Changes? Or Not So Much

Original Post: After many years, I am changing my blog.

Jeanne has decided that she needs to change and live more peacefully. Or at least that's what she says. I haven't quite figured out exactly what's changed. Although, perhaps I need to give her more time. She did, after all, just post this today. It's just that, if she were changing to be more peaceful, one would think that she'd say something different, or say it in a different way, and yet, there is none of that in her post. Though I will say I'm grateful that it wasn't all shouted at her readers in caps.

Jeanne says in her post, "I am a human being who loves God's Creation and God and others. I try to love. " but will those she's previously railed against feel loved at all by her? I don't think so. At least not yet.

Here are some examples of what I mean. Jeanne has always hated homeschooling. Is she going to be more peaceful toward those who practice it?

"There are too many weirdos who for fear of the government
asking for money choose to do something they are not qualified to do: TEACH at home and HOME DOCTOR. "

Well, there you have it. Homeschoolers are weirdos. And they only do it because they fear the government (not true AT ALL, I can assure you). How very loving of her. And, of course, she reminds us that they're not qualified to teach their children. An opinion she has formed without any research and has offered repeatedly without offering any evidence of her own. Somehow I'm not feeling the peace. Nor am I at all sure why home doctoring goes with homeschooling. Color me confused. Not a new experience on Jeanne's blog.

"The homeschoolers are no better because I received DEATH THREATS AND RUDE LETTERS AND COMMENTS FROM THOSE PEOPLE. "

I've never claimed to be better than Jeanne. I'm still convinced that's her perception of what people are thinking, and not actual reality. And I certainly can't speak for all homeschoolers, but I can tell you that I've never sent Jeanne anything but comments which disagreed respectfully with her point of view. Disagreement is not, in and of itself, rude. As for death threats, I hope that's not true. No one deserves that.

So now my husband and I are going to think about trying to live like St Francis and be peaceful.

If you do otherwise, it is on your tab, your soul, and we will let the evidence stand against the reality of what is.

So go there now.

I am moving beyond the arguing and the gasping of the Catholics who think they follow church teaching but have more than ego to show for it. I am sick of them.

I hope you do go live like St. Francis, Jeanne. I believe it would do wonders for your heart, and that you have a passion which could be used to do great things. But I also think it's important that each of us look to remove the plank in our own eye before removing the speck from our brother's. And what I most hear you complain about: judgment, is what I most hear from you toward others. You judge those who homeschool, those whose politics differ from yours, those with big families, those who wear dresses, etc.

The world is an amazingly diverse place. And all of us, with our myriad of experiences, both educational and from our lives, will bring something unique with us into the world. What wonderful things could be accomplished if we'd all look past our own prejudices and stereotypes, and find ways to learn from one another.

For what it's worth, I think Jeanne could have a lot to teach. I don't really know yet, because I've never felt like I've really heard her over all her anger.

Our Great Author Gives Us A One Act Play

Jeanne's latest post, entitled "ASH WEDNESDAY......A TIME FOR PRAYER AND MEDITATION AND SOMETIMES PRAYER ON THE BEACH IN FLORIDA..... A GREAT PLACE FOR THE ROSARY ON THE SAND..." (because God Forbid she should use lower case letters when she can shout at her readers) includes a one-act play. How this one act play could ever be done is uncertain considering the lack of dimension to her characters and the inaccurate political message it sends.

Just as a clarification for you, Jeanne, minimum wage in Florida is not $5 and hour. According to this site, "Florida's minimum wage is $7.21 per hour, effective January 1, 2009. This is up from the $6.79 per hour minimum wage in 2008." which really cancels out your idea that people aren't voting for wage increases. Obviously they are.

I really enjoy how Jeanne's villains are all pro-life. I find that odd considering that Jeanne herself is pro-life. Certainly if there are pro-lifers out there who, like her, have a liberal view toward many social issues, there could be (and in fact are) more like her. It's never seemed like family values to me personally to be pro-life while voting in legislation that can hurt families. But, as usual, Jeanne seems incapable of seeing that there could be anyone who feels that way and doesn't vote exactly the way she does.

