tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-365763692024-02-18T21:25:33.451-08:00Charmaine ShoutsCharmainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11035628942613225921noreply@blogger.comBlogger24125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36576369.post-68566316315676177702010-02-21T17:53:00.001-08:002010-02-21T18:47:26.922-08:00Anarchy and Capitialismor <span style="font-weight: bold;">Anarchy from a Capitalist's Mind and Musings</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><br />Last month I had one of those truly enlightening conversations. You know the kind. We were up into the wee hours of the morning and I had multiple thoughts and ideas that seemed to converge to make sense of years of study and research. One of them was about the role of the government.<br /><br />Governments make and enforce laws and laws restrict freedoms in exchange for safety. The thing that governments do best is restrict freedom. And we as citizens of ANY government are trading in our freedoms and our agency for safety and security. It is my opinion that there are things far less valuable that I could be exchanging for safety - like money. Are you with me? Of all the things that government provides, is there anything that cannot be provided by private enterprise? I challenge you to think of one.<br /><br />So as someone who holds her personal freedom and agency as the greatest (and only everlasting) thing I have, I find it the most valuable thing I have to trade and the only thing that I can't ever truly give up. It is sacrosanct.<br /><br />So the conclusion was thus: Any government aside from self-government is evil and corrupt.*<br /><br />Alas, as I know of no John Galt, Francisco d'Anconia, or Ragnar Danneskjöld who have built or are building a society free from oppression and hidden from the evils of the world, I find myself living in this one and grateful to have seen the polarity of the issue.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">*Please don't misunderstand me. I fully recognize that we live in an era that requires government. I am in no way saying that I support the complete overthrow of ANY government. People need structure and boundaries and many are unable to create and adhere to boundaries of their own design. (For example, no matter how many times I give up cupcakes for the greater good of my waistline, I still find myself faced with the decision of how many I will eat when they are anywhere near me.) So, government is a necessary evil. I just wish the concept of personal freedom was one our law makers and government officials held in higher regard.</span>Charmainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11035628942613225921noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36576369.post-55814115822214258392010-01-29T23:00:00.000-08:002010-01-29T23:03:28.680-08:00In A Way, It's A PenanceNearly 8 years ago a cousin of mine said something to me that has stuck with me ever since. I'm not going to tell you what it was, because it was something that I judged him pretty harshly for. In fact, I've spent most of my life with a strong dislike for this family member of mine. I was never close with him even though we are only months apart in age. He always rubbed me the wrong way. Even when we were little he would tease me until I cried. And as adults, in our limited interactions with each other it seemed that we always disagreed and disapproved of each other. I've tried not to give it much thought and I've just brushed our mutual dislike for each other aside. But even though I haven't seen or talked to this cousin in years and probably won't have the opportunity to see or talk to him for many more years (unless my brother decides to get married - there's a slim chance I would see him then), I do think about him every now and then. Last night was one of those times. I thought back to this stupid thing he said to me almost a decade ago and realized that he was right. And for a moment I wanted to see him and talk to him again and tell him that after all this time, I finally got it. I now see exactly what he was talking about. But I'd also tell him that he's still a jackass.Charmainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11035628942613225921noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36576369.post-8938449694542050032009-09-11T12:06:00.000-07:002009-09-11T12:08:02.028-07:00Say It Loud, Say It Proud...<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">I am a Libertarian. </span></span><br /></div><br />After much consideration, I've changed political parties. That's right, I am now a registered Libertarian (or will be when they get the registration form I sent in the mail).Charmainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11035628942613225921noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36576369.post-40955381076864931712009-07-09T21:44:00.003-07:002009-07-09T22:03:31.921-07:00The Era of the CelebrityI think when we look back on this time as history it may be referred to as The Era of the Celebrity.<br /><br />We (well, not me and you, more like "The Man") appoint comedians as senators:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg49jlHFYZsPPz8WPkk5sBjnRVir1Haa3yaoadc-spWU_tSu84UdPSdz9JY5OMwGg31Dlk9sNJSwjC04nezuhZ3kIb4kd2gAypb6gC1lmoRO9yJH6Iukolwamtgr5htnSfssRpBFw/s1600-h/al-franken.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 306px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg49jlHFYZsPPz8WPkk5sBjnRVir1Haa3yaoadc-spWU_tSu84UdPSdz9JY5OMwGg31Dlk9sNJSwjC04nezuhZ3kIb4kd2gAypb6gC1lmoRO9yJH6Iukolwamtgr5htnSfssRpBFw/s400/al-franken.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356689045657769106" border="0" /></a><br />Actors think they are experts on religion and medicine:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLpVQC1croLgRtWEJZ36wRJ2lo3bbbuGbHrF59v6hMjbU-X0fkvraojPHVJeJy9vOM51fNHay_7bmfvCR4eHEXud1aDj7ABaSuhyphenhyphenvODWreWXJUauDbzHNHzi8lr04hQy-2ky6ADQ/s1600-h/tom-cruise-acting20crazy.