PROPOSITION EIGHT

One of the things that I absolutely love about my family, and hope to be able to foster in my own family, is our ability to have good healthy discussions. Whether the topics are religion, politics, whatever, you know that a spirited discussion can always be had. I love hearing others points of view, and learning why they have those views. It's something I relish. Something to me, that makes life worth living actually.


And so today, while my aunt was over at my parents house, I took the opportunity to talk to her about proposition 8. My aunt is a resident of California, and so has been right smack in the middle of all the prop 8 hoopla.


For those of you that don't know about proposition 8, you can go here to learn more.


Now, when I first heard about proposition 8, it piqued my interest not only because of the strong stance my church has taken regarding it, but also because I fundamentally disagreed with that stance. Talk about conflict of interest. I just didn't understand why and how it was okay for a church, my church, to tell me, or anyone how to vote. It just kinda felt wrong. For lots of reasons. I really appreciate and value the separation of church and state. And I took issue with my church telling people how to vote, and strongly encouraging them to donate their money and time to www.protetmarriage.com where anyone and everyone could see exactly what they had donated. Hmmm. That gets to be sticky. Really sticky.


And honestly, I just didn't know how I felt about the whole thing. What on earth is the big deal? Who am I to say who can or can't get married? If two committed gay people want to marry each other, then I say hooray. Hooray for love, hooray for happiness. I just didn't understand what all the hoopla was about. I mean, I understood it from the gay side (www.noonprop8.com), don't we all deserve equality? Why deny them the same privileges that we enjoy?


And so I asked these questions to my aunt (a proposition 8 supporter), so I could learn and better understand. And it was a very enlightening conversation. I did a lot of listening, asked a some questions, and learned a few things about prop 8 that I thought were worth sharing.


First of all, I understand and realize that this is a really sensitive subject. And I hope that I don't offend anyone. If I do, please know that this was not my intention. Also, please know that the thoughts that follow, are not my own, but those of my aunt.


Okay, so her first main point was that this issue of defining marriage was already brought to the voters of California in 2000 (proposition 22) and was passed with a 61% of voters defining marriage between a man and a woman only. So, technically the people of California have already voted on this issue and have made their voice heard. Then in 2008 The California Supreme Court, by a vote of 4-3 overturned this ruling and decided that this violated the equal protection clause in the constitution.


She also stated that although they passed prop 22 back in 2000, they also passed civil unions there where gay couples are granted all the same legal rights as married couples. So,this isn't about gay couples not receiving the same rights, privileges, and treatments as heterosexual couples? Then I asked her, so this is about the definition of marriage, the word? And the answer is yes.



Her point was that if prop 8 goes through then religious organizations would have to allow their pastors, and leaders to marry gay couples. And since most christian religions believe marriage is between a man and a woman only, then it would give government the right to muddle in religious stuff. Because the minute one church group turns away the marriage of a gay couple, then that couple could sue the church/religion for breaking the law, and not giving equal opportunity (via the constitution).


And to be honest, I hadn't really ever seen it from that point of view. I have been so worried about my religion muddling in politics, that I never realized that the government would then be able to muddle in religion. Hmmmm. Although I understand this point, I don't think gay couples would necessarily be asking an organization to marry them who didn't support their actions, but she said this very thing has happened in Massachusetts. Hmmmm. Lots to think about.


She also said, that without prop 8 going through, that public school teachers would have to explain marriage as a union between a man and a woman, a woman and a woman, and a man and a man (like they now do in Mass.). Now, I'm not so sure how I feel about this argument. Because really, by the time my kids are in school I hope to have already explained all this to them. I don't see how this really impacts children negatively. But if you think it does, please comment and let me know. It just honestly isn't one of the arguments I understand.


We also discussed lots of other things about proposition 8. It was a very interesting conversation. One of the things I've been blessed with in life (or cursed, depending on how you see it), is that I can almost always see the other side of an argument, and sympathize with it. Must be the Libra in me. But in all honesty, I have struggled with this issue a lot. And I can't say that my opinion has necessarily changed, but my mind has been opened at least to the reasoning and understanding behind this issue.


I again, hope that I have not in any way, offended anyone by sharing my thoughts and my aunts thoughts about this sensitive topic. One of the things I love about living in this country is freedom of speech. Freedom to be able to discuss, write, and talk about the things that impact our lives. If you are so willing, I'd love to hear your thoughts on the subject. And if you would like to remain annonymous, that's fine. So, fine naptime readers, what are your thoughts?

HAPPY FRIDAY EVERYONE

Can't think of a better way to start the day, than with a little Edward. Thoughts?

WELCOME HOME

My little bro, Mike, comes home today from his mission in Cuernavaca, Mexico. I can't believe it's already been 2 years! I'm so excited to get to see him, and talk to him, and hear all about his mish in his very thick Spanish accent he has acquired. I know he was an excellent missionary and served the Lord well. I've missed him so much and am anxious to see little Mikey, and hear him speak on Sunday.

Holla to Mexico!

DO OVER

So, this morning as I was laying awake in bed, wishing I could go back to sleep I started thinking. About a lot of things. About my life, and my family and the things that make me well, me. (I know, a little deep for 5:30 a.m.)


Given our current economic situation, which is anything but stable, and our current administration who seem to govern and lead with FEAR, I find myself to be thinking upon easier times. More stable times. I think, for me, looking back, it all started after 9/11. Before this time life was, well, different. After 9/11 I can remember feeling allot of anxiety. Allot of fear. That day, I think I became an adult. Then, within the next year, there was the whole Elizabeth Smart abduction. Which drove my fear and anxiety about just living, to a whole new level. (I still by the way, think that whole event is so strange. But,that I suppose, is another post, for another day.) Then, getting married and for the first time thinking about bills and money. Then I graduated college and began my family. And after having children my anxiety level over their safety and well-being in this world, has skyrocketed.


And sometimes, well, sometimes I just long for those days and times in my life where life was just so easy. And sometimes, like this morning, I think about what it would be like to go back and re-live a time of my life again. Not out of regret, or remorse, or wanting to actually change anything. But because it was a time that was completely free of anxiety, and FEAR. Fear of money, fear of my safety, fear of the safety of my family. A complete DO OVER. Just to experience a time in your life when things were safe. And carefree. Not better than now. Just different. Free of stress, and bills, and our country's safety, and the economy. Just simple times.


For me, that would be my junior high years. But even more specifically, the summer after 7th grade and through 8th grade. I know for a lot of people their junior high years were there most awkward and stressful, but for me actually, it was quite the opposite. I can look back on different times in my life that were simple and carefree (like falling in love with my husband in high school), but I find I was also older then, and worried, and fearful. Of not doing the right thing. Or being the right person. And in high school, I learned frankly, that people can be ruthless and cruel. There were some amazing times and friends in High School, but it is still a time I look back with, on at times regret, and at times pure bliss. And my junior high years however are for some odd reason, free of regret, and free of the fear of trying to be someone. Anyone. For me, that struggle to fit in, and find yourself didn't start until high school.


So, yeah, 8th grade. I'd do this grade and time in my life over in a heart beat. 7th grade was also a good year, but I do remember being nervous in 7th grade. Unsure of myself. But after that first year of junior high I remember coming into myself in a way. Feeling more sure of who I was, and frankly, I liked myself. I liked my friends, my family, and my life. Things we perfect. It started off with a summer that I will never forget. Including a life-changing trip to Lake Powell with my family and some of my Dad's business partners.


