Proud to Be An American

I’ve never been very passionate about politics. I think they are all two-faced, power-hungry, jerks who smooth talk their way into office. I’ve never met or listened to a politician I liked. I usually feel dirty and slimy after hearing them.

Last night while I was working out, the news was rebroadcasting the Inauguration speech of Barack Obama. For some reason I’ve been very interested in this inauguration. I was excited all day yesterday that it was Inauguration Day. As I listened to Obama’s speech, I came to the conclusion…it doesn’t matter if I voted for him or not, he needs my prayers and support. Obama is an excellent public speaker and actually gave a very moving inaugural speech. I found myself a little teary eyed at parts as I contemplated the history of our country and the challenges we are facing. I set aside all of my frustration for Washington’s lofty promises and unreasonable goals and remembered the simple truth that I am proud to be an American. I know I won’t agree with all of the decisions Obama will make, but he is the leader of our country and I truly believe he wants to do all that he can to better our country. No matter what his goals and ideas are, the one thing that I can do…and every citizen can do…is pray for him. Pray that he will uphold good values and know what to do with the uncertain future. Pray that God will strengthen him and give him good judgment. Pray that he will do what is right and be blessed with inspiration. We need to pray for our President. It’s the very least we can do.

Draper Temple

I had the chance to go to the Draper Temple's open house yesterday. As you might have guessed, it is beautiful. I'm glad I snapped this picture on the way in because it is the only picture I got. Jamie and I thought there would be time or a place in the open house where we could walk around the grounds and take pictures. We were wrong. They were very efficient in shuttling us in and out. It's still a beautiful temple. Yeah...it's still in the running for the temple I might get married in. I need to do some more reconnaissance work before I can decide.

Old references

It's funny that your brain automatically refers to the first memory you have with a sound or place or whatever. The first time I was introduced to what is known as a "round-a-bout" I was in Massachusetts working on Nantucket Island for the summer. They are labeled all throughout Massachusetts as rotaries. I called them rotaries all summer, but when I returned out West, I found that they were called something different. Round-a-bouts? Who calls them that? Pretty much everyone. Now, 5 1/2 years later...I still call them rotaries. When I was in Europe, they called them round-a-bouts. The friend I went with got a little frustrated with me for always calling them the wrong thing. It's weird that I can't unlearn that silly name for something.

Same thing is true with a woman walking in high heels across a non-carpeted floor. When I hear approaching heels, I automatically think of a teacher. Teachers always wore heels and you could hear them coming a mile away. Since that was my first understanding of what that sound meant, I still automatically think of teachers. It's odd because I'm 27 years old and I've been wearing heels for many many years, but I'm not a teacher. You'd think I'd be able to unlearn that misconception too.

Lighthouses

I love it how you can casually mention that you are fond of a particular item, symbol, animal, or color and for the next 50 years of your life that is all people give you as presents. I like lighthouses. It's true. I don't deny it. But, I am not obsessed with them. I usually have a lighthouse calendar. Maybe a motivational picture on the wall. Perhaps a little lighthouse figurine on my bookshelf. That is the extent of my love for lighthouses. But in my family I am defined by lighthouses. Don't know what to get Marie...get her a lighthouse something. I like lighthouses. I think they are beautiful and wonderfully symbolic. I refuse to be the women with lighthouse curtains, towels, cookie jars, aprons and that ugly lighthouse jacket that makes me want to cry. I appreciate the kind gesture and the fact that they are thinking of me, but I can only take so many lighthouses. Anyone want a cookie?

Marley & Me

While the sales managers are in Vegas for the Consumer Electronics Show, the support staff of four ladies got permission from the boss to do a team building activity. So, my Friday afternoon at work was spent going to pizza for lunch, watching a movie, and going home early. I think the sales managers should go to Vegas more often! I appreciate a boss who sees the value of taking a break in a very busy field to relax and enjoy life a little. I also appreciate a company that understands that their biggest asset is their employees and still offers perks and activities when other companies have cut back on their employee appreciation programs. I honestly work for an amazing company. We work hard and play hard.

So we went to the movie Marley & Me. I wasn't expecting much...simple plot line and decent acting. I ended up really liking it though...on multiple levels. I liked that it was PG and just a feel good movie. It is about a young married couple and their struggles of starting new life together, blossoming their careers, and raising a family...with their dog Marley. I admit, Marley is a horrible dog. Sweet and loving, but eats everything they have, gets kicked out of obedience school, and terrorizes everything and everyone. I appreciated the different dynamics of the couple's marriage. Working through the poverty of newlyweds, the sleep deprivation of having babies, and moving a family for a job. Perhaps it is my current circumstances that makes me appreciate all this, but I was grateful to see a marriage where the couple is loyal to each other and dedicated to making it work. Even when they had rough patches and were fighting, divorce was never an option for them. They decided to "mend it, not end it."

The genuineness (not sure if that is a word...but should be if it is not) and pure love of the dog (a huge golden lab) was endearing and brought tears to my eyes in some parts. And I don't even like dogs...especially big dogs. I'm more of a cat person (but I'm allergic to them now). Given my future selection though, I'm going to have to learn to like dogs.