Things to ponder

Do you live in the USA? Are you proud to be American?

Is Slavery legal in the USA today? Was it legal in the USA?

Do you own a Slave? Did/do any of your relatives/distant relative own slaves?

Are you friends with anyone who is related to someone that has ever owned a slave?

Do some people in the USA have slaves today?

I live in America and am proud to be an American even though slavery used to be legal in the USA.  I do not own a slave and am not currently seeking or have ever had the desire to own a slave. According to family history and census records I cannot locate any family members that owned slaves.

As we are all aware making something illegal doesn’t mean that people won’t still do it. If you keep up with the news you will know that slavery, now called human trafficking is an on going problem in the USA.  Thus, some of you have relatives today that own slaves.

I am personally against slavery, but doesn’t mean that I will condemn you, not be your friends, make fun of you, gossip about you, black list you, or kill you if your relatives used to or currently own slaves.  (In some countries it is still legal to have slaves.) Long time ago in the USA it was acceptable and legal and a way of life.  If you currently live in the USA, own a slave, have helped someone obtain a slave, or are seeking to buy one that is another story.  

I believe that many of you share my same feelings. Then why do some people hate, condemn, taunt, make fun of, bully, etc members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints due to a few of their members “used to” practice Polygamy?

Is Polygamy practiced today by members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints? NO

Are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints allowed to practice Polygamy today? No, if they do they will be excommunicated from the church.

FYI: If you look up Polygamy in Wikipedia you will learn that many societies practiced and currently practice polygamy.  From what I have read it appears that patriarchs have multiple wives because they want more children and/or to care for widows.

Camping with the Family

After my last experience with a boy I figured this time before I commit to anything I want to see how he interacts with his parents and family over an extended period of time.
(It wasn't till my last experience going with a boy and his family on vacation that I realized how much you can learn about someone in such a short period of time. It was during that vacation that his true nature came out.)

To prevent another disaster I invited myself on Mason's annual family camping trip.  He was a bit nervous as I would be the first girl he's brought along camping.  I was a bit nervous spending so much time with his family, concerned about what I was going to eat, and trapped in the middle of nowhere if things didn't turn out well. His parents were ok with me coming as long as we slept in separate tents.  His Mom was also looking forward to getting to know me better.

Last Tuesday I left my car and the safety of my new home on a 5 day adventure, crossing my fingers that it wouldn't turn out anything like my last camp out or my last vacation with a boy and his family.

I am happy to report it was a success. Mason gave them a heads up on my diet.  Just to be safe I also brought food.  I was very impressed at how his Mom went out of her way to prepare foods I could eat and brought special snacks for me.

We had lots of fun. We took several bike rides, took a 3 hour walk/hike around the lake, went fishing with his Dad, swam in the lake, Kayaked, hunted for wood, and played Rummikub with the family.

When I was a kid Mom and I used to go fishing all of the time and I loved it so I was excited to be able to go fishing again. Sadly I didn't catch anything. Mason on the other hand caught 5 trout. For breakfast one morning his Mom went out of her way to make us breakfast: Trout, eggs, and potatoes.  I'm not a big fish fan, but I am happy to report that it was delicious.  She made us this special breakfast because it brings back fond memories of her first camping trip with Mason's father. He got up early one morning and went fishing with out waking her. Later she woke up to an amazing breakfast of fresh trout. She wanted me to have the same experience with Mason.

A few of his cousins were at the campsite next to us.  It was great meeting more of his family and hanging out with them. I love it that they get together and go camping annually. I love spending time with family.  The only time I get to see my extended family is on Thanksgiving.   I wish we got to spend more time together.

I love playing games and I love that his family loves playing games and it was fun to play Rummikub together every night.

The night before we left his brother Tim and Andrea his sister-in-law arrived. In the morning Mason, Tim, his wife and their Father went fishing while his Mom and I hung out and then we all got back together in the afternoon for lunch. I wish the had arrived sooner or we could stay later so I could spend more time with them.

Skydiving- Father's Day 2012

Father's Day 2012

Many people shower their Dads with ties, gift cards, books, home improvement items, sporting goods, and electronics. I think it's more memorable and fun to do something with my Dad.  In 2009 we went to the Monterey Bay Aquarium and then wen ton the 17 mile scenic drive.  Last year we went go-cart racing and Dad took me to the shooting range. Both were really memorable times that I will treasure forever. This year was another memorable Father's day as we tried our hand at Skydiving.

We survived the exhilarating experience with out a scar.  I wonder what we can come up with next year. Whatever we decide to do I know it will be a memorable time.

Guinea pig Strikes

Mom came to vist and helped me make gravy I can eat.

It’s been 8 months since I gave up: Gluten grains, Dairy from Cows, Sesame, all grains including Oats and Rice, Hemp, Yeast, Potatoes, Corn, Tapioca, Coffee, etc.  Or any derivative of the food.

