I'm Taking My Blog Back!

Since Dan has written the last 5 posts, I thought I'd take back my blog! Dan loves blogging, he even told me so a few days ago. Anyway here is what has been happening lately:

We have been getting a lot of rain-a lot! And with all of the rain, so many animals get displaced. (Remember Ike during the hurricane.) So far we have rescued two toads, two crawfish, and two turtles. Last week we had a really bad storm and a little blue bird flew into our house and broke it's leg. Of course Myla and June went crazy.

We kept it in a little box over night and named it Bluey, while we looked for a rescue to take the little bird.

However, maybe against our better judgment, we let him go in the morning when the storm subsided.

Good Luck Bluey...

Bentley has moist excema. Poor thing. He has sores all over his body and is itching and licking like crazy. So for now he looks like a lamp shade.

Henry turned four months old. Geezh!

I have planted a garden, with green peppers, squash, cucumbers and tomatoes. Dan is working on the seedlings...which haven't really shown much promise yet.

Tomatoes
Squash

Peppers

We also made some great Red Velvet Cheese Cake Truffles last night. Very easy to make and even easier to eat.

Just take any cooked and cooled cake, crumble and add cream cheese.

It looks a little gross...

Roll into little balls and dip in chocolate.
Cool in refridgerator.

Just watch out because they'll turn your tongue red.

For the real recipe (and a really cool site, click here)

And no week is complete without being puked on.

So Dan now that I've taken my blog back, can I please have my dining room back? Please....

If you could, would you?

Recently I read an article in Time about memory. Apparently, "researchers are raising the stakes with a mind-boggling question: can certain memories be intentionally targeted and changed, maybe even eradicated?"

For those who waste a lot of time watching movies like myself, does this sound familiar? This is the exact premise of "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind," a great film with a popular cast (Rated-R but we have an edited copy if anyone is interested).

The plot of the movie was actually kind of complex. Jim Carrey's character recently broke up with Kate Winslet's and was shocked to find out she had the memories of their relationship scientifically removed. He is so upset by the news that he hires the same company to remove his memories of their relationship and that is where a series of interesting twists take place.

Unlike the movie the research here revolves around the reconsolidation theory, that "some memories can be modified by new information, either intentionally or naturally." In rodent testing researchers have been able to alter bad memories. PTSD, assault, robbery, rape, or an accident just to name a few.

Their not sure if they will ever be able to fully remove a bad memory but "researchers believe they may be able to target the fear part of the memory but leave the details of what happened intact." In other words, they will look back on the memory without any emotion; memories still there but no more fear, anxiety, or stress.

Here is my question; if this was possible would you do it? And if you chose to do it what memories would you eradicate?

I've thought about this a lot. I've had my share of disturbing, embarrassing, and traumatic memories, including junior high, Army Basic Training, the disease and death of my mother, certain adventures in Ukraine, my wedding night, Heidi's cancer, and Henry coming out of Heidi.

But you know what? Just like Jim Carrey's character I realize that these memories are what makes me unique and who I am. I feel I've learned from these experiences and that I am a better person as a result. Back to my questions; if you could would you, and if so which memories would you choose to eliminate?

The Survivor's Lap

This evening we went to the Relay for Life in Baytown, my work sponsored a team, hence the pink shirts. It is the largest Relay for Life in the state and produces the most money for research, assistance, etc.

After the opening ceremony a giant sign is held up and children cancer survivors break through the sign. The opening lap is the Survivor's Lap and Heidi was nice enough to let Henry and myself walk with her.The woman next to Heidi is Connie, a co-worker of mine who survived a bout of cancer about five years ago. There were thousands of people there and it felt more like a state fair than anything else.

As we walked around during the Survivor's Lap these thousands of well wishers applauded, rang bells, rattles, and cheered. Some booths handed out flowers, cards, letters, and bracelets to the survivors. A spokesperson read the names of the survivors over the loud speaker and the path was lined with luminaries honoring the dead. The whole lap was touching.


I'm not going to lie to you I got choked up then and I'm tearing up now just thinking about it. Good job Heidi, cancer (and the treatment) took you to the edge of death but you came back, brought Henry with you, and now you get to walk the Survivor's Lap!

Unfortunately about half way around the Survivor's Lap Henry decided to see if he could get louder than all of the well-wishers and began screaming. The Relay goes on all night, concluding at 10 am tomorrow, unfortunately right after we left it began storming pretty bad and the entire area is under flash flood warning. I hope the walkers brought umbrellas.

