Thursday, February 3, 2011
So I'm Lucky To Have A Job Huh?
One of the things that irritates the shit out of me is when I vent about my job and somebody says "Well you're lucky to have that job." Lucky? Are you fucking kidding me? One thing is for certain...I do not wish to be fired quite yet. I can't get unemployment that way. But seriously Lucky? I don't see how. Am I lucky that I work for slightly above minimum wage? Maybe because I haven't had a raise in almost 7 years and not because I don't do my job? Or is it because they illegally demoted me to part time after my maternity leave? Oh I know...It's because of the new rule that we can't accept tips. That's it! I am lucky because I work my ass off for a business that gives a rats ass about their employees and I make no money. 300 dollars for two weeks to be exact. Yeah...I'm about as lucky as a bug in a bug zapper.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Enjoy This Time Of Year Now Matter How You Celebrate
What annoys me the most are people who are intolerant of others. I deal with this fact everyday and for the most part I ignore them. But the whole "Merry Christmas" deal has really ruffled my feathers so to speak. Listen, I could give a flying rats ass if you are a christian and this is the holiday where you celebrate the birth of your "savior" regardless of the fact he (if he was really born) would have been born during the summer. That is your right! You have the right to believe what ever it may be that you want to believe. I, personally, refuse to think that this is purely a christian time of year. My Jewish friends just celebrated their holiday and my pagan friends will celebrate theirs on the 21. I will celebrate right along with them and on December 25 will celebrate with my christian friends too. Why does this have to be a fight? And why does it bother you that I choose to wish somebody a Happy Holiday? Isn't it my right as an American to have whatever religious belief that I choose to have? How is wishing somebody a good thing such as having a happy celebration considered such a horrible idea? I don't understand this way of thinking and I've become so frustrated with the whole mentality of "I'm tired of people taking Christ out of Christmas." Well I have news for you. Nobody can take Christ out of Christmas for you unless you allow it. If you choose to celebrate the birth of Jesus...well, dammit, celebrate for christs sakes! Not everybody in this country is a christian and for that I am truly thankful. That is what makes this country so diverse. That is what our ancestors came over here for. A country where they were free to do as they pleased. I know that's why my paternal ancestors came here. My maternal ancestors were displaced from their native lands and forced to accept this country as was told to them (but that's a different story all together).
I have decided that those who complain that this "Happy Holidays" thing is so bad would benefit from a short history lesson. Since I love history so much I felt it to be in my best interest to put together this little lesson.
Lesson 1) Xmas is not deleting Christ out of Christmas. X is the greek term for Christ therefore Xmas is Christmas but in another language. No mean atheist is taking anything away from you here.
Lesson 2) Holidays- according to the dictionary the word "holiday" comes from the Old English word "hāligdæg." The word originally referred only to special religious days. In modern use, it means any special day of rest or relaxation, as opposed to normal days away from work or school. The word derived from the notion of "Holy Day," and gradually evolved to its current form.
Lesson 3) Many different holidays from many different religions occur in December.
Hanukkah starts on the 25th day of Kislev according to the Hebrew calendar, which may occur at any time from late November to late December in the Gregorian calendar.
Kwanzaa is a weeklong celebration held in the United States honoring universal Africa heritage and culture, observed from December 26 to January 1 each year. It features activities such as the lighting of a kinara and libations, and culminates in a feast and gift giving.
Christmas is from December 24 to December 25 unless you celebrate the 12 days of Christmas. The Twelve Days of Christmas are the festive days beginning Christmas Day (25 December). This period is also known as Christmastide. The Twelfth Day of Christmas is 5 January, with the celebrations of Christmas traditionally ending on Twelfth Night and is followed by the Feast of the Epiphany on 6 January. In some traditions the first day of Epiphany and the twelfth day of Christmas overlap.
The winter solstice has many, many origins. For my Pagan/Wiccan friends....In Wicca, a form of the holiday is observed as one of the eight solar holidays, or Sabbat. In most Wiccan groups, or covens, this holiday is celebrated as the rebirth of the Great God, who is viewed as the newborn solstice sun. Although the name Yule has been appropriated from Germanic and Norse paganism, elements of the celebration itself are of modern origin. Yule or Yule-tide ("Yule-time") is a winter festival that was initially celebrated by the historical Germanic people as a pagan religious festival, though it was later absorbed into, and equated with, the Christian festival of Christmas. The festival was originally celebrated from late December to early January on a date determined by the lunar Germanic calendar. The festival was placed on December 25 when the Christian calendar (Julian calendar) was adopted. Scholars have connected the celebration to the Wild Hunt. Look for yourself how many religions celebrate winter solstice. (yes, even Christian, celebrate the winter solstice)... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winter_solstice
It's all right there for you. I just don't feel like typing it all out.
Please prove me wrong but the only buddhist holiday I found that sometimes occurs in December is Loi Krathong. Loi Krathong takes place on the evening of the full moon of the 12th month in the traditional Thai lunar calendar. In the western calendar this usually falls in November.
I am still learning about Buddhism so I am not completely accurate yet.
So my point being is to just learn about your beliefs before you judge. In the famous words of Rodney King....Why can't we all just get along?
I have decided that those who complain that this "Happy Holidays" thing is so bad would benefit from a short history lesson. Since I love history so much I felt it to be in my best interest to put together this little lesson.
Lesson 1) Xmas is not deleting Christ out of Christmas. X is the greek term for Christ therefore Xmas is Christmas but in another language. No mean atheist is taking anything away from you here.
Lesson 2) Holidays- according to the dictionary the word "holiday" comes from the Old English word "hāligdæg." The word originally referred only to special religious days. In modern use, it means any special day of rest or relaxation, as opposed to normal days away from work or school. The word derived from the notion of "Holy Day," and gradually evolved to its current form.
Lesson 3) Many different holidays from many different religions occur in December.
Hanukkah starts on the 25th day of Kislev according to the Hebrew calendar, which may occur at any time from late November to late December in the Gregorian calendar.
Kwanzaa is a weeklong celebration held in the United States honoring universal Africa heritage and culture, observed from December 26 to January 1 each year. It features activities such as the lighting of a kinara and libations, and culminates in a feast and gift giving.
Christmas is from December 24 to December 25 unless you celebrate the 12 days of Christmas. The Twelve Days of Christmas are the festive days beginning Christmas Day (25 December). This period is also known as Christmastide. The Twelfth Day of Christmas is 5 January, with the celebrations of Christmas traditionally ending on Twelfth Night and is followed by the Feast of the Epiphany on 6 January. In some traditions the first day of Epiphany and the twelfth day of Christmas overlap.
The winter solstice has many, many origins. For my Pagan/Wiccan friends....In Wicca, a form of the holiday is observed as one of the eight solar holidays, or Sabbat. In most Wiccan groups, or covens, this holiday is celebrated as the rebirth of the Great God, who is viewed as the newborn solstice sun. Although the name Yule has been appropriated from Germanic and Norse paganism, elements of the celebration itself are of modern origin. Yule or Yule-tide ("Yule-time") is a winter festival that was initially celebrated by the historical Germanic people as a pagan religious festival, though it was later absorbed into, and equated with, the Christian festival of Christmas. The festival was originally celebrated from late December to early January on a date determined by the lunar Germanic calendar. The festival was placed on December 25 when the Christian calendar (Julian calendar) was adopted. Scholars have connected the celebration to the Wild Hunt. Look for yourself how many religions celebrate winter solstice. (yes, even Christian, celebrate the winter solstice)... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winter_solstice
It's all right there for you. I just don't feel like typing it all out.
