My Soapbox

Going Dutch

2011-08-12T14:07:00.003-06:00

I had a rule while dating- if a guy let me pay for a meal, it was over. Often when I was fed-up with dating someone I'd offer to pay, and then forcefully try to pay- and once he acquiesced, the relationship was dead.

On date #3 with Brent I decided I was done with him. The date was lame, he was giving mixed signals- I was over it. So when the waitress came I grabbed the check and put my credit card in. Brent then took the check from the waitress, and threw my credit card in my face, placing his card in the check and gave it back to our server. I smiled to myself and thought "OK, this guy is still in the game"

My younger brother is the most frugal person I know. He lives by 'use it up, wear it out, make do or do without' ...applied to underwear. When dating he always went dutch- ALWAYS. Now, it helped he was incredibly good looking and has a boyish charm- however I still couldn't believe girls would date a guy that never paid. At his wedding reception we were joking around with his wife saying she better get the ATM card and code from my younger brother. She didn't quite understand what we were talking about- then we brought up how he never paid for dates. His wife had a puzzled look on her face, 'What do you mean? He always paid. I didn't pay for a single date." Our family sat stunned in silence while my brother had a huge grin on his face while we all put two and two together- He had successfully only spent money on dating his wife.

Fat History Month

2011-07-16T12:02:00.003-06:00

Supporters of SB 48 which requires 'Gay History' to be taught in California schools starting in kindergarten say it was passed with the intent to prevent homosexual bullying.

As a former four eyes- who was bullied for her glasses- I would like to push for 'eyesight impared' history- I don't want a whole month- I'd just like it to be pointed out in text books the great people of this nation who wore corrective lenses.

Another group that should be up in arms over SB 48 are the obese- fat kids get teased at an earlier age than homosexuals, and there are exponentially more fat people than homsexuals in our country. We need Fat history month- to apreciate the metabolically challenged that contributed to this great country so that our fat children will not get bullied because they have a hankering for a twinkie.

Ugly people history month- children's text books should point out the great contributors of history who were not physically attractive- certainly more ugly people get bullied than gay people. We shouldn't ignore that some great humans were image impared, and we should celebrate their ugliness in order to prevent bullying.

Fat, Foureyed, Ugly people are far more frequently discriminated against than homosexuals,-every person they come in contact with- from the grocery store clerk to a potential employer can see their difference from the rest of humanity.

Which causes me to think that maybe, just maybe SB 48 doesn't have as much to do with bullying as the defenders of the bill would like you or I to believe.

Crazy Things Mormons Believe

2011-01-26T17:00:00.007-07:00

To make things easy for everyone that thinks Mormons are a bunch nutcases: here's the top 10 Crazy things Mormons believe: Brace yourself for a shock- the Senate Majority leader, yes Harry Reid- one of the most powerful individuals in the world- is a practicing Mormon and believes all of the below.

10. A man built a ship- put two of every animal on that ship, the entire earth was flooded, all humanity and animal life were destroyed except for those on the boat.

9. A woman was turned to a pillar of salt. PILLAR of Salt people.

8. God had his prophet swallowed by a fish, and then regurgitated by said fish and lived.

7. A man had ridiculous strength because he never cut his hair.

6. The sea has been split in half- and thousands of people walked across the sea on dry ground.

5. There once was a staff that if you would just look at it, it would heal you.

4. At one time the first born of every family that did not put blood over their door was killed.

3. Man has walked on water.

2. Mr. Ed existed, but he wasn't a horse- he was a donkey.

1. A Virgin gave birth to the Son of God.

Makes some gold plates, not drinking coffee, and a lot of food storage look pretty mild doesn't it?

*Update: Even Stepphen Colbert Agrees

An IQ test

2011-01-21T09:34:00.008-07:00

Take:

Add:

And you'll get:

She Made Me Cheat

2011-01-10T08:00:00.001-07:00

You've been to those weddings where you think "I seriously don't understand what she sees in this guy" and every time you see the couple together the thought still nags at you that this guy married up, way up, and he has no clue.
That was this relationship. Her husband then cheated on her. The only reason they're getting a divorce is because she was prompted to ask him to leave his job (America First Credit Union Loan Officer), which happened to be the origination of the adulterous relationship.

In their divorce papers her husband wouldn't let her put that the cause was infidelity, because in his mind- she made him be unfaithful. (oh wait, he doesn't think dating and making out with another woman is cheating) She wasn't 'submissive enough', wouldn't loose a few pounds(she is by no standard remotely over weight), grow out her hair and she held him accountable for his actions- by doing so she drove him to cheat on her- so the divorce is her fault.

And this talented, beautiful, intelligent woman has been so well manipulated by this jerkstore- she's believing it. (She went to a far more impressive unviersity, graduated substancially faster, has a better career and makes substancially more money than this guy- and she is WAY better looking)

This isn't the first guy who married up and cheated down. Men of fragile ego should marry down. If you need to think you're a big shot- then you need to marry someone not as smart, successful or good looking as yourself, and certainly not smarter more successful or better looking.

Since Tanner Guzy didn't want it put on his divorce papers that infidelity was the cause of their divorce because he was afraid that the world would know that he dated and made out with another woman while married- I'm going to do any girl that dates Tanner Guzy and decides to google his name a big ol' favor- Tanner Guzy cheated on his wife. Tanner Guzy committed adultery.

The DB told my friend that the evening after she had poured out her heart to him, saying she'd forgive him and work through the marriage, he invited his mistress over and had dinner and the mistress spent the night- after this information was relayed my friend did not punch him in the face. I want to punch him in the face (and give my friend a swift kick in the pants for letting herself be manipulated by this bastard). So here it is, my electronic slap-

Ladies beware: Tanner Guzy is a manipulative, lying, adulter that needs to be with a weak submissive anorexic woman who will feed his feeble and undeserved ego.

My friend's blog is here-

Comments on my blog in support of Jenna are welcome- all else will be deleted.

*Note this blog consists entirely of my personal opinion

The Christmas Morning Project

2010-12-20T04:26:00.007-07:00

I'm posting this because whenever I've mentioned it to someone they say "That's a great idea!" I believe that everyone wants to give service to others, what is lacking are the opportunities presented to us.

I was a very selfish teenager- more than one Christmas came and went where I was not as grateful as I should have been. One of our goals for our family is to do service on Christmas day. There is three reasons for this 1- To remember the Savior Jesus Christ and the life of service he lead 2- To open our children's eyes to the world around them and help them to recognize their many blessings 3- To keep them from being spoiled and ungrateful. Besides, it just feels like the right thing to do.

So how do you take a 2 year old to do service? Who could a toddler possibly serve?

My cousin shared a touching story about when she visited an elderly woman with her new baby, and the woman wanted so dearly to just hold the baby. Hesitant to do so, my cousin shared her little girl with this blind elderly woman and the woman began to cry tears of joy.

My grandmother is in a retirement community, when we walk in the door every single person lights up when they see Sam. They love just looking at her smile and say very nice things about how pretty she is. My grandmother lives no where near us, but there is a nursing home down the street, so Christmas day we're going to take Sam and a few other kids to visit the elderly that may not get visitors on Christmas.

Trying to think of what I could give those who's years have passed them and may be forgotten, the best thing I could think of was to spend time with a child on Christmas.

I called the nursing home activities director and they are happy to have any visitors on Christmas.

I share this only because in this time where we blog about gifts to give our neighbors and friends in order to share ideas- I thought I'd blog about service to render on Christmas.

If you have any other ideas as to how to render service on Christmas, please share.

Instead of potatoes, here's some mush

2010-11-25T05:05:00.012-07:00

This time last year the husband had been laid off, I had a miserable job and we were in Utah.

We decided it was time to make the dream a reality and move to Texas, grapes of wrath style. (Instead of fleeing the dust bowl we were fleeing the impact of congresses banking legislation) There were two things we knew: we were suppose to move to Texas, and it was not going to be easy. Most thought we were crazy.

To move, one of us needed job offer. I had an interview in San Diego, my flight took me through Las Vegas, where the flight was delayed indefinitely- I had to get THIS job and I had to interview on THIS day. I rented a car in Las Vegas and drove the rest of the way in the storm for the interview.

Once the job offer was extended, we had 2 weeks to move all of our earthly possessions to a city we had spent no more than 3 days in. My daughter and I flew to Dallas while Brent drove our cars down, twice in 3 days. The first trip hauling a uhaul through apocalypse snow- without the assistance of the right mirror because his wife has deep personal issues with the right side mirror of the car (any car really- ask my mom).

Our first apartment while close to downtown, was far away from any reputable childcare facility with a vacancy. We enrolled our daughter in a wonderful preschool, which added an hour to our commute each morning and night, but it was worth it.

After our 3 month lease was up, we moved apartments- which is when our daughter decided to tell us that regardless of our inability to sell some property in Utah we needed to buy a house. This message was conveyed through her crying in the middle of the night, and refusing to sleep unless being held. When you live in an apartment where you can hear your neighbors poop, letting her cry it out isn't an option. 2 weeks with no sleep for mom and dad motivated us to looking into buying a house, though we were sure we wouldn't be able to borrow much.

Surprisingly we qualified for a loan (it's scary how much debt people can still get into) and we found a great home. Not surprisingly our house closed the same week that our UT property sold, the same week my little sister came home from a mission, and the same week that I had sales training out of state. Brent again had to move with out my help, and in 2 days.

We're now settled in a wonderful home, with the best preschool ever near by, close to good friends. We both have jobs (Brent has changed jobs since the move), which continue to present issues and trials- but we're here, we're in Texas, we have jobs and we're happy. In addition our move has impacted and benefited others in ways we couldn't have predicted, or foreseen.

Here's the mushy part of the post: today I'm grateful for a God that hears and answers prayers. I'm grateful that Brent got laid off and we were permitted to have this adventure. Grateful for a God that guided us in our move to Texas, and loved us enough to give us the knowledge that this is where we're suppose to be, but getting here wouldn't be easy- we'd have to work for it. And of course, I'm grateful for Texas.

Not a REAL doctor

2010-10-25T06:25:00.005-06:00

It was accounting 102. I was addressing my instructor because I disagreed with a grade. I referred to her as 'Mrs.' and she said "Call me Dr., I worked hard for that title and I think I earned it."

What happens lady if we are in public- I call you doctor and a guy falls down with a heart attack- and his wife turns to you and says, " You're a doctor- save my husband!"

And what do you say? "I'm a different kind of doctor"
She says, "I don't care what kind of doctor you are just save my husband"
You say what? "I'm a doctor of accounting. I have a PHD"
And she says, "So you're not a real doctor?"
And you say, "No I'm not a physician, but I earned my doctorate, so I am referred to as doctor. It was a lot of time and work so I've earned the title of doctor."

And then the man is dead.

You know, I am not a Barbra Boxer fan. A woman that's been in Washington for as long as she has should be able to tout some serious accomplishments- aside from the ability to get elected. That combined with my 19 year old experience is why I LOVE this ad.

(Once my brother finishes his PhD I will refer to him as doctor in public mostly to watch complete strangers to ask him about their flem filled coughs and night sweats.)

Why the young are liberals and the old are conservatives

2010-10-20T20:35:00.001-06:00

I worked with a kid in his early 20's. Lived in SF, your typical young liberalish 'open minded' 20 something. He worked in sales support for years, went above and beyond the call of duty to get the break into becoming a sales rep. His first year as a sales rep he put in upwards of 60 hours a week to make some real money. A year later his hard work paid off, the hours on airplanes, the years putting up as sales support, and he closed some big deals.

When he received his first big commission check, over 50% of his money went to the government. In his own words, "I instantly became a fiscal conservative"

He perfectly manifested why the young are liberals- because they have yet to bear the financial burden of fiscally irresponsible policies- and the reason the old are conservatives, they're sick of paying taxes.

When I Grow Up I Want To Be...

2010-10-05T16:04:00.005-06:00

Melinda Gates.

Realizing your dreams

2010-08-13T08:10:00.002-06:00

Last night a life long dream was realized....

I've blogged about this dream.

He's EXACTLY what you picturing him being in person......and then some.

'You can all go to hell. I'm going to Texas'

2010-08-09T05:10:00.000-06:00

You know those super obnoxious Texans that won't shut up about how great Texas is?
Yes, I'm one of them.

I grew up in San Diego California. The place where it's 72 degrees year round, quite possibly the most perfect climate on the planet. You could see the beach from my high school classrooms. I'd ditch school to drive my jeep CJ 5 up and down the coast. I dream every night about running on the beach. The beach is my first love. When it comes to material possesions, my main goal in life is to have a house on the beach. But I'm a Texan.

I love Texas.

I love that people put their state flag on bumper stickers, watercoolers, notebooks, t-shirts and state that they are a Texan will unapologetic pride. Unapologetic pride in who you are and where you live, it's hard to find in Americans but it runs ample in Texas.

It's over 100 degrees outside, with NO beach, but Texas feels like home.

