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E had his first bball game of the season today. He did really good. It was actually a fun game! Go number 31!<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/7dod2VPn3nA&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/7dod2VPn3nA&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script src="http://tinyurl.com/329qxw" type="text/javascript"></script></div>

(11-19) 18:32 PST SAN FRANCISCO -- The state Supreme Court plunged back into the same-sex marriage wars Wednesday, agreeing to decide the legality of a ballot measure that repealed the right of gay and lesbian couples to wed in California.<br /><br />Six months after its momentous ruling that struck down the state's ban on same-sex marriage, the court granted requests by both sponsors and opponents of Proposition 8 to review lawsuits challenging the Nov. 4 initiative.<br /><br />The vote was 6-1, with Justice Joyce Kennard dissenting.<br /><br />However, the court refused, 6-1, to let same-sex marriages resume while it considers Prop. 8's constitutionality. Justice Carlos Moreno cast the dissenting vote.<br /><br />Approved by 52 percent of voters, Prop. 8 restored the definition of marriage - a union of a man and a woman - that the court had overturned May 15. Both Kennard and Moreno voted with the majority in that 4-3 ruling. <br /><br />The court agreed Wednesday to review two arguments by opponents of Prop. 8 - that the measure exceeds the legal scope of a ballot initiative by allowing a majority to restrict a minority group's rights, and that it violates the constitutional separation of powers by limiting judicial authority.<br /><br />The justices also asked for arguments on whether Prop. 8, if constitutional, would nullify 18,000 same-sex weddings performed between when the court's marriage ruling took effect in mid-June and Nov. 4. Attorney General Jerry Brown, who will defend Prop. 8 as the state's chief lawyer, contends those marriages are legal, but sponsors of the initiative disagree.<br /><br />The justices asked for written arguments to be submitted by Jan. 21. The court could hold a hearing as early as March, with a ruling due 90 days later.<br /><br />Possible trouble for opponents<br />While both sides cheered the court's decision to take up the cases, Kennard's lone vote to deny review could spell trouble for opponents of Prop. 8. <br /><br />Kennard is the court's longest-serving justice, having been appointed in 1989, and has been one of its foremost supporters of same-sex couples' rights. Without her vote, the May 15 ruling would have gone the other way. But she wrote Wednesday that she would favor hearing arguments only about whether Prop. 8 would invalidate the pre-election marriages, an issue that would arise only if the initiative were upheld.<br /><br />"It's always hard to read tea leaves, but I think Justice Kennard is saying that she thinks the constitutionality of Prop. 8 is so clear that it doesn't warrant review," said Stephen Barnett, a retired UC Berkeley law professor and longtime observer of the court.<br /><br />For those seeking to overturn Prop. 8, "I would not think it would be encouraging," said Dennis Maio, a San Francisco lawyer and former staff attorney at the court.<br /><br />Speedy timeline<br />All parties were pleased, though, at the prospect of a quick decision. If the justices had dismissed the suits, the cases could have been refiled in a county Superior Court and would have reached the high court only after lengthy appeals.<br /><br />"We could have been looking, easily, at two or three years of litigating this issue," said Shannon Minter, legal director of the National Center for Lesbian Rights and a lawyer for same-sex couples in one of the suits. "It's a great relief that the court recognizes the importance of resolving this quickly."<br /><br />Similar reactions came from others on opposing sides in the case.<br /><br />"This is a great day for the rule of law and for the voters of California," said Andrew Pugno, attorney for Protect Marriage, Prop. 8's sponsoring group, which won permission from the court Wednesday to join the case and present arguments at the hearing. He said he was confident the measure would be upheld and was particularly pleased that the court allowed it to remain in effect while the lawsuits are argued.<br /><br />San Francisco City Attorney Dennis Herrera, whose suit on behalf of the city has been joined or endorsed by 11 other cities and counties, said he was grateful the court accepted the cases.<br /><br />"This goes far beyond same-sex marriage," Herrera said. "It's about equal protection of the law for all Californians." <br /><br />Amendment or revision?<br />The lawsuits that the court agreed to review were filed by two groups of same-sex couples, a gay-rights organization and San Francisco and other local governments. Civil rights, religious and feminist organizations have since filed separate suits challenging Prop. 8 that the justices may add to their docket.<br /><br />All the suits argue that Prop. 8, drafted as a state constitutional amendment, makes such drastic changes that it amounts to a revision of the Constitution.<br /><br />Unlike constitutional amendments, which can qualify for the ballot with signatures on initiative petitions, revisions can be placed on the ballot only by a two-thirds vote of the Legislature or a state constitutional convention. <br /><br />The state's high court has defined a constitutional revision as a fundamental change in government structure and has struck down only two initiatives as revisions. The last time was in 1991, when the court overturned provisions of a measure that would have required California courts to follow federal standards on criminal defendants' rights rather than relying on the state Constitution to grant broader rights.<br /><br />Opponents of Prop. 8 argue that it is a revision because it deprives a historically persecuted minority of fundamental rights and leaves courts powerless to intervene. A ruling upholding the measure would leave any minority group vulnerable to repeal of its rights by majority vote, the lawsuits argue.<br /><br />Supporters cite tradition<br />Supporters of Prop. 8 say it is merely a constitutional amendment restoring the traditional definition of marriage and leaves the structure of state government unaffected. They contend a ruling overturning the measure would strike a blow at the people's power to change their Constitution by initiative.<br /><br />In its May ruling legalizing same-sex marriages, the court said California's ban on such unions violated gays' and lesbians' right to marry the partner of their choice and to be free of arbitrary discrimination.<br /><br />The court also said laws that discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation are presumed to be unconstitutional, in the same category as bias based on race or sex. That part of the ruling is unaffected by Prop. 8.<br /><br />The lead case in Wednesday's order is Strauss vs. Horton, S168047.<br /><br /><br />Read the court's order <br />The state Supreme Court's order accepting anti-Proposition 8 lawsuits for review may be read at:<br /><br />courtinfo.ca.gov/courts/supreme <br /><br /><br />Prop. 8 issues <br />Issues in the Proposition 8 cases before the state Supreme Court:<br /><br />-- Does Prop. 8 make such a far-reaching change to the California Constitution that it amounts to a constitutional revision, which requires a two-thirds vote of the Legislature to be placed on the ballot? <br /><br />-- Does Prop. 8 violate the constitutional separation of powers by restricting judges' authority to protect the rights of same-sex couples? <br /><br />-- If Prop. 8 is constitutional, does it invalidate the 18,000 same-sex marriages that took place in California between June 16, when the court's ruling legalizing gay and lesbian unions took effect, and the Nov. 4 election? <br /><br />What's next <br />Next steps for the Proposition 8 cases before the state Supreme Court:<br /><br />-- The parties in the cases - same-sex couples, gay-rights advocates and city and county governments challenging the law, and the state attorney general and the Prop. 8 campaign defending it - are scheduled to file written arguments through Jan. 5. <br /><br />-- Other interested individuals and groups must file friend-of-the-court briefs by Jan. 15. The parties have until Jan. 21 to reply to any of those briefs. <br /><br />-- No court hearing has been scheduled yet, but it could take place as early as March. A ruling is due within 90 days of the hearing. <br /><br />http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/11/19/BAJC147QAJ.DTL<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script src="http://tinyurl.com/329qxw" type="text/javascript"></script></div>

