Yesterday I walked into the living room and Lilly was standing naked, on my (closed) laptop, waving the dress she was wearing around in defiance to the world.
We went to the library and when I was looking at the new release books in the adult section she climbed up onto a computer table and started laughing. We had to leave.
We were checking out the JnJ Auction stuff in person and somehow she climbed up onto a table that was too high for her to climb up onto, while Josh and I were standing right there but didn't see her do it.
She hung off my arm like I was a jungle gym. And my arm and the stair railing at the library too.
Lilly and I and a friend and her sons all had our picture in the paper this week because we visited the blacksmithing demonstration and pictures of moms and kids make good press. Plus, we were all so beautiful, it was difficult not to put us in. he he he.
Last Friday we went to my Edward Jones person's open house at his new office. He called me up to invite me, and I told him it was already on my calendar and had posted the newspaper article on my board. He was shocked! I, on the other hand, realized that I cling to anything that offers free cake. And, it was delicious cake.
The office was next door to a Barn Store (like Farm and Fleet, etc.), so we went in to show Lilly the chickies and baby ducks, and to let her ride the lawn mowers. I was waiting in line to buy fertilizer and lime for our yard at my landlords direction. A guy with a big (see: fat) hunting dog was in line behind me and talked to me about how he doesn't need a lawn mower (Josh and Lilly were climbing them) because he has such a large garden and he lets the goats and chickens mow the rest. He told me that he doesn't like buying fertilizer etc. for the yard. As I have a cart full of it. I explained to him that I would choose something different, but my landlord insists...and it's not actually my yard. And I told him about how I had to put down treated mulch and am having a hard time gardening b/c I don't want to eat food grown in treated mulch. He agreed and said "You could grow a garden in pots...OR grow a garden of pot!!!" He found that so amusing. I told him that would be tough to do in town.
Then it was my turn to pay. The cashier asked me "Would she like a cookie?" and I was confused. She? Lilly? Lilly isn't even in eyesight right now. I even looked around for her. And even though it was a free cookie I said "no, she just ate a bunch of cake." and the woman gave me the same confused look I just gave her. Then she says "Yeah, my dog loves hamburgers. We went on a road trip and that meant lots of stops at fast food places and she got a hamburger everytime. My husband insisted." Whaaaaaat? I realized she thought the guy with the dog was with me. I didn't correct her. I just made the appropriate responses and left.
I put my heavy purchases in the trunk of the car while Josh got Lilly in the seat, and I returned the cart to the store. As I was walking it in, this bigger older man asked me if he could have a ride. I was like...ummm...no. And he said, pardon? and I said No.... and furiously tried to think of a funny response but couldn't. I hate it when men come up and "flirt" with me by making a funny joke. I never have a response, nor is the initial ever that funny. If you are a man, has a woman ever come up and asked you for a ride in your cart?
I got back to the car and told Josh we have to leave...that store is just too weird.
Saturday, May 9, 2015
Friday, May 8, 2015
NonViolence and How To Use It To Your Advantage
Do you want to learn how to Stick It to The Man peacefully, nonviolently, and hopefully righteously? What do you care about? Women's rights? Equal rights? The environment? Taxes? Laws? Big corporations seen as people? Food, from how it's grown to how it's manipulated by man? Education improvements? Fracking? The size of the government? The welfare of our poor? Immigration statuses? Bringing down the baker, the banker and the candlestick maker?
There are 198 different ways to protest non-violently, so if you think non-violence isn't for you, I'm sure you can find something on the list to float your boat. There are 24 different types of strikes. There are citizens' noncooperation with government through boycotts of elections (seems like the young already do this), and refusal to accept appointed officials (what would that look like?), among others. Refusal of a government's money. Lockout. Domestic embargo (that's a government action). To really get these to work though, you need to know what you are doing and how to best utilize these tools.
Which is why I am letting you know that Rivera Sun, author of The Dandelion Insurrection, is coming to Grant and Fremont to teach you how to use these nonviolent actions to further your social change cause. AKA, teach you how to get what you want through non-violence. The logistics and information is listed below.
If you want me to reserve a place (it's not too late!) let me know and I'll make it happen. I have tickets! All of these discussions do not focus on one issue, but teaches you to promote your issue, whatever it is. There are also a few scholarships available. If you want to go to the bookreading and dinner, all I can say is Hit The Road Joe's serves amazing locally sourced, house made food! It is by far the best place to eat in the area.
Rivera Sun - Seeds of Change
Newaygo County, Michigan
Love-in-Action – May 21-23
Rivera Sun, author, co-host of Occupy Radio, and co-founder of Love-In-Action Network, will bring a focused approach to the dynamics and strategy of non-violent action, timely to people everywhere.
Thursday May 21: 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Hit the Road Joe Café at 7291 Elm Ave.
Rivera will read from her book, The Dandelion Insurrection. Dinner at 6:00. Rivera at 6:45. Reserve by 5/5/15 – Dinner: $10 Reading only, 6:45, free. Call 231-652-6020
Friday, May 22: 10:30 am – 1:00 pm Social Media for Social Change Workshop. Grant District Library Community Room, 122 S. Elder, Grant.
Learn how to use social media to bring your message to the people. $10.00. Reserve by 5/15. Call 231-335-3127 or michigandandelions@gmail.com
Saturday May23, 10:30am – 2:30pm. Seeds of Change Workshop, Fremont District Library Community Room, 104 E Main.
