As I had mention to everyone I am currently taking World Geography as an elective class and I am really learning a lot just three weeks into the course. Or should I say I am learning how much I did not know.  Let’s just start by saying the last time I opened a World Atlas was in middle school or at least that is when I can remember last looking at one. It is amazing for me now seeing where the different regions are are and all the countries within.

I have elected one of my classes to be World Geography and I am so excited to take it. There are similar subjects like History or Social Studies that I could care less about, the joys of learning about different geographical locations and cultures behind it truly excite me.

Some laugh at me and think I am crazy, but others understand my excitement.  I think it is very important for everyone to know more about World Geography and the reason behind cultures, religions and beliefs. We should be able to look at a map and point out where Iraq is or we should know what the largest country is if ever asked and what the smallest country is and where it is located on the map too. Many young Americans know none of this and it is sad.

Especially today we as American’s need to know more and more about other parts of the world so we have a better understanding of our new neighbors down the hall that just moved here from Africa or India. Or when you see someone who is brown skinned, not to assume he is Taliban. And not all people from India are Pakistan or Hindu. The entire world is one big melting pot and we need to know as much as possible about it all.

I feel I am pretty diverse in knowing more than the average young American when it comes to different cultures, religions or beliefs. I eat food from all over the world; I cook food from different parts of the country; I have been to different cultured weddings (Russian, Indian); I dress accordingly to respect their cultures during gatherings or celebrations; however I am not very good when it comes to pointing out something on the map or telling you what countries are in what continent. I don’t even know if that statement makes sense.   

Therefore I am looking forward to this class and I will absorb as much knowledge as possible from it. I will have a greater appreciation for the people around me and I will be able to hold better conversations when speaking with someone from another country. Isn’t it just so exciting!! I will keep you all posted as I sail through my class while becoming wealthier in knowledge.

In Loving Memory ~ Dad  

Well…I hope everyone had a lovely 4^th of July weekend! I had a great weekend and wanted to share it with all of you. I wanted to update you with the news of spreading my dad’s ashes this past weekend.  As I had mentioned in my previous blog; I planned my 4^th of July weekend to spread my dad’s ashes in our old hometown. It was one of his only requests if and when he passed.

My dad took a job offer in 1983 at Ocean Reef’s Resort in Key Largo Florida. He went down there first to assess the position and the living situation. Once he was settled in with the new job; he then started to look for a new home for us. We spoke with him every night and he was so excited about the Keys and could not wait for us to get there. We then followed my dad to the keys where he found a new home for us on Seaside Drive.  We lived directly across from the Atlantic Ocean. It was amazing and we stayed there for a few years.

We had so many great memories while living there. We would go out fishing and had traps set for catching sea food. We use to eat crab, lobster and shrimp like it was chicken. Yum...Yum…I remember it like it was yesterday. That is also the house where we brought my new little baby Brother Rodney home and I got my first brand new Huffy bike with the banana seat. We spent Christmas there looking out the window and seeing the Atlantic Ocean. Wow…so many great memories for me, my dad and the rest of my family which is why he requested that I spread his ashes in the ocean back in Key Largo. Of course at the time I told him he was crazy and I would never do such a thing…

My dad past in October of 2007 and I finally got up the courage to spread his ashes. It was such a great thing for me to do and I finally got closure for the passing of my father. My plan was to take my boy friend and my best friend and her husband. They were there for me when my father passed. I then made reservation for a boat rental so we could go out into the Atlantic and spread his ashes. We got down there July 3^rd early in the morning went to sleep and got up first thing Friday to set out for the hunt of my old house. My mom remembered the name of the street, but that was about it. Well after talking with some locals we managed to find my old house. It was still there and a young couple recently moved into the house. They shared with me some stories of them moving in. I took pictures and reminisced with everyone. There had been some changes to the restaurant across the street and there was another new Lodge directly in front of the house which now was blocking the view of the Atlantic.

We then decided to walk across the street to Snappers which was the restaurant and marina there on the water. After about 15 minutes of walking around and looking at the Atlantic I came to realize it was where the boat rental was located which I had reserved for Saturday. How ironic is that? Everyone got goose bumps as we realized my dad brought me right to our old house and the boat rental place for me to use to go out to sea and scatter his ashes. It brought peace to the whole situation.

Today is the day…We got up early Saturday morning to head on over to the boat rental place. I was extremely nervous and had small anxiety attacks as we were packing up the boat. It was just the nervousness of what was soon to be happening. As we left the boat dock I became calm and felt the comfort of my father.  We went out pass where all the boat traffic was as we wanted to find a nice calm spot to put the flowered lays in the water. I made these flowered lays and attached a collage of pictures of the family and my father. I also had a couple of American Flags attached because my father was a Vietnam Veteran. I placed everything in the water and then I had a moment of silence and then began to release the ashes from my hand into the wind. We shared some memories and another moment of silence. It really felt good and brought a sense of relief to me. We sat there for about an hour as we watched the flowers float away – we also took some pictures for memories and we then began to celebrate the life of my father. We all had a lovely day!!

In Loving Memory ~ Dad 1944-2007