanted, Physics of the Impossible. I plan on getting him something else to open on his birthday, too, whether he likes it or not. We're also getting him a cake, or ice cream (whichever he prefers) and going out to eat for his birthday.

As for my birthday, Randall brought me over an early gift. National Treasure: Book of Secrets! EFF yeah! I am totally stoked, because I now have BOTH movies I wanted! The other one is Vantage Point. Anyway, no real party for my birthday. I think we may just go to Buffalo Wild Wings. Whoever wants to come is invited. It's on September 6th. That means you, jungle freak.

If you haven't already, you should go see Tropic Thunder. Ben, Randall, and I saw it on Thursday night, and I about died from laughing so much. Robert Downey Jr. as a black man... wow. You guys have to see it!

Speaking of funny guys, does anyone know if/when Bradley Hathaway is coming back to Lynchburg? Miss him! He needs to be back... like now.

Anyway, I am going to peace out. I am going to Wal-Mart, then I have to come back and do laundry like ALL day! I'm down to my next to last pair of jeans. Egats!

Peace,
Michelle

P.S. If you're at RFBC tomorrow, I will probably be visiting. Come say hi. Unless you're Hollan Dogan. I have nothing to say to you.

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Now playing: Coldplay - Viva La Vida
http://foxytunes.com/artist/coldplay/track/viva+la+vida

Tomorrow, some of my friends are meeting at Applebee's in Bonsack, to "celebrate" something in each of their lives. Even though I've gotten an "Oh, you can come, too, if you want," I wasn't originally invited. The reason was because I never want to go out with them.

I mean, that's sort of true, but I'm still pretty offended. The reason I usually don't go out is because they go to downtown Roanoke, where stuff is hella expensive. And I usually don't have money to just throw around on alcohol, when I'm not even working right now. Nor do I have or want credit cards to charge my good time to, and end up in debt. I've already got enough of that. Also, it's usually all girls, so Ben is bored out of his mind, and has nothing to do... because he doesn't drink. Even if he was legal, he wouldn't. So, because of honoring my husband by thinking of him and because I don't have money to throw around, I wasn't invited to this event.

I kinda wanted to go when Malerie told me about it yesterday, but the more I think about it, the less I want to. So, I'm not going to go.

I'm also mad that she made her coming to my theoretical birthday party at my uncle's house contingent on me going to Applebee's tomorrow. Then, she was like "OH well, I'll just go to my brother's company picinic, where I can get free steak and beer, since I won't be able to get a ride there," (even though I offered to take her.) I swear, having friends shouldn't require this much work.

So anyway, I'm not really mad... just annoyed.

As of right now, if I do have a party at my uncle's, anyone drama-free is invited. Also, if your coming to the party has any contingencies, I don't want you to be there. I do whatever I want, and if that doesn't align with your plans, sorry. But I'm not coming to X event, just so you will come to my event. It doesn't work that way. And if you can't drive, carpool. If I throw this party, I'll have to be in Lynchburg, at my uncle's, to set up.

I know this whole thing sounds bitchy, but I don't care. It's how I feel.

I need Lynchburg friends to hang out with. This means you, Mr. 20-credit hour, double-majoring seemingly too gay to function jungle freak. Hehe, I heart Phil. But yeah, I don't do Roanoke usually. I don't really like it very much. Even though Lynchburg can get lame, I like it there. You just have to know where to go. That doesn't mean it has to be a bar, either.

So anyway, things are picking up. I'm waiting til tomorrow to call The Mezzanine. They said they'd call this week, so I'm going to wait til the end of the week to contact them if they don't contact me first. I'll need to compile a list of dates that I need off, if I get hired. It's a plus that it's closed Sundays.

