Tuesday, October 28, 2008
UH-OH
Sophie was doing her homework last night and commented that she had spelled buy wrong. She said, "It's b-u-y, not b-y-u. That's a college." Oh dear, we've been in Utah long enough for her to know about BYU?
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Book Recommendation
I am currently reading "The Year of Living Biblically" and it is hilarious! A. J. Jacobs is the author and as the title suggests, he tries to follow the Bible as literally as he can for one year.
The book has parts that make me laugh out loud, most of which are his wife's reactions to his undertakings. Jacobs also visits various religious groups to find out how they respond to certain teachings in the Bible.
What I think the book points out is that the Bible is not to be taken literally. It is a teaching tool that was written many, many years ago, which means there is room for interpretation and in my opinion, room for reevaluation. What was the law of the land thousands of years ago should not necessarily be the law of the land now. If there is a God, I think God expects us to be intelligent enough to question what any person or book states and if a person or book is wrong, to be willing to stand up to it.
No matter what a person's religious views are, I think they'd like Jacobs's descriptions of the reactions of New Yorkers as he attempts to live Biblically for one year.
The book has parts that make me laugh out loud, most of which are his wife's reactions to his undertakings. Jacobs also visits various religious groups to find out how they respond to certain teachings in the Bible.
What I think the book points out is that the Bible is not to be taken literally. It is a teaching tool that was written many, many years ago, which means there is room for interpretation and in my opinion, room for reevaluation. What was the law of the land thousands of years ago should not necessarily be the law of the land now. If there is a God, I think God expects us to be intelligent enough to question what any person or book states and if a person or book is wrong, to be willing to stand up to it.
No matter what a person's religious views are, I think they'd like Jacobs's descriptions of the reactions of New Yorkers as he attempts to live Biblically for one year.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Welcome to the World, Nolan!
My sister had her baby today and I just wish I could be there to offer support and of course, to hug the little guy! Nolan Joseph Battista was born this morning and I'm sure he's just as cute as his big sister, Ashleigh, and big brother, Ryan.
There are times when living 2000 miles away from family comes in handy, but there are times, like these, when it really, really stinks. So, to all my nearby friends who have babies, I might have to hug and cuddle them as if they are surrogate nephews or nieces.
Congratulations to my sister and her hubby, Michael!
There are times when living 2000 miles away from family comes in handy, but there are times, like these, when it really, really stinks. So, to all my nearby friends who have babies, I might have to hug and cuddle them as if they are surrogate nephews or nieces.
Congratulations to my sister and her hubby, Michael!
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Angry
I am so angry right now, about Proposition 8 in California. I just don't understand trying to keep loving, consenting adults from marrying. Just yesterday I was reading 2 books from the book fair at Soph's school, "Henry's Freedom Box," and "Rosa." Both are about equal rights for all persons. Here we are in 2008 and we're still trying to create a separate and unequal society!
The following article is what I would write, if I wrote so clearly and eloquently:
The following article is what I would write, if I wrote so clearly and eloquently:
Do you remember the day you got married? Of course you do. Or if you're not yet married, it's a day you might look forward to as one of the best days of your life.
Now imagine that the law prevented you from marrying the person you love. That's what would happen to 100,000 California couples if Proposition 8 passes.
Proposition 8 would take away from one group of people one of the fundamental rights in the California Constitution - the right to marry the person of one's choice. That's wrong and unfair. Equal protection under the law is the foundation of American society.
Same-sex couples are our neighbors and coworkers. We are taxpayers and members of the community. We want to get married, care for each other, and be responsible for each other just like any other couples. The law shouldn't treat anyone differently, and the government shouldn't tell people who they can or cannot marry.
Society changes, attitudes change, and traditions change. At one time, the traditional definition of marriage gave all the rights to the husband and none to the wife. At one time, interracial couples could not marry. No one suggests that we should return to those definitions of marriage. But one tradition that I would like to preserve is that the Constitution is for ensuring rights, not for taking them away.
