An Update: May Be TMI For Some

Well I figured it was time to post but since this post will be somewhat personal I wanted to make my blog private before it got posted. This way only family and a few friends will be reading it.

Over the last month I have been pretty ill. It kept getting worse and worse but I just thought it was the flu or something so I dealt with it. I was having really bad pains in my stomach and was not able to eat with out throwing up. Last week, on Sunday, it got even worse and the pain was so bad I was not able to stand up or hardly move without crying out. This went on until the Friday the 27th, which is when I gave in and had my MIL Robyn take me into an Urgent Care Center. Leading up to this a series of small events happened that I sincerely believe were miracles.

First off Robyn was supposed to be in Palm Desert, CA that weekend but had decided not to go. Then Friday morning she had had two other things going on in the morning that had postponed the doctor until later. Both of those things got canceled one right after the other and she saw it as a sign that I needed to go in ASAP. As it turns out, it couldn't have been sooner. We really were racing against the clock and didn't even know it.

We got to the Medical Center and they put me right into a room which was good because I was going downhill fast. They took some blood and urine samples (the urine sample couldn't be used because I was so severely dehydrated there wasn't anything to test) and also hooked me up to an IV to start getting me re-hydrated. After I had two liters pumped in me I was still digressing so the doctor sent my info over to the nearest ER and had us rush over there.

They were waiting for me and they wheeled me right into a room. They needed a urine sample before they could do anything but I didn't think I could produce enough. They threatened me with a catheter which did the trick. It scared the pee outta me. Ha Ha. The ER Dr. then came in and was thinking it was severe appendicitis but needed a CT Scan to confirm so they hooked me up to two more IV's and started pushing through more fluids and morphine. The pain continued to get worse, which they couldn't figure out why. I finally got taken back for my CT and they found internal bleeding in my abdomen. My urine test also came back positive for pregnancy.

This was a complete shock. We have been trying to get pregnant since we got married and had already experienced one miscarriage but we weren't having any success. I also had just finished my period so I didn't think there was any chance we could be pregnant at all. With the internal bleeding getting worse, and the positive pregnancy test they called in an OB. He was on call so it took about an hour to get him in there but it turns out I was having an ectopic pregnancy. The baby was in my fallopian tube instead of my uterus so it was feeding off of those blood cells. The baby had outgrown that blood supply so all of my blood vessels were bursting and causing the internal bleeding. If your fallopian tube bursts, it releases toxins but also causes such severe internal bleeding you die really quickly. Mine had not burst yet so they rushed me into surgery. Despite my doctor's attempts, they were not able to save my fallopian tube. He said it was a miracle it hadn't burst and that it was the biggest one he had ever seen in his 35 years of practicing. I was 8 weeks along. He was able to salvage my right ovary but its kind of a bum one now. All of my eggs will just be absorbed into my body.

After surgery I was still in a lot of pain but on the mend. On Saturday mid-morning I noticed some irregular swelling and bleeding not consistent with my incisions or surgery. My right labia was so swollen I couldn't stand and we couldn't find out where the bleeding was coming from. The Doctor on call came and examined me but said to wait over night and if the swelling got worse and if I continued to bleed then I would have to go under again so he could go in and cauterize what he thought was a cervical tear. The swelling did get worse as did the pain and bleeding but another miracle happened. I had yet another doctor come in on Sunday and examine me. He said it is really rare but sometimes when a fallopian tube is removed, the residual blood with trickled down and go sit in the labia. It adds on another week of bad pain and about a week and a half of bed rest but that the labia wasn't something to worry about. He said if my bleeding was from a cervical tear then it was too small to need surgery but that it could just me trauma bleeding in my uterus which will taper off.

I had great doctors and aides and nurses. They were all absolutely phenomenal. All except one but we won't talk about her. Having such a great staff helped a ton.

I was discharged on Sunday and have been living on my couch. I have gotten so many beautiful flowers and phone calls expressing love and concern. I am so grateful for everyone. I am trying to stay upbeat and positive but I am sad. I still have hope though. I know we will have kids we just don't know how we will come about them. Cody is so amazing, the love of my life. I couldn't do this without him. His mom has been great. Feeding us and taking care of me while Cody is gone. I have about 2 1/2 more weeks of recovery but I am getting there. I love you all!!

These are when I had just been sent to the ER. Showing off my IV's.




These are the tulips my MIL got me and the bear that my amazing ER nurse Tiffany brought up after my surgery. He has an IV too.




This is the coolest tape ever. They use it tape the IV's in and use it as anchors but it had a little man on it!!



I got horrible bloody noses in there so I used rubber gloves full of ice to help them clot. Cody thought it was funny.



This is my amazing baby love just hanging out in his recliner.




I am still swelling and bruising like crazy. It gets worse by the hour. Here are some of the good ones :)





The gorgeous flowers Amber, my MIL, and Nana brought me. They make me happy. They are bright spots in this room I am stuck in.

banquete mexicano!!!

Oh my goodness Friday's dinner was absolutely delicious!! For the last three weeks I have been experiencing the most insatiable hankerings for Mexican food. Sooo when I had extra beef from my pot roast, I was unbelievably excited to make tacos!

We had fresh corn tortillas, Mexican rice, guacamole, pinto beans, shredded beef, corn & black bean salsa for Cody, spicy salsa for me, chips... The list goes on. I also discovered something fantastic at the store a few days before. Amazing Cherry Limeade completed it and helped us to wash it all down. We barely squeezed it all onto our little table.

Cody's cousin Whitney had just gotten home from her vaca on St. Thomas so we had her join us. Even with us three stuffing our faces there was so much left over so I sent it all home with her to share with her hubby when he got back that night. It was so good!!

A few things that made me smile

I love Photobucket. It is AWESOME.
I enjoy Facebook and its following apps: Bumper Sticker & Flair.

Let me show you why.


Cody sent this to me as a Bumper Sticker on good ol' FB. It is sad, but true. I need to work on how I treat others.


This made me literally laugh out loud. What can I say? I am easily amused.


This right here, speaks for itself.

/>
This is what I am trying to convince society of. Ha, I am failing miserably so I have resorted to trying to just get myself convinced of this.


This describes how I felt so often when Cody & I were dating & then engaged. Not because I was on the prowl, but because I felt like I needed to claim him all I could before he realized I am just a crazy white girl.