Please prove me wrong but the only buddhist holiday I found that sometimes occurs in December is Loi Krathong. Loi Krathong takes place on the evening of the full moon of the 12th month in the traditional Thai lunar calendar. In the western calendar this usually falls in November.
I am still learning about Buddhism so I am not completely accurate yet.
So my point being is to just learn about your beliefs before you judge. In the famous words of Rodney King....Why can't we all just get along?
Saturday, December 11, 2010
A Human Analysis From Behind Three Feet Of Wood
**I really should be doing my homework but I have this blog in my head that just wont go away no matter how hard I kick it, so here goes nothing.**
We've all seen nature shows on television. Animals in the wild doing what mother nature intended. Some of what is filmed makes a person go all googly with doe-eyed cuteness, other parts makes you cringe and fear for the poor beast about to be eaten. I've come to realize that, after my numerous years observing from behind my safety barrier, humans have not come that far from their wild, instinctive nature. We are all still connected to our uncivilized beginnings.
Tonight there was a party at work. Just your typical office party that involved both sexes and an enormous amount of alcohol. I was bartending this party and suddenly envisioned myself as a film producer of nature shows. I saw the show run through it's entirety. Let's start at the beginning after the title sequence.
The party started at 6 pm and shortly thereafter the first customers arrived. I am going to refer to them as a lion pride as there were a couple of males and mostly women. The lion pride entered the building cautiously, scanning the rooms and making a beeline for the den (bar). Once in the den, they settled down and put claim on the area. Some even marked their territory with scent or fur. They socialized with each other, drank, and was happily co-inhabiting the den. Then another pride entered the building. This second pride also entered in the same fashion as the first but this was different! They could sense the first pride was already there but they had not seen them yet. The second pride lingered in the entry area nervous about entering the den. Suddenly the first pride caught wind of the intruders and sent a scout out to investigate. The scout apprehensively rounded the corner and when the second pride was spotted, the scout puffed up his chest. It reminded me of the rutting process in deer- puff up chest, raise head, lower eyes, and try your damnest to intimidate the other. Then when the other pride essentially rolled on their backs in submission the scout relented and allowed the second pride to join the first. Both prides greeted each other with the typical pouncing, and butt sniffing, and circling. This process happened repeatedly until all the customers had arrived.
Cocktail hour finally over and it was time for dinner. At this point the crowd had turned into one big pack but the alpha leaders of each separate pride were still evident. Each pride member knew their place and waited until the alpha's had entered the dining area before they did. Each member took to their seats and began to feast. But soon there was discontent amongst the prides. Lower members of the pride headed back into the den (bar) to voice their disapproval of the alpha leaders. These low ranking pride members started to band together and start a pride of their own. Occasionally others from the original prides appeared and pleaded with them to come back. Some took heed to their companions pleas and returned to their original prides. The others turned their backs to their former pride mates and embraced their new "family". This new pride had no leader, no direction, no way to survive. A few tried their hand at being the alpha leader but anarchy soon followed.
At this point the new pride lost a few members as they went running with their tails tucked between their legs back to their old pride to beg forgiveness in a hope to be re accepted. Some were not so lucky and these soon became the outsiders. The outsiders were rogue lions that would infiltrate pride groups in the hopes to break away pride members. The rogue lions took control over their new subjects and dictated their actions. Mostly this was just to drink more or to dance to a certain song the dj was playing but the similarities to animal behavior in the wild had me laughing my ass off.
The night ended with the alpha leaders and their prides leaving shortly after the dinner. All that was left were a few rogue lions and their subjects. This is when the mating rituals began. You can imagine how that went. Alot of show and pomp with some snarling and snapping thrown in there for good measure. A few relented and that was quite an uncomfortable situation for me. It's like a car wreck....you don't want to look but you just can't help yourself. Plus I was stuck behind my safety barrier that consisted of three feet of wood and not much more.
In the end all the lions returned to their home dens and I was left with the clean-up. And this blog stuck in my head. Funny...These people were all doctors and nurses with massive amounts of education behind them but they just cannot deny nature. I only wish I actually had a camera with me.
We've all seen nature shows on television. Animals in the wild doing what mother nature intended. Some of what is filmed makes a person go all googly with doe-eyed cuteness, other parts makes you cringe and fear for the poor beast about to be eaten. I've come to realize that, after my numerous years observing from behind my safety barrier, humans have not come that far from their wild, instinctive nature. We are all still connected to our uncivilized beginnings.
Tonight there was a party at work. Just your typical office party that involved both sexes and an enormous amount of alcohol. I was bartending this party and suddenly envisioned myself as a film producer of nature shows. I saw the show run through it's entirety. Let's start at the beginning after the title sequence.
The party started at 6 pm and shortly thereafter the first customers arrived. I am going to refer to them as a lion pride as there were a couple of males and mostly women. The lion pride entered the building cautiously, scanning the rooms and making a beeline for the den (bar). Once in the den, they settled down and put claim on the area. Some even marked their territory with scent or fur. They socialized with each other, drank, and was happily co-inhabiting the den. Then another pride entered the building. This second pride also entered in the same fashion as the first but this was different! They could sense the first pride was already there but they had not seen them yet. The second pride lingered in the entry area nervous about entering the den. Suddenly the first pride caught wind of the intruders and sent a scout out to investigate. The scout apprehensively rounded the corner and when the second pride was spotted, the scout puffed up his chest. It reminded me of the rutting process in deer- puff up chest, raise head, lower eyes, and try your damnest to intimidate the other. Then when the other pride essentially rolled on their backs in submission the scout relented and allowed the second pride to join the first. Both prides greeted each other with the typical pouncing, and butt sniffing, and circling. This process happened repeatedly until all the customers had arrived.
Cocktail hour finally over and it was time for dinner. At this point the crowd had turned into one big pack but the alpha leaders of each separate pride were still evident. Each pride member knew their place and waited until the alpha's had entered the dining area before they did. Each member took to their seats and began to feast. But soon there was discontent amongst the prides. Lower members of the pride headed back into the den (bar) to voice their disapproval of the alpha leaders. These low ranking pride members started to band together and start a pride of their own. Occasionally others from the original prides appeared and pleaded with them to come back. Some took heed to their companions pleas and returned to their original prides. The others turned their backs to their former pride mates and embraced their new "family". This new pride had no leader, no direction, no way to survive. A few tried their hand at being the alpha leader but anarchy soon followed.
At this point the new pride lost a few members as they went running with their tails tucked between their legs back to their old pride to beg forgiveness in a hope to be re accepted. Some were not so lucky and these soon became the outsiders. The outsiders were rogue lions that would infiltrate pride groups in the hopes to break away pride members. The rogue lions took control over their new subjects and dictated their actions. Mostly this was just to drink more or to dance to a certain song the dj was playing but the similarities to animal behavior in the wild had me laughing my ass off.
The night ended with the alpha leaders and their prides leaving shortly after the dinner. All that was left were a few rogue lions and their subjects. This is when the mating rituals began. You can imagine how that went. Alot of show and pomp with some snarling and snapping thrown in there for good measure. A few relented and that was quite an uncomfortable situation for me. It's like a car wreck....you don't want to look but you just can't help yourself. Plus I was stuck behind my safety barrier that consisted of three feet of wood and not much more.
