Rock the Vote!

I've never been particularly political. In fact, (I probably shouldn't admit this) I think I've voted as many times as I have fingers (on my right hand...GULP). But, I'm actually really going to try to get more informed this year, so that I can make an educated decision next time I go to the polls.

This all started the other day while I was reading a magazine. I believe it was PEOPLE (but don't quote me on that). There was an article that featured an interview with Mitt Romney's wife, Ann. In this article, she talked about her husband's presidential campaign, about their family, and about her battle with multiple sclerosis. This, of course, hit home for me. She talked about how if her husband is elected, one of the places she'd like to concentrate some of her energy would be in the area of MS research. Being one of the many people diagnosed with this disease, I found this very appealing.

BUT, I'm not so selfish that I'd vote for her husband for only this reason.

I've actually done some research, and I am impressed. Mitt Romney was formally the governor of Massachusetts. While in office there, he lowered the unemployment rate considerably, and added approximately 60,000 jobs from the low point of the recession. (facts found http://www.mittromney.com/) He also worked very hard to turn Massachusetts into a state where everyone had health insurance. He's said that is also something he'd like to do when/if he becomes President. Health insurance for everyone without raising taxes. He's also considering (if elected) creating a system to confirm individuals citizenship before they can be employed in the United States. And then, if an individual is found to be in the United States illegally, but is employed, his employer will also be held accountable. I think these are all very important issues......but there are many more that I'm interested in learning his opinion on.

I know I have a long way to go before I am completely convinced that my vote is Mitt Romney's, but so far, I have nothing bad to say. I'm continually impressed by his interviews, his stance on important issues, and his past accomplishments.

I'm climbing down off this soap box now.

Today in history.....

1926-1962

“Hollywood is a place,” Marilyn Monroe once said, “where they’ll pay you a thousand dollars for a kiss, and fifty cents for your soul."

45 years ago today, in Brentwood, California Marilyn Monroe was found dead by her housekeeper. She was 36 years old.

I've always, like many people, had a facination with Marilyn Monroe. I've visited the home she lived in when she died (only up to the front gate!), and her gravesite multiple times. She was such a beautiful woman who died long before her time. Her life was full of tragedy, and triumph. She was someone who was almost as, if not more, famous after her death than she was while she was living.

Rest In Peace, Norma Jean!!!

Family

I love this peice of art (I hope to hang it in a nursery someday!!)........I love the quote below it...... and I L-O-V-E my family!!!



"Creating a family in this turbulent world is an act of faith, a wager that against all odds there will be a future, that love can last, that the heart can triumph against all adversities and even against the grinding wheel of time." - Dean Koontz

photo found at art.com

Dr. Laura

I was given a book for my bridal shower called "The Proper Care & Feeding of Husbands" by Dr. Laura Schlessinger. I've never read anything of hers, but I have listened to her radio program from time to time, and have always found her to be.....for the lack of a better word, rude. But, from time to time, she does make a point that I can relate to. So, I began thumbing through.....and something caught my attention that I thought was 'blog worthy'.

In the begining of this book (which is all I've gotten to) it talks about how very simple it is to please a man(your husband in this books' case). It says that all men really need is encouragement and affection. How you can save your marriage, and or at least greatly improve your marriage, by simply giving your husband an encouraging word now and again, making sure he feels appriciated, and making sure he's happy with the amount of affection he's receiving. I'm not sure if I totally agree or disagree with this information at this point, but I do agree with some of the other points she makes. For instance. She tells one woman how important it is to let some things slide. Her words are "if it really isn't importand, let it pass becuase nobody likes to be jumped on all the time." This is probably the one line in this book written especially for me.

I do think I'll continue to read. But, what I wanted to share here was an interesting "blurb" she has in the book. It's a bit from a male caller to her show. Read on:

A husband is like a horse. At the end of the day he is usually rode hard and put away sweaty. Like in the movies, if his master drives and beats him, he'll go just so far before bucking and rebelling.
If you love him, if you coax him, he'll drive himself till his heart explodes beofre he will let down his master. He'll give himself to death for the one he loves.

I found this very interesting. I wonder how much truth it holds. I'm sure I, like many other women, could be more of a cheerleader, and less of a mother to my (future) husband. Hmmmmmmm.....I'll post more as I read on. This could be interesting.......

Personal DNA

This is one of the most accurate personality tests I've ever taken. (see my results above....Encouraging Director....not bad!) If you'd like to try it, visit www.personaldna.com

It's great becuase not only does tell you things you are, it also shows a section in your results that says "If you want to be different"......for instance, mine read "Occasionally let yourself dream a little more, even if it doesn't seem practical or efficient." Really interesting!!!

Toasts

One of my nearest and dearest friends is getting married at the end of this month. Since I am her maid of honor, I've been asked to give a toast at the reception. While discussing this daunting task with a girlfriend of mine, she told me a something she'd used for her toast at her sisters wedding. I absolutely loved it, and will likely be using it myself.

"A successful marriage has less to do with finding the right mate, and more to do with being the right mate."

This put a lump in my throat. It's a keeper. Thank you Kelly!

Happy Birthday Reece!

This evening Tayler and I attended the birthday party of my friend Shelby's daughter, Reece. (Brian stayed home to finish up a sprinkler project in the back yard....likely story!) Shelby and I were good friends in high school, and all of these years later it turns out, we're nearly neighbors and both have little girls around the same age! It's perfect!

Reece is absolutely crazy about horses right now (she just turned 3), so that was the theme of her party. Shelby and her husband, Mike even hired a woman to bring a real, miniature pony to the party! It was a huge hit!!! The horse, although very sweet, probably could have done with out quite so much attention. But, he only kicked once, and stood patiently as each party go-er got their picture taken with him! A really great time was had by all!

The cake (posted above) was made, by scratch, by Shelby's sister, Sunshine. Shelby (and I believe her sister as well) is fairly healthy conscious. She is a vegetarian, and very particular about the foods she eats, and allows her children to eat. This cake is completely organic and was actually quite delicious!

Tayler thought the horse was very exciting, but chose not to put her arm around it during her photo op. This could very likely be because it had just prior attempted to remove a child from behind it with one of it's stubby little legs. I was very nervous, but luckily, Tayler was as weary of the pony as I was!