Earth Week: Mormon Style

This actually kind of makes me sad I'm not in Utah. I don't know if the LDS Church waited until Earth Week to announce their newest building but it fit in nicely. This impressive structure meets the highest standards of the U.S. Green Building Council and subsequently received a Silver rating, the highest awarded by the council.

"To make the grade, 'green' buildings must use less heat and electricity, have greater access to outside views by having windows close to where people work, be in close proximity to public transportation, and use products that are locally produced, that are recycled, or that give off fewer gasses that may affect people’s health."

"Improved lighting and indoor air quality allow customers to better use the records and be more comfortable while doing so...More natural light in work areas improves the job satisfaction for employees and missionaries. The community benefits from a well-designed building that looks good in the urban setting while having less impact on the environment."

Furthermore, the "filters in the mechanical systems eliminate allergens...The wood used comes from forests that are harvested wisely and are replanted. A center will be included in the building to collect paper, plastics and metal products to be recycled. The heating and cooling systems are efficient, thus eliminating waste. The landscaping designs and plumbing items will use less water, and the windows, blinds and insulation will preserve temperatures."

This makes me happy that my church is leading by example. Sadly, many have politicized taking care of the Earth but like many things this is not a political issue, it is a spiritual one. God gave us this Earth to take care of and by golly that is what we should be doing!

Unfortunately, many Democrats and other crazy liberals (I myself am a Consecrationalist) support taking care of the Earth so the natural reaction of many Republicans and other right wing thinkers is to attack it only because the godless left is in support of it.

Is global warming real? Perhaps. But even if it isn't all the crap were shooting into the atmosphere can't be good for us. The hazy layer settled in the mountain valleys sure isn't pretty either. The hundreds of pounds of trash each American produces each year is bad too. And how about that giant hole on the western side of the SLC valley? It ain't going anywhere, folks. This has nothing to do with your political affiliation, it has to do with God entrusting us with a planet He went great lengths to produce so stop justifying not taking care of the environment because Al Gore said you should.

Like the Book of Mormon prophet Alma, I love the Earth. When the trouble-maker Korihor asked Alma for a sign to prove there is a God Alma's response was awesome:

"All things denote there is a God; yea, even the earth and all things that are upon the face of it, yea, its motion, yea, and also all the planets which move in their regular form do witness that there is a Supreme Creator."

So, that is why I was happy to see my church leaders lead by example by demonstrating the importance of keeping the environment in mind and taking our stewardship seriously.

Free Speech?

I don't like Beauty Pageants for countless reasons. However, I was intrigued about an incident at the recent Miss America Pageant in Las Vegas. Celebrity Judge Perez Hilton asked Miss California the following question:

“Vermont recently became the fourth state to legalize same-sex marriage. Do you think every state should follow suit? Why or why not?”

Her response:

“Well I think it’s great that Americans are able to choose one way or the other. We live in a land where you can choose same-sex marriage or opposite marriage. You know what, in my country, in my family, I do believe that marriage should be between a man and a woman, no offense to anybody out there. But that’s how I was raised and I believe that it should be between a man and a woman. Thank you.”

First, her grammar blows. Second, put aside your own personal thoughts on this issue because there is an important question to ask here: What the crap was this jerk doing asking a question like this?! Wow! As Hank Hill once said to his wife Peggy when she asked if she could win a beauty pageant, "You see, that is what we call a loaded question?"

I am far from a beauty pageant expert but in this single act Mr. Hilton pretty much stopped Miss California from winning the contest because no matter what she said it would be wrong. As a matter of fact the crowd booed and cheered her answer, which they would have done no matter how she answered this particular question.


Mr. Hilton needs to go back to outing prominent and closeted homosexuals before they are ready to do so themselves because I just don't think he is the right fit for the beauty pageant circuit. I don't mean that as a joke; I hate to break it to him but the crowd that traditionally follows beauty pageants are not screaming liberals, quite the opposite. He forgot Rule #1, always know your audience.

Finally, I don't know much about Perez Hilton other than he is very eccentric if not obnoxious. But I do know one thing, he is not a big fan of free speech. In light of the current thinking in this area her answer was bold and she has every right to think so, even if others do not, that is what is so great about America! Mr. Hilton's response was tasteless, bitter, and highly aggressive as he called her answer “the worst answer in pageant history” and wrote:

"She lost not because she doesn’t believe in gay marriage, she lost because she’s a dumb b$%ch!"

Real classy dude, way to win over the fence-sitting American public to your side. Moron.

Be Afraid, Be Very Afraid

Aw, Glenn Beck. His show was popular on CNN and even more popular on Fox News. I wonder if he is particularly popular among members of my own faith since he converted to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints several years ago. He credits becoming a Mormon as a primary factor that enabled him to quit drinking and taking drugs. Fantastic! That is what the gospel of Jesus Christ can do!

