It is interesting, I think, that I enjoy funerals - I even look forward to them. Most people avoid them, fear them or at least are made uncomfortable by them.
I think my first memory of this was right after 9/11. Being in California, I felt very far away from the tragedy. Andy and I gave to the Red Cross - pushing "Enter" on the keyboard together to symbolize our solidarity in this act of giving, but to me that was so little help in such a huge crisis.
When the time came for the day of prayer, my church had a service broadcast to our chapel. It was important to me that I go and I really wanted to go. My boss at the time said she had no desire to go to a service that day - that it was too much, too difficult to bear. But, for me I needed to feel something! I needed to feel something of the sadness that so many others were feeling - like somehow that would help ease their suffering if I could share it with them. When I went, I did feel a small part of that sadness and I felt connected to others in spirit. We were mourning a great loss and truly grieving together. Like a good cry usually does, it made me feel much better afterward. I think that is part of the purpose of funerals.
I actually don't like the word, funeral. It has such a negative connotation and, to me a service for someone who has passed isn't like that - it's an honoring of that person and their life here on Earth. It's a memorial to them, a gathering of those who loved them to share in the spirit of that person and of God.
When my mom died, I planned what I thought to be a fitting memorial to the woman who sacrificed so much for me - to raise me as best she could on her own, with little money. She brought us to the church that I now love so dearly, which gave me such comfort at her passing. Her memorial consisted of music that she loved, sweet words from friends and family members and a beautiful piano piece by my daughter, her granddaughter. Throughout the service I was sad, but felt so close to the Spirit of God and to my mom that I didn't want it to end. I would have been happy to stay in the chapel hearing the music and words being said all day. It truly was lovely. I learned that day how my mom's illness strengthened those who cared for her, me in particular, and how we were better people for having gone through that with her.
I can't express in words these feelings of the Spirit that are present when gathered together with others to say goodbye to a loved one, but they are tender and peaceful, at least. These feelings come, I know, from the knowledge that the person is not dead but only separated for a time from us and from their body. Often that separation from their body is a freedom, as it is for my mom and for Michael, whom we honored, yesterday. In both cases, as with Ed, my husband's step-dad, and my dear friend Bobby who died years ago, their spirit had been trapped in a body that suffered debilitating illnesses, keeping them from comfort, peace and much of the enjoyment of life that they should have had. Once separated, they are then free to walk, dance, talk, sing or even throw their arms out and spin like a child. Picturing these people that I love in such happiness brings joy to my heart as well.
Gathering together with our loved ones at these times, remembering and honoring a dear friend or family member and reminding each other that we will see each other again one day is a truly grand and special experience that brings real healing, when we understand God's plan for us. We can learn through this sharing how the person's life and even illness and death has strengthened us, taught us valuable principles and helped us to become better people ourselves. That is God's plan, to become strong and caring, like Him, and why I believe we must suffer these tragedies. The memorial or gathering is where that learning culminates and where we can start to see the value of what that person suffered and what we are suffering. It is a time of joy, as well as sorrow. It is a time of love and grace and the Spirit is beautiful.
Afterward, there are people laughing, telling stories about their loved one and strengthening their own bonds of love. This is what life is all about. People are what life is all about and when you can feel this amazing time with others, learn and grow together - it is a true blessing from God. As they say, the veil between this world and the next is very thin and you can feel a little of what it must be like on the other side. I don't look forward to the loss of those I love, but when someone does return home, I love touching heaven just a little bit with brothers and sisters around, and feeling that very special Spirit that uplifts us all. It gives me a clue to what my Heavenly Father has in store for me.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Monday, February 23, 2009
My Sambos day
I don't know how many out there remember Sambo's from when they were young. I do and it was kindof a magical place. To think that you were eating special butter that came from tigers!! Of course this makes no sense to you if you haven't been to a Sambo's or don't know the story of Little Black Sambo, actually a children's book published in the early 1900s and adopted by Sam (Samuel Battistone) and Bo (Newell Bohnett) to be the theme of their restaurant.
Basically, Little Black Sambo gets a new red coat, blue trousers, green umbrella and purple and red shoes from his parents. As he strolls through the jungle with all his new garb, he meets 4 tigers on separate occasions. Each one threatens to eat him so Sambo gives each a piece of his clothing to trade for his life. Each tiger agrees, takes the article and goes off wearing it and thinking he is the grandest tiger in the jungle. When the 4 of them meet, they argue and fight over who is the grandest until they begin to fight. But, first they each take off their article of clothing. So, as they're fighting Sambo takes them back and leaves. The tigers begin to chase each other around a tree, holding onto the tail of the one in front of him, not wanting to let go. They start going faster and faster until they all turn into butter. Sambo's dad comes along, scoops up all the butter and takes it home where Sambo's mom makes pancakes with it.
What a charming story!! And, on the walls of the Sambo's restaurant are pictures depicting the main scenes with the tigers so even as a child you know the story and look forward to that delicious butter! It's a grand childhood memory.