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLpVQC1croLgRtWEJZ36wRJ2lo3bbbuGbHrF59v6hMjbU-X0fkvraojPHVJeJy9vOM51fNHay_7bmfvCR4eHEXud1aDj7ABaSuhyphenhyphenvODWreWXJUauDbzHNHzi8lr04hQy-2ky6ADQ/s400/tom-cruise-acting20crazy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356688166281572066" border="0" /></a><br />Or that they represent all of America with their political views:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blog.spot.com/_OEIS3X9J8VA/SlbHcIRui7I/AAAAAAAABGs/to7Q72-fgMU/s1600-h/sean_penn.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCa0NcnmvokQo3WoleruFKUDHoo6ZXLZUCj5eontII28ikNR805FVaybpb9eMX4jFy7VTCvymL8JxHVvz8CLPP39-PQrdn1BjQvcqStwyyHRjTs5xl20jAdYEZhgtZ7YKNSkozFw/s400/sean_penn.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356688092875885490" border="0" /></a>Bodybuilder/actors are made governors (and then bankrupt their state):<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbttLNLsoQ5yodL4ruYi88IRot-Tx81dB2ecFw7wWkq4m7HEyKSwKUZW0wMKQt0JF4wDBUrsSHYglAvfURtPShSRu2CXC-wBphGgW-WgsZFuFHwIEgOGhNLk4_4omqVT4r3nT-sw/s1600-h/15-arnold-schwarzenegger-triceps-seat.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 301px; height: 332px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbttLNLsoQ5yodL4ruYi88IRot-Tx81dB2ecFw7wWkq4m7HEyKSwKUZW0wMKQt0JF4wDBUrsSHYglAvfURtPShSRu2CXC-wBphGgW-WgsZFuFHwIEgOGhNLk4_4omqVT4r3nT-sw/s400/15-arnold-schwarzenegger-triceps-seat.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356688075062920754" border="0" /></a>Or are just plain worshiped as deity - if she doesn't like beef, then beef sales drop by millions:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWw7CekvDuY5_4cp8hPEo9OOwO8X3cdnEslwu7KT9xjDzvyTUDiB_EZ2yz8SoSAe2J3aahpgPy-G3ePMZa_62ak0HdnVz0k3YC8M283NRCc6IATNRdT459-C-lUgHYxymQkByNXg/s1600-h/061112_oprah2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 382px; height: 322px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWw7CekvDuY5_4cp8hPEo9OOwO8X3cdnEslwu7KT9xjDzvyTUDiB_EZ2yz8SoSAe2J3aahpgPy-G3ePMZa_62ak0HdnVz0k3YC8M283NRCc6IATNRdT459-C-lUgHYxymQkByNXg/s400/061112_oprah2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356688079709412610" border="0" /></a><br />And of course, let's not leave out the biggest celebrity of them all - at least the media thinks he is:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlRE_4Tlap81buYq8QjEhqWisqIAaOpm1edh1kTG2_Nwq3NydQ1AsbjVE92NFc6mdbbA5ZANAlNRKrwk51Bcaygw8GaOQP2RURKbMxyP-8AXkNbXRDdISx0r40fra-0OpCEbTO3Q/s1600-h/obama_smoking.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 308px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlRE_4Tlap81buYq8QjEhqWisqIAaOpm1edh1kTG2_Nwq3NydQ1AsbjVE92NFc6mdbbA5ZANAlNRKrwk51Bcaygw8GaOQP2RURKbMxyP-8AXkNbXRDdISx0r40fra-0OpCEbTO3Q/s400/obama_smoking.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356688090402380962" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">Photo sources:<br /><a href="http://scrapetv.com/News/News%20Pages/Politics/pages-2/Americans-forgetting-how-to-count-to-democracy-Scrape-TV-The-World-on-your-side.html">Al Franken</a><br /><a href="http://maxdunbar.wordpress.com/2009/03/12/scientologophobia-watch/">Tom Cruise</a><br /><a href="http://celeb9.com/blog/2009/03/sean-penn-to-star-in-the-three-stooges.html">Sean Penn</a><br /><a href="http://www.emusclor.com/en/articles/fitness/exercises/seated-triceps-press">Arnold Schwarzenegger</a><br /><a href="http://buzznewsroom.com/politics/oprah-responds-to-crazo-blago/">Oprah</a><br /><a href="http://www.reason.com/blog/show/134319.html">Obama</a></span>Charmainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11035628942613225921noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36576369.post-56149261139199371122009-06-28T19:16:00.000-07:002009-06-28T19:39:35.159-07:00Ignorance May Be Bliss, But It's Going To Bankrupt UsSo I was at the local farmer's market yesterday and a group of people had set up a table with a bunch of pamphlets, buttons, stickers, etc. promoting "Obamacare." Now let me say, I completely support their right to assemble and speak out on an issue. I applaud them for their efforts and sacrifices in service of something they believe in. And even though I STRONGLY disagree I think it's noble that they want to help people. That being said, I just stopped by to take a quick look and see what kinds of things they were saying. I didn't address anybody and was planning on moving on quickly when a woman said she wanted to speak to me about this important issue. I politely declined but a guy came out of nowhere and began asking me questions. I told them that I didn't agree with socialized medicine and that I didn't want to argue, knowing they wouldn't change my opnion and I probably wouldn't change their's. Then the woman asked me:<br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">"Don't you think Medicaid for everyone is a good idea?"</span></span><br /><br />Silence. My thoughts: "Are you kidding me?!? Have you ever been on Medicaid? How about in the last ten years?"<br />My answer:<br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">"No. I don't think Medicaid is a good idea." </span></span><br /><br />There was more to the conversation, but this one question I just can't stop thinking about. Was she serious? Now I have been on Medicaid. For the last 5 years or so. During that whole time we have been students and I've had 2 pregnancies. We've used student insurance, but it doesn't cover everything so Medicaid covers the rest. If there was ANY other way, or if healthcare was affordable, I'd take it. Plus, when I was working, I paid plenty of taxes and my family all pay their taxes, so really I'm just finally getting that money back! But seriously. Medicaid is the WORST! There is virtually no customer service. I could go on and on about all the bad experiences I've had dealing with Medicaid, but I won't. Really, I just wanted to share the question with you. All I can think is: Ignorance must really be bliss.Charmainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11035628942613225921noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36576369.post-19021987346108933852009-06-11T10:18:00.000-07:002009-06-11T11:08:42.936-07:00It's So SadFirst of let me tell you how sick I am of hearing about how great it is that America has elected it's first black president. HELLO?!? It is just as prejudiced to vote for a man because he is black as it is to NOT vote for him for the same reason.