that kind of wife

Today I spent most of the day in a dress and an apron. It looked cute. It made me feel like I was a 1950's housewife, which made me feel good.

A few weeks ago Dave and I watched "The Ugly American" which I liked for a number of reasons, mostly because of the political message about American apathy. But I liked it also because of the role's of the main guy's wife. She was strong and involved in what her husband was doing, which is cool. But more importantly, she was also gracious, refined, kind, and was there for him when he needed her. She met him at the door with a smile and a drink and was happy to serve him. I want to be that kind of wife.

I guess some would call me an "anti-feminist." I find it interesting that it was called the "feminist movement" anyway because it wasn't a celebration of femininity at all, but a glorification of masculine traits in women. There are many reproductions of supposed "rules of good wifehood" from the 1950's, mostly as an effort for women to laugh and think "look how far we come." I usually think "why don't we go back to that?"

Don't get me wrong here. I am glad a can vote (a product of women's sufferage, not the feminist movement, however). I believe equally qualified individuals should be paid equally regardless of race, religion, gender, or whatever else. And I believe in being respectful to all people. Those are good things. And I'm glad that social norms are such that I don't have to wear a dress everyday if I don't want to.

I am also amazed at how much Dave is involved in the child-rearing process. He puts the kids to bed almost every night, and is so good with them. We counsel together about our children and life decisions. These things are also good.

But men and women are different. And I like that. The women I look up to are not tough women who made it in a "man's world" or pushed themselves to the top of the corporate ladder, but women of refinement and graciousness. President James E Faust said that femininity “is the divine adornment of humanity. It finds expression in your … capacity to love, your spirituality, delicacy, radiance, sensitivity, creativity, charm, graciousness, gentleness, dignity, and quiet strength. It is manifest differently in each girl or woman, but each … possesses it. Femininity is part of your inner beauty."

When did praising a man for his "manliness" and a woman for her "delicacy" become such a thing of the past? When did chivalry become insulting (or at least unnecessary)? Why is it so primitive and unrealistic (and sexist) to greet your husband with a smile, a hot dinner and a clean house? I try to do these things. Not because Dave demands it of me. In fact, all the times he come home to a mess (which happens more than I would like it too) he has never once given me that "what have you done all day?" speech so many women get. But I see how much relief it gives him to come home to happy faces, dinner on the table, and a clean house. It makes him happy. Which makes me happy. Which makes our home happy.

"Women of God can never be like women of the world. The world has enough women who are tough; we need women who are tender. There are enough women who are coarse; we need women who are kind. There are enough women who are rude; we need women who are refined. We have enough women of fame and fortune; we need more women of faith. We have enough greed; we need more goodness. We have enough vanity; we need more virtue. We have enough popularity; we need more purity." (Margaret D. Nadauld, The Joy of Womanhood)

These feminine traits should be valued by both men and woman, and nutured in women no matter their role - even (especially) in the workplace. I am proud of my role as the loving, behind-the-scenes, housewife and mother.

But tomorrow I'll wear pants.

let's talk politics

I don't want to talk about my political views. Or yours even. Let's keep our personal views out of this.

I know lots of really good people. They are educated and well-informed. They read the news, vote and are good citizens. They obey the law, make good choices, take care of their families and really want what is best for the country. And their political views fall all over the political spectrum from the right to the left, liberal to conservative and everywhere in between.

How can this be? Who is right and who is wrong? Is there truth and falsehood in all of this political madness or is it all right and wrong at the same time?

Discuss..

President Obama's 9-9-9 speech

I just read the text of the president's speech on health care he gave today. HERE is a link to it directly from the white house website. I chose to read instead of watch - except for the part where he was interrupted by someone in the audience. I am not a fan of actually watching speeches that are constantly interrupted by lots of applause. I just want to hear the speech.

Anyway, I read the whole thing and I am glad I took the time. It was good to get straightforward information on what the president is really trying to accomplish whether you agree with it all or not. I encourage you to dedicate some time and read it. I really would like to know what you think of it.

Here are some quotes that caught my attention:

"And that's why under my plan, individuals will be required to carry basic health insurance -- just as most states require you to carry auto insurance."

"And insurance companies will be required to cover, with no extra charge, routine checkups and preventive care, like mammograms and colonoscopies -- (applause) -- because there's no reason we shouldn't be catching diseases like breast cancer and colon cancer before they get worse. That makes sense, it saves money, and it saves lives. (Applause.)"

