Do you vote?

HippieChick58 comments on Dec 17, 2017:

OMG! The first time I voted ended up being a nightmare. History, mom died when I was 14, dad remarried the stepwitch from hell six months later. 4 years later I voted for the first time. Youngest sister asks "who did you vote for" and I said I'd rather not discuss it. Step witch nags me for the next hour to tell, and when I am finally worn down and admit my vote, she spends the next hour denigrating my actions. And this from a witch who couldn't be bothered to go out and vote. I always vote, if you don't vote then you don't get to bitch about your government.

Atheists declare war... XD

HippieChick58 comments on Dec 17, 2017:

Love it!

As an Atheist or Agnostic, are you less depressed or anxious?

HippieChick58 comments on Dec 17, 2017:

I think my depression/anxiety will always be there.

Gifts giving - I just want opinions on gift giving at work and\or home for the believers.

HippieChick58 comments on Dec 17, 2017:

My team does a Secret Santa gift exchange. I have no idea of the faith or lack thereof of the person who's name I drew.

Quote from Epicurus: Is God willing to prevent evil but not able?

HippieChick58 comments on Dec 17, 2017:

When my brain fog cleared and I started to really question the Bible, this jumped out at me. I think of children with cancer, what the hell did they ever do to deserve that suffering. Or children being hurt in any way. Children starving, even here in the good old USA. If god could prevent that but doesn't then he is just a misogynist bastard and I want nothing to do with him.

My wife was talking to a woman that was at a bar, dancing provocatively and sat at our table.

HippieChick58 comments on Dec 17, 2017:

Good advice!

I am agnostic about god.

HippieChick58 comments on Dec 17, 2017:

If it makes you feel good, I am happy for you. This world is a cold and tough place, I am all for whatever gives you peace and helps you make it through the day. If it does that then it isn't foolishness.

Quick question on views of Christmas.

HippieChick58 comments on Dec 17, 2017:

I don't decorate or do much to outwardly celebrate on my own, I worked many Christmasses. However my kids like to do family celebrations and then there is the office stuff. I don't mind the non religious celebrations but I don't go out of my way to participate except with my kids. I don't really "celebrate" any holiday. I think if it makes you happy, I'm all for it. It makes me "happy" not to go to extra fuss and bother.

I live in central Iowa, not exactly the Bible belt, but a tough place to meet a compatible woman my ...

HippieChick58 comments on Dec 16, 2017:

I feel your pain. I'm in Omaha and pushing 60 real hard. Being a siingle liberal boomer and non religious in the Midwest is kinda lonely. For me relocation is not an option. I haven't really accepted the idea that I will be single forever, but I think it is coming.

Things are not explained by the past but by happens in the here and now which creates the past.

HippieChick58 comments on Dec 16, 2017:

Studying the past is the only way to understand it, and no one can accurately foretell the future. However, understanding the past allows us to make better predictions about the future. I know, sometimes the future laughs at us all, Der Drumph did become the president. Sigh.

Do you use any form of the word Jesus Christ when/if you swear?

HippieChick58 comments on Dec 16, 2017:

I was quite potty mouthed when I was younger and in the Army. I cleaned up after the kids started coming. Kids grown up, post divorce I only swear in traffic, usually. I also have a job with a big customer service component, I have to be really careful not to swear on the phone. And now there is a grandchild and I really don't want her first word to be F**k. I come up with other expressions that on the surface sound OK, Jeebus gets used frequently, and Jeebus Christopher. Stronger stuff usually stays in my head, but I am sure I am not far from the day when that little censor is going to be sleeping on the job, and jeebus christopher there will be hell to pay then.

Let us end the blight of religion and replace it with knowledge, reason, and the unyielding pursuit ...

HippieChick58 comments on Dec 16, 2017:

As I recall, the church seriously hurt some people who tried to do that.

How many people actually think about this when they go to those xmas programs and see this ...

HippieChick58 comments on Dec 16, 2017:

Oh h**l yes.

"The Trump administration is prohibiting officials at the nation's top public health agency from ...

HippieChick58 comments on Dec 16, 2017:

my desire to be well informed is at odds with my desire to remain sane. OMFG, I have started to believe in Hell recently, it started when Der Traump got elected.

Would you rather:

HippieChick58 comments on Dec 16, 2017:

I'd stay within 200 miles of home, and home is where the children are. Right now they're all within 20 miles of where I live, but if any of them moved away, I'm going to be making long visits. I have traveled the world, I am prior military, I've lived in Japan and Europe. It was fun when I was young, but now I have grandchildren, I want to be there for them.

I could really use some help with this.