I do I do I do I do!! I love him oh so much :)

Attempting to keep busy

Alright so lately I have been going nearly crazy because I sit inside all day every day with nothing to do. I have read and read and read. I love reading but it is difficult to do all day every day. I have been trying to watch movies or chat online with friends or just cruise the internet but fate has decided to crush me under her shoe. We do not have cable. We lost our internet. To top that all off, our xbox 360 (aka our dvd player) broke. So that is out of commission for about a month. I have resorted (I really do enjoy it) to cooking and baking.

On Tuesday I made a beef chuck roast with red potatoes, carrots, and gravy in my crock pot. It took all day and 3 phone calls to my mom but I did it and it was soooo worth it. Delicious. I didn't take an after picture like I had planned because we were seriously both so hungry we just dove in.



These are both when I put the veggies in but no the gravy. The colors looked pretty haha I am a dork.

I am so excited because We have enough meat left over that we are doing shredded beef tacos tonight. I am going all out with guacamole, chips, corn and black bean salsa for Cody, and fried Mexican rice. I will try to take pictures to prove it!

All week I have been waiting for my bananas to ripen. Yesterday I saw that three of them were and i had been dying to try a banana muffin recipe I came up with. I was nervous that they would turn out gross but they came out perfect! So moist and yummy. I was extremely proud of myself.


Banana Crumb Muffins

Muffins

* 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 tablespoon cinnamon
* 3 bananas
* 3/4 cup white sugar
* 1 egg
* 1/3 cup melted butter
* 1 over-flowing teaspoon vanilla

Crumb Topping

* 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
* 1 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
* 1 tablespoon cinnamon
* 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
* 1 tablespoon butter

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Spray Pam on 12 muffin cups.

2. For muffin batter, mix together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. In another bowl, beat together bananas, sugar, egg, vanilla, and melted butter. Mix together banana mixture with the dry ingredients. Spoon batter into muffin tin. Fill almost to top. Makes 12 generous muffins.

3. For crumb topping, mix together brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and powdered sugar until well blended. Using a spoon mash in the tablespoon of butter until the entire mixture is moistened and well blended. Takes about 5 minutes. Sprinkle topping over muffins. There may be just a little topping left over. Cover the entire top of each muffin cup so as to fully cover the batter.

4. Bake for 18 minutes. Let cool. Remove muffins by gently twisting them about then lifting.

5. Enjoy!!


My kitchen when I was done. Ha Ha I make a huge mess!


Baking in the oven!!





Yeah I had already eaten one. They are sooo good.

Going Incognito!!

For those of you who received my email and already responded, ignore this. This is for those who I don't have an email address for, and for some reason or another didn't see it on my Twitter or Facebook.

Cody and I are going under the radar. Invisible, incognito... PRIVATE.

We just don't want to deal with some crazies and don't want blogstalkersELITE to get to us so in about two'ish weeks the blog will only be open to those whom we invite. If you want on the list then leave me your email address here as a comment or email me directly.

rachelleorgan@gmail.com

The response has already been seriously overwhelming. I had no idea that some of the people who replied even knew we had a blog. Yae for good friends and family!!


Thank You!!!

Playin' Catch Up!!

Okay so I have had pictures on my camera from a couple weeks ago and just now got enough drive to find the cord and put 'em on my computer. For Valentine's Day, my MIL Robyn got us tickets to go see Phantom. AKA Phantom of the Opera. It is not really a spin off as much as it is the same story just tweeked a little. It was great. Cody & I both love theatre (minus the idot couple that showed up after it started and of course had seats in the middle of the row and had to climb over all of us.) It was such a great performance. It was at The Hale Centre Theatre here in UT. The acting was great, the music fun, just enough comedy, and their voices were absolutely phenomenal.


I made these AMAZING oatmeal chocolate chip bars. I found a recipe online for soft oatmeal cookies then changed pretty much the whole thing haha and got these! They were sooo good.


We were running late for the play but needed to eat so we picked up a pizza. It was supposed to be pepperoni but I opened it up and saw THIS monstrosity. We don't like cheese pizza but I didn't have any time to go back. Cody thought it was funny, as you can see in the background, until he had to take the leftovers for lunch the next two days. Ha Ha!!


Us seriously goofing off with Photobooth. We thoroughly enjoy doing this.


On our way to the theatre!!


Quick pic before heading in!!

Today is a SPECIAL day!!

Happy St. Patrick's Day everyone!! I LOVE this day. L♥VE L♥VE L♥VE!

Some of you may know a little about my friend James. He was an amazing person. Always happy and smiling and trying to make everyone around him happy and smiling. He had a great smile, beautiful eyes, and an energy that was absolutely contagious. He also had two passions. He loved all things Irish (green, clovers, leprachauns, etc.) and Pirates. The first love was almost visibly exuded, on this day. He was always running around handing out clover stickers, or hugging people while sneakin in a pinch, or trying to teach others how to talk in an Irish accent.

Before he died, he had the opportunity to meet his birth mom. One night after having dinner with her I received an excited phone call. I asked what was goin on and he kept telling me over and over that he was indeed part Irish. I cannot think of any piece of news that had made him so happy before. He was such a goof!

So this is somewhat of a tribute to him and to this holiday full of happiness, silliness, and green!!





If you notice, his shirt is just a hint of how much he loved this day.

Service Service Service

I know its been like a month and a half since Cody and I spoke in church but I have been thinking about service today which brought me to posting this. Thinking about service and how no matter how badly we may be in need for it, it is so hard to accept it. Accepting help for me is a difficult thing. I am stubborn but I hate having to admit to myself and especially to others that I am indeed, needing help of some kind. This reminded my of Cody's talk which he gave. It was so good! He talked on service. I thought I would post it. Its a side many have never seen of him but its there! Needing help, realizing it, asking for it, then in turn accepting it is definitely a humbling experience. Here is Cody's talk.

"Good Afternoon Brothers and Sisters. As my wife introduced me, I am Cody Steele. Like she said, a few weeks ago, Brother Cox gave us the assignment of a short talk for today. Unfortunately for me, he did not assign a topic. A few days ago, I was considering speaking about the evils of procrastination, but I never got around to it. Instead I decided to speak to you today about service.

I found a very interesting talk given by Dallin H. Oaks. It the very first talk he gave after being called to serve in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. The question he built his talk around is not what service can we do, or how much can we do for someone, but why do we serve at all?