Learn skills for planning powerful campaigns that use nonviolence effectively. Includes lunch. $30.00. Reserve by 5/5/15Call 231-335-3127 or michigandandelions@gmail.com
There are 198 different ways to protest non-violently, so if you think non-violence isn't for you, I'm sure you can find something on the list to float your boat. There are 24 different types of strikes. There are citizens' noncooperation with government through boycotts of elections (seems like the young already do this), and refusal to accept appointed officials (what would that look like?), among others. Refusal of a government's money. Lockout. Domestic embargo (that's a government action). To really get these to work though, you need to know what you are doing and how to best utilize these tools.
Which is why I am letting you know that Rivera Sun, author of The Dandelion Insurrection, is coming to Grant and Fremont to teach you how to use these nonviolent actions to further your social change cause. AKA, teach you how to get what you want through non-violence. The logistics and information is listed below.
If you want me to reserve a place (it's not too late!) let me know and I'll make it happen. I have tickets! All of these discussions do not focus on one issue, but teaches you to promote your issue, whatever it is. There are also a few scholarships available. If you want to go to the bookreading and dinner, all I can say is Hit The Road Joe's serves amazing locally sourced, house made food! It is by far the best place to eat in the area.
Rivera Sun - Seeds of Change
Newaygo County, Michigan
Love-in-Action – May 21-23
Rivera Sun, author, co-host of Occupy Radio, and co-founder of Love-In-Action Network, will bring a focused approach to the dynamics and strategy of non-violent action, timely to people everywhere.
Thursday May 21: 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Hit the Road Joe Café at 7291 Elm Ave.
Rivera will read from her book, The Dandelion Insurrection. Dinner at 6:00. Rivera at 6:45. Reserve by 5/5/15 – Dinner: $10 Reading only, 6:45, free. Call 231-652-6020
Friday, May 22: 10:30 am – 1:00 pm Social Media for Social Change Workshop. Grant District Library Community Room, 122 S. Elder, Grant.
Learn how to use social media to bring your message to the people. $10.00. Reserve by 5/15. Call 231-335-3127 or michigandandelions@gmail.com
Saturday May23, 10:30am – 2:30pm. Seeds of Change Workshop, Fremont District Library Community Room, 104 E Main.
Learn skills for planning powerful campaigns that use nonviolence effectively. Includes lunch. $30.00. Reserve by 5/5/15Call 231-335-3127 or michigandandelions@gmail.com
Monday, May 4, 2015
Having Fit Pelvic Muscles Is An Important Thing
Saturday was Girl's Shopping Day for my mom, sister, and I. Normally I don't like shopping and going to the mall, but my mom was going to buy Mandy and I something nice, and when she offers, one does not say no! Plus, she buys quality stuff, and I love quality.
First we went to TJMaxx and were suppose to meet up with Mandy. My mom told me to tell Mandy we'd be there in 20 min, and I said that to Mandy, but added that I didn't think that was right. We got to TJ's earlier than I thought and Mandy wasn't there. I went to text her, and surprise! She was calling me! At the exact same moment! Turns out she didn't believe mom either, and was late, and then showed up to a different TJMaxx. Well, no wonder we were confused...there's more than one!
As a mom now, I have connected to my mother in a new way. The second we get to a store in GR, we have to pee. Right away, first thing. Mandy and I spent many of these shopping trips in the past making fun of her for that. We sang the Gotta Go Right Now jingle to her and reminded her there was medication for that. Turns out it's just a side effect of moms. So, you non-moms, you have been warned. Birthing babies messes up your bladder too. Guess what happens when I have a particularly violent sneeze. Anyways, we headed to the bathrooms first thing and one stall was being cleaned. No matter, there were two more, and there were no signs up about not coming in. When we washed our hands, we noticed that the person cleaning was a guy! A guy heard us pee!!! Ha ha ha. It was such a strange experience. It was only weird because our culture says it's weird and uncomfortable, but rationally, I didn't care. I mean, peeing is peeing. I clearly talk about it all the time in public. So I just pretended I was in Europe or on Ally McBeal. Also, I realized, I do like separate bathrooms, but wouldn't at all care if a transgender woman was in there with me. Woman's bathrooms are a secret club all about being a woman. If a person is transitioning into being a woman, the woman's bathroom is the best place to go about learning about how to be a woman.
We met up with Mandy at Cabella's. It apparently was a big shopping weekend, and they were grilling out out front. We got free smores and I split a braut with Mom and then split another one with Mandy. Then I returned a pair of shoes, getting cash back! Woot. And then we left. Why ruin a perfectly good trip to Cabella's with shopping and stress? Instead I got money and free food. Perfect.
At the mall I insisted on stopping at Sephora. There I asked for a person to help me find a concealer, and the Color Associate they called up was a guy too! So, for the first time ever, I had a guy put makeup on me and help me. He did an excellent job. My very first reaction was "Does he even know about makeup?" but really, he wouldn't work there if he didn't. Plus, he was wearing some too.
Then we headed to the good store, Eddie Bauer, and tried on ALL THEIR CLOTHEs and took up a big changing room and made the helpers run around getting us different sizes. I stepped out to find my own clothes to try on and another worker came up and asked me if I needed help. His name was Troy, and he reminded me of me when I worked at J. Jill. He was doing his best to do a good job and be genuine, but really, this was just a job to him. He was also 19. He asked me if I needed help picking out clothes and what colors I liked. I didn't, but I was just sooooo curious to see what he would say, so I let him help me. He basically gave me the speil I would give at J.Jill...just repeating what he was coached to say and not doing a good job of making it original and his own. Only people who are passionate about jobs like this, I think, would make it original and their own, so it wasn't bad at all. I just saw through it easily. He just finished his freshman year at Grand Valley State Uni and is going to be an industrial artist...designing cars and the stuff we use everyday in our houses. Isn't that amazing? I love asking college kids what they are studying because they always want to be something amazing I had never even dreamed was a job possibility.
