Same-sex Marriages.... What's the big deal?

If we as a society paid as much attention to the situations we have at hand that affects our everyday life as we do with things that are honestly none of our business, I would like to believe that our country would be run in a much better way...

With that being said, I sat down not too long ago and started to read the most recent edition of Time Magazine. Earlier this year, I came across an amazing deal for this magazine subscription. $2 for the whole year! Can't beat this price. Within the first couple of issues, I found myself becoming hooked on this one and always looking forward to receiving my weekly magazine. So, while reading this issue tonight I came across a small section that made me stop and of course sent me into one of my moments of debate. On page 14 in the bottom right hand corner, there is a boxed off area that shares this information:

In case you are unable to read this, because I can see that is it not as clear as I was hoping, it reads:

"Number: 764 Marriage licenses set to be issued by New York City on July 24, the first day for legal same-sex unions in the state. Lucky couples were to be chosen by lottery."

In no way am I writing this out of frustration or anger due to the same-sex "unions", but I find myself angered over other things that stand behind this. First off, why are same-sex marriages referred to as "unions" and not just marriage? What is the difference in people falling in love with someone over the same sex versus someone falling in love with someone of the opposite sex? Why should we as a society be so consumed in this that we lose sight of the meaning behind the relationship and marriage? So what, someone loves someone that is of their same sex? I love my husband and he is a man. What is the difference? Why should our country or anyone for that matter have so much control over who marries who and what others do and who they love? 

They say you can't help who you fall in love with. Isn't that what we are all taught and what we discover as we grow from children into adults? Yet, as a society, many find it okay to frown down upon others that happy and confident with themselves and their relationships with someone of the same sex. Why should they be labeled differently? Why should they have to refer to the one they love and are spending their lives with as their "domestic partner"? Really??? What's the big issue with them referring to that person as their spouse, their husband or wife? 

I have been blessed with some pretty amazing people in my life, not all of which "follow the rules" that society in general expect. There should be no rules, there should be no discrimination. I have not only friends that are in love with someone that shares the same sex they are, but family as well. And you know what, there is nothing that makes things awkward, nor does it change the love and the way I care for them as the person they are. There is no difference in my eyes as to who they are.  Does one that is in love and sharing their lives with someone of the same sex as opposed to someone of the opposite sex really any different that I am? Does it change their level of intelligence? Does it make them less of a person or weaker? Does it make them unable to follow, pursue, and accomplish not only their dreams, but all that they set out to do? Not in the least bit. They are no different that you or I in our relationships with someone of the opposite sex. 

To me, it takes an awful lot of self confidence to come out into our country and let it be known who you are in love with when there is that fear of how you will be treated in the days, months, and years to come. Guess what? The family and friends that I have that you may think of as "different" or "wrong" are really no different than any of us. They put their pants on the same and they accomplish the same things. They get an education. They go to work. They form careers and friendships. They enjoy life and live it to the fullest. They have their own families and take vacations. Is there anything different? Not at all. Who any of us choose to spend our days, nights, months, years, and life with is our business. To me, no I am not attracted to the same sex, but guess what, I am also not attracted to guys that have long hair or guys that are short or have bad feet or don't brush their teeth or wear thuggish clothing or are rude and obnoxious or are full of piercings.... and my list could go on and on. That doesn't mean I would write them off as a friend, it just means that I have my ways set in the type of person I find attractive and want to be with. My husband has the qualities I want in the person I have chosen to share my life with. If you stop and think about it all, we each have our own likes and dislikes in the person we choose to spend our lives with. 

If we as a society would stop spending so much time interfering and trying to control things that are quite honestly none of our business, then our country would be headed in a better direction. We spend so much time focused on things that we have business being apart of and spending money as well as spreading headaches over this control issue we have in things that are never are concern. It should not be a big deal in same-sex relationships to slowly be able to complete their bond by marriage, because it should have never been such a big deal to begin with. If a man and a man love each other of a woman and a woman love each other then they should have always been allowed to marry each other. 