We all have been taught and know that service is important to our salvation. Jesus himself taught us in the book of John that, "By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another". In latter day prophecy the Lord has commanded that we “succor the weak, lift up the hands which hang down, and strengthen the feeble knees” as found in D&C 81 verse 5.
Indeed, service is a covenant obligation of all members of the Church of Jesus Christ.

But why do we serve. Why we are serving matters even more than what we are doing as far as the Lord is concerned. The scriptures teach that the Lord looks to our thoughts as well as to our acts. One of God’s earliest commandments to Israel was that they should love him and “serve him with all your heart and with all your soul.” Doctrine and Covenants 64 verse 34 declares that the Lord requires not only the acts of the children of men, but “the Lord requireth the heart and a willing mind.” As the Apostle Paul said, we that are strong enough to bear the infirmities of the weak should not do so “to please ourselves.” These scriptures make clear that in order to purify our service in the Church and to our fellowmen, it is necessary to consider not only how we serve, but also why we serve.

Elder Oaks discusses six reasons as to why the people of this world serve those around them. The first is to serve for earthly reward. To serve in acts of mercy in order to receive prominence in culure or gain in income earns no gospel reward.

Another reason for service—probably more worthy than the first, but still in the category of service in search of earthly reward—is that motivated by a personal desire to obtain good companionship. We surely have good associations in our Church service, but is that why we serve?

Some people may serve for fear of punishment. It is common to read in the scriptures, stories of those who are miserable because they failed to follow the commandments of the Lord. Thus, King Benjamin taught his people that the soul of the unrepentant transgressor would be filled with “a lively sense of his own guilt, which doth cause him to shrink from the presence of the Lord, and doth fill his breast with guilt, and pain, and anguish, which is like an unquenchable fire, whose flame ascendeth up forever and ever.” Such descriptions surely offer sufficient incentive for keeping the commandment of service. But service out of fear of punishment is a lesser motive at best.


People may serve to fulfill a sense of duty or out of loyalty to family or tradition. These people do what they are asked without question, but sometimes without giving much though to the reasons of their service. These people do much good in the world and we have all benefited by the good works of such people. Those who serve out of a sense of duty or loyalty to various wholesome causes are the good and honorable men and women of the earth. Service such as this will surely qualify for some of the blessing of the gospel, especially if done joyfully. As the Apostle Paul wrote in his second letter to the Corinthians: “But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.

Although those who serve out of fear of punishment or out of a sense of duty undoubtedly qualify for the blessings of heaven, there are still higher reasons for service.

One such reason is to serve for the hope of an eternal reward. This hope—the expectation of enjoying the fruits of our labors—is one of the most powerful sources of motivation. As a reason for service, it necessarily involves faith in God and in the fulfillment of his prophecies. The scriptures are rich in promises of eternal rewards. For example, in a revelation given through the Prophet Joseph Smith in June 1829, the Lord said: “If you keep my commandments and endure to the end you shall have eternal life, which gift is the greatest of all the gifts of God.”

The final and most noble of the many reasons to serve is Given in the scripture Moroni 7 verse 47. Charity is the pure love of Christ. Mormon teaches us that this virtue is the greatest of all. We know from these inspired words that even the most extreme acts of service—such as giving all of our goods to feed the poor—profit us nothing unless our service is motivated by the pure love of Christ. We learn from this command that it is not enough to serve God with all of our might and strength. He who looks into our hearts and knows our minds demands more than this. In order to stand blameless before God at the last day, we must also serve him with all our heart and mind.

Service with all of our heart and mind is a high challenge for all of us. Such service must be free of selfish ambition. It must be motivated only by the pure love of Christ.


We have been taught that as we grow in selflessness that our blessings will grow accordingly. We were told in 2 Corinthians Chapter 9 verse 6 and 7 that “Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.”

In closing I have one last quote from an anonymous writer, “It is obeying God willingly that is accepted “The Lord hates that which is forced—it is rather a tax than an offering.” I have a strong testimony of service and hope that I can continue to serve for the right reasons. I know that it is by the pure love of Christ that the greatest things of this world have come to pass. I leave these things with you in the name of Jesus Christ Amen."

I love that man!!

Wise Words Indeed

Finding Joy in the Journey

Great thoughts from President Thomas S. Monson:

"My brothers and sisters, there is no tomorrow to remember if we don’t do something today. I’ve shared with you previously an example of this philosophy. I believe it bears repeating. Many years ago, Arthur Gordon wrote in a national magazine, and I quote:

'When I was around thirteen and my brother ten, Father had promised to take us to the circus. But at lunchtime there was a phone call; some urgent business required his attention downtown. We braced ourselves for disappointment. Then we heard him say [into the phone], "No, I won’t be down. It’ll have to wait."

'When he came back to the table, Mother smiled. "The circus keeps coming back, you know," [she said.] '“I know," said Father. "But childhood doesn’t.”'

If you have children who are grown and gone, in all likelihood you have occasionally felt pangs of loss and the recognition that you didn’t appreciate that time of life as much as you should have. Of course, there is no going back, but only forward. Rather than dwelling on the past, we should make the most of today, of the here and now, doing all we can to provide pleasant memories for the future."

Great thoughts that strike so true!! What a great and wise man!

Clear the Muddy Waters??

I guess for a few people I need to CLARIFY what I meant in my previous post.

"My last rebuttal I think may get me into some trouble with a few family members but I don't care. These are my beliefs and opinions and pretending they aren't is a disservice to myself.  See what I mean? Passion=trouble sometimes."

I knew my post would get me into "trouble" because I have a few family members who tend to take things rather personally. I do not care because no matter what is said or done, their opinions will not be changed.

I do think it is funny that when engaging in a discussion or debate concerning a differing of opinions, one party (or more) is prone to taking offense or getting hurt feelings. The purpose behind such discussions is to expand the mind, learn of others' opinions and points of view. I used to get angry or hurt feelings ALL THE TIME when I had a disagreement with someone but have since learned that such feelings are pointless.

I have gained an appreciation for diversity. Without diversified opinions, there can be no learning, sharing, or conversation. I like coming in contact with people whose ideas differ from my own. The world would be so bland if we all thought the same would it not?

I enjoy discussions concerning religion and government and current events because it helps me to not only try to look at things from a different angle, but it allows me to strengthen my ideas and resolve to talk about what I believe, and I daresay KNOW to be true and right.

There you have it. I was not just flagrantly displaying my lack of caring for my family. I love my family. EVERY SINGLE MEMBER OF IT. Whether they believe me or not, is up to them.