Sidenote: My mother gifted me with an awesome spring/fall jacket!
To summarize, on one trip, a guy heard me pee, put makeup on me, and helped me buy clothes. Is this progress towards gender equality? Or, are these men taking all of our (women) jobs? Sort of reminds me of the argument that all of the immigrants (legal or illegal) are taking all of our American (white) jobs.
I don't know or care to think about it right now. I'll rest on it. Just putting it out there as Thought Food. But that last paragraph is super opinionated and fight charged. Pretend I said it while shoving my tongue into my cheek. That's how I wanted it to sound.
OR I JUST REALIZED THIS!! I was waited on by men all day. Maybe us women's finally made it to the top! Heh. I like this one.
First we went to TJMaxx and were suppose to meet up with Mandy. My mom told me to tell Mandy we'd be there in 20 min, and I said that to Mandy, but added that I didn't think that was right. We got to TJ's earlier than I thought and Mandy wasn't there. I went to text her, and surprise! She was calling me! At the exact same moment! Turns out she didn't believe mom either, and was late, and then showed up to a different TJMaxx. Well, no wonder we were confused...there's more than one!
As a mom now, I have connected to my mother in a new way. The second we get to a store in GR, we have to pee. Right away, first thing. Mandy and I spent many of these shopping trips in the past making fun of her for that. We sang the Gotta Go Right Now jingle to her and reminded her there was medication for that. Turns out it's just a side effect of moms. So, you non-moms, you have been warned. Birthing babies messes up your bladder too. Guess what happens when I have a particularly violent sneeze. Anyways, we headed to the bathrooms first thing and one stall was being cleaned. No matter, there were two more, and there were no signs up about not coming in. When we washed our hands, we noticed that the person cleaning was a guy! A guy heard us pee!!! Ha ha ha. It was such a strange experience. It was only weird because our culture says it's weird and uncomfortable, but rationally, I didn't care. I mean, peeing is peeing. I clearly talk about it all the time in public. So I just pretended I was in Europe or on Ally McBeal. Also, I realized, I do like separate bathrooms, but wouldn't at all care if a transgender woman was in there with me. Woman's bathrooms are a secret club all about being a woman. If a person is transitioning into being a woman, the woman's bathroom is the best place to go about learning about how to be a woman.
We met up with Mandy at Cabella's. It apparently was a big shopping weekend, and they were grilling out out front. We got free smores and I split a braut with Mom and then split another one with Mandy. Then I returned a pair of shoes, getting cash back! Woot. And then we left. Why ruin a perfectly good trip to Cabella's with shopping and stress? Instead I got money and free food. Perfect.
At the mall I insisted on stopping at Sephora. There I asked for a person to help me find a concealer, and the Color Associate they called up was a guy too! So, for the first time ever, I had a guy put makeup on me and help me. He did an excellent job. My very first reaction was "Does he even know about makeup?" but really, he wouldn't work there if he didn't. Plus, he was wearing some too.
Then we headed to the good store, Eddie Bauer, and tried on ALL THEIR CLOTHEs and took up a big changing room and made the helpers run around getting us different sizes. I stepped out to find my own clothes to try on and another worker came up and asked me if I needed help. His name was Troy, and he reminded me of me when I worked at J. Jill. He was doing his best to do a good job and be genuine, but really, this was just a job to him. He was also 19. He asked me if I needed help picking out clothes and what colors I liked. I didn't, but I was just sooooo curious to see what he would say, so I let him help me. He basically gave me the speil I would give at J.Jill...just repeating what he was coached to say and not doing a good job of making it original and his own. Only people who are passionate about jobs like this, I think, would make it original and their own, so it wasn't bad at all. I just saw through it easily. He just finished his freshman year at Grand Valley State Uni and is going to be an industrial artist...designing cars and the stuff we use everyday in our houses. Isn't that amazing? I love asking college kids what they are studying because they always want to be something amazing I had never even dreamed was a job possibility.
Sidenote: My mother gifted me with an awesome spring/fall jacket!
To summarize, on one trip, a guy heard me pee, put makeup on me, and helped me buy clothes. Is this progress towards gender equality? Or, are these men taking all of our (women) jobs? Sort of reminds me of the argument that all of the immigrants (legal or illegal) are taking all of our American (white) jobs.
I don't know or care to think about it right now. I'll rest on it. Just putting it out there as Thought Food. But that last paragraph is super opinionated and fight charged. Pretend I said it while shoving my tongue into my cheek. That's how I wanted it to sound.
OR I JUST REALIZED THIS!! I was waited on by men all day. Maybe us women's finally made it to the top! Heh. I like this one.
Thursday, April 30, 2015
Were All Religions Cults At Some Point?
I've been reading Going Clear by Lawrence Wright. It's about the history of L.Ron Hubbard and Scientology. Reading it is like watching a car wreck...it's horrible and you just can't look away. You can read the book if you want to know more. I do suggest it, but it is horrible. Well, the topic is terrible, the book is well written.
