tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-348294482009-03-12T09:21:19.500-06:00Degenerate EliteI am part of a degenerate elite,
dragging our society into the streetChristyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01817046883721239945noreply@blogger.comBlogger229125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34829448.post-60164220998270015322009-01-23T18:47:00.016-07:002009-01-27T22:38:47.682-07:00The ToastYesterday, my best friend Eric got married to his lovely wife Jill. I was honored to be asked to stand with him as he was married. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity for me to serve as "Best Man". I would say "Best Woman", but he married his best woman. I get the pleasure of sitting on the sidelines and hoping that he wins... yesterday, he really did!!<br /><br />Eric and I met when we were both married a few years ago. I soon realized that the more I got to know him, the more I liked him and valued what he had to say. I told his wife about that. Soon, they split (around the same time that Jer and I split), and he and I needed each other, and we clinged to each other. We came from different paths and our situations were certainly different, but we were THERE for each other. We helped each other through some very dark, unhappy moments. I saw him in some relationships that weren't so healthy for him, and saw him in the depths of despair. This favor was returned to me tenfold. It didn't take him long for us to acknowledge the fact that we were "Best Friends".<br /><br />Eric and Jill met a year and a half ago... yesterday, on January 22nd, they tied the knot! I got to stand next to Eric as he watched Jill descended the stairs and down the aisle. I saw the look of excitement and exhiliration, combined with a tad bit of nervousness in his face... all complimented with a look of contentment and peace. Eric isn't a man to show his emotions on his face, but I could still see it. I know him.<br /><br />When Jill finished her final descent down the stairs, she took a deep breath, and looked directly at Eric. Jill loves Eric, all of him. While I like many things about Jill, this is my favorite part. She *really* <strong><em>LOVES</em></strong> Eric. God, it's an amazing thing to see. I'm so incredibly happy for them.<br /><br />Part of my duties of being a groomsperson or "Best (Wo)man", were to make a speech. Due to the confusiong of traditional weddings and mormon weddings and a combination of both, I missed my opportunity. I was told that I should do it during the reception (by a never-mo co-worker), when the pre-wedding dinner would have been the perfect opportunity.<br /><br />Eric and Jill, I'm sorry I didn't toast you. I really wanted to! Here is what I would have said:<br /><br />Eric, you and I became best of friends in the most unlikely of circumstances. In the short time I've known you, I've been priveledged to get to know you well. Eric: when you care, you care completely. When you love, you love with your whole heart; that is without condition. You are abosultely what I consider to be "Understated Brilliance". To know you is to love you.<br /><br />Jill: You and I both know that because of a joke at my expense on your first date with Eric, I didn't refer to you kindly. I've apologized before, and will apologize again. The first time I met you, I witnessed first hand how in love you were with Eric. I was able to see how deeply and truly you cared about him. It was easy to tell that you also care completely, and you love unconditionally. You are a worthy and perfect match for Eric.<br /><br />Jill, your family is so friendly, warm and welcoming. Please express my appreciation to them! Eric, I truly loved spending time with your family. We had a blast talking about Utah culture vs. the rest of the country, and totally jived on the chicken salad sandwiches with grapes together. Please give them my best; I'd love to see them next time they are in town. Your children were perfect angels during the ceremony and reception. They're such gorgeous Palmatiers!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/34829448-6016422099827001532?l=degenerateelite.blogspot.com'/></div>Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01817046883721239945noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34829448.post-54048215129874063382008-11-04T03:10:00.002-07:002008-11-04T04:07:43.470-07:00Oh Goody, a blog troll!This is too good not to blog about. I recently had a visitor to my blog who posted a comment in my "<a href="http://degenerateelite.blogspot.com/2008/09/no-seriously-wtf.html">Signing For Something</a>" post. Now, I've had people leave me snide remarks from time to time, but this guy actually wrote an entire thesis statement that is too good to be left in the comments.<br /><br />I give the guy props, he seems to post using his real name. Without further ado:<br />(My responses to Jeff are in <span style="color:#000099;">blue</span>)<br /><br />Jeff said...<br />I think that you are all being pretty nieve about this whole issue. <span style="color:#000099;">No naivete here. We've all challenged the way that we were raised and taught, and came to these conclusions on our own, after thorough thought and research.</span> The law already has already defined marriage to include homosexual couples. We live in a common law system, which means that laws are created in 2 ways. 1) governing bodies enact laws and 2) courts define/refine the meaning of laws by their rulings. The California courts have already ruled that homosexual marraiges are legal (despite the previous law enacted). <span style="color:#000099;">The law in California has been ammended to include homosexual unions as marriage, yes. However Proposition 8 wants to change that law, and I'm vehemently against Proposition 8. That's the point that I'm arguing here.</span> So what are the implications you ask? Textbooks will include new definitions of the word family. Pictures of same gender families will become required, <span style="color:#000099;">"Oh Noes!" Yeah, I have no problem with any of this</span> otherwise the textbook publishers will be found to be discriminatory. Law suites will enforce this. State sponsored and required sex eduction classes will begin (in some states they already have) to teach that homosexuality is natural, and acceptable and that if you have feelings toward a same gender then it is natural and right to pursue those feelings, as natural and as right as any other form of sexuality. <span style="color:#000099;">It's pointless to argue this with me and many others, because we believe that homosexuality IS natural. Let me ask you something, Jeff. When did you decide to be straight? When did you decide to like women? At any time in your life, did you think "I need a date to the prom. Do I ask a boy or do I ask a girl?" I'm willing to bet that this thought has NEVER entered your mind. Why? Because naturally, you are attracted to women. Sexual attraction is not a choice, Jeff.</span> Counselors in schools and other state sponsored programs will likewise be required to treat homosexuality as normal and acceptable behaviour. <span style="color:#000099;">Okay.</span> Currently in some sex ed classes, dildo's are passed out to be handled so that students can get comfortable with them. These districts will also encourage that homosexual feelings be explored.These are not things that I want my children exposed to .. <span style="color:#000099;">That's fine...</span> but they will not have an opportunity to opt out. <span style="color:#000099;">How do you know? This depends on where you live. In the state of Utah, parents have the choice to opt their children out of sex ed. I think this is a travesty of immense proportions, but it's the current law. You're making assumptions, Jeff.</span> This will be required and state mandated. Should the church care about such things? and are they wrong to appose them? I personally do not feel that way. <span style="color:#000099;">The church has the right to care about anything it wants to. And, it can preach from the pulpit, anything it wants to. That's not the point. The thing that gets to me, is the church stating one week "We do not encourage our members how to vote, we ask that they pray over the issues and vote their conscious", and the next week (or same day, even?) Say "We encourage our members to donate their spare time and dollars towards fighting proposition 8." It's hipocracy that gets to me. It's the emotional blackmail that the church imposes on its members.</span> Is it because I'm homophobic? perhaps. <span style="color:#000099;">Admitting it is the first step to overcoming it. Good job, Jeff! </span>Not in the sense that I fear it but I fear the consequences that it will bring. <span style="color:#000099;">What consequences? How will your neighbors right to practice homosexuality the same way you practice heterosexuality, affect you? Will it make your spouse or children love you less? Will it make the price of gas go up? Will hurricanes wipe out New Orleans? What? Seriously, I want an answer to this. <strong>WHAT ARE THE DIRE CONSEQUENCES THAT WE SHOULD FEAR?