Sunday, we may or may not be going to church with Ben's parents. I mean, he can go if he wants, but I'm not sure about myself. Tuesday, we're having dinner with his grandparents at Olive Garden. The 25th is Ben's birthday. The 31st, Ben's parents WANT us to go to Iron Gate Baptist Church, an hour an a half away, but I don't know if we will. September 6th is my birthday. September 27th is Centerfest. And November 4th, I'm probably going to work the polls for Election Day.

Anyway, I'm gonna go. This note is long enough.

Peace,
Michelle

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Now playing: Backstreet Boys - Larger Than Life
http://foxytunes.com/artist/backstreet+boys/track/larger+than+life

*sighs and shrugs*

What can I say?

Ben's parents are back in Virginia. We spent ALL day with them yesterday. A large part of the day was spent sitting around, waiting on the grandparents, who ended up not coming to the house. We went to their hotel, though, and had dinner with them at the mall. Anyway, I'd like to say I had a good day with them, but in all honesty, I felt a lot left out by everyone. Especially one person in particular. I know I'm just an in-law, but it doesn't hurt any less. In fact, I think that if Ben wants to hang out with them again this week, I think he can just go solo. I really don't want to be around if I'm not wanted around.

*shrug* At least Ben's grandpa is freaking awesome.

I finally told Ben last night, that I am pretty depressed. I am STILL waiting on hearing about a job. I'm sitting here, with nothing to do. I can't go anywhere, because I don't have a license, and even if I did, we have ONE car. I am not doing school this semester, because I can't find one that has my program AND a tuition I can afford without taking out a lot of loans. My friends change from week to week, because I live in Dramaville, and no one can be trusted, it seems.

The only thing I do have is my marriage to Ben. Without that, I feel like I'd be without anything.

I feel like I am going nowhere fast, and I don't know how to fix it.

And for those of you who feel the need to comment and bitch me out, saying I'm going nowhere, because I'm choosing to do nothing to do so... SPARE ME. I have totally been doing all I can to change my situation. If you don't think so, I don't care. My life is not your life, and vice versa. You cannot possibly tell me that what worked for you, will work for me.

I think that's a lot of my problem anyway. I've listened to too many people in my life. And now that I've been following my own path, I'm letting people down.

Well TOO BAD.

Some of you will tell me I am pigheaded and don't accept anyone's advice. Again, what's worked for you, won't necessarily work for me.

I feel like I am talking in circles. I don't care though. I really just feel like ranting. I don't have anyone to talk to, that won't judge me right now, but I CAN write. It's what I do.

I can't wait to get a job... so I'll at least have SOMETHING to do, so I won't be here by myself, wallowing in my thoughts. I've had little to do since I left my leadership position with SFBO.

Whatever. I'm going to take a shower, in case Jen ever responds about going to lunch. =P

Peace,
Michelle

P.S. Alanis Morrissette, John Mayer, Dashboard Confessional, and David Ford = music that describes my life.

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Now playing: Dashboard Confessional - Rapid Hope Loss
http://foxytunes.com/artist/dashboard+confessional/track/rapid+hope+loss

In the past couple of weeks, I have seen how politics can really ruin a lot of good things. Someone whom I've gotten along with pretty well despite our opposite opinions, and myself, have gotten into a huge argument, where I have said some things that I should have in the heat of the moment. I am sorry to that person. But yeah, I'm gonna chill with shouting my support for Obama from the rooftops, and causing problems. Not because I am giving in to the opposers, but because life is too short for all that drama. I mean, people will choose who they want to choose in November. Granted I think Obama is going to win, we'll see. Until then, I'm going to fade into the political background some.

Anyway, my in-laws are in the States now. They've stopped off in one of the northern states, and won't be here until Tuesday, which is also when my grandparents-in-law will be here. So, Tuesday is a big family meetup day. It's also the day Ben starts his daily trek to Lynchburg. He has his ResNet Blitz meeting that day.

I can't wait until next month. Autumn starts to fall, and we all know it's my favorite season. The perfect temperature and weather outside, the colors, the scents. I'm getting a headstart. I bought some fall-scented candles at Yankee the other day, and I am in heaven. I am so enamored with autumn.