In the end all the lions returned to their home dens and I was left with the clean-up. And this blog stuck in my head. Funny...These people were all doctors and nurses with massive amounts of education behind them but they just cannot deny nature. I only wish I actually had a camera with me.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
It's Called College People!
So I have a business math class that is super easy but is extremely annoying. There always has to be a few bad apples in the bunch. My bad apples like to argue everything with the instructor. This is the first class my instructor has taught and being that she is probably about 10 years younger than me, I can understand her not being on top of it right off the bat. It's taken her a little bit to get into her groove. Completely understandable. I just know to study my assignments and be prepared. Unfortunately there are some who would love to see the demise of this poor instructor. They will complain about everything. If the lesson was that the daytime sky was blue....they would argue that it's purple. I don't understand this way of thinking. Just do your damn work, read your book, and study. How f-ing hard is that? I thought this was college. I didn't know I signed up for a babysitting class. But that must be how these people see it. They want an easy ride and not have to do anything. Well sorry buddy! That isn't the real world. They're in for it later...You can bet on that!
Well, anyways, I've grouped up with a few girls who can't stand those bad apples. We do our best to keep the class on track and have even been known to tell them to shut up so the rest of us can pay attention. We work together to make sure we get our assignments completed and help each other out. We even support the instructor when she starts to doubt herself. I like our little group. We work well together and understand that we are there to obtain an education so we can better ourselves. It may be a long 6 more weeks but together I know we can support each other. After all...Isn't that what we all need?
Well, anyways, I've grouped up with a few girls who can't stand those bad apples. We do our best to keep the class on track and have even been known to tell them to shut up so the rest of us can pay attention. We work together to make sure we get our assignments completed and help each other out. We even support the instructor when she starts to doubt herself. I like our little group. We work well together and understand that we are there to obtain an education so we can better ourselves. It may be a long 6 more weeks but together I know we can support each other. After all...Isn't that what we all need?
Friday, October 15, 2010
I Is Getting Me A College Edumacation
That's right! After a 13 year hiatus I have re-enrolled at Heald. Now I know it's not the most prestigious college but Hey! I am finishing my accounting degree. I am in my second quarter and with 4 classes, my job, and the kids I have NO spare time to even breath. It's all cool though. Going back to school is what I had to do. I'm sick of bartending and I know numbers! Numbers work for me. Now accounting is far from my dream job and kinda makes me go uhh. But regardless, It's a career that will get me out from behind that bar and back with my family. Plus reading Forbes, accounting is estimated to be one of the top 5 jobs in 2013. Eventually I'll go to school for my history degree which is the idea that gives me "happy chills". So since I have an online english class the probability of me posting more blogs is highly possible. So until then......
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Ahhhh....I'm Back!
I got all caught up in other websites and totally forgot about this one. It sucks because I really enjoyed thinking about and writing my blogs. So I'm back. I don't know what I will write about at the moment but as soon as something comes into this dense head of mine...It'll get put on here. Okay...I must go and finish my house cleaning before the Geek Squad Dude comes to fix the TV for the second time. He must not be a very good geek.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
I see pieces of my dad in every man I meet
My dad was taken too early from us five years ago this August. While I think I've dealt with his passing as well as I possibly can, he is always in the back of my mind. I don't think he'll ever leave there nor do I want him to. I do wish we had more time together but we did get 25 years...which is more than some people get. When Dad died...I cried, I screamed, and I hit inanimate objects-mainly my walls. I wanted nothing but to have Dad back. We got through his funeral. I acted as the strong one holding up my mom and my sisters but inside I was screaming "Not my Daddy! Please let this all be a horrible nightmare!" A nightmare it was but instead of a bad dream where you wake up sweaty and shaking, this was real life. I was pissed off at the world and even more pissed at the guy who hit him and left him for dead in the ditch. "You fucker! You can't say you didn't see him! Why couldn't you have grown the balls to turn yourself in? I hope you live everyday seeing his face. I plastered it on posters, on the news, and in the papers for you to see." If I could have gotten my hands on that guy I know I'd be sitting in a prison cell for murder. I would have killed him with my bare hands.
Fortunately I've gotten over my murderous instincts. While I don't know if I can ever find it in me to forgive my Dad's killer...I know that if I did find him I wouldn't inflict bodily harm. I think that's saying alot.
I started thinking of this post the other day. I had a customer who walked into the bar and just for a moment I saw my dad. This guy had a walk very similar to my Dad's lazy gait. I was instantly taken back to my childhood and saw my childhood home. I saw my dad walking around our house in his holey t-shirts and worn out jeans with the bulging pockets because he carried every damn key known to mankind. His wallet chain and the 20 pounds of metal in his pockets from keys to change jingled with every step he took.
Then there was the man who in his talking said certain key phrases that my dad used to say. My husband will do this sometimes without even knowing it. I often wonder if he does it because he heard my dad say it or what.
Today I saw something that prompted me to write about this. I took Courtney to Carls Jr for lunch. I was running errands and needed a quick meal before I had to finish and go to work. We sat at a booth for two and proceeded to devour our food. Out of the corner of my eye I saw a man who was painstakingly trying to get the last bit of guacamole out of a little plastic cup with a fork. I glanced over at him and saw that he had already emptied one cup and was trying to finish the second. His deep fried burrito was glopped full of sour cream, salsa, and guacamole. I almost let out a laugh as the memories of my dad came flooding back. Dad used to do the same thing! As I watched this guy (and tried hard to make it look like I wasn't) he scraped the inside of the little cup with his fork and then would lick his utensil. He was so focused on getting every last drop out of that damn plastic cup that you could have dropped a bomb next to him and he wouldn't have even noticed. All I thought is that Dad used to embarrass the crap outta me by doing that. Then I got all teary eyed and had to look down hoping nobody saw the tears running down my cheeks. Courtney, thankfully, was oblivious to her crying momma and was more concerned with how much BBQ sauce she could get on one chicken star. We left as soon as she finished.
I love how I can pick out traits my dad had in almost every man I come across. I wish I could bottle it up and keep it forever because I know there will come a day when I forget. I'll forget his walk. I'll forget the sound of his voice. I'll forget his smell.
So keep it coming guys of the world. I don't want to forget my daddy!
Fortunately I've gotten over my murderous instincts. While I don't know if I can ever find it in me to forgive my Dad's killer...I know that if I did find him I wouldn't inflict bodily harm. I think that's saying alot.
I started thinking of this post the other day. I had a customer who walked into the bar and just for a moment I saw my dad. This guy had a walk very similar to my Dad's lazy gait. I was instantly taken back to my childhood and saw my childhood home. I saw my dad walking around our house in his holey t-shirts and worn out jeans with the bulging pockets because he carried every damn key known to mankind. His wallet chain and the 20 pounds of metal in his pockets from keys to change jingled with every step he took.
Then there was the man who in his talking said certain key phrases that my dad used to say. My husband will do this sometimes without even knowing it. I often wonder if he does it because he heard my dad say it or what.