</strong></span> The church has the right to encourage it's membership to participate in actions that fight this. <span style="color:#000099;">Sure, but call it what it is</span>. To say that the church should put their efforts into other acts of humanitarian service is a bit strange, just because there exists other opportunities for investment does not mean that I should put all of my resources to one specific task. <span style="color:#000099;">Fair enough</span>. Besides, as a member, I am reminded once a month to donate to the poor through fast offerings. <span style="color:#000099;">Yeah, I remember donating to fast offerings until it hurt. My husband was the finance clerk for awhile, and was constantly being called to sign checks for various reasons for people in the neighborhood. I'm aware that the money donated goes directly to the ward boundaries, then the stake boundaries, until eventually the "extra" funds ended up at the church headquarters. I also remember the great Tsunami at the end of 2004, and we were all encouraged to generously donate to the cause. So, my husband and I wrote a giant check out to the Humanitarian Fund, happy to support those in extreme need. I was shocked and dismayed to find out later that they weren't taking money to support the Tsunami victims from the Humanitarian Fund, but from fast offerings instead. So all the "Extra" money that people donated to their fast offerings went first to those in our neighborhood who couldn't pay their gas or water bills, then to those in the stake who couldn't pay their gas or water bills (and in my ward and stake there were A LOT!!), and THEN whatever money was left, was sent to church headquarters where it was then distributed to the Tsunami victims. I find this practice to be devious and unfair. It manipulated the members to donate, thinking they were helping a global tragedy, when in reality they were just paying for more gas and water bills in the neighborhood. This was a giant "WHAT THE FUCK" moment for me. </span>whenI am also reminded to support the humanitarian aid fund as well as the perpetual eduction fund regularly. <span style="color:#000066;"><span style="color:#000099;">Let's not discuss the perpetual education fund. I think it's a sham and it's another topic for another day</span>.</span> I am asked to donate my time to service projects regularly. In our ward, we have make quilts for babies in needs, collect items for humanitarian kits, and server regularly at a local service kitchen that feeds the poor. That does not include all of the service hours by the youth for scouting and young women projects. <span style="color:#000099;">I never said that the church doesn't have a humanitarian bone, they absolutely do. So do the catholics, the jews, the atheists, and *shock shock horror* THE GAYS!</span> Furthermore, the church has one of the largest welfare programs of any NON governmental organization in the world. Could they do more..sure. But that does not preclude them from spending time and effort in fighting for something that they believe is wrong. They have the right to. They have not asked you to agree with it, <span style="color:#000099;">Um yes, they ask their members to agree with it</span> they have not made it mandatory, <span style="color:#000099;">Only in the sense of emotional blackmail, as previously stated. I remember ammendment 3 that was passed in Utah in 2004, legally defining marriage as between one woman and one man, when the church made similar pleas. They also said "Any member in good standing will vote to pass ammendment 3." Shit, I was a member in good standing, but I DID NOT AGREE with this law! I was emotionally blackmailed to vote AGAINST my conscious, because I had to be right in the eyes of the lord.</span> rather they have asked you to prayerfully consider it. Is there something implicit in the recommendation? certainly. Bullying? no <span style="color:#000099;">Yup.</span> Wrong? <span style="color:#000099;">and Yup.</span> I cannot fathom a definition of wrong that would say that the church does not have the right to support legislation that it believes is beneficial. The church's position on political neutrality has long included a statement that exempts it on measures that it believe's it has a moral obligation to support. It is wrong to say that they CANNOT exercise their rights just because you personally disagree with their position. You can and should argue that you disagree with the position and you can say that their position is wrong because of x, y or z. But they are not wrong state and encourage support for their position. <span style="color:#000099;">This point has already been argued above, I won't beat a dead horse here.</span> I have always been amazed at the boldness of the homosexual in their plea for acceptance, and the fact that their behavior is not 'tolerated'. Following that line of thinking, then the church should willing ignore all sin. Sexual relations before marriage should be permissible and the church should stop telling people to refrain from it. Cheating during marriage should likewise be ignored, as should pornography. <span style="color:#000099;">Oh dude, you did not go there, did you? Oh no you di'ent! Oh yes you did. *sigh* #1, in order to make homosexuality not sinful, then ALLOW THEM TO MARRY so that they CAN have sex in the confines of legal marriage. #2 where do you get off comparing sexuality to cheating on spouses and looking at porn? This all happens in STRAIGHT marriages! This is not a homosexual concept! This happens worldwide, and is not discriminatory. Come up with a better argument!</span> In fact they should stop teaching the law of chastity in general and become accepting of all regardless. But such a position is ludicrous. Homosexuals say they are excluded which is true, but so are adulterers and fornicators.To which is commonly argued that they are therefore being asked to be denied the opportunity to express themselves sexually. To which every non-married member of the church can say...yes and your point is?Yet that is not what the Saviour teaches. <span style="color:#000099;">I thought the Savior teaches love and accepetance for all, regardless. If the so called "Jesus Christ" were alive today, I would bet my life that he would support homosexual marriage. Christ loved everyone, and would not exclude a certain group because the majority found them to be "unnatural"</span> Lastly a quick comment on the "God made me this way and hence will condone my actions because that is the way that I am made" I can find no such scriptural connotation. The invitation is to come follow Him regardless. To the alcoholic (genetic or otherwise) he says give it up. <span style="color:#000099;">not the same thing</span> To the rich man (earned or by birth) He asks to give all that thou hast. Indeed, the command (Abraham 3:25) "and we will prove them herewith to see if they will do ALL things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them." is to see what you are willing to give the Lord. Christ showed the example, he lived a perfect life in which he never had to taste the pains of guilt or remorse. Then He was asked to feel all of our pains and guilt and suffer in both body and spirit. Was it required FOR Him? no. but it became required OF Him and so He partook. Is it fair that Christ should have had to suffer for us? no it is not. But I'm certainly glad He did. Now He asks us to come follow Him. Regardless of our condition.<br /><br />*sigh* I don't want to offend all of my readers regarding my take on chris and the atonement, so I'll let that lie. I responded to this in a moment of insomnia. It's 4 in the morning and my brain isn't exactly full functioning.<br /><br />Anyone else care to banter on the subject?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/34829448-5404821512987406338?l=degenerateelite.blogspot.com'/></div>Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01817046883721239945noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34829448.post-80057702788155270502008-10-21T17:50:00.004-06:002008-10-22T12:22:23.494-06:00Truth be told, I've been struggling with this blog thing for the past few months. Some days I think I should delete it and pretend it never existed. Some days I miss the days when I had something to say. Some days I miss the days when I felt unguarded and authentic.<br /><br />Sincere apologies to those of you who check in on my blog on a semi-regular basis. I know you're there, and I feel like I've failed you. I'm not sure why you bother, but at the same token, I'm glad you do. It gives me some sense of importance, even if I don't know who you are.<br /><br />When I started blogging, it was *somewhat* anonymous. I started because my friends <a href="http://www.aneweric.com/">Eric</a> and <a href="http://www.findingla.blogspot.com/">Laura</a> were active bloggers (they are now divorced), and this seemed like a good source of communication with them, and other ex-mormon bloggers. I was befriended immediately by many great people including <a href="http://sistermarylisa.blogspot.com/">sistermarylisa</a>, who I now consider a very close, personal friend.<br /><br />When I started blogging, I felt welcomed, and part of an amazing community. I miss that feeling, as most of us have become sporadic at best.<br /><br />In the past couple of years, I've had many new readers-- including siblings, parents, future dates, message board buddies, boyfriends, ex-boyfriends, co-workers of boyfriends and ex-boyfriends, random strangers I don't know of, co-workers, and life-long friends. Some of these have even been invited by yours truly! However, knowing that they're there, has left me guarded and insecure about what I write.