SMG

Be that as it may, it is one of my *personal pet peeves* to see someone's legal rights impeded, that is all. No offense meant, nor taken, I hope you can somewhat see my perspective.

She has no right to tell you to go or not go to church. Freedom of religion is one of our fundamental rights as Americans. That is something you must do for yourself and decide for yourself. If it were me, I would just up and go and let her deal with her "frosty" self. Hopefully she would see that you are trying to become a better person and her heart will soften. Let her know that no matter what, you love her and that nothing will change that.

I've also heard the "no caffeine, period" and "it's because of the tannic acid!" lines when I was growing up. I COULD have that cup of coffee or tea, if I really wanted to, but I've realized as I've gotten older that I pretty much promised not to drink or use those substances prohibited by the Word of Wisdom. Realizing that it is because I made a promise not to ingest or use those things makes it easier for me to leave those things alone. :) I'm sensitive to caffeine, myself. More than a small cupful of a drink with caffeine in it, like Pepsi, Coke, Mtn. Dew, will give me heartburn and makes me flushed. Not comfortable at all. HOWEvER, there's nothing wrong with using herbal teas for medicinal uses, as far as I know. Feel free to correct me if I am wrong. For example, rose hip tea does wonders for menstrual pain and doesn't upset my stomach like ibuprofen and aspirin do. That being said, anyone getting between me and my few sips of Dr. Pepper and my raspberry filled dark chocolate Godiva each week is going to lose a hand... I'm not addicted, I just like the taste!

Pfffft!! Paper ballots are good enough in my county. Don't have to worry if the power goes out or not!

I guess bathroom humor brings it out even in the best of us, LOL! FYI, working at a gas station for a year was the real kicker that sent me screaming back to college to earn a degree! All I can say is, if they (men AND women) can miss, they WILL! *gags*

I own 3 cats. I rarely see any bugs in my little house out in the countryside. ;D

I had an awful time in high school, too. I recall my days of feeling hopeless, alone and lost in a metaphorical blizzard. Cold, tired, alone and the drive to continue on weakening. It still bothers me to recall that time. I can only echo what others have said. Get in contact with your bishop, your parents, your school counselor, any adult you trust. Reach out, there ARE people who will reach back and help you, they just may not be the people you expected. As Elphaba said, don't be afraid to express your anger (in a non destructive way). Anger is a perfectly human response to what you've gone through. Bottling your anger can be just as damaging as letting it run rampant. You are in my prayers. Please don't be afraid to reply or send messages if you want to talk. My, and the ears of many others here, are open, and our shoulders are strong.

My opinion? Your mother is acting like a HUGE baby, temper tantrum and all. Let her know she is welcome to attend the celebration of your nuptiuals and leave it at that. Your mother is a big girl, she can make her own choices. If she chooses to "cut her nose off to spite her face" and not come to your wedding, it will be HER loss, NOT yours! SHE will have to live with the regret of not being there as you and your fiance tie the knot, NOT YOU. I know it may seem harsh, but I'm not going to beat around the bush. You and your intended know your hearts and know what the Spirit has told you. If your family is more concerned about appearances than celebrating your happy day with you, THEY have a HUGE problem, NOT you. A life spent worrying about appearances or what other people think is not a life at all.

I'm not sure if this will be of much help, but I'll give my 2 bits. I also am prone to panic attacks, but 99% of the time not enough to interfere with daily life. If I feel my anxiety getting the better to me, I immediately sit down, no matter where I am, begin deep breathing and go through my meditation exercises. I've gotten the odd look or two for it, but when people learn what you're doing that for, they seem to understand. I find the color wheel meditation to be the most calming for me. A good beginner's book on it would be "Meditation for Dummies." I have it and still refer to it often. I hope it helps.