Today I saw something that prompted me to write about this. I took Courtney to Carls Jr for lunch. I was running errands and needed a quick meal before I had to finish and go to work. We sat at a booth for two and proceeded to devour our food. Out of the corner of my eye I saw a man who was painstakingly trying to get the last bit of guacamole out of a little plastic cup with a fork. I glanced over at him and saw that he had already emptied one cup and was trying to finish the second. His deep fried burrito was glopped full of sour cream, salsa, and guacamole. I almost let out a laugh as the memories of my dad came flooding back. Dad used to do the same thing! As I watched this guy (and tried hard to make it look like I wasn't) he scraped the inside of the little cup with his fork and then would lick his utensil. He was so focused on getting every last drop out of that damn plastic cup that you could have dropped a bomb next to him and he wouldn't have even noticed. All I thought is that Dad used to embarrass the crap outta me by doing that. Then I got all teary eyed and had to look down hoping nobody saw the tears running down my cheeks. Courtney, thankfully, was oblivious to her crying momma and was more concerned with how much BBQ sauce she could get on one chicken star. We left as soon as she finished.
I love how I can pick out traits my dad had in almost every man I come across. I wish I could bottle it up and keep it forever because I know there will come a day when I forget. I'll forget his walk. I'll forget the sound of his voice. I'll forget his smell.
So keep it coming guys of the world. I don't want to forget my daddy!
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Ode to my neighbors
Neighbors, Neighbors Quite the site
Hear you yell, Hear you fight
See you through your window light
Wish you would hush for the night
Neighbors, Neighbors I wish you might
Please Shut up until daylight!
Hear you yell, Hear you fight
See you through your window light
Wish you would hush for the night
Neighbors, Neighbors I wish you might
Please Shut up until daylight!
Sunday, May 31, 2009
What doesn't kill you makes you go insane
The thing that makes me insane is just a three letter word...job. Mine to be exact. If it doesn't kill me first.
Friday, April 17, 2009
Wine Makes It All Go Away
I wish I was this amazing writer who could captivate my audience with just my words. Sorry to say I only have a mediocre writing style. I have noticed though that my drunken rampages on the computer end up much better than my sober blogging. (Note to self...must drink more before opening laptop!) But isn't that how most great writers are? Hemingway was a faboulous...drunk...I mean...author. He somehow managed to write many great works drunk off his ass. The only thing I can figure is that by drinking you allow your mind to open to this secret room in the creative consciousness in the realm of this world. Or you just don't give a fuck what you're writing. Either way it usually comes out comprehendable and better than if you wrote it sober. I do know that when I write sober I end up second guessing myself and deleting the last paragraph I wrote. And then the one before that. And the one before that. Next thing I know I'm staring at a blank screen. But when I do my inebriated blogging....well I get as close to a masterpiece as I'm probably ever going to get.
So here's to drunk blogging. It's nothing like drunk emailing. Now that can be embarrassing!
So here's to drunk blogging. It's nothing like drunk emailing. Now that can be embarrassing!
Friday, March 27, 2009
How not to become the next bar patron asshat
If you've ever walked into a bar you know the type of person I'm talking about. The annoying asshat in the bar who makes everyone roll their eyes and gets the worse service possible in the world. The following is to help you make sure you are not that person.
Enter the bar in a normal fashion. Please don't be a diva or a total ass. We don't need an announcement that you've entered. Do not make a huge scene when you enter the premises. Only Norm on Cheers is announced. You are just a regular human patron just like everybody else. Your friends will greet you and if you are a regular, so will the bartender.
Wait your turn at the bar. I can guarantee that the bartender saw you walk up. Do not wave your money or your hands at the bartender like you are trying to shoo away flies...unless you really are trying to. We see you and as soon as we have serviced the people before you, we will get to you. Do not shout your drink order as soon as we look at you. We are just acknowledging that we see you and will be with you shortly. You will know that we are ready for your order when we ask for it. Also along with the first rule, do not shout your order to us when you enter from the other side of the room. Be normal and walk up to the bar like everybody else. We will ignore those who ignore our rules.
When said bartender finally asks for your order...be ready. We are busy and don't have time to wait for your indecisiveness. If you tell us to hold on...we'll tell you to hold on. We'll get back to you when you can finally make up your mind. That said...have ALL drink orders ready when we ask. Don't tell us each drink one at a time unless we tell you too and do not tell us your order only to turn around to your friends and ask what they want. I have other patrons in the bar ready with their order and I'll get to them if you're not ready.
Know what you drink. I'm glad you had a drink you loved on your last trip to Vegas. That bar sounds awesome but unless you know what was in that drink that bartender made you, I cannot duplicate it. I'm not a mind reader and I'm busy. Just because you said it was red and tasted great means nothing to me. Do you even realize how many great tasting red drinks I know? Know your poison! If you don't know whats in your drink you probably shouldn't be drinking it.
Tip, Tip, Tip. And I don't mean tell me to use an umbrella tomorrow. Tips are our wage. We provided a service. You provide the cash.
Don't ask for free shit. I made your drink with the correct amount of alcohol. If you want more, I will be glad to pour another shot but I will charge you for it and don't argue with me about it. I don't make money giving drinks away. That said...I don't care if your buddy gave you a free beer here last night. He's not me and what he does is his business. I have a family to provide for and can't afford to buy you a beer. That's why I'm working. If I didn't need the money, I'd be on the other side of this 3 foot slab of Mahogany with you. The only free thing I'll give you is water and that bowl of peanuts. Enjoy!
Know your limits. I understand you're having a good time but your drunken obnoxiousness is not amusing to me...unless you fall and smash your head into the floor. I'll be laughing my ass off then. And I don't enjoy cleaning your puke. Or waking your passed out ass up at closing time. Or fielding your phone calls about your lost shoe. I don't know where you tossed it. Oh and if you are too blitzed to drive...I will be taking possession of your car keys. You can have them back when you are sober.
I'm sure I'm leaving something out but at least you have an idea. Go to your favorite bar and have fun. Just remember Nobody Likes An Asshat!
Enter the bar in a normal fashion. Please don't be a diva or a total ass. We don't need an announcement that you've entered. Do not make a huge scene when you enter the premises. Only Norm on Cheers is announced. You are just a regular human patron just like everybody else. Your friends will greet you and if you are a regular, so will the bartender.
Wait your turn at the bar. I can guarantee that the bartender saw you walk up. Do not wave your money or your hands at the bartender like you are trying to shoo away flies...unless you really are trying to. We see you and as soon as we have serviced the people before you, we will get to you. Do not shout your drink order as soon as we look at you. We are just acknowledging that we see you and will be with you shortly. You will know that we are ready for your order when we ask for it. Also along with the first rule, do not shout your order to us when you enter from the other side of the room. Be normal and walk up to the bar like everybody else. We will ignore those who ignore our rules.
When said bartender finally asks for your order...be ready. We are busy and don't have time to wait for your indecisiveness. If you tell us to hold on...we'll tell you to hold on. We'll get back to you when you can finally make up your mind. That said...have ALL drink orders ready when we ask. Don't tell us each drink one at a time unless we tell you too and do not tell us your order only to turn around to your friends and ask what they want. I have other patrons in the bar ready with their order and I'll get to them if you're not ready.
Know what you drink. I'm glad you had a drink you loved on your last trip to Vegas. That bar sounds awesome but unless you know what was in that drink that bartender made you, I cannot duplicate it. I'm not a mind reader and I'm busy. Just because you said it was red and tasted great means nothing to me. Do you even realize how many great tasting red drinks I know? Know your poison! If you don't know whats in your drink you probably shouldn't be drinking it.
Tip, Tip, Tip. And I don't mean tell me to use an umbrella tomorrow. Tips are our wage. We provided a service. You provide the cash.