HippieChick58 comments on Dec 16, 2017:

Do you know they are testing for weed? Many companies don't because they realized they're losing highly qualified people, especially if you live near a state where weed is legal. This probably doesn't help now, but good luck to you.

What is a New Year’s resolution that you cannot ever keep?

HippieChick58 comments on Dec 15, 2017:

I have kept exactly ONE New Year's Resolution. To never make another New Year's Resolution. Cutting down on sweets or being nicer to my siblings never worked, and oh so many others. I realized New Year's is a bad time to think about making life changes.

I Need Some Advice!

HippieChick58 comments on Dec 15, 2017:

I say Kudos to your mom, she raised a good son, a son who listens. Tell your mama for me that I think she did good!!

What would you do if somebody opened an Agnostic church by your home?

HippieChick58 comments on Dec 15, 2017:

Would that be like the Church of The Flying Spaghetti Monster? Whether I would go depend on the times of the services.

Does having children serve a purpose? Or is it cruel to bring children into a world of suffering?

HippieChick58 comments on Dec 14, 2017:

I believe my kids are going to save the world! Seriously, they got active politically in the last election and are doing good works all over the place.

What do you do to help the Environment?

HippieChick58 comments on Dec 14, 2017:

I also stopped buying books. I now use my library extensively. I also shop estate sales and repurpose things. I make lotions, potions, and lip balms, all organic.

Humanity doesn't need prayers. Humanity needs help.

HippieChick58 comments on Dec 14, 2017:

Every time I hear a politician say "thoughts and prayers" I want to barf. Each time there are thougths and prayers, somebody dies!! Thoughts and prayers are NOT keeping us safe, keeping children fed, or keeping anyone protected. It is just utter and complete HOGWASH.

What do you do to help the Environment?

HippieChick58 comments on Dec 14, 2017:

I compost, I have a worm box in my pantry. I use less plastic, haven't been able to get rid of it all yet. I reduce, reuse, and recycle. I garden and grow some of my own food. I try to drive less. I use personal wipes instead of toilet paper. I make my own cleaners. I cook from scratch, never buy processed and fake food. I made my own grocery bags about 10 years ago, still using them. I make my own soap and shampoo.

The U.S. Is Retreating from Religion - Scientific American Blog Network

HippieChick58 comments on Dec 14, 2017:

I see in my children and their peers (late 20s to mid 30s) that there is a falling away from religion. We brought the kids up going t church, and they stopped going as soon as they could, except for the one keeping daddy happy. I think there are lots of people looking for a social peer group, and they find it in churches even if they aren't really believers. Maybe that could be an opportunity for secular groups to have a "church" where people can hang out, have coffee, learn about opportunities to help the community, have activities for the children,and go home feeling good.

CAMPING?

HippieChick58 comments on Dec 14, 2017:

My idea of camping is Motel 6. I don't care for dirt, or bugs, or lack of mattress and back support. I will happily, in fact gleefully spend the day out in the boonies, just make sure I have AC and a good bed to sleep in when we're done.

When times are tough, with no god, how do you make it thru the night?

HippieChick58 comments on Dec 13, 2017:

the knowledge I've been down that path before, and I always have come out OK. I am strong and resilient, and my kids are there for me. And then Benadryl, alcohol, and other substances to help me sleep, Probably especially the fact that when I was a believer I had the same issues, which is part of the reason I no longer believe.

What is the single most impossible trait to do without in a mate?

HippieChick58 comments on Dec 13, 2017:

Compassion

Damn Dark Ages

HippieChick58 comments on Dec 13, 2017:

totally!!

Just finished 5 hours of baking 6 kinds of christmas cookies.

HippieChick58 comments on Dec 13, 2017:

I don't bake cookies because I don't need the temptation of the extra calories, and I'm too easily distracted now to remember to go back to the kitchen and take them out of the oven. When the kids were at home I guess i hung out in the kitchen more often than I do now being single and working full time.

Do you feel detached from your own culture?

HippieChick58 comments on Dec 13, 2017:

I am a white female baby boomer, and I've always felt detached from my "culture". I was never into the TV and fascination with plastic people (movie/TV stars). I have no idea who the Kardashians are or why they are famous. I value education and intellectual activities, and we know in general society that is not highly acclaimed. I like doing things myself, I make soap, I sew, I am vegetarian (most of the time) And I truly have NOTHING in common with those so called Evangelical morons who support the current regime and think men assaulting little girls is OK. As a tolerant, white, open minded female I feel I truly don't have a culture that I want to be identified with.

Do you like, "The Big Bang Theory" TV show?

