Agree to disagree

There's a political saga unfolding today, with opinions ranging from extreme to downright idiotic (on both sides of the issue).

I'm not going to discuss the issue here.

I've just been thinking how different people can be on really core, basic issues. That's what makes these type of issues so debated and personal I suppose.

For whatever reason, even though I've lived most of life in the beautiful and somewhat, culturally homogeneous, state of Utah, I don't normally find myself agreeing with most of my family and neighbors on these key issues. And I even subscribe to the predominant religion.

I could blame the years I spent serving and working with a forgotten and underprivileged population, but I was like this in college too. I guess I could find specific experiences or influences (like those who "voted for Gore" -which is an inside joke with someone who doesn't even read this blog) that may have helped me feel this way about social issues, but it is what it is.

I have to agree to disagree with most of the people around me, most of the time, and on most issues.

There are times where I try and explain my point of view, but it's frustrating and shocking even, to hear those with the same values and beliefs have such a different solution for today's problems. This isn't a political blog, and I normally don't share my opinions on current events, but I did just want to say this much -mostly for children.

(I write this for fun, to share our lives with those would like a peek, but mostly as a record or a journal of our family's comings and goings).

We're lucky people. I was raised by parents who educated themselves and where school and hard work was valued and encouraged. Sometimes I look into the face of the Little Man and am overwhelmed at how lucky he is. He has parents who provides for his basic needs, and are trying to prepare for his future.

We are not born equal. Not even close.

If that were the case, then I would have to agree that everyone should have the same expectations and provide for their own needs, period. No 'handouts', no government programs, nothing but hard work, sacrifice, and determination.

But, because we do not each start out with the same opportunities I think it is our moral and ethical obligation to help those who cannot help themselves. We live in a community, big and small, and will each benefit if our community works together for the greater good.

I guess I'll continue to agree to disagree with the best way to accomplish that goal.

30

It seems like I should have something remarkable to say. Turning 30 is somewhat remarkable.

A few years ago I wrote a (LONG) post with 101 things about me. I'm not up to writing another 101 things... and there probably aren't 101 new things. But... a few things have changed.

1. I'm a mother.

2. I (we) own a home. Well, we're at least making payments to a mortgage company on a home.

3. Since that last post I've been to Washington, DC and Maui. I re-visited San Fransisco and Yuma, Arizona.

4. I no longer work (other than teaching the piano) and do not consider myself a caseworker. Sometimes it's hard to imagine what my life was like when I was a social worker.

5. I don't have to carry around 2 cell phones and a palm pilot. Just one (well used) blackberry.

6. I did end up finishing the Harry Potter series. But I won't be reading the Twilight books.

7. I'm not sure if I still would say Christmas is my favorite holiday -it's become too stressful. Maybe the 4th of July or Groundhogs day.

8. I'm not sure I like to travel much anymore. It's kind of tough with kids. We still do travel, quite a bit in my opinion, but it takes a lot of effort to get there.

9. I'm pretty sure my favorite ice cream flavor is now mint chocolate chip. I love mint.

10. The number of moves is now up to 18. I've been in this home longer than I've lived anywhere since I graduated from high school.

Somethings haven't changed

11. I still drive a Subaru. And, with a little luck, when we buy a new car, it will STILL be a Subaru.

12. I still have a fear of infertility, or not being able to have more children.

13. I love having lunch with friends, it's the only time I see most of them now.

14. I'm still tall, blue eyes, and (mostly) brown hair. No greys yet either.

15. Although I only listen at the gym or in the car if it's early enough, I still only listen to one radio station (X96) and one radio program (Radio from Hell).

16. My motto is still SMILE AND BE GRATEFUL. I should do a better job at remembering that on a daily basis.

17. Despite a bad year or two, I still LOVE the red sox. My plan is to decorate The Little Man's room (when he is no longer in the nursery) in Red Sox. He WILL be a fan!

