Thursday, October 30, 2008

yes on 8

I found this on another blog and thought it expressed my feelings on this sensitive topic better than I could. I will insert a few of my own comments in brackets like this, [You didn't really think I could be completely quiet did you??] So, from Splendid Chaos by Chanel--

1. I believe that marriage is ordained by God and only between a man and a woman.

2. In 2000 61% of California voters passed Propositon 22 that stated "Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California," then 4 judges overturned the will of 61% of the state.

3. With a Civil Union, gay couples currently have ALL the legal and tax benefits that married couples have. I do not want to take away any of those rights. I do feel that I need to protect my rights as a parent [see # 4]. As a religious person I want to protect the rights of churches [that now may be challenged for their beliefs]. I want to protect the rights of children to be raised by a mother and a father. [I have both a mother and father and think all children deserve the same whenever possible. To think that children, who don't get to choose, don't benefit from both a mom and a dad is devaluing the significance of the genders when both are essential from the conceiving to the nurturing and raising. Did I just write conceiving?]

I fully agree with Steve Pogue from San Jose. He perfectly articulated how I feel about this: "Our opponents in this fight seek to characterize our motivation as hatred. Nothing could be further from the truth.
I oppose abortion but do not hate those who have it done.
I have opposed bond measures without hating their proponents.
I oppose drinking but do not hate those who drink.
I oppose carpool lanes but do not hate people who carpool.
I oppose couples living together out of wedlock, without hating people who do it.
I oppose same-sex marriage without hating the people who want it.
I oppose what I believe to be error, not because I hate those who err, but because I love the truth."

4. I do not think that children need to learn about gay marriage in school. In Massachusetts (where same sex marriage is legal) when they teach about "diversity" parents do not even have the right to opt out. [I believe parents should be the ones to decide when and how to teach their children about this topic. And it certainly will be in schools. It already is in Massachusetts and in some schools in California.]

[Even liberal France upheld marriage between a man and a woman in 2006 saying that the interests of children were more important than lifestyle choices of adults. Obama, Biden, McCain, and Palin have all said, and I've heard them, that marriage should be between a man and a woman. There just might be something to that.]

Thanks, Chanel. I'll see you at the polls.

Sunday, October 26, 2008

nyc, what is it about you? you're big, you're loud, you're tough

New York is one of my favorite places. It's just so big and bustling. Highlights from my trip-

Gypsy with Patti Lupone-soooo good
The 39 Steps-pure fun
walking around the East Village
shopping in Chinatown for handbags
bus and boat tours around Manhattan
walking with Yadi to the little red lighthouse under the George Washington Bridge
talking with the girls late into the night
pastrami at Katz' deli, linguini and clams in Little Italy
the incredible views from the Top of the Rock courtesy of Lorette
visiting Mood, the fabric store from Project Runway
and people watching-especially people in long neon green faux fur coats

Monday, October 20, 2008

it's gonna be a new day for you

I had a really sweet and touching day yesterday. I am the new Relief Society President at church. I've felt really peaceful and happy about it since the bishop asked me last week. He was so kind and supportive, and that helped a lot. Yesterday was a little emotional and it's definitely going to take some time to get the hang of it. I have a lot to learn! And I can and I will! Dawn, my dear friend and former R.S. President (she was wonderful) will show me the ropes, along with many others, I'm sure. Darcy came to support me with her adorable baby boy Ry. Thanks, Darcy, that meant a lot. And Rosie by my side, and Christine smiling from the stand, and many thoughtful comments... it was great.

I needed a new blog title. I think I like it. But by all means, don't quit calling me Foxy. You know I love it. It's the spinster part I've decided to drop. A little something for my mom.

Monday, October 13, 2008

i want to be a part of it- new york, new york

I made a last minute decision to join a group of friends that were going to New York for a long weekend. I had earlier said no because I went six months ago and didn't think I should spend the money, but after realizing I would be home crying jealous tears while they were seeing Patti Lupone in Gypsy, I decided I would go. Thank you, Annie for the frequent flyer miles. You are the best. It was so much fun. I will catch up on sleep and share all the details in a few days. Well, not all the details. When I asked my brother if he thought I should go to New York, he said, "No, I'm not up to another long email about it."

So until I write about my actual weekend, I'll share where my students thought I had gone. I had the substitute give my students an assignment to write where they thought I was spending the weekend. Here are a few unedited excerpts. "I think Ms. Curtis is in Las Vegas with her friends because she wants to take a brake from teaching. And she probobly is going to gamble. And I think she's going to a restaurant with some men and her friends." "I think she is in Texas working on a farm rounding up the cows. Or maybe in the South Pole finding penguins. Or in Hawaii collecting coconuts." "Maybe she is in a jungle driving a car and being chased by a cheetah." "I think that Ms. Curtis is on a crooship. And that she met a wundurful man. I wonder where you are Ms. Curtis."

Monday, October 6, 2008

it's just another manic monday

Lonely? Listless? Need a distraction from your job, the news, politics, your obsession thoughts about things that you have no control over? Well, here you go.

What kind of dog would you be?
http://www.gone2thedogs.com/

According to this test, I'd be a Border Collie which are bred for stamina and smarts. Border Collies get along with other dogs and children provided they get plenty to keep them occupied. They are perfectionists with a permanent will to please, thriving on praise but not without sensitivity. They become neurotic if left alone for long periods.

Increase your vocabulary while you feed the world.
http://www.freerice.com/

For Project Runway fans.
http://www.bravotv.com/Project_Runway/season/5/games/fashion_fastlane//index.php

Now get back to work. After you leave a comment. A girl needs a little holla back sometimes.

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

when it's time to change, you've got to rearrange, who you are and what you're gonna be, sha na na na na na na na na, sha na na na na

My brother Matthew and I are taking the next 12 weeks to eat really healthy and exercise lots. We want to get some good results with concentrated effort and teamwork. (Yes, I realize this is ironic after the previous post. Perhaps I'll have to try their broth based soups.) He's encouraging, knowledgeable about food and exercise, and can enjoy telling me what to do. He'll be my own personal trainer via text and phone calls. It seems that almost every social occasion revolves around food, especially near the holidays. Tough time of year, but if I decide to be really strict and take all choice away for awhile, then hopefully that will make it easier. I think he's getting close to his goal because when I sent a text telling him that in 12 weeks it will be Christmas, his response was, "I guess it's going to be a look good naked Christmas after all."