Ben and I are also going to start Christmas shopping next month! Ben will be getting his big refund from school, so we'll have the money to do so, and we want to beat the rush, like we did last year. We're not breaking the bank this year, though.

Anyway, I think that's it from here.

Peace,
Michelle

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Now playing: Dashboard Confessional - Screaming Infidelities
http://foxytunes.com/artist/dashboard+confessional/track/screaming+infidelities

As of today, I quit Liberty University. I am completely done with the idiotic conservatives (no, not all conservatives, just the idiotic ones, which is mostly what I come across,) who would rather result to personal attacks that have nothing to do with my support for Obama, than have a civil discussion. Also, Liberty is NOT the right school for me. I'm going to take one or two semesters at CVCC to get my grades up, and try to transfer to Lynchburg College. I want to get a degree in Advertising/PR/Journalism.

Along with my withdrawal from Liberty, it was decided today, that I will no longer be the Chapter Coordinator of Liberty University Students for Barack Obama. It does sadden me some, but if I am no longer at Liberty, I don't need to be their chapter's coordinator. Phil is working on getting someone to take over. It'll probably be someone better and more knowledgable. I'll miss mah buddies though. Especially Philly McWilly.

I'm not becoming stagnant with the Obama stuff though. I planning on canvassing my ass off, to get mah man, Awesome Obama, elected!

Well, I am off to bed now.

Peace,
Michelle

The last few days have been unbearable.

I could care less if the "I promise to be civil" liars and jerks of the Flame Fans forum read this and make fun of me or not. They ask me if I care if I have to answer to God someday-- but do they care if they do?

Anyway, back to my unbearableness. The Flame Fans jerks have been riding my ass about my support for Obama the last few days. Even though I admitted I didn't have all the answers and told them I would even do more research, they not only insisted on taking shots at my candidate, but also stooped to making personal attacks on me-- even after a "civil" thread was started. Most conservatives have nothing going for them except trying to make others miserable. As someone who is on the edge of denouncing ever having anything to do with Christianity, these assholes aren't exactly a not to. Just because I am standing up for myself, some of them have threatened to turn me in for using "bad language" on my Facebook and LiveJournal. The only thing they can do about it is give me reps and possibly kick me out Big deal. I thought LU wanted people to be at their school so they can "fix" them... I wonder if administration would care to know that their little "soldiers for Jesus" were off being advocates everything the Bible preaches against. Not that administration would care... I turned these assholes in for harassment on Tuesday, and have yet to get a response. Where's justice when it needs to be served? I thought that harassment wouldn't be condoned, Student Conduct. Where's that promise now? Conservatives talk about Liberals not following through on promises... Their administration at LU isn't any better.


On top of that, I have a cavity forming at the base of one of my teeth. It hurts like hell. I've tried everything to make it stop hurting until I can get to a dentist. In the process, I've also discovered that I have 2 more cavities of the same kind forming on other teeth. Why not go to the dentist? I don't have any insurance. I'm not afraid to admit that I can't afford it. Some people *ahem*Flame Fans idiots* have mentioned that I don't have a job or a car to get to a job, therefore that's why I can't afford insurance. Well let me assure you... I have been busting my damn ass trying to find a job since oh... February. Sorry my parents aren't rich bitches and hand me over everything on a silver platter. I have to work for what I need... and I AM TRYING to find a job to do so... and YES, I would be able to get there, thank you very much.

But yeah, I could go to downtown Lynchburg to get my teeth worked on, but they're not taking appointments until September... and I can't wait that long. So, I have been trying to find JUST dental insurance. All Ben and I have been finding is dental discount stuff. So I don't know what I am going to do. But this tooth hurts like hell.

So yeah... I've been pretty miserable.