However, I am deeply troubled by an important component to Brother Beck's reporting. The man has made a fortune off of FEAR and instilling FEAR in the American public. FEAR is entirely contrary to LDS Doctrine and peddling it like candy seems wrong. Recently in TIME Magazine is was reported:

"After he [Beck] moved to Fox in January his audience exploded to 2 million...His hook, for the age of economic anxiety: whereas O'Reilly embodies anger and Hannity brashness, Beck embraces FEAR."

"FEAR of what? Take your pick. FEAR that the U.S. is on a long march to fascism. That fat cats and bureaucratic 'bloodsuckers' are plundering your future. That Mexico will collapse and chaos will pour over the border. That America believes too little in God and too much in global warming. That 'they'-Big Government, Big Business, Big Media-are against you. Above all, that you, small town, small business America-Palinville-have been forgotten. Dismissed. Laughed at. Just like him."

Now I am not questioning his testimony, no one has the right to question another's testimony, but what is he doing?! My Elder's Quorum last Sunday was on being VALIANT under any and all circumstances, not FEAR.

One Book of Mormon prophet declared:

"...fear not what man can do; for perfect love casteth out all fear."

The saints of the church were advised in the Doctrine & Covenants to:

"...be of good cheer, and do not fear."

And the Apostle Paul wrote to Timothy that:

"For God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."

Seriously, couldn't Brother Beck's time be better spent identifying the good in the world, the courageous acts of mankind, and areas for improvement without deliberately trying to scare Fox News viewers more than they already are?

However, there is hope, this might be one huge misunderstanding. I recently read the he is going on a comedy tour over the summer which would explain why he says what he says. Perhaps he should emphasize this at the beginning of every show with some sort of warning like:

"The following is pure comedy to brighten your day. Do not take it seriously, it is supposed to be funny. Enjoy."

Rainy Days and Mondays Always Get Me Down

I've heard people from Utah say "If you don't like the weather just wait 10 minutes and it will change." I guess they are trying to say that the weather there changes all of the time. I don't really find that to be true, but here in Texas it's fact. Wait 10 minutes and the weather will change, dramatically.

Here are some pictures from yesterday. The weather has gotten progressively worse over night.

Early Morning

3pm

4 pm

And now it is pouring rain outside. It feels more like December today than April. Oh well.

And if you really want to watch this video of the rain-go ahead, but it's really not that interesting.

I LOVE My Dogs!

Bentley Dog Shelton
Born December 3, 2002
Black Lab/Black and Tan Coonhound Half breed

(spay/neuter your pets people!)

Myla Girl Shelton

Born August 23, 2004
Pure breed Weimaraner

There are two little creatures, which were sent from heaven just for me.
They don't understand much about what's going on, but they know they don't like what they see.

They come and lick my hand and tell me it will be all right,
My cuddle buddy curls up to me, so I can sleep all through the night.

I wrap my arms around them, and cry them all my fears,
They patiently wait 'till I am done, then lick up all the tears.

Who could ask for anything more than a kind and loyal friend?
I knw that they will stick with me until this journey ends.

And yes, we love you too June!
(June Bug Shelton- Born June 30, 2007 -Mixed fuzzy grey cat)

I Love Texas Wildlife

So, today I was parked in my car on the side of a busy highway finishing up some paperwork when I looked in the small ditch next to the road and saw this bird (well, not this exact bird but the same kind). He was a Black-crowned Night Heron and stands at about two feet. This was a small ditch with only a few inches of water and he was just standing there staring blankly.

I thought it was a neat looking bird and glanced at him every couple of minutes and each time I looked he had moved a little bit but not much. One time I glanced up and now he was in the grass on the side of the ditch with a small, doomed fish in his beak. I watched for several minutes as the bird gnawed on the flopping fish until he cut it in several pieces with his beak, swallowed them and flew away.

How cool is that? I found it so interesting that here I was on a busy road with a lot of traffic and the small drainage ditch with bits of trash in it was home to an interesting natural world event! We have seen so many neat nature things since living here, well, I don't know if watching a bird eat a fish was neat but it sure was cool.


Another thing we enjoy is the Texas Wildflowers. These were the brain-child of First-Lady Lady Bird Johnson, may she rest in peace. She encouraged her fellow Texans to spread wildflower seeds throughout Texas and now they are seen along the road throughout the state frequently with signs designating the area a Texas Wildflower Area. I might sound a bit wimpy admiring the wildflowers but it makes driving around a little more pleasant and with Houston traffic this is welcomed scenery.