No Secret....

It is not news to anyone who truly knows me that I am a passionate person. I am passionate in my relationships and how I share my love. I am passionate about things like decorating and music and reading and writing. I am passionate about children. I am passionate about cleaning and a few specific tendencies I have that are border-line OCD. I am EXTREMELY passionate about my beliefs both religious and political. This being the reason that for me they coincide so completely. Government for me is something that I could go on and on about but it often gets me into trouble. I am out-spoken and confrontational and even though I may start out in a discussion promising myself I will behave and be cordial I oft times find myself being very ornery and.... mean? Mean is not the right word but I cannot think of a better fit. My passion for what is right and just and moral gets me into trouble. Mr. Superman likes that I am passionate but sometimes he just has to leave the room when I rant and "discuss/debate" politics.

Alright so obviously during the election season this blog was a little overrun by political posts but I think I managed to salvage a few of my readers by toning it down after wards. The thing is people, is that I just stopped posting it here. I am an avid participant in discussions and debates on Facebook and many other forums online. My good friend C has very politically savvy parents who have the same views as I. I daresay her mother is a good friend of mine as well. Well C's brother posted a poem on his Facebook that has sparked quite the debate/discussion. My last rebuttal I think may get me into some trouble with a few family members but I don't care. These are my beliefs and opinions and pretending they aren't is a disservice to myself.  See what I mean? Passion=trouble sometimes. I am going to go ahead and attach the poem with the debate minus the names except for mine. This is to save anyone from taking offense.

At first I thought this was funny...then I realized the awful truth of it. Be sure to read all the way to the end!

A poem about taxes

Tax his land,
Tax his bed,
Tax the table
At which he's fed.

Tax his tractor,
Tax his mule,
Teach him taxes
Are the rule.

Tax his work,
Tax his pay,
He works for peanuts Anyway!

Tax his cow,
Tax his goat,
Tax his pants,
Tax his coat.

Tax his ties,
Tax his shirt,
Tax his work,
Tax his dirt..

Tax his tobacco,
Tax his drink,
Tax him if he
Tries to think.

Tax his cigars,
Tax his beers,
If he cries
Tax his tears.

Tax his car,
Tax his gas,
Find other ways
To tax his a__.

Tax all he has
Then let him know
That you won't be done
Till he has no dough.

When he screams and hollers,
Then tax him some more,
Tax him till
He's good and sore.

Then tax his coffin,
Tax his grave,
Tax the sod in
Which he's laid.

Put these words
upon his tomb,
' Taxes drove me to my doom....'
When he's gone,
Do not relax,
Its time to apply
The inheritance tax.

Accounts Receivable Tax
Building Permit Tax
CDL license Tax
Cigarette Tax
Corporate Income Tax
Dog License Tax
Excise Taxes
Federal Income Tax
Federal Unemployment Tax (FUTA)
Fishing License Tax
Food License Tax
Fuel Permit Tax
Gasoline Tax (42 cents per gallon)
Gross Receipts Tax
Hunting License Tax
Inheritance Tax
Inventory Tax
IRS Interest Charges IRS Penalties (tax on top of tax)
Liquor Tax
Luxury Taxes
Marriage License Tax
Medicare Tax
Personal Property Tax
Property Tax
Real Estate Tax
Service Charge Tax
Social Security Tax
Road Usage Tax
Sales Tax
Recreational Vehicle Tax
School Tax
State Income Tax
State Unemployment Tax (SUTA)
Telephone Federal Excise Tax
Telephone Federal Universal Service Fee Tax
Telephone Federal, State and Local Surcharge Taxes
Telephone Minimum Usage Surcharge Tax
Telephone Recurring and Non-recurring Charges Tax
Telephone State and Local Tax
Telephone Usage Charge Tax
Utility Taxes
Vehicle License Registration Tax
Vehicle Sales Tax
Watercraft Registration Tax
Well Permit Tax
Workers Compensation Tax

STILL THINK THIS IS FUNNY?

Not one of these taxes existed 100 years ago, and our nation was
the most prosperous in the world.

We had absolutely no national debt, had the largest middle class in
the world, and Mom stayed home to raise the kids.

What in the world happened? Can you spell 'politicians!'

Poli - The Latin word for Many.
Tics - Blood Sucking Insects.
Politics = Many Blood Sucking Insects!

Participant A:


We have more people, we have more roads, we have more stuff, we expect more stuff, we expect our stuff cheap, we expect to have all the stuff we want and not have to pay for it. We expect health care and to live a long life and to be cared for, we expect the best education n the world, we expect to not have our children to not work in sweat shops (which was happening) We expect to just work 8 hours a day and have a living wage.We expect to eat as much as we want, drink as much as we want, smoke as much as we want, drive want we want to drive, waste what we want to wast, we expect perfect food from anywhere any time of the year, we expect to have as many children as we want and above all we Expect To Not Pay Taxes. We expect clean water that come right into our house, we expect to water our grass, we expect to get rid of waste, we expect to all children immunized, we expect childhood diseases to not exist in our country, we expect electricity in every home, we expect telephone service, Internet, and cable, we expect, we expect, we expect, and we expect to NOT Pay Taxes.


Mrs. S:


It's not that we expect to not pay taxes but there are things in place called checks and balances that are supposed to make things even and fair. They are supposed to make sure that government doesn't overstep its bounds which has happened. It has happened to the extent that our nation is deep in debt, over taxing its people, and passing laws and implementing taxes and other things that are in no way constitutional.


Participant B:


What incentive do the top wager earners have to produce when their taxes keep going up even when they're already paying more than 50% of the taxes? Lower taxes and business owners have more money to buy more stuff and hire more people. Increase taxes, and they're forced to lay people off. What confidence can investors have in this administration when the market is down 30% in 3 mos? Of course that's fine for Obamaites to stick it to those evil rich people so everything can be more "fair" for everyone. Those evil rich people losing all their money are the ones who provide millions of jobs. Sad when people put their faith in govt rather than the ingenuity of the American people.


Mrs. S:


Its sad that the American Government has become so diluted as to think that Socialism is the right way of doing things.


Participant C:

Mrs. S, I'm proud of you! We do expect some taxes, but this has gotten so out of hand that it will become an unrecognizable nation soon- one we would not want our children raised in - a third world country, where no one is free. Some people lose their rights during war time - but we handed ours away. Sad:(

Participant D:


It's funny Participant A, the things you mention are things liberals feel they are entitled to. Free health care? Free schooling? The government should provide these things? No. We should pay for them ourselves. The only exceptions are the disabled and the elderly, really. But able bodied adults should have no problem providing for ourselves. 100 years ago the people maintained their own roads. The govt shouldn't be so involved its bad for all humanity.