<br /><br />That being said, I think it is so incredible sad that our first black president will end up running our country into the ground.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNjSgFagEXwD4X_IOcqJJUiOkKR7yfDdfLAzfr7tq4vveiTyNrVBzp__tLmH30e-A0FGCEHFSEi-uFSZyGOagXQT6rfbwkxeO7wd-HlI7wKvRGmazFVR98JJx3biUvQ_OpXAEU2A/s1600-h/obama8.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 375px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNjSgFagEXwD4X_IOcqJJUiOkKR7yfDdfLAzfr7tq4vveiTyNrVBzp__tLmH30e-A0FGCEHFSEi-uFSZyGOagXQT6rfbwkxeO7wd-HlI7wKvRGmazFVR98JJx3biUvQ_OpXAEU2A/s400/obama8.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346121102823155666" border="0" /></a>He may very well go down in history as not only being the first black president, but also one of the worst. That sort of breaks my heart.Charmainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11035628942613225921noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36576369.post-40130046708335036492009-06-08T18:35:00.000-07:002009-06-08T18:50:51.021-07:00Are You Kidding Me?I could probably entitle all of my posts "Are You Kidding Me?" I feel like Seth Meyers on SNL, "SERIOUSLY? SERIOUSLY?!?" <br /><br />I've been reading "The Revolution - A Manifesto" by Ron Paul and there are so many things that have become so clear to me. We have been lied to in the name of "safety." Our own safety (because we aren't smart enough to keep ourselves safe) and national safety. Our government has way more power than the founding fathers ever meant for them to have. And that power has gone to their heads. <br /><br />I love this quote from the book (from the section discussing The Patriot Act and other similar acts):<br /><blockquote>Judge Andrew Napolitano recently asked, "Why should government agaents spy on us? They work for <span style="font-style: italic;">us</span>. How about we spy on them?"</blockquote>So great. Anyway, I don't have any specifics to shout about today, just wanted to vent some frusteration.Charmainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11035628942613225921noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36576369.post-88870605921737183442009-05-08T21:20:00.000-07:002009-05-08T21:25:20.293-07:0020/20 wih John StosselDid anyone else watch John Stossel on 20/20 tonight? Very interesting! I'm pretty sure John Stossel is my newest political crush! Hubbie just got a book by him I can't wait to read. Anyhow, anyone have any thoughts and opinions on all the stuff John talked about tonight?Charmainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11035628942613225921noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36576369.post-17395587750853657982009-04-18T13:51:00.000-07:002009-04-18T13:53:05.376-07:00Cash For Gold!!Have you ever wondered if the Cash For Gold guys are building their own Atlas Shrugged-type society? How cool would that be?Charmainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11035628942613225921noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36576369.post-51063020701045917572009-04-10T11:06:00.000-07:002009-04-10T12:58:16.613-07:00Tax Day Tea Parties<object width="560" height="340"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/3HJjEERXXgk&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/3HJjEERXXgk&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="560" height="340"></embed></object><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">To learn more about tea parties and to find a tea party in your area: <a href="http://taxdayteaparty.com/"></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://taxdayteaparty.com/">http://taxdayteaparty.com</a></div><div style="text-align: right"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></div>Charmainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11035628942613225921noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36576369.post-48385915865130896842009-03-21T17:33:00.000-07:002009-03-21T17:44:19.149-07:00A Bit of Religious History According to CharmaineIn the last post, I was going to talk a little bit about religious history and similarities between major religions today, but it just didn't seem to flow well with the other things that I was saying. But, then Shelly B. asked me a question about it, so I thought I would just do another post with my opinions and beliefs regarding that subject. And while this may turn out to be just a conversation with myself - and Shelly too hopefully - I would really love to hear what everyone else thinks also.<div><br /></div><div>I know a little about pagan traditions, but I never took a class on it or anything - what I know is just from studying other things - like knowledge through osmosis I guess. But, I truly believe that all major religions today are derived from one ancient religion. The religion that was taught to Adam and Eve. Then through oral and written tradition, the stories and values were passed down from generation to generation. Men like Muhammad and Buddha could have been inspired and I bet they were. But mostly, they took those oral and written traditions and used what they needed to to lead and guide their people - even adding to it. And after Christ came to earth and taught (what I believe to be) the truth in it's entirety, the whole process started over again and so we have the many different denominations of Christianity. Even paganism had to take it beliefs and practices from somewhere. It just seems logical that they, again like so many others, took some of those oral and written traditions and used the ones to suit their purposes and began a new practice.