Sister Wives VS Baby Mamas.

I was fascinated by the show Sister Wives. Being a non-fundamentalist Member of the Church of Jesus Christ Of Latter Day Saints I wanted to take a peek into the real lives of those who held onto the tradition or commandment of Plural Marriage. I had a couple of teachers who would tease us all the time when they found out I was LDS as to how many wives did my father have. I would always respond “well , how many mama’s do YOU have?” *check mate* And leave it a that.

Just to differentiate between the Mainstream LDS Church and those that practice polygamy. Mainstream LDS used to practice Polygamy. However we also believe in obeying the law of the land, so the practice was disbanded years ago.

The Polygamist Mormons still practice in hiding. For fear of their families being Separated.
When I look at stories Like Warren Jeff’s which appears by me to be a misguided use of unrighteous dominion I’m sickened.
Strangely enough, when I watch the Sister wives on TV, I am impressed by their love of family and the measures they go through to communicate effectively and cooperate for the greater family good. What they have seems to work as a family unit. The bills get paid, they aren’t on welfare they work hard and budget their expenses and finances, the children are educated, clean, and enjoy the typical sibling relationships. They are indeed family in every since of the word. None of their kids are dropping out of school, pregnant or running the streets.

If someone were to ask me today… “how many wives does your father have, I would ask them… How many Baby Daddies does your Mother have?

LET’S TO THERE FOR A MINUTE:





It’s coming to the point where same family members share 2 and 3 different last names due to divorces, remarriages and baby mamas.

From what I can figure 1 man working, with 4 wives, 2 of them (usually) working, and 2 at home with the 16 children, are better on the economy than 1 mama with 4 kids trying to work and collect child support from 4 baby Daddies.
Sister wives are losing jobs because of their marital status? What part of that is not discrimination? Utah is an AT WILL state meaning you can get fired for no real reason. I don’t know the situation to which wifey 1 was let go but really? People who want to work can’t work.
I had a friend who, when she had her first baby her mother moved in for the first 2 months. She loved it. Her mother cooked, cleaned did the laundry and all the traditional things a wife should do. Within a week of her mother leaving she recognized the value of having another woman to share the caring. She told me “that’s what I needed for all this time… A wife!”
I have no interest in being a sister wife. But I am quite envious of the support they have within one another. It’s their own little community within the family. As a matter of fact it is an example of how a family and community should work.
If all the baby daddy’s out there gathered all the baby mama’s together in one house hold and shared in the raising ,financing, emotional caring of the children they created, I think as whole it would be less of Burdon. Then again If Couples in a Monogamous marriage are able to do the same thing and stay together and work toward that same end, the effect would hopefully be the same as well.
No child has a choice in how they're being brought up and the belief system of the household in which they live. The Brown House hold is obviously not the Jeff House hold. I mean they have minds of their own, they're not subservient of submissive and they have a choice in how they continue their lives after leaving the house hold.
Mama Baby's are products and subject to whatever is being taught in their house hold... sometimes good, sometimes bad who knows? I don't see no authorities going after them families for whatever moral ideals are floating around in those homes.

MAYBE The state of Utah should worry less about Kody Brown, his 4 wives and their 16 (+1, they are expecting again) children. They appear to be decent contributing people in society. Maybe they should start investigating what's going on in some of these Baby Mamas households.
*just sayin*

*Just A thought*

"Dear America..." Part One

Dear America,
The World has a way of disciplining your Children if you don't.
sincerely,
The Warden


Dear America,
If you think Education is Expensive, try Ignorance
Sincerely,
Pell Grant.

Dear America,
Some Pets should Spay and Neuter their Owners
Sincerely,
ASPCA

Dear America,
I am more than happy to provide your children with love, attention, friendship, and companionship if you don't.
Sincerely,
Drug Dealers, Gang Members and Pimps.

Dear America,
Maybe you should give away Free Vasectomies and Tubal Ligations instead of condoms
Sincerely,
Abortion Clinics


Dear America,
I"m still Here!
Love,
GOD


Dear America,
Hope you're having as much fun with your Family, friends and loved ones as I am!
Sincerely,
Xbox, iPad, Cell phones, PC's and Lap Tops


Dear America,
I don't mind if you walk all over me, I promise!
Sincerely,
Side walks, Trails, roads and treadmills


Dear America,
Obesity is UP! Heart Disease is UP and your butts are getting bigger
and yet you STILL ignore us?
Sincerely,
Bikes, Scooters, and Skateboards


Dear America,
What are you waiting for? It's time to start!
Sincerely,
Your Savings Account & 401k



Dear America,
I'm really sick of babysitting
Sincerely,
Your Television


Dear America,
I wish I would have learned how to problem solve, keep a budget, maintain a job and pay bills while living at home,
Sincerely,
Twenty-Something


Dear America,
Can you call next time, I'm really getting tired and over worked,
Sincerely,
Texting thumbs & fingers

Dear America, Try hanging out with me once in a while.
I'm a really fun and cheap date!
Sincerely,
Your Community

Dear America,
You should really be nice to Customer Service Agents
who have access to your Name, Address, Phone Number,
Social Security, Date of Birth, and Credit Card info.
Sincerely,
Corporate America

Dear America,
Teach your kids how to cook, clean and do laundry.
Sincerely,
Their Future Roommates and Spouses.


Dear America,
Thank you for the fuel!
Sincerely,
The Fire

Dear America
Thank you for all the potatoes!
Sincerely
The Couch!


Dear America,
It's Cheaper To keep her,
Sincerely,
Divorced Man

Dear America,
You are Mistaken:
Handicapped and Obese are NOT the same thing
Sincerely,
Bathroom and Parking Stalls


TO BE CONTINUED

I want to have an Interesting Summer!

I know it's only the beginning of March. But I'm already planning on having an interesting summer. I want it to be fun, laid back and unique. I want it to be full of simple joys, tearful laughters, and different experiences.
I'm going to build my dining room table instead of buy it:
http://ana-white.com/?p=57&upm_export=print

I'm going to take a weekend scenic Amtrak trip someplace


have a sleeping car and mingle and socialize with train folk.

I want to work through the pain of osteo arthritis and run a 2k before the end of the year.

I Want to walk barefoot along a portion of the Oregon Trail and feel the history of it beneath my feet, between my toes and in my soul.



