What do you have to talk about when you're single?!
It hit me the other day that I have an incredibly boring life...Sad, but true. I read all these blogs about friends from school, all of whom are married (most with kids/puppies), and I realize I have absolutely nothing to compare to them! There are all these stories of houses being purchased, family pictures being taken, new jobs, kids eating gross green stuff that inevitably ends up all over the kitchen, vacations around the world, dogs wearing funny hats, and the list goes on and on.
What do I have going on, you ask...
NOTHING! NOTTA! ZERO! ZILCH!
I haven't seriously dated anyone for almost a year...I can't have a puppy until we move...I'm too poor to go on vacation...My life is just full of fun and excitement.
I need a change. I'm not sure what type of change, but I need to shake things up a bit. Normally when I get this idea in my head the first thing to go is my hair, but I'm actually satisfied with that. Maybe a new tattoo or another piercing or something. Again, normally that's not the type of things I turn to, but that's what a change is all about, right?
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
All I Want For Christmas
Dear Santa,
I realized it's been quite a few years since we've had any "real" contact. Mom has kind of taken over your role in the Stringham house, but we can just let that slide.
I've also realized that this year I've been pretty damn good! I work for a non profit helping thousands of people every year and I don't make ANY money doing it, so I figured you could reward me for my good behavior. I have a short list, nothing to extravagant, but I think it should do the trick.
1. First, and most important, could you please fix my car?? She's been such a great car the last 5 years and has never done anything to hurt anyone. There was that one bird but that was my fault, not hers! Since I moved to California cash has been tight and I haven't been able to buy her everything she needs...So if you could just get an elf/mechanic to give her new brakes, shocks, struts, drums, spark plugs, tires, a front windshield and a complete fluid change I would love it! It should only run you about $1,500.
2. A puppy would be fabulous! I know our landlord won't allow them at the moment, but if you bring a small one then maybe she'd never know! We'll only be there a few more months so it shouldn't be a big deal. I've enclosed 2 pictures for you to consider.
This first little guy is a puggle, a mix between a pug and a beagle. Look at the face!! How can you resist it!! You may want to get one for yourself to keep you company on the long sleigh ride.
Now this second one is just too cute for words!! She's a teacup Maltese and is just a tiny ball of fur! I could carry her around in my purse and take her to work and my boss would never know! SO CUTE!!
3. I could really use a vacation! Work has been stressful and this has been a really hard adjustment being away from my family. I know I live in a tropical paradise already, but I've always wanted to see Fiji. Again, I don't think that's too much to ask for. You can even come join me if you'd like! I'm sure it gets really annoying being in the snow all the time. You can work on your tan with me!
4. And finally, Santa, could you please please PLEASE bring me a little baby niece!! Don't get me wrong, I absolutely LOVE my nephews with all of my heart, but I really would LOVE a niece! Everywhere I go I am surrounded by little boys...I'm always buying little boy clothes as gifts and for once I want to buy something cute and pink and girly!
Well, Santa, it's been great writing to you. I hope you take this letter serious and help me out here...Maybe I don't need the vacation to Fiji, but everything else is a keeper!!
Thanks much!!
Love-Andrea
I realized it's been quite a few years since we've had any "real" contact. Mom has kind of taken over your role in the Stringham house, but we can just let that slide.
I've also realized that this year I've been pretty damn good! I work for a non profit helping thousands of people every year and I don't make ANY money doing it, so I figured you could reward me for my good behavior. I have a short list, nothing to extravagant, but I think it should do the trick.
1. First, and most important, could you please fix my car?? She's been such a great car the last 5 years and has never done anything to hurt anyone. There was that one bird but that was my fault, not hers! Since I moved to California cash has been tight and I haven't been able to buy her everything she needs...So if you could just get an elf/mechanic to give her new brakes, shocks, struts, drums, spark plugs, tires, a front windshield and a complete fluid change I would love it! It should only run you about $1,500.
2. A puppy would be fabulous! I know our landlord won't allow them at the moment, but if you bring a small one then maybe she'd never know! We'll only be there a few more months so it shouldn't be a big deal. I've enclosed 2 pictures for you to consider.
This first little guy is a puggle, a mix between a pug and a beagle. Look at the face!! How can you resist it!! You may want to get one for yourself to keep you company on the long sleigh ride.
Now this second one is just too cute for words!! She's a teacup Maltese and is just a tiny ball of fur! I could carry her around in my purse and take her to work and my boss would never know! SO CUTE!!
3. I could really use a vacation! Work has been stressful and this has been a really hard adjustment being away from my family. I know I live in a tropical paradise already, but I've always wanted to see Fiji. Again, I don't think that's too much to ask for. You can even come join me if you'd like! I'm sure it gets really annoying being in the snow all the time. You can work on your tan with me!
4. And finally, Santa, could you please please PLEASE bring me a little baby niece!! Don't get me wrong, I absolutely LOVE my nephews with all of my heart, but I really would LOVE a niece! Everywhere I go I am surrounded by little boys...I'm always buying little boy clothes as gifts and for once I want to buy something cute and pink and girly!
Well, Santa, it's been great writing to you. I hope you take this letter serious and help me out here...Maybe I don't need the vacation to Fiji, but everything else is a keeper!!
Thanks much!!
Love-Andrea
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Granny B
It's been 9 years since my Grandma Blackburn died. It's crazy how you remember the most random details when it comes to different events in your life.
9 years ago, on the day after Thanksgiving, my Granny suffered a massive stroke. They did emergency surgery to release the pressure on her brain, which meant a huge tube coming out of her head to drain all the blood. I remember walking into the ICU and seeing all these extremely sick people, and when we came to one room I saw the person laying in bed hooked up to all these tubes and they looked like they were about to die. I was shocked and felt so horrible for that person and their family.
Then my Mom walked into that room.
The horrible looking person about to die was my Grandma. My sweet, amazing Grandma who got up at 5am everyday to either walk or play dice with her friend Keith. My Grandma who made the most delicious peanut brittle you've ever tasted in your life. My Grandma who watched "The Price Is Right" every morning and when her 2nd husband was called down as "the next contestant" you can see her jumping up and down on the tape. My Grandma.
She was paralyzed on the right side of her body and couldn't speak when my sister and I had to leave to go back to Utah. When we walked out of the door she lifted her arm and tried to wave goodbye.
That was the last time I saw my Grandma alive. She passed away at home a couple weeks later. She had a living will and never wanted to be put in a nursing home. My Mom was with her that Monday morning when she died.
