Red, White and Liberal

So, my husband's buddy from work had an interesting political graph on his blog showing where he falls in the spectrum of Economics and Social policies. I decided to check it out and do the questionnaire myself and post my political graph. I am pleased to say that this helped me learn more about my political views as well. When I took government in High School I never knew that I fit into an actual political party, I figured I just wasn't invited (my high school was pretty much white-collar kids with daddy's that spoiled with Hummers, Corvettes etc). My ideas were more liberal than most. No name brands at the exploitation of others, pick up my garbage and put it in a trash can, hey, even recycle it if possible. By all means possible, try to avoid war. I didn't see how people felt justified exploiting mother earth (I tried several times to save the rain forest through fund raisers and was VP of our Eco-Team in JR High, and continued documenting with video cameras through high school the filthy display of trash disrespectful people left behind). And what about wearing name brand clothing knowing full well it was made at the expense of a kid in a sweat shop, and choosing to look down on the lesser folk of the valley without knowing that some chose and were not forced, to live a more "down to earth" lifestyle? I was a vegetarian after I learned of slaughter houses and inhumane treatment of God's creations (glad to say I overcame that because I love beef). My teachers and classmates taught me that I definitely didn't agree with them...but where did I belong? Then college came, and thanks to many professors and roommates I affirmed my stand on social, civil liberties and economic issues. I had found home!!! I was part of a minority community called liberals. I even had a party called the Democratic party! How sweet is that!? Yeah, my new found glory has brought me here today, re-evaluating my stand. I've never understood fence sitters. Choose something and stand for it! I don't look down on you, and you shouldn't look down on me. Everyone is born an equal to you and I; An equal in the sight of God, and should be treated as such! If there is something you don't like about political policy, or supreme court rulings then change it. Fight for what you believe in. You have a party somewhere! Find out where that is and join in!

Here is where I fall in the scheme of things.



Here is where others fall.

Process

This new template-making ordeal is quite the process, especially for me. I've never cared too learn much about html, hosting images, text wrapping etc. So, it's still not where I want it to be at this point and I'm thinking of scrapping this whole template and starting over fresh. That way I can still use the quick links on blogger that let you change your font color and stuff. It's really easy, "if" you have a generic template, to spice it up with your own colors. But, once you've tampered with the html codes or imported another template you can't use the quick and easy route. So, all of my colors are kind of skeewompis. Well, you get the idea. I'll get it figured out and then start this blog over with a cohesive color scheme.

Make your own

So, I'm in the process of trying to create my own template. It's more complicated than I thought, since I don't understand the whole code/number system, but, there are some amazing helps online that have taught me how to change fonts and add cute things to a blog to help them look unique. However, I haven't done any of that yet, because after reading and trying to teach myself, my time is up and it's Coleman time. So, this blog might look kind of hodge-podge for a while. I'm also thinking of starting another blog that will feature recipes with yummy pictures of the yummy-ness, and a poets corner/music blog. I'll keep you all up to date if I ever get around to creating those two other blogs! I just think it would be fun to have a family blog and then another blog for just my hobbies. Anyhow...keep in touch!

Missing things

There are a few things I have been missing lately. One, Christopher, my sweetie. Two, my mission. Chris has been busy with finals the past week. You all know how that goes...long nights of studying, nights at the library, full days at school, long testing times, putting finishing touches on the final semester before applications to grad schools. *Sigh* It's not like I don't see him, but sometimes I wish I could take his place and do all the work for him just so he could sleep, de-stress, and play with the Coleman buddy. He did the daddy duty last night while I was at a meeting. What a sweetie! I want to take him out, maybe to the new Warren Theatres? Anyone been there? I heard it's awesome! Also, my husband's best friend, Rhys, was baptized on Sunday the 4th. How amazing amazing amazing! Can't we do this all the time, just share truth, convert people to Christ, feel the spirit all the time as much as at his baptism!? I used to think it was possible to be 100% committed to being a member missionary, because I used to say "If you're not a member missionary then you're just another body in the church." I had become that body! But, it's not like "I" did anything in Rhyses conversion. I was just able to feel the spirit of missionary work again, and it gave me new resolve. There are more people seeking and searching, wondering what this life is for, hoping for a brighter tommorrow, never knowing if they'll see their children after this life, and never knowing what we know...perhaps to our shame, perhaps to another's shame, because we didn't share. Didn't our parents teach us, it's not nice to not share! I'm not one to talk. I only talk to Chris and Coleman for the most part...but I did put a stack of pass-along cards in my day planner. Now maybe I'll find a reason to pass it along! At the drive through, at the check out, and the park. I used to do it so fluidly, and it's not "just" because I had a missionary mantle, but because I wanted to. The mantle of a missionary doesn't force anyone to be any certain way, but when used for good choices, it empowers. I will say, there is nothing more exhilirating than when you ask someone if they are a member or "I just thought you could use this" while handing them the pass-along card. The worst thing they can do is say no, or in some cases chase you down trying to save your soul. LOL!!! Been there! So, here's to Rhys, our new brother in the gospel...and my new inspiration to be the example like the one that brought him into the church.

Rhys with his mom, dad, and brother.






Chris, happy for his friend, and the blessings this will bring!

Around the house!

Sushi

I don't want this blog to seem like a brag-blog but I thought I'd blog about my birthday. It's hard being away from my family, but Chris' fam was great and so were the rest of you! Last weekend Chris drove our little fam down to Dallas TX to visit his best friend Rhys and our family, the Links. We had a blast. We played Rock Band, I got a birthday lunch with Tammy, at P.F. Chang's, which was the best "to-die-for" Chinese food, followed with window shopping at the BEST and most expensive mall ever, well, almost ever... Anyway, Tammy got me the Twilight book, so I will be joining the rest of you on the journey through the books. I like it so far. Also, Rhys has been meeting with the missionaries and accepted the invitation to be baptized while we were there!!! The spirit was strong, and it was emotional. We're so proud of him and the testimony he already has! We can't wait for this Sunday when he'll be baptized! We were home here in Oklahoma during my actual birthday. I got a box filled with gifts from my family (Thanks everyone) and phone calls, cards, cookies, e-mails, a spot on my best friend's blog, and tons of fun with Coleman and Chris. I had lunch at the Mall with some friends and then Chris got fresh Sushi for our dine-in dinner and a bouquet of Tulips (my fave). Thanks everyone!!!