"We'll do this by creating a new insurance exchange -- a marketplace where individuals and small businesses will be able to shop for health insurance at competitive prices. This is how large companies and government employees get affordable insurance. It's how everyone in this Congress gets affordable insurance. And it's time to give every American the same opportunity that we give ourselves."

"Despite all this, the insurance companies and their allies don't like this idea. They argue that these private companies can't fairly compete with the government. And they'd be right if taxpayers were subsidizing this public insurance option. But they won't be. I've insisted that like any private insurance company, the public insurance option would have to be self-sufficient and rely on the premiums it collects. But by avoiding some of the overhead that gets eaten up at private companies by profits and excessive administrative costs and executive salaries, it could provide a good deal for consumers, and would also keep pressure on private insurers to keep their policies affordable and treat their customers better, the same way public colleges and universities provide additional choice and competition to students without in any way inhibiting a vibrant system of private colleges and universities."

"Others have proposed a co-op or another non-profit entity to administer the plan. These are all constructive ideas worth exploring. But I will not back down on the basic principle that if Americans can't find affordable coverage, we will provide you with a choice."

"Now, I don't believe malpractice reform is a silver bullet, but I've talked to enough doctors to know that defensive medicine may be contributing to unnecessary costs."

"Reducing the waste and inefficiency in Medicare and Medicaid will pay for most of this plan. (Applause.) Now, much of the rest would be paid for with revenues from the very same drug and insurance companies that stand to benefit from tens of millions of new customers."

Here is that clip of him getting interrupted - crazy

Yeah, that's my shirt

It was a good time.

Can't Focus

oh wow. I see the light at the end of the tunnel and it is BLINDING ME!! All this figuring out what we are doing after graduation is messing with my studies. I have a ton of stuff to do this week but I just can't focus on it. It's horrible. As a side note check out this video. It is about 8 minutes long but the main part I liked was at 2 minutes into it. Hillary talking about how to get big oil companies to listen. So, at least check out that part of the video.



Well, I think I got a little out of my system. I am going to go memorize all the reactions, intermediates, and enzymes in glycolysis now.

Why I vote the way I do

I've always considered myself as patriotic. My dad served in the Air Force for 20 years, and he now has his Doctorate in Political Science. I've always loved history and social studies, and I loved reading books about the Revolutionary War, even when I was really young. I suppose I got a lot of that from my dad. I get emotional seeing the flag, and love everything about the 4th of July and all other holidays. I mention this only because I have always had a desire to vote and to be an educated voter.

With all the craziness of this year's election, I've really wanted to make sure I was voting because of what I believe, and not because that's what everyone has told me to do. I've read some friends' blogs that posted about what they thought and who they were voting for, and I thought it was pretty cool. Its all part of becoming an educated voter. I don't really like "party politics" because I think we should vote based on our beliefs, not by party. Here are some things I believe that influence how I vote:

1. I believe less government is usually more. In the Constitution, the National Government was set up for to provide security and inter-state infrastructure. Along with that I believe that the more government programs are set up, the more burden it is on the people. Reforms and programs cost money, and that money comes from taxes.

2. I believe the "trickle-down" theory is a true principle. Those who have money will spend it, they will invest it, they will take risks, and they will create more jobs. The wealthy should not be taxed significantly above the middle class, for they bolster the economy.

3. I believe in personal responsibility. Though we may choose our actions, we cannot choose the consequences of our actions. This goes for criminals as well as those who have unneccesary debt. Also, I think many of the welfare programs in place do not encourage taking responsibility. They are wonderful programs for those who are working toward a better financial situation. But there are so many people who are able to work, but take advantage of the system because it does not encourage getting out.

These ideas, and others like being pro-life, are generally considered Republican/conservative principles, so I tend to vote that way.

So, there are my 2 cents on politics. At one point I always thought I'd like to be all super involved in a campaign or something. I don't really think that now, but I do think exercising my right to vote is important. So, no matter how you vote, I hope as many as possible will study the issues and vote this year.

Voting time

This is mostly for anyone who looks at my blog ocassionally but doesn't check Erin's as much. Take a couple seconds and go over to her blog and leave a vote for your favorite picture.

Educated voting and what not

What is the best way to be an educated voter? I found this the other day and thought it was interesting. How do you find the the information you need to make your voting choice? Really, tell me, I want to know.