Happy Late Thanksgiving

I hope everyone had an alright day.

I have to work at 5:45 this morning... if you're mean enough to shop at Kmart at 6 in the morning today, you sincerely suck. Basically, I'm trying to keep myself awake long enough to finish my energy drink and get out the door this morning.

Fun fact: name your kid after something that you and your sweetheart have bonded over. Yes, Theron, that means that someday when we have a boy, we can name him Tuvok (or a girl, Seven). I like how Pete says no one knows the real reason behind the name... kinda weird, but he married into the Simpson family, so what do I expect right?

Well, I hope everyone enjoys their Black Friday... and that you're sane enough to NOT go parading around stores filled with way more people than the fire safety limit okays.

Are Teens Dying For Attention?

It seems more and more like teenagers these days are craving more attention. That's not really an issue, but the problem is the new and more destructive ways that teens are going about getting that attention. Gangs are more rampant now than ever before because kids just want to belong to a group of people that care about them. Families aren't enough - parents are never home or, when they are, instead of love and care, shouting and abuse is the present.

This article that I found on CNN really disturbs me. This poor kid decided to end his life in a very public way. While I do not doubt that he was depressed and, clearly, suicidal, I believe that this was the ultimate cry for attention. Subconsciously, this kid wanted someone to alert some sort of authority figure to get him help. Instead, these people mocked him and watched him die:

He was seen lying on his bed on the streaming video, posted on the Web site Justin.tv. On the site, a person can stream video from a Web camera while "viewers" chat with each other in a box next to the video, Crane said. The comments and video have since been removed from the Web site.

Crane read the comments posted during the 10 hours the youth could be seen lying on his bed.

As the teenager was lying on his bed, she said, people were typing things like, "Oh, that's not enough to kill you." Others, she said, were egging him on, saying things like "Go ahead and do it." Still others thought it wasn't real, Crane said.

About 11 a.m. Wednesday, Crane said, some viewers began to get concerned, writing things like, "He's not moving" and "He's not breathing."

One contacted the site's moderator to get the youth's contact information, she said, and the police were notified.

Why didn't someone get help sooner? If they had, maybe this poor lost kid could've gotten the help that he needed. I don't ever want to wish harm to anyone, but I hope that those who watched this young man take his life never forget what they were party to, that they are haunted by what they experienced.

I cannot understand the terrible things that people do these days.

Forgive Me Father, For I Have Voted...

Father Jay Scott Newman from St Mary's Catholic Church in Greenville, South Carolina, is requesting that people who voted for Barack Obama do penance before taking communion again:

Both Obama and Joe Biden, the vice president-elect, support legal abortions. Obama has called it a "divisive issue" with a "moral dimension," and has pledged to make women's rights under Roe v. Wade a "priority" as president. He opposes a constitutional amendment overturning the Supreme Court decision.

At issue for the church locally and nationwide are exit polls showing 54 percent of self-described Catholics voted for Obama, as well as a growing rift in the lifestyle and voting patterns between practicing and non-practicing Catholics.

In a letter posted on St. Mary's Web site, Newman wrote that "voting for a pro-abortion politician when a plausible pro-life alternative exists constitutes material cooperation with intrinsic evil."

Catholics who did so should be reconciled to God through penance before receiving communion, "lest they eat and drink their own condemnation," Newman wrote, echoing a I Corinthians admonition for anyone who partakes "without recognizing the body of the Lord."

The response from parishioners has been supportive by a margin of 9 to 1, Newman said. He also cited Scripture in urging parishioners to pray for Obama and cooperate with him wherever conscience permits.

I can understand that church's stance on abortion interfering with the political stance that many people take. However, when most people vote for a politician, they do not do so based on one single issue. I'm sure that many Catholics who voted for Barack Obama do not like his stance on abortion, but agreed with his plans to fix the economy, Iraq, and other issues. Doing what is best for the country is not grounds for penance.

It seems like the majority of the Catholic Churches aren't too happy about this, especially given the fact that Biden is a Catholic himself. But really, the biggest issue, the article says, is that mass-attending Catholics voted for McCain - who opposed abortion. Those who don't attend mass... well, you can guess.

One of the commenters have listed the Rev. Newman's email address, which I'll list here only for posterity's sake: jayscottnewman@mac.com.

Let's Just Pretend Like It's The Weekend

It's starting to get colder, like that's really any surprise given that we're as quarter of the way through November. While I'm excited for snow, I'm definitely not excited about how the cold weather is already affecting my joints.

