I'm back from Disneyland. It was wonderful. Disney-licious. I gained back four of the five pounds I've lost. How does that happen? I walked for 6 hours, for two days straight, but I gained weight. Whatever. Pictures to come, as soon as I get mine.
So, here's a question. What does one do when one's life turns out to be not at all what one had planned?
I. Am. So. Excited.
In 10 days, I will on my way to DISNEYLAND, BABY! That's right. You know you're jealous.
I love Disneyland. I'm kind of embarrased about how excited I am to do. I mean, I am an adult. Not that you would know from my attitude towards Disneyland. That's one of the great things about the Land of the Mouse, though. It brings out the kid in us, and who doesn't love that?
I'm going with my dear friend Jessie, her husband Jason, and Jason's sister and nieces. His mom is coming for a day, too. Good thing Jason's family seems to like me. I'm meeting Jessie and Jason in Cedar City and we're driving the rest of the way. We'll be partying at Disneyland Friday and Saturday.
Like I said, before, I'm like a kid when it comes to Disneyland. I always go hoping to meet some good characters. I've met a few, but never who I wanted. I've met Cinderella,
Bloody paparazzi. A fairy can't go anywhere anymore.
Ah, Sleeping Beauty. I love that movie. My favorite part is when the fairies are trying to get ready for Aurora's birthday without magic. Fauna tries to make a cake. It's hysterical. And then they finally decide to use magic, and Flora and Meriweather get into this fight and keep changing each other different colors. Oh man, that cracked me up.WARNING!
At the risk of death, dismemberment and losing friends. I am about to wade into the twin murky waters of religion and politics. I don't mind if you disagree with me, just don't hate me or leave nasty comments.
First, I'm Republican. And I'm Mormon.
You guys still with me? Okay, good. We didn't need those others that just left anyway. The losers.
Second, I'm supporting Mitt Romney in the Republican primarys, and in the General Election, frankly. Go Mitt!
Doesn't he look Presidential? Don't worry, that's not why I'm voting for him. And it's not because he's Mormon, either, although I'll admit that it helps. I'm voting for him because I honestly believe that he's the best candidate. John McCain is just plain old, and I don't like the way he went more "moderate" after the last election. What that really means is that he lost the election, so he changed his philosophy to try to get voters. Rudy Guiliani is okay. He's my second choice. I don't have many complaints about him. Mike Huckabee is just a jerk. I'm sorry, but I don't want someone running my country who stoops to disparraging someone because of their religion. Not only is it rather un-Christian, but it's pretty un-American, too.
Let's face it: Huckabee is the one that made Romney's Mormonism an issue in this race, with his "I'm the Christian Candidate" crap, and frankly, it pisses me off.
The following is an excellent article written by Doug Robinison that appeared in the Deseret Morning News. It pretty much expresses exactly how I feel, so I'm reposting it here. I'll get much less worked up that way.
I missed the memo that said it's A-OK to make disparaging and often erroneous statements about Mormons.
Apparently, they are fair game.
Sure, these are hypersensitive times, when name-calling or perceived bias against any group will get you the Don Imus treatment, but you get a free shot with Mormons. You can say what you want about them with impunity.
If you denigrate a racial group, you're racist.
If you denigrate women, you're sexist.
If you denigrate Mormons, you're hip.
No one would openly suggest that you shouldn't vote for Hillary Clinton because a woman can't lead the country, especially an ornery one.
Nobody would dare say that you shouldn't vote for Barack Hussein Obama because he's black, or of Muslim descent, or because he has a name that sounds like a terrorist. One Clinton worker even apologized for alluding to Obama's use of drugs as a youth, so apparently it's wrong to disparage former drug users, too.
But nobody is shy about saying you shouldn't vote for Romney simply because he's a Mormon. It doesn't even register on the PC-O-Meter.
Just like that, 6 million Americans have been virtually disqualified from running for president. They've been rendered second-class citizens. They're foreigners living in America. They face a glass ceiling.
How un-American is that?
It would be one thing if most of those who oppose Romney did so because they disagreed with his politics or character. But Romney is one of the few candidates who has no character issues, a "squeaky clean" man who has a distinguished record of accomplishments, success and service, with no divorces, no affairs, no scandal. The only thing opponents can say about him is that he belongs to a church they don't understand.