"Texas is a state of mind. Texas is an obsession. Above all, Texas is a nation
in every sense of the word" - Author John Steinbeck

"I must say as to what I have seen of Texas, it is the garden spot of the world,
the best land and the best prospects for health I ever saw, and I do believe it is
a fortune to any man to come here" - Alamo hero Davey Crockett

"Texas is neither southern nor western. Texas is Texas" - Senator William Blakley

"I love Texas because Texas is future-oriented, because Texans think anything
is possible. Texans think big" Senator Phil Gramm

The Problem With Not Being Easily Offended

2010-07-23T09:15:00.006-06:00

We tend to be viewed as 'insensitive' to others.

We wouldn't be offended by it, so why would someone else?

Things that we would consider as a natural part of every day conversation others misinterpret as an attack. Typically it will take someone a few months of knowing us to realize- 'that's just who they are'

Not being easily offended, or caring what others think is a liberating quality- but it can also limit one's inner circle of friends to individuals that have really good self-esteem, are very thick skinned, or are extremely forgiving. I think I'm ok with that.

Buy a Beach House Instead of Paying Your Kid's Tuition

2010-07-13T18:55:00.006-06:00

Often the topic of saving for our child's college education comes up in conversation (bizarre, I know, but it does- with complete strangers) here's the earth shattering news, hold your breath- it's coming- I'm not paying for my daughter's schooling, she's paying for that herself.

When this statement is made I'm received with the same shock I would have received had I declared I was shipping my 18 month old off to Siberia. The idea that a child should work for and hence value their education is foreign.

I find interesting the volumes of successful people that scrimped, saved and scratched their way to financial prosperity that turn around and deny their children of the same experiences. Out of love our children we want to give them everything, but in doing so we rob them of the some of the most valuable and rare lessons children can learn- how to work, how to save, how to decide that there is something you want and to go through physical pain and self denial to EARN it.

(Yes, this is me- I was indeed, a dancing banana)

I didn't sweat in a banana suit all summer so that I could turn around and not have my children work, I worked hard so I could have security and move towards my dream- a house on the beach. And hopefully, with the lessons my children learn by working, saving and sacrificing, they will be able to buy their own beach houses.

There's a level of self esteem that is achieved only through working and self-sacrifice, knowing that you can make it just fine on your own. If we don't teach that lesson to our kids prior to college, or in college- when are they going to learn it?

After getting over the initial shock that a middle class American family doesn't believe in saving for their kid's college we receive a 'Good For You!'. I have yet to hear a person speak to the benefits of parents picking up the full tab for their child's education. If you know of some- I'm open to them, but until I'm convinced- we're saving for a beach house.

(Disclaimer: If your parents paid for your education I do not think you're a spoiled brat that has no concept of work, some of us were not lucky enough to be born with the work gene, you were- congratulations. If you're successful at sports or academics this again obviously doesn't apply to you because if you were really good then you got a scholarship and if you weren't really good and just played for fun- well, you had your reward so then yes this does apply to you, you should have gotten a job and paid for your school because you were a b-rated athlete, come to think about it unless you're the best at athletics what's the point? People that train their lives and then don't make it to the Olympics- talk about an investment with no payout. Why don't they ever show THOSE stories during the Olympic games- the hundreds of people that gave it their best and it wasn't good enough so they had to go into medical equipment sales because that's the only place an ex-athlete can get a job, and their real dreams were never fulfilled and unlike the rest of us who sit back and think 'well I never gave it my all so maybe I could have achieved' these people actually gave it their all and failed, which must really suck, unless they found a new dream- that is the story I'd like to see during the Olympic games- people who wanted to be Olympic athletes, failed and then realized their true calling and joy through selling sports equipment or creating nonprofit children's camps, whichever . And if you never went to college, I don't think you're lazy either, more CEO's come from the school of hard knocks than Harvard so you're cool...you're cool)

How Much Should I Pay My Babysitter?

2010-06-16T04:10:00.007-06:00

How much I pay my babysitter is a physical manifestation of just how much I value my child's life and happiness. I value the person who will be responsible for calling 911 more than I value my waitress. I know we're not suppose to be prideful, however I take pride in what I pay my babysitters. It's due to being an undervalued babysitter in my youth.

I once was asked to go on 'vacation' with a family. (Vacation being an Amway seminar in Arizona) I spent 90% of my time trapped in a hotel room watching kids. After the 'vacation' was over the family didn't pay me, as the thought taking me on 'vacation' was payment enough.

This was 50% my fault and 50% the fault of my father. Yes, I blame my dad for my being an underpaid babysitter. My dad is a great salesman. He should have passed on his knowledge as to how to properly sell your product, that being: You tell people what you charge before you give them the product. You don't give someone a service and then gratefully take what ever they deem right to give to you.

This mentality of taking whatever someone thinks you're worth with out demanding what you think you're worth is a bad road to go down at the age of 12. If we teach our daughters when asked to babysit to tell people upfront what they charge for their services, in lieu of just taking what they're given- it sends a simple and powerful message to this young girl. It's a small means of empowerment to young women. Teaching a girl to evaluate what she's worth, put a price on it, and have the courage to ask for it, not settling for what someone else thinks they're worth and just taking it.

So, how does one pay a babysitter?

Ask the babysitter what she charges. If she says "whatever you want to pay me" start negotiating. Can I pay you in cookies? How's $1 an hour? Make her tell you what she wants to be paid. If she doesn't give a price, tell her she's not going to get paid at all. Most will under quote- so what ever she says, pay her more. Call it a tip.

She'll build self-esteem and be more attentive to the children, because it will be viewed as a real job. Hopefully someday we'll all take more pride in what we pay our care givers, than in what we paid for our jewelery.

Not The Little Mermaid!

2010-06-04T10:00:00.003-06:00

Advertising works. The strongest form of advertising, product placement. Just as product placement worked for Reese's Pieces, it also works for morals, values, and social norms. I believe that the acceptance of homosexuality is largely due to the introduction of homosexuality into media, starting small with the Lesbian Wedding on Friends, to Will and Grace, now most sitcoms now have the loveable homosexual sidekick.

This is why I flipped out over The Little Mermaid coming into my home.

Maybe flipped out is strong, but that DVD went right back into the netflix envelope from which it came. Brent's rational for ordering it: "I thought Samantha would like the songs." Oh, but the songs are about disobeying your parents, giving up your talents, ignoring your family and responsibility, sacrificing everything for a boy, and in your defiance living happily ever after, and all at the age of 16.

I've previously blogged about how Disney Princesses are the root of all evil, so recently a good friend forwarded this to me, which perfectly says why I am against everything princess and you'll never again find the Little Mermaid in my home.

The American Flag disrespectful to Americans?

2010-05-11T12:50:00.000-06:00

There are so many things wrong with the Live Oak Highschool incident it's hard to know where to begin.

The key to my frustration is this mentality:
"I think they should apologize cause it is a Mexican Heritage Day," Annicia Nunez, a Live Oak High student, said. "We don't deserve to be get disrespected like that. We wouldn't do that on Fourth of July."

If you're an American, how can the American flag ever be considered disrespectful?

Should all of the Americans that are now living in England get royally offended if the British dare to wave their flag on the Fourth of July?

It's hard to empathise with a group that wants our healthcare and educational system free of charge but then finds the flag of the country that is footing the bill 'disrespectful'.

Ponzi Schemes Worse Than Rape?

2010-04-17T04:57:00.012-06:00

Bernie Madoff got sentenced to 150 years in prison for stealing money.

John Albert Gardner was given 6 years for molesting and beating a 13 year old.

Who would you rather have living next door?

We live in a society where it is a greater crime to steal money than destroy lives.

In what reality does 6 years in prison make up for a young girl being traumatized for the rest of her life? Not only that, a young girl who was only alive because she was able to escape?

Let's ignore for A SECOND that John Gardner just admitted to the murders of two beautiful girls- Chelsea King, and Amber Dubois- and stick with a 13 year old girl's life was destroyed and our society thinks that the punishment for that should be less than that of theft. Steal money from rich people, big time in prison-destroy a little girls life- slap on the hand.

Sure, now that the guy has actually murdered someone, let's put him in prison but gee, it was just sexual assault and the beating of a 13 year old- that's not as bad as a Ponzi scheme. The national media coverage is virtually zero, even now that he has pleaded guilty.

Those that are responsible for releasing these predators back into society need to be held accountable- the DA, the panel who gives these people parole- at the very least jobs need to be lost and at the most- they need to be tried.

Let the Bernie Madoffs of the world being back on the street in order to make room for John Garnders- on their FIRST OFFENSE. Release the drug users (not dealers) and fill our prisons with rapists and murders.

It's a sad but true statement that in our 'civilized society' money is far more important than lives.

Death and April 15th

2010-04-14T11:00:00.005-06:00

When deciding how much you have with held from your paycheck each year ask one question:

When you die do you want to owe the government or do you want the government to owe you?

Here's a previous post explaining why it is in your best interest to OWE taxes in April- that's right, if you're getting a return- you failed.

'Blinkers indicate weakness'

2010-02-18T18:34:00.005-07:00

There's a lot we've learned from this two week move to Dallas, namely- take more than 2 weeks to move.

We decided to get a POD to put everything that we'd move into our house, and got a uhaul trailer for everything in our apartment. We learned that when the wife says "That's not going to be enough space" She's right, because she knows exactly how much stuff you own.

On the bright side, we did the calculation of what it would cost to get an additional unit, so we made sure that the cost to replace all items given away would be less than that cost, so we felt like we came out a head- but it was still hard to give away our trashcan. Brent loved that can.

Also learned that if you happen to snap off the passenger mirror of the vehicle that will be towing the a fore mentioned U-Haul, 4 days prior to the move, you should take the vehicle to the dealership service department and not a body shop. Long story short, this will force you to tow a u-haul through a snow and windstorm for 20 hours staying entirely in the right lane due to your temporary mirror not having warmers and being rendered completely useless.

We decided to get an apartment close to work, then figure out where we want to buy.

We thought this was smart, this was stupid.

We SHOULD have looked for an apartment close to CHILD CARE. Kory silly Kory assumed she'd be able to find decent childcare anywhere, not so. Decent Childcare has a waiting list- especially if your child is under 18 months. Luckily we had some friends in town that knew of some EXCELLENT childcare. Draw back of EXCELLENT childcare- Holly Mackerel it's expensive! Bonus of excellent childcare, expensive means that there's an opening. Luckily there was space available in one that is located 7 miles in the opposite direction of our commute, in a nicer part of town, with better apartments.

Texas drivers are insane. INFREAKINSANE. LA drivers have NOTHING on Dallas. When talking to someone about how no one here uses their blinkers they smiled and said, "In Dallas, using your blinker indicates weakness"

I have a feeling we have a lot more learning coming our way.

Why I'm glad I did NOT have children earlier

2010-01-29T10:56:00.006-07:00

While going on and on about how wonderful my little girl is my mom asked, "Now don't you wish you started having children earlier?" My answer "Not in the slightest"

Which at first glance may sound strange- why wouldn't you want the best thing that ever happened to you to happen sooner than it did?

Because I wouldn't have appreciated it had it come sooner to the degree that I appreciate it now.

I sat next to a man on a plane who's wife after 14 years of marriage decided she didn't want to be married anymore. She felt like she had missed out on life and needed to leave her 3 children, go to bars, travel and 'live life'. Those of us that waited to get married, and have children will never have the 'what if?' thoughts. I never wonder what life is like living on the beach and being completely self centered because I got to live it, and now I know for myself that I have the better part. The biggest benefit from having that selfish lifestyle in my early 20's is that I know it's worthless in my 30's.

Let me put this another way: I worked for Stryker. Stryker is a very reputable company, pharma reps, medical reps, pretty much everyone wants to work for Stryker.
While I was at Stryker I worked with a guy who had a very coveted job- and by sheer luck he got it straight out of college. When I talked to him I could sense that he fully did not appreciate the opportunity presented him. So much so that after having the job for only 6 months he decided to go back to school to get his MBA, because he missed the fun days of college.

Many men with MBAs would have done anything for his job, but because he had not experienced the workforce, because the exceptional job had come too early- he did not appreciate it and threw it away. I've talked to him since and after a number of people he respected in his MBA program told him he was a moron for leaving Stryker, he now deeply regrets his decision- but there's no going back.

I am a better wife and mother because I've experienced 11 years in a singles ward, I've dated hundreds of guys, been to foreign places. I can never take my husband for granted because I still have nightmares about being single.

I stare into my little girl's eyes and there is an appreciation for her that I would not have had at 19, 23 or even 26. The best thing that ever happened to me happened at the ripe age of 32- and I wouldn't have it any other way.

(Dear women who have made different choices than myself, The above post is not an attack on your life choices. The post is not to tell you I'm better than you. This post is not about you- it's about me, because this is my blog. )

If 5'4" Brunettes From San Diego were Terrorists

2010-01-11T06:09:00.000-07:00

If suddenly a group of 5'4" brunettes that had spent a good portion of their life in San Diego started bombing airplanes, how would I feel if airport security pulled me out of the line to do any extra security check each time I went through?

More over, how would I feel if they didn't pull me aside to do a security check but delayed an African for an extra security check?

Every time they'd pull me over in security I'd thank them. Because hell, I don't want to die in a plane crash either and if it was a known FACT that only brunettes from San Diego were terrorising the skies I'd want every single one of my kind getting the pat down. If I knew I had to plan to be at the airport an extra 45 minute early because of the color of my hair and place of my origin- I'd be just fine with that.

