Some things just don't make sense . . .

I have always sworn off of politics. I hate arguing, I hate tense situations, I hate debates. I know what I believe about all of the issues but I tend to take a very passive approach. Who am I to judge what others feel and believe? I don't want to be judged by my views on the world.

On this lovely Sunday morning of Labor Day, on a trip into Rochester to pick up food for a BBQ later with the family, I bought a Pioneer Press to get the coupons. Unfortunately, there were NO coupons in the whole paper. What a bummer! I then figured I may as well read the paper since I had bought the thing for a whole $1 (now that I own a house, $1 is a lot of money to waste)!

Glanced at the front page and happened to catch an article about a topic that I do have an opinion about and I do support. I posted a link to the article below in case anyone is interested:

http://www.twincities.com/ci_18816313?nclick_check=1

If you choose not to read it, the article is about the MN State Fair and the appearance of pro and anti groups for the upcoming marriage amendment next year. For those of you who don't know, and honestly I hadn't before I read the article (shows how much news I read haha), in 2012 there will be a vote for marriage to be defined in MN as being between a man and a woman.

Now, like I said before, I typically do not get into the whole debating thing. I prefer to live my happy little life and not create reasons for people to attack or ridicule me but this is the one and only issue that I have a real passion about. I am against the amendment to make marriage solely between a man and a woman.

I look around at how far our country has come. Considering in the past that there has been much discrimination because of age, race, gender . . . really the list goes on and on. I look at how our country has adapted and handled these issues. Of course, there were times of hardship and it took a long time to change the views of our society as a whole and of course you still see people who do discriminate (just not as vocally). I just don't understand how we can look at our struggling country, what with the economy, the current weather disasters that have caused major flooding on our East Coast, the still rather high costs of gas and cotton, the millions of animals that are in pounds and humane societies (and this list is just a few of the several hundred other problems that are happening) that we can get all worked up over two people who are of the same gender who want to show their commitment and love for each other by getting married.

One thing I have always stood for is HAPPINESS. I think that every person in the whole entire world deserves to be happy (as long as what makes them happy doesn't involve the physical/emotional harm to another living thing). If what makes me happy is to have a commitment with a woman and I want to solidify that by taking it to the next level, why should I not have the right to do so.

If you did read the article, you read the comments from Alan Lifson and Isabel Hart-Anderson. I really think they hit the nail right on the head with their comments about the amendment. I cannot understand why people believe that by allowing two people of the same sex to get married, that it harms the idea of marriage. Especially since almost 50% of marriages (and I have to think that virtually all of these marriages are between one man and one woman) end in divorce. Shouldn't divorce be the issue here? If marriage is so sacred to these individuals, why don't they protest for stronger prerequisites that couples are required to complete before getting married or why not protest to make divorce more difficult thus making marriage more of a commitment than it is in our society nowadays. Heck, Britney Spears was married and divorced in less than a week (not sure anyone remembers that anymore).

I'm sorry to be long-winded about this issue and if you have made it this far, I appreciate you taking the time. I am not the type to try to persuade anyone but I want to keep this issue in people's minds. One of my best male friends is gay and I want nothing better than for him to be in my life and at my future wedding with his partner. I also someday hope to be a part of his wedding if he and his partner choose to take it to the next level. Why don't they deserve the chance at happiness and marriage like everyone else does?

This Crazy Little Thing Called Life

Made you think twice I'll bet. If you happen to take the time to notice, I wrote a blog with the same title almost a year ago to the DAY! Amazing how time flies when you are having fun.

Here is my quote for the day!

Remember that life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, martini in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out!

Honestly though, this is how I feel about life right now! This last year has been FULL of ups and downs, tears and joy, good food and great friends, love and laughter! It's amazing to think that my life could be this wonderful. A fact that some people may not know, I spent many of my younger years in a semi-depressed state of mind. I never was picked first in gym class. I never got asked to the prom. I never had a real close group of girlfriends in the dorms. I did not get invited to all of the fun parties. Despite all of these things, I still considered myself to have a pretty good life. After this last year in Rochester, I truly feel blessed for the friends that I have, the memories that I have made and the attitude that I have.

Now please don't take this the wrong way, I LOVE my college friends and I would not trade them for anything but unfortunately the roads of life led most of us in opposite directions. Two of my best friends remain in Mankato, another is living in the Quad Cities, even more have moved to the cities. I love all of them and they all hold a special place in my heart but it has been so wonderful to create new friendships in Rochester! I am on a softball team that is in the semi-finals for the league in just a few short hours! I also am on a volleyball team with co-workers which has been a blast! Also (yes I know, I'm very busy), I joined a women's golf league and have made some new friends there as well!

This has been an awesome summer! Definitely one of the best to date! On July 3, 2011, Kenny asked me to marry him and of course I said YES! We are getting married September 8, 2012 and I couldn't be more excited! Wedding planning has been so much fun so far and I am so thankful to have one of the best bridal parties a girl could ask for! I also am so glad that Kris agreed to be my maid of honor!

Also this summer, Kenny and I are in the process of purchasing our first home! Definitely the summer for big events! We are currently set to close on a home in Byron, MN on August 26 and we both couldn't be more excited! Especially Kenny haha! The day after he looked at the house for the first time, he brought boxes home from work and has started packing! He is looking forward to having a yard to care for and having no neighbors so that he can finally get the surround sound system he has been wanting since we were in college. Riley and Kole are excited as well because they will have a fenced in yard to play in! Definitely going to be a new adventure! Keep your fingers crossed for us!

I think I should leave it at that for today! I know this wasn't a witty post but I have to fine-tune my blogging skills again! Don't worry, they should come back shortly!