It's days like this when I just want to curl up in a ball and be lazy-cuddly all day. Jack Johnson has always been one of my favorite artists, but for today he's all that's playing on my computer. I really could go for some Banana Pancakes right now. :)

I miss the times where it was just so easy to curl up with Theron and snuggle all day. I hope that the holidays bring a little more snuggle time.

Veteran's Day

Today is a day to honor anyone who has served in the United States armed forces.

My uncle Nathan has always been someone who has inspired me. Growing up, he was more like a brother than an uncle, both because of age and the fact that we lived in the same house. I always looked to him for guidance and help, not to mention to learn how to be a cool tomboy. Without him in my life, I would be a completely different person and I am so grateful that he is still around.

As I've noted before, my uncle served in the military and was deployed to Iraq for about sixteen months, missing the last few months of his wife's second pregnancy and the adorable little girl's birth.

He has gone through a lot of hard things; despite that, he is still true to himself and his beliefs. I am so proud to be a part of his life and to have shared so much of it as I did. I can only hope that, as I grow older and mature, I can be more like him... and go visit all of them :)

That's So Gay

I was checking facebook a few minutes ago and it got my blood a-boiling!

I am friends with someone who used to work at Kmart with me, but I really just dislike her in almost every way. Honestly, she was a terrible worker. Since then, she posted incorrect information about Barack Obama's heritage and then blasted me and another person for politely correcting her mistakes.

Anyhow, someone had commented on her status and they got into a little conversation. The friend was sad that my "friend" couldn't stay at school longer after the play and referenced it was being "gay."

Here's a video explaining how I feel if you're tired of me ranting (I love the Wanda one).

If you think something is bad or stupid, say it's bad or stupid. There are at least half a dozen other adjectives you can use to describe something.

I could say that something is SO Kayla or teenage girl who doesn't do anything, but that would be rude right? How much ruder would it be if I said "that's so crime victim?"

So, seriously, please find a word that ACTUALLY describes your situation/problem/whatever. I'm pretty sure an oppressed group is not what you want to talk about.

Kthxbai.

Oh, and in case you have a fever, here's two videos as your prescription.

More On Proposition 8

I'm still pissed that it passed.

Religion shouldn't be involved in politics at all. If we are truly a nation with separation of church and state, then gay marriage shouldn't be an issue. Theron says that marriage shouldn't be a word or concept that is allowed in the Constitution, and after giving it some thought, I'm still on the fence. Even if it isn't a religious wedding, we all say that we're "getting married," not a civil union. While marriage really was a religious idea, I think that it's changed to mean a joining of two lives, a partnership between two faithful, loyal, and loving people. If we say that marriage shouldn't be in the Constitution, then we need to call all "marriages" civil unions. If people want to call it marriage, more power to them. Maybe then people won't be so upset with gay people getting the right to marry whomever they want.

This story on CNN really frustrated me. This issue is a big one in my family, because my parents are Mormon and I am not. In fact, my whole extended family is Mormon. I know that my mom is upset with the protests around Mormon areas that the church's support for Prop 8 has brought, even if she hasn't said anything to me. However, I think that the church should've been prepared for it, not to mention that churches should NOT be getting involved in political matters in the first place.

Anyway, here are some parts of the story that really struck me:

"It is disturbing that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is being singled out for speaking up as part of its democratic right in a free election," the church said in a statement Friday.

On Thursday, Roman Catholic and Mormon leaders said their efforts did not target any specific group.

The coalition of religious communities and citizens who supported Proposition 8 wanted to preserve "the bedrock institution of marriage" between a man and a woman, said Cardinal Roger Mahoney, the Catholic archbishop of Los Angeles.

"Proposition 8 is not against any group in our society," Mahoney said in a written statement.

_____

The American Civil Liberties Union, Lambda Legal and the National Center for Lesbian Rights have filed a lawsuit contending the ballot initiative was "improperly used."

According to the three groups, "such radical changes" as outlawing gay marriage cannot be made by ballot initiative, but must, "at a minimum, go through the state legislature first." The groups also argue the measure takes away a "fundamental right" from lesbian and gay Californians.

The three organizations filed the legal challenges on behalf of Equality California and six same-sex couples who did not marry before Tuesday's election, but would like to be able to wed now.

The three groups contend that California must honor the marriages of the 18,000 lesbian and gay couples who have already married.