Moreover, if I saw security letting me go through, but taking someone who obviously did NOT fit the profile aside, I'd be ticked. Really ticked.

I'm having a hard time understanding why Arabs and Muslims that love America and do not want their planes to go down in flames take issue with profiling for additional screening.

If the roles were reversed, I'd be happy to take the extra 15 minutes in security to ensure that those 5'4" brunettes were caught and that the skies were safe to fly.

Lesson from 11th grade required reading

2010-01-05T11:58:00.010-07:00

The Grapes of Wrath. Hated it.

I did retain something from that 11th grade required reading- the unemployed moved to where there was work, they didn't just sit around hoping the work would come to them.

So, we're contemplating a move, brace yourself, it's NOT to Southern California ( the 10% 'just because' tax solidified that we will indeed never return to the promised land). As a good friend put it, I'm moving "where the 80's went to die."- Dallas, Texas.

People like to tell me how much they hate Dallas, but once Texas secedes from the union, and we make Ron Paul our King - they'll be singing a different tune.

And the Lazy Shall Inherit the Earth...

2009-12-01T12:20:00.005-07:00

After calculating how much we're saving in childcare expenses, saving in taxes, and getting in unemployment- if Brent returns to a job making EXACTLY what he was making-our NET additional take home is only an additional $1200 A MONTH.

Granted going back to work means we'd be able to contribute more to charity, employ two people, and of course, increase government revenue by paying more taxes - but with the tax laws being what they are, and unemployment being as generous as it is, why would anyone be eager to return to the workforce for a mere $1200 a month?

The Most Annoying Ad on TV

2009-11-16T16:43:00.003-07:00

Why is USPS advertising?
Am I the only one that sees this as grossly wrong?

A GOVERNMENT program, that has countless issues, is losing loads of money is using tax payer dollars to advertise itself.

Here's a thought- if no one is using a government service- why not get rid of it?

The USPS gets subsidized by our taxes, FedEx and UPS don't.
GM got subsidized by our taxes, Ford didn't. (Did you SEE last months earnings?)

Ladies and Gentlemen, there is a pattern here. The government should never enter the free market with services subsidized with the taxes of their competitors.

The USPS commercials really aren't that bad- but knowing that my taxes help payed for it annoys the hell out of me.

Robbing Peter to Pay Pelosi

2009-10-02T05:13:00.004-06:00

Can someone explain why groups, entities or businesses that "need" government funding, and then are granted dollars out of the pockets of hard working Americans are then permitted to turn around and give money to political figures, lobbyists, or campaigns in hopes of them granting MORE funds to said organization?

It's a terrible cycle. A business, group, union needs money so they SPEND money petitioning congressmen, senators, throw fundraisers, GIVE money to campaigns, or lobby for reform that would give them taxpayer dollars- the government then takes money from the tax payers to give to these groups, who in return a portion back to their peeps in government, who take more from the taxpayers to give to said groups, who give back some to their government peeps, who take more from the taxpayers....

If any entity gets money from the US Government in the form of a subsidy, grant, or otherwise they should there forward be restricted in contributing anything, ANYTHING to any government party, person, function, proposition, reform- regardless of party.

Sure members of that organization can do what they want, but the organization itself must be banned from all political activity while receiving tax payer dollars.

The Audacity of Hos

2009-09-18T06:55:00.006-06:00

I've been trying to figure out a way to get my liberal friends opinions on our unbiased media's coverage of ACORN...

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart

Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c

The Audacity of Hos

www.thedailyshow.com

Daily Show
Full Episodes

Political Humor

Healthcare Protests

Quick Question

2009-09-10T17:12:00.005-06:00

Which is worse- for someone to lie or be disrepectful?

I'm not saying either is good but, if you had a choice, would you rather be disrepected or lied to?

Environmental McCarthyism in Utah

2009-08-28T18:12:00.010-06:00

I'm all about saving the environment.

My husband's 2006 VW Diesel Jetta gets 40 miles to the gallon.

We just received a letter from the county that an anonymous tipster said it was blowing out black smoke and destroying mother earth.

We now have to drive to a county inspection service, pay $50 for that service to prove that are car was not tampered with.

The county will not release the name of this tipster. Despite what the constitution says, we can not face our accusers.

You all know how much I hate anonymous commenters. Cowards that throw poison darts, self-righteous commentary and criticism with out taking any accountability for their words.

It had to be a holier than thou Prius driver. Good thing we turned in our aluminum cans to be recycled last week so we have some cash on hand to pay for this environmental zealot. I'm almost tempted to NOT recycle my cardbord this month. That'll show 'em!

Poor Snobs

2009-08-22T07:48:00.003-06:00

I've recently encountered a major amount of snobbery.
People that are too good to shop at walmart.
Too good to shop at DI.
Regardless of the exact same items (I'm talking Brand Name Items) being sold at Walmart for 1/2 the price of Babies R Us.
The same people that would never wear a moisenite regardless of it being indistinguishable between a diamond.

These people happen to be the people that have either declared bankruptcy, have a great deal amount of debt, or do not own their own homes.

When I talk to these people I get the "That's not good enough from me" attitude and I can't understand it, mostly because I know that they have no money.

Those that have money, do not have this attitude.

I know books have been written about this- The Millionaire Next Door and Suzy Orman talks about it in a number of her books- those that live modestly have more money, but it's starting to drive me crazy.

It's as bad as unwarranted arrogance.

But then again, it's not like congress is much different.

Congress Bait and Switch

2009-07-27T11:21:00.000-06:00

True- I benefited from the cash for clunkers program, a program that allegedly was formulated to assist getting gas guzzling cars off the road and help with climate change. However the program has one massive flaw- you must exchange your gas guzzler for a NEW more efficient car. This program can be used only by people in a certain income range- namely those that can afford a new car in a recessionary period. Which leaves us asking the follwoing questions:

If our democrat congress is so intent on helping the poor, why didn't they give assistance to those that can afford a used car and not a new car?

If the intent is to assist with climate change why the stipulation that you must purchase a new car, why not a more fuel efficient used car?

Isn't it more environmentatlly friendly to utlize the used fuel efficient cars on the market than the new fuel efficient car? Why on earth would our congress that is SO SO SO conserned with the environment be against someone trading in their gas guzzler for a 2007 Prius?

Who benefits from the 'new car' stipulation?

Auto Unions. This 'climate change' initative is just another way to funnel tax payer dollars back to the unions. AUTO UNIONS benefit from the words "NEW CAR" not the environment and not Americans. Those same unions that keep funneling campaign funds into the democrat party. Those unions that now own GM and Chrystler.

Your Tax Dollars Bought My Car

2009-07-24T11:21:00.002-06:00

This cash for clunkers program is a completely flawed program. The individuals who drive cars that would qualify as a 'clunker' can't afford to buy a new car. Or if they can afford a new car and their car is classified as a clunker it's worth more than $4500 so they'd just resell it.

I've been driving my 2000 Grand Jeep Cherokee for 7 years an I was determined to drive it until it rolled over and died. My 4 wheel drive is out which makes it not the most terribly safe car in the world and it's blue book value is under $2,000. The transmission is slipping, it has over 135,000 miles on it and I'm concerned about safety with the new baby. I feel like it could die any day or last another year and a half.

The husband works for Ford and we get a pretty sweet discount. We also qualify for 0%financing. We are the perfect storm that this bill was designed for. So am I buying a hybrid? No. I'm buying an Edge. I'm trading in my SUV for a more economical cross-over all wheel drive. You'll probably find truck drivers trading in their old trucks for new trucks with better gas mileage.

Congress set out to create a bill that would encourage people to get rid of their old gas guzzlers and buy cars that would have a less damaging effect on the environment. The cash for clunkers program will have little to no effect on the environment and a good portion of the money will most likely go unused due to the stipulations put on the bill. If congress can't perfect a program as simple as getting environmentally damaging cars off the road- why are we going to trust them with brain surgery?

The Law of Sacrifice

2009-07-06T07:58:00.000-06:00

The law of sacrifice is simple- you love what you make sacrifices for.

Mothers spend 9 months in pain and suffering to bring a new child into the world, they love the child.

A 12 year old boy mows laws all summer long to save up to buy a new bike, he takes care of the bike he worked so hard to earn.

The husband who sacrifices personal wants to meet his wife's wants, loves his wife more.

The man who gives up years of his life, who spends time away from the comforts of home family and hot showers for his country, has a deeper love for his country than the average citizen.

The $100 you are given you don't value nearly as much as the $100 you earned.

This law is why our welfare system is flawed, why handouts don't work and why microloans are successful- microloans are given to help people work- they require sacrifice.

This law is why the millenials are a useless workforce, few have been required to sacrifice for any of their education or their belongings, they're entering the workforce with a sense of entitlement.

This law is why socialism and communism doesn't work- when the few sacrifice for the many, the many take it for granted.

This law is why congress is spending our money faster than our children can earn it-they have made no scarifies for the money they spend.

The law of sacrifice, that we love what we spend our time and energy on is a true principle. Fathers that spend the money they earn and the spare time they have on their children rather than themselves, love their children more than themselves and are less likely to leave their families in pursuit of selfish desires.

The law of sacrifice isn't talked about nearly enough in philosophy or in every day conversation. It's not given enough credit for the societal good it brings.

We've become a nation, a country, a people where sacrifice is not expected nor admired. We expect others to sacrifice, other's to provide but rarely if ever expect it from ourselves.

What US government run healthcare looks like

2009-06-24T14:24:00.005-06:00

A man attacked by a rottweiler was rolled into the ER and they called the orthopedic surgeon (a good friend and customer of mine) to work on him. The surgeon spent 6 hours on surgery- and saved this man's arm and leg which could have easily been amputated.

The surgeon submitted his claim to medicare, and it came back denied- because the surgery was too complex to bill. If the surgeon had amputated the man's arm and leg he would have gotten paid.

We don't need to look to other nations or come up with theory as to how government run health care would look like, (not that Gibbs nor the president can name a single payer system that they'd want to emulate) just look to medicare and Medicaid- that IS US government run health care.

I know some are going to put some wonderful stories about how medicare and Medicaid are perfect and delightful and the best thing that ever happened to you- well maybe not you but your cousin's best friend's dad...swell. But if we're already in a system where some people get great health care and others don't, why spend trillions of taxpayer dollars recreating another unfair and unsuccessful system with the same problems, except the problems are owned and created by the government, instead of the free market? A system that will restrict a greater majority of the population's choices and reduce the quality of healthcare for all?

The current system leaves some with out healthcare and carrying a debt of huge bills, the new system will incentivize physicians to amputate your arms and legs rather than save them? Why waste our money?

Does the word 'duh' mean anything to you?

2009-06-15T06:37:00.003-06:00

In the state of California ALL new fathers (this is not a state employee program-it's availble to every single new dad) get six weeks off work, paid- courtesy the California taxpayers. The state of California gives new fathers up to $917 a week to 'bond' with their new child, or play golf- what ever they see fit.

My brother will be getting paid $5,400 to not work for 6 weeks. He thinks the program is a collosial waste of money, but he's not one to pass up free money from the state of California, especially since his tax return came back as an IOU.

Our 'unbiased' media

2009-06-09T02:56:00.004-06:00

GM hires Community Organizer as CEO

2009-06-04T08:56:00.005-06:00

So did Chrystler, AIG, and a number of financial institutions.

Sounds pretty idiotic but oh, America you did it. Good thing you wrote off Mitt Romney and his pesky business acumen- I mean, he CHANGED his opinion on abortion! Imagine the impact THAT would have had on the economy. Seriously, why would the president need to know how to run a business.....

Koryeducation

2009-05-28T07:23:00.004-06:00

There needs to be some financial perks for successfully homeschooling your kids. Parents voluntarily taking strain off the public school system to educate their own children.

There should also be some perks for parents who pay for private schools. Again, the choice to put children in private education leaves more resources in public system.

Why not a tax credit equal to approximately 1/2 of what it costs to put the child in the public education system for parents that go another route?

"Homosexuality won't be taught in public schools"

2009-05-26T06:52:00.000-06:00

One of the main arguments for Prop 8 was that with out it Homosexuality would be taught in schools to children, with out the parents having any say in their child's education. Those against Prop.8 said Judeo/Christians were paranoid. Looks like they weren't paranoid enough.

California doesn't need Gay Marriage to indoctrinate kindergartners with homosexuality

We're all Californians

2009-05-19T04:24:00.004-06:00

Want to know what the country is going to look like after the Obama administration is done with it?
Look to California.

They've valued unions, the environment, special interest groups, and illegal immigrants. And what do you know, they're bankrupt.

If you want to balance a budget you've got 2 options, Tax More or Spend Less. That's it people- it's like loosing weight, you can either eat less or exercize more. Californians don't want to do either- well, now that they have to pay the taxes themselves they don't want to raise them.

I know, big business is the devil, but when big business leaves, who's going to pay for special interests? Obama thinks everyone should sacrifice self interest to work for non-profits, but who will non-profits have to beg donations from when businesses go under? What happens when we open the boarder to illegal immigrants that use our services but can't pay for them? When we shut down farmers to save a fish? Who's going to pick up the check?