Sydney and I went back to Idaho for the funeral, and it was probably one of the worst few days of my life. As soon as the viewing started, I started crying. I cried the whole 2 hours non stop. It wasn't my Granny laying there. She always had her hair a certain way and, because of the tube they had shaved one side of her head, they tried to fix her hair so you couldn't see the bald spot. She was allergic to make up, but they had caked it on her. And she wasn't wearing her glasses. I was in total shock from the whole thing.
I was only 13 when she died and I hate it that my most vivid memories of her are her funeral. I still have great memories of her, but none that will ever be as clear as those days in November and December 1999.
My Granny was born in 1920 and when she was just 20 years old she bought and opened her own beauty parlor. Women still didn't have many rights back then so this was a huge accomplishment. She was elected as the first woman on the Rexburg City Council. Overall she was an amazing woman.
I blame my Grandma for my addiction to cheesecake and raspberries. And my love for peanut brittle...and rubharb jam...and waffles...All of those come from the countless meals my Granny would always make me when I saw her.
The more I think of her, the more great memories I have of her. Playing cards and dice, and the game of "LIFE", picking raspberries, "Pick A Hand", watching her do hair in her kitchen, old food in the freezer, her house that always stayed the same, more junk in the closet than anyone knew what to do with, sleeping in her bed with her and imagining clouds, her post it notes...I could go on and on for days.
I am a better person for having my Grandma in my life. My family is better because of my Grandma.
I LOVE YOU GRANNY AND STILL MISS YOU SO MUCH!!!
Darlene M. Saurey Blackburn Peterson Bowen
Sept. 17, 1920-Dec. 13, 1999
9 years ago, on the day after Thanksgiving, my Granny suffered a massive stroke. They did emergency surgery to release the pressure on her brain, which meant a huge tube coming out of her head to drain all the blood. I remember walking into the ICU and seeing all these extremely sick people, and when we came to one room I saw the person laying in bed hooked up to all these tubes and they looked like they were about to die. I was shocked and felt so horrible for that person and their family.
Then my Mom walked into that room.
The horrible looking person about to die was my Grandma. My sweet, amazing Grandma who got up at 5am everyday to either walk or play dice with her friend Keith. My Grandma who made the most delicious peanut brittle you've ever tasted in your life. My Grandma who watched "The Price Is Right" every morning and when her 2nd husband was called down as "the next contestant" you can see her jumping up and down on the tape. My Grandma.
She was paralyzed on the right side of her body and couldn't speak when my sister and I had to leave to go back to Utah. When we walked out of the door she lifted her arm and tried to wave goodbye.
That was the last time I saw my Grandma alive. She passed away at home a couple weeks later. She had a living will and never wanted to be put in a nursing home. My Mom was with her that Monday morning when she died.
Sydney and I went back to Idaho for the funeral, and it was probably one of the worst few days of my life. As soon as the viewing started, I started crying. I cried the whole 2 hours non stop. It wasn't my Granny laying there. She always had her hair a certain way and, because of the tube they had shaved one side of her head, they tried to fix her hair so you couldn't see the bald spot. She was allergic to make up, but they had caked it on her. And she wasn't wearing her glasses. I was in total shock from the whole thing.
I was only 13 when she died and I hate it that my most vivid memories of her are her funeral. I still have great memories of her, but none that will ever be as clear as those days in November and December 1999.
My Granny was born in 1920 and when she was just 20 years old she bought and opened her own beauty parlor. Women still didn't have many rights back then so this was a huge accomplishment. She was elected as the first woman on the Rexburg City Council. Overall she was an amazing woman.
I blame my Grandma for my addiction to cheesecake and raspberries. And my love for peanut brittle...and rubharb jam...and waffles...All of those come from the countless meals my Granny would always make me when I saw her.
The more I think of her, the more great memories I have of her. Playing cards and dice, and the game of "LIFE", picking raspberries, "Pick A Hand", watching her do hair in her kitchen, old food in the freezer, her house that always stayed the same, more junk in the closet than anyone knew what to do with, sleeping in her bed with her and imagining clouds, her post it notes...I could go on and on for days.
I am a better person for having my Grandma in my life. My family is better because of my Grandma.
I LOVE YOU GRANNY AND STILL MISS YOU SO MUCH!!!
Darlene M. Saurey Blackburn Peterson Bowen
Sept. 17, 1920-Dec. 13, 1999
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
The More Things Change, The More They Stay The Same
I was thinking this week about how different my life is from a year ago, but then in the same thought how it's really not all that different.
Last December I was still living in Salt Lake, watching Wyatt&Tyge, and working as an office assistant. I hung out with about the same people I had the whole time I lived in Salt Lake. I was dating a new guy, but still talking to some of my exes. I lived with my sister and went back to Vernal as often as I could, normally a couple times a month. I had graduated from the U and was getting ready to move to Seattle but still had NO clue what I was going to do with my life!!
So here we are a year later. I live in San Diego, technically Oceanside, and have my first real job out of college as Community Educator. I live with a girl I knew from Vernal and don't really hang out with that many people other than my brother and some girls I met in a training. I haven't seriously dated anyone for 9 months, which is a record for me. I still talk to a select few exes, but the main one I don't anymore. I still go to Utah whenever I can take the time off and have the money, so twice since March. And I still have no freaking clue what I'm doing with my life! So even though a lot of things are different, they still feel the same to me.
I didn't like my life when I lived in Utah. I was so convinced that once I got out of that damn state things would be better for me. One of those "the grass is greener on the other side" situations. Don't get me wrong I love being in California! I love the beach, and the sunshine, and being able to wear flip flops in the middle of December, but it still feels like something is missing.
I know a big part is I miss my family. I'm such a homing pigeon it's ridiculous! I miss wrestling around with Gage and flipping Riken upside down. I miss playing monster trucks with Wyatt and rocking Tyge to sleep. Gah I just miss all those little boys so much it breaks my heart!
This has been a stressful week with my family members in and out of the hospital. First my step dad fell off a ladder and had to go to Salt Lake because they thought he had a blood clot. Then my 88 year old grandmother was admitted two days ago because she couldn't breath and had to stay in the ICU overnight. I was so stressed and freaked out! I'm always there for my family when there's a crisis. Even though the majority of the time I know there's nothing I can do, it still makes me feel better just knowing that I'm there.
I'm not really sure what the intention of this blog is. Mostly I just wanted to vent. I guess to sum everything up I'm homesick and miss my family. I would love to be near them but I don't think I can give up my life in California to go back to Utah. Even though it's extremely difficult sometimes living down here, it's the life I've wanted for a long time and I'm not going to give it up.
Last December I was still living in Salt Lake, watching Wyatt&Tyge, and working as an office assistant. I hung out with about the same people I had the whole time I lived in Salt Lake. I was dating a new guy, but still talking to some of my exes. I lived with my sister and went back to Vernal as often as I could, normally a couple times a month. I had graduated from the U and was getting ready to move to Seattle but still had NO clue what I was going to do with my life!!
