My take on SB1070

So, you knew this post was coming. Let me be clear in saying, I'm really not trying to start a debate, just clearly state my feelings on the bill. Let me also say, that while I may not support this bill, I do support individuals doing something. Clearly this is something the Federal Government has not made priority, and while it is effecting this state drastically, I appreciate that law makers decided to do something instead of just complain.

"Arizona is the Meth Lab for Democracy". This was stated by John Stewart because in one week 3 borderline (if not completely) radical bills were passed in Arizona, the obvious one being SB1070.

I feel deep compassion for those seeking a new life in our country. I've personally experienced not only the extreme poverty in Mexico, but the extreme conditions in which these people face daily to survive. I support the pursuit of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, and if I were in there situation, I'd do all I could to get away from it. That being said- I am not in favor of illegal immigration.

My Great Grandparents came here illegally, through Canada during WW1, after being rejected by Ellis Island, while I'm grateful they did, I don't condone their actions. However, a state deciding that being in this country illegally is a crime, while it is not at the federal level punishable by jail time, is not within a states jurisdiction. I support the constitution as it was written, and believe that this is to be left at the Federal level (please note, I understand that they are sluggish (at best) in their actions on this issue).

Being of Czech decent, and further, of a Jewish family, the term, "Show me your papers" sends chills through my entire body. While yes, 37 state senators approved this bill, of those 37 there are a few radical fundamentalists, whom I do sincerely wonder where their motives lie. Think Hitler, McCarthy, Mussolini, and Stalin. These radical fundamentalists quickly grew to power because they were able to sell their ideas in a package people bought into. (Think "illegal immigrants are a drain on our society and taking from you and me") Let's be frank folks, I know several LEGAL citizens who are a drain on our society and taking from you and me- and we're not throwing them in jail.

My issues with this bill do not stem from my fear of racial profiling, though I do believe this will occur. Let's be honest, no one is going to ask me- the fair skinned, blondie with no accent for my papers. My deepest issue has to do with the constitutional violation of the state thinking they have the jurisdiction to pass such a law. (Think Texas and the Alamo folks). Additionally, my irrational fear, though I believe history has taught us in the past that these irrational fears should be at least kept near to the heart, is what more these radical fundamentalists in the state house are looking for.

I believe that the national backlash could have been less harmful to the state and our image if 1) the citizens of Arizona knew more about it prior to it being sent to Jan Brewer, and 2) if the state did a better job of speaking out about whats going on. Let's be honest, Joe Apairo is the only one who's gone national, and he's really not the best representation of our state- seeing as how he's under federal investigation himself. Additionally, had we not passed 3 semi-radical bills in one week, people may not have thought we were the Alabama of the 1960's.

I'm not looking to sway anyone or even say I'm write- these are simply my thoughts on the issue. I leave you with one parting thought- that a dear friend posted on their social media page. Regardless of your thoughts on this bill, for or against it, I encourage everyone to be informed. Knowledge is power- and the more you know, the less likely we are to see history repeat itself into horrific acts that define humanity.

"Optimism is a political act. Those who benefit from the status quo are perfectly happy for us to think nothing is going to get any better. In fact, these days, cynicism is obedience. "- Alex Steffen

I've been tagged!

Ok so here are the rules;
1) Go to your photo files, select the 8th photo folder.

2) Select the 8th photo in that folder.

3) Post that photo along with the story behind it

4) Then challenge 8 blogging friends to do the same...

So this would be my bachelorette party- as you can tell well into the evening with alcohol flowing well. I saw Captain Morgan and decided to solute him with my best "Oh Captain, My Captain".

Um everyone on my blog has already done this, so I tag no one =)

Working at the Car Wash!

Yesterday I decided my car needed to be washed and bad! Ever since my surgery, my poor, pretty, new car has taken a beating as I've used it in ways it'd never imagined in order to get into and out of, as well as drive (or be driven). Before the great wash of 2010, it looked like this:


Of course some of the mess was due to Miss Miley...
After spending about an hour in the garage, I finally cleaned out the inside- it was so pretty!

Finally, we gave it a good exterior wash- which it needed. After a couple of trips to California, Prescott, Flagstaff, and Tucson, there were far more bugs on the grill then I ever wanted to see again!

Here she is- all pretty!

Happy Birthday Bella Bear!

Yesterday was my Goddaughter's very first Birthday party! Monday she turns 1 year old, but we celebrated yesterday down in Tucson (her Phoenix party is next week) with her mom, dad, and Tucson friends and family.

She absolutely loves Mickey Mouse Clubhouse- and had a MMCH themed birthday party. She loved her Mickey and Minnie balloon's, and kept giving them kisses.

And we played with my necklace (of which I promised her when she was older she'd get her very own Tiffany and Co necklace).
She even had her very own special Minnie Mouse cake!

