I cheated....sort of

Ok I have a major confession. Well once at work my department orders us lunch because we are closing the books and we don't have enough time to go out and get lunch during the closing process on 5th day. Well of course you know one of my main goals during this 60 day challenge was to give up Chipotle. Imagine my surprise when they told e that they were ordering Chipotle for us. At first I was like, damn I can't have it. It will go against my 60 day challenge, but then I started thinking. I can't control what my company decides to order. I can either eat the Chipotle or buy something else. Well I came to a decision that some may not agree with. I took the FREE Chipotle. I had a Steak Burrito Bowl. I know. I felt bad about eating it, but I have to say I didn't buy it. I haven't stepped foot in a Chipotle since giving it up and still don't plan on it. Do you think I did the right thing? Please let me know.

Everything else is going good. Been doing some intense workouts this week. I'm already at 10 miles of cardio for the week. Hopefully tomorrow I can finish up the last 5 miles and meet my weekly goal. I still haven't officially decided on a book, but I plan on getting that figured out for sure this weekend. I got three books to read so I gotta get started!

Some have asked, "Why are you doing this?". I'm really doing this to get better self-control. Proving to myself that I can go without some of the many things that I indulge in really tests the strength of my mind. When this is all said in done I want to make sure I am able to make better food and lifestyle choices. We will see though. So far so good but it's only day 8. 52 more days to go.

Day 5 of the Challenge

Well well well....what can I say. The challenge is at it's 5Th day. I have to be honest. It's been a rocky start but I am sticking to the plan. Yesterday was my first craving for Chipotle. As I was driving around trying to decide what I wanted for dinner I passed Chipotle and wanted to pull in so bad. I decided on sushi but this giving up Chipotle for sixty days is gonna be a lot harder than I ever imagined.

I forgot to put this in my list when I did my original post but I am also giving up ice cream as well. During the summer time I could eat ice cream every day. Recently I have become attached to those vanilla oreo twisted frosty's at Wendy's. Those things have to be sent from heaven because they are AMAZING!!! So yet another challenge I am adding for myself. I know I can make it so I'm not worried. Like Kanye West once said, "That that don't kill me, can only make me stronger!"

I still haven't decided on a book yet either. I know what in the world is wrong with me. I bought Barbra Walters' biography, Audition, from a book sale at work. I think today I am gonna crack it open and see if I can get into it. I love biographies so let's hope this one is good.

I haven't been updating myfitnesspal....damn it I forgot all about it. Oops. Gonna start that again today. I used to be so good with it. Now I just got out of the habit of updating it so I never do. Gonna fix that today!

Okay I the plan is to give at least three updates this week! Talk to you all again soon!

60 Day Challenge

Well it's been quite a while. Almost two years since my last blog post and to keep myself accountable with my blogging I have decided to give myself a 60 Day Challenge. What is a 60 Day Challenge? Well it's a 60 day personal challenge I am giving myself. Now I have just a few vices. (Only a couple to be honest!) I really want to work on getting control of them. So during this 60 day challenge I am setting some goals/challenges for myself to live by during this 60 days.

1. I will not eat any pizza during this 60 day challenge. I love pizza. It's my favorite food. Giving it up will be tough but I know I can do it.

2. I am giving up pop...better known as soda to some. Now I have never really been a big pop drinker. When I was in grad school I gave it up completely. Well I have slowly been drinking more and more. Which is not good. So I vow to not drink any soda during this 60 day challenge.

3. Now this will probably be the hardest thing. I love Chipotle. I could eat it everyday. I usually have it at least three times a week. Well during this personal challenge I am giving it up. NO CHIPOTLE!!!! If I want it I will make my own version at home. This will be tough...how is I gone do it?

4. I need to up my cardio that I do so I am making a personal challenge to myself to at least do 15 miles of cardio a week. Which is simply 3 workouts of 5 miles running/walking but sometimes I slack on my cardio. This will keep me pushing. Hopefully I can hit at least 20 miles a week but 15 is the goal. This will be a tough one but it's a challenge and I need to push myself.

5. Giving up alcohol....hahahhahaha just kidding ;-)

6. I need to read more. Sometimes we all get caught up on the internet. Well instead of reading theybf.com I am setting a personal goal of myself to read three books during this 60 day challenge. Yeah I know, some will say 3 books isn't a lot but for me it is. Hopefully there are some good biographies out there.

