What are you doing New Year's Eve?

HippieChick58 comments on Dec 26, 2017:

One of my kids is hosting New Year's eve get together. I am fairly sure there will be games, and possibly some booze or other... and food galore! I am sure a good time will be had by all and I know where the spare bedroom is if needed. My tolerance for a mix of alcohol, other, food, and late hours has diminished. I am NOT the life of the party any more.

Has anyone ever phoned their congress person or senator to voice their concerns about an issue?

HippieChick58 comments on Dec 26, 2017:

I have called, faxed, and emailed. I have attended town halls. I have handed out sheets of red and green construction paper prior to the town halls.I have attended a few marches.

Do you have a tattoo?

HippieChick58 comments on Dec 26, 2017:

I got my first post divorce,and I've been considering a second for some time now. I think I have just decided when and why, it will be my present to me for my 60th birthday which is coming up rapidly.

Have any Hasidic Jews knocked on your door?

HippieChick58 comments on Dec 26, 2017:

I have always lived in small towns, military bases or in the "burbs", Hasidic Jews don't find us easily.

So do atheists eat Chinese on Christmas day?

HippieChick58 comments on Dec 25, 2017:

There is a Humanist group in Omaha that meets at a Chinese restaurant for dinner on Christmas day, we call it Christmas No Mas. So yes I ate Chinese food on Christmas Day, this year and last year, and probably next year.

My dad told my niece and nephews to stop saying "Oh my god!" as they excitedly played with their ...

HippieChick58 comments on Dec 25, 2017:

Actually I'm having an uncrazy Christmas, we did our family holiday on Saturday, and today had breakfast with one of the kids and the grandbaby's first birthday. Shortly I'm going to a Chinese restaurant for dinner with the local Humanists chapter. And I had a nap. It is like the most perfect weekend ever.

Let's get serious for a moment...

HippieChick58 comments on Dec 25, 2017:

LOL, like some weed was smoked!

MERRY CHRISTMAS. Christ Mass?

HippieChick58 comments on Dec 25, 2017:

Google can be dangerous. From the last trumpet ministries: The World Book Encyclopedia defines "Christmas" as follows: "The word Christmas comes from "Cristes Maesse", an early English phrase that means "Mass of Christ." (1) It is interesting to note that the word "Mass", as used by the Roman Catholics, has traditionally been rejected by the so-called Protestants, such as Lutherans, Baptists, Methodists, Presbyterians, Pentecostals and so on. The word "Mass" is strictly a Catholic word and thus, so is "Christ-Mass." the word "Mass" in religious usage means a "death sacrifice." The impact of this fact is horrifying and shocking; for when the millions of people are saying, "Merry Christmas", they are literally saying "Merry death of Christ!" There is so much more following and makes me glad to be out of that culture.

Here's the story.

HippieChick58 comments on Dec 25, 2017:

Nice

I don’t know if this guy was just clowning or if he was serious, but I got a good laugh out of it.

HippieChick58 comments on Dec 25, 2017:

I have no sympathy for this idiot. It sounds like he was suckered twice. I wish he was an isolated incident, but there are too many half brained people like him in the world. Wake up and smell the coffee!

For Shits and Giggles

HippieChick58 comments on Dec 25, 2017:

I love that one!!

I found this on facebook and I just had to share.

HippieChick58 comments on Dec 25, 2017:

LOL!! I remember reading this years ago, still funny.

Can an atheist be a racist? What are your views on racism?

HippieChick58 comments on Dec 25, 2017:

Of course. Atheism and racism are separate issues. Being an atheist I don't believe in God. Being a racist is behaving in a manner that says to you people with skin color or ethnicity unlike your own are not equal to you and sub human. To me racism is the ultimate ignorance, whereas to be atheist is a measure of intelligence.

I'm an Atheist, but being here alone tonight, my loved ones dead or very far away really sucks.

