120 Days Of (Amy’s) Summer

So, you might be thinking 120 days? Well, yes! Unlike the traditional calendar definition of summer, *my* summer starts with the shedding of layers...and the commencement of the fun.

And 2009 was the summer of Amy. Just little old me. I’ve been self-exploring and spending time with *me* doing *me* things. Might sound very self-involved but the summer’s of 2007 and 2008 were some of the WORST in my entire life! (I wish that was an overstatement, but it’s not). But I survived. I conquered. And I really owed it to myself to have a great summer this time around. And IT WAS GREAT!

My awesome summer consisted of:

- 5 hikes. (Weak for others, pretty good for me).
- 2 new nieces. Kate Eileen and Margueriete Catherine (two little nephews coming this fall).
- 0 TV hours at my house…and I love it!
- 3 crushes. Two blondes and a brunette.
- 1 near death experience...with this very grizzly bear. I don't recommend it.

- 2 too many airplane rides.
- 3 illnesses. Lame.
- 1 Dunkin’ Donut. It was my first and my last. They super suck!
- 4 camping trips.
- 64,999. The # of *other* people at a single concert along with me, including JJ, Michelle and Carrie. (The most people I’ve ever seen at one time!)

(Can you see us? We are up front. Really:))

- 2 U2 shows! (One more to go.)
- 5 politically charged blogs. Some may think one too many but oh well.
- 6 concerts (Vast, Keane, Jonas Brothers, Depeche Mode, U2 & U2). 4 more in the queue for this fall.
- 25 lbs of weight loss....and counting.
- 2. The # of rows back from the stage at a U2 show this year. Sorry, I can't get over it.
- 1 date. (While only 1, I have to say I wasn’t even trying so it feels like a mini victory to me. I’ll take it, plus it was a good one.)
- 12 days of straight rain…in this desert...and I LOVED it!
- 2 classes. Nutrition and Tap. Call me the next Gregory Hines.
- 1 new roommate.
- 3 sleep overs at the Brough's! I sure do love you guys!!!

- 11 or so dye jobs. What? “No, it’s natural”.
- 253 miles logged on Moon Doggie (my beach cruiser… I’m NOT EVEN JOKING).
- 1 flat tire, for which I fixed myself. :)

- 5.5 books read. (A miracle for me. I normally read ½ a book a year…by the pool).
- 1 crockpot…and many new recipes cooked by someone who *doesn’t* cook. A miracle!
- 7 new pairs of shoes. Guilty as charged. Try to make me stop.

And finally …0 boyfriends which played a big role in the amazing summer of Amy.

R.I.P. summer…you were very good to me.
I’m eager to see what the fall brings me.

Perspective. Powerful. Peace.

I don't usually share this kind of thing in this forum but this was too good to keep to myself.

I admit that I've had the thought of "thank GOODNESS that I'm not married because I just don't know if I could bring children into this really scary world." Maybe I'm not alone in this thinking.

As the calamities and evil of this world seem to grow in frequency and intensity, I find it hard to have that faith over fear. I am weak.

I know its not by coincidence that I came across the transcript of a message from one of my faith's leaders on how to cope, live and love to live in these perilous times of the last days.

For those of you not of my faith, there is so much for you in this article if you have beliefs in the Savior, as well as the revelations of the Bible.

Its a long read but well worth your time. I found the PERSPECTIVE that I lacked. The message was POWERFUL and brought PEACE to my troubled soul.

Heaven knows we are all in this together and we all could use a little something. I hope you find something in it for you as I did.

OLD FRIENDS

Lately mortality has been on mind a lot. It makes me worry...a lot. Then add to it the fact that my best friend has been abnormally very sick for way too long. Kidney stones are what adults get...but wait, when did we become adults?

It would seem that my age is sneaking up on me and with greater speed every day. I feel as though I'm stuck in the Twilight Zone between a college student and full blown adult with house, husband, kids, PTA meetings and Metamusil. Some of my highschool friends even have teenagers! What the??? I definitely don't *feel* my age, but I'm not exactly sure what I feel. All I know is that I've been in this state of what feels like limbo for quite some time. I guess you could say its a bit of an identity crisis...but that doesn't stop the aging and this haunts me too. But one thing that has given me great comfort is my dear and precious friendships. They are my anchor in a sea of instability and fog.

This brings back to my thoughts about what it will be like to grow old with my dear girlfriends. I've never really thought about this before. I imagine that there will be some fun filled "Golden Girls" moments. But realistically, there will also be mammograms, kids having kids, menopause, chronic disease, ailing parents, death of a spouses or even each other. Some really super heavy things beyond saggy boobs jokes, blue hair, and penciled on eyebrows...heavy things that shopping therapy or playing with grandkids just won't be able to heal.