HippieChick58 comments on Dec 13, 2017:

When I had cable I made it a point to find TBBT. Post cable, I haven't found it for free, yet. My ex is so much like Sheldon, how did I stay married for so long.

Recently my atheist/Jewish wife was about to have an operation.

HippieChick58 comments on Dec 13, 2017:

Some will pray, some won't. Prayer is much like meditation, it is a discipline and it is easy to get distracted. In some christian circles the saying was that prayer doesn't change things, it changes you. And that is true of meditation. Dang christians appropriated that too. There were times when I was trying to be a good christian that I had an active prayer life, and as I said, it is discipline and I'm not good at that. Post christian behavior, I know meditation is good for me, and again, it is discipline and my follow through is horrible. I do know there were plenty of times I said I'd pray and didn't, and often that I did. I accept the intention and all the good vibes I can get.

Hot dogs and onions

HippieChick58 comments on Dec 12, 2017:

seriously, hot dogs. Is that even real meat? I don't eat much meat, and I can't think of the last time I had a hot dog. But grill me some onions and I don't care where they go.

So, anyone on here from Alabama? Roy Moore. Seriously. WTF?

HippieChick58 comments on Dec 12, 2017:

And Alabama redeemed itself!! Roy Moore was defeated. Maybe were not on the slippery slope to the bottom of the swamp after all.

Do you envision old age predominatly as 'the golden years or a time of tears'?

HippieChick58 comments on Dec 12, 2017:

Well, that is a scary question!! I think I am going to be OK, but Der Trump could really F up my retirement plans, and then it will be a time of tears.

For those who knew their grandparents what were they like?

HippieChick58 comments on Dec 12, 2017:

My Son in law's parents have done a switch. Growing up his dad was the reliable one, his mother had some major issues, and his parents have been divorced for ages. Now, dad had some business losses, walked away from the business and left SIL responsible for work not done and bills not paid. His mom on the other hand is clean, sober, and does the child care for them. That was not how anyone expected that script to turn out. I got to know my great grandparents. My great grandfather lived to be 99, and was ornery til the day he died. I'd have never let my kids be alone with him for a second. I knew grandparents on both sides of the family, my dad's parents were closer and younger than my mom's parents. I learned lots from my grandmother. My greatest regret is my kids never got to know my mother as she passed away when I was a teenager, and my dad remarried to the wicked witch of the World.

Wouldn’t it make far more Capitalistic sense for tipped personnel to, instead, receive a living ...

HippieChick58 comments on Dec 12, 2017:

I totally agree. Other first world nations do not have tipped wait staff. The US is so far behind the civilized world and falling harder and faster every day.

As an Atheist or Agnostic, are you less depressed or anxious?

HippieChick58 comments on Dec 12, 2017:

Nope, I struggled with depression/anxiety while I was a believer, and as an enlightened non believer I still struggle with depression/anxiety from time to time. When I was a believer I was also angry with god that I had to struggle. I was told there was a lesson "god" wanted me to learn through my struggle. FTS. As a non believer I know it is brain chemistry and situational, and eventually it will pass.

Does anyone have religious stuff out in their house at this time of year?

HippieChick58 comments on Dec 12, 2017:

As I don't decorate for any holidays, No. I did find a bible when I cleaned out a bookshelf, that will go to the used book store one of these days.

Does the thought of living forever almost terrify you when you really think about it?

HippieChick58 comments on Dec 12, 2017:

I totally agree. And really, I don't want to live to be too old. I don't want to outlive my kids, or worse any grandchild. I want to remain in control of my mind and body. I have an aunt and uncle still alive in their 90's. They live with a grandchild and her family, but they are just existing not really living. Their social life is the doctor's office. Too old and frail to get out and do anything, and as my uncle used to say, he has CRS. Can't Remember Sh*t. Nope, I wanna go before life gets tedious.

What is the bible to you?

HippieChick58 comments on Dec 11, 2017:

Historical fiction

Do you feel pity for snake handling Christians, who lost their lives from their delusions?

HippieChick58 comments on Dec 11, 2017:

I believe it is God's way of cleaning up the gene pool.

I can’t seem to get into the holiday spirit this year.

HippieChick58 comments on Dec 11, 2017:

I don't have much in the way of holiday spirit, I'm not too worried about it. It has been this way for the past 8 or 9 years, I went through some really tough times post divorce, and the last time there were decorations the young adult child said she'd put it all away. BS. So since I live alone, I don't bother to drag it out. Maybe next year when the grandchild is older and might notice it, or maybe not. The crass commercialism and the fighting over religion doesn't help. So I do my things just like always.

So, anyone on here from Alabama? Roy Moore. Seriously. WTF?