So here we are a year later. I live in San Diego, technically Oceanside, and have my first real job out of college as Community Educator. I live with a girl I knew from Vernal and don't really hang out with that many people other than my brother and some girls I met in a training. I haven't seriously dated anyone for 9 months, which is a record for me. I still talk to a select few exes, but the main one I don't anymore. I still go to Utah whenever I can take the time off and have the money, so twice since March. And I still have no freaking clue what I'm doing with my life! So even though a lot of things are different, they still feel the same to me.
I didn't like my life when I lived in Utah. I was so convinced that once I got out of that damn state things would be better for me. One of those "the grass is greener on the other side" situations. Don't get me wrong I love being in California! I love the beach, and the sunshine, and being able to wear flip flops in the middle of December, but it still feels like something is missing.
I know a big part is I miss my family. I'm such a homing pigeon it's ridiculous! I miss wrestling around with Gage and flipping Riken upside down. I miss playing monster trucks with Wyatt and rocking Tyge to sleep. Gah I just miss all those little boys so much it breaks my heart!
This has been a stressful week with my family members in and out of the hospital. First my step dad fell off a ladder and had to go to Salt Lake because they thought he had a blood clot. Then my 88 year old grandmother was admitted two days ago because she couldn't breath and had to stay in the ICU overnight. I was so stressed and freaked out! I'm always there for my family when there's a crisis. Even though the majority of the time I know there's nothing I can do, it still makes me feel better just knowing that I'm there.
I'm not really sure what the intention of this blog is. Mostly I just wanted to vent. I guess to sum everything up I'm homesick and miss my family. I would love to be near them but I don't think I can give up my life in California to go back to Utah. Even though it's extremely difficult sometimes living down here, it's the life I've wanted for a long time and I'm not going to give it up.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
2 months worth of updates!
Holy cow I've been so bad at this thing the last couple months! Oops!! Let's do a quick little update then!
Back in October my Mom and Syd came down to visit for a few days. We only spent one day around Oceanside/Carlsbad and spent the rest of the time up in LA with my aunt&uncle. It was such a fun girls vacation! We went to the cliffs in Carlsbad, saw the musical "Wicked" in Hollywood, played A LOT of Blackburn Rumy ((a family tradition)) and then one day me and Syd went to Disneyland...SO STINKIN' FUN!!
I love October because....IT'S MY BIRTHDAY!!
So this year I wanted to do something fun&&crazy, so I dragged some friends and my brother to a Drag Queen Show!! Oh my gosh, it was amazing!! I had a few drinks before we got there so the whole thing was so much fun! Me and the Drag Queen became quite good friends by the end of the night! :D
Then there was Halloween...Oh man!! I dressed up as a flapper and went to downtown San Diego with a friend and then ran into another friend! I honestly think I was a flapper in a previous life...I loved my costume!!
October was a really busy and fun month but I was glad when things slowed down in November. When I lived in Utah I was always going to Vernal for the weekend and spending time with my family, so now that I live in California it's so strange to NOT see my family all the time! I was SO excited to go back to Utah and spend some quality time with my friends&&family...
I spent a few more days in Salt Lake than I originally planned, but it was still a lot of fun! I went with my friend Lisa to Wall-E and Body Worlds and took Wyatt&&Tyge to the Children's Museum on Sunday...GAH I MISS THOSE LITTLE BOYS! They're both getting so big and handsome!
I FINALLY made it to Vernal and it was amazing to see all my family, especially my nephews. Kids grow up so stinkin' fast! Thanksgiving was great, and the only downside was my grandpa was too sick to join us but he loved the leftovers! I got to see all my friends I haven't seen in months and spend time with my nephews. SUCH A GREAT VACATION!! The only downside was my best friend Angie went into labor the day I flew back to California and had her little boy yesterday morning!! :( I'm so sad I missed it, but I'll be back for Christmas so not too much longer til I can see little Jaxon!
Back in October my Mom and Syd came down to visit for a few days. We only spent one day around Oceanside/Carlsbad and spent the rest of the time up in LA with my aunt&uncle. It was such a fun girls vacation! We went to the cliffs in Carlsbad, saw the musical "Wicked" in Hollywood, played A LOT of Blackburn Rumy ((a family tradition)) and then one day me and Syd went to Disneyland...SO STINKIN' FUN!!
I love October because....IT'S MY BIRTHDAY!!
So this year I wanted to do something fun&&crazy, so I dragged some friends and my brother to a Drag Queen Show!! Oh my gosh, it was amazing!! I had a few drinks before we got there so the whole thing was so much fun! Me and the Drag Queen became quite good friends by the end of the night! :D
Then there was Halloween...Oh man!! I dressed up as a flapper and went to downtown San Diego with a friend and then ran into another friend! I honestly think I was a flapper in a previous life...I loved my costume!!
October was a really busy and fun month but I was glad when things slowed down in November. When I lived in Utah I was always going to Vernal for the weekend and spending time with my family, so now that I live in California it's so strange to NOT see my family all the time! I was SO excited to go back to Utah and spend some quality time with my friends&&family...
I spent a few more days in Salt Lake than I originally planned, but it was still a lot of fun! I went with my friend Lisa to Wall-E and Body Worlds and took Wyatt&&Tyge to the Children's Museum on Sunday...GAH I MISS THOSE LITTLE BOYS! They're both getting so big and handsome!
I FINALLY made it to Vernal and it was amazing to see all my family, especially my nephews. Kids grow up so stinkin' fast! Thanksgiving was great, and the only downside was my grandpa was too sick to join us but he loved the leftovers! I got to see all my friends I haven't seen in months and spend time with my nephews. SUCH A GREAT VACATION!! The only downside was my best friend Angie went into labor the day I flew back to California and had her little boy yesterday morning!! :( I'm so sad I missed it, but I'll be back for Christmas so not too much longer til I can see little Jaxon!
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Homosexuality and the Bible
Just so everyone knows I am NOT a supporter of Prop 8. I think it's ridiculous that this country won't give equal rights to EVERY citizen! If a two men want to get married, I see no harm in that. It's not going to effect me one little bit so when November rolls around I'm voting NO ((since I am now a registered voter in the state of California!))
Anyways, I found this paper and since a big argument is about the Bible and religious stand point ((even though we shouldn't let church/religious views effect how our government runs)) I thought I would share it...
-When people refer to "the Bible" they usually mean the King James Version.
-There are 105 different version of "the Bible" printed in English.
