Irony?

I saw this article last week that talks about a gay couple in Texas who want a divorce.

Now, I first must say that I respectfully disagree with gay marriage. According to the Bible, which I believe, marriage is between a man and a woman for life.

Next, it hit me as ironic that for so long same-sex couples have fought for the right to a union, yet now they want divorce? If they want divorce, didn't they think about why they got married in the first place? Marriage should be a lifetime commitment.

This example just goes to show that marriage in general in our culture has lots it value. Justin and I have been watching a series on Christian marriage by John Piper, where he really investigates about marriage is a mirror of Christ and the church. This series goes deep and really shows how marriage in our culture is so undervalued. If one does decide to get married, staying married is optional. It is not wonder that we have such a mess of live-ins and people who are afraid of commitment. When Justin and I got engaged and later married, we realized that we were making a lifetime commitment, no matter what. Instead of being scary, it is comforting to know that we have each other forever, no matter what, to work through issues and grow together. But in today's culture, commitment is just thrown out.

Let me give an example. The site thenest.com is a break off site for married couples from the hit site theknot.com. It is secular but many brides used theknot.com for planning and it is a good resource. Nevertheless, thenest.com caters to married couples and has discussion boards. One husband was bemoaning an issue about his wife, which I shall not name, because I think that it is horrifically personal and should never have been shared. Anyways, one of his options was to just get a divorce- because, as he said, he is "still young and decently good looking, and I could probably find another mate." When he first got married, he should have carefully considered the decision he was making!!!

Marriage should be a lifetime commitment between a man and woman. Oh, let God-honoring marriage be exalted to the place that it should be!

Someday

Someday, perhaps I will own a Viper. I just think I like it, that's why. Because I could, maybe one day. I really have never been terribly into cars, but I like this one. However, it's not in my pay range anytime soon- brand new ones start at $91,000. Yikes!

So, red or green?

Did I say that I can't drive stick shift? Maybe I'll have to work on that...

Stir Fry with Biscuits?

We sit down to eat. I just made chicken stir fry. Smells good, tastes good. We pray and scarf it down. Two bites in, I notice the jelly and butter on the table, and my husband looks over.

"Want a biscuit?" He had brought the leftover biscuits from yesterday's meal in.

I look at him incredulously.

"Babe, you don't eat biscuits with stir fry," I say.

"What?" Justin questions innocently.

"You just don't do that. It's too many starches. We already have rice and chow mien noodles. Plus, it's hick."

So, he didn't eat biscuits. I told him this whole situation was so funny to me that I would have to blog about it. These type of things happen frequently. For example, don't wipe off the counter with the towel that you wipe your face with. Or, don't use the same knife for the butter and jelly. (On another note, why are you using a knife for jelly?) But then he complains about me sweeping up my nail clippings instead of doing over the trash can. For that one though, he doesn't clip his nails (at least toenails) nearly as often as I do mine.

Marriage. Two different people raised different ways coming together. Amazing.

Diva Demands?

Today I post about Sarah Palin. Apparently some think she is a diva. What this would mean is that she is high-class and demands princess treatment.

I don't agree. In the following clip, a female writer from a magazine says that she cannot relate to the common folk because she makes a lot of money at speaking engagements. Take a look:



However, I don't agree. Have you seen the pictures and footage of her fishing and hunting? Really, I don't think that Paris Hilton or Britney Spears does that. I just don't agree with the aforementioned woman. When Palin speaks, she speaks to the concerns of middle class America and can relate to them because in her heart she is one. Just because she had the opportunity to run as a vice presidential candidate and that thrust her into the spotlight doesn't mean that she suddenly forgets everything that she believes in and grew up with.

Now, I know the dumpster divers found paperwork from a speaking contract that Palin wanted a nice hotel and two water bottles with bendable straws, as well as first class tickets. But I don't think this is necessarily unreasonable. She was invited there, she didn't force her way in and then say these things (unless I am mistaken on that point). I am sure that many speakers have small personal things that they would like to have when they are at a speaking engagement. Palin is not demanding a special wine or something, for crying out loud! I'm sure one could buy two water bottles and bendable straws for less than $5. I don't think that's too much to ask. Plus, maybe she doesn't like to worry about the water dripping on her. Who hasn't had water spill on them at one time or another? I think that would be an embarrassment worth avoiding. While first class tickets and a hotel are more expensive, I think it would be worth comparing what speakers for similar engagements receive.