For those of you who are true friends and haven't given up on me yet, please keep me in your thoughts. I'm going through a really hard time right now. I've got this toothache, grief from retards, my financial aid has yet to come through for school, and I am still waiting to see if I get the job at The Mezzanine, or if a position opens up at Hot Topic. Aside from work with the Obama campaign, I feel stagnant, and I want to get out and do SOMETHING!

Before I go, Dollie, Randall, and I are having a yard sale on Saturday, starting at 6AM at my house. I am still searching for more stuff to sale, and am sure I will have much to pawn off on some junk collector. Randall has some books and such to sale. And Dollie has a bunch of stuff, including some Mary Kay products. Please stop by and look!

Well, I'm going to bed... getting to sleep is the problem.

Peace,
Michelle

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Now playing: Dashboard Confessional - This Bitter Pill
http://foxytunes.com/artist/dashboard+confessional/track/this+bitter+pill

It's finally up! My interview with Bloomberg News!
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=a2ZeHlUH_N7A&refer=home

I Support Barack Obama: My Story
By: Michelle K. Miller
July 26, 2008

My name is Michelle Miller. I’m a 23-year-old sophomore at Liberty University. I am also a supporter of Barack Obama. I know, that’s probably confusing to some of you, seeing as how Liberty is one of the most conservative schools in the country. However, there is a story and reason behind my support of Senator Obama.

I began going to church when I was six years old, attending with my friends or going by myself. Ten years after avidly attending church, I gave my life to Christ at Rick Gage’s Go-Tell Camp, which took place at Liberty. From that time, I really began to delve into the whole church experience— continuing weekly and bi-weekly church services, reading my Bible, and basically, agreeing with everything my pastors had to say, without really researching anything on my own. I just wanted to be the good little church girl that did what was expected of her. This blind faith following continued up until 2007, when I started attending Liberty University.

Up until that point, I was very conservative in my thoughts, my ideas, my values, and for the most part, my actions. I mean, I was human and still made mistakes, but I still considered myself to be conservatives. I wanted to be surrounded by people just like that, unlike I was at my community college and in my town. Anyhow, once I got to Liberty, and a couple of months passed, I began hearing more about politics and the general election in 2008. I hadn’t given much thought to the upcoming election, to be honest. However, in the last general election, I voted for someone really conservative—Michael Peroutka from the Constitution Party.

Well, once November came around, and the countdown to one year until the election came about, more politics were discussed. I didn’t know anything about the candidates, and it was clear that a lot of students didn’t either—aside from the Ron Paul supporters. We were subjected to one candidate, Alan Keyes, at convocation one Wednesday. I didn’t have any real problem with him; I just found him boring. However, we then had to listen to Chuck Norris-endorsed Mike Huckabee speak. I think people got way too hyped up about him. Upon listening to his speech, I didn’t like what he had to say. I just felt like he made a lot of promises that I felt were hard to believe. That, and just something about his personality rubbed me the wrong way.

It was then that I barked upon my journey to research the main contending candidates for the 2008 election. For some reason, I had heard a lot about Barack Obama, and felt really inclined to research him. The more I researched the candidates and their stances on the issues, the more I began to like Senator Obama. I read more about him and listened to some of his speeches, and I decided support him for President in 2008. It wasn’t a popular decision. Aside from my fiancé (now husband,) my friend Tara was the first person I told. She completely wigged out and yelled things like, “Don’t you know he’s a Muslim who’s going to blow up the whole country if he gets his way and becomes President?!” She made other incorrect and outrageous comments like that. A few days later, she decided to end our friendship, based on my support for the Senator. Similar patterns followed. No one wanted to talk politics with me, just because they knew I supported Senator Obama. They knew it’d end in an argument, because I had my mind made up, and they weren’t going to change it. Most people who knew about my support became very hostile toward me about it. I kind of expected it, but I at least hoped there’d be some open-minded people.