-There are 350 Protestant denominations in America. Each has their own set of beliefs, and the 106 bibles reflect different and often contradictory translations.
-The bible was written over a period of 1500 years by various authors. Nothing was written as it happened, but was passed down by word of mouth over the years.
-King James, of the "King James Version" was likely homosexual.
-Out of the 31,176 verses in the bible, less than .0002% refer to same sex behavior.
-The word "homosexual" is not in the bible. It was not invented until 1869.
-Jesus never said anything about or alluded to homosexuals or homosexuality.
A BRIEF REVIEW OF THE BIBLICAL PASSAGES THAT HAVE BEEN INTERPRETED AS BEING CONDEMNING OF HOMOSEXUALITY:
Genesis 19: Sodom and Gomorrah.
This story has been misused and misinterpreted as being about homosexuals and their destruction. Genesis 18 reveals that Sodom was slated for destruction before any angels appear to Lot. The bible itself tells why Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed.
Ezekiel 16:49 clearly states the "sin" of Sodom-:
"Behold, this was the iniquity of thy sister Sodom, pride, fullness of bread, and abundance of idleness was in her and in her daughters, neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy."
Leviticus 18:22 and 20:13.
The book of Leviticus has 61 laws that range from dietary prohibitions ((no eating pork, shrimp, oysters, etc--which are an "abomination" to eat)), to law regarding uncleanness, i.e. menstruating women, to the promotion of animal torture and blood sacrifice, to the death penalty for heterosexual adulterers.
Within those 617 laws are the prohibition against a man laying with another man--it is referred to as an "abomination" which refers to "the uncleanness of the Gentiles and that which is ritually unclean" for Jews. IT DOES NOT REFER TO ANYTHING THAT IS EVIL. Other things that are an "abomination" range from "false balance" (Prov.11:1) to "that which is esteemed highly among men" (Luke 16:15).
The Old Testament only has the 2 Levitical references to same sex behavior. Christians are not bound by the 617 Levitcal rules of the Old Testament.
There are stories of same sex love and bonding in the Old Testament, and they are presented as being positive: Ruth and Naomi, and Jonathan and David (as in King David).
"Jonathan and David made a covenant, because he loved him as his own soul" I Samuel 18:2. and "Jonathan Saul's son delighted much in David" I Sam. 19:2.
Ruth's love for Naomi prompted her to say:
"Intreat me not to leave thee...for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: they people shall be my people, and they God my God. Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried." Ruth 1: 16,17
The ONLY person who talk about same sex behavior in the New Testament is Paul. In Romans, Corinthians, and 1 Timothy, Paul explains his ideas on sexuality, gender roles, and slavery.
To women he insists that they "remain silent' and 'let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over a man, but to be in silence" **Yes, let's everyone believe what this guy thinks!!
Paul exhorted slaves to "be obedient to their masters".
Paul talked about women who were "without natural affection" without having any understanding of sexual orientation. He made other references in those 3 chapters which are all subject to interpretation and different translations:
1 Corinthians 6:9:
"neither fornicators, nor idolators, nor adulterers, nor effeminate...shall inherit the kingdom of God".
This is the quote from the King James Version. The "effeminate" was changed to "homosexual" in other, more modern translations, even though "effeminate" does NOT mean "homosexual"
THERE ARE NO OTHER REFERENCES TO SAME SEX BEHAVIOR IN THE BIBLE.
WHAT PEOPLE OF FAITH FEAR IS THAT THEY WILL LOSE THEIR BIBLE AND THEIR BELIEF SYSTEM, IF THEY AGREE TO, OR WORK FOR, EQUAL RIGHTS FOR LESBIAN, GAY AND BISEXUAL PEOPLE.
IF WOMEN CAN KEEP THEIR FAITH AFTER BEING TOLD THEY ARE MADE FOR ME, TO DO THEIR BIDDING, THEN TO REMAIN SILENT...AND IF AFRICAN-AMERICANS CAN KEEP THEIR FAITH AFTER BEING TOLD THEY WERE ONLY WORTHY OF BEING SERVANTS AND SLAVES, THEN IT COULD BE POSSIBLE AND REASONABLE TO ALLOW PEOPLE TO DEAL WITH THEIR DOCTRINES AND KEEP THEIR BELIEF SYSTEMS INTACT WHILE WORKING FOR OUR LEGAL RIGHTS AND FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE.
Anyways, I found this paper and since a big argument is about the Bible and religious stand point ((even though we shouldn't let church/religious views effect how our government runs)) I thought I would share it...
-When people refer to "the Bible" they usually mean the King James Version.
-There are 105 different version of "the Bible" printed in English.
-There are 350 Protestant denominations in America. Each has their own set of beliefs, and the 106 bibles reflect different and often contradictory translations.
-The bible was written over a period of 1500 years by various authors. Nothing was written as it happened, but was passed down by word of mouth over the years.
-King James, of the "King James Version" was likely homosexual.
-Out of the 31,176 verses in the bible, less than .0002% refer to same sex behavior.
-The word "homosexual" is not in the bible. It was not invented until 1869.
-Jesus never said anything about or alluded to homosexuals or homosexuality.
A BRIEF REVIEW OF THE BIBLICAL PASSAGES THAT HAVE BEEN INTERPRETED AS BEING CONDEMNING OF HOMOSEXUALITY:
Genesis 19: Sodom and Gomorrah.
This story has been misused and misinterpreted as being about homosexuals and their destruction. Genesis 18 reveals that Sodom was slated for destruction before any angels appear to Lot. The bible itself tells why Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed.
Ezekiel 16:49 clearly states the "sin" of Sodom-:
"Behold, this was the iniquity of thy sister Sodom, pride, fullness of bread, and abundance of idleness was in her and in her daughters, neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy."
Leviticus 18:22 and 20:13.
The book of Leviticus has 61 laws that range from dietary prohibitions ((no eating pork, shrimp, oysters, etc--which are an "abomination" to eat)), to law regarding uncleanness, i.e. menstruating women, to the promotion of animal torture and blood sacrifice, to the death penalty for heterosexual adulterers.
Within those 617 laws are the prohibition against a man laying with another man--it is referred to as an "abomination" which refers to "the uncleanness of the Gentiles and that which is ritually unclean" for Jews. IT DOES NOT REFER TO ANYTHING THAT IS EVIL. Other things that are an "abomination" range from "false balance" (Prov.11:1) to "that which is esteemed highly among men" (Luke 16:15).
The Old Testament only has the 2 Levitical references to same sex behavior. Christians are not bound by the 617 Levitcal rules of the Old Testament.
There are stories of same sex love and bonding in the Old Testament, and they are presented as being positive: Ruth and Naomi, and Jonathan and David (as in King David).