But, somewhere along the line, maybe even before the restaurant - some racists started calling African Americans Sambo, and was adopted as a racial slur and so then all of a sudden, Sambo's began to disappear from around the country. Now, there is just one left - the original in Santa Barbara that still has the pictures on the wall and now sells memorabilia, including a reprint of the original story book.
This last Saturday, I got to go to Santa Barbara and visit this last Sambo's. I don't think I've been as excited to go anywhere in a long time. The pictures were there that I remember, I got pancakes with butter, and even got one of the storybooks and a stuffed tiger with a Sambo's t-shirt on. It was a childhood memory come true. I felt all whimsical and childlike again! What fun it was!
I am so sad that these special restaurants, telling this wonderful story, had to go because of the ignorance and hate of some people. But, I am really glad that I got to go to the original and last Sambo's which seems like it's still going to be there for a while. If you're ever in Santa Barbara, check it out and tell your kids that the butter is very special - made from tigers! They'll love it!
Monday, February 2, 2009
Mommy Survey
Mommy Survey
Here you go mommies - a different kind of survey for a change - it's all about your first born! Just copy and paste it in a new note for yourself!
Let's see how much you remember!
1. WAS YOUR FIRST PREGNANCY PLANNED? Yes
2. WERE YOU MARRIED AT THE TIME? Yes, 9 months
3. WHAT WERE YOUR REACTIONS? Pure joy!
4. HOW OLD WERE YOU? 20
5. HOW DID YOU FIND OUT YOU WERE PREGNANT? Preg test by the doctor
6. WHO DID YOU TELL FIRST? Andy, of course!
7. DID YOU WANT TO FIND OUT THE SEX? Yes - but they couldn't tell until she was born.
8. DUE DATE? 12/20/1989
9. DID YOU HAVE MORNING SICKNESS? Not much - only a bit in the morning - it went away with some crackers that I kept next to the bed.
10. WHAT DID YOU CRAVE? Nothing really
11. WHO/WHAT IRRITATED YOU THE MOST? heart burn
12. WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST CHILD'S SEX? girl
13. DID YOU WISH YOU HAD THE OPPOSITE SEX OF WHAT YOU WERE GETTING? no, not at all.
14. HOW MANY POUNDS DID YOU GAIN THROUGHOUT THE PREGNANCY? I think around 30.
15. DID YOU HAVE A BABY SHOWER? yes
16. WAS IT A SURPRISE OR DID YOU KNOW? It was a complete surprise. They told me it was for Lynnae, my friend who was also pregnant. They told her it was for me but it was a joint shower - a total blast!! I was so oblivious, I didn't even see my name on the cake before they sprung the surprise.
17. DID YOU HAVE ANY COMPLICATIONS DURING YOUR PREGNANCY? Yes, I did - I started bleeding at a very inopportune time and rushed to the hospital. Everything was fine, though.
18. WHERE DID YOU GIVE BIRTH? Navy Hospital in Spain.
19. HOW MANY HOURS WERE YOU IN LABOR? 10 hours??
20. WHO DROVE YOU TO THE HOSPITAL? Andy
21. WHO WATCHED YOU GIVE BIRTH? Andy watched the c-section. I couldn't see it, myself but he said they took all my guts out and put them on my stomach and then pulled her out - he said it was very colorful and freaky.
22. WAS IT NATURAL OR C-SECTION? c-section
23. DID YOU TAKE MEDICINE TO EASE THE PAIN? YES!! I loved the epidural!! Pure heaven.
24. HOW MUCH DID YOUR CHILD WEIGH? 8lb 1oz
25. WHEN WAS YOUR CHILD ACTUALLY BORN ? Sunday evening, Dec. 17th at 8:01 pm, 4 hours shy of having the same birth date (18th) as both her dad and me. (though different months)
26. WHAT DID YOU NAME HIM/HER? Vienna (after an Ultravox song) Lerough (a name Andy made up)
27. HOW OLD IS YOUR FIRST BORN TODAY? 19 - just turned in Dec.
Here you go mommies - a different kind of survey for a change - it's all about your first born! Just copy and paste it in a new note for yourself!
Let's see how much you remember!
1. WAS YOUR FIRST PREGNANCY PLANNED? Yes
2. WERE YOU MARRIED AT THE TIME? Yes, 9 months
3. WHAT WERE YOUR REACTIONS? Pure joy!
4. HOW OLD WERE YOU? 20
5. HOW DID YOU FIND OUT YOU WERE PREGNANT? Preg test by the doctor
6. WHO DID YOU TELL FIRST? Andy, of course!
7. DID YOU WANT TO FIND OUT THE SEX? Yes - but they couldn't tell until she was born.
8. DUE DATE? 12/20/1989
9. DID YOU HAVE MORNING SICKNESS? Not much - only a bit in the morning - it went away with some crackers that I kept next to the bed.
10. WHAT DID YOU CRAVE? Nothing really
11. WHO/WHAT IRRITATED YOU THE MOST? heart burn
12. WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST CHILD'S SEX? girl
13. DID YOU WISH YOU HAD THE OPPOSITE SEX OF WHAT YOU WERE GETTING? no, not at all.
14. HOW MANY POUNDS DID YOU GAIN THROUGHOUT THE PREGNANCY? I think around 30.
15. DID YOU HAVE A BABY SHOWER? yes
16. WAS IT A SURPRISE OR DID YOU KNOW? It was a complete surprise. They told me it was for Lynnae, my friend who was also pregnant. They told her it was for me but it was a joint shower - a total blast!! I was so oblivious, I didn't even see my name on the cake before they sprung the surprise.