<br /><br />Now the rest of this is my personal belief and the religion I adhere to and follow. In 1820, God, the Father, and His Son, Jesus Christ, appeared to a young man who sought to know which religion to join. When he sought out a quite place, in a grove of trees to pray, he was told by those two Heavenly Beings that none of the religions on Earth at that time held the fullness of truth and that he should join none of them. At that time, the restoration of the fullness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, that same religion taught to and by Adam Eve, began.<br /><br />Now, as Christ and His religion are INFINITE and ETERNAL, no one person here on earth, being FINITE AND TEMPORAL, can know all truth or understand the fullness of Christ's gospel, but God gives us what we can handle and what we need to be the very best we can. He has given us ancient scripture and prophets to help us and even prophets today to help us on our way. But these are all human people, being imperfect. So, that's why personal revelation and study is so important. We need to know for ourselves what is right and wrong and what we need to do to live the best life for us. It's personal and unique for each individual. Sure there are some things that will be the same across the board - like not killing people and being nice - but there are also individual commandments and guidelines, as there are also universal and individual blessings.</div>Charmainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11035628942613225921noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36576369.post-7072152599863278642009-03-20T12:42:00.000-07:002009-03-21T17:57:07.382-07:00Faith, Religion, and Ayn Rand<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">"Now choose to perish or to learn that the anti-mind is the anti-life. ... Man's mind is his basic tool of survival. ... His mind is given to him, it's content is not. To remain alive, he must act, and before he can act he must know the nature and purpose of his action."</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">- </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Atlas Shrugged</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">, by Ayn Rand, p.926, 50th Anniversary Edition, Signet Books</span></div><div><br /></div>A comment from the last post asked me about my new political views and what of their influence on my religious views. It's an interesting thing. While my shift in political views and my new found interest in Ayn Rand and her philosophy has changed the way I think about about everything, including my faith and religious beliefs, it hasn't actually changed them.<div><br /></div><div>I've always enjoyed questioning things - especially authority! It's not that I won't "do what's right" or make good decisions, I just hate being told to. Just ask my parents. I was a fun child to raise. As I've grown up and become more of an adult I found this translated into a love for the more philosophical and more abstract parts of faith and religion. I say <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">more</span> philosophical and abstract because most faith is just that. When I finally settled on a course of study in college, it was religious studies with most of my focus in Jewish studies. I loved finding the similarities between different religions. I enjoy - no, love - no, thrive - to question faith, not to prove it wrong, but to prove it right. There is so much of this world, universe and existence that we don't understand and probably can't comprehend. That's where faith and hope step in. It excites and even more than that, it thrills me to think that there is more out there. That life continues after my body dies. That whatever the part of who I am that continues to exist after my body has grown old and died, the soul, spirit, or intelligence, will continue to learn and grow. Forever. I truly believe that I will be able to still explore faith, fact, and beliefs into eternity. That is how I "act" - I question and in turn learn and grow. I think the same is true of the "next life." That if we don't think, we won't survive.</div><div><br /></div><div>That's what the quote of the top of the page means to me. That "blind" faith is equivalent to the act of choosing not to think and therefor, not to live. Mind you this is my own personal belief and standard that I choose to hold only myself to. For others, "blind" faith during this life is a good and satisfactory existence. I don't judge - we are each individuals.</div><div><br /></div><div>And as for how Ayn Rand's philosophies have affected me. Well, I have found more common ground than not. And I've been proven right. Again. </div>Charmainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11035628942613225921noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36576369.post-8800791846152374762009-03-06T16:52:00.000-08:002009-03-21T17:58:28.613-07:00A Nation of Law Breakers<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">"The only power any government has is the power to crack down on criminals. Well, when there aren't enough criminals, one </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">makes</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"> them. One declares so may things to be a crime that it becomes impossible for men to live without breaking laws. Who wants a nation of law-abiding citizens?"