California taxed the hell out of those that produce, those that produced left, and there is no one left to pay the bill. California raised environmental regulations to the point where many companies found it hard to function, good thing we have NAFTA. California has millions of illegal immigrants that go to school and use their health care system with out shelling out a dime, someone has to pay for that.

California being a liberal isn't cheap. It's time to step up to the plate and pay for those ideas that you cling to.

Why are Californians running congress? We're letting a state that has run itself into the ground lead the way for this nation. You want to see what's going to happen to this country when special interests, unions, illegal immigrants and environmentalists take over? When the environment is given more value than humans? Want to see what the US is going to look like after the Californians in congress and Obama have their way? Look West.

My Type A Personality Has Taken Over

2009-05-18T08:41:00.002-06:00

My favorite part of Halloween? Organizing the candy. Last easter I color cordinated the jelly beans that went in the plastic easter eggs. I've decided that I can't mix politics and motherhood, 2 of my readers could care less about my political rants the other 4 don't want to have to read about the mom stuff so it's official, drum roll please............

I have a MOM blog.

This Blog will now be dedicated strictly to my political venting.

Obama eliminates the MORMON question

2009-05-16T08:07:00.003-06:00

CNN did a story about Obama tapping Governor Huntsman of Utah to be the Ambassador to China. They mentioned he learned Chinese when he served a mission.

Since this is Obama's pick, Huntsman just served a mission- had this been McCain's pick, Bush's pick, it would have been an LDS mission. I have read a few other stories that have mentioned the word LDS or Mormon mission, but that is the end of the discussion.

This goes back to the Harry Reid issue- if a player is part of the Democrat agenda- there is no Mormon issue- however, if it's part of the Republican agenda watch the media go full court press on religion.

Take note that religion will not even be remotely touched on in the vetting of Governor Huntsman. I'm glad, this was a very good call by President Obama. Wouldn't it have been nice if Romney had been given the same respect?

The Solution to American Disinterst in Politics? Steroids and Boobs

2009-05-12T17:52:00.006-06:00

I've figured out how to get American's more interested in politics- boob jobs for all US Senators and Congressmen, official attire, evening gowns- and you can't wear the same gown twice in a row. This works well for the women but the men, well, who wants to see Harry Reid in a speedo. But what if Harry Reid did steroids? Hmm..?

A well spoken black man in a suit says something, it gets ignored- a hot blond says it, and it's front page news- can't drop the story for a full two weeks, she gets vilified and requires a massive press conference.

The economy is in financial ruin, senators and congressmen that put us in this financial ruin- minimal interest- they get highlighted for a day or two but hey, everyone makes mistakes- why call an investigation? No need to hold these ugly men accountable, they just cost your children 60 cents of every dollar they'll earn but Dude, steroids in baseball? Call out the national guard we've got a major crisis on our hands!

So the solution in drawing attention to the real issues at hand, boobs and steroids. All male us senators have to do roids, and all female ones have to get the boobs- and maybe the American people will start paying attention to them.

What's your take?

2009-05-08T09:00:00.004-06:00

I have a very strong opinion in the following situation, but I am most definitely biased so I'm throwing this out to the six of you: What do you think?

This guy, we'll refer to him as "The Catch" is a really good, fun, smart guy that is at the point in his life where he'd like to get married. He's been dating a number of girls over the past three months but one stands out that he likes a bit more than the rest- he doesn't want to spend Friday and Saturday night with her, and really doesn't care if she dates other guys- but she's pretty, smart and fun. We'll refer to her as young girl.

Young girl really likes the catch, and she's not so thrilled that he's dating other girls. It hurts her feelings that he's dating her AND other women so young girl tells The Catch that he has to be exclusive in dating her or not date her at all. "Be my boyfriend or you can't date me"

The Catch likes this girl a lot, and wants to continue dating her, and is willing to stop seeing other women in order to keep young girl around, but he recently met another girl (who'll we'll refer to as the total package) that he hit it off with, and a big part of him would like to continue dating her as well, and is nervous that if things don't go anywhere with young girl he may lose his opportunity with the total package. Still he feels he owes it to himself to see if it can go anywhere with young girl, even though he innately doesn't like her enough to want to spend time exclusively with her.

What do you think?

Flash Back Friday- Scrubs

2009-05-08T07:23:00.005-06:00

Hey remember when Scrubs was funny? There are few shows that have nailed hilariousness and then taken a total nose dive Scrubs- I accidentally stumbled upon the last 3 minutes of the show's finale last week- the show should have been put out of it's misery 2 years ago.

Favorite Clip:

Favorite Musical Guest:

The last funny episode:

Scubs may you rest in peace, you'll live on forever on comedy central.

Riddle Me This....

2009-05-04T15:56:00.006-06:00

You go to work each day, and a portion of your day's wages is given to your competitor. You actually work x amount of days a year so that the competition can stay in business.

Or better yet- your competitor is out of business because he managed it poorly, but you are told that you must work x days a year to pay for your competitor's employees health care,long after your competitor has closed their doors on business. You wake up in the morning, put on your shoes and give 8 hours of hard labor x days a year to pay for your ex-competition's ex-employees benefits.

Fair? Unfair? Just? Unjust?

What do you do?

The Media Hates American Cars

2009-04-29T13:05:00.011-06:00

The Ford Fusion Hybrid has proven it can get up to 81 miles to the gallon (and not just by hypermilers that are driving in Nebraska at 20 mph)

Read about it Here

A domestic automobile company has produced a car that has guts, is comfortable and dare I say- ecofriendly and fuel efficient, but where is the story? Why isn't this front page news?

Americans want to like American cars- we want to believe in American goods, we just need a reason to have faith in Detroit.

Ford has produced a pretty darn good reason for faith in their product and the American way- it shouldn't be too suprising that the powers that be would like to ignore it.

A Distrubing Trend Sweeping America

2009-04-27T15:43:00.005-06:00

I blame Anne Geddes.

DOUBLE your vote against senate incumbents-

2009-04-23T06:04:00.011-06:00

Hate the incumbent for your state seats in congress? Would you like to DOUBLE your vote against that individual? Change political parties.

You hate the Republican that holds your state seat? Become a republican. You hate the democrat in the senate- become a democrat.

The goal in 2010: get rid of all incumbents in congress, a congress has had a lower approval rating than Bush.

By changing parties you can vote against ypur incumbent twice- in the primaries AND in the general election. You get two chances to fire that imbecile that feels immune to the voter’s wrath.

What many fail to recognize is that conressional primaries are more important than the general election.

Most voters will walk into the general election looking at the D or the R, by changing parties you make sure that that D or R is not the same one that has been siiting there for 20+ years.

Are you going to trust that party you dislike so much to fire the individual that is allegedly representing your vote in congress? That person isn’t the opposing party’s candidate, that's your vote, your lawmaker, your employee. Use your voice, use your vote, take control and fire that candidate yourself in the primaries.

We’re all going to have to be bigger than the labels we’ve become proud of.

You stick to your guns and your party- you take pride in that D or the R that you've become accustomed to, you're valuing the label more than your political beliefs.

Example: Utah
In 2008 Chaffetz beat out incumbent Chris Cannon in the primaries. Utah is going to vote R either way in the general election- so those that voted in the primaries made sure they didn’t get the same fat cat R that they’d had for 12 years prior. If they’re going to have to have a Republican representing them, the last thing they wanted was the same one.

California Republicans- want to fire Barbara Boxer? Become a democrat.
Connecticut Conservatives- hate Chris Dodd? Become a democrat.

Just can't bring yourself to do it? Well then don't bitch and moan when the incumbent is there for another 6 years. You have a fair shot to get rid of them, all it costs you is a bit of pride.

3 Years down, time & all eternity to go

2009-04-22T07:14:00.008-06:00

Like all people who have been married for a very short amount of time, I’m full of unsolicited advice about dating and marriage. Exactly 3 years ago I ended a long, fun run of singlehood- since one of my 6 readers happens to be single, here’s my unsolicited advice:

You choose who you fall in love with
Contrary to every romantic comedy around- you decide who you fall in love with. You decide what is attractive. Now, many people fall in love with less than desirables- my question is: why are you dating a less than desirable in the first place? You want to marry someone that is out of debt and has a steady job- you only date people that are out of debt and have steady jobs. You want to marry someone nice, only date nice people. This “I can’t help it, I love them” is a load of crap.

You can’t teach nice
You also can’t teach work ethic. Most girls want to date someone who is spontaneous, will make them laugh until they cry & loves to travel. Not many men are afraid of traveling, or hate laughing. So what if he isn’t the funniest guy in the world. Those things can be learned, but look for inherent traits that can’t be learned- like kindness, work ethic, loyalty….

There is a difference between attractive and hot
An attractive 25 year old will be an attractive 45 year old. A hot 25 year old, you’ve got no such guarantee.

Do what you’ve always done you’ll get what you’ve always got

Don’t look for apples on an orange tree
My grandfather use to say, “If you want to find apples, go to an apple tree” A friend of mine wants to marry a good church going girl- but he kept picking up girls at bars- um, newsflash, if you want to marry a church going girl…go to church.

You knew what it was when you picked it up
It kills me how many men marry a princess and then are genuinely surprised when she acts like a princess.

I'm opening this up to the rest of you- what piece of advice would you give a person that is on the hunt for a mate?

Just (gonna) Do It!

2009-04-20T11:13:00.005-06:00

I'm registered for the Walt Disney World marathon. Anyone else feeling masochistic today?

All runners are on the perpetual hunt for new running music- so as a public service here is my extensive list- please please please- if you've got some tuneage you love that's not listed- share.

80's Throwbacks

Love and Affection- Nelson

Poison- Alice Cooper

The Globe, Rush- Big Audio Dynamite

Rock this Party- Bob Sinclare

Brand New Lover- Dead or Alive

Pour Some Sugar on Me- Def Lepord

Remixed

Charles in Charge- Reliant K

Mexican Radio- Authority Zero

Jessie's Girl- Frickin' A

O'Lamor- Big Mamma

What is love- Haddaway

Listen to your heart- DHT

Something about you- Hatrias

What a feeling- DJ Bobo

Don't stop believin'- The Hitmaker

Why- DJ Sammy

Under Pressure- The Used/My Chemical Romance

Faith- Limp Bizkit

Rubberneckin'(Paul Oakenfold remix)

Call on Me- Eric Prydz

Beat it- Fall Out Boy

Take on me- Reel Big Fish

Other

Good, Extra Ordinary, Desperately Wanting- Better Than Ezera

Middle of nowhere- Hot hot heat

Sinner- Big B

Come baby come- K7

Machine Head- Bush

Show me the money-Petey Pablo

1-2-3-4 coolio

Weapon of Choice- Fat Boy Slim

The Terribly Obvious
All things Britney
Fergie

The Ramones
Angels and Airwaves

Blink 182

Offspring

Beastie Boys

All-American Rejects

Good Charlotte

Kanye West

Avril

Rihanna

Rage Against The Machine

Katy Perry

Anything with 'jump' in the title

And my current favorite: The Veronica's Untouched

Brainwashing

2009-04-16T06:52:00.004-06:00

There is a brainwashing more threatening than subtle marketing campaigns, more devilish than value depraved entertainment, more cunning than the propaganda laced history books lurking in our children's classrooms- brainwashing that has affected millions of lives in America- the silent member of the axis of evil, yes my friends, I'm talking about the evil empire of La Leche Leauge.

Every baby book designed to make a new mommy feel guilty, selfish, worthless if she does not give suck to her child. But WOAH HO! They don't mention that some babies like formula better! That going to a straight formula diet will help the baby's digestive system so you don't have to give the poor child an enema every 3 days! They don't tell you that formula will give your dear child regular naps, and get rid of the afternoon fussy time! Formula is liberating! Formula is GOOD! Formula is WONDERFUL! DEATH TO LA LECHE!!!!!

Obomanomics at its finest

2009-04-15T07:19:00.002-06:00

Scripture Study Gets Scary

2009-04-09T06:40:00.010-06:00

Caution: The following post is extremely Mormon

Mosiah 7:20
...it is because of our iniquities and abominations that he had brought us into bondage

21: And ye are all witnesses this day that Obama & Congress, who were made kings over this people, they being over-zealous to fix the economy and gain poitical favor, therefore being deceived by the cunning and craftiness of China who having entered into an agreement with China , and having yielded up into their hands the possessions of a part of the land, or even mortgaging the entire country to pay for secret combinations and pet projects

22: And all this China did for the sole purpose of bringing the American people into bondage. And behold, at this time we do pay tribute to China, to the amount of one half of our daily labors... and even one half of all we have or possess China does exact of us.

23: And now is this not grievous to be borne? And is not this, our affliction, great? Now behold, howe great reason we have to mourn.

25: For if this people had not fallen into transgression the Lord would not have suffered that this great evil should come upon them. But behold, they would not hearken unto his words...

29: For behold, the Lord hath said: I will not succor my people in the day of their transgression; but I will hedge up their ways that they prosper not: and their doings shall be as a stumbling block before them.

30: And again he saith: If my people shall sow filthiness they shallreap the chaff thereof in the whirlwind...

31: And again he saith: If my people shall sow filthiness they shall reap the east wind, which bringeth immediate destruction

32:: And now behold the promise of the Lord is fulfilled, and ye are smitten and afflicted

Guilty!