<br /><br />There have been so many things this past year that I haven't blogged about. Things that I didn't feel like I could be expressive about, because then some of the aforementioned people would know what I was *really* feeling or experiencing.<br /><br />So yeah, that leaves me feeling stuck and unmotivated. I don't know when or if I'll return to regular posting. If you want to know what I'm up to, look me up on Facebook.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/34829448-8005770278815527050?l=degenerateelite.blogspot.com'/></div>Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01817046883721239945noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34829448.post-22567973474893692582008-10-08T21:50:00.003-06:002008-10-08T21:53:24.294-06:00I can't stop smiling!Tomorrow, my friend since 1982 is visiting me. I haven't seen her since 1983 or 1984, I can't remember. She is moving from the east coast to the west-- going to Law School in Seattle!<br /><br />I named my first born daughter Alexa after her. She is stopping by here on her way and staying with me.... I just spoke to her on the phone and gave her directions.<br /><br />I literally cannot stop smiling. I am SO excited to see her again! I'm wondering where in SLC I should take her for dinner.... hmmmmm<br /><br />Pictures to follow!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/34829448-2256797347489369258?l=degenerateelite.blogspot.com'/></div>Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01817046883721239945noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34829448.post-60977047383251532592008-09-24T19:54:00.003-06:002008-09-24T19:56:18.922-06:00Say Cheese!<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PbR_7qOkGPw/SNrvjrA3lLI/AAAAAAAAAM8/vAGgC9xHQ_k/s1600-h/cheese.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5249771711774561458" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PbR_7qOkGPw/SNrvjrA3lLI/AAAAAAAAAM8/vAGgC9xHQ_k/s400/cheese.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Yesterday was picture day at my girls school. This is a picture I took of them from my iPhone in the morning, to show what their hair looked like BEFORE recess.</div><div> </div><div>Yeah, freakin' adorable. I know!<br /></div><div></div><br /><div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/34829448-6097704738325153259?l=degenerateelite.blogspot.com'/></div>Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01817046883721239945noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34829448.post-33726777655243018262008-09-22T20:43:00.004-06:002008-09-22T20:50:17.579-06:00Cancer SucksI have a pin on my cubical wall with that statement. There is no other way to put it. I can't think of a single thing in the world that I hate more than cancer. It doesn't just suck, it FUCKING sucks.<br /><br />I've known way too many people, too many REALLY GOOD PEOPLE, affected by this monster. Most recently, the little boy of my friends Jake and Amie. Kris.<br /><br />This is a three year old boy. He has big brown eyes and extremely long eyelashes. He has two big brothers who adore him and miss him dearly, and parents who haven't had any time to sleep or eat properly in the past couple of weeks.<br /><br />The prognosis is as "good as can be". He's got a malignant tumor, but the doctors say it's very treatable. However, he still has to undergo several rounds of chemo.<br /><br />I got to visit them at the hospital tonight. This little guy is brave, strong, and adorable. I wanted to wrap in in my arms and make it all go away. His parents are weary but amazingly hanging in there. Whatever you do for positive energy, be it praying, meditation, healing vibes, whatever-- please keep this little man in mind. This hit them like a ton of bricks and out of the blue. My heart breaks for them, yet I'm in awe of their strength.<br /><br />Kris, this cancer will be killed. I know it will be!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/34829448-3372677765524301826?l=degenerateelite.blogspot.com'/></div>Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01817046883721239945noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34829448.post-76450072511218459542008-09-21T16:26:00.004-06:002008-09-21T16:38:36.487-06:00I'm scattered and unorganized latelyI feel like everything around me is unknown and chaotic. I have a scab on my right arm near my elbow, that I've been picking at for MONTHS. It's not going away, yet I keep picking at it. There's always that mark. I can't leave it alone. It doesn't hurt, but it's there. I know I need to stop touching it to make it go away, but I can't. For unknown reasons, I can't. I'm looking forward to sweater season so that it's not exposed anymore, and I don't have to answer any questions about it.<br /><br />Switching topics, today I visited my baby nephew. I can't get enough of this guy. He is so happy, so absolutely adorable. He's cuddly and lets me just hold him... and the entire time he's smiling and showing off his big brown eyes and long eyelashes. I'm not a baby person... but if I go a week without seeing him, I miss him. I crave him. I want nothing more than to hold him in my arms and sing to him... he's the greatest audience ever. My love for him is pure, and the feeling is amazing.<br /><br />To bring it home, this makes me realize how much I love my family. When it comes to families, I've hit the jackpot. We've had our Jerry Springer moments, for sure. Every family does. I have amazing love for everyone in my family. We don't ever express that to each other.... but it's there. My parents are incredible. Not perfect, but spectacular. My siblings are great. My nieces and nephews are gorgeous. I'm just so lucky to have all of them.<br /><br />If any of them read this, and I suspect they do... I love you.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/34829448-7645007251121845954?l=degenerateelite.blogspot.com'/></div>Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01817046883721239945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34829448.post-3828152564225547862008-09-12T12:35:00.007-06:002008-09-12T13:55:53.801-06:00No seriously... WTF!?!?!In October of 2004, there was a huge push in Utah's politics to legally define marriage as between one woman and one man. The LDS church had letters read over the pulpits, encouraging its members to vote in favor of the legal definition. This was a huge struggle for me. I was a strong believing, contributing member of the church. I wanted to make the right decisions and actions to uphold my good girl image and high standing status. I wanted to be "right" in the eyes of God. But this? This went against my nature. It violated my internal instincts.<br /><br />It never made sense to me that Marriage was a law of god. What about all of those married people who don't believe in God? Never have? What about my gay friends and family members who are every bit as excellent as my good mormon friends, who would be hurt by this measure? What about the LDS church saying that they stay out of politics and encourage members to prayerfully vote? I prayed about it, but I was not getting any warm fuzzies.<br /><br />I posed the question on an LDS parenting board that I was a part of. I stated that I wanted to do the right thing, but I really didn't agree with what we were being told was right. I was very conflicted. The response I got was "Who cares if you have loved ones who are gay? What if you had loved ones that were addicted to drugs or alcohol... would you think twice about taking those away?!?"<br /><br />Really? Did they really say that? Did they really compare a persons natural instincts of loving to being addicted to drugs or alcohol? Really? (For the record, I do not believe that our sexual orientation is a choice. Ask any hetero if they chose to be, and they'll tell you no. Homosexuals will also tell you no. I do not believe sexual preference is a choice we have control over. I don't see how it's possible.)<br /><br />This was a huge ignitor in my disaffection flame. However, come time to go to the polls and vote, I ignored my conscious and voted the way "The Lord" would want me to. I can't think of a single decision I've had more regret over since this. Yes, I live in Utah and my vote wouldn't have made a difference, but at least I would be satisfied with sending the message saying "Not ALL of us agree with this!"<br /><br />In California, Proposition 8 is on the ballot for these upcoming elections. Prop 8 would amend the California Consititution with a new section that would read "only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California." The measure, as submitted for the ballot by petitioners, is called the "California Marriage Protection Act."<br /><br />Yes, this is California and doesn't affect me directly. However, I find it absolutely detestible that <a href="http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=e419fb40e21cef00VgnVCM1000001f5e340aRCRD">The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints</a> is encouraging its members to vote in favor of this initiative. They're having letters read over the pulpit, and basically offering the TBM's "An offer they cannot refuse". They are bullying, and just downright WRONG. They need to take their black suit white shirt noses OUT of this, and focus on more important things. Such as third world hunger, education, and debt relief. A church this powerful could do so much more for the overall world progression than by convincing members in California to vote against gay marriage.