I want to get a Library card like when I was kid and make trips to the library.




I want to spend some time under the water relaxing and floating like an angel fish donned in my new purple snorkeling gear



(This really is my new gear!)



I want to go to the salt flats where they filmed "Independence Day" and "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End" and have a bonfire under the summer stars.



and take pictures of the sunsets in West Desert before camping out and witnessing the meteor showers.





I want to create a piece of fabulous funky art or craft and display it somewhere in my home








I want to make Hobo Dinners


and dutch Oven breakfast


while camping in Bryce Canyon again.



I want to do volunteer work and really be a part of the community.




I want to fall into a peaceful sleep in a hammock while reading a book




.





and Rage at a summer concert.


I want to watch a thunderstorm and dance in the rain.





And I plan on having MY SUMMER!!

OLYMPICS: WEEK 1

What an AMAZING first week at the olympics. I must admit I'm Missing Jim McKay right now. I may be showing my age but he will ALWAYS be the voice of the Olympics to me. He Reported for 12 Olympics. This was when they would have the winter olympics, then 4 years later the Summer. They were held 4 years apart and not 2 years apart.

I have thoroughly enjoyed watching the 0lympics this last week and am looking forward to the rest of them next week. What a great historical time for not only the U.S.A but for many other countries winning first medals ever in many events, breaking winning records in single disciplines and country records. It's great to be a part of this even from a spectator point of view.

I think some of my favorite moments were watching Bode Miller's return. I'm embarrassed to say I didn't even know he was on the team. After his showing in Torin I just figured he's fade away but I am proud to see him doing so well ESPECIALLY after 2006. He's come back with a lot of grace and grit and still as Sexxy as ever. It just FEELS good to watch Bode in action.

There's a large amount of Olympians from the 2 states I call home. Michigan has 16 and Utah has 51. That's a pretty Great showing.
After 2002 many Olympians around the world now call Utah Home we do boast the "GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH" It's nothing to run into Apolo Ohno, or Torah Bright while out and about. It's really pretty cool, like an Olympic Hollywood! Having the Olympics here in 2002 wans UH MAY ZING! And every 2 years that OLYMPIC FEELING returns, even for the summer Olympics. It truly is UH MAY ZING!

I watched a few events I had no interest in prior to this year: Ice Skating. It really is more technical then you would think. Curling. I'm sold. I watched the U.S.A womens vs Germany Session. It's pretty tough and strategic. Im sold! I think Speed skating short track is my new favorite. Never really heard or paid attention to it before 2002. Did anyone? It really is like Ice Derby: anything can happen and it does. It's kinda spooky watching JR Celzic and Apolo Ohno... I wonder if Ohno feels like he's looking at a shadow of his younger days?

What is UP with with that Luge, Skeleton, Bobsleigh Track at Whistler? They call it 50/50. Ain't NO WAY I'm bout to go down a track where you have a 50% chance of crashing. It would seriously mess with my head and Confidence, Especially after death of Nodar Kumaritashvili from Georgia. I Feel so deeply for his family. I cant Imagine raising an Olympian, sending him off to play and them passing away. So SO sad. I feel for his teammates as well. Emotionally I would be so messed up I don't know how they do it.

I'm excited to see Shani Davis perform this year. I think he got a bum wrap last year and his mama didn't help. SORRY CHERIE DAVIS! I know you trying to protect him, and sorry Shani I know you love yo mama. Sometimes Stage moms should be off the stage and seen but not heard. But I get it Ms Davis. I'm a single black Mama my self and although I didn't raise and Olympian, however I DID raise a Champion!

Shani looks so much more relaxed and as if he's enjoying himself this year. I hope he is! The olympics are hard hard work but man wouldn't be sad to look back at your medals and think... I wish I would have enjoyed myself and the experience more as well? Have yourself a ball Shani and good luck!

Don't you Love Julia Mancuso's Tiara? LOVE IT! I would be rocking the Tiara if I were there for sure.


And congratulations to China's gold medal, HISTORIC GOLD MEDAL, for figure skating pairs? I love the Love story as well behind that gold.

OH, So I watched the Cross country and Biathlons this year for the first time. WOW.
USA we are just NOT great cross country folks at all are we? No wonder we're all shocked at the Silver won by Johnny Spillane.

Anyway I am absolutely LOVING These Olympics!U.S.A is having a Historical time and hopefully so is the rest of the countries.
GO USA GO WORLD

THE OLYMPICS:GO USA~ GO WORLD!

I don't know about y'all but I LOVE THE OLYMPICS! I love the competition, I love the Unification of not just the country but the world. It's one of the only times it feels like the world is for the most part On the same page.
It feels like all the kids of the world said...

"HEY let's get together in two years and play on the same play ground! We'll play some games, have some food, Dance, Laugh, share our stories, celebrate our differences and win some awards! Before we leave, lets agree on another place to meet up and play again!"

Doesn't it kind of remind you of the Saturday mornings at the ball field when you were a kid?
Everyone would show up with their gear, we'd pick teams and then spend all day playing, talking trash, disagreeing, redeeming ourselves of our mistakes. By the end of the day everyone went home tired, happy, with stories to tell. Ready to come back next weekend to do it all over again. There could be someone who was an absolute geek or that you didn't get along with during the week, but on the weekend, when it was time to hit that playground and play, they might have been picked last for a team but they were still picked. Eventually they would come into their own and find they possessed a talent they didn't know they had.

I must admit I do not always route for the USA to win. *GASP!* I hope this confession doesn't interfere with me getting a passport this year. Or a "special" interview with the FBI or Secret Service.
I'm always stocked when the U.S does win and it's BONUS. I'm a sucker for the underdog medal, the historical medal, the deserved medal, the lucky medal, THE AWESOME MEDAL!
Some Examples:


Underdog Medal:

Simon Ammann of Switzerland aka Harry Potter, The Wizard:

Remember this kid at the 2002 Olympics? He come virtually out of no where a no name except to maybe friends, family and teammates. Places 35th in the Nagano Olympics at the age of 16. This kid has never one any kind of big championship competition and out of Nowhere, like Harry Potter on a broomstick wins 2 gold medals for Long Hill AND Normal Hill Ski jumping. So much JOY and disbelief in his reaction, I still get choked up when I see it and that was 8 years ago. Does nothing in the 2006 Olympics and then comes back in 2010 to win Gold (the first gold of the 2010) again in the Normal Hill Jump. He became the first man in Olympic history to win gold medals in the Individual Normal Hill event in two Olympics.