A Harvard law professor called Romney the most qualified of all the candidates and "the perfect candidate for this moment in time." But there is his Mormonism, he noted.
Even the self-styled PC chief of police, Al Sharpton, once jumped in on the action, saying, "As for the one Mormon running for office, those who really believe in God will defeat him anyways."
Mormons don't believe in God?
For his penance, all Sharpton had to do was endure a family home evening in Utah.
It's open season on Mormons. A few days ago, Miami Herald columnist Dan Le Batard stated on ESPN and in the newspaper that part of the reason fired coach Cam Cameron failed was because he got stuck with a Mormon quarterback — not a rookie quarterback (which he is) but a Mormon quarterback.
"And you'll have a hard time finding a leader anywhere in sports who was as unlucky this year as Cameron," Le Batard said, noting that because of injuries, Cameron was forced to play "a United Nations huddle of a Mormon quarterback, Mexican receiver, Samoan fullback and some guy named Lekekekkkkerkker."
Now Mormons are foreigners?
Ignorance makes no difference. You can say Mormons have four wives or that they aren't Christian, and no one cares.
Imagine the uproar if Le Batard had written that the Dolphins suffered because they had to play a black quarterback for part of the season? Or a Catholic?
The Salt Lake Tribune has had a field day for more than a week since learning that Mike Leavitt and some of his like-minded cohorts met early in the morning to discuss Mormon theology and governance while he was Utah's governor. What if it had been a Bible study?
Nobody seems to mind when former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee says his religion "defines me." Or when Obama says his church guides "my own values and my own beliefs."
People worry that Romney will take his orders from his church leaders. They don't worry that Obama will take orders from his church, whose "10-point vision" includes two references to its "non-negotiable commitment to Africa," with no mention of America. Oh, and the church statement begins by noting on the Trinity United Church of Christ Web site, "We are a congregation which is Unashamedly Black."
It's a different set of rules for some out there. You can print newspaper cartoons disparaging Mormons. You can harass their families as they walk to their biannual conference with all sorts of foul language. When someone commits a crime, you can note the criminal's religion, but only if he's Mormon. You can make them a one-liner on Leno. Good luck reconciling all this with the paranoid political correctness that's so in vogue.
Meanwhile, the most politically correct presidential election field ever assembled — a woman, a black, a Mormon, a Baptist, etc. — has gone politically incorrect, but only when it comes to you know who.
One more thing: I have to commend Fox News (and there went the last of the liberal-minded readers). While they may not agree with Romney's religion or politics, everyone there has agreed that it shouldn't be an issue, Democrat and Republican alike. You've gotta respect that.I was watching the ball drop on some New Year's special (I don't even remember whose it was), and as the crowds at Times Square were laughing and cheering, the camera caught a particular couple: He was on one knee, proposing in the middle of the hoards of people. It touched me, and it reminded me why we celebrate the coming of a new year. A new year marks a new beginning, a time for us to start over, to leave the past behind and make ourselves and our lives better.
And so, dear friends, here are my wishes for you at the coming of this New Year.
My dog just attacked another dog. Not just any other dog, either, but her best doggy-friend, my boss's dog. How does one respond to a situation like that? Especially a one like me, who is rather prone to freakoutage.
Here's what happened. I'm sitting at work, trying to make another 2400 labels because the last 2400 got all messed up, and all of a sudden I hear doggy yelping and screeching. So I look out the window, and they're in their usual wrestling position, only it's clear something has gone very wrong. I can't tell which is yelping, so I yell and them both, which usually gets them apart, but not this time. So then I think maybe their collars got stuck together somehow, so I run downstairs and get outside just in time to see my boss (who is my dad's partner, which is how he's my boss even though I work for my dad) walking out of the pen with his dog and a stick. "What the heck is going on?" I ask
"These dogs can't be together anymore!" he yells. "Your dog had mine by the throat and damn near killed him!" So he's yelling at me, which I understand, because it's an upsetting situation, but I don't respond to yelling well at all. And my dog is just sitting there inside the fence, just like nothing happened.
I go into the pen with her and check her out to see if maybe she's hurt or something, thinking that maybe he hurt her and she was defending herself, but no, she's fine. I start lecturing her, she she's just looking at me like, "What the heck are you talking about?" Then Lee (the boss-guy) comes out carrying Buddy (the dog victim) and Sadie (my dog) freaks and starts barking and growling!
So now my dog is an outlaw. Well, not really I suppose, but that's how I feel. I have to leave her at home now - not mandated by anyone, but it's the obvious appropriate reaction - and it's going to be as hard for me as it will be for her. It frustrates me that everyone seems to think she's a bad dog, when she's acutally very sweet. And I know you're thinking, "But she attacked another dog!" but this is VERY out of character for her. She's generally very submissive, and she and Buddy have been playing everyday for six months without a single incident.
Really, this is about me. Frankly, I haven't had the best couple of years, and I've been so lonely. Getting Sadie was the best thing I've done for myself, and I'm really attached to her. She pretty much goes everywhere with me. I'm having issues with my current situation, and I know this is going to end up being a big issue, and I'm going to end up crying. The most frustrating thing? If I talk to anyone about it, they'll tell me that I'm overreacting, and I'm taking things too personally, and I'm being irrational, all of which I already know. It just doesn't change how I feel. So I'm sending it out into the void in hopes that it will cure me of the need to vent and the anxiety, and I'll be able to go spend the evening with my family without freaking out. See? I'm already freaking out. I will not cry. Will. Not. Cry.
Does she look vicious to you?
I've never really had laryngitis before. I've been hoarse, obviously, but never acutally lost my voice. And trust me, this time it's GONE. No matter how hard I try, all I can get out it a pathetic whisper. I've given up talking for today, which has made me realize what a chatterbox I actually am. This is hard!
Laryngitis. What a bummer. Just my luck that it would happen two days before I'm supposed to sing in church.
I could use your prayers, or your whatevers if you're not the praying kind.
I'm it! Jessie tagged me.
1. Wrapping paper or gift bags?
I'm all about wrapping paper. I love to wrap gifts. I did see this way cute bag the other day though, and had to resist buying it.
2. Real tree or artificial?
Growing up we always had a real tree, and I love it. I love the smell and decorating it - basically the whole thing. Now, though, I think that artificial trees are just so much more cost effective and convenient.
3. When do you put your tree up?
I always wanted to put up the tree way before my parents did. I'm a first week of December kind of girl, and my parents are week before Christmas people.
4. When do you take it down?
We always took ours down on New Year's day. I've been known to leave mine up until February (when I was in college).
5. Hot Chocolate or apple cider?
Hot chocolate all the way.
6. Favorite gift received as a child?
One year my brother won some money in the lottery and he bought me a Barbie car and boat with a trailer. That was the coolest present ever - plus it was the biggest package.
7. Do you have a Nativity scene?
Yes, I bought it in Stewart Island, New Zealand. It was ridiculously expensive, but I love it and to me it's invaluable.
8. Hardest person to buy for?
My brother-in-law. I NEVER know what to get him. Neither does my sister, acutally.
9. Easiest person to buy for?
Felicia. I know her so well, I'm always coming across something and thinking, "Felicia would love that!"
10. Worst Christmas gift ever received?
I can't think of one, but one year my very "au-naturale" sister got a giant bottle of hairspray.
11. Mail or email Christmas cards?
Mail. Email cards are lame.
12. Favorite movie?
It's a Wonderful Life. I watched it for the first time last year and bawled my head off. Seriously, runny nose, choking sobs. I was almost recovered, but the the angel got his wings and that set me off again.
13. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present?
No way. I'm not really a re-gifter. I like finding the perfect gift too much.
14. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas?
Pine nuts and fudge. Not together.
15. Clear or colored lights?
I'm a big fan of colored lights, especially on houses. There are these new colored icicle lights that I LOVE. I'm all for white lights on trees, though.
16. Favorite Christmas song?
O Holy Night or The First Noel.
17. Travel or stay home?
Either, as long as I'm with my family.
18. Can you name all the Santa's reindeer?
Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen, Ruldoph. I have an album with this guy reciting "T'was the Night Before Christmas" to music, and he skips Cupid. It drives me nuts. What's wrong with Cupid? Does he have something against Cupid?
19. Angel or Star?
Angel, but it has to be a classy one.
20. Favorite Christmas memory?
Playing poker with my family and the "ghost" of John, and the look our foreign exchange student gave us when we wouldn't let her sit in his chair. I love my family. We're such freaks.
