Troubled In Tempe

A while back I joined the HRC believing in the goals they were trying to achieve. At this time however, I am beyond appalled by the messages, blogs, and bulletins the HRC has been posting against the Mormon religion. I can not believe the images the HRC is trying to paint of the Mormon religion to the gay community, and I'm disappointed about the kind of image the HRC is projecting onto the gay community. The gay community is now seen as a violent and hateful group of people. They are seen as a group who condemns other's beliefs, whether it be religious or personal. Is that not the same right the gay community is fighting for as well...Are they not fighting for the right to live their lives in whatever manner they choose and believe whatever makes them happy and content in their lives? This "eye for an eye" tactic the HRC is taking is disgraceful. In no way do I believe any religion or group is solely responsible for any obstructions that may prevent same sex couples to marry. Whatever organizations were responsible in the passing of Proposition 102 or 8 exercised their right to campaign their beliefs and did not do so in a violent manner. They did not destroy property, scare children, invade on religious ceremonies, or put anyone in fear of their lives. I don't understand why the answer to making a stand is to take the opposite and violent approach. Can the message not be conveyed by pulling together as a community to demonstrate the community's strength, raising the much needed funds for a successful counter-campaign, and spreading awareness without causing havoc? The sooner the gay community realizes as a whole that this battle is being fought in a self destructive manner, and the sooner they quit wasting time trying to point fingers and place blame, the sooner they can be victorious in a fight that is more worthwhile and rewarding.

Everything I Ever Wanted, Everything I Need...She's Everything To Me

Listening to the radio, especially the country music stations, makes me realize how all encompassing Lauren is in my life. The sad “I lost the one I love” songs remind me of our history and how devastated I felt when we couldn’t be together the first time. The mushy love songs make me think of how much I desperately love her now. The “you’re my best friend” songs describe her perfectly. I’m not a sappy, cry at everything kind of girl, but rarely can I listen to a country station anymore without welling up, taking a stroll down memory lane, or feeling like my heart is swelling in my chest like a balloon about to burst. I’ve found the love of my life and my best friend, and, as an added bonus, I’ve found that in one person. It’s the scariest and the most amazing feeling I’ve ever felt in my life. She’s all the proof I need that love isn’t just for fairy tales, and she’s all the proof I need that fairy tales can come true. She’s my real life Princess Charming who rode up in a green Saturn and saved my life.

Saint Nicholas Strikes Again!!

When I was younger my dad was stationed in Germany. While we lived in Germany my uncle moved in with us and met a German girl, whom he is now married to. She introduced my parents to the German tradition of Saint Nicholas who visited children and put candy and toys in their shoes on the sixth of December. So, every year my parents would make me clean a pair of my shoes and set them outside. After few hours I'd go check on my shoes and, sure enough, Saint Nicholas had visited me. After we moved back to the States my family kept the tradition going. Well, this year I forgot about it...but my mother and my sister didn't! At around 3:30 in the morning Lauren and I woke up to persistent doorbell ringing and banging on the door. We came running out of our room and looked out the windows but didn't see anyone outside. I opened the door...sitting right outside was a pair of red slippers for me, green slippers for Lauren, tons of candy, Kinder eggs, the new Angelina Jolie movie, a 2009 calendar, a tin of popcorn and lots of other surprises.

So...Saint Nicholas struck my house again, the same as he does every year. What made this year extra special was that Lauren was with me to experience the tradition for her first time, and she'll be there to enjoy the tradition that my family loves celebrating for many years to come!!

Wedding Photographers, Christmas Cards and Birthday Parties...OH MY!!

This week has proven itself to be an exhausting one...Wednesday Lauren and I met with our potential wedding photographer from Ferguson Photography, Sarah. At first she seemed a little taken back when we walked in. Although she's done tons of weddings, she's never done a same sex ceremony. The journalistic style of photography is exactly what I wanted, but I must say my heart sank a little thinking that she could possibly not work out if she couldn't get comfortable around us. I mean, I understand not everyone agrees with same sex relationships, or they may not be comfortable around same sex couples...and I don't judge anyone in the least for their opinions or beliefs as long as it isn't in hatred, just the way I don't want to be judged. But after talking with her she definitely warmed up to us and the three of us sat in Starbucks laughing for almost two hours. I think we've found the photographer I've been searching all over for! We're so excited about getting the engagement pictures taken. We've started looking all over for places that would make the pictures as gorgeous as we are!! Today we checked out the Irish Cultural Center, the Japanese Friendship Garden, and Heritage Square...and I think we're going with the Japanese Friendship Garden. It is absolutely beautiful!

We also ordered our Christmas cards today from Walgreens...With this being mine and Lauren's first holiday together we didn't really think of taking pictures specifically for a Christmas card, so we used one we already had. They look beautiful and have the kid's names on them too (Roxy, Chaka and Orla). Tomorrow I get to pick them up and finally get all the cards that we've hand written out too!!

And then...tomorrow is Lauren's cousin Christine's birthday party. I absolutely adore Christine and her sister Amanda!! They are such lovable, fun kids. They're always happy to see me and jump on me with a huge hug when I walk in the door. Lauren and I weren't exactly sure what to get a seven year old girl...a little young for makeup and hair stuff, but too old for Barbie's. We went with Littlest Pet Shop playsets for her...I hope she loves them!!