2009-04-08T07:34:00.009-06:00

Conversations in my brain: (James Joyce Style except with punctuation)

Oh man, the baby is farting like a 15 year old boy at scout camp. Maybe it's because she's getting a breast milk/formula combo, or it's because I have to take a stool softener. The diet coke could be why she's not getting much sleep, right, like giving up diet coke is an option- she's so unhappy when she toots, that can't be good- maybe I should go to just formula. Ooo, no more pumping in random parking lots before I go into a meeting when I'm traveling for work. Going to straight formula would be easier on her system, then we wouldn't have to give her an enema to go poop. Do I want her to go to formula just to make my life easier or hers? Hold up, every time I pump calories leave my body. I need calories to leave my body, but it may be better for her system to only have one kind of milk, and I could actually take pain meds and I'd get time back- oh sweet precious time. I'm selfish. Selfish vain mommy. Pump because it helps me loose weight but gives her painful gas, quit pumping to gain time and freedom, but baby gets no breast milk benefits. Plenty of really smart, neat people were raised on formula- do I really think that my child will be better with breast milk? But shouldn't I do everything i can for my baby's health? Does it matter? Am I really putting my kid in front of the tv at 3 months so I can exercise? Bad mommy. Then again, it's not like I'm going to sit there and wave colors at the kid while singing. It's just 15 minutes- but 15 minutes today, 30 minutes tomorrow, next thing I'll be using PBS to babysit my kid. A healthy mommy is a happy mommy, but what comes first: the happy mommy or the happy baby? Then again, she's happy when she's drinking formula, and laughs and giggles at baby einstein. With this much guilt I really should be Catholic.

Unwarranted Arrogance

2009-04-06T06:27:00.006-06:00

When I was single I often met boys who were not that attractive, didn't have an impressive career, weren't terribly dynamic, definitely didn't have any money, and were moderately intelligent at best- but completely arrogant.

I can understand a bit of arrogance when you're Brad Pitt, but nothing annoyed me more than unwarranted arrogance.

This past week one of Obama's comments has gotten a lot of press- that America is arrogant. If America is indeed arrogant when it comes to our European counterparts it may have something to do with our forefathers dying to liberate Europe, our tax dollars continually flowing into Europe and the rest of the world for aid, leading the world in charitable contributions and when ever there is some major dispute in the world, all eyes are to the U.S. of A. to do something about it.

It's funny that no one complains about the US arrogance when they're asking for our help.

Maybe someone who's forefathers didn't die in World Wars would think their sacrifice trite, maybe someone who doesn't sacrifice to give to charities that assist foreign nations would think the contributions minimal. It's those that have never lived by the Mexican border that would apologize for the American bodies getting in the way of Mexican drug cartel bullets. It's this unwarranted arrogance with which I take issue.

Good job B.O.- apologize for America in France- the HQ of unwarranted arrogance. Explain why he can apologize for our country when he has taken no part in the sacrifices this country has made.

I ask what has the president done that warrants his arrogance?

I have a minor crush on the president of the EU

2009-04-05T17:31:00.002-06:00

I rarely laugh while listening to NPR- but this weekend I burst out loud:

"Czech Prime Minister Mirek Topolanek called Obamanomics a 'Road to Hell'"

Gotta give it to those Czechs for calling it like it is.

Blessings making me cranky

2009-03-25T10:04:00.006-06:00

By 6 pm yesterday I was wiped out. That morning I got the best run in I've had in months, and between feedings I was on conference calls, typing with one hand while bouncing a baby on my knee, picked up my sister in law at the airport, catching up on all that I've missed in work over the past 3 months, dealing with spit up all over the floor, ran to the post office just before it closed to send a package off to my sister in Paraguay, and did about 3 loads of laundry.

Then around 8 pm I was cranky. I was worn out, tired and knew that this was my new life.

This morning I realized I was the most ungrateful creature on the planet. I was cranky because I was able to have a great job and take care of my healthy beautiful baby at the same time. I had a sister in law that helped me immensely in the afternoon yesterday and a sister who is out serving other people. I was exhausted because I was able to run. I was cranky because I was blessed.

If there is one thing I know, is that if we complain about our blessings God will surely take them away from us. I better watch out!

You like me! You really like me!

2009-03-19T08:13:00.007-06:00

Ok so maybe you don't like me, but my cousins that I've always looked up to and admired like me- and I consider that quite the accomplishment. I rarely care what others think of me but these classy ladies are the exception to that rule. (I retract that statement, I care when people like me, I don't care if they don't like me- I figure it's their loss)

They flattered me by interviewing me on their blog- read the bossy post here .

Hookin' a Brother Up

2009-03-17T06:51:00.011-06:00

I don't posses many talents, specifically, I have two: First- I can pick out the perfect pair of glasses for any face within the first 3 minutes of walking into a store.

The first talent has something to do with looking like this as a child:

It's become second nature to know which set of glasses is going to look best on any one's face. I know you're jealous, some of us were just blessed. I'm sorry, it's something that can't be taught, it's an inherent skill that took years to inquire. I just know. I'm probably going to be held accountable at the last days because I've been hiding this talent under a bushel.

Since I can't teach the first talent, I'll share some information on how to acquire the second- setting people up.

I've yet to meet anyone who can match my skills, I'll practically break my own arm patting myself on the back for this one. 2 Marriages, many fabulous realtionships and one couple that drove 1/2 way to Vegas to my name. (They really should have gotten married, I've never met a couple that was more Saturday's Warrior, but they had a Hubble situation on their hands. Kind of tragic really- anyhow I digress..) I've yet to have someone tell me that the date they set them up on was a mistake or that they couldn't see it going somewhere. Seriously, I'm good- so this is how it's done:

1st- Single people are not single because they can't get married, they're single because they've chosen not to get married yet. When contemplating setting up a single friend don't think "who do I know that's single?" think "who do I know that this person would get along splendidly with?"

2nd- Don't build up the blind date. Do let the two you are setting up know why you think they would like the other person- but don't say that they are 'so perfect for each other'. Keep the information about the other person as minimal as possible.

3rd- If you can avoid it, don't set up people on a blind date. The sneaky set up works best. Have a get together inviting a number of people who are single- but don't go pairing anyone off. Don't tell the people you'd like to meet that you're setting them up. Just create a casual and fun environment where the two can meet.

I enticed my neighbor to come to a dinner party by telling him I was going to set him up with one person, when in reality I wanted him to meet someone completely different. That way at the party he didn't feel any pressure when he met person #2. In addition, his roommate was a total flirt that I knew would monopolise person #2, so I didn't invite him. They now have 2 kids.

You'll find that most single people want to be set up if it's with someone that they will genuinely like, not if it's just someone else that is single- that's offensive. It's telling them that they should just settle for anyone.

Single friends: Am I missing anything here? Please share your insight-
And speaking of 'sight' (oh, sooo punny!)if you need some glasses give me a call, I'll hook ya up.

As a courtesy for all news reporters...

2009-03-12T09:37:00.006-06:00

After watching Obama, his terrible excuse for a press secretary (seriously, Robert Gibbs must have some serious blackmail on Obama that landed him that position), and congress over the past 50 days I've figured out the answer to all critisms directed at the whitehouse. No need to ask any tough questions, I've got your canned answers below:

You didn't hear any complaints about it when George Bush was president.

I inherited this problem from George Bush.

The Bush administration did the same thing.

And in regards to earmarks and reckless spending they sound like the coach of my highschool football team: Next year we'll get them!

Fabulous Item of the Week- a Milker

2009-03-09T11:11:00.003-06:00

Our home is cluttered with stuff we thought the baby might like. Swings, toys, chairs, there are few items I've decided I could live with out. But the one item that has made our lives so much easier- is the medela breast pump.

Sure, being milked isn't terribly glamorous, it's the same price as a car payment, but it's been worth every dime. It takes 10 minutes to pump versus 1 hour to feed. Love it, love it love it!

What is the one baby item that made your life easier?

I owe Mike Huckabee an apology

2009-03-03T11:41:00.006-07:00

You know, apparently I was overly critical during the nomination process, as our current president has shown that basic logic and math skills are indeed NOT required to be president.

According to Obama doom and gloom speeches over the past month, we're in store for another depression - which was they key argument for bulling the nation into buying in on his 1,000,000,000,000 spending package, however according to the white house budget, over the next 5 years we'll see unprecedented GDP growth rivaling China, which will cut our deficit in half! We will be in both a depression and have unparalleled prosperity!

Mike Huckabee- you have my apology, at least you were upfront about your shady math skills.

Overheard in Sunday School

2009-02-26T13:17:00.006-07:00

While reading in Mosiah 11 about wicked King Noah and how he burdened his people:

And he laid a tax of one fifth part of all they possessed, a fifth part of their gold and of their silver, and a fifth part of their bziff, and of their copper, and of their brass and their iron; and a fifth part of their fatlings; and also a fifth part of all their grain.

"One fifth? wouldn't that be nice"

The Consequences of Socialism

2009-02-26T13:08:00.004-07:00

Brent and I were talking about Obama's proposed taxes, and what will actually come to fruition. The result of which: I'll quit my job.

I did the math and I would rather spend 100% of my time at home than work 50% of the year for the government to support their reckless spending habits.

Then it dawned on me- that's the consequence of socialism, it no longer becomes beneficial for producers to produce. Smart producers figure out that they're supporting consumers- so they stop producing.

Is this what a Monarchy looks like?

2009-02-26T12:53:00.005-07:00

Where are the checks and balances? Where is due diligence? Has congress become nothing more than a bunch of yes-men for the president?

Nancy Pelosi's quads must be burning from that brutal work-out she gave them during the President's address to congress. You'd think that woman's seat was on fire. I was embarrassed for her.

We didn't elect a president we crowned a king, our congress is filled with noblemen, with no term limits that tax the people as they please, using our money to give favors to their friends, and retain power.

I'm not talking about democrats or republicans- I'm talking about a Senate full of useless, pompous, egotistical individuals that grow fat on the labor of the people. Government has become a great leech, and each day it grows, literally, each and every day.

A friend of mine compared Obama to Princess Di, with the fascination of the media- his face gleaning countless books and magazine covers- but there's a difference, he has more power than Princess Di, and none of the heart.

It's a do as I say and not as I do president. Obama is above it all- we may not have the right to keep our homes at 71 degrees, but he has the right to keep the white house at a sweltering heat. There are no sacrifices coming from the ruling class, no we the laborers are expected to sacrifice so Washington can maintain its lavish lifestyle.

It's angering to watch other people spend money I earn. The hypocrisy of Washington is palpable. Congress will spend months interrogating professional baseball players about drugs (like we care) but won't think twice about cutting checks for billions to unscrupulous companies.

I guess there is a silver lining- at least we elected our king and our noblemen- so the country will be in the financial bondage it deserves.

Pregnancy Weight

2009-02-19T12:38:00.005-07:00

My mom and my sister had the same reaction when they saw my profile- see below:

Out right laughter. We had picked Kelsy up at the airport, took her immediately to the cheesecake factory and when she saw me get out of the car she couldn't stop laughing. This is why I didn't go to church during the last month of my pregnancy- I couldn't fit in a pew much less a dress.

I put on 65 lbs of pregnancy weight. Ridiculous, I know. I stopped exercising, I ate what ever I wanted and for one full week I lived off of peanut butter and celery.

In the hospital I had a grand total of 15 bags of IV fluid (so the bill tells me). I had so much water pumped into me that I left the hospital weighing the exact same weight as when I entered- despite having an 8 lb human removed from my uterus.

I've since gone on Nutrasystem and it's no surprise why people lose weight on this program- it takes like crud. You don't want to eat because your options are so unappealing. There is no way Marie Osmond actually eats this cardboard.

I have lost 30 lbs of my pregnancy weight (it would be a lot easier to get excited if I didn't have another 35 to go) but don't hold your breath thinking I'll post some 'after' pictures.

Stimulus Simply Explained

2009-02-16T12:26:00.006-07:00

A blog I wish I had written: Stimulus Package Explained

What happens when we inform our lenders that we are borrowing money from them:Bella and Barack

The Valentine Backlash

2009-02-12T14:44:00.012-07:00

I read this article on CNN- and I swear I wrote the exact same thing last year. I'm SO ahead of my time.

After perusing around the internet I have found that I am not the only one that thinks Valentines is a marketing ploy and a cheap excuse for romance. Slowly but surely the idea is gaining ground. Next thing you know, everyone will catch on to the idea that diamonds are also nothing more than an expensive con.

The silver lining in this recession, the devaluation of the dollar and the fall of conspicuous consumption- we will have to stop valuing things and start valuing people. Few relationships are strengthened through prosperity, more are strengthened through hardship. We may be forced to revert back to homemade gifts, hand picked flowers and true thoughtfulness, because we can't afford to be lazy.

Which brings us to Valentines day. Valentines day isn't inheritly evil, as long as when we decide to manifest love, it's a gift of self. There's nothing wrong with a holiday to break up the monotony of winter- just as long as we are valuing and celebrating love, and not objects.

(And if you NEED flowers, let your significant other buy them for you on Feb 15th- when they're 80% off)

Why looks are over-rated...