18. I'm still, of course, a dog person. Without a dog. I say that I want to have all of my babies before I get a dog, but that's not true. If I can get a fenced yard, I really want a puppy. I wouldn't have to sweep as often! I want a English Springer Spaniel -long hair but doesn't shed, good with kids, and not overly energetic.

19. Still a liberal. In fact, I may be even more liberal or leaning towards the democratic party than I was a few years ago. It was pretty cool seeing the president too. Twice.

There may have been a few things about myself that I managed to leave out in the first list.

20. I'm an early to bed, early to rise person. If I could manage it, I'd be in bed by 9, and up at 6 (and at the gym) every day. It's usually closer to 10:30 or 11, and still up by 6 most mornings.

21. I look at every car I drive by or passes me. I don't know why, but I notice every car, the year and model, and ESPECIALLY the registration date. It always annoys me when I see license plates with expired registration stickers.

22. I'm addicted to Facebook. I don't think I even knew what Facebook was when I made the first list. I enjoy reading people's status' - especially the ones that share WAY to much personal information, exhibit less than stellar spelling and grammar abilities, and try to come off better than everyone around them.

23. I love it when the Little Man goes down for a nap, but surprisingly I am equally excited when he get's up. Most of the time.

24. I have a good memory. Depending on who you ask, I have a great memory (anyone but my husband). This is usually a good thing.

25. I love when my bed is made, but I hardly ever make it. It seems so pointless. No one see's it but me and Justin, and I'm just going to get back in it that night.

26. I think my favorite vacation was New York and Boston. Boston for the history and Red Sox (duh) and New York for Ground Zero and I realized, once I was there, that every American should visit New York at least once.

27. I love saving money, and find a 'deal'. However, you have to still 'spend' money to save money, so Justin doesn't like this hobby of mine.

28. I like trying new recipes. I actually rarely make the same thing twice, because I want to try something new.

29. I can't sew, dance, or play organized sports very well. I'm not that creative or have any real artistic abilities.

30. Thirty. Man, that sounds old.

Like mother, like son

I'm on the left, about a year old.
Notice how I'm sitting down.

And here's the Little Man, about a year old.

Not sitting down.

That's just how he does it.

The first of many

The forecast called for the temperature to be above 50 degrees and I convinced Justin to take a day off (since he hasn't really had one for weeks). Perfect day for a short trip to the zoo.










You'll notice there aren't any pictures of animals. A lot of them are a little shy during the winter, and The Little Man didn't stay put long enough for me to get any pictures of them. We could have touched one of the giraffes -it got so close to us on the upper level -but I opted not to.

Whoa! from Melanie Lafeen on Vimeo.

The end of an era!

I've been going to the same dentist for almost (gulp) 26 years now.

Dr. Pete.

My entire family loves Dr. Pete, and as kids we looked forward to going to the dentist every 6 months. He is very charismatic and funny, he remembered who you were each time AND you always got sugar free suckers and extra prizes after each visit.

I even enjoyed going as an adult. I never had to have cavities filled until my early 20's, and I may have enjoyed the 'laughing gas' a little too much. I think I told him I was going to stop brushing my teeth all together just to get the gas more often.

I continued to see him after going away to college, and even moving to Salt Lake. I still drive an hour to and from Roy every 6 months (more often if I have work done, which isn't very often) and every time I drive up there, I think to myself, "this is the last time I'm coming here. I need to find a dentist closer to my home" And every time, I just make a new appointment.

Dr. Pete is getting older, and closer to retirement. In fact, he only works about 4 days a month, so it's harder and harder to actually schedule a time in advance that he will be in the office. So, I did it. We said goodbye. He gave me a hard time, but when I asked if he'd be here in another 6 months he didn't have an answer for me.

Thanks, Dr. Pete, for keeping my teeth looking great and making going to the dentist a good experience for almost 30 years.

I just hope I can find someone as fun as he is for my kids.