Mrs. S:


The issue that has become so pressing is that now there really is a lack of incentive to work hard. If you're at the bottom of the totem pole, there is no reason to work to get higher because our new President is going to make sure you have everything you've ever wanted. The icing on the cake? You won't have to do a thing. If you have worked hard and done well? You get punished. Your hard earned and well deserved wealth is going to be taken from you and redistributed to help those "in need". In need meaning to lazy to get up and work. Robin Hood is a good story and all but its just a fairy tale.


Participant E:


My sister's able bodied....but since she has a slipped disc in her back from when she was 15 she has a hard time affording health care and after three years of being on her own health care, she just finally got her back covered last week...


Participant C:


Actually, having a back injury makes you less able. And do you think you should have to pay for someone to have Internet or cable? It's time for people to be responsible for themselves. What ever happened to pulling yourself up by the bootstrap? I guess now, you don't have to aspire for greatness, you don't have to do anything, you deserve what your neighbor has, just because you were born! Penalizing the wealthy will not encourage growth of the economy-it will wreak the economy. Obama has done more damage in the first two months than any president in history. Your children and grandchildren will be paying this debt. You will work your entire lifetime and never retire - you won't be able to afford to and there is no retirement now so we won't retire. Big government is a nightmare and we're in it. I feel so sorry for you young people - you never had a chance :(


Participant F:


I don't know about the rest of you, but we pay for our water, sewer, home, phone, Internet, satellite, gasoline, food, clothing, property insurance, health insurance, medical bills on top of what insurance doesn't cover(that includes immunizations for my children), gas tax, road tax, property tax, state income tax, federal income tax, social security tax(that will probably not be there for us to use for our own retirement-ha)-AND we pay taxes to provide for services for the less able, for schools, police and fire protection, for our military, for roads, libraries, jails,we subsidize daycare, housing, school lunches and health care for indigent. It is a free land and yes, I will have as many children as I'm able to raise and care for, I will live in a house I can afford, I will drive the vehicle that accommodates my family. I believe every life is sacred and abhor the thought of my money being spent to kill the innocent. I'm proud to be an American and I'm sad for the state it's in.


Participant C:


The colonies were fine with taxation until it became a heavy burden and unjustified-much like it's becoming now. Small revolts are happening across the nation and soon it may be time to stand up for freedom, liberty and the American way!


Participant D:


Participant F, who do you think is going to pay this bill that Mr O. has given the country? Free health care is not free!! Do you think I should pay if you just don't want to go to work? That's not to say if you cannot work don't confuse it.


Participant A:


I just keep wondering who these people are you keep talking about. Who are they and where are they? Everyone I know works hard and have long range plans. They are not letting setbacks stop them from pursuing their dreams. I know only one who looks for the short cut. I know there are people out there but they are not the majority or we would not be the country we are today. This recession started in 07 and it is not something that started on Jan 09. The truth is there are people out there trying to make it on less, that don't have family to help them, that are unskilled, untaught, or going to school and trying to get to that point of making a living to support themselves. You talk like you are the only hard working people out there and everyone else in sitting on the couch watching TV with their hand out. I haven't heard anything about free health care, just affordable, affordable insurance. And who are you to judge who "wants to work" and " who don't want to work". Participant B, when did you get so protective of the rich. I feel so sorry for those poor billionaires like Bernie Maddof, You know maybe they shouldn't have to pay more taxes. I think since you guys want to pay your way you should have to pay a pure cost for all those things you love. No taxes included in what you pay for. Not tax money included in the production of things. Pure cost of electricity- to the food on your table. The pure cost of roads, to your health care and then you would see what having no money is like. Keep your little bit of taxes and see if you come close to breaking even. Maybe we all need to see what the real cost of our lives are. The real cost of the water in your pools to the gas in your cars. Maybe would build smaller homes, drive smaller cars, protect our environment, buy our food local, not build in a dessert and grow corn in our food fields. We can not have it all.


Participant D:


No judgment. I'm not judging people who don't "want" to work. I'm just saying if you decide to not work you better have money or a way to afford these things, but don't ask me to pay for an able bodied person. Again no judgment on this side of the aisle. Participant A, I'm very glad you finally admit that the recession started in 07 when the Dem's started railroading this country. Please tell your lib friends so we can stop this disease (BDS) The only way to recover is to acknowledge.


Participant C:


Participant A, I think you need to slow down - most of what you talk about are things we pay to have, not anything taxed. We pay plenty and live quite simply and we pay our own way. Unlike many of the liberal democrats who like spending everyone Else's' money. How would you know the PURE cost of anything, is that what you pay? Of course not! And when you say your little bit of taxes, well we are probably paying more in taxes than you, so when you move to a house that more closely fits the size of your family, then we'll talk. This class warfare has to stop and I'm not talking about the Bernie Madoffs. We appreciate the wealthy, those who employ others, those who pay the most taxes, those who keep this country solvent. What is scary now is how low the figure for being "wealthy" is. Who decided who was the wealthy? Well now Obama changes that regularly - soon it will be $60,000 because he can't afford not to tax them, he has spent and over spent and spent into your daughter's children's generation. THAT is what should concern you - your sweet granddaughter will never have the things your kids had, because Obama mortgaged her future and you think it's a great idea- so great, you'll argue for it. unbelievable!!


Mrs. S:


All I know is what is going on today is a far cry from what our country was based on. The Founding Father's would weep if they saw how far this country has sunk and how utterly destroyed the morale of its politicians has become. It really does make me sick.


"You cannot legislate the poor into freedom by legislating the wealthy out of freedom. What one person receives without working for, another person must work for without receiving. The government cannot give to anybody anything that the government does not first take from somebody else. When half of the people get the idea that they do not have to work because the other half is going to take care of them, and when the other half gets the idea that it does no good to work because somebody else is going to get what they work for, that my dear friend, is about the end of any nation. You cannot multiply wealth by dividing it."