</span></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">- Dr. Ferris, </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">Atlas Shrugged</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"> by Ayn Rand, p.404, 50th Anniversary Edition, Signet Books<br /></span></span><div><br /></div><div>I never intended this blog to become political. It was just a place for me to complain. I'm not an unhappy or unsatisfied person by nature, but every once in awhile one just needs to vent. And so this was going to be my place to do it. And you can tell by the sparseness of the posts, that I feel pretty good about my life and my environment. But then I read a book. A book that changed the way I thought about everything. Well, perhaps not..... yeah, actually EVERYTHING. (That sounds like this book changed me into an unhappy or unsatisfied person. It didn't, I am just more aware now.) </div><div><br /></div><div>Enter <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Atlas Shrugged</span> by Ayn Rand. Although it changed the way I thought, I must tell you it did not change my opinions, desires, or values - only the way I thought about them.</div><div><br /></div><div>Now before I get into my opinions and beliefs, let me tell you that I don't know everything, and I'm not a good debater, at all. I'm no challenge, so if you are looking to debate something I've said, I'm really sorry, but you won't get much of a debate. Unfortunately, my mind just doesn't work like that. I really wish it did though. And if you really want a debate, I'll try and indulge you, but just know that most likely, I will be going to my hubbie as a resource. Cause he's a genius. No question about it, and he always seems to know just the right way to put the thing that I am trying so hard to orate. And one more thing. My BIGGEST pet peeve is the person who believes in something and has no idea what it is. Like the person who I spoke to while I was in college who claimed to be a Christian because she believed in Jesus, but knew nothing about Him. Mind you I was a religion major and knew more about most people's life long religions than they themselves did. I almost could not discuss religion with people because I would get so frustrated at people's ignorance in their own faith. But I digress. The same principle applies to politics. There is nothing more irritating and infuriating to me than the person who voted for Obama because "America needs a change." Or the person who voted for McCain just because they didn't want Obama or Democrats in the White House. Shoot me now. Wait, what I meant to say was, shoot them now. Those are the kinds of people who go to celebrities and those women on The View for political advice and direction. (Not that there's anything wrong with celebrities or those women on The View.) And who deserve to be misled my the media. Whichever way that is. I'm off topic again though. So, I may not address all issues within a particular topic - like this one today - but that's because I won't take a stand on something I don't understand or know anything about, and I hope that you will give me the same courtesy. If not, know that I will make fun of you - a lot. And the word moron may be used - a lot. On the flip side, I totally respect and even admire those who have different opinions as I do (as wrong as they may be) as long as they can back them up. Because you see, opinions are just that. Opinions, and I can admit that everything is relative.</div><div><br /></div><div>So, we come back to a nation of law breakers. I have thought for a long time that drugs should be legalized. (And have recently added prostitution.) Bottom line: people are going to do drugs whether they are illegal or not. If drugs were legal we could be <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">making</span> billions of dollars in taxes, instead of spending trillions - that's right TRILLIONS, for the war on drugs. Thousands of lives could be <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">saved</span> every year from the law enforcers to the innocents caught in between. Even in healthcare. How many people do you think lie about illegal drug use when giving their medical histories? The money saved and made could go to better health care and programs for addicts and their families or victims of addicts. This is one of those things that is just like "Duh..." for me. I mean I don't see how this doesn't make sense. Have we learned nothing from prohibition?</div><div><br /></div><div>And did you know that more people are killed by alcohol and tobacco each year than cocaine, heroine, and marijuana combined? The the tune of more than a half a million people. That's right. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse around 520,000 people are killed each year from tobacco, alcohol, and sidestream smoke from tobacco. Whereas cocaine kills about 2,200, heroine about 2,000, and marijuana 0 - that's ZERO. There has never been a recorded death due to marijuana in all of US history. Aspirin kills around 2,000 people every year, but marijuana? None. Perhaps we should add Aspirin to our list of illegal narcotics.</div><div><br /></div><div>And prostitution is kind of the same thing. The government could be taxing these people if they were legitimate. Professional and legitimate prostitutes could also be getting healthcare and other benefits - like regular STD tests or whatever.</div><div><br /></div><div>I want you to know that I don't condone or participate in any of these practices. I only think that everyone should be able to choose that for themselves - not have it forced upon them. Government's primary purpose <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">should be</span> to protect it's people. That includes their right to choose.</div><div><br /></div><div>There. I've said my peace. Amen.