Proposition 8 is about civil marriage. Clergy have always had the right to refuse to perform or recognize marriages that conflict with their beliefs. And the state has never mandated teaching about marriage in schools. Proposition 8 is not needed to protect children or religious freedom. On the contrary, Proposition 8 would eliminate the right of clergy to perform same-sex marriages if they so choose.
Proposition 8 does not "protect" marriage. The institution of marriage is strengthened when all loving couples can enjoy it.
Proposition 8 is also bad for the economy. Spending on same-sex weddings is expected to contribute nearly $700 million to the California economy over the next three years.
Domestic partnership is not the same as marriage. If your loved one is in the hospital and only family can visit, saying you are married means you belong with that person. There is no confusion, no need to explain your relationship.
Domestic partnerships don't provide the same dignity, respect, and legal protections as marriage.
When I married my husband last June, it was a joyous ceremony. Friends traveled from as far as the East Coast and Europe just to be there. When I became a domestic partner, no one took notice.
We shouldn't use the Constitution to eliminate fundamental rights for any Californian. Please vote 'no' on Proposition 8.
Charles Landau lives in Nevada City.
Now imagine that the law prevented you from marrying the person you love. That's what would happen to 100,000 California couples if Proposition 8 passes.
Proposition 8 would take away from one group of people one of the fundamental rights in the California Constitution - the right to marry the person of one's choice. That's wrong and unfair. Equal protection under the law is the foundation of American society.
Same-sex couples are our neighbors and coworkers. We are taxpayers and members of the community. We want to get married, care for each other, and be responsible for each other just like any other couples. The law shouldn't treat anyone differently, and the government shouldn't tell people who they can or cannot marry.
Society changes, attitudes change, and traditions change. At one time, the traditional definition of marriage gave all the rights to the husband and none to the wife. At one time, interracial couples could not marry. No one suggests that we should return to those definitions of marriage. But one tradition that I would like to preserve is that the Constitution is for ensuring rights, not for taking them away.
Proposition 8 is about civil marriage. Clergy have always had the right to refuse to perform or recognize marriages that conflict with their beliefs. And the state has never mandated teaching about marriage in schools. Proposition 8 is not needed to protect children or religious freedom. On the contrary, Proposition 8 would eliminate the right of clergy to perform same-sex marriages if they so choose.
Proposition 8 does not "protect" marriage. The institution of marriage is strengthened when all loving couples can enjoy it.
Proposition 8 is also bad for the economy. Spending on same-sex weddings is expected to contribute nearly $700 million to the California economy over the next three years.
Domestic partnership is not the same as marriage. If your loved one is in the hospital and only family can visit, saying you are married means you belong with that person. There is no confusion, no need to explain your relationship.
Domestic partnerships don't provide the same dignity, respect, and legal protections as marriage.
When I married my husband last June, it was a joyous ceremony. Friends traveled from as far as the East Coast and Europe just to be there. When I became a domestic partner, no one took notice.
We shouldn't use the Constitution to eliminate fundamental rights for any Californian. Please vote 'no' on Proposition 8.
Charles Landau lives in Nevada City.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
It's Such a Good Feeling...To Know You're Alive
I think my posts will now be titled after songs, like that show. What was that show?
It's been a good day. Soph has 0 cavities and I wasn't embarrassed by how much scraping the dentist had to do. Mom, you'll be happy to know I packed the toothbrush and toothpaste to have Soph do one final brushing before going in. Soph practiced her piano pieces 8 times each. It is a gorgeous, fall day outside. I had an exhilirating discussion with one of my enrichment groups at school. Life is good! I have no idea what tomorrow will bring, but I'm determined to appreciate this day!
It's been a good day. Soph has 0 cavities and I wasn't embarrassed by how much scraping the dentist had to do. Mom, you'll be happy to know I packed the toothbrush and toothpaste to have Soph do one final brushing before going in. Soph practiced her piano pieces 8 times each. It is a gorgeous, fall day outside. I had an exhilirating discussion with one of my enrichment groups at school. Life is good! I have no idea what tomorrow will bring, but I'm determined to appreciate this day!
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