Sing It Baby! Follow-up

I love my husband dearly and find him quite funny on most occasions. That was a large reason why I married him. However, I have to say to him and all you people out there who sing in your car - I think you look weird and silly and I don't really plan on joining you anytime soon. Even though I know you all feel like this era of hands-free devices has given you license to belt it out, I am ashamed for you. Embarrassed even. I give you credit for not caring, but as I said before, I will still look at you like your crazy and if I do sing in the car, it will be when I know no one is looking.

Sing It Baby!

We have a guest blogger this week. I am very excited to introduce you all to my very funny and witty husband Greg. The things and ideas that come out of his mouth sometimes make me laugh really hard. I knew when he came home the other day telling me about this scenario, that it was worthy to be a post here. I hope you all enjoy.

Question: Is it cool to sing in the car when you are all by yourself?

About a decade ago I was walking across the campus of Washington State University and came across an individual having an animated conversation with himself. I warily gave this nut some distance, but realized as he passed by me that he was using a hands-free device to talk on his cell phone, making it look like he was having a good heart-to-heart with himself. I remember thinking that the whole thing looked kind of ridiculous, but little did I know that this device would indirectly be a source of brightening my day for a very long time to come.

My problem is this - I love to sing in the car. Some people prefer showers to sing Rogers and Hammerstein, but I prefer singing “O what a beautiful morning” right along with Slim on my tape player in the car. This behavior is of course totally nerdy, and I have always been very self-conscious about this, not wanting to appear uncool while I drove. Thus, I have always toned it down in traffic …but no longer. No one bats an eye at someone talking to themselves in a car, under the assumption that they are simply using an unseen hands-free device. In fact, we may actually applaud their safety-consciousness in driving with two hands instead of one. I have totally cashed in on this new trend. I belt things out at the top of my lungs in rush hour on Friday afternoon, all the while disguised as some thirty-something yuppie having a heated business conversation after hours.

I never thought that I could have it all, both make-believe American Idol auditions and public approval at the same time. I’m a star every time I get in my Honda, and I owe it all to the hands-free cell phone speaker thingy. So feel free to croon along with your favorite radio station, bang your head to your favorite metal songs, or leave your heart on the line with some sappy country tune. No one will think you’re crazy, and you might just get a bug thumbs up from the guy in the next car who thinks you are a model citizen.

Ruba' Dub' Dub' - Follow-Up Take 2

There are definitely some passionate feelings out there for and against baths in the master bathroom. Those who don't take baths don't really seem to care if there is a bath tub, while those who do, say the absents of one would be a deal breaker. Here are my thoughts.

When we went to buy our house I REALLY wanted a floor plan that had the kitchen open up to the family room. It was right up there at the very top of the list of must haves. My husband and I like to entertain and I thought it would be such a nice set up. So, it may come as a surprise that the house we finally ended up buying does not have that feature. Here is how I gave up that much wanted feature.

1st - I don't plan on this being the last home we ever live in. Therefore, I was willing to give that up at this time.

2nd - If we do happen to live here forever (so help me!), there is a way that the bathroom (which now separates the two) could be moves and my open floor plan would be accomplished.

3rd - The house had all the things that no amount of planning or money could change - i.e it's on a cul-de-sac and it has a great FLAT yard.

So my take home here is this. There are always gives and takes when buying a house. Our house had all the right things that money or planning couldn't change, as well as many of the other essential elements (essential being different to everyone). But, the fact that it DOESN'T have an open kitchen/family room floor plan was not a deal breaker for me. It is something I can change. So to all those out there that say not having a bath would be a deal breaker, you may change your mind when faced with several other factors that one does not always know, nor can anticipate in buying a house.

I'm A Dork!

So before I wrote my entry on tubs I was playing around with some of the settings and marked that all comments had to be moderated before they were posted. I did not realize where I had to go to read those comments so all this time I thought no one had any views on tubs. That's fine if that were true, but when I finally figured it out today (after some friends said they had left comments and they weren't published) I realized that many of you did have a comment. I'm sorry about that. I have undone that feature so comment away! I will post my 2nd follow-up this Saturday and then I want you all to come back on Sunday for a guest blogger who is going to share their feelings on a very funny subject. I don't think you will be disappointed.