HippieChick58 comments on Dec 25, 2017:

Christmas is a hard time for many, and the incessant advertising that you should be jolly and bright doesn't help. I feel your pain and hope it gets better. Are there other lonely people in your area you can connect with and make plans with them? Family does not have to be blood. I was alone most of yesterday, I had some projects I worked on. Keeping busy helps in so many ways.

I like Christian music. Do you see a problem with that?

HippieChick58 comments on Dec 24, 2017:

There is one Christmas song that I might hurt you if I had to hear it more than once. The Christmas Shoes is the name of the song. For pity sake Jesus doesn't care what shoes your mama goes to heaven in, if she goes to heaven in any clothing at all or even goes to heaven!! I haven't heard it yet this year so I had mostly forgotten about it, Which is why I changed my radio station so I wouldn't hear it. Anything but that song. K?

Happy Christmas to all my non-religious friends! (And also to any Christians who might be lurking ...

HippieChick58 comments on Dec 24, 2017:

Thank you!! Happy holidays to you and all others who read this. Happy Solstice!

On my FB wall today. Striking resemblance don't you think?

HippieChick58 comments on Dec 24, 2017:

LOL!!

I like Christian music. Do you see a problem with that?

HippieChick58 comments on Dec 24, 2017:

My opinion is if it makes you happy, gives you peace and you don't try to force me to participate I am swell with it!

What’s something you know you do differently than most people?

HippieChick58 comments on Dec 24, 2017:

I am not a TV watcher. I cut the cable off during the Iowa primary when I looked up and saw Ted Cruz's face in my living room. I have no idea what is current or popular on TV right now. Same as movies. I don't read the local newspaper as it is a conservative rag. I also read lots of books. I dated a guy once who told me he hadn't read a book since high school. That relationship did not last long. And then there is the whole not christian thing. I am also a quasi vegetarian, usually don't eat meat, I grow some of my own vegetables, I recycle food scraps with a compost bin and a worm box in my pantry. I don't use chemical concoctions to clean my self or my house, I make my own soaps and cleaners, and lip balms. And now I realize why I will be single for the rest of my life.

The Comics Section: Sundays, Tax "Reform," and and Christian Love - TheHumanist.com

HippieChick58 comments on Dec 24, 2017:

sigh

Rules Are for Schmucks: Defunding Palestine - TheHumanist.com

HippieChick58 comments on Dec 24, 2017:

I think we need the get the heck out of that situation and let them work it out politically. One person one vote, demand all have rights and equal treatment under the law. Wouldn't it be weird if it worked.

Hello all members. I think that religions holidays are a little bit weird for us!

HippieChick58 comments on Dec 24, 2017:

After spending time with family, it is PTO and I'm always happy to have a day off.

The worst time of the year for us godless creatures! Who else wants to hide from the well wishers ...

HippieChick58 comments on Dec 24, 2017:

I haven't had any issues with the bible thumpers. I work with several faith based organizations and they haven't been pushy. I don't say Merry Christmas, and when I hear it I reply with Happy Holidays to you. When/if I am out and about and am given holiday wishes I just reply "thank you." I don't pick fights, but I don't get out of the way very fast, but I haven't had any issues.

Do you like rituals, routines, and traditions?

HippieChick58 comments on Dec 24, 2017:

i need routines to keep everything going. Recently I had to make some changes to my routine, it is not necessarily going well... They're not rituals, and there is nothing spiritual about it, just needing to be on autopilot so life runs more smoothly.

This will make the most sense to Star Wars fans, but it really made me laugh when I saw it!

HippieChick58 comments on Dec 24, 2017:

LOL!! Love it!

Remember when Billy Graham Crusades pre-emoted network programming? I sure do.