<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/9N8-5dEDysA&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/9N8-5dEDysA&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />That's me and my sign at the beginning and then the little interview. I said a lot more than that, but that is what they showed. It's true. I don't think Oklahoma would ever voluntarily give us same-sex marriage, not by the legislature, the vote of the people or perhaps even our courts. It will most likely take the Supreme Court. I wish it weren't that way.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script src="http://tinyurl.com/329qxw" type="text/javascript"></script></div>

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So I have been having some issues with my knee since the last week of October. I used to have problems, years and years ago, but nothing for a long time. It just started hurting very badly the weekend before Halloween and I eneded up in the ER on that Sunday. They did some x-rays and got me an appointment with a specialist the next Tuesday. I went in and talked to him. He felt I had some arthritis and that most likely I would need to have some orthoscopic surgery to go in and smooth out the cartledge. I went in and had an MRI. I worked from home all week so I could stay off of it and worked all last week and did okay. It was a little sore today and tonight while I was cooking dinner something happened. It did't pop, I didn't hear a sound, but it felt as though a little rubber band snapped inside my knee. That's the only way I can explain it. It is swollen and hurting now. I am glad I have my MRI follow up appointment in the morning. It just sucks.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script src="http://tinyurl.com/329qxw" type="text/javascript"></script></div>