<br /><br />I won't assume that everyone who reads this blog has the same political affiliations that I do. For this reason, I rarely post political stances on my blog. However, if you're so inclined, please <a href="http://signingforsomething.org/blog/">sign for something</a>! I've got my real first and last name on that list, and I'm proud of it. What the church is doing is just wrong, no matter how you feel on the subject of gay marriage.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/34829448-382815256422554786?l=degenerateelite.blogspot.com'/></div>Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01817046883721239945noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34829448.post-81917536962798411572008-09-09T07:02:00.002-06:002008-09-09T07:21:55.060-06:00I've been a slackerA few updates on my mundane life:<br /><br />I'm finally entirely moved out of my old place, and un-packing hell has begun in my new place. I hate the fact that I have so much <em>stuff</em>. I really don't use it all or need it, but for some reason I'm afraid to get rid of <em>stuff</em>. Honestly, if a match were to be lit on the boxes I packed, I doubt I could even remember what half of it was. All this being said, I still love the new place, the new neighborhood, and my girls new school.<br /><br />Speaking of my girls! They started 1st grade a couple of weeks ago. So far they think that having a hot lunch and two recesses is the bomb. Everything else is just stuff they have to deal with. They're both doing really well with their reading and writing, still seem to be a little behind in comprehension (much like I am!). Last week, they informed me that I no longer need to walk them to their door. I can just drop them off at the curb and they "know the directions to first grade". *sigh* that was a little hard for me to let go of. At least they'll still hug and kiss me in front of their friends.<br /><br />My parents had their 48th anniversary yesterday, wow! Not bad for two people who were engaged the night they met. I gave up the illusion that their marriage and relationship was perfect a few years ago. That was a harsh reality to face! But they've hung in there, and remain and inspiration to me.<br /><br />I haven't had TV or internet at home for the past month, because of the move and comcasts attitude of "We have no competition in the area, you just have to sit and be patient until we can be bothered to install". I finally got it yesterday! And the timing couldn't be better, there's a new episode of the new 90210 tonight! w00t!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/34829448-8191753696279841157?l=degenerateelite.blogspot.com'/></div>Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01817046883721239945noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34829448.post-868803099681478772008-08-27T10:23:00.001-06:002008-08-27T10:24:22.961-06:00Silly Emotions<p>Last night my parents took my daughters and me out to dinner to celebrate their first full day of First Grade. I'll talk about that experience and update on my daughters in a future post. We went to the Spaghetti Factory at Trolley Square, because that's Emilie and Alexa's favorite restaurant.</p><p>We sat down, and I noticed a familiar woman sitting two tables in front of us. I leaned over to my mom and said "Is that Char Peters (fake name)?" She confirmed that it was.</p><p>Char Peters is the mother of the first man who ever truly broke my heart. Her son was my first true love. I had broken hearts and lost love before him, but he was the first person who swept me off my feet, and we had a very intense few months, before he broke up with me for a friend of mine whom he later married. I've blogged about this in my past relationships series.</p><p>Char and my mother were very good friends, both before and after I dated her son. Naturally, my mom went over to their table to say hello. When they were finished eating, they came over to our table to see my girls and me. While there, she proceeded to give me and update on my ex-boyfriend and his wife. They're still married, it's been 14 years. They have 4 children, and he's been in 13 marathons. She's started her MBA program this fall. Sounds like everything is going fucking fantastic for them. </p><p>I don't begrudge them their happiness, not at all. I've moved on in life, and mostly believe that it's a good thing that I didn't get married to him. However, I was stunned that seeing his parents and talking to them brought back so many emotions and feelings. I'm supposed to be non-plussed by that, aren't I? I mean it's been 14 years. I'm an entirely different person than I was back then.</p><p>I'm trying to imagine what Char and her husband will say to her son and his wife about seeing me. I provided no update to them about my life, I just smiled, introduced my daughters, and told them that it was nice to see them again. At least I looked great.</p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/34829448-86880309968147877?l=degenerateelite.blogspot.com'/></div>Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01817046883721239945noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34829448.post-43859553912536017402008-08-19T15:00:00.004-06:002008-08-19T15:20:30.202-06:00I've moved on upto the East Side! For reals....<br /><br />I'm almost completely moved in my new home. I still have odds and ends to finish up in my old place, but everything important is moved and settled. I really love my new place! It's not ideal forever, but it's perfect for me, for now. For the first time in a really long time, I'm sleeping the entire night through. I live in a quiet, clean, peaceful neighborhood. I have a most magnificent view of the Cottonwood mountains. I'm a hop, skip, and a jump away from so many unique and interesting shops and restaurants, not to mention the canyons. I'm truly happy there!<br /><br />Okay, that's enough gushing. I have more important matters to talk about. Prepare to laugh.<br /><br />I began packing more than a week in advance. My dad hired some movers to help, and he was going to help as well. Given this fact, I took special care to pack away my nighstand early on. I marked it "Christy's Room" and sealed the box. I'm not trying to give TMI, but I *am* a single woman with needs. Also, a former friend of mine sent me a playboy subscription for Christmas last year. I won't lie, I enjoy the magazine, and it's not just for the articles. I carefully packed those away, too. I checked under my bed, more than once, just to make sure everything was taken care of. Other than a couple of old pillows that I don't use anymore, I saw nothing.<br /><br />Yeah, you know where this is going.<br /><br />While the movers were packing the truck, I ran up to my new condo to get the keys. I returned to my old apartment and was in the living room talking to my dad. I could hear the movers in one of the rooms behind me, laughing. I assumed they were just talking to each other, inside joke or whatever. They cleared my bed and frame from my room, and I went in to take a look.<br /><br />There on the floor, for all to see.... yeah. And not just any toy, oh no. But it was a baton that has a whip on one side, and feathers on the other. *****I'VE NEVER USED THIS FOR ITS INTENDED PURPOSE!!!!!!***** It was a prop for my halloween costume, I promise! I was a dominatrix for halloween! It must have fallen out of my bag and got shoved under my bed, where it's been ever since! I missed packing a playboy, too.<br /><br />OH.MY.GOD. !!! !!!<br /><br />I wanted to be swallowed up in a hole to die. The movers are guys that my brother knows. ACK! They couldn't just find a vibrator, but they had to find the kinkiest toy I own (besides the fuzzy handcuffs, which were also part of the costume!).<br /><br />I picked it up and threw it in my closet. I could not look the movers in the eyes the rest of the day... and they had to keep asking me questions. They had to go back in to get my nightstands, so they know that I knew that they knew.<br /><br />I can laugh about it now, but this is my new "Most Embarrassing Moment".<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/34829448-4385955391253601740?l=degenerateelite.blogspot.com'/></div>Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01817046883721239945noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34829448.post-91178185402423560572008-08-14T20:45:00.001-06:002008-08-14T20:45:53.146-06:00Iphone bloggingIphone blogging<p>Sent from my iPhone<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/34829448-9117818540242356057?l=degenerateelite.blogspot.com'/></div>Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01817046883721239945noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34829448.post-1098651604645866302008-08-14T12:16:00.003-06:002008-08-14T12:26:10.871-06:00How UnfortunateI had a fortune cookie today... my fortune reads "Today is a good day for being with a companion". Great. does somebody wanna find me on<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/34829448-109865160464586630?l=degenerateelite.blogspot.com'/></div>Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01817046883721239945noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34829448.post-17297084482645747172008-08-06T16:29:00.005-06:002008-08-06T16:51:20.266-06:00We've all been thereFinally an embarrassing story at work that didn't happen to me!<br /><br />Yesterday afternoon, most people were gone for the day, except for myself and a man who sits over the cubicle wall, so it was very quiet. A colleague from a different department stopped by to ask me some questions, and he was standing next to me looking at my monitor. I was mid-sentence in response, when out of nowhere, he lit a big, huge, FART.<br /><br />What could I do? I kind of looked at him, looked at my screen, the wall behind me... "do I acknowledge it? Do I pretend like it didn't happen? Oh, it happened, and LOUD. Do I crack a joke? I can't think of what to say!!" So I picked up where I left off, and tried to continue answering his question.<br /><br />His face turned bright red, and without looking at me he said something like "Well, now that's happened" and we both just burst out laughing. The man sitting over the wall from me said "That's okay, I do that at home all the time!" And the three of us were crying, because we were laughing so hard.<br /><br />I tried to make him feel better by telling him that the average human needs to fart at least five times a day in order to be healthy. And hell, if he's going to embarrass himself, at least it's in front of me and not his director or VP. After that, he said "I think I'm just going to leave now. We can talk about my questions later."<br /><br />He was a class act today though... he came over to my desk first thing this morning, and said "I just wanted to see if the air has cleared over here." laughter ensued. I still giggle thinking about it. Happens to the best of us, eh?<br /><br />In other news, I've found a new place to live, and am in the process of packing and moving, hence my less frequent blogging. I'm terribly excited... I'm moving to a terrific location with one of the best schools in the county (according to their test scores and parent reviews). The location is near the mouth of the cottonwood canyons, within walking distance of a great recreation center, and just around the corner from one of my closest long-time friends. It's going to give me a whole new lease on life, and I can't wait!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/34829448-1729708448264574717?l=degenerateelite.blogspot.com'/></div>Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01817046883721239945noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34829448.post-23125464108580938082008-07-28T19:53:00.018-06:002008-07-28T20:26:27.175-06:00If that's what you're into!<div align="left">This past weekend was glorious. The time spent in Park City with my friends was incredible, and ended all too soon. I hope we do this again next year! We had some great conversations, great food, fun times, dancing, coaster riding, zip-lining, hiking, hot tubbing, cops being called on us....<br /><br />Oh yeah. The cops were called on us, TWICE! Once it was because some of the cars were parked diagonally (we did the best we could with limited pace. We ultimately accomodated the neighbors, even though the patrol said we were just fine.) The second time, the cops found us sitting in the living room and talking, listening to Enya. Yeah, big threat. At 8:30 at night!! oooooh. Be careful. Clearly, the cops saw nothing wrong, once again.<br /><br />Unfortunately, because I took up running a month ago, my knees were in bad shape. I ignored the pain for so long, that by saturday, they were mostly out of comission. I had to use my upper body strength everywhere I went. I was in severe pain! Luckily, one of my friends is a doctor, and he called in a perscription of Lortab for me.<br /><br />I spent saturday afternoon/evening on Lortab while everyone else went to a free reggae concert. These pills made me very, very happy and loopy. I sat and watched several episodes of "Flight of the Conchords". The following scene made me laugh SO MUCH, that I had to share it.<br /><br /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/pY8jaGs7xJ0&hl=" width="425" height="344" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" fs="1"></embed><br /><br />If you want me to, I can hang 'round with you<br />If I only knew, that's what you're into<br /><br />You and him, him and you<br />If that's what you're into<br />Him hangin' round, around you<br />You hangin' round, yeah you're there too<br /><br />And if you want me to, I will take off all my clothes for you<br />I'll take off all my clothes for you<br />If that's what you're into<br /><br />How 'bout him in the nude?<br />If that's what you're into<br />In the nude in front of you<br />Is that what you'd wanna view?<br /><br />If it's cool with you, I'll let you get naked too<br />It could be a dream come true, providing that's what you are into<br /><br />Is that what you're into?<br />Him and you in the nude?<br />That's what he's prepared to do<br />Is that the kind of thing that you think you might be into?<br /><br />And then maybe later we'll get hot by the refrigerator<br />In the kitchen next to the pantry<br />You think that might be what you fancy?<br /><br />In the buff, bein' rude<br />Doin' stuff with the food<br />Gettin' nude with his food<br />We heard that's what you are into<br /><br />Then on our next date<br />well you could bring your roommate<br />I don't know if Stu is keen to<br />But maybe we could double team you<br /><br />How 'bout you and two dudes?<br />Him, you, and Stu in the nude<br />Bein' lewd with two dudes with food<br />Well that's if Stu's into it too<br /><br />All the things I do<br />The things I'd do for you<br />If I only knew, that's what you're into </div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/34829448-2312546410858093808?l=degenerateelite.blogspot.com'/></div>Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01817046883721239945noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34829448.post-30202574564884436572008-07-23T23:24:00.006-06:002008-07-23T23:49:36.378-06:00Time for R&RI've been pretty stressed lately, have had a lot on my mind. Work's been busy, and yes, I'm still working out physically. I haven't blogged about it because I don't want to jinx it... but truth be told, life can only be great if you work at it. Things just don't come easily. At least not for me!<br /><br />This weekend, some of my friends are embarking of our annual summer trip together. Last year we went to Las Vegas, and discovered that the most fun we had, was when we were all together, talking, relaxing, just having fun. This year, we decided to make our trip to Park City. It's close! Inexpensive! Fun!!!<br /><br />We've rented a really great house just off of Main Street, we'll be in walking distance of most things. Some are planning on white water rafting, others are looking forward to outlet shopping. I hope to fit in a nice hike. Regardless, it's going to be great! I'm just looking forward to the rest, relaxation, and surrounding myself with some of my most favorite people for a few days.<br /><br />I hope everyone has a great weekend!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/34829448-3020257456488443657?l=degenerateelite.blogspot.com'/></div>Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01817046883721239945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34829448.post-62938666292760109422008-07-21T19:15:00.015-06:002008-07-21T20:18:41.095-06:00I know Shakespeare is a dead white guy, but he knows his shit!I love Shakespeare. LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOVE Shakespeare. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_shakespeare">William Shakespeare</a> had a way with words, bar none to anyone else. Most importantly, no one can throw an insult like Shakespeare. While I love some of the modern day adaptations, I'm pretty much a purist. I don't need his words "Dumbed Down" for me. I take sincere pleasure in his lacy, frilly bitterness.<br /><br />Some of my favorite Shakespeare insults:<br /><br />Your bum is the greatest thing about you; so that in the beastliest sense, you are Pompey the Great. <br /><br />Would thou wert clean enough to spit upon! <br /><br />Out of my sight! Thou dost infect my eyes.<br /><br />Drop into the rotten mouth of death. <br /><br />Confusion now hath made his masterpiece! <br /><br />Thou art a wretch whose natural gifts were poor. <br /><br />Thy kiss is comfortless as frozen water to a starved snake.<br /><br />Come, you are a tedious fool. To the purpose.<br /><br />Thou art unfit for any place but hell.<br /><br />There is one modern day adaptation that I adore, on so many levels. This is the movie, "<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0147800/">10 Things I Hate About You</a>". This movie rocked my world from my first viewing of it. I've been told by many people, from different aspects of my life, that Julia Stiles character reminds them of me. I can't deny it-- I watch this movie and see myself, both in looks and attitude.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PbR_7qOkGPw/SIU7TNq-plI/AAAAAAAAAMs/55hIaCx9yI4/s1600-h/10things+i+hate+about+you.