I'm more worried about what the GOP are trying to do. My right to vote was challenged simply because I moved across town. I stayed in the same county and the same town, but still got challenged. Have a look here and see what other people like myself had had to deal with: Missoulian: State GOP challenges eligibility of voters It's not hard to register in this state (Montana), you just need a photo ID, and something as proof of in state residence (power bill or something like that would do just fine). You can register until the polls close out here.

I have to echo LM's reasons. Plus, in my opinion, since "we" helped create it, "we" feel protective of it. More stable democracies are a good thing. Also, I think it is the "underdog factor." It is one tiny country, surrounded by many others who are much more populous and many of them wouldn't mind seeing it be wiped off the map.

I was thinking the same darn thing! Of the two, I'd rather have the socialized medicine coverage. At least that way, my mother and sister wouldn't struggle so badly with their medical and medication costs!

I'm LDS, but I'd prefer "latter-day saint" or "christian" over the "mormon" label.

I've been reading a bit regarding aromatherapy. In one of the books I've read (I've sadly forgotten the author and title, gah!), the author suggests either spraying a pillow lightly with lavender, jasmine or vanilla scent, or keeping a small pollpurri sachet on your pillow when you aren't using it. Supposedly, this will help a person relax and have an easier time of falling asleep.

Actually, skipping meals can force your body into "conserve mode" which means it will store the calories it gets as fatty tissue, and that's a factor that can lead to weight gain, even if you aren't eating much. I know this from experience. Ugh. I think circadian rhythms play a big part in getting sleep and being well rested. If your natural rhythm is to fall asleep at 10pm and wake up at 6am, then going to bed at 1am and getting up at 9am will leave you a bit groggier than you'd normally be. Since going back to school, I've found if I don't get to bed at or before midnight, I'll be like a zombie the next day. It's kind of hard when you have so much material to study and all you do most days is study. I've had the occasional day where even the thought of touching my text books makes me want to cry.

What if the couple in question are infertile? Any child, no matter if adopted after birth, or as the result of an embryo donation, won't be of their bloodlines, but they WILL be that couple's child in the eyes of law. I think it's fair to say that couples who go thru IVF are people who really, truly desire to be parents. Being a parent of a child is not strictly defined as being one of the people who gave the egg or spermatozoa that resulted in the child coming into being.

Eh, what about adoption? I'd just view the donation as a form of adoption, in my own strange little view of the world. But that's just my own opinion and I'm hoping no one takes offense to it. Adoptions are not uncommon in my family history, so I'm not of the opinion that "bloodline = your permanent family." "Blood" may be "thicker than water" but I think the ties made by one's heart and spirit are even stronger. :)

I am also adding my voice to the "donate them!" choir! You and your hubby would be blessing the lives of a childless couple as well as the unborn spirit!

Hmmm... 1. My father. He died when I was a little girl. I want to get to know him better. 2. My brother who died as an infant 2 years before I was born.

Happy birthday! Here's to having many more!

I'll add my 2 bits about my male best friend. - The way that he's always in my corner, cheering me on, not matter what it is I have set my sights on achieving. - The way he isn't scared off by my strange sense of humor and actually seems to genuinely like it. - The way that he likes me for me and doesn't expect me to conform to some preconcieved roles. -The way in how he actually listens, and in turn, tells me what is going on with him. - The way in how he always seems to find a way to make me laugh until I'm close to an asthma attack after I've been sad or depressed.

Hmmm.. I have to second the being hugged from behind thing! Sooo nice! I also like just walking around hand in hand. Something about that feels calming.

The big question to answering your question would be, "What do you WANT to do with your life?" Yes, answering a question with a question. Please don't tar and feather me, hehe. My first suggestion would be to pray for some guidance. It could not hurt. =)

Loved that!! But seriously, I bet many single people would benefit from adopting a pet! I adopted my kitties from the local no-kill shelter and haven't regretted a single second of it!

I have not watched TV in nearly 7 years. I've gotten alot more done with my time since then. I grew weary of having the programming throwing their (unhealthy) image of what a woman is supposed to be at me constantly. I've been much happier since I've given it the heave-ho.