Until then, enjoy your last day of winter, 'cause tomorrow is spring!

Ruba' Dub' Dub' - Follow-Up

No comments left, no follow-up needed.

'Til tomorrow!

Ruba' Dub' Dub'

Topic: If you had a rockin' shower, would you miss your big tub?



When we were looking to buy our house we must have looked at over 100 homes. We were very picky. It was a scary investment. We didn't want to make the wrong decision. We ended up putting offers on 5 different homes. I see now why each on needed to happen and why the ones we didn't get didn't work out. We were blessed.



While some homes were much nicer than others, all of the homes were pretty much guaranteed to have two things in a particular room. The master bedroom baths all had huge tubs and carpet on the floors and around the tubs.



I will never get the carpet in the bathroom. It is just really disgusting to me. I would love to rip ours out, but that is a project a few years down the road. Other projects are more pressing at the moment.



I am not a big bath taker but when I was pregnant with Jack I decided to take a bath to relieve pressure from the heavy "load" I was carrying around. You can imagine my extreme disappointment when I found our water heater only has the capacity to fill my monster tub about 1/8 of the way before running our of hot water. What is the point of that? Why would you put a tub in that is too big to fill with hot water?



Thus the plans to re due the master have begun in my head. I don't think I will miss that tub one bit when we finally take it out. Where it now stands I want to put a big, beautifully tiled shower with an awesome shower head and glass doors. The dilemma is do I put a tub somewhere else in the bathroom to appease future buyers?



What are your thoughts. If you were looking at homes and walked into one that had a total master bath makeover with a rockin' shower, but no tub, would that make you think twice about buying the house and why?

Some Rules

As was exhibited by the last topic, there are things that readers and commenter's are going to disagree on. I don't have a problem with that. Overall I feel like it was a good discussion and one that generated some "feelings". The purpose of this blog is to get input on different subjects and also to get people to maybe think about things that they may have not really examined before.

However, I feel a need to state a rule.

I have no problem with comments that are left that disagree with what someone else has stated on this blog. Everyone is entitled to their opinion. What I do have a problem with is when a specific person is targeted by name and information from an outside source - other than this blog - is used to discredit them (i.e. going to their personal blog to find information on them that may refute what they said). You may make a statement targeting a specific comment left, but I ask you not to state the persons specific name in so doing.

An example:

Correct way: "I find it hard to believe that after all the data proving the earth is round some still think it is flat."

Incorrect way: "I find is hard to believe that after all the data proving the earth is round that Sally still thinks it is flat."

I realize that if someone were to read the comments they could tell who made the statement, however, when a specific name is said it does take on a bit more of an accusatory tone.

There are several circumstances in life that we often know the right answers and know what we should be doing, yet our actions are not quite up to where we know they should be. There have been instances in my life where I have stated things in the past that convey one view point, but as I have grown and learned things, that perspective has changed. I would hate for someone to use my past actions against me in refuting what I may now feel. There also may be cases where having a subject raised here may cause people to truly reflect and rethink the way they thought about something, while their actions in the past may not reflect that change. They should not be blamed for that. So please keep that in mind and keep comments to material stated here.

I look forward to discussing a new topic this coming Sunday.

"Patterns" Follow Up

I have done some very hard thinking on this subject this week in response to the comments received. I find this subject very interesting in the fact that it can be so polarizing within the church.


Before I give my rebuttal let me say something that I hope you will keep in mind.


Ask yourself why this is even a topic of discussion?

Answer -
......because there is a living prophet on the earth today who has received revelation on this subject. If there were no standard of modesty in the church, this would not even be an issue. For that standard a good place to look is in "For the Strength of Youth" pamphlet. Here is what it says under the Dress and Appearance section:


“Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? … The temple of God is holy, which temple ye are” (1 Corinthians 3:16–17).