Life-changing in that when I came home from that trip I found out that a) french kissing was something that was exciting, and wonderful and weird. All at the same time. And b) because of that kiss, I think I learned that for the first time, that I was likable. Ya know? Kissable. This experience, gave me a much needed self-esteem boost. I was someone. And someone that could be liked. And later loved. And the person that I kissed wasn't just the cute guy. He was someone that had depth and personality and honestly a little quirk to him. I learned that I found substance and intrigue much more interesting that just a pretty face. That was a very important experience in my life.


So, I came home a different person. I had a level of confidence I hadn't ever had before. Not arrogance by any means. But, for the first time, I felt that I was someone. Could be someone. And that other people (boys specifically) could be attracted to me. Never before this time, had I felt beautiful. That was for my friends. They were always the ones the boys liked and were attracted too. And I never understood that before then. And now I did. It was weird. And clearly I'm not explaining it well. So, I'll just go back to 8th grade.


8th grade. Home room, Social Studies with Mrs. Gutke. And her one tall shoe. And one short leg. At the time I remember thinking it was odd, and I pitied her. Now, I imagine it would be quite a trial to have in life. A trial on the outside. For the world to see and judge. Not to mention hormonal 8th graders. My locker partner was found in this, my first period class. Anna R. We were friends, but not great friends. But throughout the year, I grew to really like her. This first period class, I also look back with fond memories because I sat in front of a kid named Chris. Chris later committed suicide when I was in high school. We were never close friends, but I look back at my friendship with him, because of this class we had together, with fond memories. The Chris I knew then, was an amazing person.


I had a fabulous group of friends. And I can remember this being the one time in my life where I truly felt popular. Not because I was in the popular group, or anything. But because I remember feeling like I had a lot of friends. I remember feeling in 8th grade like our entire class was friends. Sure there were groups of people, cliques you could say, but all the groups were friends with one another. I remember this clearly. I remember having the confidence to really talk to anyone and everyone.


I played volleyball in junior high, and this was the year that Burnham started coaching, instead of just the gym teacher. Mr. Burnham gave me a sense of confidence, and a dose of what it was to work hard, that I will forever be grateful for. Our team thrived. We grew, and advanced in our abilities and that was amazing. Mr. Burnham made me fall in love with team sports. I learned so much as a person about learning how to be on a successful team player. A cohesive team. This is where I forged great friendships with people like Toni S., and Paradis A.

It's also a time in my life where I had a wide array of friends. Girls and guys. I remember hanging out on the weekends with the funnest people. It's during this time that I learned to be friends with guys. Up until this point I just didn't get guys. I remember having a huge crush on Keller S. Ha ha. That makes me laugh. Not because of him, but because of our size difference. I bet I was at least a foot taller than him. If not more. I never kissed him, but I remember hanging out with his friends and having a great time. In fact, I can remember, very clearly the only time in 8th grade that I look back with shame. I was upstairs in Jody R's room, I'm sure after one of our many swims, and Melissa B. told me that Keller got made fun of for liking me. That was such a defining moment. I remember thinking that Melissa was a loser for telling me that. I remember thinking her telling me that really was telling about who she was as a person. I also remember consciously thinking I wouldn't like Keller anymore, cause I didn't want people to make fun of him. Hmmmm. Just makes me think. (after re-reading this, I want to say, that I am sure Melissa is a wonderful person now, and was then too. After all, we all have done not-so-smart things in life. Things we wish we hadn't. Especially as teeenagers.)


I also remember some wicked fun times out at Aimee W's house. She had the funnest family ever. I can't remember how many times I ever even went out there, but the few times I slept over I can remember thinking clearly that this is how a family should be. This is how I would want to raise my family to be. My friendship with Aimee and Par was something I look back with fondly. They both ended up moving away or going to different high schools, but we had a great time together in 8th grade.

Anyway, I could go on and on. And on. I really loved this year of my life. So many personality defining moments. So much pure fun. Simple fun. Fear-less fun. And ya know, maybe it wasn't really like that at all. Maybe it's just a skewed version of what reality really was. Either way, I look back at this particular year of my life with fond-ness. With a smile. A time in my life that would definitely be fun to live again. Not out of regret. And not with my 28 year old mind, and what I know now. But with my 13 or 14 year old mind. My DO OVER year.


So, now that I've spilled my guts in a much too-long post, I'm curious. What is your DO OVER year?

DOWNPOUR IN DIXIE

So, last weekend the fam took a little break and headed down south for a little fun in the sun. Or so we thought. I honestly, didn't even look at the weather before we left. I've been going down to St. George this particular weekend every year for about 20 years. And never once has it rained. Or been even a bit chilly. Usually we spend the weekend at the pool getting a tan. Well not this weekend.


Hubs, being the maniac that he is, decided he would run the marathon again. I think this was his 3rd St. George and 5th marathon overall. He decided this was the year, however he would try to qualify for the Boston Marathon, which meant that he needed to run the marathon in 3 hours and 10 minutes. Which is about a 7 minute 15 seccond mile--for twenty-six miles. Crazy, right?


Well, when the kids and I got up to get ready to head over to the finish line, and saw the downpour, I just about died. A) because I knew Hubs hadn't planned for rain and B) I hadn't planned for rain. Much worse for him, but pretty darn annoying for me. Luckily I threw in some sweatshirts for the kids when I quickly packed, and even more luckily they had hoods on them. Since the kids didn't go back to sleep after Hubs left for the start (at 4:45 a.m.) we got ready early and headed over and snagged the best parking spot I've ever had at the finish. We stayed in the car and watched a movie, until the clock read 2 hours and 50 minutes. Then we headed out into the downpour. We found a spot on the bleachers and waited. Well, 3:10 came and went, and I was just so bummed, but I knew they go by chip time, so if it took Hubs a few minutes to cross the start he would still have a chance. Well we were screaming our faces off when he crossed the finish at 3 hours 16 minutes. And I just prayed that it took him six minutes to cross the start. We got down off the bleachers and went to find him. And the moment I saw him, I knew. I was so bummed that he missed his goal by six measly minutes, yet I was so proud that he had run so well in the rain. Not to mention a wicked head wind. He was pretty sad, but I kept reminding him that he was a freaking maniac for finishing a marathon in the pouring rain in 3 hours and 16 minutes. I'm not sure it made him feel any better, but oh well. There is always next year right? Like my mom says, there's two ways to qualify for Boston. Get faster, or get older. Unfortunetly he has to run it in 3:10 until he turns 35. Then he has to do it in 3hours 15 minutes. I'm banking on next year it will be better weather and therefore will just be better running conditions. They said in the 32 years they've been doing the St. George marathon this was only the seccond time it has rained. Crazy, right?


Well, we took him back to the hotel immediately, cause he was shaking he was so cold. Unfortunetly, that meant that I didn't get to see my Mom finish (I think it was her like 16th or 17th St. George marathon) or my uncle ( it was his 20th St. George Marathon. Oh, and don't forget he ran TWO 100 mile marathons in the past 2 months. Yeah. Crazy.) which I was pretty bummed about. But I was more than happy to get out of the downpour myself.