PS: Don't call him Harry Potter, it's a bit tiresome for the now 28 year old.






Historical Medal:

I have to give it up to China's Shen Xue and Zhao Hongbo. They started skating together in 1992.


Won a few championships, became the first Chinese pair to ever medal for Figure skating by placing 3rd at the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics. They Suffered injury after injury after that time for both of them. Despite injuries they won several World Championships. March 21, 2007 they won their third World Championship title. On March 21, 2007 on the ice at the end of their performance at the 2007 World Championship in tokyo, Japan where they won the World Pairs Skating title,Zhao Hongbo kneeled before Shen Xue to propose to her.


They announce their retirement and got married. Later decided the only thing that eludes them, is an Olympic Gold Medal. They came out of retirement went back to living in separate Olympic dorms and eating cafeteria food. 2010 to watch their Skating performance was truly Poetic Love in Motion. Stunning.

For China, love is golden, they scored the highest score in pairs history, they won the first Gold for China in Olympics Figure Skating pairs History knocking out Russia's 12 year reign.



*** And how about Alex Bildeau Winning Canada's firt told medal on Home Soil. I could hear the Canadian Roar here in Utah!

The Deserved Medal
Petra Majdic of Slovenia. This chick is TOUGH AS NAILS! She falls off course during a practice run falls down steep bank onto some rocks.
She says: " "The accident happened on an icy corner, the area was not secured, I slipped and the momentum carried me over the edge," she said.


"There was a big drop -- about three meters -- and I landed in a small stream with rocks. I was falling towards a big rock and I managed to turn on my side, but I still broke both poles and a ski.

"I was in pain and some volunteers helped me out. They wanted to take me to the medical center, but I yelled, 'take me to the start."
She did undergo a quick examination and the ultrasound revealed no breaks just deep bruising.

She turns down pain killers that would restrict her movement during her race, which is four laps of 1.4m.
Kudos to the First American who can tell me what that is in miles!

She' goes on to win the Bronze Medal, which would be the first medal of the games for her country, Slovenia and the countries first ever cross country medal .

She basically collapsed on the other side of the finish and is carried off. After further examination: four fractured ribs and a tear of the membrane of the lung. Again in her own words "This is not a bronze medal, this is a gold medal with little diamonds on it." NOOO KIDDING! And just to prove that Olympians have a hormone laced with crazy in them, she was hoping to compete again by the end of next week!

Lady, you have an injured lung!!! The Dr's ,however, say she's done in Vancouver. That Lady Deserved that Medal... and more!

The Lucky Medal:



OH NO! IF there is anyone anymore more Highly Favored by the Olympic God's than Apolo Anton Ohno I would like to know who it is? Maybe it's because he bears the Name and looks of a Greek God. Unlike the Greek God his name is only Spelled with one "L." It is because the other L is for "Luck?" The Man is Gorgeous, Sexy, Charming, has winning dance moves and is a brilliant short track athlete. He first Appeared on the Scene at the 2002 Olympics, a cute kid with a Soul Patch on his chin and baby doe eyes that lure you in.



SLC 2002 Disqualified in the 500m race. Doesn't sound very Lucky does it? In the 1000 m he was winning. During a turn around the final corner, a skater from another country tries to pass him and another skater from the inside knocking 4 skater, including OHNO against the padded walls and out of the race. OR SO YOU THINK! So Some kid from Australia in 4th place not only sails into 1st place but it is the THE FIRST WINTER OLYMPIC GOLD MEDAL ever for a country in the southern hemisphere. *Luck* Apolo being the highly favored things to starts scrambling on the ice toward the finish line he slips but manages to reach his blade of his now INJURED LEG over the finish line for 2nd place(He needed six stitches in his inner thigh.) Another of the fallen came in third for the bronze medal. *Luck*


Same Olympics: 1500 meters Ohno won the gold medal. During the 1500 m final race, another skater was first across the finish line, but was disqualified for blocking Ohno, in a rule-violation called cross tracking. With three laps remaining and currently in second position, Ohno attempted to make a pass on the leader, who then drifted to the inside and as a result, Ohno raised his arms to signal he was blocked. The tapes were reviewed, the athlete that crossed the ice first was disqualified. OH NO FOR THE GOLD! *Luck*

2006 in Torino Apolo doesn't even qualify for 1500m. Won bronze in the 1000m behind the two who caused him grief in 2002 and then wins gold in the 500 m when he took the lead right off and kept it til the end. No fuss, no muss right? Wrong! There was criticism that he appeared to move before the start, a violation of the rules. That accusation was overruled *Luck*

Jump to 2010 Vancouver:
Let's just jump right to the 1500m. Apolo hangs out behind as always waiting for the right time to make his move. When he makes that move he's in first, then 3rd, then 2nd then 4th, then tried to make a move for 2nd and is block back into 4th. The 1st, 2nd and 3rd place skaters from the same country, it look like a sweep! When suddenly 3rd place tries to pass 2nd place country men at the last corner... and knocks them both out. Apolo sail into 2nd place for the silver with another USA country man right behind for the Bronze. *Luck*



This medal makes Apolo Anton Ohno Tied with Bonnie Blair for the most medals won by 1 person at a winter Olympics. The beauty of it... Apolo has 4 more events before the end of these Olympics. 1 more medals makes him the the Athlete with the most medals ever won for THE Winter Olympics.
APOLO, GOOD "L!"

THE AWESOME MEDAL!
Two Words: Shaun White!
Seriously this kid has AWESOME in his blood. It's one thing to dominate in your sport. It's HISTORICAL to bring your craft to new levels of innovation and expand the boundaries. The man has to be Helicopters into his own SECRET HALFPIPE LABORATORIES ON HIS PRIVATE MOUNTAINS in Colorado where he literally concocts new maneuvers to push the boundaries for his sport.
He showed up in 2006 off the Skateboarding circuit.