The book is careful not to say that Scientology brainwashes it's people through isolation and disconnection from actual life and the world, but it is implied that it does. Right or wrong, for this post, I'm going to connect those dots and say that they do brainwash people to keep people in their 'religion'. (side note, I believe more in The Flying Spaghetti Monster as a religion than Scientology, you don't have to pay the Flying Spaghetti Monster to learn more about his tenants.) I just can't stop thinking about this book and Scientology...it's the dark side of democracy, of America, of Freedom of Speech and Religion, and of Capitalism. It works slower than the Hitler and the Nazi's, but Democracy has always been slower than Fascism for change, but I see little difference...maybe lack of complete success?
When I was in college, I belonged to a campus religious group that were Born Again Non-Denomination Christians. I went with close friends and I liked learning about Christianity in a way I had never learned before. Before this, I was convinced that most Christian friends I had were brainwashed...nothing they said made logical sense! And then they would criticize me for having an interest in astrology. It was just so confusing and unfair to me. When I joined the Jesus Group in college (I call all of my bible studies and religious groups I join Jesus Groups because it's easier to explain to my non-religious friends) I thought that since it was Non-Denominational, it would be open to more beliefs systems and look at all the different types of Christianity. In my hometown, there is a lot of tension between denominations and we have a 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th Christian Reformed Church. Someone recently mentioned to me that as parts of a church disagree, the break-off and form another church in the same town. We have 30+ churches and the rumor mill says they are well known for fighting among each other. So, I thought I had escaped this by joining a non-denominational church.
I was very wrong.
Turns out that Non-Denominational means that all other denominations are wrong and theirs is the only right one. Tricksy tricksy. I sat through a whole talk once on how amazing God is because in the old testament, he made the shadows go backwards...so he turned the Earth backwards to do that. The conclusion of the meeting was to discuss how if we don't believe that literally, well, then how can I call my self a proper Christian? Having Faith meant to whole heartedly jump in and believe literally and fundamentally everything in the Bible. Since I can't believe that the Earth rotated backwards, I felt very alienated and wrong and like a bad person. My Faith was challenged by my Church many times, and I was forced to pray and question what I believed, and it did draw me closer to God and it did strengthen my Faith. It also, simultaneously pushed me farther and farther way from that Jesus Group and the people in it. That's an odd place to be, loving God and Jesus and also being very angry and unhappy with Christians. To the point that I don't like to belong to a Church or group because I don't like the be around other Christians. I really really don't like being told what to do or what to believe, especially if there is an unspoken assumption that if I question or dissagree, I will be judged and ousted. Or prayed for! LOL. That really makes me laugh.
We also had lots of discussions and lectures on how if we truly want to be more like Jesus and to be closer to God and to make him happy, we need to give up all things non-Christian...like modern medicine, non-Christian music, books, movies, tv, and especially non-Christian friends. Even your thoughts, if impure, are sins. The thought is the starting point of sin, so if you can keep your thoughts sin free, you will live sin free. Doesn't that sound like the start of brainwashing? I spent far too much time feeling guilty and like I was betraying God because I hated Creed, the Left Behind Series, and didn't like Mandy Moore movies, and I loved the Gorillaz, System of a Down, Independence Day, and, you know, regular human stuff.
After I went to these meetings and did happy Christian sin-free things with these people (except once when I was forced to watch the unrated sex scene in The Notebook over and over again), I would go out partying with my Buddhist boyfriend.
I have been "saved" three times before I left high school, once by surprise attack, and once or twice in college. Now that I know I am a Christian and no longer need to be saved, people are still trying to save me all the time!!! They just sort of ignore me when I say, I am a Christian. I have been Saved. I chose to remain Catholic. Before I was married, Christians would lecture me on the Unequal Yoke (I always hear Yolk in my head) Bible verse on why I should break up with Josh. Since he is not a Christian, I am like an Ox carrying more than an equal share of the yoke of teaching my child christianity and saving myself or something. The oddest thing is that someone tried to 'save' me since I've moved home and am married. I could tell it was a script and when she got to the Unequal Yolk part, it just didn't work...I'm already married and divorce is a big no-no. HOW THE HELL DO YOU SAVE A SINNER LIKE ME?!?!
God.
In the college Jesus Group, being baptised was a big deal and I went to several baptisms and I was even re-baptized in the Pacific Ocean. It was not the best most happy experience that the group said it would be. I felt guilty and like I was betraying my family and my faith (which I felt every time I was 'saved' and accepted Christ into my life...I was born with him there...it just doesn't make sense). I have never felt the need to be saved my whole life (leading to my suspicion that Born Again Christians are brainwashed) because I was saved as a baby. As a Catholic, I was baptised as a baby. There are pictures, there was a party, I already did it. Just because I don't remember it and just because my parents didn't push religion on me, doesn't mean God wasn't there and that God wasn't at work. But since it was a non-denominational group, my past thoughts and beliefs don't count...what the group thinks is what counts.
I did not like that group because they did try to brainwash me, inadvertently, I'm sure, but I would do it again. It forced me to face myself and my beliefs and I formed a personal relationship with God that was amazing, and I'm so glad I came out stronger and more independent than I was before. At the same time I would discourage anyone (especially my children) from going through that. There are easier ways.
The book is careful not to say that Scientology brainwashes it's people through isolation and disconnection from actual life and the world, but it is implied that it does. Right or wrong, for this post, I'm going to connect those dots and say that they do brainwash people to keep people in their 'religion'. (side note, I believe more in The Flying Spaghetti Monster as a religion than Scientology, you don't have to pay the Flying Spaghetti Monster to learn more about his tenants.) I just can't stop thinking about this book and Scientology...it's the dark side of democracy, of America, of Freedom of Speech and Religion, and of Capitalism. It works slower than the Hitler and the Nazi's, but Democracy has always been slower than Fascism for change, but I see little difference...maybe lack of complete success?