I moved off campus after the fall semester, to start the Distance Learning Program at Liberty, so it was a little easier to continue my support for Obama… but not much. I still received hostile comments and messages via mediums such as Facebook and AOL Instant Messenger. I got angry a lot of times, but began to have a new outlook after a while, and decided it wasn’t worth me getting angry and that I was going to still support Obama, and that’s all that mattered. I was standing up for something I believed in.

In February, I was messaged by the State Coordinator, Abby Williams, for Students for Barack Obama, and was asked to take over as the Chapter Coordinator of the Liberty University chapter of Students for Barack Obama. I gave it some thought, and said yes. We had one meeting in the winter, and tried to hold watch parties for the primaries, but ended up pretty inactive because of the snow and ice. However, since June, things have picked back up. I have a lot of support from amazing local Organizing Fellows, Jason Perkey and Jon Merlis, as well as others who work with them. I also have wonderful helpers, Phil Wagner and Brian Diaz, who are helping me organize from their home states, and who will be helping me put thoughts into actions when school starts back up in the fall. My story and struggle has apparently inspired the media to do pieces about me, and I’m happy to share my story.

However, there are some people who are dead-set against my voicing story, my struggle, and my thoughts that apparently go against the Bible and Liberty University’s doctrine. Many have asked me why I just don’t leave Liberty, for a different school. My answer is simple: There are people who run from adversity, and there are people who face it, tackle it, and try to change it. I am the latter. I know that I am up against a lot. That’s fine. Like I have told everyone I meet who is interested in my story: If I can convert just ONE person for Obama, it’s all worth it.

People have also asked me that if since I am a Christian, and I go to a Christian school, then how come I am voting for someone liberal? Why Obama? What was the deciding issue that brought me to my support for Senator Obama?

I have those answers.

I am a big believer in equal rights for all. Not just men, not just women, not just whites, not just blacks—and certainly not just for heterosexual couples. I know that sounds weird coming from a happily married heterosexual woman. However, I have many family members and friends who are gay, lesbian, or bisexual, and I think that they should most certainly have the same rights as couples, as I do in my heterosexual relationship. Every Christian person I talk to refutes that by saying, “Don’t you know what the Bible says about homosexuality? It’s wrong!!” Of course I know what the Bible says about homosexuality. As stated before, I’ve been to church since I was six years old, and am well aware of what the Bible says. However, I raise you this: I don’t care if the country was supposedly founded on Christian principles. Now, in the year 2008, in this country, we are Christians, Atheists, Jews, Catholics, Agnostics, Buddhists, Hindus, and every religion in between. We do not all worship the same god. So, why should those in America who aren’t Christian, have to live under laws inspired by the Christian God? Though we do not all worship the same god, and we don’t all live by the Bible, we in America, do however, live under the document that says “ALL men were created equal.” That’s right, ALL. It doesn’t say “Straight, white, conservative men were created equal.” The word “all” is inclusive of everyone. Also, I think it’s wrong to want to take away the rights of one group of people. If you’re going to take away the rights of homosexuals, why not take a step back and take away the rights of blacks, or a step farther back and take away the rights of women? It’s illogical. It makes no sense. Barack Obama is willing to allow civil unions, and give those couples the same rights as heterosexual couples, which I wholeheartedly agree with.

Now, as for the rights of women, I want to speak on the right to choose abortion or not, as someone who is 75% pro-choice and 25% pro-life. Some extreme conservatives want to do away with abortion 100%. I, however, believe that the government shouldn’t have so much control over a woman’s body. I keep being told that it is a very low percentage, but there are cases of incest, rape, and medical emergencies that a woman should have the right to opt for an abortion. However, living in a county with a high rate of teen pregnancies, I do not condone the option of abortion for promiscuous teens that go having sex with anyone, then say “Oops, I got pregnant. Time for an abortion!” I’ve been asked, then, if I think pre-marital sex is wrong. I have responded that I think it’s up to the couple, and that if they are going to have sex, they need to practice birth control. Speaking of which, Barack Obama wants to make access to birth control easier. I think that Obama’s pro-choice stance with easier access to birth control is the right balance.