THE TRUTH: We are *really* going to need each other.

Just yesterday, while these thoughts mingled around my mind, I was listening to Dr. Laura (like I do) when Lillian called. Lillian was a sweet 70+ year old woman, with the cutest voice and saddest heart. Lillian currently had a full and happy life with her husband of many years but the poor dear just couldn't stop crying. Dr. Laura was trying to get out of her what her problem was....and when she finally did, Lillian grievously stuttered through her sobs "my dearest and best friend of 50 years just passed away. How am I to go on without her?"

I nearly lost it myself. The timing of such a call couldn't have been better (or maybe I mean worse). I couldn't EVEN imagine losing any of my friends!!!! Dr. Laura, trying to console her with the facts said "how wonderful is it that you can say that you had such an amazing and marvelous friendship for 50 years. Some people just don't have that. You are a very blessed woman. Celebrate what you had together."

(Then Hoover Dam broke!!!!)

There is a morale to this story...when my tears finally stopped, the light bulb dawned and I could feel the truth of Dr. Laura's words. I realized that I was also a very blessed woman. The likelihood of having many of my current friendships years into the future, like Lillian, was very high because I have absolute great friends!! There was no sense worrying about what will inevitably occur like I have been. I know I should live it up, love, appreciate and celebrate what I have. Life is too precious to be wasted on worry.

Muse Has Been Reading My Mind

From their "leaked" new single called "Uprising" by one of my favorite bands...MUSE. (sounds pretty freakin' amazing as well.)

The paranoia is in bloom, the PR
The transmissions will resume
They’ll try to push drugs
Keep us all dumbed down and hope that
We will never see the truth around (So come on!)
Another promise, another scene, another
A package not to keep us trapped in greed
With all the green belts wrapped around our minds
And endless red tape to keep the truth confined (So come on!)

Chorus:
They will not force us
They will stop degrading us
They will not control us
We will be victorious

Interchanging mind control
Come let the revolution take its toll if you could
Flick the switch and open your third eye, you’d see that
We should never be afraid to die (So come on!)
Rise up and take the power back, it’s time that
The fat cats had a heart attack, you know that
Their time is coming to an end
We have to unify and watch our flag ascend

Chorus:
They will not force us
They will stop degrading us
They will not control us
We will be victorious

- Muse

Communist Handbook

According to the congressional records of 1963, here are "The Goals of Communism".

Read the list and ask yourself, "how many of these have been accommplished or are in the works?" I think you will find that this terrifying "honey-do" list is more complete then not. Wakey wakey.

A few examples:

#28. Eliminate prayer or any phase of religious expression in the schools on the ground that it violates the principle of "separation of church and state."

#32. Support any socialist movement to give centralized control over any part of the culture--education, social agencies, welfare programs, mental health clinics, etc.

Sends Chills Up My Spine

I heard this quote several years back but recently its crossed my path again and I have to say it completely freaks me out when applied with today's prespective and events.

It is from President Ezra Taft Benson, who then served as the Secretary of Agriculture under Eisenhower. He said:

"I have talked face to face with the godless communist leaders. It may surprise you to learn that I was host to Mr. Kruschev for a half day when he visited the United States, not that I'm proud of it. I opposed his coming then, and I still feel it was a mistake to welcome this atheistic murderer as a state visitor. But, according to President Eisenhower, Kruschev had expressed a desire to learn something of American Agriculture" and after seeing Russian agriculture I can understand why. As we talked face to face, he indicated that my grandchildren would live under communism. After assuring him that I expected to do all in my power to assure that his and all other grandchildren will live under freedom he arrogantly declaired in substance: "You Americans are so gullible. No, you won't accept communism outright, but we'll keep feeding you small doses of socialism until you'll finally wake up and find you already have communism. We won't have to fight you. We'll so weaken your economy until you'll fall like overripe fruit into our hands.""

- Ezra Taft Benson, 1966 "Our Immediate Responsibility"

TIME SENSITIVE: Call Your Congressman!

While the government is distracting us with the topic of healthcare, they are moving under the cloak of night to pass a CAP & TRADE TAX bill that is going to break the backs of all Americans with ENORMOUS taxes. THE VOTE IS FRIDAY (6/26) but its nothing but crickets from the government and (state) media on this topic.

THIS IS A MASSIVE TAX ON YOU and they are using the "environment's" name in vain to do take our money from us. It will cost the average American family an addition $4000/a year by 2012. Can you spare $4000/a year?? CALL YOUR CONGRESSMAN and tell him/her to vote "NO" on CAP & TRADE! Then spread the word....email, text, call, blog, tweet to everyone you know!

TIME IS RUNNING OUT! Can you afford to do nothing?

Get Me The Hell Outta Here!