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225648143906809426" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PbR_7qOkGPw/SIU7TNq-plI/AAAAAAAAAMs/55hIaCx9yI4/s400/10things+i+hate+about+you.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I won't explain why. Just watch the movie. :) 10 Things I Hate About You is an adaptation of "Taming of the Shrew".<br /><br />"Just because you're beautiful, doesn't mean you can treat people like they don't matter!"<br /><br />"Have you always been this selfish?"<br /><br />"Remove head from sphincter, THEN drive!"<br /><br />"Has the fact that you're completely psycho managed to escape your attention?"<br /><br />"Don't, for one minute, think that you had any effect whatsoever on my panties."<br /><br />"'Heinous bitch' is the term used most often."<br /><br />"Why can't you be NORMAL?!?!"<br /><br />"Where did you come from? Planet "Loser"? <br /><br />"Expressing my opinion is not a terrorist action."<br /><br />"Someday, you gonna get bitch-slapped and I'm not gonna do a thing to stop it."<br /><br />"What is it, Asshole Day?"<br /><br />I confess, I watched this movie tonight, not just for Shakesperean adaptation greatness, but out of memory of Heath Ledger. This was the first movie I noticed him in, and have loved him since. His passing shocked me and saddened me greatly. He was phenominal in everything he's done. No, I haven't seen "The Dark Knight" yet, but I can't wait.<br /><br />RIP Heath Ledger. He was more than just an amazing actor.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/34829448-6293866629276010942?l=degenerateelite.blogspot.com'/></div>Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01817046883721239945noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34829448.post-41455271548319794072008-07-15T10:30:00.011-06:002008-07-15T11:03:59.210-06:00Facebook, Past Relationships, Guilty Pleasures... and other random thoughtsI'm working from home today, to test my employers catastrophe continuation plan. I've got VH1's top 20 playing in the background, for mindless noise. Don't judge- daytime TV really sucks and if I pop in a DVD, I'll be watching that and not working. (No, I'm not working right now, just taking a break!)<br /><br />So one of the songs in the Top 20 is by the Pussycat Dolls. They're a guilty pleasure of mine, so I watched the video. If I had the looks and body to get away with what they do, you BET I would! I can't remember the name of the song, but the catchy chorus said something to the effect of "Be careful what you wish for because you just might get it". This has always been a favorite saying of mine, because it's so true. We spend our lives wishing for, hoping for, wanting wanting WANTING, and then what happens when we get it? Either it fails to meet our expectations, or we tire of it and want more more MORE! It's like a dog or cat chasing their tail.<br /><br />It reminded me of some of my past relationships, and the boys/men that I've pined for. Just like my most recent post of finding my dear Alexa on Facebook, I've also found past relationships and major crushes there. It's voyeuristically thrilling for me to peak in on their lives. I won't mention their names now like I have in the past, because I'm talking of how I see them today. One guy I'm still crushing on, and probably always will. He's turned into an amazing man who has done very well for himself. Even if he's a [self proclaimed] right wing nutjob, he's still sexy as hell (all in the intellect, baby!), and if he weren't happily married, I'd try to make my make-out fantasy happen. Another guy is the one that I have always wondered "What if....?" about. Now that I've had a peak into his world, I can wipe my brow in relief and think "Thank GOD nothing came of that!" Another one has a lovely jumper-clad wife. And that's all I will say about that! :)<br /><br />Yeah... with one exception, I'm glad I didn't get what I wished for. Funny that. Certainly gives a gal some perspective, but it does make me wonder how or when I'll ever just be okay with what is? Until I know, my brain will keep thinking.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/34829448-4145527154831979407?l=degenerateelite.blogspot.com'/></div>Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01817046883721239945noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34829448.post-67372374158123487872008-07-13T16:16:00.023-06:002008-07-13T17:10:36.981-06:00Technology and Innovation rocks!As if you didn't already know....<br /><br />Thank whoever is out there for Facebook. This last week, I was contacted by a dear friend that I've had for a very long time. I named my firstborn after her, which clearly means that she had a significant impact on my life.<br /><br />When I was 7, my dad was transferred to Germany by his employer. Our entire family had to pack up and leave everything that we had ever known. Everything that was familiar. I <em>was</em> only 7, but had 4 older siblings and endured their lamenting. I was mostly sad about leaving behing my best friend Emilie (who I named my second-by-two-minutes-after!). I vividly remember the process. I remember my dad going ahead of us, a few months... while my mom packed up a house of 5 kids and all their junk. I had absolutely no clue what to expect. We had some friends who spent some time in Germany, come to our house and tell us about the Berlin Wall (This was 1982).<br /><br />I remember the plane ride. My mom got me a little sailor dress to wear. We all dressed up to ride the plane. I remember saying goodbye to friends and family at the airport. I especially remember my grandmothers teary eyes taking a different shape. I got sick on the plane, and the flight attendants brought me coke. My mom and her 5 kids took up an entire middle section and window seats.<br /><br />I was nervous, scared, but excited! I had an incredible family, so I never had a real sense of insecurity. Mostly, I was going to miss Emilie. She was my very best friend that I knew since she was born. But I was about to move into a 2 story house with stairs and a balcony! Our house in Utah was all on one level.<br /><br />We moved to a very secluded village. My parents wanted us to have the real "German" experience, so my dad refused the airforce base housing. We had a mini-wall around our house, with a big field behind us, and the most gorgeous forrest across the street. If I recall correctly, this village was 30 minutes away from anything major. We were waaaay out there, in Vogelbach Germany. Living there was a real shock. No one spoke my language, and the money was so different looking. This was a major, major adjustment. There were a few other americans in the same village. One of them was close to my age, just one year younger! Her name is Alexa.<br /><br />Alexa and I lived on the same street. Our mothers, while extremely different individuals with a huge difference in age, became fast friends. Alexa and I were pretty much inseperable. We were in each others lives for less than 2 years, but so much of that 2 years remains solid in my memory, and has absolutely shaped my life.<br /><br />In that two years:<br />I got lost in Switzerland when traveling with her parents.<br />Same trip-- I dared her to run around the camping trailer without a shirt on. (I guess I've always been naughty)<br />We got our long hair cut into Annie perm's... (We loved the movie Annie!)<br />We had sleepovers nearly every weekend.<br />We went to church with each other.<br />My mom taught her how to say her "R"'s in our kitchen<br />We learned how to tell the time together<br />We equally loved the Smurfs!<br />We saw E.T. together in the theater!<br />We bought books of fake tattoo's together<br />I snuck into the forrest with her one day, hoping to find a swimming hole. My parents forbade me, but I did it anyway. My mom caught us. This was the first and only time I've ever been grounded.<br />We swam at the nearest pool. I can see the pool, I can remeber the grounds and entrance fee, but can't remember the name of the town. I think it began with an "R".<br />If neither of us had a toy that we wanted, we tried to find a way to make it. More importantly, we made it work for us!<br />We got our first wrist watches on the same Christmas.<br /><br />Then the real emotions started:<br />Her parents started arguing, a lot. It turned into loud screaming matches. They would go in their room and close the door and fight... but Alexa's room was across the hall, and we could hear them. I told her that whenever my parents fought, I was afraid they would get a divorce. She didn't know what that meant, so I explained it to her.<br /><br />One morning before school, she rang the doorbell, as she always did. She had breakfast at our house and we walked to the bus stop together. Except for this day, she was crying. I asked her what was wrong, and she told me "It's the bad word you taught me, that begins with "D"" I knew what she meant. Divorce. "Are your parents getting a divorce?" I asked. "Yes" she said. We hugged each other and bawled. I was 8 years old at the time, she was 7. This was the first time that Divorce ever hit close to home, and in my mind, it was the worst thing that could ever possibly happen.<br /><br />Soon after, she, along with her mom and brother, moved away from Germany. I can still picture her turning around and waving at me, from the back seat of her car. She was my best friend, and then she was gone.<br /><br />This was so hard for me. I still missed Emilie from the states, but now I missed Alexa, too. A few months from this time, my family moved back to Utah. Throughout the years, I had brief contact with Alexa. Her mom had business in Utah once that I can remember, so she visited us then. I talked to Alexa on the phone a few times, but most recently, it was just before I got married to Jeremy.<br /><br />To recap: I talked to her 11 years ago, and haven't seen her since I was 8. I always knew I would name my first daughter after her. I love the name Alexa, and I loved the first Alexa I ever knew. I made a few attempts to contact her in the pas t11 years, but to no avail. Until last week, when I got a message from her on Facebook.<br /><br />My god, this girl who is now a woman, is stunningly gorgeous. We had a long telephone conversation, and she still talks the same, laughs the same... wow! We've gone most of our lives not seeing each other, barely talking to each other, but absolutely pick up where we left off, and totally claim our love for each other. We've been in each others hearts and minds for so many years.<br /><br />She's a rare, unique, gorgeous, amazing human being. I couldn't be more proud to name my daughter after her. Here is a picture of her, taken last year:<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PbR_7qOkGPw/SHqK60NVk-I/AAAAAAAAAMk/BbNK3AT9suw/s1600-h/ABNewlin.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222639460941140962" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PbR_7qOkGPw/SHqK60NVk-I/AAAAAAAAAMk/BbNK3AT9suw/s400/ABNewlin.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />I can still see and hear the 7 year old in her. But that's non-important. To me, she is eternal. She is how she always was, and always will be. I'm so, so glad to have her in my life again!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/34829448-6737237415812348787?l=degenerateelite.blogspot.com'/></div>Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01817046883721239945noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34829448.post-48555381934236158852008-07-08T23:14:00.001-06:002008-07-08T23:16:58.892-06:00@*#$&#$*&!!!Just Fuck. <br /><br />I've not had a lot of things go my way lately. I don't have a lot to be happy about. I'm doing my best to keep my chin up and keep going up, but I've gotta say, sometimes the world can really suck. <br /><br />I've lived in a hole of an apartment since March 2007. My lease is up this month. I've advised that I'm out at the end of the month, and my search for a new place has begun. <br /><br />I found the perfect place. It was perfect! It was new, it was safe and secure, and it was in my budget. When I toured the place, I found that there were 5 others interested. The lady giving the showing was obviously TBM, and didn't have a lot of time for me. I wore khaki capri's, and a black shirt. The shirt wasn't entirely garment friendly. I wore sandals as well, so my ankle tattoo was visible. <br /><br />I found out that 5 other people were interested. When I submitted my application, I submitted a cover letter in which I noted that I've worked for the same company for 12 years, and am in a secure leadership position. I have 6 year old twins that I envision raising in such a safe environment. Plus I'm clean, quiet, considerate. <br /><br />Tonight I got a phone call from the woman that they've rented the condo to someone else. <br /><br />Fuck. <br /><br />So, I tell her "I'm eagerly looking to rent. Can you please provide constructive feedback as to why I didn't get the apartment over others?" She made some reference as to her husband reviewing the applicants and calling the references, when I said "None of my references were called" Her reply was "Well we didn't call YOUR references" "Why Not?" I asked. "The other guy just looked better on paper." <br /><br />"How so?" I asked. "Is it because I'm a single mother?" "No," she said, "We've rented to a single father for the past year." <br /><br />I replied "Sure. But single men have the advantage over single women. Please tell me, how did the other look better on paper? I'm eagerly looking for a place to live, and am looking for specific feedback. If you're uncomfortable giving it, please refer me to your husband." <br /><br />"Oh, I'm not uncomfortable with giving feedback. He looked better on paper because he said he was planning on staying in the city for the next 3 years..." <br /><br />I cut her off. "My coverletter stated that I've had the same employer for 12 years, and in no danger of losing my job!" <br /><br />"Oh, uh, well....," she stammared. <br /><br />I told her that I found them to be sexist and unfair. Clearly, they didn't even look at the applications before deciding. It matters not, I have no recourse. Had they said that the other person had a higher income, or if they truly checked my credit or references, I would feel at peace. Not the case! <br /><br />I make too much to qualify for lower income housing, but not enought for a good, secure place to raise my daughters. <br /><br />I'm fuckin' screwed. I need a fuckin' break.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/34829448-4855538193423615885?l=degenerateelite.blogspot.com'/></div>Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01817046883721239945noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34829448.post-63776735829469496462008-07-06T21:51:00.004-06:002008-07-06T22:00:57.852-06:00At last!I finally got to meet my friend Dr. Ros!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PbR_7qOkGPw/SHGT6jHDwtI/AAAAAAAAAMc/jkN2mXq9HIY/s1600-h/drros.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PbR_7qOkGPw/SHGT6jHDwtI/AAAAAAAAAMc/jkN2mXq9HIY/s400/drros.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220116077165658834" /></a><br /><br />I've known her for years, and wanted to meet her always! I feel so lucky for the opportunity.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.sistermarylisa.blogspot.com/">SML</a> was there, also. That woman rocks my world!! More pics of the gathering to follow.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/34829448-6377673582946949646?l=degenerateelite.blogspot.com'/></div>Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01817046883721239945noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34829448.post-73989430946941454022008-06-29T20:56:00.003-06:002008-06-29T21:03:34.270-06:00Worth RepeatingI posted this waaaay in the early days of my blog. Now, again. The person whom this is for, knows it's for him:<br /><br />Don't move <br />Don't talk out of time <br />Don't think <br />Don't worry <br />Everything's just fine <br />Just fine <br /><br />Don't grab <br />Don't clutch <br />Don't hope for too much <br />Don't breathe <br />Don't achieve <br />Or grieve without leave <br /><br />Don't check <br />Just balance on the fence <br />Don't answer <br />Don't ask <br />Don't try and make sense <br /><br />Don't whisper <br />Don't talk <br />Don't run if you can walk <br />Don't cheat, compete <br />Don't miss the one beat <br /><br />Don't travel by train <br />Don't eat <br />Don't spill <br />Don't piss in the drain <br />Don't make a will <br /><br />Don't fill out any forms <br />Don't compensate <br />Don't cower <br />Don't crawl <br />Don't come around late <br />Don't hover at the gate <br /><br />Don't take it on board <br />Don't fall on your sword <br />Just play another chord <br />If you feel you're getting bored <br />I feel numb <br />I feel numb <br />Too much is not enough <br />I feel numb <br />Don't change your brand Gimme what you got <br />Don't listen to the band <br />Don't gape Gimme what I don't get <br />Don't ape <br />Don't change your shape Gimme some more <br />Have another grape <br />Too much is not enough <br />I feel numb <br />I feel numb <br />Gimme some more <br />A piece of me, baby <br />I feel numb <br />Don't plead <br />Don't bridle <br />Don't shackle <br />Don't grind Gimme some more <br />Don't curve <br />Don't swerve I feel numb <br />Lie, die, serve Gimme some more <br />Don't theorize, realise, polarise I feel numb <br />Chance, dance,dismiss, apologise Gimme what you got <br />Gimme what I don't get <br />Gimme what you got <br />Too much is not enough <br />Don't spy I feel numb <br />Don't lie <br />Don't try <br />Imply <br />Detain <br />Explain <br />Start again I feel numb <br />I feel numb <br />Don't triumph <br />Don't coax <br />Don't cling <br />Don't hoax <br />Don't freak <br />Peak <br />Don't leak <br />Don't speak I feel numb <br />I feel numb <br />Don't project <br />Don't connect <br />Protect <br />Don't expect <br />Suggest <br />I feel numb <br />Don't project <br />Don't connect <br />Protect <br />Don't expect <br />Suggest <br />I feel numb <br />Don't struggle <br />Don't jerk <br />Don't collar <br />Don't work <br />Don't wish <br />Don't fish <br />Don't teach <br />Don't reach <br />I feel numb <br />Don't borrow Too much is not enough <br />Don't break I feel numb <br />Don't fence <br />Don't steal <br />Don't pass <br />Don't press <br />Don't try <br />Don't feel <br />Gimme some more <br />Don't touch I feel numb <br />Don't dive <br />Don't suffer <br />Don't rhyme <br />Don't fantasize <br />Don't rise <br />Don't lie <br />I feel numb <br />Don't project <br />Don't connect <br />Protect I feel numb <br />Don't expect <br />Suggest <br /><br />Don't project <br />Don't connect <br />Protect I feel numb <br />Don't expect <br />Suggest <br /><br />I feel numb<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/34829448-7398943094694145402?l=degenerateelite.blogspot.com'/></div>Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01817046883721239945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34829448.post-75860375214346483702008-06-27T21:07:00.009-06:002008-06-27T21:41:17.345-06:00The Definition of "Please"There are many definitions to the word "Please". (This reminds me of Bill Clinton saying "It depends on what the definition of "Is" is").