Not long ago I read "Last Child In The Woods" by Richard Louv. His contention was that our children are not getting enough of the natural world and this is having numerous impacts on them mentally, emotionally, and developmentally. He pointed out that our children know more about the natural world of foreign countries than they do in their own backyard. It's a great book, I'd encourage all to read it, especially if you have kids.

A few days ago, I bought a small pamphlet with pictures of the wildlife and plant life found on the Texas Gulf Coast (that is how I figured out the bird I saw was a Black-crowned Night Heron). I'm determined to spend a lot of time in nature with Henry and I want to be able to tell him what it is were looking at. I really hope he is a curious boy and I hope that rather than quelling his curiosity discussing it will only encourage further exploration.

Lessons Learned From Reality TV

I can't stand Reality TV! For starters Reality TV ain't real! Sure, sports are pretty close (even then there are myriad ways to cheat) but most of Reality TV shows are full of bull crap and American Idol is the granddaddy of them all. Hundreds of thousands of people try out for that show and some how the most ridiculous performers find their way in front of the judges?

Another reason I don't like Reality TV is that it brings out the worst of people. Especially when they sequester a group of strangers in some strange building with little or no contact with the outside world. Soon really nice men and women come off being total psychopaths, cry-babies, and selfish jerks.

However, a couple years ago I could not fight the temptation any longer and began watching The Amazing Race. Mostly because I love to travel and learn about other countries and cultures but notice that this group of contestants remain in the world so they don't end up all squirrely.

Last episode my favorite team, father and son duo Mel and Mike White were eliminated. I liked these two and not just because Mike played the creepy high school teacher on Orange County. Mel has been a minister and speech writer for the Religious Right until he admitted he was gay. He remains a clergyman today and has a lot of wisdom packed away and occasionally shared some of his considerate thoughts with The Amazing Race audience.

On the second episode Mel found himself atop a mountain in the Alps waiting to hang glide down. However, the hang gliders could not take off until the wind subsided, or the player could opt to run to the bottom of the mountain which would take about an hour as opposed to the 10 minutes it would take to glide down. Mel had aggravated an old groin injury and there was no way he could run like everyone else.

As he waited he said something I couldn't stop thinking about. He said something to the effect, "I can't pray for divine intervention. God has enough to do. I'm in this beautiful place with my great son and I'm in an incredible race and I should be grateful for that." This was a change to the usual "Please God, help me," rambling that racers usually exclaim. It was refreshing.

A couple days later I was visiting with a terminally ill patient. She is in her mid-fifties and has been fighting breast cancer for almost two years and recently the cancer had spread throughout her body. Fate had given this family a harsh blow and though it was tragic they had a lot to be grateful for. They had been blessed with a lovely family and were financially comfortable as well.

But when I asked how they were coping with the recent development they insisted that God was going to heal her. They were positive that the cancer would vanish and they could continue on with their lives as if they were special, exempt from death, loss, and sadness. There was no option, God would heal this woman sparring them the pain until...well, I guess until next time, and then, well, I guess God would heal her again and again and again...

As I drove away I had numerous concerns but out of no where I thought of Mel's wise comments. I believe in the power of prayer but I also believe it is important to be grateful for what God has given us because here in the Good Old USA we have been given more than the vast majority our fellow human beings. Unfortunately, we are all guaranteed pain and loss. I guess I am just cold-hearted but it is one thing to pray for a sick child to be spared and another to ask God to make an exception for an older person who has lived a good life full of blessings.

Am I onto something or just cold and cruel? Oh, crap, gotta go watch the end of The Amazing Race.

PS Recently Heidi got me interested in The Biggest Loser. I can usually handle this show because the motives for being on the show are generally noble. For example, one of this season's most successful contestants came onto the show at 5'6" and weighing 360 pounds at 28 years old. THAT'S A DEATH SENTENCE! But even then, staying at that ranch results in obnoxious drama so I'm still deciding if I am to incorporate this show into TV watching.

Check One, Two

I hate these security checks. I know that it is hypocritical that I am saying this because I am pretty sure you have to go through a security check to leave a comment on this blog-but I still hate them. Maybe it's because I have such a hard time reading them. After three or four failed attempts I am so tempted to push the "disability" icon.

Some of the security checks are so hard to read, like this one:
and what about this one:

I mean is that a c-l-n...or a d-r-y???...I just can't read it!

And sometimes I can read what is scribbled out, I just don't want to type it:


and I definitely don't want to write this one:


Then sometimes the words on the security check make me wonder if these security checks are really random computer letters: