As if I didn't have enough to do..

Monday night I get to call people and remind them to vote on Tuesday as part of the "Get Out the Vote!"

woo hoo

Actually I am happy to do my part, I just thought they'd use my yard for signs when I signed up to help. Hahaha. I guess they want a little more than that. Actually they wanted me to do yard signs on Sat. or Sun. but I have a session on Saturday morning and Sunday is my day of worship, so then they asked me if I could make calls on Monday. I couldn't think of a reason why not, so ... I said I would.

So... this is your reminder from me....

Get out and vote on Tuesday!

And the excuse, "I have to work" doesn't count, because work places are required to let you go vote, during your shift, if you can't work around the schedule. This link has your state's laws regarding if it's paid or not and how much time you get. So really, there's no good reason not to vote!

Extra Time

So now that I have some extra time this winter while my photography slows down, I want to do some reading and movie watching. But I don't want to chose just any books or any movies, I'd like to pick books that have been hits in book clubs, and movies that are old classics. So I spent some time on the library website looking for some... this is what I have requested so far... and I'm looking for some more suggestions.
But first let me say, I'm not interested in the Twilight series, nor am I interested in action/guns kind of stuff.

Books:
The Secret Life of Bees
Wicked

Movies:
42nd street
It's a mad, mad, mad, mad world
Moby dick
Monkey Business
Stage Door (Yeah, I noticed a Ginger Rogers thing going on here)

Have any good suggestions to my list?

Cetole and other musical instruments

Some pictures from todays session with Kate, who makes these medieval instruments by hand. She does amazing work! Makes me a little sad that I don't know how to even play anything. These would be fun to play!

Saturday

Was probably the last warm day we will have this year. We got out and spent most of the afternoon working and playing. I got out the camera for some fun shots too.

This is Duky's shoe, he lost playing soccer in the street.

My lavender is doing really well in the cooler temps.

These are Josh's worn out jeans, sad thing is, I probably bought him these in September!

Joel fixing our front steps.

I love how the light shone through this leaf, making it's color more spectatular!

And this little guy will be gone soon, having played the summer away.

My mind in the clouds

Today at the gym I was reading last month's Ensign magazine. In it was an article titled "Finding My Faith" by Joshua J. Perkey.
In it he talked about how when he was taking missionary discussions he kept holding off his baptism because he was waiting for some big revelation to himself that the Church was true. Time after time the missionaries would challenge him to be baptised, and time after time he would turn them down. Yet he kept taking discussions. Then one day during a discussion a missionary told him that every time they ask him to be baptized he tells them no, but what he had to do was say yes and then the Spirit would confirm it to him.
I've been in several discussions in the last year where this has been brought up, where we try to get answers to prayers, "tell me if I should do this or that", yet we feel we have not received an answer. John Bytheway, in his Standards Night Live, tells about how when he was trying to decide if he should ask this girl to marry him. He finally figured out that he had to make the decision first and then asked God to stop him if it wasn't right.
Often that is what we have to to, is make the decision first and then ask the Lord if it is right. This is how I ended up with some really amazing counselors when I was the Young Women's President.
Anyway, back to the first story, this young man had to make the decision to be baptized, first, before the Spirit witnessed to him overwhelmingly at that moment he said "yes" that what he was doing was right.
We haven't paid our tithing for several months. Every paycheck I've written tithing into our bank book, but I haven't paid it. I'll admit, it's been quite satisfying seeing the amount pile up in our account. When things look rough I kept thinking, "Well, we have that money to help if we need it, we don't go to the temple much anymore anyway." But then the thought comes to me, "I don't want to burn if Christ comes tomorrow." Haha, too bad that's the extent of my thoughts lately.
The last several weeks I've been searching for long sleeved dresses for my girls for the winter, so they don't freeze going to church here in the Nordic north. Last Saturday I finally decided enough is enough, we just need to pay our tithing and then hope the rest of the year works out somehow. So Sunday Joel took the $3,200 check in with us to church, and gave it to a Bishopric member. Later that day the Bishop's wife brought in 3 bags of clothes for my girls, with SEVERAL adorable winter/spring dresses for them!
It didn't really occur to me until today when I was reading that story that I had a similar experience this week with the dresses.
I know this was simple, but it was an immediate answer to a need I had.
I know that the rest of this year will be ok and we will be taken care of. I just needed that boost to my testimony. I just wish my mind wasn't in the clouds so much that it takes more than a week to realize I've been blessed by my faith.

A Sometimes MeMe

Sometimes I just need: arms around me
Sometimes I want: to just keep driving
Sometimes I like to: volunteer at my kids school
Sometimes all it takes: is all I have
Sometimes I picture: us in a home in the country with no neighbors, my kids running wild and free, dogs yapping, horses running around, fresh air and the sound of nature all around. Maybe it will have to be the grandkids.
Sometimes I wish: I could find corn husk wrappers at my local grocery store
Sometimes I find: people to be utterly amusing
Sometimes I take: too long getting ready
Sometimes I look: for my sunglasses or keys
Sometimes I hate: hearing my family whine about what's for dinner
Sometimes it’s nice: to feel the warm sun on my face
Sometimes it hurts: the day after I raise my weights in the gym
Sometimes it makes me happy: to work on pictures all day
Sometimes it’s sad: when I have to chose one child over the other
Sometimes I listen: to the scriptures
Sometimes I sleep: only 6 hours a night
Sometimes I like to watch: reality tv
Sometimes I feel: itchy
Sometimes I rant: about politics
Sometimes I never: shut up
Sometimes I really: want a snaptotes bag, but the price scares me!

I am SO bummed!

I just found out today that Wicked is coming to Minnesota in November and I am much too late to buy tickets. This really depresses me. I hope they come back some time. I don't think I could get Joel to stand outside the theatre with me for 40-60 minutes, by chance that we would win the lottery for two of the 20 tickets they hold a lottery for at the begining of each performance.... bummer.

Ever wonder to yourself

How on earth it could affect you if gay marriage was made legal in your state?
http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid1815825713

Nuh uh, no way, no how, not with MY kids. Heard the word "vigilante"?

I read this today...

in a coments section, but couldn't find the author's name. But enjoy!


Why I am voting Democrat!

I'm voting Democrat because I believe the government will do a better job of spending MY MONEY than I would. I think when you spread the wealth around it is good for everybody! It’s Patriotic!

I'm voting Democrat because I believe that business should not be allowed to make profits for themselves. All profits are evil and should be confiscated for Government Redistribution.

I'm voting Democrat because I believe that MORE Government regulations and higher taxes on Business will stop Business from exporting their jobs to Countries with LESS Government regulations and lower taxes.

I'm voting Democrat because I believe terrorists should be allowed to have trials in American courts. And be able to subpoena top secret documents, soldiers, government officials, etc. to cross examine for their defense. They should have ACLU lawyers who can help intimidate Americans who serve on the juries!

I'm voting Democrat because I believe Gay Marriage should be the law of the land and will probably produce better children.

I'm voting Democrat because I believe English should not be the official language of the United States. I don’t mind pushing one for English when I use the phone.

I'm voting Democrat because I believe partial birth abortion is okay but water boarding a terrorist is disgusting.

I'm voting Democrat because I believe having a domestic terrorist like Bill Ayers as a close friend is a good thing. It allows for great relations with foreign terrorists.

I'm voting Democrat because I believe in a FREE government health care system. I believe doctors, nurses, hospitals, drug companies, etc. will gladly donate their time, products, services, facilities, etc. for FREE and that will be a better system.

I'm voting Democrat because I believe in and support trial lawyers, frivolous lawsuits and outrageous jury verdicts.

I'm voting Democrat because I believe 9/11 was an inside job to con the American people to go to war for oil.

I'm voting Democrat because I believe social security is solvent and that there is a social security lock box and I don’t believe social security is a Ponzi scheme.

I'm voting Democrat because I believe MOST AMERICANS are bitter and cling to their guns and religion. Let’s rid our country of guns and religion!

I'm voting Democrat because I believe illegal aliens deserve all the rights of ordinary Americans plus some additional rights Americans do not have.

I'm voting Democrat because I believe corporations should pay higher taxes! I believe higher taxes on business will make the price of their products and services LESS EXPENSIVE.

I'm voting Democrat because I believe groups like ACORN who register felons, drug addicts, wino’s, homeless drifters, illegal aliens, dead people, children, fictional Disney characters, etc. makes my vote count more.

I'm voting Democrat because I believe celebrating the winter solstice shows compassion for the small minority of people that do not celebrate Christmas.

I'm voting Democrat because I believe hard core criminal murders and rapists deserve life and that the innocent unborn deserve death. It’s a choice I can live with.

I'm voting Democrat because I believe Bush caused Hurricane Katrina and he blew-up the levies in the ninth ward of New Orleans.

I'm voting Democrat because I believe that any one who is not partaking in one of the many wonderful government programs obviously has too much money and should pay higher taxes.
I'm voting Democrat because when we pull out of Iraq the terrorists will be happy and now think of us as good people.

I'm voting Democrat because I believe our soldiers are AIR RAIDING villages and killing innocent people.

I'm voting Democrat because I believe sex in the Oval Office with an intern is a private matter and that everybody lies under oath about sex.

I'm votin Demokrat becuse I wus edumkated at a publick sckrool. I lik da Natsionel Edukatshun Assoseeashun!

I'm voting Democrat because freedom of speech is fine as long as it does not offend people. Can’t we all just get along?

I'm voting Democrat because I believe oil companies' profits are wrong. I believe higher taxes on oil companies will produce lower prices at the pump.

I'm voting Democrat because I believe we need to rid ourselves of dependency on foreign oil, BUT I AM AGAINST offshore drilling for oil and natural gas, drilling in Anwar, building nuclear power plants and clean coal technology.

And finally, I'm voting Democrat because I believe Reverend Wright when he said “GODDAMN AMERICA” and “OUR CHICKENS ARE COMING HOME TO ROOST”. Hey let’s make a comfortable nest for those chickens!

Why are you voting Democrat?

"Someone stole my first amendment rights when they stole my Mc.Cain sign. Twice!"

That's what the new sign in my front window now says.
I just got the second Mc.Cain sign today, it didn't even last a couple of hours.
What a pitty, that someone thinks they can fix a race by stealing someone's sign. What's next? Taking away my freedom of speech? I'm sure that's not in the far too distant future the way some things are looking.
At least they haven't taken away my right to vote, .... yet.
Or my right to raise all 4 of my kids as Christian conservatives clinging to our guns and religion and we'll use those guns and religion to protect our first and second amendment rights!

Don't eat tacos

the day after you've had the flu.
I had the flu yesterday and was totally craving tacos after I saw a recipe in my inbox for south american tacos with a green avacado sauce. So last night I had dh pick me up a pack of tacos from Taco Bell. This morning, guess what I had the first time I could eat since being sick? Sadly, yes, a couple of tacos.
Then I went to the gym to work out and didn't last very long.
Next time I should just have some shredded wheat or something and take a few days before hitting the gym again.

Time Machine

Ever wish you had a time machine and could go back and do things again knowing what you now know? If you ever find one, let me know.

Please re-read- New Edited Version

You might've been a flapper in the 1920s.
You possess the same reckless spirit that inspired women in the 1920s to cut their hair, wear short skirts, and flirt up a storm. If you get a kick out of acting and dressing in ways that other people find shocking, it could mean you were a flapper in a previous life. You're an independent spirit, and you tend to rebel against people in positions of authority. You like staying out late, and the wilder the plans are, the better -- you'd love to end up at an underground party where nobody gets in the door unless they know the password.

You know what, I think this test knows me better than any other test I've taken.
I've thought about it a lot since taking it.
I've been trying to live conservatively for the last 8 years, but really on the inside I am very much like this. If I ever allowed myself to be my true free spirit, this is how I'd be.
It's so hard sometimes to be good, because I do have a reckless spirit inside.

Tired?

Do you ever just get tired?

Tired of trying to make something work?

Tired of not being understood?

Tired of being ignored?

Tired of feeling in the way?

Tired of fighting for something?

Tired of working at something?

Tired of wishing something would happen?

Tired of feeling guilty?

Tired of feeling frustrated?

Tired of the glass walls?

Tired of the glass ceiling?

Tired of being the only one?

Tired of the anger?

Tired of the pain?

Tired of ignoring it?

Tired of being alone?

Tired of wishing for more?

Tired of wishing for something else?

Tired of the what if's?

Tired of the should've, would've, could've?

Tired of looking back?

Tired of not looking forward?

Tired of not feeling worthy?

Tired of not being worth it to someone else?

Tired of dreaming of anywhere but here?

Tired of looking at the grass on the other side?

Tired of the second guessing?

Tired of the silence?

Tired of the cold aloneness?

Tired of not being enough?

Tired.

Yeah, me too.

Guess who

Did a GG reenactment?

Turn off jukebox at the bottom of my blog to hear this play.