I know this scenario has many facets, but I just wanted to be practical about it, aside from the politics. Maybe you agree and maybe not. Feel free to leave a comment.

Cheesy Potato Soup

I'm forever scrounging around my cupboard for something to cook. I never really know how it will turn out, but Justin never complains.... what a wise husband! :) I figured that I would post this in case these are items you have sitting in your cupboard too!

Here's my latest soup creation:

4-5 medium potatoes, cubed and cooked
1/2 lb sausage, cooked
1 can cream of mushroom soup (or cream of potato soup)
2 cups milk
1 inch slab of Velveeta
1/2 cup mozzarella cheese
1 cup peas, optional

Cube and begin cooking potatoes in boiling water. Meanwhile, cook sausage in skillet. While sausage and potatoes are cooking, mix cream of mushroom soup, milk, cheese, and peas in large saucepan. Simmer about 10 minutes or until cheese is melted and peas are tender. Drain sausage and potatoes and add to soup, bring to boil. Season with salt and pepper and serve!

Spring Break!

I love just relaxing without school stress and worries! Justin's parents, Stephanie and Tony, came out for a few days and we got to spend time together. We went up to Yosemite for two days, and although it was snowy, we still had a great time. Even in misty, snowy weather, one can still admire God's creation. There is still a beauty to the valley and to the redwoods even when it is cold and almost dreary.

Here's a few pictures:

Monster Trucks and Egos

My question is, what makes someone get their truck lifted?

Is it just that they think it looks cool? Or is it that they never want to be able to fit through a drive-thru again? I mean seriously, what does getting your truck lifted accomplish except being higher than everyone else on the road?

Now, sometimes I do think that it looks cool, but only if it is a little bit and if the tires themselves aren't supersized. Otherwise, it seems like these drivers are just on an ego trip and need to go to some self-esteem counseling. I mean, look again at the picture above. What does this truck communicated except that it is trying to be the biggest and the baddest thing on the road?

Anyways, I just feel like I see more and more of them. Just last night my husband and I saw one pull into the Winco parking lot right after us. Then we see this short 5'5'' guy jump out. He probably had to have a stool to just climb into the cab!

If anyone has any idea why people spend all this money to make just getting into their car difficult, let me know. :)

Hannah and Health Care

Hannah Montana (Miley Cyrus) is now an Americal Idol mentor. Know I know it is just reality TV, but seriously, how desperate can you get? She's only 17. I know she has accomplished fame, but does that mean she can give others singing advice? Now I'm not criticizing anything about her signing, I just think there are people about there who are accomplished vocalists who would be better qualified.

On the health care front, President Obama signed the bill. I am very worried, and don't mind saying so. The entitlement society has gone too far. The feds want to much control and want to take too much of my hard-earned money. I'm not being greedy, but I know that I was taught to work hard and I would be rewarded. Now it almost seems like whether you work hard or not, you will still be rewarded. That is just wrong. Some people seem to want independence, but no responsibility. But sorry, that is what adulthood and freedom entail- not just independence, but responsibility. The satisfaction of earning something for yourself is great, and until people realize this, I am worried about our country.

I don't want socialized health care. I want people to work hard for themselves.

I always find O'Reilly informative. Here's a look:

Dinner

And there is Sunday dinner. My husband looks over at me and says "Are you going to be doing this all the time?" He's referring to taking pictures of our dinner. I roll my eyes. Come on babe, work with me here... I'm getting a topic to write about for my blog...

On Thursday we had the classic pigs-in-a-blanket, except I didn't have mini dogs. These probably should have been called superpigs-in-a-blanket. Sorry, mother, it probably should be better balanced. I won't mentioned to chocolate-iced brownies we rounded the meal off with afterwards!

Grand Prix- Cars and Kids

Today was finally the Grand Prix for our Awana club at church. The kids were super creative with their cars. I totally had a run for my money on the best leader design car though- Brenda's Love Bug only lost by one point. (I was a little worried when I saw it. Now she'll have to get even next year.) :) Anyways, this is probably best today in pictures! See below!

My design competition was pretty good

The track

Clubber cars

Clubbers watching intensely

Thomas and David-two Trek clubbers