17. DID YOU HAVE ANY COMPLICATIONS DURING YOUR PREGNANCY? Yes, I did - I started bleeding at a very inopportune time and rushed to the hospital. Everything was fine, though.
18. WHERE DID YOU GIVE BIRTH? Navy Hospital in Spain.
19. HOW MANY HOURS WERE YOU IN LABOR? 10 hours??
20. WHO DROVE YOU TO THE HOSPITAL? Andy
21. WHO WATCHED YOU GIVE BIRTH? Andy watched the c-section. I couldn't see it, myself but he said they took all my guts out and put them on my stomach and then pulled her out - he said it was very colorful and freaky.
22. WAS IT NATURAL OR C-SECTION? c-section
23. DID YOU TAKE MEDICINE TO EASE THE PAIN? YES!! I loved the epidural!! Pure heaven.
24. HOW MUCH DID YOUR CHILD WEIGH? 8lb 1oz
25. WHEN WAS YOUR CHILD ACTUALLY BORN ? Sunday evening, Dec. 17th at 8:01 pm, 4 hours shy of having the same birth date (18th) as both her dad and me. (though different months)
26. WHAT DID YOU NAME HIM/HER? Vienna (after an Ultravox song) Lerough (a name Andy made up)
27. HOW OLD IS YOUR FIRST BORN TODAY? 19 - just turned in Dec.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
I've seen 117 out of 239 films
SUPPOSEDLY if you've seen over 85 films, you have no life. Mark the ones you've seen. There are 239 films on this list. Copy this list, go to your own facebook account, paste this as a note. Then, put x's next to the films you've seen, add them up, change the header adding your number, and click post at the bottom.
(x) Rocky Horror Picture Show
(x) Grease
(x) Pirates of the Caribbean
(x) Pirates of the Caribbean 2: Dead Man's Chest
() Boondock Saints
(x) Fight Club
(x) Starsky and Hutch
() Neverending Story
(x) Blazing Saddles
(x) Airplane
Total: 8
(x) The Princess Bride
(x) Anchorman
() Napoleon Dynamite
(x) Labyrinth
() Saw
() Saw II
(x) White Noise
() White Oleander
(x) Anger Management
(x) 50 First Dates
(x) The Princess Diaries
() The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement
Total so far: 15
(x) Scream
() Scream 2
() Scream 3
(x) Scary Movie
() Scary Movie 2
() Scary Movie 3
() Scary Movie 4
(x) American Pie
() American Pie 2
() American Wedding
() American Pie Band Camp
Total so far: 18
(x) Harry Potter 1
(x) Harry Potter 2
(x) Harry Potter 3
(x) Harry Potter 4
() Resident Evil 1
() Resident Evil 2
(x) The Wedding Singer
() Little Black Book
() The Village
(x) Lilo & Stitch
Total so far: 24
(x) Finding Nemo
(x) Finding Neverland
(x) Signs
(x) The Grinch
() Texas Chainsaw Massacre
() Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning
() White Chicks
(x) Butterfly Effect
(x) 13 Going on 30
(x) I, Robot
() Robots
Total so far: 31
(x) Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story
() Universal Soldier
(x) Lemony Snicket: A Series Of Unfortunate Events
(x) Along Came Polly
(x) Deep Impact
() KingPin
() Never Been Kissed
(x) Meet The Parents
(x) Meet the Fockers
() Eight Crazy Nights
(x) Joe Dirt
(x) KING KONG
Total so far:39
() A Cinderella Story
(x) The Terminal
() The Lizzie McGuire Movie
() Passport to Paris
(x) Dumb & Dumber
() Dumber & Dumberer
() Final Destination
() Final Destination 2
() Final Destination 3
(x) Halloween
(x) The Ring
() The Ring 2
() Surviving X-MAS
() Flubber
Total so far:43
() Harold & Kumar Go To White Castle
() Practical Magic
(x) Chicago
() Ghost Ship
() From Hell
(x) Hellboy
(x) Secret Window
(x) I Am Sam
(x) The Whole Nine Yards
() The Whole Ten Yards
Total so far: 48
(x) The Day After Tomorrow
() Child's Play
() Seed of Chucky
() Bride of Chucky
() Ten Things I Hate About You
() Just Married
(x) Gothika
(x) Nightmare on Elm Street
(x) Sixteen Candles
() Remember the Titans
() Coach Carter
(x) The Grudge
() The Grudge 2
(x) The Mask
() Son Of The Mask
Total so far: 54
() Bad Boys
() Bad Boys 2
(x) Joy Ride
() Lucky Number Slevin
(x) Ocean's Eleven
() Ocean's Twelve
(x) Bourne Identity
(x) Bourne Supremecy
() Lone Star
() Bedazzled
(x) Predator I
(x) Predator II
() The Fog
(x) Ice Age
() Ice Age 2: The Meltdown
() Curious George
Total so far: 61
(x) Independence Day
() Cujo
() A Bronx Tale
() Darkness Falls
() Christine
(x) ET
() Children of the Corn
() My Bosses Daughter
(x) Maid in Manhattan
(x) War of the Worlds