We finished off the day with a nice yummy lunch (post marathon lunches are the best) and spent the rest of the afternoon laying around and playing at the pool. It ended up being a great weekend despite the rain. It was fun to get away with the fam, and even funner being down there and not having to worry about running it. On the way home we were discussing next year, and Hubs asked me if I'd ever want to run another marathon. And honestly, I just don't think so. I'm glad I've done a couple though. They were really fun, and challenging and an experience that I am SOOO glad I've had. Being able to push yourself that way, is really a eye-opening experience. But one I also hope to never repeat. I think either you have a long-distance runners body or you don't. My mom, Hubs, and my uncle do. I don't. And that's okay. Well, I guess I shouldn't really say never. Cause really, you never know. Maybe someday. But, I just don't think that someday is anytime soon. Unless, maybe I could get into the NYC marathon or maybe the Maui marathon. Then, maybe I'd think about it. I need serious motivation people.


But anyways, back to Hubs. Great job babe! I am completely in awe and amazed at your dedication and determination. I know you can do it if you set your mind to it. Next year sweetheart. Next year. I love you!

IT'S TODAY! IT'S TODAY!

So, pretty much every time I sit down to do a little blog post about Sarah Palin, I get so ticked off that I have to walk away from my computer and cool down. Seriously. But then I came across this article by Bob Cesca, titled "Sarah Six-pack Needs To Put Country First By Stepping Down" on the huffington post and it is so exactly point-on to how I'm feeling that I thought I'd just post that instead.














You wish. You know I can't keep my mouth shut.

Honestly though, I keep finding myself getting more and more angry every time I hear/see those sound bites of her interviews with Katie Couric. I'm constantly saying to myself, "Is she for real?" And I can hear her saying right back in her silly little accent, "Oh, you betcha!" Uggg.


So, to say I'm freaking excited about the debates tonight would be a bit of an understatement. I want to see her in action. I want to see her succeed (really I do). I want to see her show us something more than what we've already seen. I want to see substance. I want to see depth. It should be very interesting that's for sure. At the very least, I hope McCain's camp has trained Sarah enough to answer the actual questions. Not skirt around the issue reiterating her ridiculous non-answers again and again, like she does so famously in the Couric interviews. And heaven forbid we actually got specifics out of the pit bull. Geez, Answer the question already!


One fear I do have however, is that Biden will come across as too overbearing. And then she will end up getting the pity vote. People will feel bad for her cause she is a "Joe Six-pack with lipstick" and not an educated, informed female. And that, honestly, is the last thing I would like to see. People voting for her and McCain out of sympathy. I really hope Biden takes the Obama approach and comes across as calm, collected and informed, no matter how much of the crazy Sarah brings.



This is gonna be one heck of a night. I know some of you suckers are going to the Ute game, but you might wanna set your tivos, cause I'm sure this is gonna be one for the books. And if ya don't have tivo, I'm counting on their being at least a few youtube moments out of the night. And you can bet your bottom dollar I'm gonna have those up come Friday.



Now, in honor of the event, the only question is, do I wear my "everybody loves a democrat" shirt or my "Obama is my homeboy" shirt? Decisions, decisions. Now, of course I should wear my "Republicans can suck-it" shirt, but that one is dirty. Obviously. Been wearing it everyday.


Happy VP Debate Thursday people!

CHANGE I CAN BELIEVE IN

So, I'm off in about an hour to get my hair did (holla to Missy E). Although a part of me is already missing the blond, another larger part, is already looking forward to a fresh, new, brunette do. It was indeed a great "blond" summer, but like every year around this time I'm feeling that itch in the air to darken things up a bit.


Getting my hair done, is one of those things that I've grown to love. I'm not sure if it's because I get a few much needed hours to myself sans kids, or if it is because getting my hair done is a way to satisfy my constant need for change. Anyone who knows me well, knows that my hair has been every color of the rainbow, and as short as an inch long, and also halfway down my back. But in the last 10 years I don't think my hair has been past my shoulders. I blame this on my constant need for change. Yes, I have issues.


And I know this is going to sound weird, but I really like the way it feels to have someone touching me in a totally healthy, nurturing way. Is that weird? It's like I crave that touch. I can't really explain it well, but have you seen the movie crash? It's kind of like that. I think people need to feel other humans. And so, maybe this is why I've always loved to have people brush, braid, or cut my hair. Fills some sort of psycho-social void I must have. :)


Clearly I have issues. But luckily it's nothing a little cut & color can't fix.




Happy October 1st people!

ENLIGHTEN ME

As we were driving home from a little dinner out with our friends and fam tonight, I saw at least 15 Obama/Biden yard signs (which I was coveting BTW, since aparently the one I ordered 3 weeks ago is backordered) on our way home. As we were driving along I mentioned to Hubs, how for a state that is notoriously RED, there sure are alot of Obama yard signs around. And funny thing. . . I've yet to see a McCain/Palin yard sign. Ever. Not tonight, not all summer, never. So, this begs the question:

Are people in Zion, finally, gradually seeing the light, and moving towards wisdom and Change? Or are they just too embarassed to admit they are voting for McCain and his nut-job VP? Cause really, you would think with a state that is so proudly republican, you would see a few McCain yard signs out there, no?

Enlighten me please.

THE VEGAN CHRONICLES part 3

So, I must give a little product push for one of my very favorite vegan/raw food snacks on the market. I was actually introduced to these bad boys a few weeks before my vegan conversion, and have been enjoying them ever since.

These are Lara bars. They are absolutely delicious, and are completely 100% healthy. Each of their bars have less than 5 ingredients. Such as the banana bread one I just enjoyed, that had bananas, dates and almonds. That's it. Seriously. And it was fabulous. These bars have the consistency of cookie dough, and taste almost as sweet. I really love the lemon, key lime pie and pistachio. I haven't tried some of their sweeter varieties which I hear are delightful (such as the cinnamon roll pictured above). They have almost a bazillion different flavors and am looking forward to sampling them all.

Lara bars are vegan, raw food approved, gluten free, and 100% healthy. You must try them for yourself. If you live along the Wasatch front you can find them at most grocery stores (Smiths), Whole foods, and even REI.

So, far, with yummy snacks and treats like these, my vegan experience as been absolutely delightful. One week down. Forever more to go.

Thanks to Jenny O. for this sweet tip!

REST IN PEACE PAUL

Have to give a shout out to Paul Newman, since he famously portrayed one of my relatives on film, Butch Cassidy (a.k.a Robert LeRoy Parker). Rest In Peace.

THE GREAT DEBATE

Oh the great debate. I have to tell you I enjoyed almost every second of this one. There were moments when John was rambling a bit, story after story, not really making any point, except for that he is an idiot, where I was praying it would end, but other than that, I thought it was very telling.

I agree with most of the other bloggers out there, that, despite my biases, Obama might have had a slight upper hand here. I think they both did well, calling each other out, but for the most part, I felt Obama just did better (As do most of the polls coming out this morning).

And really, we can go back and forth about the economy and foreign policy all day, but the overall feeling I got from the debate, was clear and present to everyone who was a viewer. Obama seemed cool, calm, and collected. He came across as smart, educated, informed, and dare I say it, presidential? Whereas, McCain just came across as a stuffy, grumpy old man. He was pompous, and elitist with all his smirks, and overbearing eye-rolls. It just came across as arrogance.

There was a point in the debate however, when Barack was direct and on the offence. And it came about when they were discussing the Iraq war. This is what he had to say:

OBAMA: But understand, that was a tactic designed to contain the damage of the previous four years of mismanagment of this war. And so John likes…John, you like to pretend like the war started in 2007. You talk about the surge, the war started in 2003. And at the time, when the war started, you said it was going to be quick and easy. You said we knew where the weapons of mass destruction were, you were wrong. You said that we would be greeted as liberators, you were wrong. You said that there was no history of violence between Shia and Sunni and you were wrong. And so the question is the judgment of whether or not…

MCCAIN: Senator Obama…Senator Obama…Senator Obama doesn’t….

