A term used a bit loosely...

Definition of BIGOT
: a person who is obstinately or intolerantly devoted to his or her own opinions and prejudices; especially : one who regards or treats the members of a group (as a racial or ethnic group) with hatred and intolerance (taken from Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary)

So, am I a bigot? I was called one today, and it got me thinking about the word, it's meaning and is it used out of context. I'll present my case and let you decide.

There was an article in one of our local newspapers about a man who lived across the street from a business. Every day, according to the article, the man and his wife are subjected to an image that is offensive to them on an employee of that business vehicle: the silhouette of a naked woman in the rear window (like the mud flaps, just much bigger in size). The employee, a female, was approached by this man to move her vehicle. She didn't. So he went and asked the employer to tell this woman to move her vehicle. She did... for one day, but was back at it again the next day. So, this man called the cops, stating that this was akin to soft-porn and he wanted it removed. That's a brief summary of the article. I, maybe stupidly, read the comments and was stunned! Probably about 90% of the comments thought the man was in the wrong and needed to leave this woman alone and "turn his head away" if it offended him so bad. It's her right and freedom of speech, after all, to put whatever she wants on her vehicle. "get a life!" was a popular statement. I must admit, my blood was boiling a bit, so I posted a comment on there myself. My point was how if anything that is viewed as offensive, based on what I'd read, we could also apply that theory to religious symbols, too. Don't like it, turn your head, right? Well that's when I was called a bigot. (I wonder if we turned the story around and the woman had a cross in her rear window and the guy took offense, what that story would play out as). So, I go to church and the sermon was based from Jonah 4. Basically, how after Jonah went to Nineveh, he still wanted to see the Ninevites smite as he felt they didn't deserve God's compassion and forgiveness. The pastor went as far as to call Jonah a spiritual bigot. (how weird that this word would cross my path twice in one morning?!) I could identify a bit with Jonah and his attitudes. But my question was who is bigoted: Me or the people on the other side of the naked silhouette chick issue? They are just as stubborn and sure of their beliefs as I am. Or is bigot too strong a word for all parties involved. I tell myself these hoity-toity know-it-alls are seriously confused and lack simple understanding of respecting our fellow man. I will admit there are certain behaviors I won't do around certain people as it's a respect issue. I'm not so crass as to force my will on everyone! If this guy truly did ask this woman to move her vehicle and she didn't just to get a rise out of him, that's just plain bullying. Now, if I had a neighbor who did something similar, I'm pretty sure I wouldn't call the police on them. But I still think it's a respect issue. Anyway, I know as a Christian, we are to love people and show them the love of God, no matter what. But, we are also to be discerning of this world and follow God's will/laws. In doing that, am I a bigot? If I expect other people to understand that about me, am I a bigot? Why is it that when it comes to religion, the bigot is usually the person who holds the higher standard of morality. I was also compared to the Taliban, who last I checked murdered people for not agreeing with them. I really don't want to kill anybody ever, regardless of whether or not one agrees with me! But seriously, I know it's easy to condemn and hard to forgive, but if I condemn, I'm a bigot, if I forgive, maybe I'm becoming relaxed in my moral values. I struggled with the hypocrisy of it all; how a religious symbol can enrage the same group of people and a naked image of a woman won't. Are they the bigots? Is it my place to say if anyone of us is bigoted or not? In our society, it's seems more acceptable to just go along with whatever feels good. "If it doesn't bother me, who cares?" I am finding that I'm not apart of that group. I want to take a stand, a strong stand, against what I feel is wrong. If I do that, am I bigoted? If I believe homosexuality is wrong, am I a bigot. Or is that the word to throw at me to shut me up? If I believe a man standing up for what he thinks is wrong is okay, are we both bigots? Or is that word being thrown at us to make us feel ashamed of our opinions. When did it become to "let every person believe whatever they wanted" except when they're a Christian? I know that the Bible talks about how the world views the Cross as offensive, but as a nation who 80-some% claim belief in God, why is this even an issue? Honestly, if you couldn't tell, being called a bigot got under my skin. I kind of had thought, up until today, that I was pretty tolerant of other people's views, but maybe I'm not. Perhaps I'm a bigot. Maybe I should wear that label with pride; I've always liked the idea of being original, not like everyone else. Maybe this is it! What do you think?

Who me? Opinionated?!

I love this band and am so excited to get their new album (it releases October 24!). I so rarely purchase CDs, esp. in the era of downloads, but some bands (note I said BANDS) deserve it and Coldplay is one of them. I'm contemplating a special trip to Havre just to buy it!

Just because baby Lisa is getting more press in her disappearance has nothing to do with race! That grandma in Glendale, AZ has every right to be upset on her granddaughter's disappearance, too. But to suggest it's race based is plain stupid. Tho she is getting some national media attention now. Baby Lisa's case is puzzling and the parents behavior is bewildering; that's why they are getting more press. Jahessye's mom did act negligently and I truly hope that adorable little girl is found safe and sound, but there is nothing race based on coverage. Unfortunately, it's luck of the draw. I guess this is the age of Obama... this is the hope and change people wanted, right?