I tag Sara, Laurel and Esme.
I'm clearly not very good at this everyday thing. Sorry.
Sunday:
I was reminded of the truth of an old adage "don't judge a book by its cover" yesterday (that only applies metaphorically, by the way - you can totally judge an acutal book by its cover). There is this man that attends my church, and I have been rather impressed by him since I moved back home. He's a very rough-looking man. His hair is cut short, he has a beard. He had pierced ears and occasionally wears earrings to church. He has several tattoos on his arms; one on each forearm, so they're visible when he is in shirtsleeves. He usually wears a nice suit that fits him well, but it looks unnatural on him. Let's just say that if I didn't know him, I wouldn't want to meet him in a dark alley.
Here's where the lesson comes in: This is one of the most gentle, loving men I have ever met. He's married and has four kids, only one of which is his. The older kids use his name, even though they haven't been legally adopted. No one knows where their dad is, so he can't relinquish parental rights. I have seen this scary-looking man play with his wife's hair and stroke her cheek during meetings. I've seen him cuddle his 10 year old daughter on his lap. I've seen him drop her off and activity with a hug and several kisses. The entire family is at church every Sunday, and if I didn't know that the older kids weren't his, I would never guess.
The moral of this story? If the "book" is a person, don't judge it by the cover. You never know what goodness is living inside the pages.
There are two traditions in my family regarding The 12 Days of Christmas. When I was young, my mom and I would choose someone who we felt needed a little boost around Christmastime, and we would leave a gift on their doorstep everyday. They were usually small things, but the people appreciated the thought. I couldn't think of anyone to do it for this year, and I'm a little short on funds, so I can't give 12 gifts, so I thought I would gift you all for the 12 days.
The other tradition we have revolves around a nativity set. We've had the same set for years. My dad made a stable to house all the figures, and he would put out a new one every morning. Each day I would race into the living room to see which new figure had appeared that day. This year, I'm doing the same thing for you! And so . . .
On the First Day of Christmas:
I found a fun new blog today - Vintage Thirty, written by Tootsie Farklepants. Yes, it's the coolest name ever. I was inspired by Ms. Farklepants (who shared her favorite commercial here) to share my own favorite commercial. Ready? Here we go!
Save Holland. Hahahahahaha! Dang that's funny.
Here's a recipe for one of my favorite lazy morning treats.
3 eggs
1/2 cup flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup milk
2 tablespoons melted butter
Coat large cast iron pan with oil. Place pan in oven to preheat. Heat oven to 450 degrees. Whip eggs with french whip until well mixed. Combine flour and salt (original recipe says to sift, but I never do). Add flour and salt to eggs in four additions, beating just until smooth after each addition. Add milk in two additions, beating slightly after each. Lightly beat in melted butter. Pour batter into cast iron pan (carefully!) and bake for 15 minutes at 450. After 15 minutes, reduce heat to 350 and bake for 10 more minutes. DO NOT OPEN THE OVEN DOOR! Top with syrup and powdered sugar and enjoy!
German pancakes are my favorite, and they're so easy to make, but they make you look like a fabulous cook. Look:
I cleaned my bedroom, bathroom and car on Saturday. It was pretty gross. Actually, the bedroom wasn't so bad at all, once I put away the clean clothes and washed the rest. I also had to wrap presents because they were starting to pile up. The car wasn't so bad either - Windex wipes are my best friends. It was the bathroom that got me. It was dirty. Like, really dirty.
I won't go into too much detail because, well, I'm embarrased, and I don't want to send Jessie into cardiac arrest (she's kind of a clean freak). The first problem is that the counter in the bathroom is this really pretty grayish marble. It always looks clean. On one hand, that's great, but when you're cleaning it, it's just gross. The second problem is that my bathtub is made of this weird plasticky material, rather than porcelin. Stuff sticks to it easier, and it's a lot harder to get off. I really won't go into detail about that. Suffice it to say that there was enough gunk to look like a tiny male cheerleader. Tough little guy, too - it took some serious scrubbing to get it off. Actually, I ended up on my hands and knees in the bathtub.
Things I learned from my cleaning experience:
Maya Angelou & Pamela Redmond Satran
Here are my contributions to Thanksgiving this year. I'm not going to post the recipes because it would make this post forever long, but I might post them later.
Chocolate Marble Cheescake