OBAMA: …whether or not the question is who is best equipped as the next president to make good decisions about how we use our military, how we make sure that we are prepared and ready for the next conflict and I think we can take a look at our judgment.

Loves it!

Of course now, it's spin alley. Each campaign declaring they won, and will spin the debate to their liking.

And as for the McCain campaign, "suspending their campaign" give me a break. They were still running ads (like the one toting McCain as winner of the debate that ran in the WSJ online before McCain had even announced he was going to be attending). But honestly, the McCain camp must be freaking out now, because come this Thursday Sarah I-can-see-Russia-from-my-backyard Palin is going to be a disaster. If she debates anything like she interviews (see her interview with Katie Couric) things could get ugly. This lady is only one bad heartbeat away from the Presidency. Yes, you could say, I'm looking forward to next Thursday.

Oh, and where was Johns flag pin? Sucker.

And for those of you who are drinkers, or just enjoy a good laugh, I found this little drinking game online to be played while watching the debates. Could make for a fun night, if you like that sort of thing.

So, I'd like to know, what were your thoughts on the great debate?

ANYONE ELSE LOOKING FORWARD TO. . .

WATCHING THE DEBATES TONIGHT?


Whether you are pro McLiar pants or an Obama Mama, I hope you watch the debates tonight. Do it for your country. Do it for me. Either way you swing, tonight's debates should be very informative and fun to watch. Oh, and for the love of all that is holy, if you are not registered to vote, than shame on you already. And get on that stat. It's almost October people!


I have to say, I'm looking forward to hearing John McCain try to squirm out from underneath all his lying about the Rick Davis scandal, Carly Fiorina, Keating Five scandal, and all his other campaign mess-ups. I'm also looking forward to more words of wisdom from Sarah Palin and her wedding hair. That is, if McLiar lets her debate next Thursday.


$700 Billion dollars! Watch the debates people, watch the debates.

WHAT THE. . .

COURIC: You’ve cited Alaska’s proximity to Russia as part of your foreign policy experience. What did you mean by that?

PALIN: That Alaska has a very narrow maritime border between a foreign country, Russia, and on our other side, the land– boundary that we have with– Canada. It– it’s funny that a comment like that was– kind of made to– cari– I don’t know, you know? Reporters–



COURIC: Mock?



PALIN: Yeah, mocked, I guess that’s the word, yeah.



COURIC: Explain to me why that enhances your foreign policy credentials.



PALIN: Well, it certainly does because our– our next door neighbors are foreign countries. They’re in the state that I am the executive of. And there in Russia–



COURIC: Have you ever been involved with any negotiations, for example, with the Russians?



PALIN: We have trade missions back and forth. We– we do– it’s very important when you consider even national security issues with Russia as Putin rears his head and comes into the air space of the United States of America, where– where do they go? It’s Alaska. It’s just right over the border. It is– from Alaska that we send those out to make sure that an eye is being kept on this very powerful nation, Russia, because they are right there. They are right next to– to our state.

FREE ICE CREAM!

You scream. We scream. We all scream for icecream.



And I scream even louder for FREE ice cream.


Tonight at Coldstone you can enjoy a FREE 3 oz coldstone ice cream. That's right. FREE! But you better hurry, cause the ice cream is only FREE from 5-8 pm tonight.


Enjoy!



Thanks Ash K. for the sweet tip!

DID SHE JUST SAY, WHAT I THINK SHE SAID?

Seriously. I know the television is pretty much the devils quarterback, but really, did she just say what I think she said?

Oh, and if you know me even a little, you know I will be using this term allllllll winter long. What? It means snow.

FOR ABBY

Who is always willing to engage me in a heated discussion. A few months back it was about car seats. Leave it to the economists to prove my point.

This is nineteen minutes of education by an economist on Ted.com. One of my favorite websites ever.

If it takes too long to load, just click here. Enjoy!

HEY KENNLEY - YOU SUCK!

I know it's been quite a while since I've blogged about my second love - Project Runway, but my one final hope for tonight's ep is that Kennley will get slapped by Tim Gunn. Wouldn't that be lovely? Her arrogance and uncalled-for snickering is becoming almost as annoying as Suede. Girl, you better recognize.

THE VEGAN CHRONICLES part 2

So, let's see. Today is Wednesday. And that's as good as any a day to let you all know that I have a confession to make. And here it is: I love my planet, I love animals, and I love my body. However, that love does not precede my love for chocolate chip cookies.


And so, after I came down off of my "I'm-going-to-save-the-world-and-become-a-vegan" high, I quickly slammed back to earth and realized that I will never have another chocolate chip cookie. Ever. Oh the shame. And then I started to get all shaky and upset (just like someone who is addicted to heroin), cause I realized I didn't even have "a last cookie". Which I imagine would have been like a last supper, except better, cause it would have only involved cookies. The food of life. At least the preferred food of my life.


I'd made my decision, pledged my vegan-ism for the rest of my life, and up until this point, had been enjoying my new found diet and freedom. But really, how on earth was I going to live without my cookies? And chocolate? Damn those chickens and their eggs.


Well, as soon as I figured out my life would never be the same (sans-cookies), instead of heading into a deep depression I headed to the local library to listen to a band that was playing there on Monday night. Yep, a band. At the Library. Pretty sweet, huh? I love that, mostly cause as a kid I always wanted to just frighten everyone, and break all the rules and scream at the top of my lungs for no reason while it was all quiet at the library. Just cause I could. But this my good future vegan friends is another post and therapy session altogether. Well, I'm not sure if it's cause I was at the library, but as I was sitting there listening to all the Irish music I decided right then and there, that the library was the perfect place to get cooking books. Duh! And heck, someone, somewhere must have written a book on vegan baking. And low and behold I was right. And only 7 people were waiting in cyber-library land to get the book. So I put my name on the end of the que hold list and went to the grocery store.


And what should I find there? Only the Holy Grail of my vegan future. Yep, if you are a vegan, and have a sweet tooth, then you for sure recognized that little guy at the beginning of this post. His name is Ed. No, really, I don't think he has a name, but he is the face of The Alternative Baking Company. And these genius' decided to go into business making vegan cookies. Brilliant! And I'm sure I alone will keep them in business while I wait for my vegan baking cookbook to arrive. But until then I have enjoyed both their chocolate chip and pumpkin spice (it is that time of year) and honestly, I wouldn't even know they were vegan, organic and 100% healthy if it didn't say so on the front in big letters. Seriously. They are that good. Heck, they even make vegan wheat-free cookies for those of you that are plagued with celiac ( Jo, Hubs, & Jen.)


The cookies are a little on the pricey side, but since they are just about the size of my head, I think that's okay. Plus, they are vegan. Yay! Are you beginning to understand the magnitude of this revelation? Vegan cookies? Hooray!


Alternative Baking makes these fantastic flavors: chocolate chip, espresso chip, lemon poppy seed, peanut butter, pumpkin spice, oatmeal raisin, double chocolate, peanut butter chocolate chip, and a new cookie every few months (currently coconut macaroon).


Yes, life is good. You can learn more about Alternative Baking Co by going here. And you can learn all about Veganism by clicking here. Their explanation is much better than mine. Their product info can be found here, complete with nutrition labels and ingredient lists.


