So, I kinda just want to put this out here. Both for anyone who might happen to read it (unlikely) and for my own reference when I question myself.

I believe in God and salvation through a personal relationship with Christ. I agree with Anne Rice at the moment that I don't really want to be associated with the stigma that goes along with the title of "Christian" as so much evil and hate has been done by this group of people.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/michael-rowe/why-anne-rice-has-never-b_b_664576.html

That doesn't mean I have all the answers, but I will continue to seek The Way, The Truth, and The Light. I won't argue with anyone who disagrees. Different people believe differently, but please remember to have love in all things- and if there is not room enough for love, then at least have some tolerance. Blasting people for their beliefs (or lack of belief) does not inspire them to change their view.

I loathe talking about politics because everyone has such varied opinions. I even think that most of my family would disagree with most of my stances, but I have reasons for believing what I do.  I love God, I am ok with guns, I am pro-life, pro-marriage equality, and I am a Democrat- sort of.

Let me elaborate:

God/Religion and Politics-- are like oil and water. No law should be created that would infringe upon any religious groups' rights, so it is better that our nation be more secular. Wasn't this country founded by people who were fed up with being persecuted?? I do draw the line on any practice that would cause harm to any other living creature.

Guns--  No doubt they can cause harm. That being said, I think we should create a personality test to weed out sociopaths, add a training program, make gun safes mandatory in every home with guns, and have an inspection program in place to check that everyone has the weapons they have bought every so often. All of this in addition to the background check and waiting periods currently in place should allow owners of firearms to feel safe, and the rest of us to feel safe that mostly responsible people are owning weapons.

Rights of the Unborn-- I have seen the harm that comes from teenagers and young women who have had an abortion. Some of my close friends have allowed me a glimpse of their hearts after giving up their preborn babies. These women are tormented with questions of who this child might have been, feelings of guilt for ending a life before it even began. I cannot in good conscience support the voluntary removal of innocent human life. There may be some exceptions to this rule in the cases of rape, incest, or extreme danger to the mother. In life there are few absolutes. I would like to see some counseling happen before a procedure is performed even in these instances.

Marriage Equality-- I am a straight, happily married woman. Quite a few of my friends and associates are not. I don't pretend to understand everything that goes along with other lifestyles, but I do understand Love. Two persons above the age of consent should be allowed to marry whomever they deem worthy. None of this "civil union" crap, but Marriage. Exactly what I have with my husband.

Lastly- Yes, I am a Democrat.

I want a government that will rein in "big industry" a bit. Maybe break up a few monopolies here and there. Call companies out when their practices are sketchy- and especially when they are hurting people.

I want basic health care for everyone, because i have experienced what it is like to be an uninsured American. Just paid off the last of an ER visit from seven years ago. Thank God it was nothing major requiring surgery or an extended stay.

Environmental controls for cars, factories, mills, and plants are so important. Does anyone really think that companies would institute controls without federal and state mandates?

Thanks for reading-- hopefully someone out there agrees with me!

What a crazy month. I haven't had time to breathe until just now.

Last Friday (a week ago), I broke my foot while stepping into my friend Matt's boat. I've been to see the doctor TWICE and he won't x-ray me until tomorrow, but trust me when I say something is not in the right place. But on the up-side (sarcasm here)- every time I go for a visit he asks if it hurts and then gives me an anti-inflamatory injection in the lower back/ upper buttock.

I think I'll break my other foot off in his keister if he doesn't x-ray my foot tomorrow. It really hurt worse this weekend than it did last week. Does that sound like healing????

And, drumroll please.....

I got a new job. I'll be working on new client setup for a payroll company. It's a good pay increase, half the driving distance, and I don't have twelve years of animosity built up against my new boss. Woo hoo! I start in about three weeks.

Beyond that, I've booked a florist for the wedding (www.flowersmakeyouhappy.com) and I have given my final notice here at current job (last day is tomorrow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!). So, yeah, I've been a busy gal!