-The late Dr. Adrian Rogers, 1931-2005


Participant A:


Sorry Participant D, I don't have any "Lib" friends, you forget I live in Indiana. And we are commenting on the poem and the taxes listed there. The point is we do not know the pure cost of any thing. That is why we are so so so so wasteful. If we did maybe we would treat our world different. And all that pork that has been flying out of Washington for YEARS REPUBLICAN and DEMOCRAT is subsidizing almost everything in our life to MAKE IT CHEAP. You can pay it in taxes or straight out of you paycheck. I guess I don't understand "those liberal democrats that like spending other peoples money" I know a lot a lot a lot of Republicans that live just as freely as you describe. I don't get why it always has to be us Republicans who live one way and it is the right way, vs the rest of the world is "Dem's" that live another. I don't think you can tell them apart if you throw in a barrel. Everyone lives for themselves.


Participant C:


The difference is rep. believe in personal responsibility and paying your own way, Dem's believe in subsidizing others projects, remember they're the ones who wants to raise the tax, but can't seem to remember to pay their own-they believe in class warfare and keeping the little guy down and out, on welfare and beholden to the party that will keep paying them to lay around. Dem's want to spread my money to others and hide their money in some offshore account. True rebus are capitalists, Dem's are
socialist.


Participant E:


Participant D, I didn't comment anything about the stimulus bill...also no I don't think you should have to pay if I "just don't want to go to work." I never said anything along those lines. I made a comment about health care, my sister's back doesn't affect how long she works or how much money she makes, it just hurts all the time, and she needs physical therapy. It affects how much she pays for health care and whether or not she gets coverage, which for three years she didn't. Like I said, I dare you to tell her it's because she doesn't believe in "personal responsibility" or because she "doesn't work hard enough". And Mrs. S, I dare you to say the same thing to *insert name here* and see what he has to say about his wife. Also, you should research what's going to with the Mesa police department because of the stimulus bill. They're begging for the money.


Mrs. S:


I am not saying anything about how difficult it is to get health care, or talking about people who are willing but not able to work. The point I and most of us are trying to make is that this country, built on freedom and ingenuity and hard work, is falling apart. Only someone truly naive and ignorant would argue that fact. I understand how absolutely difficult it is to not only afford health care but to be able to obtain it and have it be of good quality. I do not have health insurance due to the cost and the fact that I have what insurance companies to be a "pre-existing condition". The point is that this so called miracle working stimulus package has put this country in so deep of debt that my grand kids will be working it off and won't succeed. This stimulus package is doing nothing for the hard working Americans who slave away and get nowhere but for the rich, irresponsible, selfish bureaucrats that foolishly squandered theirs and others money away. The point is that Obama's stance on so many issues are the polar opposite of what America is supposed to be about. Not only America's but the truly honest and moral way of handling things is being forgotten and forsaken for the "good of all." Not the good of all, the good of those who do not care or do not know (or both) what the good of all really means. Even though my husband and I work hard to get out of debt and make our way to try and get ahead, I would never ask for someone elses hard earned money to put us there. Most of the people who are for the stimulus package and for this "new" idea of spreading the wealth are people who do not understand how Socialistic it really is. If they do that goes to show how against they are for America and what we are supposed to be doing.

Just to push the point a little further a direct line from The Declaration of Independence.


"Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, —That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness."


The sad thing is though, the the people of America are either too dense and ignorant to do anything to change the government which has so blatantly over stepped its bounds or the ones that realize this and wish to do something are in the minority.

Also, just the fact that I have a brother who is on Mesa PD doesn't mean I would change my stance on this at all. Whatever their situation is doesn't change the fact that all of the things being passed and signed off on by our President and our Members of Congress makes them any more right.


Participant E:


I'm not going to talk about Obama and this stimulus bill with you anymore. Ever since our country was founded people have interpreted things differently. Just to push my point a little further a direct line from the declaration of independence.


"...all Men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."


And one from the eighth amendment


"Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted."


So I, along with many others, consider the death penalty to be unconstitutional and an area where the government is blatantly overstepping it's bounds. That's my opinion, that's the way I interpret the constitution. But, I'm certainly not going to call you dense and ignorant for not agreeing with me. I understand that you didn't bring up the death penalty, I'm just trying to find an obvious example of where people interpret the constitution differently. So you can call things unconstitutional or constitutional all you want, but no matter what there are always going to be people that disagree with you. Frustrating, huh? I know it is for me. So, that's why there's no point in continuing this, because we obviously have two different views. Also, I forgot your brother was a police officer, and I didn't know he worked for Mesa PD, i just saw that stuff this morning on the news and found it really interesting. I didn't mean it as a personal attack or anything.


Participant C:


So, Participant E, it's cruel and unusual punishment to give the death penalty to a rapist/murderer/molestor, but it's okay to give the death penalty to an innocent unborn baby? Strange, I think. And I have to say Mrs. S. has a grasp of the bigger picture, because of Obama's massive spending, we will never be out of debt and your children will suffer for it, and ALL of us will be paying for this - forever...


Participant E:


To answer your question yes, and I don't think it's strange. But I'm not going to get into that any further because I really don't want to ARGUE about it; if I politely stated my opinion on the subject it would just be rudely attacked. I see the horrible stuff people say to Participant A because she disagrees. It seems that talking nicely is not possible here. Conservatives are just living up to their stereotypes that they are mean, judgmental and that they constantly throw around accusations. Unfortunately, I live in Gilbert therefore, politically, hardly anyone agrees with me. Not only that, my views and opinions are also looked down on and mocked. I never should have posted anything in the first place; it has already been made clear to me that opposing views are not welcome. And thanks for proving my point that people interpret the constitution differently. I really have nothing more to say except peace out for real, I'm done with this "argument" because it's never going to go anywhere.


Participant F:


Are you seriously saying that it is okay to kill an unborn innocent baby because people are stupid and don't know safe sex but that its horrible to kill a murderer and child molesters and people that are complete garbage?


Participant C:


The only rudeness I have seen hasn't come from us. We haven't attacked anyone. You can't give offense, only take it, and it seems you want to take it. We could easily be offended by the things you say, but it's not worth it. You want to be a victim-be one. No one is calling you names, although it seems you have done that. Quit getting involved if you can't debate a point without getting your feelings hurt. No one has said anything to you that is offensive. Asking a question is not inappropriate. If you want to think it's okay to let some menace to society live, while murdering an innocent child is fine, well if you can sleep at night and think that's okay, well okay. It's not 'Gilbert' that's your problem, it goes much higher than that. It doesn't matter what I think, but it does matter what your Heavenly Father thinks.