Don't ask for free shit. I made your drink with the correct amount of alcohol. If you want more, I will be glad to pour another shot but I will charge you for it and don't argue with me about it. I don't make money giving drinks away. That said...I don't care if your buddy gave you a free beer here last night. He's not me and what he does is his business. I have a family to provide for and can't afford to buy you a beer. That's why I'm working. If I didn't need the money, I'd be on the other side of this 3 foot slab of Mahogany with you. The only free thing I'll give you is water and that bowl of peanuts. Enjoy!
Know your limits. I understand you're having a good time but your drunken obnoxiousness is not amusing to me...unless you fall and smash your head into the floor. I'll be laughing my ass off then. And I don't enjoy cleaning your puke. Or waking your passed out ass up at closing time. Or fielding your phone calls about your lost shoe. I don't know where you tossed it. Oh and if you are too blitzed to drive...I will be taking possession of your car keys. You can have them back when you are sober.
I'm sure I'm leaving something out but at least you have an idea. Go to your favorite bar and have fun. Just remember Nobody Likes An Asshat!
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Salem Witch Trials
I was checking out my blog today and on the sidebar is A Day In History. I love history so I like to read what it has for the day. Today's was the start of the Salem Witch Trial in the late 1600's.
The Salem witch trials were a series of hearings before local magistrates, and county court trials to prosecute people accused of witchcraft in Essex, Suffolk and Middlesex Counties of colonial Massachusetts, in 1692 and 1693. The hearings in 1692 were conducted in Salem Village, Ipswich, Andover and Salem Town, Massachusetts. The trials in 1692 were all held in Salem Town by the Court of Oyer and Terminer, with the Superior Court of Judicature hearing cases in 1693 in the individual county court seats: Salem Town, Ipswich, Boston, and Charlestown. Between February 1692 and May 1693, over 150 people were arrested and imprisoned, with even more accused who were not formally pursued by the authorities. The two courts convicted 29 people of the capital felony of witchcraft, 19 of whom (fourteen women, five men) were hanged. One other man, having refused to enter a plea, died under judicial torture to extract one from him, and at least five more of the accused died in prison. While not the first or only witch-hunt in New England or Europe, the sensational story of these particular individuals has secured its place in the cultural imagination of the United States of America.
One of Christianity's finer moments?
The Salem witch trials were a series of hearings before local magistrates, and county court trials to prosecute people accused of witchcraft in Essex, Suffolk and Middlesex Counties of colonial Massachusetts, in 1692 and 1693. The hearings in 1692 were conducted in Salem Village, Ipswich, Andover and Salem Town, Massachusetts. The trials in 1692 were all held in Salem Town by the Court of Oyer and Terminer, with the Superior Court of Judicature hearing cases in 1693 in the individual county court seats: Salem Town, Ipswich, Boston, and Charlestown. Between February 1692 and May 1693, over 150 people were arrested and imprisoned, with even more accused who were not formally pursued by the authorities. The two courts convicted 29 people of the capital felony of witchcraft, 19 of whom (fourteen women, five men) were hanged. One other man, having refused to enter a plea, died under judicial torture to extract one from him, and at least five more of the accused died in prison. While not the first or only witch-hunt in New England or Europe, the sensational story of these particular individuals has secured its place in the cultural imagination of the United States of America.
One of Christianity's finer moments?
Monday, February 23, 2009
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
I'm Just A Bartender. That's All I Do.
For some reason people must not think too highly of servers or bartenders. My job is the only one I've ever had where people ask me all the time if I'm in school or if I'm JUST a bartender. I tell them that while I'm not in school anymore my oldest daughter is. They usually get this weird look on their face...you know that look you get when you see something so puzzling and strange that your face contorts to resemble an old, wrinkled man and your head tilts to the side....Yeah, that look! I then explain that I'm 30. I have 2 kids. One is 11 and the other is 2. I'm married. I own my house. I own my cars. I have bills and responsibilities. So umm, yeah...I'm not in school. When would I find the time? Who in the hell would even watch my little heathen children? Not saying that school isn't appealing to me. I want to go back to college so damn bad but unfortunately it's just not possible right now.
But why is it that my customers feel it's ok to ask me about my education. I know I'm blond but I'm far from stupid. Or is it that because I'm in the service industry that they feel "above" me. Believe me, I know my job isn't rocket science but it's not a morons position either. Alot of bartenders I know are extremely intelligent people. We kind of have to be to deal with drunk asses all day. I don't understand the need to pry into my personal life. I have repeated the question to a few customers who have asked it first. They looked totally shocked that I would ask such a thing. But again, they asked it first.
To answer that question....No I am not JUST a bartender. I am also a mother, a wife, a woman, a human, an American, a voter, an employee, a friend, a daughter, a granddaughter, a cousin, a sister, etc. I can't be singled out with just one label!
But why is it that my customers feel it's ok to ask me about my education. I know I'm blond but I'm far from stupid. Or is it that because I'm in the service industry that they feel "above" me. Believe me, I know my job isn't rocket science but it's not a morons position either. Alot of bartenders I know are extremely intelligent people. We kind of have to be to deal with drunk asses all day. I don't understand the need to pry into my personal life. I have repeated the question to a few customers who have asked it first. They looked totally shocked that I would ask such a thing. But again, they asked it first.
To answer that question....No I am not JUST a bartender. I am also a mother, a wife, a woman, a human, an American, a voter, an employee, a friend, a daughter, a granddaughter, a cousin, a sister, etc. I can't be singled out with just one label!
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Chaos? What Chaos?
Meet Roxy. She's the newest member of the family. She's a 6 month old Golden Retriever puppy. As if we didn't have enough going on in our lives...we get a new puppy. But so far so good. We think she's housebroke now. Roxy has us trained to let her outside every 30 minutes or so otherwise she'll teach us a lesson and poop on the rug. 
We are kennel training Roxy. It's going really well. Although there was a time when we weren't watching that Roxy trained Courtney how to aid in her escape. I was wondering how Roxy kept getting out.
Jack and Roxy get along great. For some reason I keep getting a feeling of a conspiracy and my yard has been re landscaped with all these lovely new holes. Oh yeah and someone has been pooping on the walkway at night when I'm in the garage doing laundry. I'm going to have to add lights to the backyard just so I don't pick up the doggy doo with my shoes anymore.
Roxy chases her tail all the time to entertain us all. It gives us a great laugh but I think she has ulterior motives. Usually after she chases her tail she either chooses to use one of the kids as a chew toy or she eats a shoe. Keelie has lost 2 pairs of shoes already. Keelie was ticked. Roxy was super happy and full.
Roxy helps us keep the yards clean. We have an elm tree that drops these seed ball thingies and they must taste great. Roxy eats them every chance she gets. She also is our little recycler. Aluminum cans have met their match. Bud light cans are her favorite. Must be a certain vintage I guess.
The kids are her own personal toy. No need for expensive dog toys. All you need are children.
See?!
Well I'm glad I was able to introduce you to Roxy. She really is darling. Now if I can only keep her off the kitchen table....Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Over the hill...Where's the brakes?