So I think I am officially saved, and can easily be vegan without the shame of no longer eating cookies. ABC has saved me! But I think Jen Blum said it best on their website when she said, "Their cookies are the bomb diggity". Is there a better endorsement than that? Go get some my fabulous soon-to-be-vegan friends.

THE VEGAN CHRONICLES part 1

Well, I am officially a vegan. You didn't know? That's okay, it's only been one day. But see, I can say that now. Cause yesterday I didn't have any meat, eggs, or dairy products. I was going to wait, like say, maybe 30 days until I told you (so then it would be legit), but then I decided that there really is no fun in that.

So, welcome to my vegan chronicles. I plan to discuss the goings-on of my new lifestyle, shamelessly promote you all to join the dark side, and perhaps even get some tips from you real(meaning longer than a day) vegans.

You're first question (if you care) might go a little like this. "Amy, what in the sam heck are you thinking deciding to be a vegan?! Animals taste good." To this I would simply reply, "Because." And then I would tell you why.

Really, there are so many reasons, but first, I guess is that I've never really been a meat eater. I mean, sure I like certain meats, but I've always adopted the philosophy that I don't eat cow butt, and then I thought, well, I shouldn't eat chicken butts, or their unfertilized eggs either. Which honestly, will be difficult, cause I like eggs. Or did. Now I must type as a vegan. If you think about it, eggs are half of a baby chicken. And that is just weird.

Yes, I read that book. And, honestly, as enlightening as it was, it's not the sole reason. For some odd reason, going vegan just feels right. Like my Taverniti jeans, or meditating. Except I hope that going vegan turns out to be easier than meditating. You see, I adopted meditating because Oprah told me too, and I thought it would be easy cause you just sit there and do nothing, but I am finding it to be ridiculous. Ridiculously hard, I mean. To sit still. And not talk. Or think. Meditating, although pretty much the hardest thing I do (yes, I know I have an easy life), just feels good. Being still. Being quiet. So, I hope going vegan will bring me the same sort of centerdness (is that a word?) that meditating and my Tavernitis do.

But don't get me wrong. I don't plan on being one of those vegan fanatics that throw fake blood on people who wear fur coats and stuff. This is for two reasons. One, I wouldn't even know where to get fake blood, and two, the only fur coat I've ever seen was at Emily Mill's house. Apparently it was her grandmothers. I don't know about that, but I do know that when we put it on, and slid down the banister it made for a much more spectacular ride. We used to call it the flying squirrel.

So, because of my transition to a more fantastic me, I had to of course, eat meat for just about every meal on Friday and Saturday. You know, to say goodbye. Forever. And because I had already made the transition in my mind to vegan, all of my final meals just didn't taste as delicious as they had pre-vegan, and I did not enjoy them one bit. Well, maybe the hamburger at McDonalds. This is truly the only red meat I ever eat anymore. Or that I used to eat. And I couldn't even hardly tell it was really meat thanks to those spectacularly fluffy buns, and delicious pickle and perfect catsup. Yum-o. This was in fact, my last meat thing I ate. I am sure this will be the hardest thing to give up. I know, I know. McDonalds is the home of the devil. But he sure makes delicious hamburgers. And because I am giving these up alone I am sure I will save many cute cows, I will earn a spot in the celestial kingdom, and my blood will run through my veins easier. Yay.

My other last meals were hot wings (used to be one of my favorite things) but I could hardly even eat more than one. Sure I love the hot sauce, but all the chicken skin and bone. Felt like I was gnawing on a animal bone. Oh wait, I was. Se la vie. Good riddance.

And, perhaps one of the most difficult separations with meat will be found in my hallowed Cafe Rio Pork Salad, hold the rice (may she rest in peace). I was convinced that just might have been the perfect meal ever. But knowing the treatment that pigs go through hopefully, will be enough to have me not craving this deliciousness.

But in all seriousness people, if you don't already know about the cruelty of animals, and the way they are treated you really should educate yourself. You could go here, or here.

In fact, after I went there, I even pledged to be vegan for 30 days. It was alot like pledging to loose weight with Oprah and Bob Greene, except I expect it to involve less sweat. And really, I'm going to try super hard. I promise at least to be vegetarian for 30 days. And by doing so, apparently I will make the world a more healthy, green, eco-friendly place. And I will save those lovely farm animals from lives of cruelty. And apparently I will have less chance of catching a cold, or other diseases, which sounds nice.

And if I ever falter, or am not quite sure about my decision, I can just ask myself. WWJD? Personally, I think he'd of been a vegan, don't you?

TODAY'S LITTLE GEM

ME: "Thing 1, where do you get your endless energy?" (after he'd taken about 25 laps around our house this morning at the good hour of 7 a.m.)

HIM: "My brother Jesus of course!"


And there you have it.

Y'ALL, WEY WEYNT TO THA STAYT FAYER!

"You know what? You don't have the stupidest family in the whole world. You don't have the goofiest family in the world. And if you ever need to verify that, all you have to do is go to a state fair. Five minutes at a fair, you'll be going, ya know what? We're all right. We're dang near royalty!" - The king of redneck comedy, Jeff Foxworthy.



Yes we did. For pics, check the fam blog.

POTTY TRAINING 101

This little potty training advice is so good, I wish I'd written it myself. If you are in the market for a potty-trained child, then head on over here.

UM, YEAH.

If anyone out there has any brilliant ideas about how to get coins out of my car CD player that would be awesome.


Yeah. My kids rule.

FRIDAY FLASHBACK- vol. 5 monster mash 2

Okay, so I'm posting this a few days late again, sorry. But this one was a request. So, for some ridiculous reason, the monster mash committee decided it would be fun to have that song from Men in Black as the theme? I know right? What? Well, most of the girls took that idea and ran wit it, but me and a few others thought that it was whack, so we did our own thang.

So, today's flashback although it does indeed have most of my girlfriends in it, is mostly dedicated to Trish & Jill. We decided to raid my mom's costume closet and came up with these ensembles. I remember everyone kept asking what we were. (Like they needed to ask.) Trish is obviously an American who enjoys sombreros. I am an Indian Chief and Jill is Batman. Hello?!

I do love how all the other girls in the picture are all trying to be hard. Every time I look at Stacie I just crack up. The biker glove, and black eye stuff. Classic. And Sara's coat? It's only about 15 sizes too big. Lindsay & Holly throwing up gang signs.

Love it.

IT WASN'T JUST PLANES

I didn't want to discuss this on 9/11, but out of respect for the survivors, and those that didn't, you must watch this video. If you don't know who William Rodriguez is, you must google him. Also please read this article http://www.sltrib.com/ci_10444865 . (This article is about a former physics professor from BYU, and my Dad's old mission comp, who is devoted to studying the towers and the physics of them falling.)


I know there was a 9/11 commission report done. (Yes, I've read it) I know there were at least 15 survivor accounts left out. William Rodriguez is one. There was an explosion prior to the planes hitting the towers. There is physical evidence of explosives in the remains. These are facts.


It wasn't just planes.

REMEMBERING 9.11

AN OPEN LETTER

So, Yeah. I'm pretty sure I owe an apology to just about everyone I've ever met (cause I'm just a tad bit opinionated), but this particular apology today will be to my girlfriends. And yeah. Here it is.



Dear Sara, Jill, Holly, Abby, Stacie, & Trish,

I am honestly so sorry for my inability to be able to shut my mouth about our current political situation. I know you are well aware of my hatred for the current President and his insane politics. And because of this I have become just a bit too excited about the reality that he will soon be leaving office (HAL-LE-LURE-YA). And my enthusiasm for change in Washington can at times be overbearing and annoying. So for this, I apologize.