Your body is God’s sacred creation. Respect it as a gift from God, and do not defile it in any way. Through your dress and appearance, you can show the Lord that you know how precious your body is. You can show that you are a disciple of Jesus Christ.


Prophets of God have always counseled His children to dress modestly. The way you dress is a reflection of what you are on the inside. Your dress and grooming send messages about you to others and influence the way you and others act.


When you are well groomed and modestly dressed, you invite the companionship of the Spirit and can exercise a good influence on those around you.


Never lower your dress standards for any occasion. Doing so sends the message that you are using your body to get attention and approval and that modesty is important only when it is convenient.


Immodest clothing includes short shorts and skirts, tight clothing, shirts that do not cover the stomach, and other revealing attire. Young women should wear clothing that covers the shoulder and avoid clothing that is low-cut in the front or the back or revealing in any other manner. Young men should also maintain modesty in their appearance. All should avoid extremes in clothing, appearance, and hairstyle. Always be neat and clean and avoid being sloppy or inappropriately casual in dress, grooming, and manners. Ask yourself, “Would I feel comfortable with my appearance if I were in the Lord’s presence?”


Someday you will receive your endowment in the temple. Your dress and behavior should help you prepare for that sacred time.


With that as a backdrop, here is my rebuttal:


While I agree with the view that the garment is not a definition of modesty, it certainly helps aid someone in being modest. One needs to ask themselves, if there were no garment, but a code of modesty, would they follow it?

A comparison was made to the fact that we teach about fasting, but don't expect our young children to fast. True, but in fasting you are actually depriving the child of something that they are not able to comprehend and that causes them discomfort by so doing. While we may not literally have our children fast, I would hope that we are teaching the principles behind fasting long before they actually fast, since that is what makes a fast a true fast. With modesty, we are depriving our children of nothing by requiring them to wear a shirt under a sundress or longer shorts. Therefore the comparison between the two is unfair.


We all engage in various activities that require us to change our dress. In the comment that compared wearing ones garments in public vs. a bathing suit, I again think this is an unfair comparison. They both denote totally different emotions. If you are going to compare the two you must compare wearing garments vs. a push-up bra and thong underwear and a one piece swim suit vs. a string bikini. Modesty is available in all settings, I think we are intelligent enough to know what is appropriate and where it is appropriate.


In regards to the comment where a friend makes baptism age the time that she introduces modesty, I do hope she was teaching it and being an example of it long before her children turned 8. Just as your friend hopes her children will chose to read the scriptures, I'm sure she knows the importance of modeling that behavior and encouraging it in her children before they have to decide for themselves.


I do agree that children will have to make choices for themselves at some point when it comes to their dress. I also know that a 6 month old will not be developing her views on modesty at that young of an age. However, I see no excuse for not dressing children modestly when as a parent you know what is modest and have the choice whether to dress them that way or not. I believe one has to ask themselves why they are dressing their children in a certain way. As said above, if garments are not the definition of modesty, than you need to ask yourself what is and apply it to your children just as you would yourself.


This leads me into my last point which is, since when is a code of modesty age dependent? Shoulders are shoulders, legs are legs, stomachs are stomachs. Other than the female chest after puberty, there is no difference from the said above body parts on my body and those on my little girl. Why should I hold myself to one rule of modesty and not do the same for her?


In closing, I leave you with one parting thought,


In regards to the Garden of Eden, it would be wise to remember who the giver of the fig leaves was as opposed to the giver of the coats of skins.

Patterns

For this weeks topic, I've decided to take a suggestion from one of my "many" readers. The following question was posed,

"Should one wear tank tops (i.e. immodest clothing) before going to the temple?"

For the sake of writing ease, I'm going to act as if you are all LDS. If you aren't and have some questions, feel free to email me and I will do my best to answer them.

My answer is a huge, capital, NO!