"Jonathan and David made a covenant, because he loved him as his own soul" I Samuel 18:2. and "Jonathan Saul's son delighted much in David" I Sam. 19:2.
Ruth's love for Naomi prompted her to say:
"Intreat me not to leave thee...for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: they people shall be my people, and they God my God. Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried." Ruth 1: 16,17
The ONLY person who talk about same sex behavior in the New Testament is Paul. In Romans, Corinthians, and 1 Timothy, Paul explains his ideas on sexuality, gender roles, and slavery.
To women he insists that they "remain silent' and 'let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over a man, but to be in silence" **Yes, let's everyone believe what this guy thinks!!
Paul exhorted slaves to "be obedient to their masters".
Paul talked about women who were "without natural affection" without having any understanding of sexual orientation. He made other references in those 3 chapters which are all subject to interpretation and different translations:
1 Corinthians 6:9:
"neither fornicators, nor idolators, nor adulterers, nor effeminate...shall inherit the kingdom of God".
This is the quote from the King James Version. The "effeminate" was changed to "homosexual" in other, more modern translations, even though "effeminate" does NOT mean "homosexual"
THERE ARE NO OTHER REFERENCES TO SAME SEX BEHAVIOR IN THE BIBLE.
WHAT PEOPLE OF FAITH FEAR IS THAT THEY WILL LOSE THEIR BIBLE AND THEIR BELIEF SYSTEM, IF THEY AGREE TO, OR WORK FOR, EQUAL RIGHTS FOR LESBIAN, GAY AND BISEXUAL PEOPLE.
IF WOMEN CAN KEEP THEIR FAITH AFTER BEING TOLD THEY ARE MADE FOR ME, TO DO THEIR BIDDING, THEN TO REMAIN SILENT...AND IF AFRICAN-AMERICANS CAN KEEP THEIR FAITH AFTER BEING TOLD THEY WERE ONLY WORTHY OF BEING SERVANTS AND SLAVES, THEN IT COULD BE POSSIBLE AND REASONABLE TO ALLOW PEOPLE TO DEAL WITH THEIR DOCTRINES AND KEEP THEIR BELIEF SYSTEMS INTACT WHILE WORKING FOR OUR LEGAL RIGHTS AND FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE.
Friday, September 26, 2008
**Hi friends! One of my favorite movies of all time is "IRON JAWED ANGELS". It shows the struggles that women went through to get us the right to vote. It's important to never forget just what was sacrificed for us to get this right. It's sad that there was such a struggle for women to become "equals" to men, but I guess that's just how our society is.
I got this e-mail from a friend earlier today and I wanted to pass it on. It's powerful stuff!
There's a great quote in the movie by a doctor who says...
"IN WOMEN, COURAGE IS OFTEN MISTAKEN FOR INSANITY"
WHY WOMEN SHOULD VOTE
This is the story of our Grandmothers and Great-grandmothers; they lived only 90 years ago
Remember, it was not until 1920 that women were granted the right to go to the polls and vote.
The women were innocent and defenseless, but they were jailed nonetheless for picketing the White House, carrying signs asking for the vote.
(Lucy Burns)
And by the end of the night, they were barely alive. Forty prison guards wielding clubs and their warden's blessing went on a rampage against the 33 women wrongly convicted of 'obstructing sidewalk traffic'.
They beat Lucy Burns, chained her hands to the cell bars above her head and left her hanging for the night, bleeding and gasping for air.
(Dora Lewis)
They hurled Dora Lewis into a dark cell, smashed her head against an iron bed and knocked her out cold. Her cell mate, Alice Cosu, thought Lewis was dead and suffered a heart attack. Additional affidavits describe the guards grabbing, dragging, beating, choking, slamming, pinching, twisting and kicking the women.
Thus unfolded the 'Night of Terror' on Nov. 15, 1917, when the warden at the Occoquan Workhouse in Virginia ordered his guards to teach a lesson to the suffragists imprisoned there because they dared to picket Woodrow Wilson's White House for the right to vote.
For weeks, the women's only water came from an open pail. Their food--all of it colorless slop--was infested with worms.
(Alice Paul)
When one of the leaders, Alice Paul, embarked on a hunger strike, they tied her to a chair, forced a tube down her throat and poured liquid into her until she vomited. She was tortured like this for weeks until word was smuggled out to the press.
So, refresh my memory. Some women won't vote this year because--why, exactly? We have carpool duties? We have to get to work? Our vote doesn't matter? It's raining?
Please, if you are so inclined, pass this on to all the women you know.
We need to get out and vote and use this right that was fought so hard for by these very courageous women. Whether you vote democratic, republican or independent party - remember to vote.
History is being made.
I got this e-mail from a friend earlier today and I wanted to pass it on. It's powerful stuff!
There's a great quote in the movie by a doctor who says...
"IN WOMEN, COURAGE IS OFTEN MISTAKEN FOR INSANITY"
WHY WOMEN SHOULD VOTE
This is the story of our Grandmothers and Great-grandmothers; they lived only 90 years ago
Remember, it was not until 1920 that women were granted the right to go to the polls and vote.
The women were innocent and defenseless, but they were jailed nonetheless for picketing the White House, carrying signs asking for the vote.
(Lucy Burns)
And by the end of the night, they were barely alive. Forty prison guards wielding clubs and their warden's blessing went on a rampage against the 33 women wrongly convicted of 'obstructing sidewalk traffic'.
They beat Lucy Burns, chained her hands to the cell bars above her head and left her hanging for the night, bleeding and gasping for air.
(Dora Lewis)
They hurled Dora Lewis into a dark cell, smashed her head against an iron bed and knocked her out cold. Her cell mate, Alice Cosu, thought Lewis was dead and suffered a heart attack. Additional affidavits describe the guards grabbing, dragging, beating, choking, slamming, pinching, twisting and kicking the women.
Thus unfolded the 'Night of Terror' on Nov. 15, 1917, when the warden at the Occoquan Workhouse in Virginia ordered his guards to teach a lesson to the suffragists imprisoned there because they dared to picket Woodrow Wilson's White House for the right to vote.
For weeks, the women's only water came from an open pail. Their food--all of it colorless slop--was infested with worms.
(Alice Paul)
When one of the leaders, Alice Paul, embarked on a hunger strike, they tied her to a chair, forced a tube down her throat and poured liquid into her until she vomited. She was tortured like this for weeks until word was smuggled out to the press.
So, refresh my memory. Some women won't vote this year because--why, exactly? We have carpool duties? We have to get to work? Our vote doesn't matter? It's raining?
Please, if you are so inclined, pass this on to all the women you know.
