On December 20th, Lyndsey and I welcomed the birth of our son, Kaden Philip!  He is a happy, healthy little angel who has brought so much joy to our lives!

My cousin is getting married next month and asked me if I would do a reading during the ceremony.  Of course I said yes.  A few days ago, his fiancé sent me the reading in the mail.  It is Genesis 2:18-24.  For those who are not familiar with the scripture, it is the story of how God formed Eve from Adam’s rib.  Some religious folks use this passage to argue against gay rights.  And I have to admit that at first, Lyndsey and I chuckled over the fact that me, a lesbian, will be reading about a man leaving his father and mother and clinging to his wife!  But after I re-read the passage a couple times, I suddenly saw a new message in the passage.   It was not about God choosing the woman to be the companion for the man, but it is about the man choosing who he feels in his heart is a suitable partner for himself.   Bottom line, God wants us to be happy and content with our partner. 

On the other hand, I’ve heard some Christians argue that being born with a predisposition for homosexuality is something that needs to be fought against daily.  They argue that it is okay for someone to admit that they are gay/lesbian; it’s just not okay for them to act on their urges and attractions.  Really?  The very first scripture, Genesis 2:18 states, “The Lord God said: ‘It is not good for the man to be alone.’”   Based on this scripture, I’d have to say that God wants everyone to have a suitable companion (no matter what their sexual preference).

To sum it up…. God wants us to be with a partner who makes us happy.  

First, I will start off by telling you what friends are not.  They are not jealous.  They are not phony.  They do not belittle you.  They are not emotionally draining.  They do not hold grudges.  They are not selfish.  They are not only around when it’s convenient.  They are not liars. 

Friends ARE loyal.  They are truthful.  They are encouraging.  They are a shoulder to cry on when we need a good cry.  Friends are selfless.  They are there for us even when it’s an inconvenient hour.  They help us grow stronger.  They are grateful.  Friends are the family we choose.  They are trustworthy.  They know all our faults and love us inspite of them all.  They are forgiving.  They are respectful.  They are kind.  Friends are givers.  They are gifts. 

What are friends to you?

John 15:13 - “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down his life for his friends.”

Passed my LCSW exam on Saturday after 4 hours of staring at a computer screen!!  Accomplishing a goal feels fantastic :o)

I had PRK laser eye surgery yesterday afternoon and now can see!!  The doctor said he didn’t feel comfortable performing normal lasik on me because of my stigmatisms in both eyes.  This was fine with me because to be honest, I didn’t like the idea of him cutting flaps in my eyes. 

So far, this has been amazing!  I can now see fairly decently, and with PRK my vision will get increasingly better over time.   

Lyndsey has been so supportive and was the one who encouraged me to go for it… I am so glad she did :o)  Never having to wear glasses or contacts again is priceless!

Just got done watching Chely Wright on today’s Oprah.  All I can think of is “Wow!”  She seems like a truly beautiful person both inside and out.  It must of taken an insane amount of courage to come out in the conservative country music community.  I’m am truly proud of her.  I especially loved the way her father was so supportive of her.  I have to admit.  I am somewhat envious of their relationship.  I wish my own father could show the love and humility her father has…

I cannot believe that Saturday will be 10 years since my mom passed away.  It seems like both a lifetime ago, and just yesterday… if that makes any sense.  Ten years since I last heard her voice and held her hand.  A lot has changed in 10 years… and all for the better.  It’s not that I’m at all happy that my mom passed, but her passing gave me the courage to realize what’s important in life… Following your heart and letting go of what other people think.  So far so good.  At the age of 31 (which I will turn on the 23rd), I am more confident than ever and have no regrets to speak of. 

I believe everything we experience is an opportunity for growth and makes us who we are today.  So even in my mother’s death, I have learned how to fully live.

Lyndsey’s in love (or more like lust) with Ginger the weather girl on channel 5 Chicago, NBC news. Every time she comes on the television to give the forecast, I have to listen to Lyndsey go on about how hot she is!  What kind of name is Ginger anyway?  Sounds like a stripper!  Oh well… I guess she is kind of hot!

I can’t stop listening to Joni Mitchell’s ‘Both Sides Now’ on my Ipod.  It makes me want to cry.  Sometimes I just need a good sad song.  Here are the lyrics:

Rows and flows of angel hair, and icecream castles in the air, and feathered canyons everywhere,
I’ve looked at clouds that way,
but now they only block the sun.
They rain and snow on everyone.
So many things I would have done,
but clouds got in my way.

I’ve looked at clouds from both sides now,
from up and down, and still somehow,
it’s clouds illusions I recal.
I really don’t know clouds…at all.

Moons and Junes and ferris wheels, the dizzy dancing way you feel
as every fairy tale comes real; I’ve looked at love that way.
But now it’s just another show. You leave ‘em laughing when you go
and if you care, don’t let them know, don’t give yourself away.

I’ve looked at love from both sides now,
from give and take, and still somehow
it’s love’s illusions I recall.
I really don’t know love at all.

Tears and fears and feeling proud, to say “I love you” right out loud,
dreams and schemes and circus crowds, I’ve looked at life that way.
But now old friends are acting strange, they shake their heads,
they say I’ve changed.
Something’s lost but something’s gained in living every day.

I’ve looked at life from both sides now,
from win and lose, and still somehow
it’s life’s illusions I recall.
I really don’t know life at all.

So true…

My spoiled pup, Teddy, is a pain in the *ss.  He woke me up at 7:30 this morning to take him outside and now I can’t fall back to sleep.  Doesn’t he know it’s Saturday!!!  The best part is he goes back upstairs and jumps in the bed next to Lyndsey… totally taking my spot!  I always tell him, “Good thing you’re cute otherwise you’d be out on the street looking for a new home!”