I have always found it strange when parents and leaders in the church do not make modesty a non-negotiable behavior. I realize that in today's world it is hard to find fashion forward clothing that is modest. But it's also hard to go into any restaurant that does not serve alcohol, and yet it's accessibility does not make it right for us to automatically partake. So why should wearing immodest clothing be any different?

We strive to teach our children when they are young correct principles and patterns to follow in their lives. We teach them basically from day one the importance of family and personal prayers, scripture study, church attendance, etc. I strongly feel that if we want our children (especially our daughters - since they seem to have the most temptation in this area) to respect the temple and the covenants made there, than we should start at a very young age to have them act like they have already been there. Then when they do go, no major shift in their attitudes and dress will need to occur. To me it seems like a no brainer.

I strive very hard to do this with my daughter. I have never allowed her to wear a sleeveless dress without a shirt underneath. Even when she was a little newborn. I saw no purpose in it. I have struggled greatly with finding modest shorts for someone her age. She wore shorter shorts than I was comfortable with last summer, so something will have to change this year. Fortunately I know how to work a sewing machine, so cutting off pants and hemming them may be the answer. While not the easiest option, it is an option to make sure I teach her the importance of modesty to me and more importantly to the Lord.

There is a scripture that I think addresses this subject very well. It is found in Proverbs 22:6. It reads, "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it."

I see no difference in the diligence we should give teaching modesty in comparison to all the other patterns and life style choices we hope our young children and youth will learn while in our care.

Skinless

If you are a follower of my regular blog (which I think you all are since that's how you know about this one) then you know that I'm a fan of "NieNie". My husband would say I'm a bit obsessed with her and her story, I don't find a crime in it, so I never have apologized. Her story has truly affected my life - and I hope it's for the better. I was so excited to read her very first post since her accident on Friday. Therefore, in her honor, I thought this reflection was appropriate.

I am not like some nobler people out there, that when horrible things that make no logical sense occur, don't ask why. I always find myself asking "Why?" at some point. I often ask it knowing I will not get a rational answer, but by so doing, I do get some answers and insights that help me gain new and greater perspective.

So the "why" for me in Nie's story came is a form something like this,

"Why would God allow a beautiful couple, who is God fearing, who has 4 young children, and a happy and productive life, be in such a terrible accident that almost left their children parent less and has left them with permanent mortal scars?"


I know the obvious answers.

1. Bad things happen to good people.
2. There are lessons and blessings they will learn and gain from this that they wouldn't have otherwise.
3. This situation will help them help someone else.
There are many more, but for now I will leave it at those. But the obvious is not what I was looking for.

In all truthfulness a large part of my sadness lay in the fact that these beautiful - and I do mean beautiful - people were not going to look as they used too. I have wondered if in some way that is why they have gotten all the attention they have. I say that with no fault to them in anyway. But I have wondered had they been a couple that was not as beautiful, would as many people have really become so engaged and interested in their cause? Human nature has me leaning toward the "no" side - but I can't speak for the rest of you, so I guess it only leans toward my human nature.

With that as a back drop to my thinking, I then started to wonder what God really feels about us and our physical bodys and the way we physically look. I know the Primary answer that He loves us no matter what we look like, but that just didn't cut it for me. On further reflection I came to wonder/realize that in all actuality, God doesn't care about our physical bodies at all. After we have each been born and received one, I honestly don't think He cares about them anymore. Does He care what we do with them? Yes! Does He care how we treat them? Yes! But does He actually care at all about their physical size, shape, structure, or appearance? No!

It really does make sense if you look at the world today. The opposite of God - Satan - would have you think otherwise. He tells us that the body and the way it looks is all that matters. He tries to tell us that we can do what we please with them, treat them as we please - make them feel good, but we must all do it by being a size 2, dressing them in the highest fashions, and by making them desirable to others. Satan makes are bodies the object while God makes are bodies the expression of the true object, the one that matters, our spirits.

This may be REALLY obvious to some of you, but for me it was a good reality check to make sure I am focusing on the things that do last. Which things, I'm sure Nie would agree, are skinless.