HippieChick58 comments on Dec 24, 2017:

OMG did that bring back a bad memory. Back story my mom died in 1972, my dad remarried 6 months later. I was 4th of six children, oldest at home, I had two younger sisters, and we had moved to Lincoln, NE so this must have been about 1976. Stepwitch never had kids and was not religious. She told me when you're dead just just rot, no heaven or hell. I was nominally religious and mostly ignored her. BG Crusade is on TV and she is into it!! She is weeping, and singing with them and hanging on every word, and talking about being saved. I OTOH disliked the BGCrusade, too showy, too over the top. Less than 48 hours later she reverted to the former evil stepwitch, until the next televangelist crusade and then repeat. I am so glad her genes did not get directly spread out into the world. She has been gone for several years now, after my dad died I made no attempt to keep in touch with her.

I posted this on Facebook and nobody had anything to say. Hahahsha!!!

HippieChick58 comments on Dec 24, 2017:

Yeah.... my fear is not death, it is pain, being disabled, not being able to take care of myself and depending on others. And then there is the cost of the medical care... Yeah eternal bliss or eternal sleep would be awesome, it you mess it up and don't quite hit the mark then you're screwed big time.

Women Beyond Belief.

HippieChick58 comments on Dec 24, 2017:

Hello fellow Omaha resident!! I am glad to find you here. I've just recommended to Omaha Public Library that they purchase this book. No guarantees that they will buy it. I'm the type that would rather read a print copy than electronic, and I'd rather borrow than buy. I hope I get to read it soon.

Share with me how you demonstrate kindness to others, how can you do more?

HippieChick58 comments on Dec 24, 2017:

I keep care packs in my car. The each have $5, a pair of sox, a mylar emergency rescue blanket, and several disposable personal wipes. When I see someone holding a sign asking for handouts I try to hand them a bag. In summer I'm more likely to just hand out the $5. I have a stack of $5s hidden in my car to make it easier for me. The bags are in plain sight but they look like bags full of sox and other stuff, not like money.

I know, we're from all over the country, but I wish we could have a get together to meet, talk and ...

HippieChick58 comments on Dec 24, 2017:

On Meet up I found a Humanists group in Omaha, and I've been attending some of the meetings. Great group of folks. www.meetup.com https://americanhumanist.org/

Tattoos??

HippieChick58 comments on Dec 24, 2017:

I have one, and have been considering a second. I got my first tat post divorce.

What would you do differently if you knew nobody would judge you?

HippieChick58 comments on Dec 24, 2017:

Judge me or fire me? I work in disability claims and sometimes I want to ask "what in the H**L were you thinking? Other than keeping my job I don't give a dang what people are thinking. If someone doesn't like me, oh well. My well of give a darn has run dry.

Why should we have children ?

HippieChick58 comments on Dec 24, 2017:

Well, my parents had children and though it is kind of a mixed bag of results, I'm here and I think I'm pretty cool. I don't regret having my kids, and I gotta tell you grandchildren are amazing. I do worry about the future for that generation, but I think she may part of the tide of change. Some of my children are actively working to make a change in the world. Besides, if I hadn't brought my children into this world there would be no one to help me out in my old age (ya'know, like 15 or 30 years in the future). I already see them helping out their dad.

Who else is having a white Christmas?

HippieChick58 comments on Dec 24, 2017:

Omaha got snow mid to late afternoon on Thursday, enough to snarl homeward traffic but nothing to get the snowplows out. Then yesterday we got some more snow. Maybe an inch total. It is enough snow to say we have a white Christmas, not so much that we are going to cancel anything.

Why do people here hate Christmas?

HippieChick58 comments on Dec 22, 2017:

I don't hate christmas. I dislike crowds, I dislike the limited repetitive music of the season. I dislike the cold but that will still be around after the holiday. I dislike the crass commercialism. I dislike the prolonged discussion over Merry Christmas vs Happy Holidays. I dislike the insistence everyone should be happy. This is a tough season for many people. I dislike the hypocrisy of people "getting religion" for the season and then getting over it after the holiday is gone. I like the getting together with family for an incredible meal, and the gift exchange is nice. And this year is my precious grandbaby's first birthday, so what is not to like.

I like this one so much better!!

HippieChick58 comments on Dec 22, 2017:

LOLOLOLOL

Am I the only person on the planet who has to work today?