Now it’s time to start adding these foods back into my diet, depending on if they agree with me or not.  The sad thing is since I can’t clone myself I personally have to be the guinea pig and test each food to see if I react or not. The theory is I’m supposed to pick a food and try it one day. Then I’m supposed to go back to my regular diet and wait 3 days and see if you have a reaction.  If there is no reaction then when I’m done testing foods I can add the foods back. 

So far I’ve tried Rice (Brown Rice, White Rice, and Rice flour), Corn, and Potatoes (Mashed Potatoes).  From what I’ve found I agree with Rice in the form or Rice and ground as in Rice Flour. I also agree with potatoes in their natural form.  Corn is tricky.  Corn on the cob was a success and so were Fritos.  (We’re having Frito boats camping so I had to give them a try.)  On the other hand we’re not sure about Corn Starch or Corn Syrup.  I had a horrible reaction the weekend of my Cousin’s Graduation and we’re not sure what it was from.  (I was really upset because I was only able to stay for a few minutes for her graduation party.  Other then Thanksgiving I don’t get the chance to see my cousins so this was really an upsetting event.) I have also tried microwave popcorn and that didn’t go well either.  With all the stuff in that we’re not sure what I was reacting to.  Last night I tried some gluten free bread I bought at Raley’s and that was a horrible experience. But due to the bread contained: Potato, Yeast, and Tapioca we’re not sure what I was reacting too.

I know I need to keep testing foods out so it will make it easier to eat with others and give me more options, but it’s emotionally killing me.

I’m to the point of I really hate eating. I wish there was some magic pill I can take that would give me the nourishment I need.

Finally Landed a Job

I should be thrilled that after filling out 150 applications and writing 150 personalized cover letters, 12 interviews, and 5 months later I have finally landed a job.

(If you are wondering why I’m making the career change it’s because on Feb. 10^th 2012, after 6 years with my boss he kindly informed me that he couldn’t afford to keep me on.  So I’ve been scrambling to find a new job ever since.)

I got the formal offer yesterday and promptly informed my boss. I tried to break it to him as nice as possible as I knew he really didn’t want me to go but the economy was against us. I told him, remember back in Feb. when you informed me that you can’t keep me on and I needed to find another job, well, I finally found one.  I was quite shocked when he told me that wasn’t case anymore and it had changed back in March. I responded that he should have told me.

I feel horrible.  I love my job. Yes, it’s a love hate relationship at times, but lately it’s been good. It’s not the best money, I don’t get benefits or paid vacation, but it provides me with enough to live the lifestyle I’ve been accustomed to and allows me take time off when needed.  Some may have complained if their boss asked them to take Friday’s off unpaid, but I’ve loved it and I’m going to miss it.  And I was looking forward to going to Thailand in November, but now I’m not sure it that will be possible.

I was hoping for a job with the State, but sadly no such luck.  On the other hand I heard they are getting a 5% pay cut and starting furloughs again so maybe this is a blessing. Instead I’ll be working as a contractor at a local business.  The contract starts on Jun. 29 and goes till mid December.

I begin with 2 weeks of training, which is great. This will be the first company that has ever offered me formal training. But, with that comes a lot of responsibility/pressure. What if I don’t pick it up? I haven’t even started it and I feel totally overwhelmed.  Everyone around me seems confident that I’ll succeed, but I have my doubts.

With friends like you, who needs enemies?

Lake Shasta Caverns

I had a very eventful weekend to say the least.   Notes to Self/World and Lessons learned this weekend:

1. I’m sorry, just doesn’t cut it sometimes. At the same time I’m not one to sit around wasting my energy-hating you, I just won't be spending any of my precious free time with you.  
2. Sometimes it takes a traumatic event for you to realize what is really important.
3. I know this may seem obvious to all you, but some people just don't get the obvious: Getting a dog/person drunk for kicks and giggles is just wrong. And a note to those that do I really hope you are in high school because that is the age your are acting and there is still hope for you.  Most of us do dumb things when we are kids, but the good thing is most of us grow up.
4. Real friends don’t use you for kicks and giggles.
5. When some people get together they act like a pack of dogs and there is no stopping them till it’s too late, so always pack a gun.  (A hose or squirt gun should work. At least it works on dogs.)
6. Stand up for your self and those you love, if not no one will. 

Like I always say, I have more regrets of what I didn’t do and that goes for this weekend. 

And it’s not like I just sat back and watch events unfold. I really did try to be assertive this weekend, but it just wasn’t enough.  Or if we go with the approach that everything happens for a weekend I can say thank you to the guys for being such asses, you really showed your true colors and I’m glad I won’t be wasting any more time with people like you. And thank you for helping me to get something into perspective. As much as Satan wants to pull me down, I’m coming out ahead once again.