But this is classic Jeanne posting. The complete vilification of those whose viewpoints differ from hers at all. And all shouted at us with a written tone that crosses the border into something shrill and painful to read.

I actually think I can recap the gist of Jeanne's blog in a few simple sentences:
1. She hates homeschoolers.
2. She hates other Catholics.
3. She hates anyone not from Florida, who makes more money, or who differs with her politically.
4. She's totally right all the time. So there.

I think that about covers it!

*Note* After this blog post was published, Jeanne removed her one-act play. It was there, but you'll just have to take my word for it. Maybe she realized it was rather judgmental and unkind.

Answering Jeanne

Jeanne's original posts can be found at http://findmeinfloridaagain.blogspot.com

Jeanne says:

Hey the other side... you are not as widely read as I am

Well, Jeanne your statement would be accurate if that were my main blog. But it's not. My main blog can be found at http://musemama.blogspot.com

Upon first glance one might think that my homeschool blog hasn't been too widely read. But it's actually in it's 3rd home. It started at blogger, moved to blog-city, and now to wordpress. It was over 500,000 hits when it moved most recently. This blog was created only to answer you Jeanne because you wouldn't allow my comments on your blog. I always sent comments that were kind and respectful, but you didn't post them because they disagreed with you. And that's okay. It's your blog and you can post whatever comments you see fit. I'll just answer your posts here. But please don't say that it's because the comments weren't nice. That's simply not true.

"I haven't been to adoration in some time, personally."


mmmmmmmmmmmmmm...

Maybe you should.

You're probably right. But I have long learned that I don't have to be in a special chapel to find time with God. For me, getting to adoration is difficult with work schedules and small children. Thankfully our God is big enough to let me worship Him anywhere.

If this internet troll on findmeinfloridaagain2 would shut up I will turn the comments back on and reject them Did Amy Wellborn have this problem? I think maybe she did. But like her I turn my comments off when I needed to do so.

As you are so fond of reminding your readers, the internet offers a forum for free speech. I have never once asked you to shut up, nor will I do so unless I feel particularly motivated.

Those ladies on findmeinfloridaagain2 are trolls. What is a troll?

In fairness, as you pointed out, this isn't exactly a widely read blog. But I'm not a troll, just a blogger who couldn't comment on your posts.

An internet troll is defined as:
"In the context of the Internet, a troll is a person who makes inflammatory or comments, which by effect or design cause disruptions in discourse, or a post made by such a person. Trolling can be described as a breaching experiment, which, because of the use of an alternate persona, allows for normal social boundaries and rules of etiquette to be tested or otherwise broken, without serious consequences."

Unfortunately you are misapplying the definition in this case. No alternate persona here. You know exactly who I am. We were in a buddy group together on Ovusoft before you were banned. Repeatedly. I believe it's actually you who has made a habit of making inflammatory comments. All I have done here is create a place where the things you talk about can be discussed regardless of one's opinion.

You've created a blog that shares your view. Good for you. But this one will continue to express a contrary opinion and allow others to speak (so long as it's appropriate).

Also, I think it's fair to share with the readers that Jeanne knows about my homeschooling blog and my journal that I kept at LiveJournal. In fact Jeanne posted anonymously on both (I know it's her because of her IP address) threatening to turn me in to the local authorities for homeschooling my children.

In every encounter with Jeanne I have attempted to be respectful and allow her to share her opinion as I share mine. But it's Jeanne who made physical threats on my person that got her banned from our message board, Jeanne who threatens to turn me in to the authorities because she doesn't approve of how I parent, and Jeanne who repeatedly tells me to shut up.

Not exactly the non-judgmental, laid back beach chick she presents herself to be.

Finally Found This Blog, Jeanne?