However, having said that, I still do really think that Sara Palin is an idiot. And should never have accepted the offer of VP. She has a brand new baby, and a teenage daughter about to have her own, herself. Timing is everything.

And yes, I think Barack and Joe are our country's best hope for seeing real change. Getting us out of the sticky mess we are in in Iraq, being able to lead us up and out of a recession, and being able to repair our relations with the rest of the world (just to name a few). And hopefully I will be able to find a calm & collected way of sending and sharing my thoughts about the fact that Barack is just the thing we need in this country. Another 8 years of our current politics is not.

And although I know you aren't all Republicans, those of you that are, I hope we can still be friends. Being able to discuss politics, religion, and all those other "off-limits" topics with all of you is something I love. Being able to learn and grow, and see others viewpoints is healthy. Thinking that all Republicans are idiots is not.

I can't promise to never talk politics again with you girls, (cause really, this is a very exciting time for us as a country) but I do promise to not let my strong viewpoints overpower the discussion. I promise to not to use swear words at least. Hows that for a start?

Sincerely,

Amy R.

AUTUMN

With September comes many wonderful things. Such as preschool (i.e. freedom), cooler temperatures (who doesn't love a good long-sleeved shirt? Just ordered a new one for fall today from the Obama camp. Yay!), leaves changing (reds, oranges, & yellows - oh my!), Ryan (Gosling) & Rachel (McAdams) are back together (finally), tv gets good again, BB will crown a champion (Go Dan!), Utah football games, and last but certainly not least, only one month till the very best day of the year (no, not Christmas. My birthday of course).


Yes, fall is a beautiful time. My very favorite actually. I just love all things autumn. The colors, the holidays (hello people, free candy?), the re-emergence of pants. All good things.

But I do have to say, Summer O-8 was a good one if you ask me. So I decided, in memory of a such a great summer, to highlight two of my very favorite things that I did in May, and enjoyed all summer and am still enjoying here even into September.

One)

I (meaning Hubs of course) planted beautiful petunias in my flower boxes. They look absolutely charming. And I have thoroughly enjoyed driving home and seeing the red popping out of my boxes. It's very Martha Stewart of me(meaning Hubs) I know.

and Two)

I decided our Adirondack chairs that we got from Smiths marketplace a few years ago (for only $30 buckaroos), needed a little face lift. So I went for the cherry red that matched the petunias and walla. Total and complete joy. Never knew painting a few chairs could spruce up the old crib like it did. If being a mom doesn't work out, I can always be a host on HGTV, and tell other people what they need to do to Martha-ize their homes.

HYA-HAGS (hope you all had a great summer)

DANCING QUEEN

If you are a reader of my family blog, you must head on over. Thing 2 had her first dance class today,and the pictures are priceless.

FRIDAY FLASHBACK - vol. 4 wasatch warrior women

Okay, so this might just be the best Friday Flashback ever! It is soooo worth the day wait. Anyone remember junior high? Wasatch Warriors! Well, I found this little beauty at my mom's house last Sunday,along with all my junior high and high school year books (which I thought my mom threw out), and a scrapbook I'd made that is high-freakin-larious. This came out of it. I didn't even know we had dances in junior high. Wierd. This is all my friends. And because I was so awesome in eigth grade when I had time for scrapbooking, that I even wrote down everyone's names! How awesome am I? Which was really wierd and funny, cause if I hadn't written them down I honestly wouldn't be able to even name half of these chicks.

Back Row: Sherri Baker, Cami Hardman, Rebekah Odor, Krista Granato, Lindsay Pulsipher, Jody Rosander, Melissa Baird, Turia Henderson, Anna Reynolds, Ashley Sorensen, Tara Roberts, Tannya Christensen, & Ambur Dimmitt.

Next Row: Kate Rose, Angie Hanson, Liz Doman, Amy Stoker, Abbie Knibbe, Annie Whitehead, Jenee Corsi, Allison Sullivan, & Cali Goodrich.

Bottom Row: Danielle Glazier, Megan Vosgerau, Nicole Tonneson, Brittany Bowen, Yours Truly, Aimee White (holla!), & Pardis Ariazand.

Front Row: Mondis Ariazand & Holly Stone.


Oh man. That is awesome right? These chicks seriously were all so much fun. I can't believe I kept this photo. I wonder what all these girls are up to? I really honestly wish we had junior high reunions in stead of High School ones. I loved Wasatch, and pretty much everyone who went there.

Holla to my girls!

THE DAH-LIN FROM NEW AH-LINS.

So, I'm pretty certain I'm the only person on the planet who is even watching Big Brother 10, but if there is even one other soul out there, this post is for you. Was last nights episode hilarious or what?

First, Jerry (75 year-old -foggie) literally walks backward and falls into the pool. I rewound it 4 times.

Then, and I was screaming with laughter, how fricken hilarious is Renny? The POV last night was just about the funniest thing I've seen this season on BB, and might possibly take the cake as the funniest thing I've ever seen on reality TV.

I mean, how is it that she didn't see the colonel in this picture? If the bald head, white hair, triple chin, and ears for days don't give it away, I'm not sure what will. She tried every other male contestant, and still didn't think it could be Jerry. I. Was. Dying. Here she is trying with all her might to figure out who the two contestants to make up that baby could be. Only twenty-three minutes later. . .
And I have to say, I am really gonna be sad to see her go on Thursday. She was allot of fun. I mean really, who goes and eats Almond Joy's in their sleep? Only Renny.

PEACE OUT KIETH

So, lets talk a little Project Runway. I know I'm a week late, but we can't not talk about last weeks ep, with Kieth being aufed and all. So, lets get to it.



So, the show last week was all about designing and making an outfit out of car parts. Saturn car parts, more specifically. I have to say, that these types of challenges are my very favorite. You get to see the contestants creative sides really come out, which I love. It reminded me a bit of the grocery store challenge. Allot of people opting out for the seat belts. Just like they did with the table cloths. Oh well. I guess it doesn't so much matter what you use, as long as your design is di-zope.


So, here is the winner:

This little number was made by Leanne, and I have to say, even though I HATE those stupid bumps (why would anyone want volume added there? I guess it would make it easier to carry my two year old around. A nice little padded seat.), the rest however is lovely. The leather is Divine, and the seat belt fringe is genius. Yay for Leanne. I really like that she is coming out of her shell a bit. She is very creative, if not a bit boring in her interviews. I'm again, having Jillian flashbacks. Oh well. We have enough other contestants that keep me laughing. More about that later.

This is the losing design:

by Kieth. The Utahn. And I have to say, his design is totally boring, but that isn't what bugged me this week. What bugged me to no end, was all his whining. Whining about what the judges were expecting out of him, Whining about the challenge, and whining about being from Utah. And really? Who cares. Move Kieth. Just get out. Move to L.A., or NYC, just get the H-E double hockey sticks out. (As you can see, I have no patience for people who diss Utah. Ya don't like it? Then get the eff out.) Clearly, Kieth and I have some growing up to do.

And the one who should have won:

This coat is by Korto. And I have to say, each week she amazes me. When I saw her putting this thing together at first I wasn't so sure it was gonna be creative enough, or have enough "wow" factor. But the thing about Korto is she always keeps it real with her design aesthetic and fit. Even though the model looks like she is constipated, I think the coat itself is flawless. Too bad I'm always writing about Korto like this. Always the bridesmaid, never the bride. One day soon honey.

