Tomorrow's the day....

And if you haven't signed the pledge go to www.r-word.org and sign it now!!!

All the cool people are doing it !!!

Oh Holiday Tree, Oh Holiday Tree.....

I have had more then one person talk about keeping Christ in Christmas. Posting on facebook about how Obama had put forth an order removing anything "Christ " oriented from Christmas and officially stating that there will be no more Christmas tree. From this day forward it shall refer to it as a "Holiday" tree and all decorations depicting any images of Christ will be removed. Well,In the article I read dismissing said order being handed down from Obama, it talked about how the First Lady actually has a beautiful Nativity that is placed beneath one of their Christmas not (holiday) trees.
I find it perfectly normal to refer to the Holiday season as just that and I will say happy holidays versus Merry Christmas. The Holiday Season encompasses just what it says "The Holiday Season" which includes, Thanksgiving, Winter Solstice, St, Nicholas Day, Chanukah, Kwanza, Christmas and celebrating the coming of the new year. Now some of those holidays are only christian holidays and some are not.
In the early days of the south, they would celebrate what was called "The Season." It would begin with a parade on Thanksgiving and actually culminate on New Years Eve with a great Ball. All holidays being part of that Season.
I myself have a strong belief that Jesus Christ be the center if Christmas. But I am also friends with others who celebrate many other holidays during the Holiday Season. So when I am saying Happy Holiday's to people, it is not because I am trying to take Christ out of Christmas. Actually, far from it. It is because I am also wishing my fellow brothers and sisters of this world, christian or not, a Happy Holiday season. Is that not what Christ would do or would he leave them out saying you are not Christian therefor we shall not celebrate nor recognize your customs or holidays?I think not.

Wordless Wednesday....

Not Acceptable

I could not believe when I saw this commercial. Many years ago I wrote a paper about what my biggest "Pet Peeve" was. Using the "R" word happens to be it and what I wrote in that paper was very close to what was said in this commercial. I have heard feedback that it is both shocking and crude but I believe it finally brings the point out front and center. I think it is exactly what some people needed to get it. Hopefully, it will now make more people understand how hurtful, hateful, and harmful using the "R" word is to people who have Mental Retardation. 

The Civility Experiment

In light of current events,
I would love to share this with anyone who will listen...

So many need to hear this, so many need to understand this!!!
Thank you MMB for sharing this.

and she yelled "gold" as he found the plates!!!

I have the worst habit and I really have got to give it up. What is this habit may you ask? Well it is reading the comments written about news stories.

Now usually I do not do anything other then complain to Eric about the comments written. Ignorant people writing ignorant things trying to work their own personal agenda into whatever article they are commenting on. Yesterday, I saw a comment on the new health car reform bill written on the article about the gentlemen that passed away hiking. People joking back and forth about someone's misfortune. People arguing over politics, religion, you name it.

Then I came across an article about the Mormon Miracle Pageant. Out of habit I started to read the comments and came across a comment that I couldn't refrain from commenting back about.

This women proceeded to talk about how she lived in Manti and that her daughter had once been an angel in the pageant. She talked about how "funny" it was that she would usually sit in the front row when watching the pageant. When she would turn around to face the rest of the audience she would see several lit cigarettes throughout the audience.

She talked about how when Joseph found the gold plates that a women's voice would suddenly shout out "gold" and visions of all of the worldly things that could be purchased would be shown. She commented how the music from Star Trek was played at exciting scenes as well as several other fallacies made up just to be humorous.

For some reason it rubbed me the wrong way. I had to call her out about it. I set up an account and I commented. I let her know that as someone as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints I personally knew that they do not allow people to smoke on the temple grounds, that if anyone ever thought about lighting a cigarette they would never be allowed to get in the first drag before the cigarette was put out.Also, as someone who has seen the pageant, lets say at least 25 times, I asked her what pageant she was watching because I had never scene or heard any of what she was talking about.