I hope that one day in the near future, this is something that becomes legal across the United States. I hope that people learn look past the same sex, and instead, look a little closer at the person and people are that they are judging. I see absolutely no reason that there should be any laws, rules, or regulations on who we as an individual choose to fall in love with and marry. When I look back over the years and the ones I have been blessed with, there are many that have fallen in love with someone of the same sex as they are, and truth be told I could not be any happier for them. I see them happier with their spouse than I see many opposite sex marriages. Maybe it's because at the end of the day, they already know that the truth is the best way to go. 

So, next time you or someone you know, feels the need to judge anyone for finding happiness in something you find of no interest, be careful before you are so quick to judge and be happy for everyone around you that has be lucky enough to just find the person they want to share the most intimate to the smallest details of their lives with. Regardless of their gender, height, weight, clothing style, makeup, beauty, or anything else, they are really no different than me or you, except they may have a little more strength and understanding behind them.

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♥ Britt

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Strike or Not to Strike

Have you ever come across something that made you think about Bill Engvall and “Here’s your sign…..” One of these moments just occurred to me. I logged onto facebook and had a few requests for me to join in on the March 10 Gas Strike…. Really? Do people really feel this will work? Do people really feel that not filling up today, tomorrow (March 10), or the following day will actually do anything? Regardless if you choose to fill up on these days or not, you are going to eventually need gas again. In return, the gas companies will still end up with their money and you will only screw yourself. Refusing to purchase gas and to become a follower on the most ridiculous strike will do nothing to change neither the current nor the future oil market. However, it will just take more out of your wallet when you wait for the few days to pass before filling up.

Think about this; if everyone refuses to fill up and says they are not going to use oil not much good will come out of it. Not filling up tomorrow is only going to lead these people that follow this to pay more when the weekend rolls around and gas prices have increased another ten cents. In less than a month, the prices have increased from forty cents to over a dollar per gallon! Wouldn’t it be smarter to just fill up as needed?

Everyone also needs to keep in mind that with the inflation of gas prices comes many other negative things that will affect our everyday lives. Our groceries are going to increase quite a bit as will the cost of our everyday needs. Everything will increase. Are the people that fall for the “strikes” going to go all out and strike on everything that is a part of everyday life? Or are people going to come to the realization that nothing can be done and at the end of the day we will have to pay the price for the things we need. The best thing that can be done is to watch your spending and continue to be cautious on the things that are purchased.  If gas prices are eating you alive, as it is most of us, invest your money in a smaller car. It may not be something that you want, but it will get you a lot further!

Will I be filling up within these few days….no. Only because I have a full tank of gas in my Xterra and have no need to fill up at this moment. Not because of this crazy idea that has been conceived by the most naïve people ever. Though, it does make me want to go out driving all over the place tonight just so I can fill up tomorrow… Too bad gas is so expensive and I have nowhere to go! Lol . Don't think that because I am not seeing eye to eye with this situation that I am at all okay with the cost of gas and filling up my vehicle. Believe me, I am not at all. There is nothing kosher about spending $60 to fill up my truck today when a two weeks ago it was $45. However, I do realize that there is not a whole hell of a lot that I can do. I can cry and pitch a fit like others over the damage this does to my bank account. But, really, how far will that get me? Instead, I have decided to re-evaluate how my family and I live our lives and make changes around this situation at hand.

Pit Bulls & Parolees ~ Amazing

~Pit bulls and Parolees ~

I typically do not find anything admiral about parolees, due to the nature of the known likelihood of them repeating the original offense or adding to their record by committing some other type of crime. With this being said, I DO NOT feel this way toward every parolee. I do have someone in my family that has served time in prison for making wrong choices in life. However, this person I am speaking of straightened his life while in prison and today is an ordained minister. He is an amazing person who truly made a wrong choice in life, has never tried to make an excuse for his wrongdoing, and who made the best out of the situation. I do not in any way condone what he did, but I respect and admire the outcome. I hope that makes sense.

In the vast majority of cases, we see parolee’s repeating the offense, getting caught back up in the wrong crowds, remaining hooked on drugs, involved in gang activity, continuing to rape young women and children, continuing to find troubles with alcohol, repeat offenses of child and domestic abuse…. You name it. The list just goes on and on. When a parolee is released from prison most people turn their heads in the other direction, not wanting to provide any assistance…. Or maybe they are just tired of being that person that is always bailing someone out. Any way you go about it, it is easy to turn your head and just walk away. At some point or another people need to get their acts together and keep them out of trouble. At the end of the day, you can’t help someone that is not willing to help themselves.