I am almost thirty. How the heck did that happen? Last time I looked I was only 23. Now in less than a week I'll be the big 3-0! I never thought at thirty I'd still be bartending. Most people only bartend while going through college. Well I have news for you...I'm not even in college. I want to go back but really don't have the money to right now. I already know what I'll go for too. I want a masters in American and Womens History. Whoo Hoo! History! Can life be any more exciting? Just the thought makes me all tingly inside! Uhh... No I do not own a pocket protector! Why do you ask? Anyways, back to the dreaded b-day. I'll will spend it fully appreciating my dark little corner of my closet as I avoid the rest of the world. My husband has orders to slide food (Ok, Ok,... Vodka) under the door and to block the way from any little heathen children as they search for their mother. I'll have my ipod and a pillow to suppress the screams so I'll be good. I am sending the twenties out with a bang though. The old man and I are going to Reno, NV and will spend 2 days in a drunken bliss probably making fools of ourselves. Good thing though is that there usually are not a bunch of young'ens there to laugh too hard at us old folks. Bad thing is that it's snowing there right now. Snow makes for slippery conditions. Snow + alcohol = funny, painful situations and a chance to become a youtube celebrity.
Thirty can't be too bad right?
Thirty can't be too bad right?
Sunday, January 4, 2009
It's All Downhill From Here
Well my twenties are almost behind me. Soon they'll only be a fading memory of the past. I'm not exactly fond of thirty but I'm hoping it'll grow on me. I'm going to miss the twenties though. They were good to me. I can hope the thirties will be even better. So now that thirty is almost here...does that classify me as an old lady now? I remember in high school thinking thirty was sooooo old. Now it's here. I don't feel old....most days anyways. I'm leaving the twenties in Reno....probably at a bar.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Marriage= Gender, Religion, Reproduction
I am completely disgusted by the anti-gay marriage propaganda. I have heard over and over that traditional marriage is between a man and a woman in a commitment with God. I have been told that two people of the same sex should not be allowed to marry because homosexuality is not natural, it goes against God's word, and they can't procreate. When I first heard that argument I spit my soda all over my laptop. (I've gotten it all cleaned up except for a few sticky keys.) Let me debunk that idiotic response.
Homosexuality is not natural. Let me give you a short list of mammals which engage in homosexual acts.
Mammals
African Buffalo
African Elephant
Agile Wallaby
Amazon River Dolphin(Boto)
American Bison
Antelope
Asian Elephant
Asiatic Lion
Asiatic Mouflon
Atlantic Spotted Dolphin
Australian Sea Lion
Barasingha
Barbary Sheep
Beluga
Bharal
Bighorn Sheep
Black Bear
Blackbuck
Black-footed Rock Wallaby
Black-tailed Deer
Bonnet Macaque
Bonobo
Bottlenose Dolphin
Bowhead Whale
Brazilian Guinea Pig
Bridled Dolphin
Brown Bear
Brown Capuchin
Brown Long-eared Bat
Brown Rat
Buffalo
Caribou
Cat (domestic)
Cattle (domestic)
Cheetah
Collared Peccary
Commerson's Dolphin
Common Brushtail Possum
Common Chimpanzee
Common Dolphin
Common Marmoset
Common Pipistrelle
Common Raccoon
Common Tree Shrew
Cotton-top Tamarin
Crab-eating Macaque
Crested Black Macaque
Cui
Dall's Sheep
Daubenton's Bat
Dog (domestic)
Doria's Tree Kangaroo
Dugong
Dwarf Cavy
Dwarf Mongoose
Eastern Cottontail Rabbit
Eastern Grey Kangaroo
Elk
Euro (a subspecies of wallaroo)
European Bison
Fallow Deer
False Killer Whale
Fat-tailed Dunnart
Fin Whale
Fox
Gazelle
Gelada Baboon
Giraffe
Goat (Domestic)
Golden Monkey
Gorilla
Grant's Gazelle
Grey-headed Flying Fox
Grey Seal
Grey squirrel
Grey Whale
Grey Wolf
Grizzly Bear
Guinea Pig (Domestic)
Hamadryas Baboon
Hamster (Domestic)
Hanuman Langur
Harbor Porpoise
Harbor Seal
Himalayan Tahr
Hoary Marmot
Horse (domestic)
Human
Indian Fruit Bat
Indian Muntjac
Indian Rhinoceros
Japanese Macaque
Javelina
Kangaroo Rat
Killer Whale
Koala
Kob
Larga Seal
Least Chipmunk
Lechwe
Lesser Bushbaby
Lion
Lion-tailed Macaque
Lion Tamarin
Little Brown Bat
Livingstone's Fruit Bat
Long-eared Hedgehog
Long-footed Tree Shrew
Macaque
Markhor
Marten
Matschie's Tree Kangaroo
Moco
Mohol Galago
Moor Macaque
Moose
Mountain Goat
Mountain Tree Shrew
Mountain Zebra
Mouse (domestic)
Moustached Tamarin
Mule Deer
Musk-ox
Natterer's Bat
New Zealand Sea Lion
Nilgiri Langur
Noctule
North American Porcupine
Northern Elephant Seal
Northern Fur Seal
Northern Quoll
Olympic Marmot
Orangutan
Orca
Pacific Striped Dolphin
Patas Monkey
Pere David's Deer
Pig (Domestic)
Pig-tailed Macaque
Plains Zebra
Polar Bear
Pretty-faced Wallaby
Proboscis Monkey
Pronghorn
Przewalski's Horse
Puku
Quokka
Rabbit
Raccoon Dog
Red Deer
Red Fox
Red Kangaroo
Red-necked Wallaby
Red Squirrel
Reeves's Muntjac
Reindeer
Rhesus Macaque
Right Whale
Rock Cavy
Rodrigues Fruit Bat
Roe Deer
Rufous Bettong
Rufous-naped Tamarin
Rufous Rat Kangaroo
Saddle-back Tamarin
Savanna Baboon
Sea Otter
Serotine Bat
Sheep (Domestic)
Siamang
Sika Deer
Slender Tree Shrew
Sooty Mangabey
Sperm Whale
Spinifex Hopping Mouse
Spinner Dolphin
Spotted Hyena
Spotted Seal
Squirrel Monkey
Striped Dolphin
Stuart's Marsupial Mouse
Stumptail Macaque
Swamp Deer
Swamp Wallaby
Takhi
Talapoin
Tammar Wallaby
Tasmanian Devil
Tasmanian Rat Kangaroo
Thinhorn Sheep
Thomson's Gazelle
Tiger
Tonkean Macaque
Tucuxi
Urial
Vampire Bat
Verreaux's Sifaka
Vervet
Vicuna
Walrus
Wapiti
Warthog
Waterbuck
Water Buffalo
Weeper Capuchin
Western Grey Kangaroo
West Indian Manatee
Whiptail Wallaby
White-faced Capuchin
White-fronted Capuchin
White-handed Gibbon
White-lipped Peccary
White-tailed Deer
Wild Cavy
Wild Goat
Wisent
Yellow-footed Rock Wallaby
Yellow-toothed Cavy
That list is only SOME of the mammals and it does not include the birds or insects. So now that the idea that homosexuality is not natural is debunked lets move on to the next step in the argument - God's word.