We need to get out and vote and use this right that was fought so hard for by these very courageous women. Whether you vote democratic, republican or independent party - remember to vote.
History is being made.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
4s
4 People I heart: Parentals...Siblings...Nephews...Friends!!!
4 Places I visit over and over: The beach, In-N-Out, Jamba Juice, Ross
4 People I text/email on a regular basis: Sydney, Jake K, Shaun, Mom...yes my mom can text!
4 Favorite Foods: Pasta, Jamba Juice, Fruit, Cereal
4 Places I'd rather be: (only 4??) Australia, Fiji, at the beach, OFF WORK!
4 Things I'd rather be doing: Laying at the beach, napping, reading, seeing my family
4 Movies I watch over and over: Wedding Crashers, Iron Jawed Angels, The American President, Cars!
4 TV Shows I watch over and over: House, Grey's Anatomy, Law&Order-SVU, South Park
4 Bands I love: Nickelback, Daughtry, Three Days Grace, Lifehouse
4 Songs I love: "Bittersweet Symphony"-The Verve "Saving Me"-Nickelback "Over You"-Daughtry "Something Like That"-Tim McGraw
4 Places I visit over and over: The beach, In-N-Out, Jamba Juice, Ross
4 People I text/email on a regular basis: Sydney, Jake K, Shaun, Mom...yes my mom can text!
4 Favorite Foods: Pasta, Jamba Juice, Fruit, Cereal
4 Places I'd rather be: (only 4??) Australia, Fiji, at the beach, OFF WORK!
4 Things I'd rather be doing: Laying at the beach, napping, reading, seeing my family
4 Movies I watch over and over: Wedding Crashers, Iron Jawed Angels, The American President, Cars!
4 TV Shows I watch over and over: House, Grey's Anatomy, Law&Order-SVU, South Park
4 Bands I love: Nickelback, Daughtry, Three Days Grace, Lifehouse
4 Songs I love: "Bittersweet Symphony"-The Verve "Saving Me"-Nickelback "Over You"-Daughtry "Something Like That"-Tim McGraw
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Back in Utah...
It's been about 7 months since I've been back to Vernal, and FINALLY this last weekend I got to go back!! I've always been the person that hated Vernal and only went back to see my family, but this time I was actually really excited to go back and see everything.
I flew out of San Diego Thursday night, and my flight was 3 hours late so I didn't even land until 1:30am!!! Didn't get much sleep that night. The next morning I went to Traci's to see Wyatt&Tyge so Traci could go to a dentist appointment. Holy cow I miss those two little boys sooo much!! Wyatt just started kindergarten and Tyge has curly hair and lots of teeth! He's talking now and running all around! It's amazing how big they both are...I took them to the park and at one point Tyge wanted me to pick him up and he wrapped his arms around my neck and put his head on my shoulder, and just sat there for like 5 minutes. I almost started crying because I miss him so much!!
For lunch Jake came and got me and we met up with Lisa at Aristo's near the U...It was sooo great to see both of them! I haven't seen Lisa for months and we had so much fun just sitting there and talking and catching up! Then me and Syd headed for Vernal!!! It's been so long since I've driven to Vernal I was amazed at how beautiful it was! We got to Vernal and went to see my Dad&&Lola...then we broke into Sheri's new house!! lol
Saturday we decided to head to Red Canyon for some lunch, and most likely stop by the Stringham Cabin. Again, I forgot how pretty and green everything is. I guess I didn't hate the mountains as much as I thought I did. My dad just bought a new truck so he let me drive it up there =] Anyways, lunch was so good! It was me, Sydney, my Dad and my Aunt Sharee! After lunch we left and went to my cousin's camp site, but they weren't there so we went to the Stringham Cabin...
Saturday night was drinking night!! haha I went with my great friend Missy to Club XS...The only thing I can say about that was it was quite...interesting!! I didn't last very long there and ended running into an old friend and left with him. It was so weird because later that night it started to rain! I haven't seen the rain or lightning since I moved from Seattle...I love the rain!!
Sunday morning was a pretty lazy morning...We went to JB's for breakfast where I ran into ANOTHER ex, but we had a pretty good talk and it was good to see he's doing well. Sydney went back to Salt Lake and I slept most the day, since the night before I only slept about 3 hours!! I spent the rest of the day at Sheri's house hanging out with my nephews....Gage is in 2nd Grade and Riken is a little terrorizer, but soo cute!!
The weekend finally came to an end yesterday =[ I packed up as much stuff as I could and made "the rounds" saying goodbye to everyone! I hated it...It took so much energy not to break down and stay in Vernal forever...
I never thought I'd ever think about moving back to Utah, but now that's all I can think about...I really hoped that coming back would give me some closure or give me some answers, but that didn't really happen. I did get some closure with a few people, but being back around my family made me realize how much I miss them and how I hate being so far away!!
Anyways, to those of you who I didn't get to see, I'm really sorry!! It was crazy trying to see everyone in just a few short days!! I'll be back for Thanksgiving for the whole week so hopefully I'll get to see more people!!
Look at how big these two got!!! Love my boys!
Lisa, Jake, and Me!! They're soo great!!
The Stringham Cabin...everyone come see it!!
The history of the Stringham Cabin
Me, Pops and Sydney!
Lookout over Red Fleet...Love that drive!!
Welcome to Vernal!! Coming into town on Hwy 40
I'm home!!
I flew out of San Diego Thursday night, and my flight was 3 hours late so I didn't even land until 1:30am!!! Didn't get much sleep that night. The next morning I went to Traci's to see Wyatt&Tyge so Traci could go to a dentist appointment. Holy cow I miss those two little boys sooo much!! Wyatt just started kindergarten and Tyge has curly hair and lots of teeth! He's talking now and running all around! It's amazing how big they both are...I took them to the park and at one point Tyge wanted me to pick him up and he wrapped his arms around my neck and put his head on my shoulder, and just sat there for like 5 minutes. I almost started crying because I miss him so much!!
For lunch Jake came and got me and we met up with Lisa at Aristo's near the U...It was sooo great to see both of them! I haven't seen Lisa for months and we had so much fun just sitting there and talking and catching up! Then me and Syd headed for Vernal!!! It's been so long since I've driven to Vernal I was amazed at how beautiful it was! We got to Vernal and went to see my Dad&&Lola...then we broke into Sheri's new house!! lol
Saturday we decided to head to Red Canyon for some lunch, and most likely stop by the Stringham Cabin. Again, I forgot how pretty and green everything is. I guess I didn't hate the mountains as much as I thought I did. My dad just bought a new truck so he let me drive it up there =] Anyways, lunch was so good! It was me, Sydney, my Dad and my Aunt Sharee! After lunch we left and went to my cousin's camp site, but they weren't there so we went to the Stringham Cabin...
