In a world with cookie cutter beauty queens and glammed up reality tv starlets the idea of standing out with one’s own can seem a bit daunting. The mom’s that proudly rock there own unique look with grace are truly wonderful and give their daughters a wonderful head start in the world where image is king.

My own mom shirked a lot of tradition in the realm of beauty – not born a buxom blonde she had to work with what she had: long limbs, brown hair, freckly skin. As I was growing up I noticed her penchant for cool.  On a whim and because she could she went ahead and got a bunch of piercings. But rather than having them spread freakishly over her body she just had them all along her ears. It was quirky and weird and very unlike everyone else’s mom. She didn’t need to push her standard of beauty in everyone’s face, but was happy to show was quirky and interesting but still professional and approachable. Nowadays she’s simplified her routine a little so there isn’t as many earrings, but just the fact that she was confident enough to reclaim her own beauty in a unique way has been very inspiring to me.

My mom just doesn’t  let the rest of the world make unreasonable demands on how she looks. She cuts her hair short, dyes it red herself, and doesn’t get too fussy with the makeup. Lucky for me she hasn’t force fed her own concept of beauty down my throat – allowing for a very different expression as I take inspiration from women’s magazines and celebrity style. But her influence has definitely taken root. No matter how much I take to a mainstream trend or look I always have to shape it to my own body, infuse it with my own personality.

My mom is beautiful this way and as a result so am I.

Recent national events have me quite disturbed. Specifically the attacks on Planned Parenthood with the prospect of defunding the organization altogether by some very self righteous and unjust political leaders and civil groups.

As a responsible, sexually active young woman juggling a freelance career I am horrified that there is a large segment of my country that would want to deny me quality healthcare that I can actually afford. That’s right – outright deny. I am further horrified and not the least bit disgusted that this same segment of people and political leaders would put forth actions to deny millions of mothers, fathers, and children that same affordable healthcare.

All in the name of saving money for the taxpayer they say. They say they don’t want to fund a certain kind of procedure that in comparison to the other services Planned Parenthood provides people is a rather rare occurrence. I am of course talking about abortion – the often misunderstood procedure that gives women a choice over their health, their bodies, their lifestyle, and their family planning.

Well guess what – taxpayers DO. NOT. PAY. for ANY woman’s abortion. It’s just a solid fact. And as conscientious taxpayers, citizens and human beings that care for each other we must remind our senators and politicians of that fact. We must also remind them of what services Planned Parenthood does provide people, women especially.

Planned Parenthood CARES for people – it cares for women, girls, and even men. Let us all remember that as a nation that supposedly also cares for each other. Lend your voice and make sure your congressional leaders know how you feel about the attacks. Stand up for Planned Parenthood by showing your support. Fight against the uncaring ignorance of misguided people like Lila Rose out there and make sure this organization remains funded so that women and others can continue to live responsibly and healthily.

Don’t let them stab you in the back :(

photo credit: Tayrawr Fortune

The ole immune system has been freakin out a touch…

no it’s NOT swine flu…

it’s just a touch of mono…that’s right…mono…actually epstein barr…a lovely little virus that likes to snuggle in one’s body forever and occasionally gets a bit active. it mostly makes me sleepy but sometimes it’s a touch, flu-ish and painful. meh.

I figured I would try to sleep myself out of the relapse today and had a mighty nap. but then I woke up to pee.

interesting stuff huh? yeah, my life is weird.

anyhoo…I’ll get back to it…whatever “it” is at the moment :)

Happy Turkey Day to ya…uh…tomorrow :)