HippieChick58 comments on Dec 22, 2017:

I not only worked, I put in some overtime.

The first half of my life was made awesome by my parents.

HippieChick58 comments on Dec 22, 2017:

I have three adult daughters. They did grow up going to church, dad is a conservative christian. Two have outwardly rejected the church, one goes to church to make daddy happy.

Catholic Bishops Urge Parents To Reject Transgender Children

HippieChick58 comments on Dec 22, 2017:

How anyone can urge someone to reject their child just blows me away. My kids are my soul, my life, be they gay or straight, or other, or not. This is why I am not catholic. So much for the catholic church being "christian".

If you had to name the current chapter of your life, what would you call it?

HippieChick58 comments on Dec 22, 2017:

Really, When Do We Get This S**t Figured Out.

A friend of mine just got a new kitten.

HippieChick58 comments on Dec 22, 2017:

I cannot imagine a kitten that just sits there and doesn't do anything. Kittens are hell with claws, so prayer is probably a good name. They create havoc, they test limits, they shred curtains, destroy plants and dreams, they disrupt plans, and when they're asleep they're cuter than all get out.

I hate wrapping presents

HippieChick58 comments on Dec 22, 2017:

I used to do the wrapping thing, and I'd try to get creative with the bows and ribbons. But when the wrapping was just ripped off and discarded in half a second I started to wonder what possessed me to spend so much effort for no appreciation. Now I almost always use gift bags, saves time, effort, and frustration.

This Christmas Eve I plan to be visited by three spirits: Vodka, Bourbon, and Gin.

HippieChick58 comments on Dec 22, 2017:

I am likely going to bed with a good book, sleep is often elusive so there is wine, or benadryl, or tea, or other stuff to help me sleep. I will hope the book will be sufficient.

Rapture by 2018?

HippieChick58 comments on Dec 21, 2017:

Scripture says you won't be able to figure out when the rapture will be, so all the prophesies about the rapture are false according to scripture. And since there is no god to rapture anything... Sometimes I just shake my head and sometimes....

Hello everyone, I'm new here, just want to ask if you think religion will die off in the next 100 ...

HippieChick58 comments on Dec 21, 2017:

Mine was a slide from well educated active lay person to less active, to angry at the church to doubter, to open agnostic, to atheist. My kids grew up going to church and two out of three are atheists and one likes to make conservative christian daddy happy. I think religion is dying out. Too many people the age of my kids aren't buying the bs any longer. Mega churches have gotten too greedy. College was the turning point for them.

view it

HippieChick58 comments on Dec 21, 2017:

LOL!!! Love the cats, mine looks much like those. But she's not completely useless, she makes me laugh. Thoughts and prayers however make me wanna hurl.

I'm new and don't quite know how to work this thing.

HippieChick58 comments on Dec 21, 2017:

Welcome fellow Nebraskan!! It is tough to be agnostic/atheist in this conservative state.

For those of us who are single, do you enjoy your singleness?

HippieChick58 comments on Dec 21, 2017:

I think I am "resigned" to being single. I would like a companion at times, someone to hang with and help with living expenses, and the physical aspects. However, I like my solitary activities as well, I can spend hours daily reading, or sewing, or other stuff that can't be easily shared. I know I'd rather be single and content than yoked and miserable.

I saw a woman at the grocery store last night with pants so tight, I now know what a pancreas looks ...

HippieChick58 comments on Dec 20, 2017:

LOL!! Best laugh I've had today!

Should religion be taught in schools?

HippieChick58 comments on Dec 20, 2017:

All religions should be taught as part of cultural awareness and social sciences. Compare and contrast all religions, this is stuff all people should know.

If you could travel anywhere in the world right this second, where would you go?

HippieChick58 comments on Dec 20, 2017:

I want to go back to Great Britain, and Germany. I want to go to Africa, and Australia. I want to see the few parts of the US that I haven't seen before. I want to go to Greece, and Spain, and Russia, and China, and India. Give me a ticket, I will go anywhere.