Saturday night was drinking night!! haha I went with my great friend Missy to Club XS...The only thing I can say about that was it was quite...interesting!! I didn't last very long there and ended running into an old friend and left with him. It was so weird because later that night it started to rain! I haven't seen the rain or lightning since I moved from Seattle...I love the rain!!
Sunday morning was a pretty lazy morning...We went to JB's for breakfast where I ran into ANOTHER ex, but we had a pretty good talk and it was good to see he's doing well. Sydney went back to Salt Lake and I slept most the day, since the night before I only slept about 3 hours!! I spent the rest of the day at Sheri's house hanging out with my nephews....Gage is in 2nd Grade and Riken is a little terrorizer, but soo cute!!
The weekend finally came to an end yesterday =[ I packed up as much stuff as I could and made "the rounds" saying goodbye to everyone! I hated it...It took so much energy not to break down and stay in Vernal forever...
I never thought I'd ever think about moving back to Utah, but now that's all I can think about...I really hoped that coming back would give me some closure or give me some answers, but that didn't really happen. I did get some closure with a few people, but being back around my family made me realize how much I miss them and how I hate being so far away!!
Anyways, to those of you who I didn't get to see, I'm really sorry!! It was crazy trying to see everyone in just a few short days!! I'll be back for Thanksgiving for the whole week so hopefully I'll get to see more people!!
Look at how big these two got!!! Love my boys!
Lisa, Jake, and Me!! They're soo great!!
The Stringham Cabin...everyone come see it!!
The history of the Stringham Cabin
Me, Pops and Sydney!
Lookout over Red Fleet...Love that drive!!
Welcome to Vernal!! Coming into town on Hwy 40
I'm home!!
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Holiday in Australia
Let me just start out and say that Australia is one of the most amazing, beautiful places in the world! I've never been to a more extraordinary place before.
About a year my great friend Maggie called and said she was going to Australia for a bit. Well, I couldn't let her wander the country alone so I booked my ticket and headed "down under"! We were really lucky because my cousin Kim actually lives right by Sydney, Australia so we planned to stay with her for a few days and save some cash!
The flight is 14 hours from San Fran to Sydney...We left on Thursday night and got to Syndey Saturday morning at 6:30...Yeah, we lost a Friday! Anyways, when we landed it took us over an hour to get through customs. So you know how in America we have big German Shepards that sniff out drugs?? Well, in Australia they have these little beagles that sniff out fruit!! They're Fruit Beagles!! Apparently one of them liked the scent of Krispy Kreme donuts and sniffed me out, so I had to have EVERYTHING searched to make sure I didn't smuggle in an apple!
My cousin Kim and her little boy Quinn were at the airport to pick us up! We got to her house in Manly and relaxed for a bit. Kim refused to let us sleep because she said it would help with the jet lag. To wake us up she took us to a Koala Park! IT WAS SO FUN!! You could feed and play with kangaroos and then they brought out a koala that you could pet...Maggie was basically the kangaroo whisperer because they would always stand up on their back legs and eat the food...I tried that, but then I ended up getting bit! haha Later that night we went to a beach party that the club my cousin belonged to was hosting. We were so tired and it was only 9pm! We felt like old ladies! Anyways when we got back and got ready for bed I heard my cousin yelling to come see what was in Stewart's room ((her older son))...Seriously, I've never seen a bigger spider in my life! IT WAS HUGE!! Her husband John tried to suck it up with a vacumm, but the damn thing escaped! Eventually he got it and we could all sleep soundly...
The next morning Maggie & I got up at 5:30am to go to a local pub and watch the Rugby World Cup. It's amazing how many people were there and drunk already! I don't even remember who won, but it was great! We walked down the beach around 7:30am and went back to sleep! That day we just hung out at the beach and played in the nice, warm water! Later that night Stewart wanted to take us somewhere special so we had some Indian food! Some food was great! The rest not so much!
Anyways, the next 2 days we were going to explore Sydney. The downfall was I woke up feeling soooo sick! Kim drove us all around and even showed up where Nicole Kidman&Keith Urban live in Sydney. We stopped at the spot where you can see the Sydney Harbour Bridge and The Opera House...Well I got out of the car and made it a whole 5 minutes before I had to run over to the bushes and throw up! It was so gross! I never throw up, so it was just my luck the ONE time I'm in Australia I'm sick!! I was pissed...We went to a couple more spots, but I couldn't handle it anymore so when it was time to go pick up Stewart we left Maggie in Sydney and I went home with Kim...Now, if ANYONE knows Maggie knows that she's the most adventurous person out there, so she was totally fine being left in the city by herself. On our way home, I had to throw up AGAIN, except we were about to drive across a bridge so I had to lean out the car, throw up on the side of the street, and then run into a parking lot...So not fun!!
I spent the next two days laying at Kim's house wishing that someone would kill me. I hated being sick! I missed so many fun things too! We had bought tickets for the Opera House so my cousin's husband ended up meeting Maggie and coming back with her. We kept teasing them about their "first date"!! haha
The next day we flew up North to Airlie Beach, where we would go sailing on The Great Barrier Reef...I was still feeling sickly, but this was something I was NOT going to miss! The first day on the boat was amazing! We met so many people and went snorkeling like 3 times! Oh, did I mention that it was also my 21st Birthday!! I got a piece of cake and everyone sang to me...It was so funny when they were singing because they got to "Happy Birthday Dear..." and everyone stopped because they didn't know my name!
We were on the boat for two days and I was so sad to leave. The water was so amazing and we went to honestly the most beautiful beach in the world! Every time we got out of the water we had food and coffee waiting for us, and it was just so incredibly relaxing.
The last leg of our journey was to the beautiful Byron Bay! It was a little hippy town that was so chill and relaxed! We stayed there for 3 days and it was the best part of the trip! The first day it rained so we stayed in all day and watched episodes of Grey's Anatomy ((you know me, I can't go anywhere without it!)) The next day we went and explored...oh and I got another tattoo!! The whole time we stayed in this cool little hostel & met some great people!! I was scared to stay in a hostel because I thought it would be all trashy, but were booked our trip through a travel agency so they found us some nice ones!
So then our trip came to a close and we headed back to Sydney. Kim let us stay with her one more night before we had to fly home. Maggie's flight left a few hours before mine since she was flying to New Zealand, so she took a cab to the airport and I stayed and hung out with Kim. Kim dropped me off and then I flew home. I left Sydney at 3:30pm Thursday and got back to Salt Lake at 4:45pm on the same Thursday! Honestly, the LONGEST day of my life! It was a 43 hour day...Gotta love those time zone changes...