7. My final challenge for myself is to eat healthier. It's easy to make an excuse to go by McDonald's or Wendy's but I need to focus on making wiser food choices. I plan on updating my "My Fitness Pal" app everyday. I have slacked on that and I find when I complete that it makes me more aware of what I am eating.

Now this is my 60 day challenge for myself. These are some personal things that I need to work on/improve upon so let's see how this goes. My 60 day challenge begins June 1st, 2011. I will be updating my blog more frequently giving updates on how I am doing. If I slip up I will report it. I'm sure if you are reading this there are some things you might want to work on for yourself. How about joining me for your own 60 day challenge?

Let me know what you think. Do you think I can do this? I guess only time will tell. Until next.....

Questions

1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE?
I am named after my father and grandfather. Hence the III behind my name.

2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED?
Dang that's truly a tough one. Let's see it would probably of been when I was feeling down about life. I would say maybe two years ago.

3. Do you like your handwriting?
Yes

4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT?
Ham

5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS?
No

6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON, WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU?
Of course. Without a doubt in my mind.

8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS ?
Yes

9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP?
heck no unless my life depended on it

10. Favorite Oatmeal
blueberry

11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF?
sometimes I do sometimes I don't

12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG?
Yes I do.

13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM?
UDF's Cookies N' Cream

14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE?
their teeth

15. RED OR PINK?
Red

16. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF?
My feet are too big...hard to find shoes in my size

17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST
Grandpa Charlie...my mom's dad

18. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO SEND THIS BACK TO YOU?
Doesn't matter it's just something for people to think about.

19. WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING?
Black pants...no shoes but white socks

20. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE?
Gold Star Chilli

21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW?
Chingy featuring Amerie - Fly Like Me

22. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE?
Red

23. FAVORITE SMELLS?
odd question but I like fresh smelling deodorants...

24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON You TALKED TO ON THE PHONE?
Tiara

25. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS?
nobody sent it...I saw it somewhere and stole it

26. Any Sport
Football

27. HAIR COLOR?
Dark Brown
28. EYE COLOR?
Brown

29. Do you wear contacts?
Yes

30. FAVORITE FOOD?
Pizza but its the devil

31. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS?
Happy Endings

32. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED?
Michael Jackson's This Is It

33. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU wearing?
black wife beater

34. SUMMER OR WINTER?
Summer

35. HUGS OR KISSES?
Kisses

36. FAVORITE DESSERT?
strawberry cheesecake

37. What book are you reading now?
nothing right now but I might read the Sarah Palin book #dontjudgeme

38. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD?
Don't have one

391. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON T.V. LAST NIGHT?
Actually the last thing I saw on TV was Let's Make a Deal

40. FAVORITE SOUND
no noise is good for me

41. GROUPS OR SOLO SINGER?
Groups

42. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME?
France...went their when I graduated from high school for two weeks

43. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT?
great at giving advice and I can hold a tune

44. WHERE WERE YOU BORN?
Middletown Regional Hospital in Middletown, OH

45. WHAT TIME IS IT NOW?
1:54pm

46. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU PRAYED?
A couple days ago

47. IF YOU COULD CHANGE ONE THING WHAT WOULD IT BE?

Time.

Last night I prayed...

Last night I prayed...

I spoke with my mother earlier in the day after I got off my flight back from NC. She told me about some recent deaths of people from my hometown and she closed saying..."It's just too much death going on these days." That one phrase struck me. She was right and I knew I needed to pray. So last night that's what I did.

Last night I prayed for God to look after my family. I prayed for him to protect them and keep them healthy. I prayed that we not have to face any deaths in my family. I don't want to deal with the pain and sorrow. I know I am being selfish because that's apart of life.

Last night I prayed for God to watch over my close friends. None of my close friends live in the same city as me and I at times think about them and pray that God is answering all there prayers. Many times I speak during the week with most of my friends and we catch up on life and stuff. We complain about our everyday struggles of being a young adult in America. We all feel like our problems are the biggest in the world, but I thought do we ever take our problems to you?

Last night I prayed to find the answer to what I am looking for. I'm not quite sure what the question is but I know you have all the answers. I usually am seen as the man with all the answers. Many come to me for advice, but sometimes I am the one who needs the advice.