Back to my original subject line of Pit bulls and Parolee’s; I have become so addicted to this show on Animal Planet! It is unreal how I can sit for a few hours and watch episode after episode.  I can’t help but to have so much respect for the woman that runs this program. Her life revolves around the pit bulls that she has taken in, her children, her husband who is in prison, and her parolee’s. What amaze me even more are the chances and the opportunities at life that she gives not only the pits, but also the parolee’s. To me, that has to be so rewarding for her when she sees these guys making changes for the better. I know I am amazed and filled with joy when I see them pushing for a better life! After all, life is what you make it in the end. Sure, from time to time, the parolee that cannot seem to get their act together gets locked back up. But, that goes with any situation in life. We all take ten steps forward and five steps back at times (sometimes ten forward and fifteen back, just depends on the person and their moral’s I suppose). No one ever said life is supposed to be easy. It is just how you handle it and maintain certain situations. When we fall, we need to learn how to act quickly and begin picking up the pieces. As I watch the show and see different emotions surface, I learn that Tia is always full of love, sacrifices, second chances, surprises, and hard work. She never stops. I see the ex-convicts working their way to a better lifestyle with one step at a time. Baby steps are what it takes to make it in the world once you have a record on hand. What amazes me the most though, is her strength and will to help rehabilitate the ex-cons and pit bulls from all different backgrounds and situations. This show is proof that people can make the best out of terrible decisions, mistakes, and circumstances; just as it shows regardless of what a dog has been through, he or she can still be your best friend. Pit’s are not everyone’s enemy as the media hype has made them out to be. I think she is doing an amazing and selfless job with everything she has on her plate.

Toddlers & Tiara's

Toddlers & Tiaras

I absolutely LOVE watching TLC, NATGEO, Animal Planet, and so many other channels, as well as the shows they allow audiences to view. I love certain reality shows. Not the trash type ones, but the ones that let you into the real lives of other people. Whether it be Real Women of Dallas/Cincinnati, Ganglands, Border Wars, Sarah Palin’s Alaska…whatever. I really enjoy the shows that leave you thinking about life; the ones that can open your eyes to what others have been through, and have you wanting to make changes or know what roads not to go down. However, the one show that really gets under my skin, more than any other show, is Toddlers in Tiara’s.  Really? Moms and Dads out there that participate in this or even consider participating in this need to be slapped! How do you even find it acceptable to put your daughters through this mess? Yes, I am aware that every little girl wants to look, dress, and feel like a princess, I do have two of my own, but to subject your daughters to a world that they have no business in is just not right for many reasons. Your children need to hold onto their innocence as long as possible and embrace childhood. They do not need to be paraded onto stages, dressed in ten pounds of makeup, spray on tans, hair all made up and perfect, heels, “cone” boobs, and bratty attitudes. That is just beyond ridiculous. When do they have the opportunity to even act as a child? Oh wait, is it their time when they are practicing or about to go on stage, pitching a fit, with a pacifier in their mouth? If you are going to subject them to that type of environment then at least pull the pacifier out! They can’t be both baby and “grown” child. Make your pick.  Every time I see the commercials for this show I just cringe. It seems so unfair for these little girls. The one that really makes me go insane is the bratty girl, standing near the stage, screaming with a pacifier in her mouth. She needs to lose it! I could never bring myself to watch that show just because I feel it is wrong! Sure, put your daughters in beauty pageants, I see no issues with that. However, there is no reason to make your child live the life of Toddlers in Tiaras. No child at the toddler stage should know what a full out competition is or should know how to throw a tantrum because they did not win. No toddler should know the term “diet” and find it acceptable that they need to remain a certain size.

