Yes for Marriage!

Last week, our local paper had an editorial about all the propositions. The editorial's main point was to encourage people to read the propositions and be informed. Good advice...(we actually did this for FHE this week...it did take some time to get through some of the confusing ballot language and figure out exactly what we are voting for here in AZ). However, the editor spent a significant portion of the editorial on Prop 102 and some misinterpretations were made. I wrote a letter to the editor in attempt to clarify some of those issues and it was printed in this week's paper. Brian thought it was post worthy...and so here is a link to the editorial and then my letter is below. Also, below there is a really good video put out by the Catholic church regarding this election season...do watch as it is very powerful and applies to all.

Your September 17^th editorial states that Prop 102 is moot because Arizona already has a law prohibiting same-sex marriage. That’s what opponents of Prop 102 like to say, but unfortunately, they’re wrong. As we have seen in other states (California), judges are over-stepping their authority and re-writing the marriage laws of the states they serve. Prop 102 simply allows the people, not judges, to have the final say in defining marriage. That is its only purpose; it simply preserves Arizonans’ right to continue to define marriage as the union of one man and one woman. Our current law is insufficient and could be overturned by a judge. People have a right to live as they choose, but no one has a right to redefine marriage for all of society. Prop 102 is not, as you suggest, a vote against gays. Anyone who claims that it does anything other than define marriage either hasn’t read the language or has a personal agenda.

Your editorial also states that the ballot language for Prop 102 is needlessly long. I agree. Because Prop 102 is 20 easy words, the best way to know what it does is to simply read the language: Only a union of one man and one woman shall be valid or recognized as a marriage in this state. Pretty simple, right? One man. One woman. That’s marriage. If you agree that marriage is between a man and woman and that defining marriage is the prerogative of the people, not judges, I invite you to join me in voting YES for marriage by voting YES on Prop 102. Readers can visit www.YesforMarriage.com for more information.

Here is the link to the catholic vote video

A Sampler Platter...

This post is basically a random update--since nothing seems notable enough to post on it's own. I'm hoping that by stuffing a few different topics in here, that they'll all add up and have the cumulative effect of being noteworthy.

First and foremost, (and this is entirely worthy of it's own post, I'm just too lazy to do two posts in one day) Brian has taken two more portions of the CPA exam. We found out this week the results of one of those exams. Remember how I mentioned last time that I basically married Einstein? Well, yeah...it still holds. He passed another portion! We will find out the results of the other test at the end of this month. His goal is to take the fourth and final portion by the end of October. This will be a huge accomplishment and I am proud of him for working so hard. This exam is not known for its high passing rate...

Moving on, I am very much looking forward to being done at work! I'm really starting to feel burned out and jaded with the health care system as a whole...so, it's time for a break. Maybe when I'm not so bitter I'll post some funny stories about life in the ER. People will never cease to amaze me...and I mean that as both a compliment and an insult...just when you think you've seen it all... The 12 hour shifts are getting longer and longer as I get more and more pregnant. I only have two shifts next week and then they'll banish me to chart auditing for one week and then...HALLELUJAH! I'm done!

Politics...wow...thought provoking, fun to follow and outrageously frustrating. We have been following things pretty closely and enjoy it for the most part, try not to let it tick us off too much, and are anxiously awaiting to see the outcome. This is another opportunity for me to slip in a plug about prop 102 here in AZ. Um...just get involved folks. Do what you can to support it. We need this amendment to our state constitution so we can keep judges doing what their supposed to do...interpret constitutions. This amendment's' verbiage is so straightforward, there's absolutely no way to interpret it otherwise...having the overall effect of judges sticking to interpretation and not legislation like we've seen in Massachusetts and California.

Here is a picture of me at 34 weeks. I really don't enjoy taking pictures of myself...I haven't been one of the fortunate few who absolutely love their pregnant body. But, I know that eventually I'll "grow up" and look back and kick myself if I don't document this journey...so, alas, we have some pics! Mentally, I feel D-I-S-G-U-S-T-I-N-G....with a capital "D"! Physically, however, I am one of the lucky gals that doesn't have too much trouble with pregnancy. I am still sleeping good through the night without any frequent and frantic trips to the restroom (thank goodness)! I've been blessed to be able to continue to work, to skip morning sickness all together, to exercise and work hard without too much trouble. I don't have varicose veins, pigmentation changes on the face or belly, or out of control stretch marks. So, I am trying to focus on all the amazing things my body is capable of in this not-so-eye-appealing state. Attitude of gratitude....say it enough times and you'll believe it....yada, yada, yada. Only one more month! Lately, I've been craving a distance run (or what I consider distance, anyway). Walking is just getting a little too boring for me. So, I thought I'd spice it up the other day and see if I could even run at all anymore...just a little. I ran a lap and a half around the track and decided I'd proved to myself that I could still do it. Hey, whatever makes you feel a little better, right?

Family Bliss

Is there anything better than family? Really...does it get any better? Over Labor Day weekend, Brian and I escaped with all of my siblings to La Jolla. We enjoyed a nice, relaxing weekend at the Cardon beach house (thanks Dan and Louise!). Some attempted surfing while the others stuck to boogie boarding and body surfing. The water was a little chilly, so we were grateful that the beach house was stalked with wet suits. (Yeah, I even fit into one...it was pretty hysterical getting my 7 1/2 month pregnant frame into one, but I have to say...quite the physique! The side profile was the best. HA! Too bad I didn't get a picture...we forgot our camera.) We had a blast! The weather was great and the company was even better. We had some good, serious discussion and of course, we enjoyed many laughs. Does anyone's family laugh at their own jokes quite like the LeSueur's do? I'm not so sure, but we have a great time together. "I like these guys...they are funny guys!" We attended church together and then took some family pictures at the San Diego Temple for mom and dad. I couldn't help but feel overwhelmed with gratitude for family...and the effects are lingering on.
As great as I consider my family to be, I am so thankful to have married into a wonderful lineage. I look forward to telling my children about their ancestors from both sides of the family with pride. I want them to know of the legacy that has been laid for them--in hopes that it will inspire them to carry it on to future generations. There are many marvelous examples to learn from and as we have discussed potential baby names, we've realized that these examples are influencing our decisions. Hopefully, our children will look to their namesakes (if named after family members) and feel inspired to give their best.
How did I get so lucky? The love I have for my family now is overwhelming...and I can only imagine how it will continue to grow as children and grandchildren are added. The prospects are exciting!

Janette's Birthday

Janette turns 26 today. I wanted to let everyone know in case you wanted to leave a comment wishing her a happy birthday.

Beware of the Me Monsters!

Janette and I were introduced to Brian Regan by Janette's brother about 6 months ago and I was recently re-introduced to him by a co-worker. Anyway, long story short, this last couple of weeks we have tried to watch everything we could find of him. Here is my favorite.


Also, if you enjoy that here are some more. Enjoy.

P.S. To me, blogs seem to be a way to assert your Me Monster...you, ME...you, ME...see the difference? Oh now I do.