Last night I prayed and thanked God for blessing me. I never dreamed I would end up where I am but it's a journey I have enjoyed. I have had many highs and some lows but you have made me strong. I have been able to handle the many trials and tribulations that you have placed upon me. I know I don't say this often but I do appreciate what you have done for me. Thank you for it all.

Why can't I forgive?

Why can't I forgive? I've tried to get over the hurt and pain, but when I see your face I can't forgive. Many have said time heals pain. Well why won't this pain go away? I'm not going to lie I love you. I didn't realize love was supposed to hurt you. The only love I have known has brought me joy and happiness, but lord knows I have never felt a love like this. This is something so foreign to me. I have played the good guy role but it doesn't seem to play in my favor. When will I forgive you?

Sometimes I wish we lived in a fairy tale. That would make life so easy. To have a family like The Cosby Show. Our children would go off to college like "A Different World". We might even take in our own "Fresh Prince of Bel Air". With a "Full House" we would be happy and content.

Why can't I forgive you? We could throw away the past and create the future of our dreams, but I can't forgive you. Maybe one day, maybe somehow, just not right now. Give me a day, month or maybe even a year. One day I will get over and be able to forgive you.

Black In America...Reality?

Well we all tuned in a couple weeks ago to CNN's Black in America part 2. I have to say I enjoyed the first part that aired in 2008. I was excited to see what the next part would cover. I had many ideas but of course some things didn't go according to my own plans.

To start off I know many had expectations. I saw lots of criticism and lots of praise for Soledad O'Brien's documentary. Overall I would give part 2 a B+.

Here's what I liked.
1. Chris Rock's wife's taking those underprivileged children to Africa was a highlight for me. As soon one who came from a not so wealthy family one thing I always wanted to do was travel. We didn't have the money to travel so I couldn't. I think that is why I travel so much now. Traveling to different places gives you a chance to see different aspects of America and the world. So many times we get caught up in our own zone and forget that there is more to the world than our little box that we live in.
2. The couple that were working to save the marriage was a highlight as well. I know we always hear about black children coming from single parents and it was nice to see a couple work together to save their marriage. It reminded you that some people do take there vows serious. Many times since divorce is so easy to obtain many don't take the time to fight for a marriage. It was refreshing seeing this couple acknowledge it's issues and try to find a cure to heal their broken marriage.
3. Tyler Perry. Now first let me start off with the truth. I, by no means, am Tyler Perry's biggest fan. I had heard variations of his story but it really made me see that he truly is the American Dream. He came from nothing and turned his life completely around. It's great to see successful black people. Even though his movies and TV shows tend to not be the best, in my opinion, I have to give him credit for doing things that mainstream Hollywood won't. He is keeping many Blacks in the entertainment industry employed.
4. The principal guy who worked to make sure all his students went to college. A true inspiration. It was nice to see someone fighting for their students. So many times we only hear the negative things about teachers and it's nice to see someone who took there job seriously. I know we say this often, but we need to do more to praise our teachers who are doing an outstanding job. I tip my hat off to him. I wish ALL teachers were as dedicated to their students as this guy. (Sorry I can't remember his name and am too lazy to look it up on the internet.)

Now to the bad.
1. Those uppity Negroes. Yes you all know which group I am referring to. The ones who had the Tuxedo Ball for their privileged children to mingle and mix and network with some influential people. I just cringed as this part of the documentary played out. Let me say this though, I know all black people aren't underprivileged. It is nice to see blacks who have succeeded without being apart of the music or entertainment industry. We need to showcase our doctors, lawyers, and teachers more. To show that you all have money and then are secluding other blacks from attending because they aren't privileged. I mean I was shocked at this. The woman talking about it said it with a straight face like it wasn't a problem at all. HELLO wake up lady. That's not a good look.
2. The felon. Gosh I have to be honest. When I saw this segment start I knew where it was going. A felon who is about to reenter society. Of course struggles to find a job. Goes and gets a girlfriend. They end up pregnant and then he quits his job because he isn't making enough money and is too tired to look for another job. Eventually he returns to the streets and is suspected of robbing someone. Which will result in him going back to jail for 20 plus years. I'm like come on CNN. As much as the news puts the negative aspects of being black in America on display everyday you just had to throw in the convicted felon who just can't get his life together. I mean come on. Are you kidding me? Ugh it was so frustrating see this idiot being documented. I mean come on. Did we really need to profile a felon. Shame on you CNN and Soledad for that one.
3. The non focus on us middle america black people. I consider myself middle america. I know many of my friends, who are black, that are considered apart of middle america. Why not show more of this. I had a discussion with a friend about how the documentary seemed to focus on the extremes of Black in America. Why not show us in the middle. Who aren't poor or extremely rich. Yeah they showed a blip about it but why not more. Come on. There are many blacks that are apart of middle america.