*Before any comments are made, no I am not an overweight woman. I am 5’3” and 115 lbs at most. I do have two daughters, they are 8 and 9 and both tall and slim. So, being overweight is not even an issue in my house. Yes, we eat healthy, but no, we do not stick with strict diets.* 

Children of the toddler age, and even older, need to be around children of their own ages. They should be learning how to properly communicate and their brains should be filled with subjects such as the alphabet, colors, shapes, numbers, Church and Jesus, children’s songs, family outings, and so much more. They should be outside playing at the park, riding their bikes and tricycles, playing tag and hiding-go-seek, swinging and sliding, playing in the dirt, finding pure excitement in a new puppy and growing with their new family member. Oh, how my list could go on and on. Put them in dance, gymnastics, or any other sport that they find intriguing. You should not be pushing them onto a stage, prancing around in small outfits, showing off their innocent bodies, and making moves that the girls are your local strip club are making. Parents of today’s society should be examined before they are allowed to be blessed with children. You should never live vicariously through your children. This is their lives, let them enjoy it. Let them have the memories that most of us have as they mature into adults. Let them interact with children their own ages. LET THEM BE CHILDREN!  There should be certain times and certain ages before a child is allowed to act the way you allow your children to act. They should grow up knowing the meaning of class and respect, as well as holding onto to their innocence. 

Rock On Man

I have to say that I am that I, for one, find it amazing that this homeless man, Ted Williams, is finding light at the end of the tunnel. After years of being down on his luck, it seems things are truly looking up for this man. To all the negative people that I have already heard speak of him, you all need to change your negative attitudes. We all have a past, some worse than others. Some we would love to change. But, in all reality, we know we can’t. What has been done is in the past, so let’s leave it there. I have to say that I am pleased to see this man that was homeless, once addicted to drugs and living the “bad” life, is picking up the pieces. He is finding his faith in God again and wanting to get on the right path. Yes, he may have been discovered because of some video that was posted on the internet, but that one simple video could be exactly what this man needed in life in order to make his life one that he can be proud of. As well as his family. After years of being estranged from his family, this man is finally back in touch. He knows that only he can help himself, that he has to be the one to live the right life. Kraft Mac & Cheese has already offered him a place to live as well as a stable job in voice for their products. Personally, I think it is pretty awesome.  I think it is a blessing that Ted Williams, who is 53, can make a mends with his mother, who is 90. For this man’s sake, his mom, and hid kids, I hope he is able to proceed in the voice radio/commercials or whatever. I hope he keeps clean and stays off the streets. After watching him on Good Morning America just now, it seems like he is going to do exactly that. So, to all the ones making such harsh judgment, take a step back and look at your life. I am sure you are far from perfect. I am sure you have made you fair share of things “mistakes” that others would not be proud or very happy about. Obviously, Mr. Ted Williams has talent, or there would not be so many companies’ throwing offers his way. I mean, they don’t hire just anyone. So, let’s give this man, who is two years sober, a break and let him enjoy his new life! I give him mad props and have to say Congrats Mr. Williams for pulling yourself together and for finding you break in life! I hope it all works out for the best for this man and he takes this opportunity and runs! Make the most out of it all!

It goes to show if this man can pick back up, remain addiction free, and live a better life…then why can’t we all? We should all focus on making 2011 our year. It is time we all pick up the pieces in our lives; quit blaming others if it isn’t going the way we hoped. Only you can make your life better. It isn’t up to everyone else to turn your life into the right direction. The only person who can make your life better is you. You have to take that first step in the right direction! I know I plan on making big changes this year. Ones that I can’t exactly reveal at this moment. But, ones that will all be for the better and I am very excited about! I plan on letting no one hold me back or keep me down. There will be many major changes in my family life as well! We will fall back under the civilian life, well as much as we can with my husband being medically retired. Anyhow, life is what you make of it. If you want to be a miserable person, then so be it. But, don’t expect to find me in your living hell. Thanks, but no thanks. I would rather remain in the group of positive people! I plan on enjoying my life this year and every year to follow. There is just something about being faced with death and lying on your death bed that makes you open your eyes and appreciate the finer things in life. So, if you find me not communicating with you as I use to, take a step back, evaluate your life, and see if there is a reason I have pulled myself away. This is our year people! Let’s make the most out of it and make it the best one yet!