</div><div><br /></div><div>But I'm not done. Look for a whole series of political opinion posts inspired by quotes from <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Atlas Shrugged</span>. And even a light book review of <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Atlas Shrugged</span>. And feel free to ask me any questions. Not that you all want to know anything about me, or any of my opinions, honestly, they aren't worth a whole lot and they probably aren't very original, but I just want it out there that I welcome questions and comments. At the risk of sounding like my least favorite political female you should know that I really do want this to be <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">conversation</span></span>.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">PS - Here are some of my resources. Although I recognize that there are resources out there that could refute or backup any of my resources. That's just the way research, trials and surveys work.</span></div></div><a href="http://www.drugpolicy.org/docUploads/HadenEconomicFactSheet.pdf"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">http://www.drugpolicy.org/docUploads/HadenEconomicFactSheet.pdf</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><br /></span><a href="http://www.druglibrary.net/schaffer/Library/basicfax.htm#q2"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">http://www.druglibrary.net/schaffer/Library/basicfax.htm#q2</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><br /></span><a href="http://www.idpi.us/dpr/facts.htm"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">http://www.idpi.us/dpr/facts.htm</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><br /></span><a href="http://drugwarfacts.org/cms/?q=node/34"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">http://drugwarfacts.org/cms/?q=node/34</span></a>Charmainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11035628942613225921noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36576369.post-53446114953572303492008-11-30T18:46:00.000-08:002008-11-30T18:48:01.443-08:00Gosh Darn It...Why is it that I am still intimidated by some of the girls I went to high school with? I'm not the same person that I was back then, and I would hope they aren't either. High school is a hard time for most people, it sure was for me. So, even though I understand that, why is it that those girls intimidate me. I am curious about what they are doing with their lives now, but I refuse to add them to my friends list on Facebook or myspace or whatever. All those insecurities that I felt when I was 16 come back. What are they going to say about me to each other? I'm sure this is more a reflection of feelings that I am hanging on to from that time than it is actual feelings or thoughts they still have, but still!! I feel like ... well, like "I'm good enough, I'm smart enough, and gosh darn it, people like me!"Charmainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11035628942613225921noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36576369.post-38474332610757022972008-10-25T00:24:00.000-07:002008-10-25T00:27:32.454-07:00Obama<div>OK, this a very funny opinion story about how the media treats Obama. Very funny, and very true. Enjoy!</div><div><br /></div><a href="http://foxforum.blogs.foxnews.com/2008/10/23/ggutfeld_1023/">http://foxforum.blogs.foxnews.com/2008/10/23/ggutfeld_1023/</a><div><br /></div>Charmainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11035628942613225921noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36576369.post-73266165900715546382008-05-05T09:07:00.000-07:002008-05-05T09:08:20.450-07:00Good TunesOK, so I am shamlessley plugging for Randal's bff. If you like Jack Johnson, John Mayer, Jason Mraz, Dave Mathews or any of those other "chill" kind of musicians, then you'll love him!! He's an awesome musician and here's an email he sent me this morning..<br /><br /><blockquote>Hello massive email chain,<br /><br />I made this video in a massive booth that will soon be in most malls in America. They are testing it and while doing so offering local talent a chance to record a video for free, which is cool. I actually recorded it with the guy that recorded "Imagine" with John Lennon, so that's pretty cool too.<br /><br />Anyway the more people that view it and comment on it the better it makes me look to the record people. There is a chance that I could get a deal if I get enough hits on the video. So please watch it as many times as you can stand to and for the love of all that is holy pass it on.<br /><br />Go to www.mystudio.net and search for me under Jeff Hunt.<br /><br />Also, check out my youtube videos by typing my name into the search engine.<br /><br />Thanks,<br /><br />Jeff<br /></blockquote>So, go check him out and rate and comment and tell all your friends and family all about it!!Charmainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11035628942613225921noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36576369.post-64737009098554497442008-04-27T09:08:00.000-07:002008-04-27T09:32:46.037-07:00Has it been ten years???OK, so it's time for my ten year high school reunion. But, the problem is, I happen to be one of those very rare, where do I fit in types. You see although I was class of '98, my senior picture appeared in the graduating class of '97. I didn't attend commencement ceremonies for either year, but my diploma has 1998 on it - I think. So, I didn't attend the reunion for the class of '97 and have been getting some emails from the '98 reunion committee. So, I sent them my address so I could get an invite and stuff like that (although we will be Iowa so I won't be attending anyway - but I would still like to feel included!). So, the committee chair (I guess that's what she is) emailed me with this email (this is just a general of what it said): <div><br /></div><div></div><blockquote><div>"Who are you? I can't find you in the year book or on the commencement program. I found a Chantal (same last name) from class of '99. Is that you? (No, it's my sister.) This is the reunion for the class of '98..." </div><div></div></blockquote><div><br /></div><div>So, wouldn't be such a big deal except I know this girl. We had classes together. We went to the same high school for all those years. We even went to the same junior high. We even went to summer girl's camps together. I remember who she is. And granted I wasn't real popular or anything, I ran for class offices (and lost) but come on, how many "Charmaine's" do you know??? I'm a little annoyed and, again, perhaps it is all those pregnancy hormones, but I can't help but think, "What a moron!"