And, you need to read again and tell me where I've said anything mean to Participant A- we have been lifetime friends (30 years), and you'll see that she debates vigorously and says what she wants to, never giving in and NEVER getting offended- and we don't get offended by what she says - that's what maturity is and what debate is. Participant A is not a vicitm and neither are you. Now we could be offended by the things you say, but we won't. But I will do whatever I can to save every innocent life possible and take in any baby that needs my care, and know that what I do is what my Heavenly Father wants me to do. And any person that commits heinous crimes should receive the full penalty provided by law, they give up their right to life if that is what is decided. I would be happy to put the needle in!!


Participant D:


Participant E, conservatives throw around accusations? Is that what people say? I think I heard that Sarah Palin's son born of down syndrome was actually Bristol's child. That's what the liberal news media reported. I've heard in liberal circles that 911 was an inside job orchestrated by George Bush. These accusations from people on the left are both insanely inflammatory and very unsubstantiated ridiculous rumors. If you'll notice Participant E, the conservative media tries to inform people of FACTS. There will always be a bad apple in the group so mud will be thrown but by and large you have these roles reversed.

If you stuck it out through this entire post I'm not only proud of you but I appreciate it. I'll see if I can wait a while before I get all passionate on you guys again.

Big Love & What to do??

When I first heard about the t.v. show "Big Love" I kinda just shrugged it off. I am used to people having certain notions and ideas about the LDS Church and I have gotten used to ignoring them. It seems that not responding at all is much easier and less confrontational than getting out my pair of angry eyes and ranting all over the net and blogosphere. I have received many chain emails saying to boycott certain things and while this may have a positive impact on people's (HBO, TimeWarner, Mormon Haters, The Media) consciences, it may also just feed the flames.

After reading in the Newsroom on the LDS Church website, what the Church's stand is on the issue, I felt a little better at my decision to stay out of this. Yes it makes me sick. Yes it makes me angry. Yes it makes me want to jump up and down and say, "This is so wrong and so unfair." I have thought and thought about it and even though it is unfair, and unethical, and wrong in every way, the show will go on. The people who feed off of being negative and condescending about and toward The Church and its members will continue to do so. It must be their lot in life but that is their prerogative. Here is the official Church statement. I hope it helps to calm you down as well. This is just another sign of the times my friends. A sign of the times.

"The Publicity Dilemma

SALT LAKE CITY 9 March 2009

Like other large faith groups, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints sometimes finds itself on the receiving end of attention from Hollywood or Broadway, television series or books, and the news media. Sometimes depictions of the Church and its people are quite accurate. Sometimes the images are false or play to stereotypes. Occasionally, they are in appallingly bad taste.

As Catholics, Jews and Muslims have known for centuries, such attention is inevitable once an institution or faith group reaches a size or prominence sufficient to attract notice. Yet Latter-day Saints – sometimes known as Mormons - still wonder whether and how they should respond when news or entertainment media insensitively trivialize or misrepresent sacred beliefs or practices.

Church members are about to face that question again. Before the first season of the HBO series Big Love aired more than two years ago, the show’s creators and HBO executives assured the Church that the series wouldn’t be about Mormons. However, Internet references to Big Love indicate that more and more Mormon themes are now being woven into the show and that the characters are often unsympathetic figures who come across as narrow and self-righteous. And according to TV Guide, it now seems the show’s writers are to depict what they understand to be sacred temple ceremonies.

Certainly Church members are offended when their most sacred practices are misrepresented or presented without context or understanding. Last week some Church members began e-mail chains calling for cancellations of subscriptions to AOL, which, like HBO, is owned by Time Warner. Certainly such a boycott by hundreds of thousands of computer-savvy Latter-day Saints could have an economic impact on the company. Individual Latter-day Saints have the right to take such actions if they choose.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as an institution does not call for boycotts. Such a step would simply generate the kind of controversy that the media loves and in the end would increase audiences for the series. As Elder M. Russell Ballard and Elder Robert D. Hales of the Council of the Twelve Apostles have both said recently, when expressing themselves in the public arena, Latter-day Saints should conduct themselves with dignity and thoughtfulness.

Not only is this the model that Jesus Christ taught and demonstrated in his own life, but it also reflects the reality of the strength and maturity of Church members today. As someone recently said, “This isn’t 1830, and there aren’t just six of us anymore.” In other words, with a global membership of thirteen and a half million there is no need to feel defensive when the Church is moving forward so rapidly. The Church’s strength is in its faithful members in 170-plus countries, and there is no evidence that extreme misrepresentations in the media that appeal only to a narrow audience have any long-term negative effect on the Church.

Examples:

* During the Mitt Romney election campaign for the presidency of the United States, commentator Lawrence O’Donnell hurled abuse at the Church in a television moment that became known among many Church members as “the O’Donnell rant.” Today, his statements are remembered only as a testament to intolerance and ignorance. They had no effect on the Church that can be measured.

* When the comedy writers for South Park produced a gross portrayal of Church history, individual Church members no doubt felt uncomfortable. But once again it inflicted no perceptible or lasting damage to a church that is growing by at least a quarter of a million new members every year.

* When an independent film company produced a grossly distorted version of the Mountain Meadows Massacre two years ago, the Church ignored it. Perhaps partly as a result of that refusal to engender the controversy that the producers hoped for, the movie flopped at the box office and lost millions.

* In recent months, some gay activists have barraged the media with accusations about “hateful” attitudes of Latter-day Saints in supporting Proposition 8 in California, which maintained the traditional definition of marriage. They even organized a protest march around the Salt Lake Temple. Again, the Church has refused to be goaded into a Mormons versus gays battle and has simply stated its position in tones that are reasonable and respectful. Meanwhile, missionary work and Church members in California remain as robust and vibrant as ever, and support for the Church has come from many unexpected quarters — including some former critics and other churches.

Now comes another series of Big Love, and despite earlier assurances from HBO it once again blurs the distinctions between The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the show’s fictional non-Mormon characters and their practices. Such things say much more about the insensitivities of writers, producers and TV executives than they say about Latter-day Saints.

If the Church allowed critics and opponents to choose the ground on which its battles are fought, it would risk being distracted from the focus and mission it has pursued successfully for nearly 180 years. Instead, the Church itself will determine its own course as it continues to preach the restored gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the world."

He's In!!

'I, Mr. Superman, do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God.'