When I was in college, I belonged to a campus religious group that were Born Again Non-Denomination Christians. I went with close friends and I liked learning about Christianity in a way I had never learned before. Before this, I was convinced that most Christian friends I had were brainwashed...nothing they said made logical sense! And then they would criticize me for having an interest in astrology. It was just so confusing and unfair to me. When I joined the Jesus Group in college (I call all of my bible studies and religious groups I join Jesus Groups because it's easier to explain to my non-religious friends) I thought that since it was Non-Denominational, it would be open to more beliefs systems and look at all the different types of Christianity. In my hometown, there is a lot of tension between denominations and we have a 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th Christian Reformed Church. Someone recently mentioned to me that as parts of a church disagree, the break-off and form another church in the same town. We have 30+ churches and the rumor mill says they are well known for fighting among each other. So, I thought I had escaped this by joining a non-denominational church.
I was very wrong.
Turns out that Non-Denominational means that all other denominations are wrong and theirs is the only right one. Tricksy tricksy. I sat through a whole talk once on how amazing God is because in the old testament, he made the shadows go backwards...so he turned the Earth backwards to do that. The conclusion of the meeting was to discuss how if we don't believe that literally, well, then how can I call my self a proper Christian? Having Faith meant to whole heartedly jump in and believe literally and fundamentally everything in the Bible. Since I can't believe that the Earth rotated backwards, I felt very alienated and wrong and like a bad person. My Faith was challenged by my Church many times, and I was forced to pray and question what I believed, and it did draw me closer to God and it did strengthen my Faith. It also, simultaneously pushed me farther and farther way from that Jesus Group and the people in it. That's an odd place to be, loving God and Jesus and also being very angry and unhappy with Christians. To the point that I don't like to belong to a Church or group because I don't like the be around other Christians. I really really don't like being told what to do or what to believe, especially if there is an unspoken assumption that if I question or dissagree, I will be judged and ousted. Or prayed for! LOL. That really makes me laugh.
We also had lots of discussions and lectures on how if we truly want to be more like Jesus and to be closer to God and to make him happy, we need to give up all things non-Christian...like modern medicine, non-Christian music, books, movies, tv, and especially non-Christian friends. Even your thoughts, if impure, are sins. The thought is the starting point of sin, so if you can keep your thoughts sin free, you will live sin free. Doesn't that sound like the start of brainwashing? I spent far too much time feeling guilty and like I was betraying God because I hated Creed, the Left Behind Series, and didn't like Mandy Moore movies, and I loved the Gorillaz, System of a Down, Independence Day, and, you know, regular human stuff.
After I went to these meetings and did happy Christian sin-free things with these people (except once when I was forced to watch the unrated sex scene in The Notebook over and over again), I would go out partying with my Buddhist boyfriend.
I have been "saved" three times before I left high school, once by surprise attack, and once or twice in college. Now that I know I am a Christian and no longer need to be saved, people are still trying to save me all the time!!! They just sort of ignore me when I say, I am a Christian. I have been Saved. I chose to remain Catholic. Before I was married, Christians would lecture me on the Unequal Yoke (I always hear Yolk in my head) Bible verse on why I should break up with Josh. Since he is not a Christian, I am like an Ox carrying more than an equal share of the yoke of teaching my child christianity and saving myself or something. The oddest thing is that someone tried to 'save' me since I've moved home and am married. I could tell it was a script and when she got to the Unequal Yolk part, it just didn't work...I'm already married and divorce is a big no-no. HOW THE HELL DO YOU SAVE A SINNER LIKE ME?!?!
God.
In the college Jesus Group, being baptised was a big deal and I went to several baptisms and I was even re-baptized in the Pacific Ocean. It was not the best most happy experience that the group said it would be. I felt guilty and like I was betraying my family and my faith (which I felt every time I was 'saved' and accepted Christ into my life...I was born with him there...it just doesn't make sense). I have never felt the need to be saved my whole life (leading to my suspicion that Born Again Christians are brainwashed) because I was saved as a baby. As a Catholic, I was baptised as a baby. There are pictures, there was a party, I already did it. Just because I don't remember it and just because my parents didn't push religion on me, doesn't mean God wasn't there and that God wasn't at work. But since it was a non-denominational group, my past thoughts and beliefs don't count...what the group thinks is what counts.
I did not like that group because they did try to brainwash me, inadvertently, I'm sure, but I would do it again. It forced me to face myself and my beliefs and I formed a personal relationship with God that was amazing, and I'm so glad I came out stronger and more independent than I was before. At the same time I would discourage anyone (especially my children) from going through that. There are easier ways.
Saturday, April 18, 2015
A Shooting Star's a Meteor That's Heading For Us All
"A shooting star is not a star
It's not a star at all
A shooting star's a meteor
That's heading for a fall us all
A shooting star is not a star
Why does it shine so bright?
The friction as it falls through air
Produces heat and light
A shooting star, or meteor
Whichever name you like
The minute it comes down to Earth
It's called a meteorite"
It's not a star at all
A shooting star's a meteor
That's heading for
A shooting star is not a star
Why does it shine so bright?
The friction as it falls through air
Produces heat and light
A shooting star, or meteor
Whichever name you like
The minute it comes down to Earth
It's called a meteorite"
I only changed one bit to that song. You can see where I crossed it out. I like my version better.