() Rush Hour
() Rush Hour 2
Total so far: 65
() Best Bet
(x) How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days
() She's All That
() Calendar Girls
() Sideways
(x) Mars Attacks
() Event Horizon
() Ever After
(x) Wizard of Oz
(x) Forrest Gump
() Big Trouble in Little China
(x) The Terminator
(x) The Terminator 2
(x) The Terminator 3
Total so far:72
(x) X-Men
(x) X-2
(x) X-3
(x) Spider-Man
(x) Spider-Man 2
() Sky High
() Jeepers Creepers
() Jeepers Creepers 2
(x) Catch Me If You Can
(x) The Little Mermaid
(x) Freaky Friday
() Reign of Fire
() The Skulls
() Cruel Intentions
() Cruel Intentions 2
(x) The Hot Chick
(x) Shrek
(x) Shrek 2
Total so far: 83
() Swimfan
(x) Miracle on 34th street
() Old School
() The Notebook
(x) K-Pax
() Krippendorf's Tribe
() A Walk to Remember
() Ice Castles
( ) Boogeyman
(x) The 40-year-old Virgin
Total so far: 86
(x) Lord of the Rings Fellowship of the Ring
(x) Lord of the Rings The Two Towers
(x) Lord of the Rings Return Of the King
(x) Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark
(x) Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom
(x) Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
Total so far: 92
() Baseketball
() Hostel
(x) Waiting for Guffman
() House of 1000 Corpses
() Devils Rejects
() Elf
() Highlander
() Mothman Prophecies
(x) American History X
() Three
Total so Far: 94
() The Jacket
() Kung Fu Hustle
() Shaolin Soccer
() Night Watch
(x) Monsters Inc.
(X) Titanic
(x) Monty Python and the Holy Grail
() Shaun Of the Dead
(x) Willard
Total so far: 96
() High Tension
() Club Dread
(x) Hulk
(x) Dawn Of the Dead
(x) Hook
(x) Chronicles Of Narnia: The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe
() 28 days later
() Orgazmo
() Phantasm
(x) Waterworld
Total so far: 103
(x) Kill Bill vol 1
(x) Kill Bill vol 2
() Mortal Kombat
() Wolf Creek
() Kingdom of Heaven
() the Hills Have Eyes
() I Spit on Your Grave aka the Day of the Woman
() The Last House on the Left
() Re-Animator
() Army of Darkness
Total so far: 105
(x) Star Wars Ep. I The Phantom Menace
(x) Star Wars Ep. II Attack of the Clones
(x) Star Wars Ep. III Revenge of the Sith
(x) Star Wars Ep. IV A New Hope
(x) Star Wars Ep. V The Empire Strikes Back
(x) Star Wars Ep. VI Return of the Jedi
() Ewoks Caravan Of Courage
() Ewoks The Battle For Endor
Total so far: 111
(x) The Matrix
(x) The Matrix Reloaded
(x) The Matrix Revolutions
()Animatrix
() Evil Dead
() Evil Dead 2
(x) Team America: World Police
() Red Dragon
(x) Silence of the Lambs
(x) Hannibal
Total so far: 117
Now Add them up and...
Put "I've seen ... out of 239 films" in the subject line and repost it.
(x) Rocky Horror Picture Show
(x) Grease
(x) Pirates of the Caribbean
(x) Pirates of the Caribbean 2: Dead Man's Chest
() Boondock Saints
(x) Fight Club
(x) Starsky and Hutch
() Neverending Story
(x) Blazing Saddles
(x) Airplane
Total: 8
(x) The Princess Bride
(x) Anchorman
() Napoleon Dynamite
(x) Labyrinth
() Saw
() Saw II
(x) White Noise
() White Oleander
(x) Anger Management
(x) 50 First Dates
(x) The Princess Diaries
() The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement
Total so far: 15
(x) Scream
() Scream 2
() Scream 3
(x) Scary Movie
() Scary Movie 2
() Scary Movie 3
() Scary Movie 4
(x) American Pie
() American Pie 2
() American Wedding
() American Pie Band Camp
Total so far: 18
(x) Harry Potter 1
(x) Harry Potter 2
(x) Harry Potter 3
(x) Harry Potter 4
() Resident Evil 1
() Resident Evil 2
(x) The Wedding Singer
() Little Black Book
() The Village
(x) Lilo & Stitch
Total so far: 24
(x) Finding Nemo
(x) Finding Neverland
(x) Signs
(x) The Grinch
() Texas Chainsaw Massacre
() Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning
() White Chicks
(x) Butterfly Effect
(x) 13 Going on 30
(x) I, Robot
() Robots
Total so far: 31
(x) Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story
() Universal Soldier
(x) Lemony Snicket: A Series Of Unfortunate Events
(x) Along Came Polly
(x) Deep Impact
() KingPin
() Never Been Kissed
(x) Meet The Parents
(x) Meet the Fockers
() Eight Crazy Nights
(x) Joe Dirt
(x) KING KONG
Total so far:39
() A Cinderella Story
(x) The Terminal
() The Lizzie McGuire Movie