</div>Charmainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11035628942613225921noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36576369.post-57901214140042514712008-03-17T10:22:00.000-07:002008-03-17T10:25:06.926-07:00A Pet PeeveOK, so it might be the extra hormones, but I have been getting so frustrated with Arizona drivers lately. I swear every time I get on the road I get stuck behind someone who insists on going 5 below the speed limit. I cannot tell you how many times I have wished that I had a megaphone or a big white erase board that I could send this message: "Drive the speed limit before I ram into the back of you!!!!!" Then I would probably follow up with this message: "Please excuse any extreme behavior (I'm pregnant)."Charmainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11035628942613225921noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36576369.post-22475142142445680972008-03-03T20:50:00.001-08:002008-03-03T20:51:52.842-08:00Blog WatchingSo, another friend of mine started blogging and asked for those reading her blog to send her blog addresses so she could catch up on their lives too. So I emailed her my two blog addresses and the addresses for my family (which she is also close to) and then the links for a bunch of mutual ... well, I don't know that I would call all of them friends, more like acquaintances. Those people whose blogs I have found when googling people I used to know. Yes, I read blogs and don't comment. These people may never know that I am even reading their blogs. So, I guess you could say I am blogstalking, yikes! I counted today... there are over 40 blogs (not including the blogs that are by people who I have no relation to or acquaintance with at all) so 40+ blogs that I read regularly - which means at least once a week - and really only about ten I would put in the stalkee category. But it's fun to see where people from high school, college, and even jr. high and elementary school are up to these days (but I don't want them to know that I care - snob, much?). So, I guess what I'm saying is: If your reading my blog, feel free to comment and let me know, or not, maybe I don't really want to know who's reading!Charmainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11035628942613225921noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36576369.post-11638105303672279472008-03-01T12:20:00.000-08:002008-03-01T12:22:22.562-08:00New LayoutOK so I finally decided to use some of the limited html and css knowledge that I have and try and do something pretty. But I need help! It just doesn't look right to me. I don't think the header pops enough. So I think I either need to change the header or the background. What do you think???Charmainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11035628942613225921noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36576369.post-49175941258267265642008-01-30T18:58:00.000-08:002008-01-30T19:02:33.142-08:00New Year's ResolutionsEvery year I make the joke that this year I resolve to NOT have a New Year's Resolution. But actually, this year I am going to try not complaining and whining and choosing to be happy and pleasant. Yikes! Wish me luck! It's most likely going to be a hectic year. With law school applications, possibly moving, looking for work, and a toddler to potty train, I'm not sure how well I'm going to be able to stick to my resolution! But, I resolve to try! haha!Charmainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11035628942613225921noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36576369.post-78956868801766984802008-01-19T12:05:00.000-08:002008-01-19T12:29:57.140-08:00I've been tagged...<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">OK, six things about me you don't know...</span></span></span><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);">1</span></span></span></span> - <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 204, 0);">I am still afraid of things under my bed</span></span></span>. It's true. Pathetic, huh? Randal and I have started watching Ghost Hunters and the truth is: I am really pretty afraid of ghosts, but I have been trying to face my fears. So, we watch these silly shows - of course, the lights have to be on, I have to have my computer in front of me so I can distract myself if I need to, and I have to have Randal or Israel close by. Afterwards, if I have to get up and go anywhere, I make sure to take a big step or jump off the bed or couch so that nothing can get me!!!</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);">2</span></span></span></span> - <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 204, 0);">I wish that I had a better decorating eye.</span></span></span> I am pretty much the most unoriginal person when it comes to decorating my house. I can copy almost anything, but I just can't seem to decorate very well. My house is pretty plain.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">3</span></span></span></span> - <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 204, 0);">I've always wanted to teach Gospel Doctrine or Relief Society or the Temple Prep class,</span></span></span> but I have never had any of those callings. Sad.