Quick summery of the book of Leviticus (copied from Wikipedia as it was the shortest summery I found)
The first part Leviticus 1-16, and Leviticus 27, constitutes the main portion of the Priestly Code, which describes the details of rituals, and of worship, as well as details of ritual cleanliness and uncleanliness. Within this section are:
Laws regarding the regulations for different types of sacrifice (Leviticus 1-7):
Burnt-offerings, meat-offerings, and thank-offerings (Leviticus 1-3)
Sin-offerings, and trespass-offerings (Leviticus 4-5)
Priestly duties and rights concerning the offering of sacrifices (Leviticus 6-7)
The practical application of the sacrificial laws, within a narrative of the consecration of Aaron and his sons (Leviticus 8-10)
Aaron's first offering for himself and the people (Leviticus 8)
The incident in which "strange fire" is brought to the Tabernacle by Aaron's sons Nadav and Avihu, leading to their death directly at the hands of God for doing so (Leviticus 9-10)
Laws concerning purity and impurity (Leviticus 11-16)
Laws about clean and unclean animals (Leviticus 11)
Laws concerning ritual cleanliness after childbirth (Leviticus 12)
Laws concerning tzaraath of people, and of clothes and houses, often translated as leprosy, and mildew, respectively (Leviticus 13-14)
Laws concerning bodily discharges (such as blood, pus, etc.) and purification (Leviticus 15)
Laws regarding a day of national atonement, Yom Kippur (Leviticus 16)
Laws concerning the commutation of vows (Leviticus 27)
The second part, Leviticus 17-26, is known as the Holiness Code, and places particular, and noticeable, emphasis on holiness, and the holy; it contains commandments intended not just for the priests but for the whole congregation.[3]. It is notably more of a miscellany of laws. Within this section are:
Laws concerning idolatry, the slaughter of animals, dead animals, and the consumption of blood (Leviticus 17)
Laws concerning sexual conduct - incest, bestiality, and most notably homosexuality among men, laws concerning sorcery, and moloch (Leviticus 18, and also Leviticus 20, in which penalties are given)
Laws concerning molten gods, peace-offerings, scraps of the harvest, fraud, the deaf, blind, elderly, and poor, poisoning the well, hate, sex with slaves, self harm, shaving, prostitution, sabbaths, sorcery, familiars, strangers, and just weights and measure (Leviticus 19)
Laws concerning priestly conduct, and prohibitions against the disabled, ill, and superfluously blemished, from becoming priests, or becoming sacrifices, for descendants of Aaron, and animals, respectively (Leviticus 21-22)
Laws concerning the observation of the annual feasts, and the sabbath, (Leviticus 23)
Laws concerning the altar of incense (Leviticus 24:1-9)
The case law lesson of a blasphemer being stoned to death, and other applications of the death penalty (Leviticus 24:10-23), including anyone having "a familiar ghost or spirit", a child insulting its parents (Leviticus 20), and a special case for prostitution (burning them alive) (Leviticus 21)
Laws concerning the Sabbath, Jubilee years and slavery., (Leviticus 25).
A hortatory conclusion to the section, giving promises regarding obedience to these commandments, and warnings and threats for those that might disobey them, including sending wild animals to devour their children. (Leviticus 26:22)
These ordinances, in the book, are said to have been delivered in the space of a month, specifically the first month of the second year after the exodus. A major Chiastic structure runs through practically all of this book.
Ok I'm done laughing now. Really? This is your argument? Do you stone your children for misbehaving (Leviticus 20)? Ok so they'll say "Because we're Christian, we don't follow the old testament. That's why Christ came. He gave us the new testament." Please tell me exactly where in the new testament it says homosexuality is an abomination. I can't find it. (Yes, for your information, I have read the Bible in it's entirety.) If you choose to follow the Bible as a guide for YOUR life- Great! Please do not push it on to me or anybody else. (Notice I said please. That will be the last time I am polite to the Bible pushers.) I'll let you live in the delusion that the United States was founded as a Christian nation. I don't have enough time to explain that one. The United States is not a Christian nation (now). There is no national religion. We are free to pick and choose who or what we worship. There are MANY different religions in the United States. Why would you choose to force everybody to follow your religion? Do you want to be forced to follow a religion that wasn't yours? On that note: My marriage should probably be labeled as a civil union. God isn't and never has been a part of my marriage.
Next section of the argument- Marriage is for procreation.
So what about all the heterosexual couples who can't have children or who choose not to? Not all heterosexual couples can have children the old fashioned way. That's why there is in-vitro, medications, and surrogates. Debunked!
Homosexuality is not natural. Let me give you a short list of mammals which engage in homosexual acts.
Mammals
African Buffalo
African Elephant
Agile Wallaby
Amazon River Dolphin(Boto)
American Bison
Antelope
Asian Elephant
Asiatic Lion
Asiatic Mouflon
Atlantic Spotted Dolphin
Australian Sea Lion
Barasingha
Barbary Sheep
Beluga
Bharal
Bighorn Sheep
Black Bear
Blackbuck
Black-footed Rock Wallaby
Black-tailed Deer
Bonnet Macaque
Bonobo
Bottlenose Dolphin
Bowhead Whale
Brazilian Guinea Pig
Bridled Dolphin
Brown Bear
Brown Capuchin
Brown Long-eared Bat
Brown Rat
Buffalo
Caribou
Cat (domestic)
Cattle (domestic)
Cheetah
Collared Peccary
Commerson's Dolphin
Common Brushtail Possum
Common Chimpanzee
Common Dolphin
Common Marmoset
Common Pipistrelle
Common Raccoon
Common Tree Shrew
Cotton-top Tamarin
Crab-eating Macaque
Crested Black Macaque
Cui
Dall's Sheep
Daubenton's Bat
Dog (domestic)
Doria's Tree Kangaroo
Dugong
Dwarf Cavy
Dwarf Mongoose
Eastern Cottontail Rabbit
Eastern Grey Kangaroo
Elk
Euro (a subspecies of wallaroo)
European Bison
Fallow Deer
False Killer Whale
Fat-tailed Dunnart
Fin Whale
Fox
Gazelle
Gelada Baboon
Giraffe
Goat (Domestic)
Golden Monkey
Gorilla
Grant's Gazelle
Grey-headed Flying Fox
Grey Seal
Grey squirrel
Grey Whale
Grey Wolf
Grizzly Bear
Guinea Pig (Domestic)
Hamadryas Baboon
Hamster (Domestic)
Hanuman Langur
Harbor Porpoise
Harbor Seal
Himalayan Tahr
Hoary Marmot
Horse (domestic)
Human
Indian Fruit Bat
Indian Muntjac
Indian Rhinoceros
Japanese Macaque
Javelina
Kangaroo Rat
Killer Whale
Koala
Kob
Larga Seal
Least Chipmunk
Lechwe
Lesser Bushbaby
Lion
Lion-tailed Macaque
Lion Tamarin
Little Brown Bat
Livingstone's Fruit Bat
Long-eared Hedgehog
Long-footed Tree Shrew
Macaque
Markhor
Marten
Matschie's Tree Kangaroo
Moco
Mohol Galago
Moor Macaque
Moose
Mountain Goat
Mountain Tree Shrew
Mountain Zebra
Mouse (domestic)
Moustached Tamarin
Mule Deer
Musk-ox
Natterer's Bat
New Zealand Sea Lion
Nilgiri Langur
Noctule
North American Porcupine
Northern Elephant Seal
Northern Fur Seal
Northern Quoll
Olympic Marmot
Orangutan
Orca
Pacific Striped Dolphin
Patas Monkey
Pere David's Deer
Pig (Domestic)
Pig-tailed Macaque
Plains Zebra
Polar Bear
Pretty-faced Wallaby
Proboscis Monkey
Pronghorn
Przewalski's Horse
Puku
Quokka
Rabbit
Raccoon Dog
Red Deer
Red Fox
Red Kangaroo
Red-necked Wallaby
Red Squirrel
Reeves's Muntjac
Reindeer
Rhesus Macaque
Right Whale
Rock Cavy
Rodrigues Fruit Bat
Roe Deer
Rufous Bettong
Rufous-naped Tamarin
Rufous Rat Kangaroo
Saddle-back Tamarin
Savanna Baboon
Sea Otter
Serotine Bat
Sheep (Domestic)
Siamang
Sika Deer
Slender Tree Shrew
Sooty Mangabey
Sperm Whale
Spinifex Hopping Mouse
Spinner Dolphin
Spotted Hyena
Spotted Seal
Squirrel Monkey
Striped Dolphin
Stuart's Marsupial Mouse
Stumptail Macaque
Swamp Deer
Swamp Wallaby
Takhi
Talapoin
Tammar Wallaby
Tasmanian Devil
Tasmanian Rat Kangaroo
Thinhorn Sheep
Thomson's Gazelle
Tiger
Tonkean Macaque
Tucuxi
Urial
Vampire Bat
Verreaux's Sifaka
Vervet
Vicuna
Walrus
Wapiti
Warthog
Waterbuck
Water Buffalo
Weeper Capuchin
Western Grey Kangaroo
West Indian Manatee
Whiptail Wallaby
White-faced Capuchin
White-fronted Capuchin
White-handed Gibbon
White-lipped Peccary
White-tailed Deer
Wild Cavy
Wild Goat
Wisent
Yellow-footed Rock Wallaby
Yellow-toothed Cavy
That list is only SOME of the mammals and it does not include the birds or insects. So now that the idea that homosexuality is not natural is debunked lets move on to the next step in the argument - God's word.