But enough about the designs. Let's talk crazy for a bit. Okay, first off, was anybody even the least bit shocked that Stella has a boyfriend named, "Ratbones"? Seriously, Ratbones? And finally, the one episode where Stella should be in heaven with all the Saturn letha, but instead, says she wants to show us what else she can do. Okay. Whatever Stella.

But the best line of the night comes from Jerell, who said of Terri, "[She's] got two faces and only four patterns." Love it. Love it. The Catiness from the men is my favorite.

Oh, and if I hear Suede say whackadoodle one more time I am gonna whack his doodle. He is officially the oddest bird.

And tonight? I need a moment of silence for the mother-of-fashion herself. Diane Von freaking furstenberg is gonna have a little cameo. Gotta love PR.

FLASHBACK FRIDAY vol. 3 1980 rocked

Found this photo and even though it's a bit tattered, thought it was a fun one. This is me with my two older brothers. DP is on the left in the three-piece suit & sweet bow tie, and the toe head on the right is E. Having two young children myself, I have no earthly idea how the photographer got us all to sit so still. And don't you just love my red leather mary janes? I gotta say, buying shoes (for me or my kids) is one of very favorite things to do. Must have got this curse from my mother. Thanks mom.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

BARACK - YOU ROCK!

POLITICS IN THE PARK

Who: Obama & You

What: Convention Night Friends & Family Picnic (Convention Watch Party)

When: Thursday August 28th @ 6pm (Speech starts approx 8pm)

Where: Canyon Rim Park 3100 E. 3100 S.

Why: Why not?

How: Walk, ride, or drive to get there, then sit, listen and enjoy.



Watch Obama’s historic acceptance speech live from Denver on a giant outdoor movie screen. Bring your picnic baskets, coolers, blankets and games for a party under the stars at Canyon Rim Park. The celebration begins at 6 pm Sen. Obama's speech is scheduled for approx 8 pm. Make a homemade sign to show your support. T-shirts, yard signs, bumper stickers, buttons, sodas and snacks will be available for small donations. Bring balls, games, frisbees and get to know other Obama supporters. Please pass this invitation on to fellow Obama supporters.




Well, I was going to have a little viewing party that evening at my house, but then I remembered all my friends are republicans. So, maybe I'll head on over to the Park. Sounds like a fun way to watch the speech. Gotta love living in 'the rim'. Any other Salt Lake Dems out there wanna tag along?

GOOD MORNING

It's a quiet morning around 6:15 a.m.

Me: Dead asleep.

Hubs: Dead asleep.

Thing 2: Dead asleep.

Thing 1: (at the very top of his lungs, might I add) ER-ER-ER-ER-ERRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!


Hubs: giggles

Me: no giggling. More of a puzzled thought about when we purchased a rooster.


And so our morning began. Hope you're all having a good one.

CANCER IS A FUNGUS?

THIS IS FASCINATING!

FLASHBACK FRIDAY vol. 2 Mill Hollow

The girls at Mill Hollow they say are mighty fine. . .



Okay, so I found this picture, and even though it's a bit dark I decided it was too priceless to pass up. At my elemetary school they had a week long camp you could go to called Mill Hollow. And you could go in 5th & 6th grades. It was a camp suppossed to be all about nature and stuff, but honestly I don't remember any of that crap. What I do remember is my awesome bunkmates, the freezing showers, the sweet 6th graders only dance, awesome bonfires at night, and more boondogle than you can imagine. I have so many stupid boondogle key chains from Mill Hollow at my parents house it's ridiculous. I should sell them. I could make some sweet dough.


So the beauties in this photo from L to R are:

Courtney Wood (haven't seen this chick in over 10 years. Wonder what she's up to.) Mary (a.k.a Mauz ) Bentley, Sara Reiser, Aubrey Bolingbroke, yours truly, Emily Bench and laying across our laps is Britany Bench (my bunk partner). Jody Rosander is taking the picture.


Dude, 6th grade & Mill Hollow rocked.

IT'S A JUNGLE OUT THERE

Are you tired of me yet? One more good thing about the headache being gone. Lots o'bloggin due to the way even the slightest pinch of caffine can keep me awake for weeks.



Okay, so last weeks ep had guest judge Brooke Shields. The challenge was to have the designers, make something for her character on Lipstick Jungle, a show which I've never seen. I'm sure this would have been much more interesting had I been a viewer of said show, but I've never been into spin-offs. Even if it is Sex In The City spin-offs. There just never as good as the original, ya know?


Anyways. So this whole ep for me was kinda lame. I wasn't at all impressed with any of the outfits really. Kieth did get a bit of airtime, so that's good. But he's kinda boring. He's the Jillian of this season, right? Just plain boring. But the best line from the whole show, which I was frickin' rolling on the ground laughing at was when Terri said about Suede, And I quote:

"I don’t know what he’s packin’ … balls or vajay-jay … but he needs to work that out ‘cuz I ain’t got no babies, ain’t nobody suckin’ on my titties … so please, man up."


What?! I mean come on. It doesn't get any crazier than that. Except maybe for Suede and his antics.

Here are the dresses of the week:

The winner:This is Kieth and Kenley's dress. All Kieth's design. It's just eh for me. I really like the skirt though. But the top? Those butterfly sleeves just seem so 1999 to me. And that scarf? Please. Nothing new or shocking. Nothing says top designer about this to me. But then again, I'm no Michael Kors.

The auffed:

Again, eh. I can see where Nina was coming from when she called it trashy, but really I've seen worse. I'm sad to see Kelli go, although I didn't think she was going to win it all anyways, so I guess now is a fine enough time to get the boot. I did think it was a bit tacky for Kenley to laugh at Daniel's claim of himself having fabulous taste. Apropo, but tacky.

And who should have been auffed:

Seriously Blaine? Does this say "fashion icon" to you? Looks more like something you'd see at H&M or Forever 21. Cheap, and way too casual. Now, I think he could have made this look alot more classy and sophisticated had he just used better fabric. A rich chocolate brown short with a crisp white or Navy button down with a pop of red t underneath. Something better than grey and blue at least. He just missed the mark.

But classic was when the designers were asked in the interviews who they thought the fashion icon guest judge might be, and Stella (and her letha) picked Hilary Clinton and Sharon Osbourne. Seriously? Fashion icons? Um yeah.

So, that's all my thoughts for now about PR. I'm sure we'll get another fab episode tonight with the drag queens. Gonna go catch a few more zzzzs before my kiddos are up in a two hours. Yay.

HOW TO IDENTIFY A CONVERT

Okay, so there is something I'd like to blog about today which I find very troublesome. It's been bothering me since, well, pretty much the late eighties. But the straw that broke the camel's very tired, very irksome back, was a few Sundays ago. Let me set the scenario.


It's a typical Sunday. We've barely survived the passing of the sacrament (only spilled one cup this week--yay), have taken each child potty. twice. Are just settling in for a nice pair of "new-move-in" talks, when it happens. Not two minutes into the new girl's talk she does it. Something that bugs me almost as much as Nicole Kidman (whole other post). The new girl makes a "Mormon joke." And not just any Mormon joke, cause really, some actually are funny, she makes the Mormon green jello joke. It goes something like this. New girl from Jersey: "Thanks to all the neighbors who've dropped by plates of cookies, and treats. We are learning to love Utah, and just how strongly you all feel about your green Jello." Crowd: "ha, ha, ha."