<script src="http://i.cdn.turner.com/cnn/.element/js/2.0/video/evp/module.js?loc=dom&vid=/video/politics/2008/11/05/sot.obama.entire.cnn" type="text/javascript"></script><noscript>Embedded video from <a href="http://www.cnn.com/video">CNN Video</a></noscript><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script src="http://tinyurl.com/329qxw" type="text/javascript"></script></div>

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Well, it has been a week and a half already, but it is only Thursday. Ever feel like that? It has been the longest 3 days. Everyone at the office is having a hard time getting motivated, I think. There is so much crap to wade through besides doing our regular, everyday jobs. I am having a hard time getting up and coming in every morning. Part of me does wish that one of the jobs that I sent my resume to would have panned out and I could have just exited with apologies. But so far, I have received a couple of "due to the economic climate, we are no longer hiring for this position..." letters and an interview for something, that after talking with the person about the position, I do not even want to do.<br /><div></div><br /><div>I had been planning to start back to school at University of Oklahoma this January, but I am starting to feel so overwhelmed with everything else, I am thinking of post-poning that until the summer or fall. Jenn doesn't want me to, but I just don't see how I can have the energy to do it right now. I am just so down. Plus, she is trying to get into Oklahoma City University for January, and I want to make sure that we can afford for her to go there and I don't know if we can if I am also going to OU.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Blech. I cannot believe I am voluntarily going to attend OU. LOL</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Go Pokes!</div><br /><div><a href="http://www.valuemags.com/images/magazine/go-pokes.jpg">

It has been a very, VERY stressful month and a half at work. Well, actually, truth be told, it has been a very stressful year. It has been one full of lies and deceit and I am truly devistated by it all. The stress of the past month and a half has just been almost too much to handle and if I didn't work with an awesome group of people and amazing programs, I don't think I would still be doing what I do.<br /><br />I have the next four days off and they are so needed. I hope that I can sort of relax and get over some of the stress of the last six weeks so that I can get back to the business of helping people help neglected and abused kids.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script src="http://tinyurl.com/329qxw" type="text/javascript"></script></div>

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Well, I am sucky tonight. I am so freakin' tired and have been working so much overtime, I just don't want to do anything. Jenn is mad at me because of that, so she went out with her friends to a Rocky Horror Picture Show thing. I love Rocky Horror, I really do. I am just so tired and want to lay in bed with E and watch tv.<br /><br />She just left to go and E and I are watching Witches of Waverly Place on the Disney Channel. I know. I am lame.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script src="http://tinyurl.com/329qxw" type="text/javascript"></script></div>

I grew up watching Paul Newman movies with my mom, who thought he was very handsome and a wonderful actor. She was right. He was a wonderful man who did so much with his life, outside his acheivements in acting. It is inspiring. RIP Mr. Newman.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XBJseU8TNIM/SN71oovp7HI/AAAAAAAAAOQ/A1LroHzxYT8/s1600-h/newmans.jpg">