______

First off, if I'm not mistaken, isn't there some rule that says churches aren't supposed to get involved in politics or endorse certain people? Wouldn't that apply to issues too? They shouldn't really even talk about abortion, let alone gay marriages. Anyway, I love how the churches say that this isn't a measure attacking any group of "our" society. I know they probably meant that their intention is not to attack anyone, but that's exactly what they're doing.

Using the Bible to back up the argument against gay marriage is just like people using it to justify slavery or polygamy. Religious people need to understand that the Bible is NOT to be taken literally anymore. If being gay is such a crime, then why haven't gay people been wiped off the earth Old Testament style? Oh wait, that's what people think AIDS is all about right?

I'm tired of the old mindset. This is the twenty-first century and times are changing. If you don't want to be a part of the change, then move somewhere else. This is America - land of the FREE and home of the BRAVE - and here we accept each person as s/he is and we give them certain inalienable rights. You can have your ideas, your preferences, but you do not have the right to limit how other people can do things. If what Ellen is doing is actually causing YOU harm, then you have a right to mad. Otherwise, shut up because no one is going to make you marry a gay person.

Really? I - I - Really?

So I recently read this story, which just put into words what CNN and other news organizations were saying:

Seven in 10 African Americans who went to the polls voted yes on Proposition 8, the ballot measure overruling a state Supreme Court judgment that legalized same-sex marriage and brought 18,000 gay and lesbian couples to Golden State courthouses in the past six months.

"I think it's mainly because of the way we were brought up in the church; we don't agree with it," said Jasmine Jones, 25, who is black. "I'm not really the type that I wanted to stop people's rights. But I still have my beliefs, and if I can vote my beliefs that's what I'm going to do.

"God doesn't approve it, so I don't approve it. And I approve of Him."

The overwhelming rejection of same-sex marriage by black voters was surprising and disappointing to gay rights advocates who had hoped that African Americans would empathize with their struggle.

Pablo Correa said his mind was made up by a TV spot in which a young girl comes home from school and tells her mother she learned how a prince could marry a prince.

Really? I can kinda understand the church argument, but really?

I thought that black people, especially those who had lived through (or relived through stories) the era of interracial marriage banning AND the era where blacks couldn't officially get married at all, would support the homosexuals. Am I really just too far out there? Does religion override their ability to help people in a similar situation?

I am really sad that this ban passed. Eventually, gay marriage will be allowed (most) everywhere, but I really felt like now was the time. If we're so ready for change and equality, why can't we grant it to the group that is the most discriminated against?

This argument that children will have to learn about princes marrying princes is bullshit. Kids aren't taught about marriage of ANY kind in school until they're old enough to understand (aka middle school at the very earliest). Even then, this information is NOT shoved down their throats.

This election, with the exception of Obama being put in the White House, was a failure on many fronts. Not only did Proposition 8 pass, so did a ban on unmarried adoptions and foster care in Arkansas - which was directly aimed at gay couples.

That's right, because every gay child is the result of a gay parent...

All this discrimination is just freaking ridiculous. Since people seem to NOT understand the basis of the Constitution and Bill of Rights, I'm rewriting both.

This Is Your Victory

I'm reminded of the famous Goonies line "This is our time, it's our time down here."

I don't know whether it was because I knew I got to see Theron or because I knew Obama was president-elect, but I was eager to wake up this morning, to greet the sun with a cheery smile and not one of those classic "five more minutes" routines.

I know, deep down in my heart, that this is what our country needs. Hopefully other people will realize that soon too.

For a fun audio slideshow, via CNN, click here.

President Obama

:)

I am so excited for what the next four years (maybe even eight) will bring.

Theron says there is voting fraud going on, since he "didn't know wisconsin had 84 million voters."

But I am too happy to write more about anything. So I am going to go enjoy the rest of my happy election night and get ready to see my honey tomorrow :)

Peace & love y'all!

Imagine being told that, despite your great fortune in finding the person you want to spend the rest of your life with, you were not allowed to marry them. In the past, this issue affected minority groups such as African Americans and targeted interracial marriage specifically. Today, there are some who want to treat yet another group as a bunch of second class and unworthy citizens.


This is what California wants to do. After giving gay people the right to marry, they want to take it away from them.


If you live in Cali and can vote on this issue, please vote no. You don't have to be gay to support gay marriage. And if you don't want to support gay marriage, just think about not being allowed to marry the person of your dreams, even though you found each other.