() Passport to Paris
(x) Dumb & Dumber
() Dumber & Dumberer
() Final Destination
() Final Destination 2
() Final Destination 3
(x) Halloween
(x) The Ring
() The Ring 2
() Surviving X-MAS
() Flubber
Total so far:43
() Harold & Kumar Go To White Castle
() Practical Magic
(x) Chicago
() Ghost Ship
() From Hell
(x) Hellboy
(x) Secret Window
(x) I Am Sam
(x) The Whole Nine Yards
() The Whole Ten Yards
Total so far: 48
(x) The Day After Tomorrow
() Child's Play
() Seed of Chucky
() Bride of Chucky
() Ten Things I Hate About You
() Just Married
(x) Gothika
(x) Nightmare on Elm Street
(x) Sixteen Candles
() Remember the Titans
() Coach Carter
(x) The Grudge
() The Grudge 2
(x) The Mask
() Son Of The Mask
Total so far: 54
() Bad Boys
() Bad Boys 2
(x) Joy Ride
() Lucky Number Slevin
(x) Ocean's Eleven
() Ocean's Twelve
(x) Bourne Identity
(x) Bourne Supremecy
() Lone Star
() Bedazzled
(x) Predator I
(x) Predator II
() The Fog
(x) Ice Age
() Ice Age 2: The Meltdown
() Curious George
Total so far: 61
(x) Independence Day
() Cujo
() A Bronx Tale
() Darkness Falls
() Christine
(x) ET
() Children of the Corn
() My Bosses Daughter
(x) Maid in Manhattan
(x) War of the Worlds
() Rush Hour
() Rush Hour 2
Total so far: 65
() Best Bet
(x) How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days
() She's All That
() Calendar Girls
() Sideways
(x) Mars Attacks
() Event Horizon
() Ever After
(x) Wizard of Oz
(x) Forrest Gump
() Big Trouble in Little China
(x) The Terminator
(x) The Terminator 2
(x) The Terminator 3
Total so far:72
(x) X-Men
(x) X-2
(x) X-3
(x) Spider-Man
(x) Spider-Man 2
() Sky High
() Jeepers Creepers
() Jeepers Creepers 2
(x) Catch Me If You Can
(x) The Little Mermaid
(x) Freaky Friday
() Reign of Fire
() The Skulls
() Cruel Intentions
() Cruel Intentions 2
(x) The Hot Chick
(x) Shrek
(x) Shrek 2
Total so far: 83
() Swimfan
(x) Miracle on 34th street
() Old School
() The Notebook
(x) K-Pax
() Krippendorf's Tribe
() A Walk to Remember
() Ice Castles
( ) Boogeyman
(x) The 40-year-old Virgin
Total so far: 86
(x) Lord of the Rings Fellowship of the Ring
(x) Lord of the Rings The Two Towers
(x) Lord of the Rings Return Of the King
(x) Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark
(x) Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom
(x) Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
Total so far: 92
() Baseketball
() Hostel
(x) Waiting for Guffman
() House of 1000 Corpses
() Devils Rejects
() Elf
() Highlander
() Mothman Prophecies
(x) American History X
() Three
Total so Far: 94
() The Jacket
() Kung Fu Hustle
() Shaolin Soccer
() Night Watch
(x) Monsters Inc.
(X) Titanic
(x) Monty Python and the Holy Grail
() Shaun Of the Dead
(x) Willard
Total so far: 96
() High Tension
() Club Dread
(x) Hulk
(x) Dawn Of the Dead
(x) Hook
(x) Chronicles Of Narnia: The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe
() 28 days later
() Orgazmo
() Phantasm
(x) Waterworld
Total so far: 103
(x) Kill Bill vol 1
(x) Kill Bill vol 2
() Mortal Kombat
() Wolf Creek
() Kingdom of Heaven
() the Hills Have Eyes
() I Spit on Your Grave aka the Day of the Woman
() The Last House on the Left
() Re-Animator
() Army of Darkness
Total so far: 105
(x) Star Wars Ep. I The Phantom Menace
(x) Star Wars Ep. II Attack of the Clones
(x) Star Wars Ep. III Revenge of the Sith
(x) Star Wars Ep. IV A New Hope
(x) Star Wars Ep. V The Empire Strikes Back
(x) Star Wars Ep. VI Return of the Jedi
() Ewoks Caravan Of Courage
() Ewoks The Battle For Endor
Total so far: 111
(x) The Matrix
(x) The Matrix Reloaded
(x) The Matrix Revolutions
()Animatrix
() Evil Dead
() Evil Dead 2
(x) Team America: World Police
() Red Dragon
(x) Silence of the Lambs
(x) Hannibal
Total so far: 117
Now Add them up and...
Put "I've seen ... out of 239 films" in the subject line and repost it.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
My extreme leftist/righty political view
I thought I'd take a moment to try to explain my political views, which seem confusing to some. People on the right - like my hard-core republican boss- think I'm a total liberal, while people on the left- like my husband- think I'm a right-wing nutcake.