Quick summery of the book of Leviticus (copied from Wikipedia as it was the shortest summery I found)
The first part Leviticus 1-16, and Leviticus 27, constitutes the main portion of the Priestly Code, which describes the details of rituals, and of worship, as well as details of ritual cleanliness and uncleanliness. Within this section are:
Laws regarding the regulations for different types of sacrifice (Leviticus 1-7):
Burnt-offerings, meat-offerings, and thank-offerings (Leviticus 1-3)
Sin-offerings, and trespass-offerings (Leviticus 4-5)
Priestly duties and rights concerning the offering of sacrifices (Leviticus 6-7)
The practical application of the sacrificial laws, within a narrative of the consecration of Aaron and his sons (Leviticus 8-10)
Aaron's first offering for himself and the people (Leviticus 8)
The incident in which "strange fire" is brought to the Tabernacle by Aaron's sons Nadav and Avihu, leading to their death directly at the hands of God for doing so (Leviticus 9-10)
Laws concerning purity and impurity (Leviticus 11-16)
Laws about clean and unclean animals (Leviticus 11)
Laws concerning ritual cleanliness after childbirth (Leviticus 12)
Laws concerning tzaraath of people, and of clothes and houses, often translated as leprosy, and mildew, respectively (Leviticus 13-14)
Laws concerning bodily discharges (such as blood, pus, etc.) and purification (Leviticus 15)
Laws regarding a day of national atonement, Yom Kippur (Leviticus 16)
Laws concerning the commutation of vows (Leviticus 27)
The second part, Leviticus 17-26, is known as the Holiness Code, and places particular, and noticeable, emphasis on holiness, and the holy; it contains commandments intended not just for the priests but for the whole congregation.[3]. It is notably more of a miscellany of laws. Within this section are:
Laws concerning idolatry, the slaughter of animals, dead animals, and the consumption of blood (Leviticus 17)
Laws concerning sexual conduct - incest, bestiality, and most notably homosexuality among men, laws concerning sorcery, and moloch (Leviticus 18, and also Leviticus 20, in which penalties are given)
Laws concerning molten gods, peace-offerings, scraps of the harvest, fraud, the deaf, blind, elderly, and poor, poisoning the well, hate, sex with slaves, self harm, shaving, prostitution, sabbaths, sorcery, familiars, strangers, and just weights and measure (Leviticus 19)
Laws concerning priestly conduct, and prohibitions against the disabled, ill, and superfluously blemished, from becoming priests, or becoming sacrifices, for descendants of Aaron, and animals, respectively (Leviticus 21-22)
Laws concerning the observation of the annual feasts, and the sabbath, (Leviticus 23)
Laws concerning the altar of incense (Leviticus 24:1-9)
The case law lesson of a blasphemer being stoned to death, and other applications of the death penalty (Leviticus 24:10-23), including anyone having "a familiar ghost or spirit", a child insulting its parents (Leviticus 20), and a special case for prostitution (burning them alive) (Leviticus 21)
Laws concerning the Sabbath, Jubilee years and slavery., (Leviticus 25).
A hortatory conclusion to the section, giving promises regarding obedience to these commandments, and warnings and threats for those that might disobey them, including sending wild animals to devour their children. (Leviticus 26:22)
These ordinances, in the book, are said to have been delivered in the space of a month, specifically the first month of the second year after the exodus. A major Chiastic structure runs through practically all of this book.
Ok I'm done laughing now. Really? This is your argument? Do you stone your children for misbehaving (Leviticus 20)? Ok so they'll say "Because we're Christian, we don't follow the old testament. That's why Christ came. He gave us the new testament." Please tell me exactly where in the new testament it says homosexuality is an abomination. I can't find it. (Yes, for your information, I have read the Bible in it's entirety.) If you choose to follow the Bible as a guide for YOUR life- Great! Please do not push it on to me or anybody else. (Notice I said please. That will be the last time I am polite to the Bible pushers.) I'll let you live in the delusion that the United States was founded as a Christian nation. I don't have enough time to explain that one. The United States is not a Christian nation (now). There is no national religion. We are free to pick and choose who or what we worship. There are MANY different religions in the United States. Why would you choose to force everybody to follow your religion? Do you want to be forced to follow a religion that wasn't yours? On that note: My marriage should probably be labeled as a civil union. God isn't and never has been a part of my marriage.
Next section of the argument- Marriage is for procreation.
So what about all the heterosexual couples who can't have children or who choose not to? Not all heterosexual couples can have children the old fashioned way. That's why there is in-vitro, medications, and surrogates. Debunked!
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Congrats New President Elect Barack Obama
I'm so excited. Our 44th president is Barack Obama. I am honored to be able to say I voted for him. I am excited to be a part of history in the making. As I sat with Keelie last night watching Obama give his acceptance speech I couldn't help but shed a few tears. I was so proud to see America elect it's first black president. I know alot of people are saying Obama was elected because of his race, well, I do not vote according to race. I voted for Obama because I agree with most of his policies and because I feel he is the best person to turn this country around. Obama's background is chalk full of diversity. His mother was an atheist. Barack, himself, is christian. His father was probably muslim. Barack understands that this country is not just full of white christians. We are diverse! We do not all think the same. Obama, I feel, is not going to just look at the right wing conservative issues because it goes along with his beliefs. I feel he will look at the bigger picture and know that because we are not all the same he cannot take sides. I know he'll piss off alot of fundies because he will not do just their agendas. Instead he'll keep all of our rights intact and not allow others to infringe on those rights.
Congratulations Barack Obama! I look forward to the next 4 years with you!
Congratulations Barack Obama! I look forward to the next 4 years with you!
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