Shaun DOMINATES the Winter X Games, where he has won a medal every year since 2002. Including all winter X Games competitions through 2009, his medal count stands at 14 (9 gold, 3 silver, 2 bronze), including the first four-peat winner by a male athlete in one the snowboard slopestyle event.
2006 He Hit the scene and helped the Americans Sweep the Snowboarding winning the gold lookin like a little kid playing dress up in over sized Olympic gear.

He sustained minor injuries when he hit his face on the pipe just a few weeks before the 2010 Olympics. When Asked what went through his mind after his crash he basically said: Man I gotta get back up there and lay it down. He did, and won Winter X Gold.

2010 Was there any doubt Shaun White would get his gold? Nope, not even. The way you qualify for Halfpipe cold: You have 2 Quarter final Qualification runs. If you Score high enough you automatically advance to the finals. Top 6 automatically advance. Everyone else gets two semi final runs and try to advance from their. You get 2 finals run. The highest of each run is the one that advances your or wins. Shaun White won with 2 runs. 1 run automatically advances him to the finals, 2nd run, just a practice run where he slightly stumbles. Who cares, he's already in the finals.

Shaun White won gold before he even began his second run on what was considered a "conservative first run. His first run scored at 48.4 out of 50. He doesn't need to do his 2nd run. However there's a new trick he's concocted: "The Double McTwist 1260." No It's not a new item on the McDonald's Menu yet... but Give it time, I'm sure our Red headed Olympian will be scooped up by
Mc Donalds in no time!


The Double Mc twist 1260 is the newest Snowboarding Trick and right now only one man can do it, the man how created it. The man who doesn't even need to introduce it cuz he already won the Gold. His Family is going crazy! His even brought his dog, Rambo to the Olympics!



Why should he risk himself danger by doing it if he doesn't need to? Because the fans want him to.


He Displays his AWESOMENESS on his 2nd run which is dubbed his Victory lap.

I believe these are the Medal that the Olympics are made of. These and the stories of the countries who have 1 athlete Like Algeria, Morocco, and Columbia or 5 Athletes like Brazil and Iceland. Athletes who we may never hear or know their name. Athletes who work just as hard to get to Olympics as the gold medal winners, and in most cases even harder because they don't have the funding, opportunity as the countries with world wide sponsors like Nike, Coke, or Wheaties. I am proud to be and American. Proud of our Athletes and their hard work and achievements. I am more proud of those Olympians who defy the odds of everyday living to become and Olympian. Their Stories are what I enjoy most and Those are the champions, no matter what country I cheer most for. I am HUMAN first and fore most, then American.

"Last, This and Next" This conversation is LONG OVERDUE!

This is a LONG overdue conversation. Some people just down right confuse me. And "I can do bad all by myself!" I get confused on a couple little items. I know it may seem like I'm talking about "this, that and the other" but what I'm really referring to is Last, This and Next.


Now I'm not taking in general, I'm talking in reference of time. More specifically when
we speak in terms of days and weeks. I guess "LAST" shouldn't be a problem because it truly is it's own definition. But this and next confuse the devil outta me.

For example: If I were to say "I have a date next Saturday." In the minds of some people that should be the next Saturday coming up, right? It makes perfect since. Next should be next, right? But in my mind THIS Saturday would actually be the next Saturday, as in This Saturday coming up, right? Because the Next Saturday would be the next Saturday coming up after THIS Saturday. So This Saturday would literally be Next Saturday. It certainly can't be Last Saturday because I can't have date coming up last Saturday unless I'm specifying The Last Saturday of a Month or Year, right?
Ya with me on this?
Now there are some that are insistent that Next always means the VERY next. I disagree completely, if that were the case, then we could totally do away with THIS and just stick with Last a Next. THIS WILL NEVER DO. I'm just to fond of THIS. I used to think it was just a matter of how one was brought up. But it's not true. My sister and I have had this discussion many many times.
She is one who believes that next means NEXT! So When I say THIS, Saturday she actually thinks I mean this LAST Saturday instead of this Next Saturday because THIS can't possibly be Next. Do ya see my dilemma, do you SEE IT? Do ya see how it all makes perfect sense and yet NO sense at all?
So Basically am going to make it easier on myself... and on you if you're communicating with me.
Last refers to last week, This refers to this week and next refers to next week. Got it? So no more of this confusion. When I say this confusion I don't mean as in this next confusions or this last confusion. THIS means Current to me. Get it? Got it? Good!

Summer Fun.... LET'S CATCH UP!

Hey Friends, Fans, Brothers & Sisters!
It's been a while I know! Much has happened since my last post. To be quite honest I don't even remember writing that last post and that's been over a month ago.

Sooo Let's see we have some catching up to do, and best of all I have some pics!

I heard that one of my favorite Comedians were coming to town and tickets were only $20! What a rip off for him but such a great deal for those of us who went. We were fortunate because he did 4 shows and all shows sold out. We scored tickets to the last show!

Here's the line to get into the comedy club Wise Guys. It was actually out in the street. Which didn't surprise me. I would stand in the street for the guy. I didn't, but I would.



!
Of course I took my picture with SINBAD! It was a fun night from what I can remember, it was an awesome time. And don't we make an awesome looking pair? It was fun to kind of talk to him afterwards. He mentioned something about Michigan and I shouted out "BATTLE CREEK!" and he called back "BEARCATS!" Which is my high school...Battle Creek Central Bearcats! And he then proceeded to tell the audience how his team Benton Harbor whipped our butts on the football field in 1972. Someone from Niles Michigan proceeded to then mention how They kicked Benton Harbor's butt. It was a fun little interchange.
Afterwards I took the opportunity to spar with him about our rivalry. We used to have police escort going in and out of Benton Harbor, they would throw rocks at the bus and try to get to rioting. Especially when we kicked their butts in Softball! Again a nice little interchange with such a fantastic entertainer. He is easily one of my Favorites!