If someone tried to tell me that I was forbidden to marry Theron or whoever it is that I'll end up with, I would do all that was in my power (and quite a bit beyond) in order to get my right to marry him set in stone. How incredibly unfair it is for us to deny a minority group the right to marry when every other group's right to do so is protected in the constitution. My perfect dream of the future is not just living with someone and sharing my life with him, but to have it legally documented that I commit myself to him for the rest of my life, that I love him enough with all of my heart to forgo all other potential mates and simply choose him. Without that piece of paper, I just love him - not saying that is not good enough, but it isn't the same.

--------------------------------------------

What Is Prop 8? (borrowed from votenoonprop8.com)

The following information will be included in the November ballot materials.


Ballot Title and Summary
Proposition 8:

ELIMINATES RIGHT OF SAME-SEX COUPLES TO MARRY.

INITIATIVE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT

Changes California Constitution to eliminate right of same-sex couples to marry. Provides that only a marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California.


Fiscal Impact: Over the next few years, potential revenue loss, mainly sales taxes, totaling in the several tens of millions of dollars, to state and local governments. In the long run, likely little fiscal impact to state and local governments.


On August 8, 2008 Sacramento County Superior Court Judge Timothy Frawley ruled that the Attorney General’s Title and Summary of Proposition 8 is accurate.


Ballot Argument

OUR CALIFORNIA CONSTITUTION – the law of our land – SHOULD GUARANTEE THE SAME FREEDOMS AND RIGHTS TO EVERYONE – NO ONE group SHOULD be singled out to BE TREATED DIFFERENTLY.


In fact, our nation was founded on the principle that all people should be treated equally. EQUAL PROTECTION UNDER THE LAW IS THE FOUNDATION OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.


That’s what this election is about – equality, freedom and fairness, for all.


Marriage is the institution that conveys dignity and respect to the lifetime commitment of any couple. PROPOSITION 8 WOULD DENY LESBIAN AND GAY COUPLES that same DIGNITY AND RESPECT.


That’s why Proposition 8 is wrong for California.


Regardless of how you feel about this issue, the freedom to marry is fundamental to our society, just like the freedoms of religion and speech.


PROPOSITION 8 MANDATES ONE SET OF RULES FOR GAY AND LESBIAN COUPLES AND ANOTHER SET FOR EVERYONE ELSE. That’s just not fair. OUR LAWS SHOULD TREAT EVERYONE EQUALLY.


In fact, the government has no business telling people who can and cannot get married. Just like government has no business telling us what to read, watch on TV or do in our private lives. We don’t need Prop 8; WE DON’T NEED MORE GOVERNMENT IN OUR LIVES.


REGARDLESS OF HOW ANYONE FEELS ABOUT MARRIAGE FOR GAY AND LESBIAN COUPLES, PEOPLE SHOULD NOT BE SINGLED OUT FOR UNFAIR TREATMENT UNDER THE LAWS OF OUR STATE. Those committed and loving couples who want to accept the responsibility that comes with marriage should be treated like everyone else.


DOMESTIC PARTNERSHIPS are NOT MARRIAGE.


When you’re married and your spouse is sick or hurt, there is no confusion: you get into the ambulance or hospital room with no questions asked. IN EVERYDAY LIFE AND ESPECIALLY IN EMERGENCY SITUATIONS, DOMESTIC PARTNERSHIPS ARE SIMPLY NOT ENOUGH. Only marriage provides the certainty and the security that people know they can count on in their times of greatest need.


EQUALITY UNDER THE LAW IS A FUNDAMENTAL CONSTITUTIONAL GUARANTEE. Prop 8 separates one group of Californians from another and excludes them from enjoying the same rights as other loving couples.


Forty-six years ago I married my college sweetheart, Julia. We raised three children – two boys and one girl. The boys are married, with children of their own. Our daughter, Liz, a lesbian, can now also be married – if she so chooses.


All we have ever wanted for our daughter is that she be treated with the same dignity and respect as her brothers – with the same freedoms and responsibilities as every other Californian.


My wife and I never treated our children differently, we never loved them any differently and now the law doesn’t treat them differently, either.


Each of our children now has the same rights as the others, to choose the person to love, commit to and to marry.

Don’t take away the equality, freedom and fairness that everyone in California – straight, gay or lesbian – deserves.


Please join us in voting NO on Prop 8.