Healthcare is another hot issue that I used when choosing who to support. As someone who doesn’t have healthcare because it is unaffordable, I support Obama’s plan to make healthcare easily accessible (without discrimination for pre-existing illnesses,) more affordable, and simple. I especially love that he is mandating that there be mandatory coverage of children, where they can be covered on their parents’ insurance until the age of 25. I think that’s reasonable, as 25 is a good age, because most students will be done with college, and can afford healthcare on their own then.

Furthering education is becoming less and less important to high school graduates, due to the debt that post-high school institutions cause. Senator Obama wants to fix that. His plan is to create an American Opportunity Tax Credit by simplifying the process for financial aid, ensure that the first $4000 of the student’s education is completely free, and will cover two-thirds of the cost of the student’s tuition at average public colleges and university, therefore making college pretty much free for anyone who wants to attend.

One of my main issues, and the issues of many people is not having a good job. Barack Obama wants to improve that by creating programs that will help low-income Americans to climb the ladder in the workforce, increase minimum wage (which is something we are seeing now,) increase sick days, provide tax relief, help single parents, and promote responsible fatherhood. These are just few of the good ideas Senator Obama has about improving jobs and job quality.

The last main reason I chose to support Senator Obama is his plan to bring our troops home. While he wants to be careful about how it is done, he at least has a plan. His plan is to end this war, and at one or two brigades at a time, pull out, and have them all out in sixteen months. While I think that setting something that sounds like a deadline is dangerous, I believe that Senator Obama would come through on this responsibly and victoriously.

And that, my friends, is why I support Barack Obama for President. I may continue to get criticized by church and school friends, but I can honestly say that I am standing up for someone and something I believe in—I am standing up for Barack Obama, and I am standing up for change!!


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I just had a minor meltdown.

Being an adult sucks. Being an incompetent adult sucks even more. Right now, I feel inadequate. I don't have a job, and it's becoming increasingly hard to get one. I think I could go seek out one better if I had a license. That's right... I'm still not driving. It's incredibly annoying, but still not really my fault. No one's taught me yet, and it makes me angry. I want to go to a behind the wheel class and just get it, but that requires money, which we are lacking right now, due to my said job lackage. But seriously, I need a license. We still won't have two cars to use respectively (keeping up with one is expensive enough.) However, I think Ben and I could easily share one.

I can't complain too much. It's all worked out thus far. We usually just go do things we need to do on the days he's off (Wednesdays and Sundays.) However, I was asked to meet up with someone from the Obama campaign on Friday, but I can't go, because Ben works 10-7. She said she'd be back though, because she was coming to see me specifically. That was nice.

But yeah, I was still due for a meltdown. No license, no job, and being married yet still living with my parents is enough to make me crazy. On top of everything today, mine and Ben's cat had to go to the Angels of Asissi van to get spayed today, and their generator wasn't working, so she has to go all the way to the Roanoke office. They were going to keep her overnight, but we asked if we could go get her when Ben gets off from work, so we are.

The only thing keeping me busy, yet sane, is the Obama for America and Students for Barack Obama stuff. I'm getting ahead with some of the work. I've registered 12 voters since July 11th. I have contacted Campus Calendar at LU about setting up a Voter Reg. table in Demoss every Tuesday and Thursday until October 6, which is when the deadline is. I am waiting on a response. My next step is to procure a room for our weekly meetings, but I am waiting on Phil to decide what day and time is better for him.

Ben and I are constantly coming up with ideas to promote Obama good cheer at LU, and Brian and Phil have thrown me some ideas, as well. Which is good, because I am going to meet with our Field Organizer soon so I can tell him all about what's up.

*sigh* I guess I am feeling a little better. I'm going to go take a nap, though, because I got up way too early.