She was an absolute trooper for most of her party, but by cake time, she was just completely wiped out, and really had no interest in the cake. It was a great trial run- we'll see how she does with the cake next week at her other birthday party.

Three Requirements- Sun, Sand, Fun!

Aaron and I are trying to figure out where to go for our anniversary trip! Originally we had decided to go here, to the lovely Turks and Caicos Islands:
Two years ago, I was flying back from Puerto Rico and the captain got our attention to notify us we were flying over the Turks and Caicos Islands- at that moment I was attached. Even from 20,000+ ft in the air they were GORGEOUS. However, I've read hit or miss reviews for the all inclusive resorts on the islands.

So, we've also thought about going here, to St. Lucia:
I've heard amazing things about St. Lucia from a co-worker who honeymooned there. It's a distinct front runner.

Then there's also this place, Exuma (Bahamas):
This place is relatively new to the list, but I still like it.

I would love to go here, Bora Bora, but I just don't think Aaron would approve of the cost:
As you can see- they are all amazing and beautiful, and I'm truly blessed to get to go any of these places. But, I can't pick.

So, I need your help! What do you think- which tropical paradise would you chose? Or is there another I haven't even thought of that you can recommend? Let me know!

TTC- If you've not been there, you wouldn't understand.

"It'll all work out", "You'll be fine", "Next month will be YOUR month"...

If you've never had a problem trying to get pregnant- you probably would never understand why it's so frustrating. Ideally, you want to believe that it WILL all work out, that next month WILL be the month, and that when your not expecting it, it WILL just happen.

I can't really describe how it feels to hear that being said though. Imagine when you were young (or for some of you even now), and each time you met someone and fell in love, and for whatever reason it didn't work out (he cheated, he stopped calling, pick your poison)- and that awful feeling you felt all over, especially deep within your heart. You know the part where you SWORE you felt your heart actually breaking? Remember how everyone would tell you that "he wasn't worth it", or "you'll meet the right person, just give it time", or whatever other kind words they offered to make you feel better? Remember how you also smiled and nodded when they said that, but deep down you wanted to smack them because no matter how much you believed it, at that moment it hurt, and you wondered "why not this time", "what did I do wrong", or "why am I not worthy?" THAT my friends is the wonderful monthly feeling a Big Fat Negative leaves you with. Worst off- instead of knowing that the horrible break up was going to end with lots of girl time, Ben and Jerry's, and shopping (or whatever ales you)- instead, your 2nd place prize is your wonderful, lovely gift from mother nature.

Aaron and I are on a TTC break at the moment- and while part of me is excited for the possibility of becoming a little family, and bringing our child home for the first time, the rest of me knows what else waits in store, the heart break and anxiety of wondering, "is this my time."

It's 1am- and I can't sleep

Have you ever felt so conflicted that it hurts?

That's pretty much where I'm residing right now. This week has been such an up and down roller coaster of emotion, that I'm not even sure where everything falls.

There was the hair incident, but lets face it, hair is replaceable, fixable, and well not an issue.

As the entire world knows, I have baby fever like nobodies business. I keep telling myself, it will happen when its right, regardless of how it happens, we'll be a family. Most of the time I believe it. I believe it so much, that I even pick up random things on sale or on clearance and justify it to myself (and Aaron) as spreading out costs. But then at times, when I'm all alone with myself, my thoughts, and that mean nasty voice in the back of my head... it makes me sad that we'll have to have some sort of medical intervention to have a baby. I mean- it's sad to think that I'll never wake up one morning thinking "my period is late" pee on a stick and BAM we're pregnant.

But then, I think of the other information I've learned this week. Aaron's mom has another lump in her breast. Her first one was removed, and after it was removed, she decided not to undergo Chemo or radiation as the doctors recommended, and instead sought help from a homeopathic specialist. Because of this, they told her there was a 50% chance of relapse. While we don't know yet if it's cancer (her surgery is on the 24th), it's still scary. Aaron told me on Friday, right after he found out.

And then there's the absolutely amazing woman I work with, whom, after hearing her story I honestly cried for probably an hour. She found out she has a really rare form of Breast Cancer, and at this point it's up in the air. If it's spread, because it's spread via the blood, there's nothing they can do but manage the pain, if it hasn't, then they hope to God they removed it. While this is something I'd never wish on any woman- this particular woman, just doesn't deserve this, at all.

So then I get angry with myself. I get angry over the fact that we'll need "medical intervention" for a baby- and yet here are two women, who are facing situations that threaten their lives. Even if we end up adopting, we'll still be a family, a healthy (God willing) family. What's wrong with me?

" Fear not; for I am with you. Be not dismayed; for I am your God. I will strengthen you; yea, I will help you; yea, I will uphold you with the right hand of My righteousness."- Isaiah 41:10