I was marching for peace with the Women In Black - they mourn violence and offers options to counter that violence, beginning in Israel in 1988 - last Saturday in Hesperia, and afterwards we had a nice lunch at the local diner. (Only restaurant?). At then end of a lunch with terrible service and our server (ironically a server lady from my past) disappeared, I went up to pay, per usual. The rest of the ladies, having more life experience than me, carried ones and cash in small bills, so they just left their payment on the table and left. I had to wait by the register, wrangling a toddler who was intent on escaping to the outside world of sunshine and refusing to sit in her stroller (hence, why I hate strollers...can't wrangle them and a kid at the same time). A very nice young girl came up from clearing the bills/money off our table. She rang up my bill, and it took forever! Finally, I noticed she was flustered and she said, It's not working! Looking, the computer says 0$ but your bill says $9.93. I asked if I could just give her my twenty instead of a credit card. She looks at me and goes, I dont' know what to do! quietly and in a terrified manner, half hoping I could work the computer for her. I said, "well I don't know what to do either!" and I hoped that I sounded as supportive and not angry as possible. I wasn't...but Lilly was escaping and I was distracted. She went and got the manager, and he was one of the best manager type managers I've ever encountered. He seemed more genuine in his happy banter than most. He rings me up and I hand him my twenty, and I say, can I just have $7 back? And no, that would be much too confusing for him and he asks if he can just give me the change and I can take care of the tip. Okay, okay. Lilly is past the first door to the outside now and heading for the last and final door to freedom. I get my change and pick out three dollars, and ask the manager where to set them, as all the money from our table is in front of me precariously balanced on the edge of the register and the table is cleaned and I haven't seen our server in over 30 min. Who even gets this tip??? The manager is all, I don't know where to put it! So I left it on the pile of cash. I hope it goes to that scared girl who doesn't know how to work the computer yet.
I was that scared girl many times in my life. I hope she learns to take charge of her problems and not hope that someone else will be kind and help her out. People are usually not that kind. That's why I march with the Women in Black.
Saturday, April 11, 2015
Chemicals Are All The Things
My last post was quite an emotional outburst, and public emotional outbursts usually end terrible for me. I haven't been brave enough yet to go back to it. Someday I will, and someday I will speak on sexual education of the young.
But until then, I have another problem with the internet, and that is how often I'm forced to come across people I like, know, love, respect, or just are regular Facebook acquaintances, posting things that seem like science, but is actually pseudoscience. And, as Josh recently found out, not everyone knows the "P" in pseudoscience is silent. I'm here to tell you it is.
Next, this is my newest pet peeve, and that is the broad use of the word "chemicals". This Article and This One are excellent better researched articles on this topic than what I'm going to provide for you. Technically, you could call me out as a hypocrite for spouting my opinions without properly researching them first. The articles are about the Food Babe, maybe you've heard of her? I haven't, but I don't circuit the healthy living all natural food blogs because they are too full of pseudoscience, much exhibited by the Food Babe. But she states that “There is just no acceptable level of any chemical to ingest, ever.”And that is what irks me the most. The blatant over use of the word "chemical". Did anyone take chemistry in high school? It's basic science knowledge, and I'm not being all intellectual here, I do mean BASIC science, that everything is made of chemicals. I'll repeat in Internetese: CHEMICALS ARE ALL THE THINGS!
Example:
Waters' chemical equation is H2O
Salts' chemical equation is NaCl or if you will, Halite, or sodium chloride. All mean the same thing.
Chlorine is a chemical that is put in our drinking water to kill bacteria. Would you rather drink pool water or lake water or ocean water? One is filled with chlorine, one is filled with fish poop, and one is filled with salt and fish poop.
There is a chemical equation for all organic things...lots of OH's and C's in them. Josh could fill you in on these, I never took organic chemistry.
The sand at the beach is mostly SiO2. Or Silica, or quartz, if you will. Unless you are at an ocean beach because some of them are made up of carbonatious chemicals, commonly known as sea shells, or Tums/chalky antacids, or as I call them, Mommy's night time candy.
Vinegar is a known superfood cureall make everything okay. Not only is it a chemical...it's also an acid. Shit.
All oils, including the most precious of all oils, coconut oil, are chemicals. You break those chemicals apart (a glycerin chemical connected to 3 fatty acids) and separate them, and you get biodiesel. No matter what oil it is...it all makes biodiesel.
Milk is a chemical, and it's ever so slightly acidic (6.7 and 7 is neutral), but is close to neutral. That's why you put it in your eyes after you touch them with capsaicin (Follow link for chemical equation and to learn its' history). Capsaicin is the chemical in jalepenos that makes them spicy and hot. The milk's pH helps neutralize the pain.
The air we breath is a chemical.
Now, I'm not saying all chemicals are good, but please, please, so you don't look like a giant dufus, think about what you are saying and what it really means. You cannot communicate your message well, if you aren't saying what you think you are saying.
And please, never believe what you read on the internet without research, confirmation, and peer reviewed credibility. I'm skeptic about the peer reviewed part though, groupthink is a real thing.
But until then, I have another problem with the internet, and that is how often I'm forced to come across people I like, know, love, respect, or just are regular Facebook acquaintances, posting things that seem like science, but is actually pseudoscience. And, as Josh recently found out, not everyone knows the "P" in pseudoscience is silent. I'm here to tell you it is.