Okay, now really people. I check my watch. Yep, still 2008. Now, I'll be the first to admit that growing up every Sunday without fail, my mother made jello for dinner. Now, it wasn't always green, but a fair amount of the time it was. Only she tried to make it actually nutritious by putting applesauce in it. I honestly didn't know that jello was see-through till I was like 14, and had jello at a friends house for dinner. I was so pissed. My mom had been royally screwing up a good thing for more than a decade now for no apparent reason. Other than health. Pfshh. Health shmealth. Jello need not be healthy.


Anyways, yes I grew up in Utah. Yes, I'm a Mormon. Yes, I ate green Jello in the eighties like it was nobodies business (cause I had too). But NO, I do not find the green jello joke funny. Especially, when it's coming from a transplant, who did not grow up in Utah, and has actually never even tasted it. See-through or otherwise. I mean, come on. The joke was funny like 15, maybe 10 years ago when people actually received green jello in dinners from the relief society. But really, when was the last time you received a meal from a Mormon with Jello in it? Cause, I've had two kids, and believe you me, I milked those free meals as long as those ladies were willing to dish out. And after six months* of free meals, after both kids, I can honestly say I did not receive a single jello side dish. And no floating veggies, or fruits or anything.



And furthermore. I haven't had jello even at a linger-longer or ward function in over ten years. And we all know how much Mormons like to get together and mingle, so I'd say, that really saying something. So, I must ask, rather beg, that the green jello jokes stop already. The poor innocent food item has endured enough bad jokes. Not to mention my ears. And I'm fairly certain there won't be any letters read from the pulpit anytime soon about banning green jello jokes, so people, can we please at least stop laughing at them? I mean, when a seemingly innocent convert, or move-in ( stormin Mormon from another Zion) makes the joke from the pulpit, it will really say something if we all just sit and stare and not laugh. Don't you think? People, we need to unite on this issue. Really now. Kristina don't you at least agree? Don't you agree that along with the banning of old white dudes from Utah saying "Alooooooha" at the beginning of their testimonies, we should also ban the green jello joke? (p.s. if you are Mormon, or alive really, and are not reading her blog. Then I feel sorry for you. Cause it's fan-freaking-tastic.)



I realize we can't erase the past. The polygamists bruhaha will always be with us. But surely we can rid ourselves of the green jello stigma. I know it's gonna be hard with all those green jello 2002 Olympic pins floating around out there. But we can do it people. We can unite as non-converts. We can ban the green Jello jokes forever.



Can I get an Amen?







*sarcasm people.

IN MEMORY OF. . .

The saxophonist of pretty much my favorite band ever passed away yesterday. This is the blurb taken from their website today.

08/19/2008
We are deeply saddened that LeRoi Moore, saxophonist and founding member of Dave Matthews Band, died unexpectedly Tuesday afternoon, August 19, 2008, at Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center in Los Angeles from sudden complications stemming from his June ATV accident on his farm near Charlottesville, Virginia. LeRoi had recently returned to his Los Angeles home to begin an intensive physical rehabilitation program.

I've been to many DMB concerts in my life. One time we even road tripped it to Cali to see them perform. And the show was killer as always. And LeRoi gave some of his best sax solos ever. That man can play. Seriously the sax is such a strong part of the creative sound of DMB. Take a listen at one of his famous solos. It's the song #41. If ya don't have 10 minutes for a little DMB you can fast forward to about 4 minutes in. He gives a killer almost 3 minute solo.

Rest In Peace LeRoi. Thanks for all the good tunes.

BORED SILLY

The good news: My headache is gone.

Bad news: It's currently 3:24 a.m. Yeah, tomorrow is pretty much gonna be awesome.

MY DEEP DARK SECRET

So, in case you weren't sure if I am a crappy mom or not, your suspicion on the matter can officially be confirmed by the fact, that up until a few days ago, Thing 1 was still using a pacifier. Yep. There. I said it. Out loud. Well, sort of. My deep, dark secret out for the entire blogging world to know. My almost four-year-old still uses a binki.

I knew I wasn't doing my kid any favors by allowing the binki, but you know, it's just one of those things that aren't great for your kids, but you let them have it anyways. Kinda like letting them watch 'Yo Gabba, Gabba', drink only chocolate milk, and have Cinnamon toast crunch for breakfast everyday. You know it's not the best for them, but they love it, so you give it to them anyways. Well, doctors, dentists, my brothers, pretty much everyone that knew, was telling me to get that kid off the paci. I mean, it's not like he had it during the day or anything. (I'm not that horrible) Just at night. And naps. Pretty much only in his bed while he was sleeping. Hence the name: "nigh, nigh". And oh how this messed up his teeth. Total paci smile. Big ole gap between his top and bottom teeth that I'll be paying thousands of dollars later to fix. Yay for me. Sucks for him.

Yeah, so I knew it wasn't right that a 3 year old still had a binki, but what cha gonna do? I mean, really what it comes down to is laziness. No surprise there. I know I'm lazy. I'll admit it. I'd much rather sit and watch a good reality show than go hiking. So sue me. Anyways. . .There was always a vacation, or a plane ride or something coming up that we needed those darn pacis for. And honestly? I'd heard such nightmares about kids having them taken away, that I just thought it would be easier if he had them forever. I mean, it's not like he's going to go off to college with them right? I really thought the kid would have outgrown them by now all on his own. That way I wouldn't have to be the mean mom. Yeah, not so much.

So, I thought up this plan. I told him that 4 year olds don't have pacis. And that if he wanted to get any presents on his birthday he needed to throw the pacis away FOREVER. And you want to know his reaction? He said, "Okay mom. Big boys don't have paci's. They are for babies." UhHH, What? No screaming, or whining or anything? Wow. Well, sure he says that he's fine with it now, but we'll see how he acts once the day finally arrives.

So, I'd been talking this up for a good month or so. To prepare myself, as much as him, and then finally the day arrived. The night before his birthday. And I was really geared up. Ready for a fight. Ready to remind him of the presents that would await him. Ready for his whining and crying and his big to-do.

And he did. He cried for a total of two and a half minutes. Are you kidding me? Then he went to sleep and hasn't asked or thought about his pacis since. Seriously. I. should. have. done. this. ages. ago. All that mommy guilt about havin the only three-year old alive still on the binki. Embarrassing. And for what? Heck, I woulda taken him to the toy store a year ago, if I'd known how easy it woulda been to bribe him off of his binki addiction.

Yeah. Still mom of the year. I'm proud to say that I'm not above bribing. That's good parenting right? Hey, at least he's off the paci. One crappy parenting issue at a time please. Remember I'm lazy. Oh, and happy birthday Thing 1. I love you, and your wacked-up-paci-teeth-smile.

50%

Hey there peeps!

Okay, so I'm not sure if it's because of my self-proclaimed pessimism or not, but it really is amazing to me, that pretty much every time Thing 2 goes to put on her undies she gets them on backwards. You would think that with fifty/fifty odds of getting it right, that she would now and again. But no. Seriously, every time she puts on a fresh pair they end up with a bunch in front and two little cheeks hanging out the back. Now you would think that it wouldn't feel very great, and she would change them, but it's almost as if she prefers them that way. Why else would she put them on wrong every time? I just don't get it. Never really had this problem with Thing 1. Boys undies are a little more obvious. Oh well, I guess eventually we will get our undies on the right way, and our shoes on the correct feet. Someday.

Until then . . .

it's wigidy, wigidy, wigidy, wigidy wack.