Peace,
Michelle

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I walked in a field of landmines
As I went out on my own
To discover my own truth
I picked up a fateful hitchhiker along my way
He had a funny name and talked a lot about change
I'd just met him but he made me feel safe
Our morals and values aligned
And I felt as if in this lonely journey,
I'd made a friend
Who would look out for me
And change the world for good

I am totally exhausted. I'm coming off of a huge caffeine high I've had all day from coffee, an energy shot, and a Milton. I've felt like I was going to bounce off the wall all day.

This Obama thing has went to a whole new level now. Last night, someone from the Obama campaign called me last night when I was on the way to see The Dark Knight, and said that Indira Lakshmanan from Bloomberg News wanted to interview me, and wanted to know if it was OK to give her my number. I said sure, and was like "National news? Holy crap." But I tried not to think about it because it was making me queasy.

So, Ben, Randall, Jen, Brian, and I went to see The Dark Knight, and I have to admit, as soon as I saw Heath Ledger's face on the screen, I started to cry. It feels so surreal when you're watching him on the screen, but then you remember he's no longer alive. I feel like crying now. But anyway, he was an amazing Joker. The movie really kicked ass.

Randall stayed at our house last night, so he could wake up and go with us to the Obama HQ opening in downtown Lynchburg. I was so amazed to see so many people show up for the opening. And then go out to register voters. I feel badly that I didn't go register voters today, but none of us were really up to it because we were really tired, and there's been something that's been going around to make us feel icky. I'm still registering here, though. But anyway, it was good to finally meet Jason. I also got to see Latesha again. It'd been forever! Also, Manuel Quinones, the reporter that interviewed me last week, was there. It was a great turn out.

Before we were getting ready to leave, my phone rang, and it was Ms. Lakshmanan. We had an interview for about half an hour. I let loose, and basically said what was on my mind. It doesn't bother me to get criticism anymore. Afterwards, she said she'd send someone soon to take my picture for the piece. I am assuming this means it will be on the Bloomberg site, and not the TV.

It's been really cool with everyone wanting to interview me. I find it kind of humorous... I never thought I'd stir up this much controversy. I do feel kind of badly, though, for getting all the attention. People like Jason need to be recognized because of all their hard work and dedication to the campaign to get this great man elected. I am sure they do far more than I can imagine possible. I wouldn't be surprised if they fake being awake sometimes, in order to get more done. I applaud them for their hard work. Even though they probably couldn't care less about their recognition, but more the attention the campaign is getting. But still, they are such Barackstars. Keep up the good work, guys!

Anyway, I am going to bed now. I will let you all know more when I do.

Barack N Roll,
Michelle


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Life has been going by quickly. A little too quickly, if you ask me. Lately, I've been seeing commercials for new seasons of shows that start in September, and I realize how soon that is. It's hard to believe that July is half over. It seems like it just started. Ben starts fall semester at Liberty in a month on the 18th, turns 21 a week from then, and I turn 24-- 12 days after that! Also, Ben's parents will be coming to the States in a couple weeks.

As time continues to go by quickly, Ben and I are still job and apartment hunting in Lynchburg. I would have had an interview at Target yesterday, but I woke up with some kind of flu, so I had to cancel. I wanted to reschedule but the interviewer wasn't available to talk. Anyway, while I've had 2 job prospects in the past 2 weeks, Ben has had none. We've got to get on it. We applied for an apartment at the very spacious County Green yesterday.

Ben and I have been doing some fun things, because we've actually had the money to do so. He got a financial aid refund (2 checks) that were about $1000 in its entirety. Most of the money went to bills and needed things, but we went to the Salem Fair and went a few places to eat and did some shopping. Not too much shopping, though. I am on a kick where if I'm not going to use the hell out of an item, then there's no point in getting it. I don't want to add more junk to the pile of stuff we'll have to move to the new apartment.