Speaking of that, have you heard about the insane mom in Seattle? The Air Force Veteran who strongly opposed her daughter saying the Pledge of Allegiance every morning at school? Check this quote out: "It pains me to think that at a school that emphasizes thinking globally we would institute something that makes our children think that this country alone is where their allegiance lies," said Haley Sides. "This has no educational value for young children. Absolutely none." The article later states that According to the paper, the pledge will be read over the PA system every Monday and recited in individual classrooms the other days of the week. Students who don't want to participate will be allowed to sit or stand respectfully. What is the issue. Oh! Haley Sides, 26, moved to Seattle after four years in the Air Force so her 6-year-old daughter could attend John Stanford International School, which promotes the same multiculturalism that Sides says she has tried to instill in her half-Jamaican daughter, according to the paper.
But Sides became angry when the school’s new principal announced that students will be asked to recite the Pledge of Allegiance each day before the start of classes. The policy, which has long been mandated by district policy but not traditionally observed at John Stanford , will start Monday. (Italics taken from foxnews.com) Never mind this school is located in America and John Stanford International School is an award-winning Seattle public elementary school. That last phrase is taken directly from the JSIS website. This woman, while clearly narrow-minded, has no case here. A silly thing to cry over, in my humble (and correct!) opinion. I am really tired of the few, yet very loud, intolerant individuals who think others are treading on their rights. What about those who WANT to say the pledge? What about their rights? What about those who want the Jesus statue to stay up at Big Mountain. What about their rights? So you don't believe in Jesus? It doesn't align with your way of thinking? So you think no one should have the privilege to enjoy their beliefs if you can't enjoy yours? I'm over people like you. Sit quietly and meditate on yourself (cuz people with your "belief" system are quite self-centered) and let those of us, who live in the land of the free and the ability to worship how we please, alone!

How 'bout them '9ers?! 5-1, people. Not bad. And I'm pleasantly surprised. The handshake between Harbaugh and Lions Coach Schwartz was a bit unprofessional, but was totally overblown. I watched it happen and Harbaugh was greeting everyone in his radius with the same exuberance. Granted, he should've toned it down for Schwartz, but to say that it was intentionally disrespectful is a bit much. I am biased, maybe, but I saw no reason for all the hoopla. Both coaches have taken teams with losing seasons and turned it around in less than a year. There's a lot of competitiveness and tension on either side. I actually liked the abrasiveness of it; this is football people! Not pansy-ball. Let's get excited and play with passion. That is what I saw after that game. It was somewhat refreshing.

I'm so excited for this coming Wednesday! Womens basketball for adult ed. I'm only hoping the women in the area don't go lame-sauce on me and skip out. If people don't show, they won't continue it. Even if you're out of shape (I know I am, but I'm working on it), just come. It's for fun... don't let me down, ladies!! Please!

Taryn is in the midst of her first cold. It's not too bad, she's mostly congested, but when babies are obligate nose-breathers, simple tasks like eating are very difficult! Poor thing! I've stocked up on Vicks Rub and Vapor to add to her humidifier in her room, but still. A couple parents, who clearly have no ability to read or common sense, over dosed their babies, so now apparently all parents will do this, so no medication to alleviate your child's symptoms. It's just like anything else in our sue-happy society: one person ruins it for everyone. My poor Ter-bear, sorry a few numbnuts ruined it for you!

To end on a fun note, I have some fun news: I'm going to dye my hair! We were watching TV the other day and during one of the commercials, Tony stops and says, "You see that chick in the commercial?" "Yeah, what about it?" "Well, I like her hair. You should try something like that." Seriously, he said that! I had thought all this time he liked my blonde hair. Well, he does, he just thinks I'd like to try something new. He's right. I always, tho never really successfully, like to change my look. I'd never considered coloring it. Till just last week. I'm defiantly gonna go with something bold. If I've been given the green light, I'm not going subtle! If I get around to it later, maybe I'll post ideas on here for fun and possible feedback. It'll be fun and I can't wait to see people's reaction! "*tsk* Oh! What did you do to your pretty hair?!" Maybe I'll be a great brunette or redhead...

A brief update

This picture is a rarity at night! Taryn is a pretty mellow baby, she just has her days and nights mixed up a bit. At least she doesn't keep us up every night. It's more like every other night. But, this momma needs her sleep... every night. Aria was the complete opposite; slept all night, every night. I know babies can do this, but I'm not used to it. However, no matter how tired I am, there's something that is very tranquil about feeding a baby at 2 in the morning with the TV quietly on in the background. I almost enjoy those moments with my Ter-bear.



This baby gift from a friend made me smile, BIG TIME! I love these and want a pair for myself! Now, I know I have been down right pathetic about posting my NFL picks and such this year. I have no good excuse for it (I could say I'm busy, but I do spend a fair amount each day on the computer. I just keep saying I'll do it later... and I don't). I have been watching it, and my '9ers are doing pretty well, I'd say. The Cowgirls are choking, to my delight. I am so disappointed that Peyton Manning is out, possibly for good. I am so glad I was able to see him play in person last February, tho. Anyway, no guarantees on when or even if I'll get to my picks any time soon, but, in case you've forgotten, as long as the 49ers are winning and the Cowgirls are losing, I'm a pretty happy girl! (on a recent newsworthy note: join me in buying Hank Williams Jr. music as I think ESPN has lost their minds. Talk about blowing a statement out of proportion! He did NOT compare Obama to Hilter, he likened it... big difference. If you don't understand that, your English teacher failed you miserably. I'm afraid a lot of today's media English and Journalism teachers failed them, tho.)


Try to guess if this is Aria or Taryn! It's Taryn, but the resemblance of these 2 is uncanny! I look forward to watching Taryn grow and see the changes and similarities between her and Aria.

I'm back to work and my mom is visiting for a few weeks to help with that transition. Aria likes kindergarten for the most part. Tony is very busy still catching up with work put on hold during his kidney stone saga. He is feeling pretty good, but gets tired pretty easily still. And can you believe it's October?! I put out our Halloween decorations this past weekend and it just didn't feel right. Granted, we were jipped out of a nice summer, but considering all that has happened, it really flew by! *probably a good thing, too!*