Yellow Water Follow-up

A big shout out to Adrianne who was the only admitted Pool Peer of the week. I'm with her in thinking that we have some who are not confessing truthfully - not that I blame you.
The good news is that most of you don't feel threatened by pee in the pool, so at least we can all happily exist together - with little threat of being ratted out by pool chemicals.

I would like to give an apology to anyone reading who may have been offended by my first weeks topic. Marlene comes to mind since I did slump to talking "potty talk" on my first week. I really had no intentions to do so, and really just looked at it as a none threatening "neutral/basic/acidic" subject for an introductory post. Please accept my apologies if any of the rest of you fell into that category.

I hope you all come back regularly and enjoy the "soap".

Yellow Water

There are certain subjects that I have come across that I keep a running survey in my head as I go through life about peoples feelings towards. One of them is the subject for tonight's SOAPBOX:

"Do people pee in swimming pools?"

I know some of you will out right say no way! I think that would be the natural response of most people. I mean really, who wants to swim in their - and everyone else's urine? I'm sure there are few who are throwing up their hands in urgency to join the club.

But lets all break free of the freezing temperatures most of us are currently experiencing and look forward to the fast approaching summer. Us sitting by the pool. Some with children in tow. Now picture yourself having just gotten in the pool, enjoying the nice cool water and feeling relaxed and then the urge hits. You have to go and have to go bad. You are faced with a dilemma, you can either just swim a really fast lap or splash around with your kids and relieve yourself or drag yourself out of the pool, across the hot searing pavement, into the gross slimy floor bathroom, peel your swim suit off so it's now a rolled up sausage looking thing around your knees, try and wipe yourself with soggy toilet paper, then unroll your sausage swimsuit and have it fit back on your body, walk back across the searing pavement and back into the pool. Really when I put it like that, I don't think there's much debate as to what would be the easier choice. But right choices are not always the easiest.

When I was younger I lived in the pool. My grandparents lived in California and we would go out there every summer for about a month and just swim all day long in their pool. It is a great childhood memory for me. I would have to say that I peed in the pool way more then I went in to use the bathroom. I also swam competitively as a child and would have to say that after weighing the odds the pool always won. I mean isn't that why they chlorinate the pools?

While reflecting on the subject for this post, I began to wonder if professional swimmers pee in the pool. A quick google search revealed that Michael Phelps is an admitted pool pee-er. Look where it got him!!! So look out fellow swimmers, I may not be an Olympic hopeful when I zoom by you for a quick 50 free, but I will feel a lot better when I'm done.

Washing My Mouth Out

I distinctly remember the first and only time my mother washed my mouth out with soap. I must have been no older than 5 or 6 and I was sitting at our dinning room table in Minnesota drawing. I remember going outside the lines and saying a swear word (the one that starts with an "s" if you must know). My mother was so shocked that she dragged me that very instant into the bathroom and commenced scrubbing my taste buds. To this day I can still remember the taste. I also remember what happened right after ward. I think she felt guilt - mostly likely since my other genetic half had used the word around me earlier that day - so she gave me back the rest of my grape soda I had been drinking and never presented another bar of soap for my tongue again. It's amazing the impression it left. It is forever seared into my brain.

I guess I relate this because it is a good layout for what I hope this blog to be. Mostly I hope this will be a place where good ideas and discussion will occur. However, I have come to realize in life that sometimes we say and do things that others don't like and we and they get a bad taste in our mouths. So be forewarned that all topics will not be ones that you may agree with and may rub you the wrong way. I hope others will make you laugh and give you an insight into how my brain works. My goal is to post once weekly about random topics that I hope will generate a good discussion. If all goes well, I will invite others to be guest bloggers.
I have a few topics already brewing for discussion, but would like your input as my readers - all 5 of you because I really don't expect more than that right now and that number might be a bit high. So leave me a comment that lists topics you would like to have me write about and then opened up for discussion. Each week with my new post I will also do a follow-up to include comments made from the previous weeks posting. Are you still following me? Check back this Sunday for my first writing and we will go from there. "See" you then!