I'm sooooo done with this city....I just wanna move to the sticks. Doesn't that look nice?

It Doesn't Take A Russion To Figure This Out...Or Does It?

"It must be said, that like the breaking of a great dam, the American decent into Marxism is happening with breath taking speed, against the back drop of a passive, hapless sheeple, excuse me dear reader, I meant people."

No, these are not the words of Rush Limbaugh or another conservative commentator. These thoughts are from a Russian newspaper article which mocks America's loss of her freedoms and democracy. Despite his mockery, his words have sound wisdom and fact...a clear picture of where America is headed. I mean, who better to recognize the signs of Marxism than a Russian whose lived under communist rule right?

But are we "sheeple"? Are you really following our government blindly as it leads us to communism disguised in the cloaks of "progressivism" and "socialism"?

He goes on: "First, the population was dumbed down through a politicized and substandard education system based on pop culture, rather then the classics. Americans know more about their favorite TV dramas then the drama in DC that directly affects their lives. They care more for their "right" to choke down a McDonalds burger or a Burger King burger than for their constitutional rights. Then they turn around and lecture us about our rights and about our "democracy". Pride blind the foolish. "

I have to admit that I am guilty of just that. I can rattle off song after song of the U2 album catalogue or quote word for word every Seinfeld episode but I cannot name off all of the 10 Bill of Rights. I can't tell you how many amendments are in the constitution. (I looked it up, its 27). I can't say that I even understand our legislative processes fully. I'm pathetic...but I can at least say that now I am trying.

He says, "The final collapse has come with the election of Barack Obama. His speed in the past three months has been truly impressive. His spending and money printing has been a record setting, not just in America's short history but in the world. If this keeps up for more then another year, and there is no sign that it will not, America at best will resemble the Wiemar Republic and at worst Zimbabwe."

SCARY!!! Don't know what the Wiemar Republic is, google it.

What I have learned in reading our American History is that this hasn't come about with Obama alone. The unraveling of America started with Woodrow Wilson, continued on through FDR and even on with Bush policies though Obama has been a major contributor in his short six months. So really, this isn't about taking sides. America cannot afford for us to continue on divided along party lines when both parties are sinking our ship. Are we paying attention yet?

We've got to get it into our heads that:
- America is not invincible. Even the great Roman empire fell. Is history repeating itself?
- We control the government, it doesn't control us.
- We as individuals CAN make a difference. Martin Luther King Jr. started as just one voice.

So what can regular Americans do?

As a regular American (trying to practice what I preach) these are my suggestions:

- Identify your values and stick to them. Don't sell them out for ANYTHING!

- Do your homework. Read *real* American history. Don't lean on the indoctrinization of the progressive movment. Learn of the founding fathers and study the constitution. A few books that I'm reading and plan to read are "The 5000 Year Leap", "The Real George Washington", "The Forgotten Man", "American Progressivism", "Liberal Fascism" and "Common Sense". Surprisingly, what I've read has been very fascinating. Try them out.

- Share your values, books, thoughts and what you've learned with your family and friends.

- Get involved locally...in your neighborhood, your city, your county, your state. Support and urge people to run for office that have integrity that *know* the Constitution and *wants* to restore America as the Founding Fathers intended it to be.

- Vote to keep the power with the people. No more power to the government. (i.e.: I don't agree with smoking but I think that people should be able to smoke outside in public parks in they want to. Its just another right that has just *poof* disappeared.)

- Don't assume everything you hear is fact. Again, do your own homework & research.

- Go with your gut. Its generally right.

- Remember your not alone. The media will try to make you feel alone, but you are surrounded by like minded, regular Americans that are just like you.

- Don't give up. Be consistant with your efforts.

I am begging you ....please don't be a "sheeple". I never want to have the real life perspective of this Russian writer who has lived the nightmare of communist rule. Nor do I want my posterity or yours to either. "We The People" must stand and fight together... or else "pride blind the foolish".

Bragging Rights

I work for the BEST company!!!! No really, I do...

We learned that my company was named a 2009 winner of "Utah's Best Place To Work". I mean, I already knew this but this just makes it official. I AM SO FREAKIN' EXCITED! (See what free milk, crackers and Thursday "Treat Day" can buy ya.)

This is BIG news, particularly for my department. Its been a major goal of HR's to get us this title. We've worked very hard and it feels oh-so-good. Looks like "Mind that Bird" isn't the only one standing in the winner's circle this week.

Department of Workforce Service's award staff said: "This year the amount of nominations almost doubled from last year. Because of the large number of nominations and the high quality of the companies, the competition was especially fierce."

We've been trying to win for the last five years!!! Interestingly enough, this happens to be the one year that Michelle has been on our HR team. Coincidence? You be the judge.