It was an AWESOME NIGHT... what I can remember of it.
Unfortunately this was also the night I came down with Swine Flu. I remember taking a breath to laugh and a dry burning series of coughs popped out. By the end of the show and the ride home I was out of it. I would learn later I not only had Swine flu but it left behind it's sister pneumonia and baby cousin sinusitis. Apparently I was in denial and went to the Dr WAY later than I should have. My voice was so deep my own mother didn't know who I was on the phone. My daughter was calling me "Sir", "Father" and "dad", telling folks to come over and get Barry White's autograph.
This ailment was NO JOKE! Every time I woke up I was in a different room, not remembering how I got there. A few times I woke up with a thermometer in my mouth. I remember just burning from the inside. I drank a lot of ice water and cough drops. I remember it hurting so badly to cough that I would start to cry when I felt one coming on. I'm a tough cookie, I went through childbirth all natural... that's right NO PAIN KILLERS!So for me to cry at coughing meant there was some pain!2 ladies at work also came down with swine right after I did. One was good to go after a week. The other is still not back to work and it's been about a month. Because I have Pneumonia as well I've been taking it easy. The weather has been rainy and cold for the most part so I've been inside and resting in bed for the most part. I was thinking I was over the worst with just a little pneumonia. Then my sister reminded me of those who have passed way with it. So I'm being careful. I still tire easily and my lungs still aren't clear. I'm about 75% but I think I need to go back to the Dr because i still get burning in my chest and have a difficulty breathing when walking upstairs and hills and even doing regular house work.
I told my friends I was going to make a T-shirt. A week later I got this in this in the mail a few days later.



Awesome right? I think so too!
I missed seeing Smokey Robinson in concert :( bummer.
But I was able to be an usher at the Oquirrh Hills Temple open house. It's only a half mile away and our stake was asked to help. That was pretty cool.

At the same time I celebrated 1 year of living with PTSD: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. It's been a really really tough road. I now know it's not something that ever really goes away, you just learn to handle it better. I am 365+ days stronger and better. And I will continue to be.


June 26th we Finished up the American Cancer Society Relay For Life event. Team W.A.C-USA had it's largest team ever. I had 16 people register. This event takes ALOT out of everyone. So Much appreciation and love to all who participated. There were very bad storms for about an hour during the relay. The winds and rains actually snapped my metal tent poles in half. The lightening was striking so close the Army was rushing to get everyone inside the gymnasium. It only lasted about an hour but it looked like a tornado came through. But we didn't stop the relay. We were determined to relay no matter what. Cancer doesn't stop because of the weather and neither did we. After the storm we were rewarded with a double rainbow. This was also the night after Michael Jackson Died. *sadness* He's another blog for another day.
Team W.A.C-USA raised over $1400 for the American Cancer Society. Yaye US!

We got a call the other day e and they're selling the house my sister and I are renting. So we're not in the process of Trying to find places to live. We've decided not to move in together this time which is not such a bad idea.

My daughter is getting ready to go back to her 2nd year of college. She's been upset this summer, not being able to find a job. I was not sure how we were going to pay our portion of her college fees. Esp since this new job I have is making quite a bit less than the old one. I'm struggling with rent payment as it is. The other day my daughter walked into the room and said... "Mom, the school money will come, don't worry about it, I will be taken care of. And I don't plan on moving back home after college next year I'll stay there until I graduate so you can just find some thing for yourself and not worry about getting something for the both of us."

Broke my heart. It would be nice for her to have a bedroom of her own when she comes down on weekend and holidays to visit. But on the other hand she is a 19 year old woman with a head on her shoulders that exceeds my own. I guess this would be cutting some apron strings. I'm torn. I would much rather find a 2 bedroom so she can always come home with ease and comfort when she wants. I would much rather scrape and go without to afford that for her so she can come visit whenever. I may just get a little something for a year or two, try and save and then purchase a condo that we can call come.That way we'll never have to move again and she will have a real home even after I'm gone. The joys of single parenting. We don't do what we want to do but we do what we have to do, right? RIGHT! Last week her financial aide came in. It paid for all her tuition and fees and there is some left over. All we have to worry about is her books and living expenses. GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME!

We're preparing to go back to Michigan for a family reunions. Im SO EXCITED! The last time we went to a reunion for this side of the family was about 6 weeks before September 11th. Much of the family is from Manhattan, Rochester & the Bronx. I'm also glad to get back to the home town of Battle Creek! I spent some time there last summer but was unable to really get around who I wanted to. I've got some places to see, business to take care of, and favorite places to dine :) Bring on the Volcanoes Pizza and the Chicken Coop! My grandma's been very ill also so it will be good to spend time with her and get some pictures of her. We'll be there for a week!


*** I think I'll stop for now and do a part 2 a little later. I haven't even begun to catch up on the last couple months!***

Until then....BE FABULOUS!

There is Always A Better, Brighter Way to Live

I talked to a man at work today. "How are you today Miss Karyn?" He said.
"I AM WONDERFUL, How 'bout yourself Mr Lilly?"
"Wonderful?? WOW< really? It is so nice to hear such a lovely positive voice on the phone. I Don't even want my money back I just like hearing the kindness of your voice!"


I.WAS.BEAMING! I love the reaction I get when folks ask me how I'm doing. I've pretty much taken "FINE" and "ALRIGHT" out of my vocabulary. I'm no longer living a generic life so my answer will no longer be Generic. I also notice when I ask "How are you today?" I really mean it, it's no longer just another "greeting" like "Hi" or " What's up?" or "HEY!"

There is much to be said about looking for the bright and positive things in life and in other people.

There's even more to be said about FINDING IT!.. Some people look all their lives for the good and positive things AND NEVER FIND IT! Is there something wrong with the look, or is the world in such a state that there is nothing good left anymore?

Quite frankly I'm enjoying being that finder of light in others. Finding it add to being positive. It really is a great feeling and makes the world a who new place to be in. A better place to be in.

Im realizing how much our perception of the world around us has to do with what we draw to us.

Let's take Drama for instance. Some people have a no Drama Clause. They avoid it, don't create it don't participate in it. SO THEY THINK.
What is more dramatic than turning away from a situation that needs to be discussed, sorted out and solved? You think just by glossing something over and then ignoring it will make it go away and cause you to escape drama free? WRONG. It come back with a vengeance. It interrupts current and future issues when not handled. It really does create... "Same Production, Different Cast" with YOU as the director AND usually the starring or co-starring role. Been there done that.


I call the Bullcrap card on NO Drama! The minute you declare it, it gang jumps on you. It invades your subconscious and your mind. Just because you don't admit it, doesn't make it not so. The truth isn't any less true because folks don't believe it.