HippieChick58 comments on Dec 11, 2017:

Almost anyone is a better choice than Roy Moore. l hesitate to say strictly anyone because I am sure someone who could be produced who would be a worse choice. It boggles the mind but we've been shown we have not yet reached the bottom of the barrel, or the bottom doesn't exist which is scary as hell.

Arab men prefer virgins, I know that because I myself an Arab and I was just like what the community...

HippieChick58 comments on Dec 10, 2017:

The trouble with virginity is: one prick and it is gone.

I’m on Match.

HippieChick58 comments on Dec 10, 2017:

I'm liberal and agnostic/atheist in a conservative state. Part of me knows I'm likely to die single, and part of me doesn't want to accept that. I too wish the dating pool was bigger, or that moving was an option. Moving is out of the question, long distance doesn't work, luckily I like my own company.

Cruel or just honest fun?

HippieChick58 comments on Dec 10, 2017:

I am somewhat easily distracted, so I have routines to help me accomplish what I need to during the day. If you were to move stuff around on my desk I'd probably have to hurt you. Stuff like this gets addressed at Askamanager.com A site I highly recommend.

I am curious what everyone's background is.

HippieChick58 comments on Dec 10, 2017:

I currently work in disability claims. I have an associate's degree in Health Information Management. I got the degree when I was in my 50s. Prior to that I was a stay at home mom, ex was military and we moved frequently. Prior to that I was in the military. It is never too late to become what you were meant to be.

What would you have brought if you were the 4th Magi?

HippieChick58 comments on Dec 10, 2017:

Apparently you haven't heard about the three wise women. They would have arrived on time for the birth, helped deliver the baby, cleaned the stable, brought a casserole, diapers, and other practical gifts, and there would have been Peace on Earth.

Joel Osteen "Facts" LOL

HippieChick58 comments on Dec 9, 2017:

OMG YES!! If I were to "worship" anything it would be Neil DeGrasse Tyson. Smart and hot.

What was your last...?

HippieChick58 comments on Dec 9, 2017:

I'm too old for that S**t. I use medicinally to help relieve anxiety and help me sleep. I used to drink and be the life of the party. Now I drink a glass of wine and nod off in no time. It probably keeps me out of trouble.

My wife passed away last month.

HippieChick58 comments on Dec 9, 2017:

so you've been single for two months? IMHO you need to give yourself some time to grieve before you jump into another relationship. Take time to discover who you are now and what you really want. Spending time alone is actually good for you.

Why is it now an insult to call people snowflakes when snowflakes are so pretty?

HippieChick58 comments on Dec 9, 2017:

Not only that, when you get a bunch of snowflakes pissed off, life as you know it can come to a full stop. It is called a blizzard!! Those of us who have lived through blizzards appreciate how menacing snowflakes can be when they work together.

Religion is nothing but a security blanket for people who can't cope with the fact that they're not ...

HippieChick58 comments on Dec 9, 2017:

Religion is opiate for the masses and a way of controlling people.

How do you communicate a refusal to donate to religious groups? (more inside)

HippieChick58 comments on Dec 9, 2017:

I use the acronym THINK when it comes to issues like this. T- is it true, H - is it helpful, I - is it inspiring, N - is it necessary, and K - is it Kind? From what your told us, it would have been true, but not necessarily helpful, nor inspiring, not really necessary and not kind. They weren't harming you,they were minding their own business. I hope this helped you.

Finish this sentence: AS A KID, WHEN I GREW UP, I WANT TO BE A ?

HippieChick58 comments on Dec 9, 2017:

When I was growing up (graduated HS in 9176) I though about teaching or nursing, the common occupations for women at that time. My dad shot that down, both were thankless occupations and he wasn't going to pay for my college or help me in anyway. So I joined the Army, then met and married my ex who was a career officer. And then I fell into my fall back job; being a mom. I excelled at being a mom. Kids are growing or grown up and I went to school, got an Associate's degree in Health Information Management. I work with the medical field but don't get barfed on or have to clean up after sick people. I would have done well in nursing, but for the shape I was in at 45 I couldn't have done the work. So no, this isn't my dream job, but I like where I am now and I am hoping to hold on to the hob til I can retire, IF I am still going to be able to retire once the current administration f**ks around with SS and Medicare.

The 11 Most Absurd things that Catholics actually believe in .

HippieChick58 comments on Dec 9, 2017:

I have a group of Humanists that I get together with, and last time we had a copy of The Baltimore Catechism. We had more laughs with that.

Is Happiness (capital “H”) a myth? Are we after something that doesn’t exist?