The truth is I really am extreme on both sides, depending on the issue.
Socially, I'm very conservative. I believe life begins at conception and a woman's right to choose does NOT override the baby's right to live. The baby in-utero absolutely has every right that the same baby has as soon as it emerges from the womb. As you all probably know, I was pro- prop-8, as well. Most other social issues - I'm gonna go the same way, because for me they are all spiritual issues and the rules are actually made by God, not man.
However, on the issues of government and finance, I am quite liberal. While capitalism is the way of our country, it doesn't work for everyone and those who are disadvantaged by the system must be helped so they can help themselves - not as handouts to live off the government and promote laziness, but so that they can become self-reliant and, in turn contribute to society and the less-fortunate. Some, who can never be self-reliant like the mentally handicapped should be helped on a more permanent basis - it is our responsibility as humans to care for each other this way. I also believe that government is for our benefit and if we want it to do certain things for us and the less-fortunate, we need to pay for it - taxes.
I do think the rich should pay more in taxes so the poorer people can get the help they need. I look forward to the day when I can pay more in taxes because I'm fabulously wealthy! Obviously, I have no problem with people having money - but they shouldn't hoard it and once you have enough to live comfortably - even luxuriously the rest of your life, share the rest. You don't need it and you could probably never spend it, anyway. Your kids would be better off working out their own fortunes, anyway. These ideals also come from my religious beliefs - love one another, feed my sheep and the other examples Christ set. And, I believe a rising tide really should raise all ships, not just the yachts.
So, it's not so confusing when you think about it - it's common sense to me and it fits perfectly with what I've been taught all my life. It's based on Christ and his great example. It's also based on many values coming from the left- tolerance, caring and idealism - we can be better and we absolutely should be the best we can be.
The truth is I really am extreme on both sides, depending on the issue.
Socially, I'm very conservative. I believe life begins at conception and a woman's right to choose does NOT override the baby's right to live. The baby in-utero absolutely has every right that the same baby has as soon as it emerges from the womb. As you all probably know, I was pro- prop-8, as well. Most other social issues - I'm gonna go the same way, because for me they are all spiritual issues and the rules are actually made by God, not man.
However, on the issues of government and finance, I am quite liberal. While capitalism is the way of our country, it doesn't work for everyone and those who are disadvantaged by the system must be helped so they can help themselves - not as handouts to live off the government and promote laziness, but so that they can become self-reliant and, in turn contribute to society and the less-fortunate. Some, who can never be self-reliant like the mentally handicapped should be helped on a more permanent basis - it is our responsibility as humans to care for each other this way. I also believe that government is for our benefit and if we want it to do certain things for us and the less-fortunate, we need to pay for it - taxes.
I do think the rich should pay more in taxes so the poorer people can get the help they need. I look forward to the day when I can pay more in taxes because I'm fabulously wealthy! Obviously, I have no problem with people having money - but they shouldn't hoard it and once you have enough to live comfortably - even luxuriously the rest of your life, share the rest. You don't need it and you could probably never spend it, anyway. Your kids would be better off working out their own fortunes, anyway. These ideals also come from my religious beliefs - love one another, feed my sheep and the other examples Christ set. And, I believe a rising tide really should raise all ships, not just the yachts.
So, it's not so confusing when you think about it - it's common sense to me and it fits perfectly with what I've been taught all my life. It's based on Christ and his great example. It's also based on many values coming from the left- tolerance, caring and idealism - we can be better and we absolutely should be the best we can be.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Mormons' support of Proposition 8
To all those thinking the Mormon church should be taxed, hurt or otherwise punished for its members support of Proposition 8:
1. Mormons make up less than 2% of the population of California . There are approximately 800,000 LDS out of a total population of approximately 34 million.
2. Mormon voters were less than 5% of the yes vote. If one estimates that 250,000 LDS are registered voters (the rest being children), then LDS voters made up 4.6% of the Yes vote and 2.4% of the total Proposition 8 vote.
3. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon church) donated no money to the Yes on 8 campaign. Individual members of the Church were encouraged to support the Yes on 8 efforts and, exercising their constitutional right to free speech, donated whatever they felt like donating.
4. The No on 8 campaign raised more money than the Yes on 8 campaign. Unofficial estimates put No on 8 at $38 million and Yes on 8 at $32 million, making it the most expensive non-presidential election in the country.
5. Advertising messages for the Yes on 8 campaign are based on case law and real-life situations. The No on 8 supporters have insisted that the Yes on 8 messaging is based on lies. Every Yes on 8 claim is supported.
6. The majority of our friends and neighbors voted Yes on 8.
7. African Americans overwhelmingly supported Yes on 8. Exit polls show that 70% of Black voters chose Yes on 8. This was interesting because the majority of these voters voted for President-elect Obama. No on 8 supporters had assumed that Obama voters would vote No on 8.
8. The majority of Latino voters voted Yes on 8. Exit polls show that the majority of Latinos supported Yes on 8 and cited religious beliefs (assumed to be primarily Catholic).