I'm off to celebrate...again (company champagne toast was this morning for breakfast.)

My (new) Favorite Things

I am not Oprah and I know its not Christmas but I still got me some "favorite things".

There will always be my good ole favorite things such as U2, ice-cream, "24", shoes, MAC, Bruno, Yellowstone, anything peanut butter, etc. But as of late, I've discovered a few NEW things that make me happy to add to my list:

CASTLE: Its a new TV show on ABC that I just got into (before I gave up on TV but I will likely still sneak a peak online at this funny and unique show). Its about a hot babe female cop and a handsome crime novelist. He's writing a new book and wishes to base his latest crime fighting character on the hot babe cop...and she ABSOLUTELY HATES it but I LOVE it. Its great plus looking at hot Nathan Fillion is a lot of fun too.

PEPPERMINT: A few things peppermint, that is.

• Regular peppermint oil...I just add it to my daily lotions for a good tingling sensation.
• Victoria Secrets' has a "Beauty Rush" lip-gloss in peppermint that I just can't get enough of.
• Bath & Body Works CO. Bigalow "Mentha Vitamin " Lotion AND Body Wash (with peppermint oil). CAUTION: Careful with the body wash as if you get it in tender dark places, it will tingle a little too much (know what I mean) unless you're into that sort of thing.

BIG HUNKS (the candy bar): Seriously, these things are amazing! With only 230 calories, I love that I cannot gulp one down in just one bite. It takes me some good effort to gobble the big guy up, not to mention that its tasty.

WALKING: I'm doing a walking tour of the valley this spring. I pick a new neighborhood and walk about 3 miles of it a day (or I try). It offers variety, its scenic and basically I love to covet other people's giant houses and yards. Thats right, I live on the edge.

MAVERICK's FRO-YO: I think the props for this lovely treat introduction goes to Loooooori and Carrie. Its the best soft serve since a Carnival cruise ship.


MY FISH: I pulled a "Carrie" and got me a bubble eyed gold-fish and he's adorable! His name is George Michael, originally named after the teen character from the tv show "Arrested Development". However, he's so frilly and wiggles his hip-less body as if he was Shakira, that I think he takes after the artist named George Michael instead (if you know what I mean). If he had ears, I bet he'd get them pierced.
ZUPPAS: A (new to me) restaurant that serves the best paninis, salads and soups. Its so dang good that I even dare go in on a frightfully sizzling day in July and order up their "Lobster Bisque" without even a second thought. I also recommend their "Caribbean Coconut Pumpkin" soup. Mmmmmm. Carrie, my body thanks you for introducing me to this place.



DEPECHE MODE's "SOUNDS OF THE UNIVERSE": Its their latest album and 'F'amazing! Its so good...and so naughty at the same time. That DM just can't do a thing "Wrong". Can't wait to see their show this fall.

American Idle

Ever feel like God is trying to get a message to you? Not just once or twice but many times through many different means...BIG MEANS? Well, He's been trying to get to me...and I finally heard it loud and clear.


My name is Amy and I am an American Idle. Basically, I am lazy or rather I have become even more so as of late. I can't blame it on much. Winter blues use to be a good reason but not so much any more. Its just that I LOVE TV and watch too much. (sigh) I don't exercise enough and the guilt is getting to me. I eat out too much because cooking takes time and effort. I live by the motto..."Diet Starts Tomorrow" but tomorrow never seems to come. I haven't even worked on new hobbies or talents in a long time. I hope I can find them under that bushel where I left them. So basically...I'm dating my sofa (its a nice lay...LMAO, I crack myself up).

I didn't EVEN go into the things of a more spiritual nature but you get my drift...I have let myself go to (spiritual) pot too.

Lets face it...I am not happy. I am wasting my life away here! Hence the giant blimp from the Lord. "I hear you loud and clear now."

I wrote down a quote about a year ago...it haunts me today: "Don't let *someday* get away from you. In this aspect, time becomes your enemy." Tell me about it...its how I spent most of my 20's and the ememy won that battle...but not the war.

What a mess...where to start, where to start? I think the first baby step has to be a BIG step....I think the TV has to go. DID I JUST SERIOUSLY SAY THAT!?? (cold sweats). Honestly, if my leg is sceptic, it has to be cut off to save my life right? (Too much E.R. and Grey's Anatomy...case in point.) I think I'm to this point.

Hopefully I can talk my roommate into the elimination of our satellite dish STAT (while I'm still hearing God's message ringing in my ears and feeling brave). How bad can it be? Lowder and Michelle without. (Oh man, this is gonna hurt.)