I have always wondered why it is that people find it so necessary to tear down the church. For this women if she was telling the truth about her daughter, she at one point was active in the church. Is it easier for her to ridicule, degrade, and demean something then to walk away? She had written across the bottom of her comment's. "Jesus doesn't want me for his Sunbeam" I reminded her that Jesus loves all his children no matter who they are or what they might say.

What part of MOVE did you not get....

For years (and this is not an exaggeration) I have been annoyed by this mysterious person who parks in the disabled parking spot at the gym.This annoys me for so many reasons.

#1They have NO plates or placard hanging in there car stating that they have any reason to need to park in this spot.

#2They are at the GYM for heck sakes. Do they need to park next to the door? Isn't going to the gym about getting exercise?

Yesterday was my day though. I finally got to meet this person. I was sitting in my car, fiddling answering a text, when all of the sudden, there she was- My mystery person. I watched her closely, this Nemesis of mine. I have missed catching this person for years and here she was a live person.

She began to get out of her car and I caught her attention. I said, very nicely mind you,"Mam, I don't know if you noticed but you parked in the disabled parking spot. You probably want to move."

She looked at me and said,"Does it really matter, it's not as if any crippled people come to the gym anyway."

That did it!!!Really Crippled People? Is this the 1950? No more being nice. I said," Well, you either move or I am going to call the police and have them come and give you a ticket."

In return she said, " Why don't you just move your fat a** to your car and mind your own business."

My reply, " Run along sweetheart, I hope we get to meet again. Maybe next week?and by the way yes I do have a fat a**. Why do you think I am at the gym? I guess that's why your here too, although I get in a few more steps because I walk across the parking lot to get in.You have a great workout! "

I called the police and they actually came right down and issued her a ticket. I was shocked they did that. They must have either been tipped off by the gym that there where two women having a fight in the parking lot or it was a slow day.

All I know is I was ecstatic that I finally, after years I was able to get that off my chest. I imagine I won't be seeing her parking there anymore. But if I do....

Not just for hippies anymore...

Each and everyday it's the only one we have.

Happy Earth Day!!!

I am not gonna eat it, but I guess you will....

This weekend was the Scouting for food, so as many people do food was put out for the scouts to come but and pick up. So that it could be delivered to the local food bank. I always go to the store and purchase a case or two of peanut butter, tuna, beans, and some ramen noodles. I usually will also try to find a case of fruit snacks or treats of some sort to give as well. That is the normal routine for me, but I know everyone does what they can and of coarse every little bit does help.

However, I was so bugged by what I heard on the news today. The Anchor person talked about how it was not to late to donate, and that you could just go into your cupboard and get out those things you are never going to eat.

Really!?! Get the things you are never going to eat!!! So I was just curious if they meant that the people who get food from the food bank will eat anything. I am guessing poor people don't care what they eat as long as it is food. Come on people. Think before you speak please.

Change the Conversation....

So many people say it. Adults and children alike. Professionals, teachers, cashiers, hairdressers.... the list goes on and on. What is it they are saying you might ask? What they are saying is a word, a word that is so disrespectful, and so rude yet it slides of the tongue like any normal adjective. That is how people use it. That word

"Retarded"

Yet, this word is a medical term. This word does not mean stupid, as so many people it.

The definition of the word is: Slow or impeded.

But how many times do we hear it, over and over. I personally have chosen to stop it when I do hear it. I have a dear friend, one of his medical diagnosis is, Mild Mental Retardation. He has a shirt he wears that I think describes it best. The shirt says;

"I am Retarded~Not Stupid"

This gentlemen is a motivational speaker. He goes out and talks with schools and shares this same type of information with others. It is amazing how this simple statement, when thought about and pondered can make things so clear.

The Special Olympics has chosen March 3rd as a day to recognize not using the "R" word. Please go to this link, sign the pledge, and commit to not use the "R"word.

Together we can all Change the Conversation.

Together we can be a fan of Respect.

I dont care about your farm, or your fish, or your park, or your mafia!!!

.

Disclaimer: I mean no offense to anyone who plays these games. I am sure that they are enjoyable if you like that sort of thing. I just happen to not like that sort of thing.