Overall I hope the documentary isn't done. I have enjoyed both parts of the documentary so far. Yeah I don't like all of it but it's nice to see. America needs to see this. I actually like that they are expanding the series with a Latin in America. This is stuff people need to see. America is good at not showing the real America and this too me is showing the many sides to America. America is a melting pot and too many times on tv they showcase America as being Lilly white. We all know that isn't true and Hollywood in general needs to do a better job of showing the many sides of America. If you aren't checking out this serious it's a must for all, and not just black folks.

I am America's Nightmare...

Summer Blues

Well well well. It's been a while. Actually it's been almost two months since I have updated my blog. I know I am slipping. Gosh I feel like a lot has happened since my last post...where to begin.

Ok so I just completed a Full Body Detox from dherbs.com. I did this with a good friend of mine. We were on a strict diet with only being allowed to eat raw fruits and veggies, nuts, 100% fruit juice. Yes it was tough, and on top of the strict diet we had to take THIRTY FIVE pills of different herbs each day. Talk about a change. Now that I have officially completed the detox I have to say that it was a really good change for myself. I have never felt better. I am more motivated to hit the gym and am looking to make better eating choices. I fully recommend the DHERBS.COM full body detox to anyone who is looking to this. It's a healthy and easy way to clean out the toxins from your body and it's something that I think I will be doing once a year.

Can you believe that people are still trying to say President Barack Obama wasn't born in the United States? LMAO, hey people I had to suffer through EIGHT long years of President Bush so deal get over it. President Obama is our President and will be our President for the next three and a half years (hopefully with an additional four years). So many problems in the world and a small few are trying to make something out of nothing. Quit being a sore loser and get over it.

DC in two weeks. I can't wait! It should be good times. I don't really feel like I have done much this summer. I was on jury duty last week and have to go back next week for it. I have yet to get picked for a case and probably won't. It's very boring sitting there, but I have found some entertainment by watching my other fellow jurors and playing cards with some of them. Let's hope I get on a good case this week.

CNN has aired another portion of the infamous Black in America series. I have so much to say but I will leave that for another post. That should be my next post which hopefully I type up early next week. I am going to try and watch the series again and take notes because there are some things that I have forgot what was said. Be looking out for that soon.

I am looking to buy a new laptop here in the next two weeks. I have set a deadline for myself. I will have one by the time I get on the plane to go to DC on August 7th. I am getting either a Sony VAIO or an HP. I currently have an HP desktop and it has worked really well. I have had it for four years now. It's time to move on and become more mobile. Which brings me to my other news.

I am moving next month! Yes, I found a new apartment. I have lived in my current apartment for three years now and it is definitely time for a change. I didn't think I would live here that long but I am ready to go. As I type this I can hear the college students outside playing beer pong. Yeah it gets old especially on the weeknights when I have to get up for work and they have their music blasting. Surprisingly tonight no music is being played. Whatever I am over it and ready to go. I have had a roommate the last year and am ready to live on my own again. Nothing like living on your own. No more roommates until marriage. LOL and then we might even live separate. J/K...maybe.

Ok so much more to say but I don't want to make this blog post too long. I am going to update the blog this week with my thoughts on CNN's Black in America 2. Give me a few days...

I am America's Nightmare...

What's up?

Dang I really have been neglecting this blog. I used to be so good about updating this thing but have kind of falling off the bandwagon this last few months. I am going to try and do better here in the next few months. It's almost summer and there ain't much on TV so when I get home from work I guess I could try and update this thing more often. My goal is at least once a week. We will see what happens.