2009-02-07T15:36:00.008-07:00

Because this:

turns into this:

Congress is a bunch of prepubescent girls

2009-02-07T09:37:00.000-07:00

Impulse spending is typically reserved for candybars at the check out line, that $100jacket that you know is going to make you look $200 better or the additional item that happens to be on sale.

But now, we get to watch our congress spend 780 billion dollars on an impulse, on emotion. Congress has now proven they have as much self restraint as a 12 year old girl at the mall with her pocket full of babysitting money.

The average person, when looking to spend a great deal of money on a car or a home will spend months evaluating the options, shopping around trying to find the best value for the money. We would never consider buying a house with out considering the terms, having the home assessed, and simply going on faith that the seller was looking out for our best interest.

Apparently when you're spending the American people's money, you don't have to do such due diligence. If the seller (Obama) tells you to vote for it with out thinking, spend your money with out assessment you do it. And if you don't it's like the new cool kid in school is going to banish you to the front of the school bus. Obama's blatant peer pressure on those that oppose him, calling them names for wanting to assess where the American people's money will be going- is childish.

It takes more time to close on a home than it's going to take Congress to commit 780billion dollars. This money does not have to be spent now, but it's become apparent that more restraint is used by Congressmen in spending their own money, than it is in spending yours.

Post-Partum

2009-01-19T10:24:00.011-07:00

I looked in the mirror and realized- I've become her.

I only wear mismatched sweats with strategically placed wet spots and spit up on them
My hair is always pulled back in a ponytail
I usually don't get around to showering until late-afternoon
It's a great event if I put on make-up.
The bags under my eyes say I need a good 48 hours of sleep.
I look like I'm still 6 months pregnant.

What I didn't realise is that she also:

Would rather watch her baby yawn than the inaguration of a new president.
Doesn't care if the dow dropped 200 points-the only number she cares about is the number of poopy diapers in a day.
Gets excited and congratulates her baby when she successfully spits up all over her.
Never tires of staring at her baby's face
Gets a peace of heaven each time her child falls asleep on her chest
Enjoys changing diapers and washing bottles
Has never been happier

You Were Right...

2009-01-14T23:24:00.007-07:00

You're right. You're all right. Every one of you. I thought that there was a massive conspiracy to get women pregnant because misery loves company. I thought the 'it's different when it's your own kid' was a fallacy. I thought that newborns really didn't do much for me, and I wish that kids came out 2 years old.

I was wrong. So very very wrong.

Yesterday we welcomed a new baby into our lives, and it changed everything. I now believe in love at first sight. She is adorable, and such a good baby. Wow. It's completely undescribable, wow.

However, as to all the horror stories about labor- I was prepared for the worst and I was worried about nothing. The easiest part of my entire pregnancy was labor-thanks to the skilled hands at St.Mark's hospital. Seriously, no pain- none, such a fabulous staff and this means a lot coming from a total wuss.

Here's the picture of the beautiful little girl. This blog will not turn into a 'mom blog' (not that there's anything wrong with that)- but mostly I won't be posting any details about this adorable child because there are too many weirdos out there.

Due date +1

2009-01-08T10:56:00.011-07:00

We're now at the due date +1. So how am I?

Besides the fact that my feet are swollen to the point I can only wear my husband's flip flops, I'm hanging in there. That's if I overlook dreading going to bed- because after finally getting into bed, like a pancake continuously flip from side to side to avoid getting bed sores and to allow blood to flow back into which ever arm I happen to be currently trying to sleep on. It takes about 3 minutes to reposition. Once I've finally found a position that is remotely close to comfortable, I have to use the bathroom for the umpteenth time, waddling like a duck every step of the way.

I have two appetites: I can't eat anything because nothing sounds good, even when I'm hungry, or I eat everything in sight times two! Either way, I am bound to down another package of tums to avoid serious heartburn (another reason I get no sleep). I can't tell the difference between a contraction and having to go to the bathroom, and the highlight of my day is a good bowel movement.

I'm currently on maternity leave, which is in the best interest of all involved due to my tendency to cry at the slightest bit of stress.At the same time it's incredibly frustrating to want to accomplish so much but barely have the strength to get myself up off the lovesac. I've learned from watching day time tv commercials that I'm wasting my life and I really should be entering a technical college, my regular job is a total crock because I could be making millions from home, and I'm an idiot for not buying silver coins (because the price of silver WILL go up!) and the snuggie is the best thing since crocs.

My heart rate increases just by walking to the mailbox, and my breathing is so heavy that after climbing a simple flight of stairs I need to sit down and take a break. I can't figure out why doctors keep asking for urine samples when I can't even see down there. One more week of this and I'll be ready to do ANYTHING to get this kid out, including reaching for the first leatherman to cut it out myself BUT excluding sex!

My favorite is when people tell me I'll 'miss' being pregnant. I'll no more miss being pregnant than I miss acne and the 7th grade. I can't blame her for not wanting to come out, all I do is watch an hour of the news and think "no wonder she wants to stay in there!"

Baby Bribe

2008-12-31T11:54:00.005-07:00

My first OB measured the fetus in the early months and moved my due date from Jan 14 to Jan 7th. That meant we could induce on December 30th to get the tax break from Uncle Sam. However, I didn't like that OB- so I switched and though the new OB is wonderful, he goes strictly by the calendar- keeping my due date Jan 14th, hence the earliest I can induce is Jan. 7th.

Yesterday we promised the baby a pony if she comes out before 2009. I figured if I put it on the blog with the 6 of you as witnesses- she'll know we're serious. She's got approximately 12 hours to claim her pony- then all deals are off.

Favorite Christmas Card of '08

2008-12-24T07:07:00.009-07:00

Travis is a stellar guy. Intelligent, good-looking, driven, and single.

When he asked for addresses to send Christmas Cards out, I wondered 'why would a single guy send out Christmas cards?' Then I opened this:

I've never had a card make me laugh so hard.

The Honest Christmas Letter

2008-12-18T09:10:00.009-07:00

Dear Friends, Family and people I feel obligated to send a Christmas card to because you sent me one last year,

It’s been a roller coaster year for the Boohers!
Mostly due to Kory’s hormonal imbalance.

Brent started a new job and is very excited about the new opportunity and challenge!
The great challenge will be keeping a job as he is a banker that works for Ford, probably the worst industry you could possibly be in at the moment. So if you could be encouraging of the government extending a loan to the automakers we’d appreciate it. If it doesn't happen, he’s going to become Mr. Mom, and we’ll have to switch to one ply toilet paper.

This past year we got a new dog, Max who Brent absolutely loves and who Kory begrudgingly tolerates. Max is a fabulous hunting dog keep tiny children and animals away from him. Brent has spent a great deal of time pheasant hunting with Max and loves it. Anyone want a dog?

Kory still loves her job. At least that’s what she chants to herself each morning while coming to grips that she’ll be responsible for bringing home the bacon if the government won’t allocate some of those billions they’ve been handing out like lollypops to banks to the auto makers. She is happy that she got to cut down on the travel in these last few months. But no so happy about being too large to fit into an airplane.

We’re expecting our first child any day now, we know you wondered if that would ever happen- and look forward to being parents.
'Look forward' is kind of strong, more like paralyzed with anxious anticipation and total fear.

It’s our second year in our home and we love the neighborhood.
We still have issues with Utah, suffering from seasonal depression, listening to inane local news, and Kory tends to violently shake and dribble a bit in the summer months with out a beach.

If you're in Utah and can come to visit, we'd love to have you! We're going to need babysitters, and if you do stay with us can you make sure you clean up after yourselves? And at least offer to buy some of the food you consume? We won't take you up on the offer- but the offer does need to be extended.

Wishing the best to you and yours. Unless you got into a mortgage you couldn't afford and bought a ton of things on credit, then I'm hoping the government takes your home, your new BMW, forcing you to live in a van down by the river.

Merry Christmas!!

- The Boohers

Note: The enclosed photo is 3 years old because damn! we looked good then. We're not nearly this attractive anymore

To Gift, or Not to Gift...

2008-12-17T15:32:00.013-07:00

Hypothetically speaking...

You're an exceptionally good gift giver, you don't have many talents, 6 to be exact, but giving good presents happens to be one of them. You're so good that sometimes those who receive your gifts don't realize the genius of the gift until years later.

One Christmas you give a gift to person A- an extremely thoughtful and cleaver gift. Though A attempts to act grateful, you can tell A doesn't quite get the brilliance of the gift. Your feelings aren't hurt because it's obvious that A has lost their sense of humor and self and it is so obvious that this gift is awesome. You tell person A that if they don't like the gift they can sell it on eBay because it is in high demand and worth a lot of money.

A few weeks later person A then mentions that the gift you gave A was the hit a party A recently attended. Everyone loved it. (See even complete strangers recognize your fabulous taste, even if person A doesn't) You ask why A'd take such a gift to a party- from which you defer, not only did person A re-gift your gift, A re-gifted it as a white elephant gift. (The fact that this individual would give away something they could have easily sold for a minimum $45 on eBay as a white elephant gift doesn't quite surprise you, you've already decided A has lost all taste, what amazes you is that A actually thought they were paying you a compliment in how many people liked the gift)

That same person A had mentioned to you that a friend gave A something for free because A had extended a helping hand. Two weeks later you get the exact same item that A was telling you A got for free as a Christmas present.

Person A has also made it a habit to never write a thank you note, nor even a phone call extending thanks for gifts (very, very thoughtful gifts) that were previously given for a variety of holidays and occasions.

So here’s the question: Do you continue to give gifts that go unappreciated? Granted you don’t give a gift for appreciation, but if the receiver is going to donate the gift to the Salvation Army, what’s the point?

I've previously blogged about how to receive more presents but as gift giver is there a point in time come where you say- "dude, from now on out you just get cards"?

Bitter

2008-12-12T15:17:00.010-07:00

I'm bitter, resentful & annoyed- then I feel guilty about being bitter, then I feel justified, and go back to being annoyed. I'm blaming the hormones- but women really did get a raw deal.

The man goes off to hunt I'm home in the kitchen barefoot and pregnant? No, literally, Brent is out hunting with some buddies and I'm at home with out even socks on making fudge to console myself.

I've become resentful that I have to be home and tired and fat while my husband gets to go do things he loves.

I know, I could go spend money- but there is nothing I want! Curses! The blessings of fasting extend beyond hormonal outrage and plus- who wants to buy anything when they've just put on 50 lbs? FIFTY! The baby weighs 5- so that's 45 lbs I get to work off post baby. Brent doesn't have to lose 45 lbs- where is the justice!?!??!

Women have been going through this pain, suffering and annoyance since the beginning of time and have been considered second class citizens? They should be worshiped! How dare men for years take women for granted! It's the women who suffered! I can't believe that pioneer women even had sex!

But THEN, I think- 'it could be SO much worse. I could have cancer, I'm lucky to have a really wonderful husband. I want Brent to be happy and do things he likes. Anything I wanted to do he'd support'- here's where the guilt comes in full force. How dare I be resentful when I am so blessed? I'm ungrateful.

But in turn- why doesn't Brent ever have to be pregnant? If I want 2 more kids after this why am I the one who gets to suffer 18 more months of pregnancy?!? Brent needs a turn! Why am I the one who has to go through the pain? This is the shaft!- and we quickly slip back to bitter....

Help? Anyone? Please?

Proposition D8

2008-12-09T08:33:00.008-07:00

Caution: If you're not A- Mormon nor B- Have been in a singles ward- you won't get it.

Celebrating Christmas Year Round

2008-12-08T11:10:00.006-07:00

It really is tragic that people only feel the Christmas spirit one month a year. In our house we try to be better than that, and invite the spirit of Christmas every day into our home. Which is why this-

has a permanent spot in our living room. Nothing says Christmas like a leg lamp, and who are we to hide the leg lamp under bushel? We let that light shine 12 months a year.

Birthing Question

2008-12-05T06:05:00.000-07:00

In birthing class last week (which has been surprisingly helpful) they focused on breathing techniques- and the teacher said, "You really want to control your breathing so you don't black out"

Kory raises her hand: "So, what's so bad about passing out? Why would you not want to pass out while in labor?"

Teacher with a look of shock on her face: "If you pass out you could miss the whole birthing experience"

Kory: "Ok, um, let me ask this again. Why would you NOT want to pass out?"

Teacher looks at Kory and Brent with a blank stare-

Underestimating my wussdom

2008-12-05T06:00:00.001-07:00

I had to have a mole removed off of my back by the dermatologist. They had to take out a substantial chunk of flesh to make sure it didn't turn cancerous.

I was ok for the procedure- I was laying flat down on my stomach and was completely numbed up. I did get some stitches and was told to come back to the doctor in a week to have the stitches removed.

I was some what concerned about feeling the tugging of the removal of the stitches. In the doctors office I sat on the edge of the exam bed and told the nurse that I get queasy very easily. She dismissed the statement because hey, it was only stitches, and while she removed them I didn't feel a thing. But then she said, "oh, it looks like your allergic to adhesive, you have a few little pimples where the band aid was"

Suddenly I started to feel light headed- I started thinking to myself:
"Kory, it's just a pimple. Why are you feeling light headed about a pimple? Are you seriously feeling dizzy over a pimple? Kory, get over it- uh, oh, I can't hear anything any more, I lost my hearing? this can't be..." Shabam! Next thing I know I'm waking up on the floor of the exam room. I passed out and did a head dive off of the exam table onto the carpet. I actually had a rug burn- on my FACE.