Now...what to do with five extra hours a night? Oh boy...I've been working on a list for quite some time waiting for "tomorrow" to come. It would include the basics of exercise, cooking dinner, scripture study, etc. But some other things I'd like to try:

- reading more...(I pretty much suck at it but have longed to be an avid reader)
- golf and more golf
- take karate lessons...REALLY!
- attend a tea party (no, a real one)
- play the guitar more
- learn to sew (and sow)
- under water basket weaving
- plant a garden....or maybe just a herb or two
- I could really stand to do some service
- exercise some more
- actually socialize with people rather than objects that require a mouse or remote
- perfect my origami skills
- photography
- catch up on 3 years worth of music (talk radio is such a downer)
- paint (this one is for Carrie)

I am NOT judging anyone that watches T.V. I am just saying that you likely have much more self-control than me. 40 hours a week CANNOT be good for the soul (or sole).

"Slothfulnes (laziness/procrastination) casteth into a deep sleep; an idle soul shall suffer hunger." - Proverbs 19:15

...and its time I wake up because man, I am hungry.

Thank you Lord for loving me despite myself and keeping after me. I was "Lost" in my own
lazy hell "24" hours a day. Please help me with a "Prison Break" of my old self with an "Exteme Makeover" so I can go from living a life in "Scrubs" as "Ugly Betty" to the "Biggest Loser". No more living the life of an "American Idle".

The Good, The Bad & The Ugly

THE GOOD: So, apparently everyone in my family is doing the horizontal mambo except for me...(thats not the good part) and they are doing it "unprotected". The latest to prove this statement true is my cute baby sister Sarah and her husband John. Last night at family dinner a cleverly illustrated cake (made by Sarah) joyfully announced they are going to have a baby. The cake said "We Reep what we sow" with a pregnant stick figure (their last name is Reep)!!! YEAH!!!!!!!!! They have been married 1.5 years and this is their very first. I'm very excited for them and know that they will be amazing parents. I will, again, be an amazing aunt.

THE BAD: The bad news is that this poor baby will be born mid-December and share birthdays with its mother, it's uncle Jeff , auntie Amy, and Jesus too. Poor kid.

Just to recap, my family is growing faster than the national debt. In the last 1.5 years, our family has:

- had 2 marriages (so a new brother-in-law & sister-in-law for me)
- adoption of Anthony (my step-nephew) through one of these marriages
- given birth to 2 babies (Phoenix & Kylie Sue)
- AND now we have 4 brand new babies due this year!!!!! FOUR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! INSANE but I do love being an aunt.

THE UGLY: Now people, this is where I make this all about me. I'm the oldest here. There are only 5 of us and with 4 of my siblings (again, younger than me) being pregnant, that leaves only me being the single one...and the non-pregnant one. The one with the dying eggs. I never imagined I'd be in this situation. I can't think of anyone right now who can relate to my placement here but again people, I'm making this about me.

In all seriousness, I am deeply troubled by what this all means, mainly where my cute little family is concerned ..... because I'm being left behind. They are all moving on and progressing with their marriages and now all their babies...growing their own families, while my own personal family is still dinner for one. To top it off, in the last year I took a big step closer towards a family of my own and then a GIANT and painful step backwards...for hell's sake. It isn't for lack of trying but nothing makes you feel like more of a failure, more lost, more lonely than this kind of data right here...and its called MY LIFE!

Now, please don't tell me its not a race...I know this. Please don't tell me I should be happy for them, because I truly am. And PLEASE don't tell me it'll be my turn soon...as I've been telling myself this for YEARS! Try walking in my shoes...and tell me that this doesn't hurt just a bit. I know that a man, a marriage and a family doesn't define me. I know that those things are not the only way a person can be happy in life BUT it is what I so desire and want more than anything. And I don't want every family dinner, holiday, reunion, party, trip, shower and BBQ to remind me that I've failed thus far and that I just don't plain fit in with my own family anymore. I've tried, and I do try and I really just want to have a little pity party for a while before I do the Amy thing and pick myself back up and go on being so damn optimistic.

The Morale of the Story is...

FACE YOUR FEARS...OVER COME YOUR WEAKNESSES!

I was in charge of coordinating our stake blood drive for my ward. This required me to spend a number of hours with the Red Cross workers during the drive.

Well, a few hours into the bank we heard a loud "bang". Someone had fainted but NOT JUST ANYONE...a phlebotomist!!! Turns out, the poor guy passes out at the "sight of blood". ITS HIS JOB! Its his job and not because anyone made him. I doubt its the only job he could ever have. Its his job because he chose it. He wanted to face his weakness...his fear, and make it his strength and according to his supervisor, he was doing really well.

What an example to me. I just might stop and think about that next time I fear something or question my ability to do something.

I Need A Hero!

As a citizen on patrol, I've been known to call 911 a few times (a week). Today I learned a very valuable lesson when my dear friend Carrie was the one to call 911 which resulted in the 911 operator requesting her to do heart compressions on a homeless guy! Phew, that was a close one....that could've been me. That'll teach me to be so quick to dial 911.

In all seriousness though, Carrie was a hero today. Not only did she fearlessly jump into action as she was flagged down by a homeless guy (a scary situation for a single gal) and called 911 at his request, she also did 200 chest compressions until the paramedics finally arrived. It seemed like forever.

But Carrie wasn't done being the hero yet. Seeing that the victim's brother was very upset, she stepped up and helped to console him. And though she hates to touch people, she managed to rub his shoulder for 10 minutes to calm him down. A hero again.

A part that I'm leaving out is that when I happened on the scene, just 60 seconds after Carrie (we had been shopping together but driven separately; I was behind her on the road) the victim's coloring was so very poor and he laid lifeless. I seriously thought I was witnessing a spirit leaving a body. I've never seen a person die before (nor did I want to.) It was a very surreal moment and I just couldn't believe it was happening.

I don't know if Carrie was praying as hard as I was but I KNOW that Heavenly Father heard my prayers and blessed Carrie to follow through with what she'd been tasked to do. I know He blessed that man to start breathing again and regain consciousness. A miracle.

By the time the paramedics arrived, the victim was breathing again; his color was a shade better but he was still a very sick man.

All in all, Carrie was a good example to me in her brave actions. I thank the Lord for allowing us to be there at the right time ....and for making Carrie a hero tonight.

"You're Not Alone..."

...rang between my ears today... and it turns out it wasn't a lie.

Today I attended a local Tea Party downtown and we partied like it was 1776. It was so much fun!!! (Lots of seriously hot guys too.) But in all seriousness, I felt a surge of patriotism as I participated in an act so fundamentally American...no matter our message.

But there was a strong message, one that I adamantly believe in...PASSIONATELY in fact!! I have found that despite a very few people, I've stood relatively alone in my beliefs within my social circles. My beliefs have not been popular at all and that is fine...truly because I'm secure enough in them to stand on my own two feet. But I have to admit that it was SO NICE to be amongst similar minded people today (and not just a few but 2,500 to 3,000 in my little city.) Additionally, it gave me so much hope within me that the America I know and I love still exists on some level. I had really worried that this wasn't the case and it has bothered me A LOT (that's an understatement).

Notable SLC rally highlights (besides the uniting message):

1. While I'm yelling "booo" with the rest of the crowd, Michelle insists I'm saying "moooo". LOL. Stop with the fat jokes.

2. At the mention of Senators Hatch and Bennett, the crowd started chanting "Send them home"...hell ya! Vote their out of office already! TERM LIMITS!

3. It was pouring down rain, then (sideways) snow...IT WAS COLD yet we all stuck it out. Us Rocks!

4. A sea of umbrellas...normal for Seattle, not SLC.

5. Non-partisan responsibility: A call for both Democrates and Repulicans change or else...

6. Hot guys, kids, business people, moms, veterans, grandparents (one couple with a sign saying "Stop stealing from my grandkids"), dogs...did I mention hot guys. Congressman Jason Chaffetz too...I love that guy (but I still think even he needs term limits).

7. And finally losts of great signs that sum up our purpose for gathering with these messages...

"Elephants and Asses are screwing the masses."

"Stop DC Pirates."

"I'll keep my guns, freedoms and money, you keep the CHANGE."

(I don't know what that means.)

Now to those friends, family and co-workers who disagree with my thoughts, opinions and beliefs there is something that you need to know...

The liberal media have and do call me an "idiot" and "freak" (and worse) just for having different beliefs from theirs. However, I totally expect you to be respectful to me where they they have failed. You can count on me to be respectful to you. This doesn't mean that we have to agree and we can have conversations but I will not be made fun of or put down. There are many things for which I can laugh at myself about and endure the teasing...but on this subject, I cannot. I take this stuff very serious and as result I have no sense of humor on this.

To those who share my beliefs...don't be afraid to stand up for them because the morale of this story is that YOU ARE NOT ALONE.

Anyone Excited For Tax Day?

I am!! Wait. Huh? Thats right...I am excited for Tax Day this year as I will be attending a nationwide Tax Day Tea Party.

What's a Tea Party? Here is the scoop, particularly on the Utah Tea Party but they are happening all over the U.S. for the same reason. Its a non-partisian group of the "Silent Majorty"...but we aren't going to be silent any more!!!! "A Revolution is a Brewing"....

