Some More Thoughts on Proposition 8

So. . .   I've been keeping my mouth shut, but, I would like to step on a soap box for a moment.

My recent thoughts:

1.  I have heard a lot of people compare the issues with gay rights with the civil rights movement, and to me, they are not the same thing.  In my opinion, being a homosexual is a moral issue, being black isn't.  Now, I'm not saying that gay people are immoral, but, I am saying that being gay goes against my moral values.  Now, please note that I said MY moral values.  Please don't attack me because I have different morals than your own.

2.  I have also heard a lot of talk about how if we are following God's plan, we should love everyone, and let them do what they want, as long as it makes them happy.  OK, so, I do love everyone.  I am not trying to say that anyone is a bad person for what they believe, and I believe that God loves everyone.  But, I don't believe that we can turn a blind eye to something we find morally wrong.  Love the sinner, hate the sin.

3.  There has also been a lot of talk about how this has been a "peaceful" protest of Proposition 8.  And, that is a load. . .   I have seen many videos of people who are protesting Prop 8 where they have ripped items out of proposition 8 supporters hands, and thrown them down on the ground and stomped on them.  Now, to me that doesn't seem peaceful.  Now, I honestly don't know if there has been any violence on my side of the issue, so I'm not going to say there hasn't.

The honest truth is that these are MY opinions.  Get mad at me all you want, yell at me, tell me I'm a closed-minded bigot!  Whatever.  But, the last time I checked, this is the United States of America, and I am entitled, neh, legally allowed, to have my own opinion.

Proposition 8

OK, so I've been really trying hard to stay away from this topic, but, if you are a Facebook friend, I'm sure you've noticed that I've started posting things about it lately.  The more I read and understand it, the more I think it should pass.

First off, I think one thing that people need to know is that THIS IS ABOUT CALIFORNIA.  Of course, if it passes there, I'm sure it will move on to other states.  

In California, domestic partnerships have the SAME RIGHTS as actual married couples, so this IS NOT about gay rights.  This is about something much bigger.

Did you know that in Massachusetts they have started teaching children about gay parents in Kindergarten?  And, judges have ruled that parents have NO RIGHT to know what their children are being taught about it.  One man was sent to jail because he believed firmly enough in knowing what his children were being taught.  

If we don't pass Prop 8 in California, we may lose our rights as parents to decide what our children learn.  

Our churches might also lose their tax exempt statuses if they refuse to perform gay marriages.  

Guys, I have gay friends, and I love them to death, but this is not about their rights, as they have the same rights.  This is about making religious persecution constitutional, and I can't have that on my conscious.

Things I Would Never Do

As I looked around me this past week, I saw things going on around me that made me very uncomfortable.  And, I think part of the reason I am single is because these are things I would never do.

1.  I would never tell people I liked a person, and then go to his house to hang out with him and other friends, and cuddle with his roommate, in plain sight of everyone else in the apartment.

2. I would also never cuddle w/ 3 guys in one night, all of which I have no feelings for.

3. I would never throw myself at someone I had no interest in just because someone I know liked them.

OK, I think I'm done ranting.

Hiatus

So, I haven't posted in a while, and I thought it might be time.

I had some thoughts lately that I wanted to share with you about customer service.  I have worked in the food service industry, and also at Walmart and Blockbuster, so I know about good customer service.

Rules to follow:

1.  Listen to your customers!  ( They shouldn't have to repeat an order 3 times because you weren't listening).

2.  Train your staff to always be helpful, courteous, and knowledgeable.  (If a customer has to wait an exorbitant amount of time for food, they should know why).

3.  Take the extra step.  (If a customer wants to know where something is, bring them to it.  Don't just point.)

4.  Commit to quality service.  (If you work at McDonald's or Sizzler, you should still make it a point to have quality service.  People remember BAD service long after they forget good service.)

5.  Treat people with courtesy and respect.  (We all want it, you should give it.)

6.  Never argue with a customer.  (I know that the customer is NOT always right, but, if you argue with them, they are going to feel more wronged in the end.)

7.  Assume that your customers are telling the truth.  (Most people don't like to complain.  In fact, a lot will go out of their way to avoid it, so take their complaints the way they are meant.  They are unhappy.  Make them happy.)

On the flip side.

Rules for customers:

1.  Know Exactly What You're Complaining About And What Action You Want.  (Don't just say, "I'm unhappy.  What are you going to do about it?"  Have something in mind.  And, make sure it is comparable to the problem.)

2.  Never Demand To Talk To The Manager.  (A lot of times someone else can solve the problem.  And, if they can't, ask politely to speak to the manager.  People are more likely to want to help you if you're polite.)

3.  Address Letters To Individuals.  (No "To Whom It May Concern".  If you write it to a specific individual, they are more likely to get it.)

4.  Keep Your Expectations In Check.  (When shopping at WalMart, do not expect a Nordstrom's experience.  But, do expect good customer service.)

5.  Don't Just Complain. Praise, Too.  (Everyone likes compliments.  It make hard jobs easier.)

OK, I'm done ranting for the day!  :)

Sometimes They Come Back

I know, I know. . .   Sounds like an ominous title, doesn't it?  Well, for once it's not.  :)

I have just made an observation lately that sometimes friends that you think are lost and never coming back, do come back.  And, things CAN be the same again.

I just thought I would share that insight w/ the rest of you.

Letting Go

There's a song from the Dawson's Creek soundtrack that used to be one of my favorites, and lately, it really has hit me harder than it used to.

Don't call me
Don't write
Don't show up in the middle of the night
You know that
We needed 
Some time and space to breathe in

I still recall the words you said to me
It's what you did not say that sets me free
Now how can I find peace of mind when you keep coming back again?
It's not okay for you to play this game of seesaw with my head

Now it hurts too much
And it hits too hard
And I won't play this part

Don't call me
Don't write
Don't show up in the middle of the night
You know that
We needed 
Some time and space to breathe in

So now I say the things I want to say
Sometimes it's better letting go this way
I'll always know
Down in my soul
We really had so far to go
I've given all I had to give
And now it's time for me to live
And I won't look back
And I won't regret
Though it hurts like hell
Someday I will forget

Don't call me
Don't write
Don't show up in the middle of the night
You know that
We needed 
Some time and space to breathe in

It's funny how we seem to end up here
I never thought I'd see this soul disappear

Don't call me
Don't write
Don't show up in the middle of the night
You know that
We needed 
Some time and space to breathe in

And this is letting go
This is letting go 
This is letting go
This is letting go

Don't call my, don't write

Don't show up in the middle of the night
To say that you've been thinking
Cause I know it's just a dream getting you.

I don't know why, but I just love those lyrics.

A New Endeavor

Friends and family. I am embarking on a new endeavor of hand made jewelry. The jewelry items are made with glass beads, semi-precious gemstones, and hypoallergenic accessories. The jewelry comes in a set, with one bracelet, and a pair of pierced earrings. The bracelets fit the average size woman's wrist. The price is $10 for the set. If you don't live in Utah, I am willing to ship for a $2 fee. Please let me know if you see anything you like, and I will try to update the pics on this once or twice a week with new items.


Also, I always carry jewelry with me, so, if I'm around, and you want to look, just ask. :)