One of my friends recently had to shut down her Internet and only uses facebook at work because her husband had become so addicted to several of these games. She said he had gotten so involved he would spend hours doing nothing but playing Farmville, and Mafia.
My cousin finally gave up her Mafia account because she was sick of having to sift through all of the requests and notices to see anything that was written from her friends or family. She ended up deleting over 300 friend contacts that were just strictly Mafia contacts.
I have gotten requests to help build a barn, or find a lost cat, so on and so on.Which I just politely decline. I don't get these games. they seem so juvenile, like such a waste of time. I don't know who said it but I love the statement that

"Simple things entertain simple minds"

That's what I see when I look at these games. "Thanks for the feather, Yay I have a nail for my barn, I found a yellow cat."

What really got me on this soap box was a story I heard on the radio last night. A women called in because she just didn't know what to do with her husband. She said that on Sunday. She had made a beautiful, romantic setting in there bedroom, candles, roses, music, etc.

They had started to cuddle and snuggle on the bed when he suddenly jumped up, ran out of the room, and to there office. She followed him to find him, on facebook, feeding his crops. This poor wife wondered what she should do. She was instructed to have him seek help.

Yes I think a little help would probably do this guy some good. I think it's about time for that good old boy to leave the farm.

Guns are not Toys....

Our home is a gun free home. No squirt guns, no nerf guns, no cap guns. No real guns. I have always stood strong in my stance that guns are not toys and have never allowed Mason to "Play" with any toy guns.

Nothing makes me sicker then to see little boys pretending to shoot and kill on another. It truly makes me sick to my stomach to see that. I can just see them with real wounds, bleeding, and dying. I don't why it bother me so much but it does.

I have had debates and arguments over the years with many members of my family about this subject. Yes, Mason has picked up a stick and pretended it was a gun, and yes, Mason has built a gun out of Legos. However, my argument is and always will be a stick or a lego can be many other things as well. But a gun can only be a gun. So if I were to allow Mason to have a toy gun to play with what else could he do with it????

Now I am not Anti-gun, I believe that there is a use for fire arms and there is an appropriate time and place to learn how to use them.

Today that day finally came for Mason. For scouts they went to do firearms safety and learn how to shoot different kinds of guns. Mason was really apprehensive and called me after school about it. He said " I am a little scared Mom, but as you have always taught me I know guns are not toys so I will be very careful."

All I can say is that I am so thankful to know that he is listening to me!!!

The most recent data states that there were 29,569 gun deaths in the U.S:
16,750 suicides,11,624 homicides,649 unintentional shootings, 311 from legal intervention and 235 from undetermined intent.
-Numbers obtained from CDC National Center for Health Statistics mortality report online

Word-full Wednesday....Veteran's Day!!!

On this Veterans day I think we need to stop and remember not only those soldiers who have died defending our country but we also need to remember those who have committed their lives to defend our country and are still doing so. Thank you to all of the Armed forces to allow us to enjoy and have what we do because of your great sacrifices.

Vietnam Memorial

Vietnam Memorial

Korean War Memorial

Statues of the Soldiers ~ Korean War

Arlinton National Cemetary

"We can't all be heroes because someone has to sit on the curb and clap as they go by."
~Will Rogers

It's begining to look alot like....

Thanksgiving!!!!!

It is so sad to go into the stores and see Christmas everywhere. Halloween wasn't even over with and there was Christmas, Christmas all over the place. I was in a store today and they had Christmas music on. I realize that everyone is in such a hurry to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ ( Right???) Everyone is on such a rush for Christmas that they forget about what we should be thankful for. We should not forget to stop and give thanks for all that we have in our lives and all that we have been given.

I for one am going to remind people to stop and be thankful. Instead of Christmas wishes, let us remind people to have a Happy Thanksgiving. Christmas will have it's own time and maybe then they won't be in such a rush for Christmas to come and be gone.

Funny!!!

I think not.

So sad what people will do to make a buck.

Some people...

I guess the beer and water diet brings out the best in people.

Should have replaced the cowboy hat with pretty white hood.