He's in!! He was sworn in today and is now an official USAF Trainee. I didn't get to be there but he will swear in again at his Basic Training Graduation and become an Airman. I'm so proud of him!!

Now we wait three weeks to find out when he leaves for Basic and what job he got!

NEWS

Alright everyone, things are squared away and Mr. Superman returns to MEPS tomorrow. Even though he just needs to interview with the doctor then job counsel he still has to be there at 5:30. No fun at all but he is just happy things will be done. So if all goes as it is supposed to then he will swear in to the USAF tomorrow afternoon. Cross your fingers and pray for us that all goes well and that there are still jobs available. Update to follow.

Horror Stories WARNING: MAY CAUSE YOU TO GET GOOSEBUMPS, THE HEEBIE JEEBIES, OR LIFT YOUR FEET OFF OF THE GROUND WHILE READING.

Hey people I know you've probably noticed I have been blogging like CRAZY!!! I don't know why I just find myself doing it more and more often. I enjoy it I really do. I like expressing myself and sharing things with you all and when it really comes down to it, it keeps me busy and lets me vent. Mr. Superman says he thinks its good. Its like journaling and he really wants me to keep up on it while he is gone so he won't miss out on anything. Sure it'll take him FOREVER to read up on five+ months worth of stuff when he gets back but anything to make my baby happy.

Alright so I am terrified, I mean absolutely terrified of a few things. I hate cockroaches. The ones in AZ are nasty and gross and are all over for the bulk of the calender year. I have had two really traumatizing experiences with these nasty little things and I feel very justified in my loathing of them.

One was when I was 15 and I was at a party with friends. Huge party, we're talking massive house, easily two hundred people, tons of different things going on. One was on the side of the house they had set up a movie. I cannot for the life of me think of what that thing is called but its like the thing you can do slide shows or whatever. PROJECTOR SCREEN!! I got it. HAHA. Well they had a movie playing and everyone was just lying on blankets in the grass or sitting on a few couches they had out there. I was sharing a blanket with my good friend D and a few of her friends. Like 10 minutes into the movie and I feel a tickle on my chest. I scratched at it and continued to watch the movie. I kept feeling little tickles then all of the sudden I get this really sharp pain on my skin and it freaks me out enough that I screamed a little. Now people, you all know that my chest area is semi... for lack of a better term well-endowed. Its easy for things to get lost. Well I stick my hand down there and feel something big and crunchy and gross and I flick my hand out and there was, I kid you not, a 2 inch long massive gross cockroach!!! I nearly vomited.

Oh man I totally am giving myself the heebie jeebies. I won't share my second experience. It is real similar though. Use your imaginations.

I am also horribly frightened of bees. I have never been stung and I know the whole, "don't bug them they won't bug you." thing. Growing up we had hundreds if not thousands of bees living in the white stucco wall that enclosed our property. We had a pool and they would always swarm around the water. Everyone in my family I think has been stung except me. I am scared of them for a different reason. I nearly swallowed one. Yes you read right. I could be bosom buddies with


the little old lady who swallowed a spider


I managed this dangerous feat by being careless and lazy. I was maybe 8 years old and playing my best friend at the time G. Her grandma had been kind enough to let us have two Cokes. We were playing but had gone inside for a quick minute to get something or other and left our sodas unattended. I came outside and immediately went in for a swig of my delightful elixir and brusquely felt something fuzzy and so not coke like in my mouth. I spit and sputtered and coughed and to my utter amazement and horror there was a black a yellow bee crawling around disoriented on the sidewalk. EWIE I know. Hence no more Coke for me. Besides that incident I can't stand the taste.





And lastly (not the last thing I fear, just the last for this post) I am seriously and most vehemently so terrified and disturbed by praying mantis's. *GAGx100000000* I think they are the creepiest little things ever. Probably about 7 months ago at our house in AZ we had a garden. It was wildflower garden. All of my flowers died due to the sweltering 110 degree weather but I had also planted for Mr. Superman, Mammoth Sunflowers. These things were MASSIVE. They were nearly as tall as our house and the flower blossoms themselves were nearly as big our our heads. The stems were thicker and stronger than corn stalks and they managed to survive the nasty heat. Well we came home one evening from grocery shopping and were walking around the house to the front door when I nearly dropped my bags. There was the ugliest, creepiest thing I had ever seen.



This is what stopped me in my tracks. This Orchid Praying Mantis. How unfitting and inappropriate a name. Orchid. How about nasty ugly evil thing. Seriously people this heightened my terror. The red eyes make me feel like its evil and going to attack.

Bah. Not that I have thoroughly driven myself mad, its time to wake Mr. Superman up. Byyye!!

Extremely aggravated/irritated/irate/angry/fed up

Alright people here is yet again another update.

Today was supposed to be a BIG day. A big day indeed. Mr. Superman got clearance after a week of high stress and fighting on my part with people mostly out of state. He left at 5:00 this morning to head down to the MEPS bldg where he took his ASVAP and where all of the other US Military and USAF stuff happens. He had to get blood drawn and a drug test, eye test and tons of other stuff done in order to be able to get his physical. He then kinda just hangs out all day then was supposed to meet with a Job Counselor to go over his job picks then in the afternoon swear in and then everything would be official. We thought we were done jumping through hoops and all the stress was gone.

I get a phone call from SGT. V. Bad feeling in my stomach. He proceeds to tell me Mr. Superman can't do anything more today because.... get this. The doctors office in AZ that was in charge of sending his complete medical chart.... only sent over the records for his left knee!!! I couldn't believe it. So we are again in limbo due to somebody else's incompetence and stupidity and lack of caring for someone else. I thought I had drilled into them the necessity of speed and accuracy. That our lives are held up until this was all taken care of. NOPE. I guess not.

So on Monday I get to call the doctors office and try to get them to find the records for the right knee, then get the doctor to sign a separate release form for his right knee, and pray they get it right this time around. The worst part is that on Monday the job drop comes through. The AF office here has all week to dispense and assign these jobs and if on Friday there are still some they get sent to some other squadron in the country.

Even if I do get everything I need on Monday, it cant get reviewed until Tuesday and Wednesday, MEPS is closed. The earliest Mr. Superman could go back in is on Thursday and spend another entire day trying to get everything done. Chances are there would be none of his job picks available by Thursday and we will still be forced to wait until the second week of April for the next drop. The ironic thing is by us rushing and stressing and me being on the phone for hours and arguing our case was all in attempting to avoid this.

So much for doing all we can right? It got us no where.