I've learned the joy in Taking responsibility for what does and more importantly what doesn't work in my life. There is no shame in saying.... I messed up, I can do better. Or I apologize for being thoughtless. No But... or excuses or justifications. Simply... I messed up, I know it, I'm sorry, I'll do better. I have a much higher respect for THAT person than the one who finds fault and blame on everyone around him for HIS/HER short comings. We all have them. It's what makes us human. And it's soo disheartening AND TACKY to hear someone put off their responsibilities and issues on being someone elses fault instead of just owning up.

I enjoy a good honest day's work. I was once told.."I know just exactly what to do and say to impress the right people... and then I just sit back until I make my next move." Seriously.... NOT IMPRESSIVE to me. That's got " I'm a butt kisser and a suck up and do my job when I need to, but for the most part I'm a slacker when no one else is around" Someone who has this habit or attitude doesn't realize it carries over into all aspect of their lives. Can you imagine having a relationship with that person? They'll put in some effort when there is only shakey ground. I like working hard, earning my keep. I like being a team leader and a team player. If you can't be both there will be problems in your personal life and relationships as well. No one can or should or was meant to be the boss at all times.


Someone at work called me the Department Cheerleader. AUGH! Yeah, Im not the one. This same person asked me if I "ever had a bad day."
I laughed at her and said "I'm actually having one now!"
She said she just couldn't tell and would never have guessed it.
"well, Complaining about it would only make me more miserable and the people around me miserable...so I DECIDED to change it and make it a good day." Then I gave her a lollipop and walked away.
It's all about perspective. At work I decided no matter how bad or awful the person on the other end of the phone was, it was NOT going to effect how well I served them as a customer. I will always do my job the best of my ability with a cheerful attitude. No way I'm gonna let them get to me. So far, so good!

The next goal is to bring that attitude out of the work place. What if we all went home to our families and decided that no matter how upset, tired, frustrated or "whatever" the people in our house were We were going to be the best Father, Mother, Sister, Brother, Son or Daughter we could possibly be anyway?
And why is it we save our best selves for Customers, bosses, coworkers and strangers? If we treated our families like we treat our bosses and customers, I wonder how few divorces, separations and foster kids there would be in the world?
OUR FAMILIES SHOULD BE OUR BEST CUSTOMERS! These are the people who clean up after you, feed you, let you move in, give you a few dollars, and in some cases a kidney or something. Why do we not save our best selves for those we are supposed to love most?
Well let me tell ya, I've started doing this at home. I live with my daughter and my sister. And it's working. I feel myself wanting to add more and more the comfort and peace of the home atmosphere. And that doesn't just mean avoiding issues. We work them out. Not with blame. We know when we've done something and are doing something that's not conducive to the house hold or fair to the people living in it. We take ownership and try to improve on it.

And let me say this: When you have a true desire to improve and make changes... you don't wait because you learn there is no point in it. Laziness will have you take babysteps. The time for positive improvements is and always will be NOW!

I say this because we are loyal to our habits. Good, Bad and UGLY we are loyal to our habits, because they are familiar and we know how to deal with them. There is fear in change. Fear that we may fail or someone will find a weakness and see us less attractive or less perfect. One of the sexiest traits in the world is Confidence and true confidence comes from recognizing your weaknesses, improving upon them and KNOWING that those you love will continue to love you through it all. THAT's SEXY! That's attractive, not fake arrogance.


I tell you, LIFE IS GOOD. There are miracles surrounding use everyday. I notice them even more than ever before. There is ALWAYS ALWAYS something brighter and more divine to see and it surrounds us each and every day. I am grateful to have gone through whatever was needed to be able to experience this "new world" I've been living in. We are meant to have joy. Not guilty pleasure. Not temporary Satisfaction. Not Substitution but Real live, touch me, feel me, hear me, smell me, taste me human interaction joy.
If you can't find it, then you aren't doing something right because people all over the world are enjoying life and it's out there.


When must understand we are every day sowing and everyday reaping what we've already sown. If the harvest is stale and rotten, you can't blame the farmer next door for your tainted crop. Well you can, but it will never fix YOUR crop.

Part of the joy of life is taking responsibility for our failures because those things we suffer at the hand of others may make us dizzy for a little while, but if we stay dizzy and fall and wallow on the ground, it then becomes our own doing.


LIFE IS GOOD, believe that. And times are hard. The wiser we get the more we'll understand that our wants and needs coincide. How wonderful would it be live life in such a way that the only thing you really want and need is Shelter, food, clothing and money enough to live on? How wonderful would it be if we didn't need the cable tv or the xbox or laptop or latest cell phone? What if we're happy with a car that functions well and gets us to where we need to go? It is difficult pining and waiting to have enough money for the latest doo-dad. Why not take the money and send Mom or grandma flowers "JUST BECAUSE?" or take Grandpa or Pops out for lunch and an afternoon movie? Gather the neices and nephews together for an 99 cent ice cream and swinging at the park? These are truly the things that make life good and worth while.

Life.IS.GOOD. I Promise. And I hope you are put through whatever trial, trauma,hardship, blessing or refiner's fire you need to go through to live it well.

I've Got Problems...

I know it. And knowing it is such a blessing. I was having some discussions with some folks and for some reason the new Kelly Clarkson song "My Life Would Suck Without You" came into play. One in the discussion mentioned they didn't care for the song and then quoted the following verse:

"I know that I have issues... but you're pretty messed up too" And how dysfunctional it was to be in that kind of relationship with that kind of thinking. I had to disagree. In my perspective.... When everyone stops trying to hide the fake persona of being perfect and always right and start acknowledging and taking responsibility for their own "mestupness" (messed-up-ness) Relationships would get better.

Seriously, I know that I have issues. I feel that knowing I have shortcomings helps me realize I have things I can improve on. If I don't acknowledge them, the chances of them becoming bigger problems increase. Knowing that everyone else around me is messed up some how.. (And don't EVEN FRONT folks, we all have issues and there are things about us all that are messed up. If you are ALIVE you have issues) allows me to see them through real human eyes. There is no perfection in people and how they are.

I guess for some this could seem pretty depressing. For others they have just left the page all offended. Whatever! See ya, buhbye. Those folks have greater issues then they're probably even aware of.


I think when we try to hide our flaws and issues from those we love and care about, it creates greater problems. Does that mean come to the table and confess everything? Not at all. What it does mean is ....We, those folks who love you... we see your flaws and short comings, just as you see ours. And for those of us who really love and care about you, it does not diminish your self worth or value in our eyes. It is when you hide them, justify them, manipulate and lie to us to protect your ego and shattered sense of esteem that there becomes REAL issues.