I blacked out over a pimple. This my friends, is another reason why passing out completely may be the only way this child ever comes out.

I'm a Wuss

2008-12-03T09:07:00.010-07:00

I've never been good with blood or needles- I close my eyes when watching House, if you start to tell me a story that involves blood, wounds or any sort of physical pain I'll plug my ears. I am a wuss. I know I'm a wuss. I've accepted total wussdom.

A year or so ago I had a colonoscopy. The procedure itself isn't nearly as terrible as having to drink the 5 gallons of nasty nasty clear solution that makes you poop water.

Typically they just drug you to relax for the colonoscopy, you're completely awake during it. In the hospital the nurse was preparing me for the iv and I warned her, "Look, I tend to get a bit queasy so you're going to have to do this quickly"

She said 'no problem' and then after poking me said, 'Uh oh, your blood isn't threading- we're going to have to poke you again. Don't worry- I'll get someone else to do it.' My breathing gets a bit more rapid, the heart starts to pound a bit more.

Nurse #2 comes over and pokes me in my other hand, and then proceeds to say, "it's still not threading, we're going to have to poke you again"- Surely this nurse isn't so stupid as to get this wrong again and then proceed to announce it to the patient with her head between her knees and trying not to freak out. They go to get another nurse, they poke me this time in my arm- the nurse says a third time, "It's still not threading!"

At that point I'm handed a paper bag to breathe into, put on a bed and rolled in to see the doctor. I'm at the brink of passing out. Entering the procedure room- the doctor looks at me and says "I hear you're not very good with needles" it took me all of half a second to reply, "Yeah, and neither are your nurses!"

That is the last I remember, instead of just relaxing me for the procedure they put me under completely. I'm thinking passing out may end up being my only line of defense in labor.

The Push Present

2008-12-01T06:47:00.011-07:00

It's no secret that I say things that annoy most women- why would this post be any different?

I learned of the Push Present two years ago, and thought it strange. A man gives a woman some sort of bauble because she gave birth to his child. The baby isn't gift enough, the woman needs some tangible piece of appreciation from the man. I thought maybe it was the man's way of saying "Sorry you suffered so much for this child, because I can't suffer I'm going to go out and buy you something" which doesn't make much sense either- because any good pregnant woman makes her husband suffer just as much as she has- for the full nine months. (Ask Brent how much sleep he's gotten recently)

The push present is a pat on the head, "Good job woman, you gave birth to my child, here is your reward" and since being pregnant myself I've decided it's demeaning and trivial. That little blue box from Tiffany's immediately devalues the precious new life put in your arms. A baby isn't enough, the woman now expects the man to reward her for her efforts with jewelry.

Talk about a giant step backwards for feminism! A feminist doesn't have a child because she will be rewarded by the man, she doesn't expect gifts for doing things she wants to do. She is in a partnership with her husband, and when she suffers through birth she expects and knows that her husband has or will equally suffer for the family in other ways- and no trudging into the local mall and having something gift wrapped isn't suffering- it's something I very well can do myself.

Way to go women! Tell men that there is a financial equivalent to carrying and giving birth to a child. Men you're in luck- take an hour to do something that is no sacrifice, takes no genuine thought, doesn't alter your life in the slightest to thank a woman who spent months in misery. Ladies, best of all you can brag about it to your friends!

Which brings the surface another social ill- the competition between women in all things trivial and worthless. Like the comparing the size of wedding rings isn't enough (My husband makes WAY more money than yours, see my ring is bigger!) Now women get to compare push presents. Another avenue where they get to tell other women that they are only as valuable as the gifts their husbands give them. Awesome.

A true push present is to honor the woman that gave birth, to wake up in the middle of the night with the baby, to change diapers, clean the house, do the laundry, take the baby in for shots- and tell the woman she's beautiful each day after birth that she's carrying that pregnancy weight. The true push present is a husband who is loving, supportive, and protective of his wife and child. Not some worthless trinket.

Now, if a husband sees his wife in pain, tired, and frazzled and would like to do something spontaneous to make her happy- it's a different story. It's the "I give you present for being good woman and bearing my seed in your loins" which is offensive. Call it a push present and you might as well be a concubine trying to produce an heir for the king so you can be rewarded.

The world is becoming more and more superficial- despite harsh economic times- and women desiring push presents when a sweet baby is given to them is pathetic. Like so many things that undermine respect for women and motherhood- it's not men but women that have chosen to minimalize themselves.

Pregnancy Q & A

2008-11-21T08:48:00.004-07:00

Yes, this was an email forward- but it's timely, so it's geting a post.

Q: Should I have a baby after 35?
A: No, 35 children is enough.

Q : I'm two months pregnant now. When will my baby move?
A: With any luck, right after he finishes college.

Q : What is the most reliable method to determine a baby's sex?
A: Childbirth.

Q: My wife is five months pregnant and so moody that sometimes she's borderline irrational.
A: So what's your question?

Q : My childbirth instructor says it's not pain I'll feel during labor, but pressure. Is she right?
A: Yes, in the same way that a tornado might be called an air current.

Q: When is the best time to get an epidural?
A: Right after you find out you're pregnant.

Q : Is there any reason I have to be in the delivery room while my wife is in labor?
A: Not unless the word 'alimony' means anything to you.

Q: Is there anything I should avoid while recovering from childbirth?
A: Yes, pregnancy.

Q : Do I have to have a baby shower?
A: Not if you change the baby's diaper very quickly

Q : Our baby was born last week. When will my wife begin to feel and act normal again?
A: When the kids are in college.

Fabulous Item of the Week- QVC???

2008-11-19T16:11:00.008-07:00

I typically think QVC shoppers sit in their Christmas Sweaters, with a month old Mrs. Field's cookie in one hand and an almost maxed out credit card in the other. Today I join those ranks. I was going to purchase Mrs. Prindables Chocolate Covered Apples for co-workers for Christmas, but a quick google search led me to QVC, selling the exact same product for 1/2 the price. It appears QVC does sell something other than a singing Elvis head or mineral make up! Now I'm hooked.

I do need to give a big shout out to another fabulous item of the week - the Boppy body pillow. I've reached the stage of pregnancy which is 24-7 total discomfort accompanied with the inability to get any sleep so in a desperate attempt to preserve his own sleep (and make his wife happy)the husband purchased this pillow- its changed my life, now I only wake up 3 times a night instead of 9.

BYU Can't Lose

2008-11-13T04:43:00.012-07:00

It's time for the annual Wasatch bloodbath this Saturday and I'm proudly informing every Ute that though the U may win the game this Saturday- BYU still didn't lose.

You see Ute fans, you naively cheered as BYU lost to TCU- TCU got the glory of beating the Y and since then Y fans have come to grips that a BCS game is not in their future (though my dad likes to disagree with me on this, he thinks with the right combination of loses BYU could still have a shot- but it all hinges on Boise choking- which isn't going to happen)

Y fans walk into this game Saturday with nothing to lose, no BCS game, they don't even want to go to the Sega Bowl, but even more so, if they lose on Saturday the BYU football program gets 1.3 million dollars. If they win they get well- pride.

If the U wins, the U then goes to a BCS bowl- which will then give the Mountain West Conference in the neighborhood of 20 million dollars to be shared among MWC schools-with the U getting 2 parts. Do the math and that means, if BYU loses on Saturday they get around 1.3 million dollars.

If the U loses on Saturday- they get nothing, aside from their dreams crushed by their arch rival in their own stadium, but no cash to console them or their football program.

Again, in the simplest of terms BYU loses- they get 1.3 million, the U loses they get squat, nothing, zip.

Now if BYU had beat TCU, both teams would be in the win/win situation, either the U would be going to a BCS bowl and garnishing 2.6 for their program or walking away with the 1.3 mil consolation prize. But silly Ute fans, you cheered when that opportunity was taken away from you and now BYU goes into this game with the upper hand- the only incentive to win is to see those arrogant U fans dressed in black leaving the stadium with their heads hung low and tears in their eyes - take away the pride factor and it's really in BYU's best interest not to win.

What's good for the MWC is good for BYU- and though we may not be the team to go to the BCS bowl this year, it's better the U than Boise. We need the MWC to gain the national recognition its teams deserve, and it won't get that if we continue to beat out PAC 10 teams but then eliminate each other for BCS bowl candidacy.

So should the U of U beat us this Saturday, Y fans, hold your head high, and make sure you thank every Ute you meet for the cool million.

Top 10 things NOT to say to a Woman who is 7 Months Pregnant

2008-11-12T08:06:00.008-07:00

(These are all true stories)

1. You look like you're going to explode any day now.

2. You sure you're not having twins?

3. (From the guy checking my ID at the airport) Wow, this is a great picture of you! It must have been taken a really long time ago.

4. A friend of mine lost her baby in the 7th month of pregnancy- it crushed her.

5. You're pregnant? I thought you were just getting pudgy!

6. Oh my, I was NEVER that big with any of my pregnancies.

7. The baby's due in December? You're never going to make it that long.

8. What are you having? Oh no, let me guess- your having a girl. Girls always make you gain a lot of weight in the hips and thighs.

9. Wide load coming through.

10. You ATE Kory!

For the LOVE Of PETE!

2008-11-07T11:25:00.014-07:00

Here I was hoping to spend my Friday singing Kumbaya with my fellow man, drink hot chocolate and maybe do some work but shabam! Local new talks about how the No on 8 campaign is violently protesting the LDS church- not just in California but IN UTAH?

Seriously? No- really? Are you kidding me? In Utah? Well hell, with that rational I think I'm going to protest the presidential election- IN MEXICO!

Protesting a church headquartered in Utah- because 54% of the state of CALIFORNIA passed prop8? What on earth is this going to accomplish? Do they think the Church has that kind of influence? I'm sure they'll see the protesters out front and pick up their bat line to Governator and let him know the church has changed their mind, so if the state of California could please deduct the Mormon 2% from the overall vote they'd really appreciate it.

2% TWO PERCENT- that's the amount of the LDS population in California. One, Two. However, the LDS church is apparently the mastermind behind prop8 passing. (I had no idea we had so much power)

Not making much more logic, the homosexual community in California thinks the best way to get their point across is to spew venom at a temple belonging to 2% of the vote.

Who really is to blame for Prop8 passing? Barack Obama. Indeed it's all Barack's fault. 70% of African American voters voted YES on 8. And due to Barack Obama being on the ticket African American voters came out in unprecedented numbers. Click here for the Slate article.

Pop quiz: What are there more of in California, Mormons or African Americans?

In reality, if the homosexual community wanted to direct their anger and frustration towards the REAL source of prop8 passing they'd target president elect Barack Obama

If they wanted to start yelling at the group that put prop8 over the top, they'd be labeling all African Americans as bigots- but dude, you can't do that! So let's go after the MORMONS.

One last thing- even if you opposed Prop8, and you relish the idea that the courts will over turn the decision made by our trusted system of democracy- we should be afraid that the voice of the people will be muted- not on this issue but any issue, because democracy is now ignored and we will now be ruled by appointed judges.

Ok, my rant is done- I feel a little bit better now.

Kumbaya Anyone?

2008-11-05T16:02:00.006-07:00

Day 2 after the election and I was hoping that people would let politics die, for at least a week- or how about until January 20th- but no, it's an addiction that isn't easily broken.

I was actually wishing American Idol was on television, I don't even watch American Idol! But maybe, if American Idol was on people would have something else to talk about.

I'd like a political time out. How about we take the hate, anger and criticism that has been so palpable in the atmosphere over the past month and make it disappear. Since this election has been going on for two years, I probably have unrealistic expectations expecting America to go cold turkey- but I'd like to yell from the roof tops 'IT'S OVER!'

Obama Win Causes Obsessive Supporters To Realize How Empty Their Lives Are

Unless you want to talk about why the utter uselessness of the electoral college- that's one political discussion I'm open to.

Looks Like Being in Utah isn't Half Bad~

2008-11-03T07:48:00.004-07:00

When people ask how I like living in Utah- I usually say it's great except for all of the dang mormons. However, living in a strong LDS community has its bonuses according to of all magazines- the Economist!

The Mormon Work Ethic

Why Follow A False Prophet?

2008-11-03T06:55:00.012-07:00

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints believes in a latter-day prophet. We believe that this prophet is here on earth to give us guidance as to how to live our lives to not only maximize our happiness here on this earth, but to prepare us for the next. God has a history of sending prophets to teach his people. Rarely have these prophets been welcomed, loved or popular.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints has never sought to be popular- some of its teachings seem strange- others are extremely basic, such as a huge charity effort and welfare around the world. While some members of its church would like to be more universally accepted, the church its self has never actively sought main stream acceptance.

In 1995 the First Presidency of the Church Released- The Family: A Proclamation to the World. It's pretty cut and dry as to what the church believes the family consists of- with out apology- and stated so 13 years ago.

The Church has come out in ardent support of proposition 8, which many of its members have criticized. I can understand individuals not supporting prop 8. I have a friend who I was curious how she would react to prop. 8 as she is active in church and extremely liberal. However, I don't understand why people would come out against prop.8 violently, and remain members of the church.