Next, this is my newest pet peeve, and that is the broad use of the word "chemicals". This Article and This One are excellent better researched articles on this topic than what I'm going to provide for you. Technically, you could call me out as a hypocrite for spouting my opinions without properly researching them first. The articles are about the Food Babe, maybe you've heard of her? I haven't, but I don't circuit the healthy living all natural food blogs because they are too full of pseudoscience, much exhibited by the Food Babe. But she states that “There is just no acceptable level of any chemical to ingest, ever.”And that is what irks me the most. The blatant over use of the word "chemical". Did anyone take chemistry in high school? It's basic science knowledge, and I'm not being all intellectual here, I do mean BASIC science, that everything is made of chemicals. I'll repeat in Internetese: CHEMICALS ARE ALL THE THINGS!
Example:
Waters' chemical equation is H2O
Salts' chemical equation is NaCl or if you will, Halite, or sodium chloride. All mean the same thing.
Chlorine is a chemical that is put in our drinking water to kill bacteria. Would you rather drink pool water or lake water or ocean water? One is filled with chlorine, one is filled with fish poop, and one is filled with salt and fish poop.
There is a chemical equation for all organic things...lots of OH's and C's in them. Josh could fill you in on these, I never took organic chemistry.
The sand at the beach is mostly SiO2. Or Silica, or quartz, if you will. Unless you are at an ocean beach because some of them are made up of carbonatious chemicals, commonly known as sea shells, or Tums/chalky antacids, or as I call them, Mommy's night time candy.
Vinegar is a known superfood cureall make everything okay. Not only is it a chemical...it's also an acid. Shit.
All oils, including the most precious of all oils, coconut oil, are chemicals. You break those chemicals apart (a glycerin chemical connected to 3 fatty acids) and separate them, and you get biodiesel. No matter what oil it is...it all makes biodiesel.
Milk is a chemical, and it's ever so slightly acidic (6.7 and 7 is neutral), but is close to neutral. That's why you put it in your eyes after you touch them with capsaicin (Follow link for chemical equation and to learn its' history). Capsaicin is the chemical in jalepenos that makes them spicy and hot. The milk's pH helps neutralize the pain.
The air we breath is a chemical.
Now, I'm not saying all chemicals are good, but please, please, so you don't look like a giant dufus, think about what you are saying and what it really means. You cannot communicate your message well, if you aren't saying what you think you are saying.
And please, never believe what you read on the internet without research, confirmation, and peer reviewed credibility. I'm skeptic about the peer reviewed part though, groupthink is a real thing.
Tuesday, April 7, 2015
Born The Victim
I am mighty angry today.
A Facebook post just reminded me of why I hate the world and the people in it. All the people who live in chosen ignorance and promote rape culture among our young boys. I don't feel like giving people the benefit of the doubt today. So if my words make you angry, be an adult and get over it, or relook at yourself, maybe I'm like and I hit a truth cord.
Also, Lilly took my lipstick and colored the counter with it. She also made me take a bath before 8am. She stood there and played with her bathtoys and got wet and got the floor all wet, but would not get in the tub with me, even with clothes on. She communicates by yelling and then crumpling to the floor in a tantrum. I have NO IDEA what's wrong. And she's mad at me for not instantly knowing.
Shit. I have to go out and do errands. Luckily I just remembered, it has to be done by today. I think I will go to Newaygo, the used book store and this other antique odds and ends store nearby.
My mom turns twenty nine today. And even though I'm angry typing, I'm very happy about this. She makes turning older super exciting. Mandy and I agree, will our hair turn grey like hers? We both hope so and look for grey streaks regularly. Mandy already has a 10 hair one. Mine are still sprinkled. Her life just gets more fun as it goes on. My moms' life, not Mandy's. Mandy is an introvert...lol. I tease her.
Now, what got me angry? When I was in high school, I'd want to wear certian shirts or clothes or want to hang out with guy friends (FRIENDS) alone. But no one would let me. As you can figure my parents were the main perpetrators, but they were supported by an older mentor from Young Life, and other adults I trusted. So, okay, that's fine. But, when I asked, why? Why can't I wear this shirt? "Because it shows your cleavage" But why does that matter? It's just my body! What's wrong with my body? I can't help having cleavage! I didn't even know I had cleavage until someone told me. It was always a source of concern and worry and stress for certain adults in my life that my boobs were so big.
So, then I'd ask, "why can't I show my cleavage?" And the answer I got from all adults I asked is "It'll will make the boys think." I asked what will they think? And the young life lady shuddered and said, you don't want to know what they think. WTF!?! And that's the most answer I ever received. I still am not exactly sure what it is that the boys will think, and why don't I want them to think it? I'm just don't know!
The best solution to my scientific teenage mind was to wear these cleavage clothes and act and dress in the way that makes the boys think when adults aren't looking, so that I can try and figure out what it is they are thinking. And as far as I could tell, they were thinking the same things I was. So, I was right and adults are wrong. And I stick by this. They should have been honost with me, maybe I wouldn't have been such a tease. Because I was all, You can look at me as much as you want but never ever touch me, all the way until I got pregnant and lost my young woman/girl body. Now I have a mom body, and I just don't have time for looks any more nor cares.