HippieChick58 comments on Dec 9, 2017:

Happiness is a choice. I've seen people who seem to have everything that aren't happy, nothing is ever "good enough" for them. And yet those who have little seem to be happier than most first world denizens. Which leads to the idea that things don't make you happy. Many years ago I read that the secret to happiness is three fold. 1. Someone to love. 2. Something to do. and 3. Something to look forward to. For me, happiness comes from my kids, I did a damn good job. (patting myself on the back.) I always have something to do, too much to do; but I have hobbies that give me contentment. And something to look forward to... sometimes that is tough to find but right now it isn't, for me. YMMV. And yes, more than ecstatically happy I am content. I like homeostasis, to be on an even keel. I'm not depressed and anxious today, so I'm happy :) And that goes back to Grammie's old saying, "count your blessings."

I’m just going to leave this here.

HippieChick58 comments on Dec 8, 2017:

LOL! That is so perfect!

Turkey or Ham?

HippieChick58 comments on Dec 8, 2017:

In the general course of life, neither. I usually follow an ovo-lacto-pesco-vegetarian diet. Holidays are meant for changing things up, so I will eat whatever my kids are serving. The advantage of grown kids post divorce is they host family festivities so they can have both parents there. For Thanksgiving there was ham and turnkey, I have no idea what is on the Christmas menu.

Are you over-worked because you're good at your job?

HippieChick58 comments on Dec 8, 2017:

Actually I am overworked because I was not working smart enough. I started the job about 15 months ago and have been struggling. My manager was wonderful but we couldn't figure out why the huge struggle. Then manager moved to another position and I have a new manager, and she sat me down with someone with more experience and had several other people with more experience check my case load. (insurance claims) I am overworking, too much follow up (essentially nagging to get the forms I need instead of letting them face the consequences of not sending in what is required), and I just got a while bunch of tips to cut down the work load. And the manager explained I might not be fast, but I am thorough, my documentation is excellent, my phone skills are top notch, and they're not giving up on me. I slept better last night than I have for over a year.

Does anyone name their cars or have an emotional attachment to their devices?

HippieChick58 comments on Dec 8, 2017:

I drive a red Rav 4, it is Elmo. Previous to that I drove a Chrysler mini van which was Vincent (van go)

About three weeks before I got fired on November 22, 2016, the man I now presume to be the head ...

HippieChick58 comments on Dec 8, 2017:

Deacon X is one of those a**hats that make me wanna barf. A christian in name only who makes me glad I shook the dust of the church off when I left.

Celibacy: How is it working for you?

HippieChick58 comments on Dec 8, 2017:

Even when I was married I frequently managed my own needs.

Are you the type of person who is willing to give 'the benefit of the doubt' when your heart is at ...

HippieChick58 comments on Dec 7, 2017:

My bottom line is trust but verify.

Funny Quote of the Day - John Lithgow - "Time sneaks up on you like a windshield on a bug."

HippieChick58 comments on Dec 6, 2017:

I "borrowed" this and posted it on FB. Thanks! It is a great quote.

If you could go back in time before adulthood, what one thing would you do differently, and why?

HippieChick58 comments on Dec 6, 2017:

I would finish my education. My dad actually discouraged me from going to college after high school, so I joined the military instead. I would have done well in college. After a few years in the military I married and followed my (ex) husband around for several years and had babies. I started college courses once, and then had another baby, I was a stay at home mom. Then I felt too discouraged to go to school. I would be so much better off now I had I finished the education and gotten a job. I probably would have been divorced earlier, but that wouldn't have been a bad thing.

Are we all racists?

HippieChick58 comments on Dec 6, 2017:

I know I grew up with some ideas of "race and place". I grew up in small town Nebraska. However, I also grew up with an aunt that was Japanese. Her husband, my uncle was in the Navy during the Korean war and brought home a Japanese bride. Aunt Mickie pointed out that she was not "white" and if she was acceptable to be in the family then all races should be. Then I joined the military and it was an educational experience in more ways than one. I am almost 60 and I'd like to think I am way less racist and far more accepting than I was while growing up. I still have some nasty little thoughts that pop into my head from time to time, but I recognize them and shut them down. I take the view that "people are." Skin color doesn't matter, people are people, and sometimes they are irritating, and charming, and difficult, and wonderful, no matter what color, creed, or ethnicity. Thoughts may pop into my head, but I am responsible for my actions and I will always choose to be kind. (well almost always)

Ok so this is what my staff did outside my office...... What do you think? Honest opinions! GO!

HippieChick58 comments on Dec 5, 2017:

I think it is kind of cheery and cheesy at the same time. I don't find it offensive at all. It is a bit over the top for me, but It doesn't make me want to run away.