So my favorite show on TV right now has to be The Young and the Restless. Yes you read that correctly. I'm not ashamed to admit that I like soap operas. Growing up of course I was forced to sit through my summers watching soap operas because my mother and babysitters filled their afternoons watching them. I slowly feel in love with the Young and the Restless. I am so hooked to this show right now. Ashley Abbott is pregnant with Victor Newman's child and is being driven crazy by Victor's son Adam. I mean this story has been so good. I am loving Adam as the bad seed. Then there is my favorite older couple Katherine Chancellor and Patrick Murphy. I have loved those two's interaction and chemistry since Murphy found Katherine in the river/lake. I am so happy they married and am looking forward to them living happily ever after. If you like soap operas I suggest you put on your DVR/Tivo The Young and the Restless. It will remind you of the times when you were young and couldn't wait to find out what was going to happen next with the Newman, Abbott and Winters families.

I want to purchase a laptop. I want a MAC but I have been told that I probably shouldn't spend all that money on one since I won't be editing music or producing videos and stuff. So I have now began looking into an HP laptop. I have an HP desktop computer and it's nice. I bought it in 2005 right before I went to grad school. It's time for something new and by the end of the summer I will have a laptop. Mark my words. I may own one in the next week or so. LOL.

Savings money is so hard to do. Let me tell you, during these tough economic times I am trying to be better about saving. My best friend and I have decided to save a nice percentage of our salary during the summer months. This is a trial period for us. Depending on the success of it we might continue it for the rest of the year. WE will see.

Oh and I need something to do for the 4th of July! I refuse to sit in Columbus and do nothing. Think of something fun to do for me! Help people!

Oh yeah I am setting up a twitter account this week. Maybe today but that depends on if I feel like it. Facebook is so annoying to get on and I am ready to join the twitter family. I will let you all know when I get my twitter set up.

Until next time I am America's Nightmare...

Is this the change we voted for?

Ok so today while I work I was browsing Facebook when I came across an interesting status message. This is what it said, "Franklin Hicks I just found out this is the first time in years we wont have any type of ceremonies or celebration at the WHITE HOUSE for National Day of Prayer... WOW thats crazy!!! Even Bush Respected God enough to openly have our country take a moment out and pray.. SCARY TO THINK WHERE WERE HEADED. GOD HAVE MERCY ON US ALL"

So my first thought was oh lord the "Jesus Freaks" have found another reason to go crazy about President Barack Obama but then I thought well maybe I should respond. Well before I could respond I noticed that a couple people had responded to Franklin's status. Here's what they said,

Stephanie May at 2:48pm...All the who people cried out for CHANGE with Obama...well they got their good dose of CHANGE didn't they? blah :/
Jerold Monahan at 2:59pm May 7...its cause he is secretly a Muslim
Jessica Gomez at 3:17pm May 7...WOW that is crazy!

WTF?!?!? Are these people serious. I was busy at work but I am never too busy to defend our President. Especially over something I feel is just ridiculous. So here's my sarcastic response

Cliff 'Smitty' Smith at 3:18pm May 7 via Facebook Mobile
Separation of church and state...I am sure God will be ok with the white house not honoring a ritual made by man

Now of here are the rest of the responses to Franklin's status after my response.