Either members that oppose prop.8 are wrong, or the man they deem the Prophet of God is wrong. And if the man that they support as The Prophet of God is wrong- why belong to a false church? Why follow a fallen leader?

There are many things about my faith I don't understand- but that's where faith comes into play and I 'lean not unto my own understanding'. Because I believe in a latter-day prophet I accept that he knows things that I do not know, I believe he is a seer, and has a bit more knowledge about the future than I have. I believe that this man knows more about the impact of Prop.8 than I will. It's one of the basic principles of the LDS church- faith. But it's obvious that thousands of Mormons think they know more than their leaders- and if they do- why remain part of a church that is wrong?

If it was me, and I thought the leadership of the church I belonged to was wrong- that the man I sustain as a mouthpiece of the Lord was false- I'd take my 10% and go.

Trick or Treat Trains Kids To Be Democrats

2008-10-31T09:24:00.007-06:00

Happy Halloween! ;)

A Rose By Any Other Name....

2008-10-27T20:24:00.013-06:00

I'm completely over this conversation and I'm sure the 6 of you are too- Emily asked me some questions in regards to my thoughts on Prop 8, since my response is far too long- I turned it into a post- sadly it's like the longest post ever- hopefully my last on this topic- then I can get back to things that really don't matter, and don't stress me out either.

Emily's comment is in italics- my response is not.
For those of you who like to skim, I put the main arguments in bold.

I just can't accept the heterosexual lifestyle of strip clubs and Las Vegas shows and magazines that degrade women and parents (either male or female) who won't pay their child support These things seem immoral to me. I am a hard-working, taxpaying, Christian-thinking lesbian who wants to make the world a better and safer place for my family. There are so many children unloved and unwanted in the world, this seems like the ultimate in immorality, and who is responsible for that? "We" (lesbians and gays) don't generally have kids we don't want, though accidents can happen to anybody.

Does this line of reasoning sound outrageous or offensive to you? That somebody would pick out the most shocking or 'undesirable' qualities of a group you happen to be part of in some way, and just lump you all together without knowing anything about you or your life or your family?

No, I don’t think this train of thought is outrageous...at all. I'm all in support of removing those heterosexual ills from society. I’d love it if the Las Vegas strip was wiped off the map. But, I understand the point you are trying to make here- I hate it when people try to define “Mormons” by the stereotypes they are familiar with. Though certain Mormon stereotypes certainly exist within the LDS church, it frustrates me when people think of all Mormons in these terms.

If someone questions heterosexuality or the ills that come with it, I don't take it personally- I don't define myself by my sexuality. I don't define anyone by their sexuality. I have many friends that done/ do things I consider immoral- but I don't tell them that they have to accept my morality- and they don't tell me that I have to accept theirs.

The reason gays and lesbians want acceptance and equality is that the fact of being gay or lesbian has nothing to do with morality any more than being hetero is a moral quality. Whatever scale of morality one uses, there are still going to be moral gay people, immoral gay people, moral straight people, and immoral straight people.

This is where you and I differ in opinion, and why we will never agree on this subject. I believe homosexuality is immoral, in many faiths homosexuality is immoral. I also believe that pre-marital sex in heterosexual couples is immoral, abortion (depending on the case) is immoral, prostitution and pornography are immoral. If the government tries to condone any act I consider immoral and give it legitimacy I’ll try to stop it- that's what members of communities do.
What is and isn’t accepted as moral is defined by the society in which you live. Should you live South America, it is considered completely moral to cheat on your wife, should you live in the middle east- you’re immoral if you show your elbows. Society dictates what is accepted as moral or not. 8 Years ago California decided it wasn’t going to condone homosexuality as a moral act- now it’s up for decision again.

Wouldn't it be great if we could all just be people, could all be treated the same by our government, and could all make the best possible choices for ourselves and our families?

I completely agree. If prop 8 passes, homosexual Californians will be treated the same by their government as heterosexual couples. Heterosexuals and homosexuals have the exact same rights, but for the homosexual community, this isn't enough- they want heterosexual acceptance of their lifestyle.

I would like to be able to make the best choices for myself- but if I work for the government I won’t have any choice- ask the firefighters that were forced to walk in the gay pride parade. Or the parents who’s kid’s got the surprise GAY day, there are no repercussions for educators for indoctrinating children with their morality… unless that form of morality mirrors Judeo-Christian ethics

The choice to teach our kids about sexuality in the time and place appropriate is gone.
The choice to not believe in homosexuality is gone.

And surely this point has already been made, whether you believe it or not--Prop 8 eliminates the right that same-sex couples in California currently have to be married.

Emily, you have the same right to be married as I do. What neither of us will have is the right to be married to a member of the same sex. What is entailed in that definition of ‘right to be married to a member of the same sex’? Does it take away the right to visit a loved one in a hospital? Does it take away the insurance benefits? Does it take away for you to have a ceremony of commitment? How does your everyday life change with the removal of the word marriage from your commitment to your partner?

Why do we care? Why do you care?

I care because I’d like to put my kids in the public school system with out worrying if their teacher will teach them about homosexuality in what they deem to see the proper light. I’d like to live in a world where if a public educator decides to indoctrinate my children with her morality- I can sue the school district. I care because I don’t want “Gay Pride Day” considered as much of a holiday as the 4th of July. To me, and my belief system it’s the same has having “Promiscuous Sex Celebration Day” in schools. I care because it is ‘a slippery slope’- California Law was already changed by one judge in 8 years and the more universally accepted homosexuality gets, the more likely those that don’t believe in it will be sued for vocalizing it.

I care because any one that works for the government is forced to accept homosexuality- the four fire fighters ordered to walk in a gay pride parade at the threat of losing their jobs, or the off-duty policeman (who is also a pastor of his church) who preached against homosexuality and was demoted by his department for “hate speech.”

Would civil union be good enough for you and your husband? Good enough for your family? No, you say? (Forgive me for speaking out of turn there.)

To be completely honest- a civil union would be fine. But, due to my faith- I got married where I got married- but if I believed homosexuality wasn’t a sin, I wouldn’t be a member of my faith, and I really would have been ok with a civil union (actually, we'd probably just be living together- but that gets into a completely different conversation).

Why is the homosexual community caught up in semantics? The rights of the couples are exactly the same. As Juliet said (referring to Romeo’s forbidden last name) “What’s in a name? That which we call a rose, by any other name would smell as sweet” Why is the wording so critical if not to provide the legal loophole to universal acceptance?

But you feel like it's alright for you to tell a whole group of people you don't know that they aren't worthy of the same treatment you are? I find that quite remarkable. I'm sorry, I'm sure you have excellent judgment in many matters, but I don't think you are in a position to decide whether or not I can be married to the person I love.

Emily, you and I do receive the exact same treatment.

There is no discrimination in this- you and I have the same rights.

No one, not me not anyone has the ‘right’ to marry the person they love. What you, I, and every one else has is the right to marry a consenting adult of the opposite sex. Just because you do not choose that to be an acceptable option, does not mean your rights have been stripped.

If everyone has the right to marry who you love, why wouldn’t three men who love each other be allowed to marry? What about polygamous marriage? What about incestuous relationships? Shouldn’t consenting adults in these types of relationships have the right to marry?

If same sex marriage is permissible because an individual has the right to marry whomever he or she loves, the only reason for prohibiting these types of extreme alternative marriages is that they are not socially acceptable. But once you accept that society has a right to limit some marriage relationships , you recognize society’s right to also define marriage in a way that benefits society as a whole.

If the definition of marriage changes, are you- or society at large- prepared to accept the consequences? Once men can marry men, and women can marry women, who is to stop a man from marrying MULTIPLE women? The same argument can be made “we love each other and we shouldn’t be denied the chance to be together. Don’t impose your morality on us.” …But soon little girls are raised to think that polygamy is okay. Teachers could teach kindergartners about the King and Queen and Queen and Queen or have polygamist week at school. Many kids from polygamist families will go on to form their own polygamist unions. Polygamy will rise throughout the US—not just in the NV, UT, and AZ border towns.

I’m not telling a whole group of people they can’t spend their life with someone they love- I’m not telling a whole group of people they can’t wear a dress or a suit or whatever they like in a ceremony committing themselves to whatever they like. I’m not telling you that your partner shouldn’t have ALL the same legal rights.

It’s ok for me to think that abortion is immoral (with the obvious exceptions) and especially late term abortions and to try to stop that from being universally accepted- it’s ok for me to think that credit card companies preying on college students is immoral- and to petition schools and governments to not permit credit card companies on college campuses. It’s ok for me to think having a half a million dollar party for top performers after getting a bail out from tax payers is immoral- and expect the government to put into play actions to stop it from happening again.

An act that society has deemed immoral (by a 53% vote in 2000) and that society decided that they don’t want to be considered one of the fundamental building blocks in society, a judge has decided that he in 2008 knows more than the voters did in 2000.

I respect your right to think that homosexuality is completely moral- I expect others to respect my right to believe it is not.

(I know my opinion is not popular- if you disagree and feel compelled to make a comment- please check the 70+ comments on the past 3 posts to make sure you're bringing something new to the conversation. If you're going to be redundant I'm going to delete your comment- this pregnant lady is tired.)

It's not about equality...

2008-10-24T13:17:00.005-06:00

...it's about acceptance.

With the passing of Prop. 8 homosexuals couples in California will not be denied any rights that they currently have- homosexual couples will have the same rights as heterosexual couples.

So why do homosexual couples care whether or not they are in a civil union or in a 'marriage' if their rights do not change either way?

Because it's not about equality- it's about moral approval.

Don't believe me- this come straight from the horse's mouth:

Why Moral Approval Matters- 365GAY.COM

One Question-

2008-10-22T07:04:00.002-06:00

Why is it ok to teach 1st graders about homosexuality, but mention creationism in a High School classroom and you'll have a riot?

I don't want to post about this....

2008-10-19T08:10:00.012-06:00

I've been avoiding Proposition 8.

I don't want to talk about it.

I want California to go back to the place it was when I grew up.

I want to go to Disneyland and not have to check if it's Gay Pride day first.

Supporting proposition 8 is hugely unpopular.

I would love it if the homosexual community would act as they would like to be treated.

Why is it that those that want to be looked at like everyone else think the best way to do so is to wear some neon wings and a thong in a parade?

Why is it that if I believe one thing, and I respect your right to believe something contrary that's not good enough?

Why do I have to believe what you believe?

I'm coming to grips that I may be spending the rest of my life in Texas or the South-

Proposition 8 will have a greater impact on my family and society than either of the presidential candidates will.

I've been asked to blog about proposition 8.

Thinking about it stresses me out- I'm having a hard time finding the words to explain how I and many others feel-

This is the first of a series of posts about Prop 8 that will make others angry.

I'll deal with it.

Silly Utes...

2008-10-17T16:12:00.009-06:00

U of U fans I have one question for you-

Did you cheer when BYU lost to TCU?

If so, you are a typical U of U fan, because your hatred towards BYU out weighs your love for the U of U. Also, you're showing that you probably need to re-take your Math 100 credits.

There are only 2 ranked teams left on your schedule this year- TCU and BYU.
Playing BYU was the only chance the U of U had to beat a top 10 team this year, and at the end of the season at that.

If BYU had won, and the U of U was going to cream them like all of their fans like to believe- the U of U would have ended a really great season not by just beating BYU but by beating #7- Utes- you could have been the ones to CRUSH BYU's BCS dreams! A #14 beating a #7 is better than a #14 beating a #18. You could have taken BYU's perfect schedule from them and in doing so thrust yourselves into a very legitimate BCS bid.

You lost your chance for people to stand up and take notice of the Utes this year, instead everyone is talking about TCU for a BCS bid- not you.

You had a chance to beat a top ten team, you had the chance to crush the spirit of BYU- and when you lost that chance, you cheered.

Silly Utes, now BYU has the opportunity to crush your dreams, and not the other way around.

Election Year Brings Out the Stupid

2008-10-17T08:21:00.004-06:00

Yesterday in the airport while standing in line to board an airplane, CNN was playing over head- the girl next to me- probably 23 says to her boyfriend:

Girl: Dude what's with McCain's face?
Dude: I know- it's like paralyzed and stuff- what a freak!
Kory: That's what cancer will do you.
Girl: Yeah, and being old.
Kory: Yeah, and having your jaw broken by the Vietcong in a concentration camp.
Girl: Like that qualifies someone to be president.
Kory: No, but it qualifies someone to have a messed up face.
Girl- under her breath: I'd still like to punch him in the face.

That's when I realized that the person next to me wasn't just uninformed- she was an idiot.

Here's the question:
Do people get more stupid during an election year or does the election just magnify stupidity? I look at how supporters on both sides of the camp are acting and I have to wonder- do these stupid people really walk among us? And not only that- how much of this stupidity are we willing to put up with in our fellow man?

Are we willing when someone makes a degrading comment about Sarah Palin to stand up to them? Or will we sit by and let them sound off because we don't like Palin? When someone speaks of Obama and are way off base will inform the individual of the truth even though we disagree with Obama's policy? And if we let people say ignorant and stupid things while remaining silent- are we just as bad?