But I am guessing this guy is proud of his ignorance.

~Thanks for the pic POW~

I know the schools are crowded but...

Mason came home last Thursday, saying he had a paper that I really needed to sign. I told him to bring me the paper and when I looked at it I couldn't believe it. It was papers to discharge Mason from his current school. I asked him how he had gotten the paper and he said that he had told a teacher he was going to be moving and asked if he should do any of the school work. The teacher sent him to the counseling office, where they immediately began the withdrawal process. Friday morning I sent him back to school. He called me around 11:00 an asked if he could come home. I asked him what was going on. He said he was bored because they didn't have him going to class but sitting in the office reading. I was in a meeting in Salt Lake but headed to the school as soon as I could.
When I got in I went into the counselors office and asked if it was normal practice to discharge a 13 year old on word that they were moving. To my astonishment she said yes. Anytime they have a student that says they are moving they immediately start the withdrawal process. She said the school is so overly crowded they jump at the chance to have a student leave.
It makes me sad to think that the students at that school(which is supposed to be one of the best in the state) can be so concerned about lowering the numbers in the student body instead of focusing on providing a quality education to their students.
Just one more reason I am so very thankful we have been given this opportunity to move.

Tickets are free...

I just hopped online to check my email. On my start page it said" LA prepares for thousands to come and morn Jackson" then underneath in smaller print. Tickets are free.



Tickets are Free??

Tickets are Free!!!

Tickets are Free?!?!

Was there someone out there that thought they might sell tickets? I understand the concern for crowd control but really. It is no wonder we have all of these messed up celebrities running around. What a sad, sad world it is to know that someone would consider selling tickets to a funeral and an even sadder fact that someone would consider buying them.

When did that happen ...

I was driving down the road in Orem today when I came across several signs out on someones lawn. I do not know why but it really rubbed me the wrong way.

The first sign said:

This one didn't bother me.

The next one had a display of homemade earrings with a cute sign that said "Earrings for Sale."

That didn't bother me.

The last sign on this lawn was:

This sign really bothered me.
I do not know when I became such an animal activist. But someone will sell Lemonade, sell homemade earrings, yet they will give away a living creature to any Joe schmo off the street. I realize that sometimes those "FREE" babies go to good and loving homes. But sometimes they go to cruel, mean people. That is what bothers me. I think anyone willing to give away animals should have some sort of screening process to make sure these sweet animals go to a good home. Where they are loved and cherished as one of the family.

$1.03 are you kidding me...

I walked to 7-11 today to get away from my desk and out of the office on such a beautiful day. There is a guy, late twenties in front of me. He purchases his $3.00 Energy Drink and his $5.50 pack of cigarettes. Then he asks the cashier for matches. She told him that they do not give out matches anymore, but they sell lighters. Then the following conversation ensues.

He said "Can't I just take one outside, light my smoke and I will bring it back?"

She said "No, they are for sale."

He said "This is such bleep-bleep I cannot believe 7-11 is so bleep cheap."

She said "I am sorry you feel that way, 7-11 is just looking out for the best interests of their customers by not enabling smoking by giving out free matches." ( We'll sell them but will not give you free flame to light them.)

He said " Give me the bleep cheapest one."

She rings it up and tells him the total.

He proceeds to freak out yelling "$1.03 for a bleep lighter, are you bleeping kidding me."

I begin to get impatient and say "Dude, I'll cover your lighter. Just take it and have a nice day."

He said "Thanks, mam." turned and left.

So I didn't buy him the lighter so I could enable him with his smoking. I bought him a lighter because I was really close jumping all over him about the fact that he was spending $8.50 on jacked up sugar water and poison for his lungs (As well as everyone else unlucky enough to have to breathe his air) Yet he was complaining about spending another $1 for a lighter. It makes no sense to me.

Anyway the cashier rang up the lighter and rang up my drink.

I looked at her and said, "$2.63 are you kidding me, can I just take the drink outside for a minute. I promise I'll bring it right back."

She smiled, voided my drink and said " The drinks on us. Have a nice day."