<br /><br />Such as:<br /><br />A verb. <br />To give pleasure (It will <em>please</em> me if she brings me some cookies with my coffee)<br />A wish (Do as you <em>please</em>)<br />To have the kindness (If it's not too much trouble, will you <em>please</em>....)<br />To be at will (It will <em>please</em> your majesty if I fluff your pillows)<br /><br />What's the point?<br /><br />I had the TV on tonight. There was a commercial for Jack Daniels or Jim Beam, can't remember which, not important. At the end of the add, it said:<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PbR_7qOkGPw/SGWvOv2ZhBI/AAAAAAAAAMU/CwggGqNWgKo/s1600-h/drinkresponsibly.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PbR_7qOkGPw/SGWvOv2ZhBI/AAAAAAAAAMU/CwggGqNWgKo/s400/drinkresponsibly.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5216768411276248082" /></a><br /><br />I've seen this before, but tonight it rubbed me the wrong way. Why does it need to be so polite?<br /><br />"I will rock your world if you drink responsibly"<br />"I wish you would drink responsibly"<br />"If it's not out of your way, I would appreciate you to drink responsibly"<br />"George Bush will be happy if you drink responsibly"<br /><br />Is any of this going to convince you, if you decide to NOT drink responsibly? I didn't think so.<br /><br />I enjoy an alcoholic beverage from time to time, I won't lie. However, when it comes to drinking responsibly, we need not be polite.<br /><br />Drink responsibly. Just do it. Yes, it's that simple. No favors required.<br /><br />Edited to add: HA! Just after I hit "Publish Post", I saw a commercial for Captain Morgan's spiced rum. At the end of the commercial it just said "Drink Responsibly". They've got the right idea!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/34829448-7586037521434648370?l=degenerateelite.blogspot.com'/></div>Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01817046883721239945noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34829448.post-17247191069495819722008-06-17T19:17:00.003-06:002008-06-17T19:19:56.264-06:00She's got the look!This weekend, I discovered a hidden talent in Alexa. A talent I've always wanted, but look constipated when I try.<br /><br />Yes, ladies and gents-- Alexa can raise one eyebrow over another:<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PbR_7qOkGPw/SFhii3D_ESI/AAAAAAAAAMM/l8DjIe3q2VU/s1600-h/alexaeye.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PbR_7qOkGPw/SFhii3D_ESI/AAAAAAAAAMM/l8DjIe3q2VU/s400/alexaeye.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5213024919717089570" /></a><br /><br />In her words, this makes her AWESOME!!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/34829448-1724719106949581972?l=degenerateelite.blogspot.com'/></div>Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01817046883721239945noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34829448.post-53136869183916733592008-06-15T20:12:00.043-06:002008-06-15T21:38:02.445-06:00Breakthrough: Exposing MyselfThis post is going to be rather uncomfortable for me. I'm going to open myself up and reveal some aspects of myself that I've kept hidden from most everyone.<br /><br />I was driving around today from one end of the Salt Lake Valley to north of Salt Lake Valley. Granted, it is Sunday in Utah so there are definitely less cars on the road, but still, I was navigating the lanes like a pro.<br /><br />This may not seem like a big deal to most people, but for me, it is huge. You see, for several years, freeway driving was a terrifying nightmare. Let me back up a bit: I <em>used</em> to be "the best driver ever!" hehe. I commuted 20 miles to and from work daily. Rain/Snow/Rush Hour didn't bother me. I was confident and good at driving. One morning, the day after Thanksgiving 1996, there was a horrible snowstorm. I was not worried, because like I said, I was good. I drove slowly, and gave myself extra time to get to work. One icy bridge, a couple of 360's and a smashed up car later, I realized I was not invincible.<br /><br />I got right back on the horse and drove on the freeways in the snow again, but each time I was terrified. Remembering in the back of my mind what *could* happen. I put myself into therapy at the time, however I started calling in sick or taking personal days whenever the weather was bad. I would freak out, panic, and obsess over weather forecasts. I would watch multiple channels a night, creating my own statistics tracker even-- this would continue for several years. A little over a year after the accident, I got married, and insisted that we live close to my work. The area was not desireable, but the commute was what mattered. When we bought our house, we knew the neighborhood was crappy, but it was 3 miles from my work. There were some great new homes being built just a few more miles west, which would have cost the same as the house we bought, but I simply would not entertain the idea of a long commute.<br /><br />Also during this time, I stopped driving on freeways altogether. To my defense, Interstate 15 was under a massive reconstruction project and I didn't want to play that game, but my fear extended to all other nearby freeways. Hell, I wouldn't even allow Jeremy to drive on them when I was in the car with him. It was backroads all the way. It took us 45 minutes to get to my parents house, instead of 25.<br /><br />I became a prisoner of my own fear.<br />I lost out on a lot of time... all those years of an extra 40 minutes just to visit my parents. I visit them a lot.<br />I could have had a house that doubled in value. Instead, my house only went up 50% by the time we ended our marriage and sold it.<br />I missed work. I missed opportunities. I pretty much became a recluse, because I knew my home was safe.<br />All of this lead to a stunted emotional growth.<br /><br />Something inside of me snapped a few years ago, and by taking baby steps, I overcame my fear of not only driving in the snow, but in general. I'm confident again. I'm a good driver again. I have no guarantees that this feeling will stay, but I sure hope so.<br /><br />I could look back on all of this full of regrets. If I didn't imprison myself, where would I be now? I try not to think about it. The possibilities were astronomical. Regretting will only make me bitter. Instead, I realize what's behind me is done, and I move onward and upward. (I hope).<br /><br />For some reason, thinking of all of this today, made me think about a former boyfriend of mine. Our chemistry was mindblowing, I know he knew that. I was his first real relationship since his marriage. However, his marriage left him traumatized and damaged. I gave him everything he needed and wanted, but when things were getting serious, he withdrew. No matter how hard I tried to get him to trust me and lean on me, he couldn't. He remembered how bad it could be. Just like I tried to drive the freeways, he tried to have a relationship. But he was scared. Even though I could have been something/someone great with spectacular opportunities and possibilities, the idea was terrifying.<br /><br />It wasn't me. It wasn't anything I did. We had some minor conflicts, but nothing severe or out of the ordinary. That wasn't the point. He wasn't ready to let go of his fears. It all seems so clear to me now. I can finally stop blaming myself!<br /><br />I hope that one day, he'll be able to dissolve his fears and have a happy, healthy relationship. They can and do exist, most of my awesome friends are proof of that. Sometimes I drive on the freeway and there's snow or heavy traffic, but I drive it carefully instead of finding the nearest exit. I wished I was the one he endure the rush-hour with, but it wasn't so.<br /><br />Now I'm going to get all Disney/Pixar on yo' ass! This reminds me of a scene in "Finding Nemo", where Dory and Marlin are hanging on to a tastebud of a whales tongue, when the whale instructs them to let go and fall down.<br /><br />Marlin: How do you know that nothing bad won't happen? <br />Dory: I don't. <br /><br />There's no way of knowing if something bad *could* happen. Bad things happen all the time. But learning to work through those situations and <em>trusting</em> again, are key elements. If Marlin didn't have Dory to push him against his instincts, he never would have found Nemo.<br /><br />Who'da thunk I would find such clarity from freeway driving, and Disney/Pixar? :)<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/34829448-5313686918391673359?l=degenerateelite.blogspot.com'/></div>Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01817046883721239945noreply@blogger.com1