That was probably the best trip I've ever been on! I couldn't think of a better person to travel with other than Maggie! She was so fun and so great to go explore with! We would have been screwed without my cousin, Kim. She was amazing! THANKS KIM!!
Me&Maggie at the Salt Lake Airport before our flight!
Playing with Kangaroos at the Koala Park
Interesting, don't you think??
I told you it was a big ass spider!!
After we took this picture, I literally walked to the left and threw up...Gross I know...
I give you...SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA!
The boat we were on...The PowerPlay!!
My Birthday Cake!! SOOO YUMMY!!
Look at all those fish!
Wish I was back there....So gorgeous...words can't even describe
This is Maggie...eating Kangaroo....It tasted like steak!
A lookout over Byron Bay....LOVE IT!!
This hurt like hell!! But I still love it!
My great cousin Kim! Don't know what we would have done without her!
Me and Maggie!! BEST VACATION EVER!!
About a year my great friend Maggie called and said she was going to Australia for a bit. Well, I couldn't let her wander the country alone so I booked my ticket and headed "down under"! We were really lucky because my cousin Kim actually lives right by Sydney, Australia so we planned to stay with her for a few days and save some cash!
The flight is 14 hours from San Fran to Sydney...We left on Thursday night and got to Syndey Saturday morning at 6:30...Yeah, we lost a Friday! Anyways, when we landed it took us over an hour to get through customs. So you know how in America we have big German Shepards that sniff out drugs?? Well, in Australia they have these little beagles that sniff out fruit!! They're Fruit Beagles!! Apparently one of them liked the scent of Krispy Kreme donuts and sniffed me out, so I had to have EVERYTHING searched to make sure I didn't smuggle in an apple!
My cousin Kim and her little boy Quinn were at the airport to pick us up! We got to her house in Manly and relaxed for a bit. Kim refused to let us sleep because she said it would help with the jet lag. To wake us up she took us to a Koala Park! IT WAS SO FUN!! You could feed and play with kangaroos and then they brought out a koala that you could pet...Maggie was basically the kangaroo whisperer because they would always stand up on their back legs and eat the food...I tried that, but then I ended up getting bit! haha Later that night we went to a beach party that the club my cousin belonged to was hosting. We were so tired and it was only 9pm! We felt like old ladies! Anyways when we got back and got ready for bed I heard my cousin yelling to come see what was in Stewart's room ((her older son))...Seriously, I've never seen a bigger spider in my life! IT WAS HUGE!! Her husband John tried to suck it up with a vacumm, but the damn thing escaped! Eventually he got it and we could all sleep soundly...
The next morning Maggie & I got up at 5:30am to go to a local pub and watch the Rugby World Cup. It's amazing how many people were there and drunk already! I don't even remember who won, but it was great! We walked down the beach around 7:30am and went back to sleep! That day we just hung out at the beach and played in the nice, warm water! Later that night Stewart wanted to take us somewhere special so we had some Indian food! Some food was great! The rest not so much!
Anyways, the next 2 days we were going to explore Sydney. The downfall was I woke up feeling soooo sick! Kim drove us all around and even showed up where Nicole Kidman&Keith Urban live in Sydney. We stopped at the spot where you can see the Sydney Harbour Bridge and The Opera House...Well I got out of the car and made it a whole 5 minutes before I had to run over to the bushes and throw up! It was so gross! I never throw up, so it was just my luck the ONE time I'm in Australia I'm sick!! I was pissed...We went to a couple more spots, but I couldn't handle it anymore so when it was time to go pick up Stewart we left Maggie in Sydney and I went home with Kim...Now, if ANYONE knows Maggie knows that she's the most adventurous person out there, so she was totally fine being left in the city by herself. On our way home, I had to throw up AGAIN, except we were about to drive across a bridge so I had to lean out the car, throw up on the side of the street, and then run into a parking lot...So not fun!!
I spent the next two days laying at Kim's house wishing that someone would kill me. I hated being sick! I missed so many fun things too! We had bought tickets for the Opera House so my cousin's husband ended up meeting Maggie and coming back with her. We kept teasing them about their "first date"!! haha
The next day we flew up North to Airlie Beach, where we would go sailing on The Great Barrier Reef...I was still feeling sickly, but this was something I was NOT going to miss! The first day on the boat was amazing! We met so many people and went snorkeling like 3 times! Oh, did I mention that it was also my 21st Birthday!! I got a piece of cake and everyone sang to me...It was so funny when they were singing because they got to "Happy Birthday Dear..." and everyone stopped because they didn't know my name!
We were on the boat for two days and I was so sad to leave. The water was so amazing and we went to honestly the most beautiful beach in the world! Every time we got out of the water we had food and coffee waiting for us, and it was just so incredibly relaxing.
The last leg of our journey was to the beautiful Byron Bay! It was a little hippy town that was so chill and relaxed! We stayed there for 3 days and it was the best part of the trip! The first day it rained so we stayed in all day and watched episodes of Grey's Anatomy ((you know me, I can't go anywhere without it!)) The next day we went and explored...oh and I got another tattoo!! The whole time we stayed in this cool little hostel & met some great people!! I was scared to stay in a hostel because I thought it would be all trashy, but were booked our trip through a travel agency so they found us some nice ones!
So then our trip came to a close and we headed back to Sydney. Kim let us stay with her one more night before we had to fly home. Maggie's flight left a few hours before mine since she was flying to New Zealand, so she took a cab to the airport and I stayed and hung out with Kim. Kim dropped me off and then I flew home. I left Sydney at 3:30pm Thursday and got back to Salt Lake at 4:45pm on the same Thursday! Honestly, the LONGEST day of my life! It was a 43 hour day...Gotta love those time zone changes...
That was probably the best trip I've ever been on! I couldn't think of a better person to travel with other than Maggie! She was so fun and so great to go explore with! We would have been screwed without my cousin, Kim. She was amazing! THANKS KIM!!
Me&Maggie at the Salt Lake Airport before our flight!
Playing with Kangaroos at the Koala Park
Interesting, don't you think??
I told you it was a big ass spider!!
After we took this picture, I literally walked to the left and threw up...Gross I know...
I give you...SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA!
The boat we were on...The PowerPlay!!
My Birthday Cake!! SOOO YUMMY!!
Look at all those fish!
Wish I was back there....So gorgeous...words can't even describe
This is Maggie...eating Kangaroo....It tasted like steak!
A lookout over Byron Bay....LOVE IT!!
This hurt like hell!! But I still love it!
My great cousin Kim! Don't know what we would have done without her!
Me and Maggie!! BEST VACATION EVER!!
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