recap: the last few weeks of my crazy life

Pretty much, a ton has happened since my bull riding days.

School is going crazy. I am going even crazier! And work just cannot decided whether it's going to be a constant crazy, or my constant relief. I think it will probably stay a little of both. The weather has also gone through some changes. We had snow last weekend. Can you believe it?! Then this weekend was beautiful, today was probably the most beautiful day we have ever had. I love when it is actually fall...not summer right to winter. The colors have changed and gone up in the canyon, but that will mean colors will be changing down here in Provo really soon. Aubrey and I actually went up to the canyon for pictures - but really hardly took anything. She is just actually a model and I sit there and look goofy. It works our really well. I even slid running to join her for a picture (after ever so carefully balancing my camera on my car with the timer) and accidentally grabbed a barbed wire fence for support!! Ouch. It just looks like an overly large paper cut, but I for sure thought I was going to die :)

But before we even did that we went to General Conference, we went off roading, we celebrated BYU homecoming and even hiked the Y, enjoyed a roommate reunion when lovely Alix came to visit, watched multiple football games...becoming sadder and sadder as they come, taken the romantic full moon ski rides up at sundance (yes, just me and Aubrey), explored the canyon, and watched Real Salt Lake take F C Dallas down, 3 to 1.

That is solely the social aspect of my life for the past while.

Thoughts on Prop 8

You all knew this was coming...

California is my home. It always has been, and besides this break here in the land of snow and mountains, I hope it always will be. As most of you know, I am studying to become a Special Educator and one day I would love to return and teach in Southern California.

Prop 8 has recently consumed my thoughts. I think about it all day and it keeps me from sleeping at night. I have never felt so threatened by anything so political, in fact, I hate even getting into politics. I also do not want anyone thinking that I am intolerant or not accepting. I am concerned for the future of my family. This will only be the beginning. Marriage is ordained of God, it is a part of Heavenly Father's great and eternal plan. The Family: A Proclamation to the World explains why my feelings towards families and marriage are so strong.

Back to Prop 8: If it does not pass - my future is completely changed. Most don't realize that this is more than just acknowledging same sex marriages, it is accepting them as normal and they must receive the same liberties heterosexual marriages do. This means that curriculum in public schools must be changed. Everyone remember when you were a child taking sex ed. The most uncomfortable class we all had to sit through - if Prop 8 is not passed, homosexual relationships must be discussed as well. My children will not be learning about that as if it is something we need to accept. Neither will I teach or support that being taught at my school. A teacher in San Francisco recently took her class on field trip - to watch her be married to her female partner. Some how this was a "teachable moment."

Think that is scary? If Prop 8 isn't passed, the only way a church can continue to be tax exempt is if they recognize same sex marriages like they do traditional marriages. I don't even want to think about how this dramatically conflicts with the beliefs of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and the many other religions who have similar views on traditional marriage.

Please take the time and visit protectmarriage.org