I've been getting more fired up for the election. My lovelies are getting ready to come back to school, so we're going to be doing events on campus, to promote Obama good cheer, even if it means persecution. We're still emphasizing voter reg. I have registered 8 people, but want to register more. So if you or anyone you know isn't registered, let me know and I will register you, and even turn in your form to the registrar.

The Lynchburg office opens on Saturday. It's in the old La Plaza Alegra building at 12th and Main in downtown Lynchburg. If you stop by, office supplies are needed. Also on Saturday, the group is meeting at Jones Memorial Library at 10AM, to do canvassing work.

Anyway, I woke up too early, so I'm going to take a nap.

Peace,
Michelle

I was interviewed by ABC 13 on being an Obama supporter and canvassing ringleader at LU. There's no link to a video (damn it) but here's what they wrote about it:

http://www.wset.com/news/stories/0708/535393.html

If you are a Virginia resident and you are not registered to vote in the general election on November 4th, I want to register you. All you have to do is get with me and fill out and sign your form. You don't even have to worry about turning it in; I will be taking all the forms to the Registrar's office once a week.

This is completely non-partisan; I just want to register people to vote. Why? This election is a crucial, history-making point. Also, Virginia is a deciding state, if not THE deciding state in this election. So please, if you will, allow me to register you.

On a side note to all my friends who want to make me happy, I am in a voter reg competition. Obama is coming to town within the next couple of months, and whoever registers the most voters gets to meet and hang out with Barack himself. It would mean the world to me if I got to meet this amazing man. I know some of you don't like him, but PLEASE help a sister out!

So, if you're a Virginia resident and are not registered to vote or know a Virginia resident who is not yet registered, let me do it for you.

My contact info:

Michelle Miller
(h) 540-586-5632
(c) 540-353-0404
(e) baracknroll08@gmail.com

Thanks so much everyone!!

Oh my gosh... I am so tired. I think I went to bed at 2 and got up at quarter til 9. No reason to get up that early... It's just habit, I suppose.

Yesterday was SO long and SO busy. We were away from the house for 12 hours.

-Went to the mall to fill out and turn in applications.
-Brian was finished his interview then came to talk to us.
-Chris met us at the mall and he, Ben, Brian and I had lunch at the food court (Brian is hella awesome.)
-Ben, Chris and I left and went to Plan 9.
-While Chris was finishing up, Ben and I went to CiCi's to put in applications but they were still out.
-Went to Drowsy Poet for a delicious Milton.
-Chris left us and Ben and I went to put in more applications at the Target shopping center (and Michelle had more coffee.)
-Dropped my Wards Road SBUX application off.
-Went to the drumming circle at Easter Island.
-Dropped off my Timberlake SBUX application.
-Went to Chris' to pick up 3 shirts he had for me.
-Stopped by McDonald's for a late night snack.
-FINALLY came home!

Also yesterday, mom called me while I was out, and told me that Ben had gotten, what looked like a check, from CVCC. I asked her to open it and see, and sure enough, he got a $492 check. HECK YES, that'll surely help out!! Also, she told me Dollie called. I wasn't looking forward to dealing with anymore drama, but I unblocked her number, and we talked. I'm giving her another chance as long as Malerie Newkirk doesn't show up in our friendship again. I am DONE with her.

Today, Ben and I are going to the Salem Fair with Bec and Kenny, and Randall if he's coming. Tomorrow, I reckon I'm gonna make the potato salad for Jenn's cookout. Tomorrow night, I have an Obama focus meeting at 8. And hopefully, I'll catch the new episode of Degrassi at some point, since I am missing it at its premier time, for the meeting. Saturday, Dollie wants me to go yard sale with her in Montvale. Which reminds me... I need to get stuff up for it, and see if I have enough to even do so. Saturday afternoon, Ben and I are going to Pulaski for Jenn's cookout. Sunday, we'll probably relax since we'll not have sat down for days. LOL.

Anyway, I guess that's about it from here. I need to go get started on the day.

Peace and Love,
Michelle

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