It's been a tough year in the self worth department on this end. My world was absolutely shattered. There was no hiding it. And for the first time I can remember I had no desire to hide it. I didn't go around advertising it, whose who know me know I'm not the same Woman I was last year at this time. I have displayed to those around me my weakest darkest moments. To tell the truth I was too weak to hide the truth and at the same time strong enough to not care what others think.
How grateful I am for that realization. I learned that in all my "mestupness" I was surrounded by a stellar support group who gathered around me and lifted me up when I was too weak to stand on my own. I learned who can deal with a certain illnesses and situations that need extreme care and who just can't hang in those situations. I learned who has the knowledge, patience, desire to realize what they had to offer, bring it forward without reservation and care for a friend in need.

On the flip side: I also learned who is selfish, impatient and not understanding of anyone else needs but their own. I learned that in a crisis situation or a situation where I or someone else may need extreme care, some folks just don't have the mental or emotional tools to deal with such situations. Those folks you hope you aren't alone with when something goes down cuz if you need the help, you're out of luck... they will make sure to take care of themselves even when they are the one's not needing care.

There is something to be said about being "messed up" and having a desire to improve on that. If you pretend it doesn't exist, you will never seek to make improvements.

I feel sad for the man or woman who is always seeking and advertising to be right. These are those who will question all their "crew" for validation when there is an issue. Usually one considers the "crew" to be impartial. When really the only "impartials" who can be impartial know nothing about you to make an impartial suggestion. The "crew" is simply a bunch of friends who we go to who make US feel better after we've been called on the carpet about something. First we get defensive about it, then instead of taking that self inventory we get defensive and make justifications and then call the "crew" for validation. Because to admit we messed up would make us feel less in our own eyes. And we assume it makes us less in the eyes of others.

I have much more respect and am more willing to walk the fire with someone who can say: "I have a problem I know it has the potential to be damaging to the relationship. But I am willing to work on it and need your love and support while I try to improve"
I would and have walked the fire with THAT person. Than the one who has that pride routed so deep they can't see their own mess, or makes excuses their mess is the result of someone else always messing on them. Failure to take responsibility is another HUGE issue. Blaming others for your own laziness, lack of desire or ambition.

Thee are time when we all are put in a position of victimization. Someone who has practiced their agency in such a way that it invades or upsets your own. There are indeed times when we will suffer at the cause of others. And there are indeed times when others will suffer at the hand of us, so don't get it twisted. If you in any way shape or form justify revenge, abuse, manipulation etc... you have bigger problem.

There come a time and place for resolve.I remember those immature days of "revenge" and trying to get someone back for something. There was such temporary satisfaction for me. My conscience would get to me and eventually there would be more agony and guilt over it that I would find myself more miserable than the misery I was wanting to place on someone else. Some folks would call that a weakness. My Grandmother would call it Strength. She would call that a God-like quality. "When you begin to lose those feelings of guilt and misery, then you have stepped too far of the path"

In closing I say I know that I've got problems... and you're pretty messed up too. Embrace it. I'm not saying admit it and be OK with having the problem. I"m saying we all have them. And the sooner we start to acknowledge, take responsibility for and work to improve our own, the sooner we're have better relationships.

That's all I'm sayin.

Earth Hour: Power Down 2009!

About 5 days ago I heard about Earth Hour. A world wide effort to show respect for the Earth we are FRYING and cut/not use any electricity for 1 hours: 8:30-9:30 local time.
I got to thinking what a good experience to cut back on the electricity bill if just an hour and see how much of it we really use.
This was all to go down Yesterday March 28th, 2009.
I woke up rather excited to do this thing. I made a last minute decision to see if i could use as little electricity as possible all day. And then I told my sister about Earth hour and she was down for it. I think it was her who said... "we should have a party." I concurred! Always down for a unique gathering, especially one with a cause. We contacted friends and explained what Earth hour is.
Told them our doors opened at 7. Bring flashlights, candles, games,snacks and anything you want to throw on the grill. All electricity goes out a 8:25 pm!

It was interesting how conscious I became of electricity and how wasteful we've become. I got up and instead of turning on lights I opened the blinds. The Sunlight was actually brighter than the electric lights AND adjustable according to how much I opened the blinds. And the sunlight also brightened the mood. It's a fact that sunlight plays a great role in mood disorders such as depression and even on lonliness.
I began to do the normal Saturday chores: Cleaning the bathroom, my bedroom dusting, mopping laundry and so on. I actually decided to hold off on the Laundry because it take electricity to run the washer and dryer. And it could wait, I have plenty of clothes to wear so I didn't have to do laundry on Earth hour day. I actually got all my work done faster than usual. Partially because I wanted to get ready for the party, but Mostly because I wanted to use the sunlight while there was sunlight to use.
Thoughts of "Little House on the Prairie" Came to mind. They worked from sunup to sundown because there was not much they could do after the sunset. That also explains why they got much done, they couldn't procrastinate or put it off until later because there was very little could be done by candle/lantern light. AND putting it off would add the the pile of next days responsibilities.

It all makes sense, their hard work, their work ethic. I liked this new realization.
I didn't turn on the TV and or radio all day. I wanted to see what I could hear when not distracted by the typical things. I liked hearing the birds chirping and the kids at the park. One of my neigbors was outside laughing about something. I'm not sure what but it made me smile.
In my sweeping and scrubbing I created a little musical rhythem to one of my favorite songs, so that was kind of cool. I used that rhythem all day while cleaning.

When the cleaning was done my sister and I went into the basement and started to did out our candles and candle holders. We ended up lighting about 72 candles using the tealights she and I bought for my wedding reception last year that didn't happen (they smelled of vanilla and pears)and several other candles we had accumulate. It was fun to see the assortment of candle holders we had. We also used several battery operated Asian lanterns I had purchased for reception. They added an exotic element to the house and yard.

We placed the candles and lanterns around the house and yard. The deal was to use no electricity and very little battery operated things as possible. Make it a night using as much of God's natural resources and human interaction as possible. We used battery operated lighting for the stairs in the house for safety reasons. We have an obnoxious about of steps in the oddest places.