What took you so long? I sent you the link months and months ago.

Jeanne's Original Post

COPY CAT'N IS A SIN. I am too busy for this stuff. This person has nothing else to doShut it down or I call Blogger personally.

I always thought it was the sincerest form of flattery. But I guess you say tomato...
As for Blogger, I can't imagine what I'm doing that's against their TOS. I always quote you and provide a link to anything you've said. Aren't you the one who's always saying that you have freedom of speech? Well guess what? So do I. Still, feel free to find scripture to back up your claim that this blog is a sin. I'm listening.

Jealous little fiend? Show thy face. I am at Franciscan University until the end of the month.

Jealous of what? I tried commenting on your blog to have a discourse about the subjects you blogged about. While you were very excited about your own freedom of speech, you didn't extend that same freedom to others. That's certainly your right. After all, it's your blog. But you write about a number of subjects that I think should be challenged. Since you wouldn't allow it on your site, I started my own in which I could answer you. Sorry you don't like it. But honestly, that has nothing to do with jealousy or a desire to meet you. Or was it that you wanted to meet me? If so, you'll have to come to Minnesota.

If you don't, this shows what type of person you are: small minded and must be told what to do.

Really? That's what it means? If that's what you think, Jeanne, I'm okay with it. But let's look at it this way: which one of us has told the other to not use their free speech? Which one of us doesn't allow comments on their blog posts? Which one of us is afraid of healthy challenge in their thought?

Add that to not being able to go to the beach.

You have a stick up your God given behind.

I can go to the beach. I just get on a plane and go to my parents house in California. I grew up near the beach. Frankly, you can have it. I'm not a beach girl. I'm fair skinned and I burned. I think you are too. I do love the ocean and all of it's many animals, but sitting on a towel isn't for me. Honestly, I'm not really an outdoorsy girl at all. I'm a geeky, sit around the house and read fantasy novels girl. But who am I to judge beach lovers? You enjoy it!

As for the stick comment, I can only say that it sounds kinda harsh from a beach loving, easy going gal like yourself. There's room on the internet for both of us, and for two different opinions. Really. Feel free to come here and read a different perspective anytime. Perhaps one day you'll see that people can have a different opinion than yours and still not be out to get you.

Because I'm not out to get you. I'm just trying to present a different side of the things you like to talk about.

Time To Pray For Jeanne, Or So She Says

Jeanne's Original Post

There are so many bloggers out there. Some write to share a passion for Politics, some for Faith, others share their personal lives and struggles in an effort to share the journey that they are on. Jeanne is the first blogger I've seen who really writes to those who don't like her. Her posts are antagonistic as she makes wild assumptions about her readers and what they think.

But don't worry, like good Floridians hubby and I stopped at our church for adoration BEFORE we left and before I hurt my foot. We like you do not DO NOT STAY THERE ALLLLL DAY. We believe in quality of prayer not quantity. And God Smiled...

I have no guilt for living here. We can do all the church stuff, the adoration, Mass, and AND A PARTY EVEN AFTER TAKING A FALL.

What a life! We do not live in a boring place. :)

Hey, Jeanne. Like me you don't stay there all day? Really, I don't stay there all day. I haven't been to adoration in some time, personally.

And how exactly do you know that God smiled? Do you see Him?

Who said you should have guilt for living in Florida? According to you Florida is the end-all-be-all of places to live and I should feel guilt because I live up North. Remember, you said God loves the swamps. But just so you know we can do all of those things, church, adoration, Mass and a party. Even when injured.

Just out of curiosity, where exactly are the boring places to live? And how do you know that they're boring? Or is it just that air of superiority that you like to display while condemning others for what you perceive as superiority? Let me tell you, that gets kind of old after a while.

One day I'd like to meet the woman that Jeanne seems to write to. She's gotta be something else.

Pay For Jeanne's Adoption...blah blah blah

Jeanne's Original Post

Another post that revolves around money, one of Jeanne's favorite subjects. She starts her post with a link to the fee schedule for an adoption agency.