THE DETAILS:"It's easy to see the damage that recent decisions in Washington Democrats are doing to our freedoms and to our economy. But it's not just Washington. And it's not just the Democrats. We believe that the best way to fix Washington is to start closer to home and present the case to Utahns that our Republican leadership is supporting much of the same big-government socialism that is constantly creeping in. We believe that many Utahns support the Republican leadership by default and don't pay much attention to politics. But if presented with the evidence, many would join us in replacing our local politicians with those who will uphold the founding principles. It's our mission to awaken our neighbors and fix our own state first. Then...we'll be united and ready to take on Washington.
WHEN: April 15, 2009 Noon-2PM
WHERE: Federal Building, 125 S State St., Salt Lake City
WHO: Everyone! Spread the word
SPEAKERS: Attorney Gen. Mark Shurtleff, Rep Jason Chaffetz, Rep Rob Bishop, Author and Activist Candace Salima
WANT TO KNOW WHY WE ARE DOING THIS:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zp-Jw-5Kx8k

If you believe in this message and want to join me, give me a call.

(On a personal note, I thought it was pretty great that I got to meet Rep. Jason Chaffetz about a month ago. I respect him greatly (he hasn't been spoiled by Washington yet...I hope he never is). I got my picture with him that I would LOVE to post but lets just say its a much better shot of him than it is of me. All in all, my mother was very impressed that I was off meeting honorable conservative congressman and not off chasing Bono around. Then I broke the news that I was going to chase Bono around this fall. She didn't even hear me. She was still beaming with pride about Congressman Chaffetz. LOL. I love my dear little politctial driven mom.)

People...Its TEA TIME!

A FEW QUOTES I FEEL *REALLY* GOOD ABOUT

"The most terrifying words in the English language are: 'I'm from the government and I'm here to help." --Ronald Reagan

"Patriotism is easy to understand in America; it means looking out for yourself by looking out for your country."-- Calvin Coolidge

"When I die, I desire no better winding sheet than the Stars and Stripes, and no softer pillow than the Constitution of my country." -- Andrew Johnson

"We must always remember that America is a great nation today not because of what government did for people but because of what people did for themselves and for one another." -- Richard Nixon (We've totally forgotten this and it will be to our demise if we don't do something about it quick.)

A Week (or so) In Review.....

Al Gore can KISS MY ASS!!!!

Cheese Heads!

The 912 Project

"The 9-12 Project is designed to bring us all back to the place we were on September 12, 2001. The day after America was attacked, we were not obsessed with Red State, Blue States or political parties. We were united as Americans, standing together to protect the values and principles of the greatest nation ever created."

This is something that I profoundly believe in. I wish to share it, *even* with those who make fun of my beliefs, passions and interests. Because no matter what, we are all united as Americans and we all have a stake in her future.

Please check it out and see if you agree with its 9 principles and 12 Values. "We the People" can make a difference if we stand together. http://www.the912project.com/

Not Just a Cliché

Do people really help little old ladies across the road? WHY YES THEY DO. And not just "people", but Michelvis. Its true and very surreal! I was like, "is this really happening, its so cliché?"

Today as we were running a work errand, we were stopped at a red light when we saw the oldest/shortest lady in the most colorful attire with a hat, sunglasses, bag, and a walker trying make her way across the street in front of us....VERY slowly.

We pondered this situation aloud...

Amy - "Think she'll make it?"
Michelle - "Its still green, she has time."
(we watched for a few seconds)
Amy - "Are you sure?"
Michelle - "No. Crap, she's not gonna make it!"

Michelle jumps out of my car to rescue grandma who was about to be mowed down by 3 lanes of traffic. The light turned green. A female pedestrian, seeing this crisis unfolding, jumped out into traffic to stop approaching cars. (We are women, here us roar!) Michelle grabbed grandma's bag and her arm to get her moving a bit faster. That was probably the right move as in my mind, I was thinking that Michelle might pick her up and throw her over her shoulders (she was tiny and time was of the essence). The lady says to Michelle "you're pulling me too fast!" Michelle had to explain to her it was so she didn't get KILLED!!!!!

Two days later, they'd both made it safety across the street. It didn't take as long as it takes John to heat up taquitos, but it sure was close. I just sat there watching and shaking my head thinking "did this just really happen?"

This is proof people...its not just a cliché (though this boy scout was wearing stilettos and earrings and does hip thrusts like Elvis.)

I Think We've Learned Our Multiplications

Whatever you do, don't drink the water at my family's house. Apparently its been contaminated with whatever is in Angelina Jolie's water.

My family learned just a few months earlier that my sister Ann was expected her 4th (accidentally, ha ha) in May. YEAH!

But on Sunday night, I learned that my sister-in-law Kim and my brother Jeff are having a baby too! I am so very excited for them as they have been married for 5+ years and this will be their first child in October. We've unmercifully been pressuring Jeff to give Kim what she wants more than anything...a baby. This is a very very VERY exciting news!!!!

But that's not all....