I got excited as the sun went down. Not sure why but I think there is a fulfillment when you are doing something you know can help a cause. And it was a world wide effort. Knowing places like Vegas, Singapor, Paris, LA, Ottawa, Russia etc were taking part and choosing to be part of it made the world a smaller more congenial place.
Folks started to arrive about 7:15 and help with the setting up of candles and food prep and games before the last of the sunlight dipped low into the sky and disappeared. About 8:15 we lit the outside lanterns that lined the sidewalk to the door and began to light all the candles in the house.


8:28 the electricty in my home(except for the refridgerator & freezer) was turned off. The first thing we noticed was that we got quieter. Something about the darkness makes one think they have to whisper and speak more silently. We got over that rather quickly when there was a knock on the door. My neigbors had read my online invitation and came on over to join us. Their teenagers didn't come over at first but she told them they no matter what they were doing they were not to use any electricity from 8:30pm -9:30 pm. Very nice. I went towards the back of the house and looked at the bording neigborhoods. It looked like maybe only 1 or 2 other homes could have been participating, but for the most part it was business as usual for everyone else. I was a little disappointed. But more than that, I was excited about my company and already thrilled about the conversations at hand.



We talked about books, relationships and how to better them, shared cooking and marinating tips. I was loving the interaction.
We grilled pepperoni and cheese stuffed chicken breast, london broil, cheese burgers, sausages and because the grill has a little side burner we made taco meat.

We put a couple of logs inthe fire pit but it was rather windy so we basically let them smolder and thought they wouldn't catch fire. Eventually a flame or two grew and the logs caught.
The biggest festivity of the evening was the playing of charades by candle light.
We had everyone write out things/object on peices of paper. 1 person drew a paper from the bowl and that started the game. What followed was 2 hours of rolling on the floor in laughter as each person tried to act out words such as "furball, hot pants, bacon, pantomime, flashlight..." and so on.

The night was awesome. It was relaxing, peaceful, cozy. There is something peaceful and exotic about candlelight. A few year ago I used candle lanterns instead of night lights and it made a romantic reverence about the house. I do belive we'll be reinstating that element into the household.
Also there was a huge realization at how much electricity is wasted. I've got computers, stereos, and other things plugged in and in the on position for things I haven't used in months. I rarely use my Radio alarm clock anymore. I'm looking into just getting an old school battery operated alarm clock. I no longer listen to music all the time when I go to bed. Sometimes I might pop on a DVD in my portable player. But it also has a battery. with a life of 4 or 6 hours I forget. But this means it will shut itself off and not run on electricy all day because I never really pay attention to it until the evening comes around.

I think we'll be grilling a lot more. And spending more time outside. Our patio furnature has solar lighting on it. I do recall sitting on the patio under the umbrella reading at night last summer. I remember how much more content and relaxing it was.

What i really recognized most was the level of stress and peace, for some reason was non existant.
I don't think we realize how added noise puts and keeps us on alert. There was no confusion trying to hear or understand someone over the TV or radio. We were very attentive and aware of certain needs someone may have had because there were no other focus or other things pulling our attention in different directions.
I guess I was able to be in the moments and enjoy them.

When the lights did finally come back, on about 30 minutes after midnight it was like some vile invader yanking us back in to some unpeaceful premature existance.

Don't get me wrong. I enjoy the comforts electricity brings into my life. The entertainment and ease it gives the world.
But I think what yesterday taught me was this. God created all things. He brought forth many ideas to be invented for certain purposes. And from that man created many things to which we all should be thankful for. But the core of our thanks, appreciation and utilization should still be those God Made gifts.
My mother often said the Lord has a way of destroying and taking away those things we love more than him, or those things we don't use.
Is it any wonder our earth is rotting/frying/dying away? We have poisoned our water sources and our land. We have we given back any of the things we've taken? Plants? Minerals? Animals? Have we tried to nourish the earth so she can replenish her gifts and bounty?

In depending too much on things of comfort we, too are wasting away. Our minds are less sharp. Our bodies are succumbing more to disease & falling apart and not functioning as well as in the passed. We're getting lazier, fatter, sicker and dying at younger and younger ages.
We rely on processed foods with hormones and other additive and excipients. We've gotten too lazy to provide for ourselves and EXPECTANT on others to help feed us, clothe us, pay our bills, clean up after ourselves and fullfill our lives.
I don't think this was how the Good Lord intended things to be. We are not to expect others to do more for us and our families than we are willing to do for ourselves.

I woke up this morning and the first things I did was open my blinds to let the sunlight in. Then I opened all the blinds in the house. The only things I've turn on today was this laptop. Im enjoying the sound of the birds. They're probably cussing to one another because it's sprinkling snow outside. There's smoke rising from the fire pit as the flakes touch down and dance on the glowing embers from the logs.
Today I'm hearing what Mama Nature and Mama Earth are saying.
It sounded like they said "Thank you for last night!"

7 Women + 3 Boyz = Men!

One fine evening 7 Women from Utah went out to Play.





Then ended up in Nevada in a place called Wendover



There was a Concert...



But the concert was all sold out. "Hmmmm!" Thought 7 women in Wendover! "How do we get to see this concert? It is sold out and we do not have tickets"


7 Women in Wendover met a Lady from South Jordan Utah



She had 3 extra tickets so we bought them.

7 Women in Wendover found another lady who had 4 extra tickets. So we bought them too.




2 seats were together on the floor. 1 seat was in the middle of strangers on the floor

4 seats were all together on the next level up. None of the seats were bad. All of the women were happy.


7 Women in Wendover went into a Concert



And this is what happened:



















AND...





























They kissed and held my hand (yes... all 3 of them)
They gave me a rose
AND they told me to call my mama and put her on the phone. Then they took my blackberry told my mama who they were, that I was at a concert having a good time and that a song was dedicated to her ... then and sang to my Mama in Michigan while onstage in the middle of the concert."Mama...Mama You Know I love you! You know I love you Mama!"


AND THEN after the show... this happened:



V.I.P Passes(Autographed)to the V.I.P Lounge




My Daughter with the Menz



Myself with the Menz



My Womenz with the Menz



This is our story and we're sticking to it!





THE END!~


PS: Anything can happen with 7 women from Utah in a Friday or Saturday night!