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);">4</span></span></span></span> - <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 204, 0);">I've always thought it would be fun to go "granola"</span></span></span> - you know, all organic, yoga-like. I'd live in Sundance or Sedona and teach yoga and wear Birkenstocks. hehehehe.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);">5</span></span></span></span> - <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 204, 0);">I love being a girl</span></span></span>. Kind of on the flip side of the last one. I love dressing up and wearing heels and make-up and sparkling jewelry. I'm a bit of a romantic.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);">6</span></span></span></span> - <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 204, 0);">My Christmas decorations are still up.</span></span></span> [Hangs head in shame]</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Six things you do know about me:</span></span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);">1</span></span></span></span> - <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 204, 0);">I love my friends and family.</span></span></span> I love being surrounded by them and laughing and talking and sharing our lives.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);">2</span></span></span></span> - <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 204, 0);">I love my Macbook.</span></span></span> 'nuff said.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);">3</span></span></span></span> - <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 204, 0);">I hate to clean.</span></span></span> Sure, I love the outcome of a clean house, but I HATE the work I have to put unto getting there.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);">4</span></span></span></span> - <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 204, 0);">I am a closet organize freak.</span></span></span> I mean I do organize my closets and cupboards, and files, but you'd never know it because although my closets and cupboards and files are all immaculate. My house is not. (That might be something you don't know about me then...)</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);">5</span></span></span></span> - <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 204, 0);">I'm pretty much an open book</span></span></span> - what you see is what you get. It was hard to think of things that people don't know about me because I really don't have any secrets. I always try to tell the truth and you can ask me anything and expect an answer. Much to the embarrassment of my family sometimes.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);">6</span></span></span></span> - <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 204, 0);">I don't update my blog as much as I should!</span></span></span></div><div><br /></div><div>OK, now if you are reading this and haven't done this yet... I tag <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">YOU</span></span></span></span>!!!!</div>Charmainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11035628942613225921noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36576369.post-31359509403908099242007-11-19T22:30:00.000-08:002007-11-19T22:47:45.969-08:00Random FavoritesOk, so I've been thinking about random things lately and since I haven't been keeping a journal very well, I thought, "Oh, I should put it up on our blog.... but that's more of a family thing and this is more of a Charmaine thing. Wait, don't I have a Charmaine blog??" Why, yes I do. <div><br /></div><div>So, random #1, because it's on the TV right now, The Soup and host Joel McHale. My new favorite find. It's so stinking hilarious! It's all him making fun of celebrities and all the things that show up on television. He's seriously a crack up! Catch it if you can.</div><div><br /></div><div>Next.... My new addiction: Photoshop and my Macbook. Bad news. Only because I seriously spend so much time on it. I need to limit myself somehow. But, isn't it wonderful all the things that the technology of the computer and internet has given us? Email, blogs, news online, VOIP, online chatting, and even school online! </div><div><br /></div><div>I also must admit that I have become a totally devoted Mac addict! Once you go Mac you'll never go back! I won't go all into it though (because it gets a little scary). But really, I love Mac!</div><div><br /></div><div>So, there's my little rant for today. More soon... I promise it won't be another... what, a year? Yeah, well it won't be as long next time.</div>Charmainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11035628942613225921noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36576369.post-1161756473962311392006-10-24T23:02:00.000-07:002006-10-24T23:07:53.970-07:00It's all about meSo this is all about me - just like it says. A place to get my thoughts out of my head and trick myself into thinking someone out there is reading this and cares a little. It's for those days when I want to whine and complain and bitch and moan (my husband would give me a look for using the b-word) or for when I'm happpy and excited and I want to let the whole world know! (What better a place than the Internet?) Or how about when I'm proud and want to brag. That too. Or when I'm scared and don't really want to admit it. All of that and more. Just wait and see. And guess what? I'm not even going to care about incorrect english and punctuation (although that usually drives me nuts!). And I'm not going to worry too much if I don't type well and mess up a word here and there. (Although I'll not give up entirely 'cause that annoying to read through when every other word is mis-typed or spelled.) So stay tuned world wide web, 'cause here I come!Charmainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11035628942613225921noreply@blogger.com2