And that's what the face book post did, was put into words all of my frustrations with this situation: (it was followed by pic of a girl in leggings and a long tshirt)
"Today, my sister was sent home from school for wearing the clothes in the picture below. And I'm sorry but I have to stand up for my family and for women who are degraded and judged for their bodies and clothing everyday. People wonder why women feel insecure about their bodies or what they wear.. And it's beause you're told your clothing is inappropriate when you're completely fully clothed, even when you're not showing cleavage or anything. How about instead of body shaming women, school systems should start teaching 15-18 year old boys to stop degrading women with their eyes and contributing to the rape culture of today's society. Bottom line, girls cannot go to school in comfortable clothes THAT COVER EVERYTHING because school systems are afraid that hormonal boys won't be able to control their eyes and minds. And that is such a bigger problem than worrying about clothing. No, I do not believe that all boys in middle school/high school degrade young women or sexualize their bodies. That is my point.. this is not an inappropriate outfit, yet some are worried it might be seen that way, so they send girls home to change to try to avoid an issue and THAT is the problem. Not to mention, when you send someone home because of innappropriate clothing, you're taking away from their eduction. So I guess it's more important for boys to not have distractions (even when they're aren't any) than a woman's education. When will people realize how big of an issue this really is?"
Who was telling those boys not to "think things" about girls? Anyone? Or was it all "boys will be boys"? Why must I change who I am and change how I want to dress and express myself so that boys will not think sexy thoughts? That's the same as saying the woman shouldn't have dressed that way if she didn't want to get raped. We all know boys and rapists don't care what a woman is wearing,...they can imagine us naked all the same.
A Facebook post just reminded me of why I hate the world and the people in it. All the people who live in chosen ignorance and promote rape culture among our young boys. I don't feel like giving people the benefit of the doubt today. So if my words make you angry, be an adult and get over it, or relook at yourself, maybe I'm like and I hit a truth cord.
Also, Lilly took my lipstick and colored the counter with it. She also made me take a bath before 8am. She stood there and played with her bathtoys and got wet and got the floor all wet, but would not get in the tub with me, even with clothes on. She communicates by yelling and then crumpling to the floor in a tantrum. I have NO IDEA what's wrong. And she's mad at me for not instantly knowing.
Shit. I have to go out and do errands. Luckily I just remembered, it has to be done by today. I think I will go to Newaygo, the used book store and this other antique odds and ends store nearby.
My mom turns twenty nine today. And even though I'm angry typing, I'm very happy about this. She makes turning older super exciting. Mandy and I agree, will our hair turn grey like hers? We both hope so and look for grey streaks regularly. Mandy already has a 10 hair one. Mine are still sprinkled. Her life just gets more fun as it goes on. My moms' life, not Mandy's. Mandy is an introvert...lol. I tease her.
Now, what got me angry? When I was in high school, I'd want to wear certian shirts or clothes or want to hang out with guy friends (FRIENDS) alone. But no one would let me. As you can figure my parents were the main perpetrators, but they were supported by an older mentor from Young Life, and other adults I trusted. So, okay, that's fine. But, when I asked, why? Why can't I wear this shirt? "Because it shows your cleavage" But why does that matter? It's just my body! What's wrong with my body? I can't help having cleavage! I didn't even know I had cleavage until someone told me. It was always a source of concern and worry and stress for certain adults in my life that my boobs were so big.
So, then I'd ask, "why can't I show my cleavage?" And the answer I got from all adults I asked is "It'll will make the boys think." I asked what will they think? And the young life lady shuddered and said, you don't want to know what they think. WTF!?! And that's the most answer I ever received. I still am not exactly sure what it is that the boys will think, and why don't I want them to think it? I'm just don't know!
The best solution to my scientific teenage mind was to wear these cleavage clothes and act and dress in the way that makes the boys think when adults aren't looking, so that I can try and figure out what it is they are thinking. And as far as I could tell, they were thinking the same things I was. So, I was right and adults are wrong. And I stick by this. They should have been honost with me, maybe I wouldn't have been such a tease. Because I was all, You can look at me as much as you want but never ever touch me, all the way until I got pregnant and lost my young woman/girl body. Now I have a mom body, and I just don't have time for looks any more nor cares.
And that's what the face book post did, was put into words all of my frustrations with this situation: (it was followed by pic of a girl in leggings and a long tshirt)
"Today, my sister was sent home from school for wearing the clothes in the picture below. And I'm sorry but I have to stand up for my family and for women who are degraded and judged for their bodies and clothing everyday. People wonder why women feel insecure about their bodies or what they wear.. And it's beause you're told your clothing is inappropriate when you're completely fully clothed, even when you're not showing cleavage or anything. How about instead of body shaming women, school systems should start teaching 15-18 year old boys to stop degrading women with their eyes and contributing to the rape culture of today's society. Bottom line, girls cannot go to school in comfortable clothes THAT COVER EVERYTHING because school systems are afraid that hormonal boys won't be able to control their eyes and minds. And that is such a bigger problem than worrying about clothing. No, I do not believe that all boys in middle school/high school degrade young women or sexualize their bodies. That is my point.. this is not an inappropriate outfit, yet some are worried it might be seen that way, so they send girls home to change to try to avoid an issue and THAT is the problem. Not to mention, when you send someone home because of innappropriate clothing, you're taking away from their eduction. So I guess it's more important for boys to not have distractions (even when they're aren't any) than a woman's education. When will people realize how big of an issue this really is?"
Who was telling those boys not to "think things" about girls? Anyone? Or was it all "boys will be boys"? Why must I change who I am and change how I want to dress and express myself so that boys will not think sexy thoughts? That's the same as saying the woman shouldn't have dressed that way if she didn't want to get raped. We all know boys and rapists don't care what a woman is wearing,...they can imagine us naked all the same.
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