Favorite Animals?

HippieChick58 comments on Dec 20, 2017:

1. I have always had cats, I will always have a cat. 2. I currently live with one cat. I tried to add a second cat but the crazy b**ch was cat aggressive and kinda people aggressive. She was very affectionate and loved to be with people. She rubbed herself all over the nearly year old grandbaby, and then took a swipe at her head and scratched her. She went back to the Humane Society, she needs to be an only cat and with only adults. I had a dog for many years, he was the son I never gave birth to. He was an golden, an amazing sweet dog. I'd love to have a dog but live alone, work long hours and sometimes don't come home right after I get off work. Cats have a litter box, that would not work with a dog. 3. I don't think I have a favorite non-pet animal. Birds maybe. 4. I have not idea what animal would be me. Part cat, part dog, large part Mama grizzly.

Is telling your children that they will burn in hell if they are not saved a form of child abuse?

HippieChick58 comments on Dec 19, 2017:

yes!!

Why did God hate Esue? I never got that story.

HippieChick58 comments on Dec 19, 2017:

The inconsistencies of the bible. Some will say it is hyperbole, you can't take everything in the bible literally, after all god is love. And other preachers will say that the translation is wrong, that it really means Jacob was more highly favored than Esau. But again, what did Esau do to deserve that. The god is capricious.

I had a good laugh just now.

HippieChick58 comments on Dec 19, 2017:

LOL! I was the same way. I have a profile on Zoosk but have never paid. I am on other free dating sites, meet lots of scammers, and occasionally a real person.

Does happiness really come from within?

HippieChick58 comments on Dec 19, 2017:

Happiness is a choice. You can choose to be happy in any circumstances, or choose to be unhappy. I always try to remember life could be so much worse.

Conservatives Worry Feminists Are Using Witchcraft To Destroy Trump

HippieChick58 comments on Dec 19, 2017:

Oh how I wish I could!! I'd make an excellent witch!

It's the holiday season so religion obvs comes up.

HippieChick58 comments on Dec 19, 2017:

My standard answer is "I am glad you have something to give you peace." What I really mean is something to feed your delusion, but hey, it gives them peace then that's good.

Im not religious by any means but sometimes when Im at a family event they pray.

HippieChick58 comments on Dec 19, 2017:

I believe in being kind and generally being supportive. If it gives your family members peace then good for them, we all have delusions of some sort. My grown kids like to have family celebrations, which includes my ex husband who is a conservative christian. He leads a prayer before dinner (in which he is really giving his god advice but that is another story.) Although I am rolling my eyes, I remain silent til he is done. Yes, I'd like to express my true opinion, but it isn't worth the cost. If I want my views tolerated, then I must tolerate the views of others.

My dads entire life he was an Atheist.

HippieChick58 comments on Dec 18, 2017:

Their make believe rituals did nothing harmful to your dad. It might have given his wife some peace. Yeah, it was kind of intrusive, but people do stupid stuff when they're afraid or distraught. My advice is to let it go. Forgive her and move on. There is an old saying that not forgiving is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die. So get the poison out of your system. Forgive her and move on.

Things that should be taught in all schools: Manners - Common Sense ( If that can be taught ) ...

HippieChick58 comments on Dec 18, 2017:

I think we desperately need to teach critical thinking skills. We need to teach youth to take a critical look at what advertisers are really selling. We need to teach children about credit, and how much something will actually cost based on interest rates and what they earn. I believe youth should be taught about all religions, not just those in the US but all over the world. Actually I want mandatory class for all high school students called skills you need in the real world. I also want year round school because in the real world there are no 3 month long summer vacations.

Seeing supposedly religious people support tRump has made me incredibly angry.

HippieChick58 comments on Dec 18, 2017:

That is the dream, but not for the US with the current administration. I was single payer health care, basic guaranteed income, no child going hungry, free public education, an unbiased legal system.

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.