Cindy Strasser at 3:21pm May 7...Pray for our leadership. Pray for Barak & Michelle to come into the Kingdom of God just like you would pray for your own unsaved family members.
Jerold Monahan at 3:27pm May 7...for it is written....these things must come to pass...side note....i'll pray for Obama just as much as people prayed and supported Bush. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eAaQNACwaLw&feature=related
Cliff 'Smitty' Smith at 3:35pm May 7...Jesus take the wheel!
Franklin Hicks at 3:38pm May 7...Cliffy Cliff wats up man!!!! Good 2 c your doing well but its not about the white house its self but its about are leaders understanding that America was founded on Christian Principles and as this world comes to an end we all need to lead as many people as possible in prayer with hopes that we all find the Grace to make in..... In the shape are country is in alil prayer wouldnt hurt... EVEN R.KELLY KNOW'S PRAYER CHANGES THINGS..LOL
Franklin Hicks at 3:41pm May 7...I ASLO STATE OPENLY THAT I DO NOT SIDE WITH ANYTHING THAT JEROLD MANAHAN OR ANYONE ELSE IS SAYING... IM MY OWN MAN .... I LOVE AND WILL PRAY FOR MY PRESIDENT!!!!!!
Jerold Monahan at 3:46pm May 7...you love and pray for Bush as much as Obama? Cliff 'Smitty' Smith at 3:48pm May 7...Actually our founding fathers were mostly christians but they believed in the separation of church and state. They felt like religion had no business in government. R.Kelly lol I won't even go there.
Franklin Hicks at 3:55pm May 7...LOL... u must admit that R. Kelly one was funny..lol
But i hear wat u saying my brother.... I just feel that it should go hand and hand just because are leaders make decision that effects all of us and i believe those decision should be made with the help of God... We also spend G.ment money that says in GOD WE TRUST... HOW CAN WE TRUST A GOD WE WONT OPENLY RECOGNIZED?
Jerold Monahan at 3:56pm May 7...Your right the founding forefathers thought it would be a cure for what had happened in England and many of civilizations throughout time. Corruption of the Government or church given to much power. However, what they failed to realize was that as long as man was in control it could be as corrupted and defiled as an organization that was set put to only do evil things. so even the seperation of church and state has become a successful experiment that the heart of man is deceitfully wicked.
Franklin Hicks at 3:57pm May 7...and jerold i have nothing aganist you but sometimes u say stuff u shouldn't say....
Jerold Monahan at 4:03pm May 7...what you give with one hand you take bake with the other...you say you have nothing against me and the you say but...contradiction my friend...it is all relative to how the world is viewed through the eyes of the individual. Perception is reality.
Cliff 'Smitty' Smith at 4:05pm May 7...I understand your point Franklin, but since America is a very diverse country do you really feel like it is fair to single out one religion for the country to respect? What about those other religions? Everyone in America doesn't follow the christian faith.
Jerold Monahan at 4:07pm May 7...out of 85000 religions in the world I thiink it is safe to say that some of them are wrong....ha
Franklin Hicks at 4:07pm May 7...No contradiction!!!!! i have mad love for you...U r my friend in-spite of whatever u have said or done to me : ) .... The but comes in when u say stuff as if it is facts..... SECRET MUSLIM??? MAYBE, MAYBE NOT... BUT U DONT STATE STUFF LIKE THAT UNLESS U KNOW 100% MY FRIEND
Jerold Monahan at 4:11pm May 7...if you have time you should watch that link i posted...doesn't protect anyone...though not directly related it confirms some of the things that Perry Stone was talking about. We went out to lunch with him after church that day and gosh you should have heard some of the things that he had to say.
Franklin Hicks at 4:14pm May 7...I feel that we pray for whatever is our base religion... As americans we were brought up in Christian faith, so why change because we have other religion in our country.... If you go to a Muslim country they openly pray to there God no matter who lives in there...

Ok now here is my thing. Do you really think God cares about national day of prayer or whatever mess people have created? Is our country really going to go to hell in a hand basic because President Obama didn't observe this? Give me a break people! My best friend said it best when she said, "Next they will blame the swine flu on President Obama!" I don't say anything of this to mock the christian faith. Hell I consider myself a follower of it but I am so sick and tired of "Christians" b*&ching and moaning every time something doesn't go the way they think their Bible says things are supposed to go. It's ludicrous to think that America is going down the drain because President Obama didn't observe National Day of Prayer! How many of you have actually recognized this fake "holiday" every year? Heck I never knew it existed until a couple of years ago, besides aren't you supposed to pray everyday anyways on your own?!?! I understand people who follow the Bible but you have to be realistic and have an open mind when reading and following any religious faith. NO religion is better than any other one. That's one of the problems with you "Jesus Freaks". You constantly think the world should only follow Christianity and anybody who does anything different should be condemned to hell. I am sick and tired of these self righteous attitudes. It makes me sick and makes me wonder why the hell am I a christian. There are people starving everyday and you are worried about the President holding a national day of prayer. Come on and you need to read your bibles a little more. From my understanding of the sacred text, I feel like our God is an understanding and loving God. He could careless about this nonsense. Maybe he is worried about our American soldiers that are fighting overseas. Did you all say a prayer for them?

Sorry for the rant but I just had to get that off my chest. Thanks Franklin for the interesting exchange on the subject. I respectfully disagree with how you feel about the situation but I am glad you responded with class instead of following the footsteps of some of the other people who are trying to attack the character of our great President.