Do it for God or you are not Pro-life and your Christianity is near crap.

Total cost - about $20,000.

Your bank account in some bad a** northern bank account == nothing. Remember you are saving for your Disney Vacation that you take every year. Cost $4,000 bucks.

Jeanne assumes that Catholic women disdain her. The truth is, Jeanne disdains other Catholic women. Almost everyone is beneath her. She works in gross over generalizations and wild stereotypes.

Jeanne, you love to say how you shouldn't have to pay for this or that. Like you shouldn't have to pay for women who choose to stay home. But we have to pay for your adoption or we're not even Christians? Can you show me where you find that in the Bible or the Catechism?

By the by, I live in Minnesota, but my bank is in California. And we don't take expensive family vacations.

And remember your freakn' tan is fading.

I can hear you now. "Well, you shouldn't be spending sooooh muuhch to go riding around Florida every weeeeekund. And Yuuuhrr marruggge is noaaat valid without chiilllrunn."

Jeanne thinks she has me all figured out. Only, I don't tan. I don't like tans. And I don't care how much she spends. It's her money, she can spend it as she sees fit. As for her marriage, it's none of my business. And there's nothing in the Catholic church that says her marriage isn't valid without children. I truly believe that's all in her head. I doubt anyone has actually ever said it to her. It's what she thinks other people say.

In my opinion, I think Jeanne has a massive inferiority complex and is actually herself concerned that her marriage isn't valid without children. Fear not, Jeanne, it is.

Let's see, cost of your up north mooorgggugge = 2,000 buck a month. Fuel oil bill for the entire winter - $5,000 bucks. Cost for your husband's rogaine so he can keep that sorry job that keeps you the Catholic princess in a Lexus or a junk car = $1,000 a year. Cost for you Ms. Good CATHOLIC to not work for the most of your adult life so you can stay home with your kids = YOUR RETIREMENT MONEY AND THE cost of Gas to the Welfare line.

A few misconceptions there, Jeanne, that need clearing up:

1. Mortgages range in price here, but they're generally less expensive than your neck of the woods.
2. It doesn't cost me that much to heat my house. We care about the environment and do our best not to eat up energy in the Winter. But I don't think it costs that much for anyone unless they live in a palace of some sort *shrug*.
3. My husband is Chicano with a ton of hair. No rogaine for my man. But God loves bald men too, Jeanne, and how very unkind of you!
4. I don't drive a Lexus. I drive a minivan. Bought it used. Both our cars are paid for.
5. Most women driving Lexus's with husbands hard at work aren't in the welfare line. But God loves welfare recipients too, Jeanne. If we're not Christian if we don't help pay for your adoption, are you not Christian for your unkindness toward the downtrodden?
6. You love to say that God loves the swamps of Florida. Do you think He doesn't love the Frozen North?
7. You should really be more respectful of the choices of others. God loves working moms and stay-at-home moms. Who are you to judge? You're no better than the women you rail against. Judgmental and mean-spirited.

Cost of you reading this blog = nothing.

I don't know. I'm pretty sure that's 15 minutes I can never get back.

My inside reaction to your hypocritical pursed lips that are going "Humpph" to this blog = priceless.

Right. Because everything you do is all about what reaction you will get. You care an awful lot about what we think, don't you Jeannie?

Missing FMIFA

I know I've been a terrible Jeanne's blog follower in recent months. My apologies. I had a baby and life got away from me for a bit. But I can sum up the large number of posts she's made since the beginning of the year to recap for faithful followers:

Blah blah blah, I hate Republicans, Bush, and the war.
Blah blah blah, you Catholics aren't as Catholic as me.
Blah blah blah, You all are just jealous that I live in Florida.
Blah blah blah, I hate homeschoolers.
Blah blah blah, the Masons and homeschoolers are behind it all.

If I've missed anything, drop me a line, and I'll add it.