9. The Yes on 8 coalition was a broad spectrum of religious organizations. Catholics, Evangelicals, Protestants, Orthodox Jews, Muslims - all supported Yes on 8. It is estimated that there are 10 million Catholics and 10 million Protestants in California . Mormons were a tiny fraction of the population represented by Yes on 8 coalition members.
10. Not all Mormons voted in favor of Proposition 8. Our faith accords that each person be allowed to choose for him or her self. Church leaders have asked members to treat other members with "civility, respect and love," despite their differing views.
11. The Church did not violate the principal of separation of church and state. This principle is derived from the First Amendment to the United States Constitution, which reads, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof . . ." The phrase "separation of church and state", which does not appear in the Constitution itself, is generally traced to an 1802 letter by Thomas Jefferson, although it has since been quoted in several opinions handed down by the United States Supreme Court in recent years. The LDS Church is under no obligation to refrain from participating in the political process, to the extent permitted by law. U.S. election law is very clear that churches may not endorse candidates, but may support issues. The Church has always been very careful on this matter and occasionally (not often) chooses to support causes that it feels to be of a moral nature.
12. Supporters of Proposition 8 did exactly what the Constitution provides for all citizens: they exercised their First Amendment rights to speak out on an issue that concerned them, make contributions to a cause that they support, and then vote in the regular electoral process. For the most part, this seems to have been done in an open, fair, and civil way. Opponents of 8 have accused supporters of being bigots, liars, and worse. The fact is, we simply did what Americans do - we spoke up, we campaigned, and we voted.
Written by a member in the Newbury Park area.
1. Mormons make up less than 2% of the population of California . There are approximately 800,000 LDS out of a total population of approximately 34 million.
2. Mormon voters were less than 5% of the yes vote. If one estimates that 250,000 LDS are registered voters (the rest being children), then LDS voters made up 4.6% of the Yes vote and 2.4% of the total Proposition 8 vote.
3. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon church) donated no money to the Yes on 8 campaign. Individual members of the Church were encouraged to support the Yes on 8 efforts and, exercising their constitutional right to free speech, donated whatever they felt like donating.
4. The No on 8 campaign raised more money than the Yes on 8 campaign. Unofficial estimates put No on 8 at $38 million and Yes on 8 at $32 million, making it the most expensive non-presidential election in the country.
5. Advertising messages for the Yes on 8 campaign are based on case law and real-life situations. The No on 8 supporters have insisted that the Yes on 8 messaging is based on lies. Every Yes on 8 claim is supported.
6. The majority of our friends and neighbors voted Yes on 8.
7. African Americans overwhelmingly supported Yes on 8. Exit polls show that 70% of Black voters chose Yes on 8. This was interesting because the majority of these voters voted for President-elect Obama. No on 8 supporters had assumed that Obama voters would vote No on 8.
8. The majority of Latino voters voted Yes on 8. Exit polls show that the majority of Latinos supported Yes on 8 and cited religious beliefs (assumed to be primarily Catholic).
9. The Yes on 8 coalition was a broad spectrum of religious organizations. Catholics, Evangelicals, Protestants, Orthodox Jews, Muslims - all supported Yes on 8. It is estimated that there are 10 million Catholics and 10 million Protestants in California . Mormons were a tiny fraction of the population represented by Yes on 8 coalition members.
10. Not all Mormons voted in favor of Proposition 8. Our faith accords that each person be allowed to choose for him or her self. Church leaders have asked members to treat other members with "civility, respect and love," despite their differing views.
11. The Church did not violate the principal of separation of church and state. This principle is derived from the First Amendment to the United States Constitution, which reads, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof . . ." The phrase "separation of church and state", which does not appear in the Constitution itself, is generally traced to an 1802 letter by Thomas Jefferson, although it has since been quoted in several opinions handed down by the United States Supreme Court in recent years. The LDS Church is under no obligation to refrain from participating in the political process, to the extent permitted by law. U.S. election law is very clear that churches may not endorse candidates, but may support issues. The Church has always been very careful on this matter and occasionally (not often) chooses to support causes that it feels to be of a moral nature.
12. Supporters of Proposition 8 did exactly what the Constitution provides for all citizens: they exercised their First Amendment rights to speak out on an issue that concerned them, make contributions to a cause that they support, and then vote in the regular electoral process. For the most part, this seems to have been done in an open, fair, and civil way. Opponents of 8 have accused supporters of being bigots, liars, and worse. The fact is, we simply did what Americans do - we spoke up, we campaigned, and we voted.
Written by a member in the Newbury Park area.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Election Post-Mortem
I find it hard to describe how I feel about life, today. I am calm, tired and at peace, I guess. Basically, I feel the lightness of me now that the weight of the campaign is off my shoulders. I can enjoy life again.
In fact, I don't even really want to write this but feel I should as a remembrance for myself. As Andy says, "It's the gift I give myself" for the future. It was a very momentous time for me and the country.
I was really enjoying the election season - two great candidates, exciting debates, public energy at the thought of really good change coming- no matter which candidate won, in my opinion. I think both John McCain and Barak Obama are very competent and smart guys. It was fun to sit back each night and watch the activities of the day from both sides and hear the commentary from the pundits.