I got this email and thought it was very thought provoking.... I don't know who origianally authored it, but they ROCK!<br /><br /><br /><br />Bail THEM out?? Where’s OUR Bailout?? I'm against the $85 BILLION bailout of AIG.<br /><br />Instead, I'm in favor of giving $85,000,000,000 to America in a 'We Deserve It' dividend. To make the math simple, let's assume there are 200,000,000 bona fide U.S. citizens, aged 18 Our population is about 301 million counting every man, woman , and child. So, 200,000,000 might be a fair stab at adults 18 and up.<br /><br />Now, divide 200 million, 18 adults into $85 billion - that equals $425,000.00 each! Yes, my plan is to give that $425,000 to every adult as a 'We Deserve It' dividend.<br /><br />Of course, it would NOT be tax free.<br /><br />So, let's assume a tax rate of 30%. Everyone would pay $127,500.00 in taxes. That sends $25.5 billion right back to Uncle Sam! It also means that every adult 18 has $297,500.00 in their pocket.<br /><br />A husband and wife would have $595,000.00!<br /><br />What would you do with $297,500.00 to $595,000.00? · Pay off your mortgage ? housing crisis solved Repay college loans ? what a great boost to new grads · Put away money for college ? it'll really be there · Save in a bank ? create money to loan to entrepreneurs · Buy a new car ? create jobs · Invest in the market ? capital drives growth · Pay for your parent's medical insurance ? health care improves · Enable Deadbeat Parents to come clean ? or else.<br /><br />Remember this is for every adult U.S. citizen, 18 and older (including the folks who lost their jobs at Lehmann Brothers and every other company that is cutting back) and of course, for those serving in our Armed Forces. If we're going to do an $85 billion bailout, let's bail out every adult U.S. citizen!! As for AIG ? liquidate it. · Sell off its parts. · Let American General go back to being American General. · Sell off the real estate. · Let the private sector bargain hunters cut it up and clean it up. We deserve the money and AIG doesn't. Sure it's a crazy idea, but can you imagine the coast-to-coast block party?! How do you spell Economic Boom? W-e D-e-s-e-r-v-e I-t d-i-v-i-d-e-n-d!<br /><br />I trust my fellow adult Americans to know how to use the $85 Billion 'We Deserve It' dividend more than I do the geniuses at AIG or in Washington, D.C. . And remember, The plan only really costs $59.5 billion because $25.5 b illion is returned instantly in taxes to Uncle Sam.<br />Something to think about isnt it??<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script src="http://tinyurl.com/329qxw" type="text/javascript"></script></div>

I have found more awesome blogs through <a href="http://socialspark.com/metrics/click/post?slot_id=20926&amp;url=http://www.socialspark.com" rel="nofollow">SocialSpark</a> recently. It is really cool. It is great to see all the other "mommy bloggers" out there, like me, and college students, politicos, and just funny people sharing their sense of humor. I always like finding a new blog to read! And the other great thing about Social Spark is that you can increase readership in your own blog as well, or blog about different opportunities that interest you or fit with your blog's theme. And you can even make a little cash in the process. Most of us "mommy bloggers" can use a little extra. I know that I can!<br /><br />I have been out of the loop for awhile now, since we have been preparing for the wedding and Jenn and the kids have just gotten back to school AND stuff at my office has been crazy and stressful, but the other day I got an email from Social Spark talking about sharing my thoughts about them and their site and I thought, that is great, because I really think they have a great things going and the more people out there who get involved, the more their messages in their blogs can be heard by people.<br /><br />I know that my blog is just a mish-mash of my life and my kids and things that I am interested in and probably not a lot of people are out there waiting for my next post! LOL But some of these bloggers are really great and have a lot to say! Check it out!<br /><br /><map name="map1444"><area shape="RECT" coords="0,0,206,45" href="http://socialspark.com/metrics/click/disclosure?slot_id=20926&amp;url=http://www.socialspark.com" rel="nofollow"><area shape="RECT" coords="207,0,225,45" href="http://socialspark.com/code_of_ethics" rel="nofollow"></map>

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<div>I have never been so happy for it to be the weekend! OMG! What a long, long, LONG week. I worked early and/or late all week and I am exhauseted. On top of that, Jenn and Eli have both been sick and missed school this week some. It's just been crazy.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Work is really stressful and because we have had people leave, I have been on major overload, trying to keep up with an extra job and parts of other jobs. Everyone has. It has been just nuts.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I am looking forward to going out to eat tonight and to bed early. Tomorrow I have to show my face at a golf tournament, and that hopefully won't last long because a HUGE suprise for the boys is coming!!!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Shhh... don't tell!! It looks like this but also has monkey bars.</div><br /><div></div><a href="http://rainbowplay.cachefly.net/heroes-big/hero_big_16.jpg">

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OMG! We have spent the day packing up stuff upon stuff upon stuff. Thank goodness my mom came over for a few hours and organized us! Who else would have thought about making a master list inventory of all our wedding stuff.<br /><br />My car is completely full of boxes of candlesticks, vases and candy for the candy bar, mason jars and silk flowers, and more and more... we had to pack our suitcases and put them in my parents car, along with Jenn's dress. There was no room left!<br /><br />I cannot belive we leave tomorrow for Eureka Springs and that we are getting married in 3 days! I cannot wait to see Robyn &amp; Traci, too! They are driving all the way from Minnesota! It should be a fun, but stressful and crazy weekened!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script src="http://tinyurl.com/329qxw" type="text/javascript"></script></div>

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