My sister-in-law Bonnie and my brother Robert decide to get in on the baby news action by also announcing that they are going to be having a baby in October too!!!!!!
HOLY COW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My little family has been growing slowly for the last 10 years. But between 2007 and 2009 (including babies on the way) we will have grown by 8!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THIS is monumental and blows my mind. Its so exciting! We will never be as large as the Osmonds, but I think we are trying.

STOP PLAYING THE RACE CARD ALREADY!!!!!!

So when are we going to stop making race an issue? No really, I want to know. We elected a black president (historical and absolutely awesome no matter your political stance). Wasn't this to be one of the largest steps in burying racism? Apparently not and it super pisses me off!!

o close advisors to the President have made "race" an issue recently and its not okay with this American!!! GIVE IT UP ALREADY. Let's be color blind people like we've been taugh and lectured about over and over and over again.

1. Attorney Eric Holder (doesn't matter his race) said this week that "the US is a nation of cowards" because we don't have honest discussions about race. WHAT THE HELL? I thought we were to be color blind and unite and not talk about the things can divide, specifically race. I do that all day long at work. I look at every employee the same and don't divde or judge based on their ethnic orgins. All are equal. Can we give this race thing a break already... apparently not.

2. Recently, Robert Reich, an economic advisor to Obama, spoke about the $104 billion dollars of the stimulus for new construction to create jobs. He had the gall to say "These jobs should not go to white construction workers". Rather that he wanted them to go to other ethnic groups and woman. Um, excuse me??????? As someone in HR, this isn't a complicated issue. The jobs should go to the MOST QUALIFIED, NO MATTER THEIR RACE OR SEX. Hello, wasn't there a fire under Obama to get this stimulus passed stat so America isn't harmed further? Then why the hell wouldn't we want to hire the "most qualified" (again, no matter their race) who are already trained and can hit the ground running? No brainer. Why waste time training unqualified people simply because they are a different race or sex? ABSOLUTELY MINDLESS. And frankly, ITS RACISM. REVERSE RACISM IS STILL RACISM!!!! If I said these things in my hiring practices, the Dept of Labor would be all over my ass for breaking the law. So, its okay for our government to do this? What happened to "all men are created equally"? I don't believe there is any fine print in the Constitution that says (except for those opportunistic white males.) Frankly this is hate speech Reich needs to be held accountable for his racist comments.

I'd like to see these men, who have overcome racist American history to achieve high ranking, successful positions be better examples to ALL Americans and stop playing the race card already!!!!

No Words

Size Doesn't Matter

My cute little Morleigh LOVES LOVES LOVES boxes!!! Any time one is around she'll jump in it as soon as she spots it and play around, hide, or take a nap. I guess she's like any toddler...they love boxes too. Recently after a shoe shopping extravaganza, as I was putting new shoes away, I turned around and discovered that for Morleigh, size doesn't really matter.

"Fat cat in a little box"

My President

Its no secret that Obama was not my guy at election time but it turns out that no matter my opinion or my vote, he is my guy now.

As my president..

- I will respect him for the office that he holds but I will not follow him blindly.
- I will support the things he does that I believe to be right and good for our nation but I must question and discourage those things that I feel are wrong.
- I will pray for him.

As an American...

- I do respect Obama for rising above the culture and poverty he grew up in and the difficult family situation he was raised in to become the leader of the free world.
- I am touched that he is such a great father and husband.
- I am grateful that American has elected our first African American president and what that says about us.
- I vow that I will NOT follow the example of many liberal Americans of the last 8 years who hated, attacked, and totally disrespected a president 100% of the time SOLEY for being in a different party than them. Obama and I are bound to disagree on many things (he's a liberal democrat / I am a conservative), that is inevitable. Again, I will praise and support him on the issues that we connect on and even if we disagree 99.9%, I won't hate or disrespect him just for being a liberal.
- who voted against him, I hope that I voted wrong. I truly hope that Obama proves my hesitation about him to be completely unfounded.

God Bless America.

One of Amy's Toe Tappin' Tunes

My first post of 2009 goes to a very blog-worthy song..."Spiraling" by Keane. I AM TOTALLY IN LOVE WITH THIS SONG!!! Its got an very original sound, its funky, its a bit saucy (to me), and its Keane, one of my all time favorite bands...(they are adorable, can you blame me?)

What is it about? I have no clue. Okay, I have some idea but I would love your opinion on the song meaning. Can some of you deep thinkers help this yellow out? It could be about dog food or taxes and I'd love it (the sound really rocks my face off) but I seriously wonder if I get the meaning of it.

Now its possible you have heard it all before or its been on the radio (I have no idea, I don't listen to the radio) but if not, check it out here and then give me your two cents.

I hope you fall in love with it too.