Yep, that would be me and Gina.
She tried to get out of it, going incognito and all, but I caught onto her and her butt got a real personal introduction to our Minneapolis/St.Paul International airport's floor. Heh, heh. She didn't think I'd do it, but I did. Complete with the "Hey Gilmore!" ahead of it. We got a few stares, but luckily security didn't pick up on us and haul us away. Now THAT would have been embarrassing!

We had a good visit. Unfortunately I had a sick kid that kept us at home for most of the day, but it was a rainy day and that always makes it a good time for a pajama day, which Gina had. And we had a great Gilmore Girl's -a-thon. Later after dinner I took her over to the Mall of America where she got to see about 1/8 of the mall. We bought matching glasses, but she looks much better in them than I do. I think I should have gone for the pink rims.

We totally forgot to arm wrestle! But I did get my son to take a couple of shots her last morning here. Man, I'm a bad photographer, I kept forgetting to get out my camera. *smacks my forehead*.

My kids took an instant liking to her.... the dum-dums didn't hurt.

The first morning Gina was here Joyanna climbed onto her on the couch and they sat watching Sesame Street on Gina's phone while I made pancakes. I think Joy liked her the most... out of the kids that is.

Thanks for visiting Gina!!!

Liar, Liar!

McCain voting for the new bill to BAIL OUT criminal bankers just made everything he's said a BIG FAT LIE.

All McCain Quotes from the Obama/McCain debate:

"As president of the United States, I want to assure you, I've got a pen. This one's kind of old. I've got a pen, and I'm going to veto every single spending bill that comes across my desk. I will make them famous. You will know their names." -What, you can't also do that BEFORE you become President?

"I suggest that people go up on the Web site of Citizens Against Government Waste, and they'll look at those projects. That kind of thing is not the way to rein in runaway spending in Washington, D.C. That's one of the fundamental differences that Senator Obama and I have."

-Well, the two of you now have a LOT in common, voting to pass the same PORK barrel SPENDING bill.

"Senator Obama suspended those requests for pork-barrel projects after he was running for
president of the United States. He didn't happen to see that light during the first three years as a member of the United States Senate, $932 million in requests.
Maybe to Senator Obama it's not a lot of money. But the point is that -- you see, I hear this all the time.
"It's only $18 billion." Do you know that it's tripled in the last five years? Do you know that it's gone completely out of control to the point where it corrupts people? It corrupts people...
It's a system that's got to be cleaned up." - But 700 BILLION doesn't look like a lot of money to you???? Looks like it's corrupted you too as well, Senator.

"I have fought against it my career. I have fought against it. I was called the sheriff, by the -- one of the senior members of the Appropriations Committee. I didn't win Miss Congeniality in the United States Senate." - But you couldn't have taken a stand, for 80% of Americans TODAY and fought against it TODAY. You have no spine, Senator McCain. You could have been a hero again to the American public, but instead reaching across isles, instead of doing what was right and letting our FREE MARKET do it's job. Free market means businesses are free to succeed AND fail!

"Now, that's a fundamental difference between myself and Senator Obama. I want to cut spending. I want to keep taxes low. The worst thing we could do in this economic climate is to raise people's taxes." - How is voting for a 700 billion dollar bailout of criminals NOT going to raise our taxes? Where will the money come from? Oh, I know.... I bet the White house has a grove of money trees?

"And Senator Obama is a recent convert, after requesting $932 million worth of pork-barrel spending projects." - the same pork-barrel missionaries must have rang on your door this week, Senator McCain.

"LEHRER: We've got to go to another lead question.
MCCAIN: I know we have to, but this is a classic example of walking the walk and talking the talk. We had an energy bill before the United States Senate. It was festooned with Christmas tree ornaments. It had all kinds of breaks for the oil companies, I mean, billions of dollars worth. I voted against it; Senator Obama voted for it." - Mc.Cain, you must have a new pair of shoes, because you've forgotten how to walk the walk, when you talk. Can you chew bubblegum while walking? This new bill sure is a really pretty sparkly one, lights, candy canes, popcorn chain, ornaments, even a few big fat presents under the tree for movie producers and stock-car racetrack owners.

At this point, my blood is boiling. I'm about ready to put up a big sign across the McCain sign in my yard that says, "TRAITOR", and smack it right across Mc.Cain's sign. Of course I need a NOBAMA sign to make sure my neighbors know I haven't crossed the isle.