Then, I got the assignment to run the local Yes on Prop 8 campaign (the one man one woman marriage amendment) and my entire view of the season changed. Now I had big responsibilities, that other people really didn't want, and I don't blame them a bit. I had to gather volunteers, coordinate a ton of activities, including phone calls, distributing yard signs, redistributing them daily after they'd been stolen, sign-waving rallies on street corners and a myriad of other things.
While I am very strong in my conviction on this issue, I didn't know where everyone I knew stood on it. It was not fun figuring it out since it's such a divisive issue and I do NOT like confronting people on them when there's a possibility I could get "rejected", lose a friend or even have mean words said to me. I'm actually quite sensitive and my main goal in life is for everyone to like me so this was hard for me. But, I manned-up and did what I could and slowly but surely I had a small contingency of volunteers (thanks to the help of some others who aren't as afraid as I am) and we were making calls, having phone banks, passing around email news and waving signs together.
With my group of supporters, I felt really positive and energetic. But, by myself, I still felt those pangs of fear that people I cared about would disown me. It almost happened once and I am so very grateful that we are still friends and can hopefully move past this. I did get plenty of swear words, birds shot at me and really mean words of response to things I wrote to the paper or online. Those things were easier to deal with because, for the most part, I don't know those people and will probably never have to face them.
Anyway, it is now over and regardless of the result - I am glad it is over. I am still reading a few news stories just to see what's happening and what will happen next but otherwise - I am avoiding the topic as much as possible.
Now, I want to bask. Bask in the lightness and the change that is coming to our country. I am so very excited that Barak Obama will be our President. While John McCain is truly a great man and would have made a good president, Obama is truly inspiring, to me and many others and I think that unity really is what our country needs right now. We have been so divided for so long that we must pull together to accomplish real good for ourselves and the world. I believe Obama is the one that can do that.
So, tonight I'm going to watch the news of what happened, today - who Obama is thinking about for Secretary of this or that, the implications of his election and all the positive things that we have to look forward to. We really do live in a great country where great things can happen and great people can be president. And, now I can enjoy it again.
Thank you to all those who supported me in the last 2 months - especially my wonderful husband Andy who, even though disagrees with me on this issue, stood up for me, allowed me time and space to accomplish my task and even went on a stakeout with me to protect our signs. He's the best husband ever!
In fact, I don't even really want to write this but feel I should as a remembrance for myself. As Andy says, "It's the gift I give myself" for the future. It was a very momentous time for me and the country.
I was really enjoying the election season - two great candidates, exciting debates, public energy at the thought of really good change coming- no matter which candidate won, in my opinion. I think both John McCain and Barak Obama are very competent and smart guys. It was fun to sit back each night and watch the activities of the day from both sides and hear the commentary from the pundits.
Then, I got the assignment to run the local Yes on Prop 8 campaign (the one man one woman marriage amendment) and my entire view of the season changed. Now I had big responsibilities, that other people really didn't want, and I don't blame them a bit. I had to gather volunteers, coordinate a ton of activities, including phone calls, distributing yard signs, redistributing them daily after they'd been stolen, sign-waving rallies on street corners and a myriad of other things.
While I am very strong in my conviction on this issue, I didn't know where everyone I knew stood on it. It was not fun figuring it out since it's such a divisive issue and I do NOT like confronting people on them when there's a possibility I could get "rejected", lose a friend or even have mean words said to me. I'm actually quite sensitive and my main goal in life is for everyone to like me so this was hard for me. But, I manned-up and did what I could and slowly but surely I had a small contingency of volunteers (thanks to the help of some others who aren't as afraid as I am) and we were making calls, having phone banks, passing around email news and waving signs together.
With my group of supporters, I felt really positive and energetic. But, by myself, I still felt those pangs of fear that people I cared about would disown me. It almost happened once and I am so very grateful that we are still friends and can hopefully move past this. I did get plenty of swear words, birds shot at me and really mean words of response to things I wrote to the paper or online. Those things were easier to deal with because, for the most part, I don't know those people and will probably never have to face them.
Anyway, it is now over and regardless of the result - I am glad it is over. I am still reading a few news stories just to see what's happening and what will happen next but otherwise - I am avoiding the topic as much as possible.
Now, I want to bask. Bask in the lightness and the change that is coming to our country. I am so very excited that Barak Obama will be our President. While John McCain is truly a great man and would have made a good president, Obama is truly inspiring, to me and many others and I think that unity really is what our country needs right now. We have been so divided for so long that we must pull together to accomplish real good for ourselves and the world. I believe Obama is the one that can do that.
So, tonight I'm going to watch the news of what happened, today - who Obama is thinking about for Secretary of this or that, the implications of his election and all the positive things that we have to look forward to. We really do live in a great country where great things can happen and great people can be president. And, now I can enjoy it again.
Thank you to all those who supported me in the last 2 months - especially my wonderful husband Andy who, even though disagrees with me on this issue, stood up for me, allowed me time and space to accomplish my task and even went on a stakeout with me to protect our signs. He's the best husband ever!
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