Marriage follow-up

I got a good response to my last post.

"A secular government probably wouldn't...but ours is not a secular government. Consider how much flak Obama has endured because of the comments of his pastor. Or the fact that Mitt Romney never had a chance just because he's Mormon. Or the fact that John Kerry was vilified in the press because he's Roman Catholic. Or the fact that practically all of the 40 something percent of the voting public that stands against legalized abortion does so on religious grounds.I don't think this world has yet seen a truly secularized government. And, frankly, I'm not sure there are a lot of folks who want to."

The examples cited above are the way the public reacts to those things. The government itself was designed specifically to be separate from any church.

All the government should be concerned about is maintaining infrastructure. Unfortunately, it concerns itself with a lot more than that, thanks to voters deciding that their beliefs are what is right for everyone else.

I know it's a pipe dream, but people should allow others to live their lives as they like and only worry about what they do if it endangers others.

Marriage

Ok, so here I am, thinking through what arguements I want to use, doing research on points of view for both sides of the gay marriage arguement. Yadda yadda yadda. Then I realized, there is no point to arguing any of the points, really. A lot of people have done that already - there isn't a lot that I can say in response to those that are going to sway opinions one way or another.

So, I decided that I would skip the arguements altogether and just ask a question:

Why does a secular government see the need to make laws regarding who any consenting adult can marry, as long as taxes are paid by those persons?

Journal

There was a parade one year - I don't remember the year, my age, month, or even what the parade was for. That stuff didn't matter, what did was that the air force recruiter was there in the coolest float ever! It was a miniature plane & he was sitting in the cockpit. After about 20 minutes of staring in fascination I left our float and went over to talk to him. I don't remmeber most of what I talked about (and I am sure I was the only one talking) But I do remember suggesting that I look into the Junior Civil Air Patrol (JACP) as a stepping stone.
I went back to my float, eyes aglow, I spent all day throwing candy and daydreaming about flying.
I spemt weeks going to the library reasearching the JACP and having my parents call around to find out when and where they met.
We eventually got the dates, times, and locations for a couple of upcoming meetings. They were at the community college the next town over Twin Falls. That was a big deal becouse every other time we went to twin falls it was an adventure- the drive in, the cinema, the chuck wagon, the mandrin house, or Annie and Goldies house. That my parents were willing to take me there not once but twice was amazing. That is probably why when both times we were unable to find the meeting. After that I had no time for them.

So it begins

Yes, a new year has started, and if it is anything like the last one, it should be quite a ride...

I personaly hate new years' resolutions. It's the whole fad thing - If "everyone" is doing something, that is more motivation for me to not do that thing. I have noticed, however, that it is this time of year that I tend to start my workout programs. I don't know if it is a subconscious acquiescence to the resolution bandwagon or because I get so completely disgusted with myself I am not sure. The last time was right after I moved up here. I had just gotten out of the Navy after being on medical hold and convalescent leave and had consequently gained huge amounts of weight. the job I had at the time offered free memberships to the MAC, so I started my membership and hit the gym in January, 2004. My initial weight in put me at 298. Working on my own with fluctuating motivation got me down to 236 by May when I got weighed in at MEPS for the Navy Reserves.

I maintained that weight for a decent amount of time, then started dating Hillerie, maintained more as we both were actively working out, and then over the last year or so started going down hill. By the time I left her I was back in the 290's. I hit the gym pretty heavily for a few months and got myself back down to 280, and that is where I have been for the last couple months, as those who have been reading my blog know.

Well, again, I am sick of myself. I now have a membership at Aspen, which I was initially leary of but turns out to be a very nice gym. They offer free classes to members and I plan on getting in to them. At some point I will be taking advantage of a personal trainer but at this moment it is not financially feasable. One thing that I really like is they offer Tae Kwon Do classes twice a week which I can participate in as much as I want for $20 a month. I have been wanting to take martial arts for years now, but between procrastination and finding a class I would be able to attend regularly I have been putting it off. The style I would really like to learn is Tai Chi, but the only class for this I have been able to find is during the day at the YMCA, so that won't be happening for a while.

Anyway, I spoke with the manager at Aspen last night and have set an initial personal goal of 240 by the end of April. At 10 pounds a month this should be quite attainable. I will be having by BMI evaluated tonight and will see what is in store for me!