Gender Proclamation

With the deluge of information via the internet, we as a society can keep up on the many details on many peoples lives. Most of it doest matter. A lot of it is a waste of time. Additionally, it is hard to say what information reported is true and what is posted for pure entertainment. However, the situation I am about to deliberate on unfortunately is true. 

The pregnant "man" had his baby this week. 

Thomas Beatie was born a woman. He then decided to have a transgender operation to become a man, but he kept all his lady parts. (so, in the technical sense, isn't he still a woman with just a man exterior?) He then married a woman (does that make their relationship homosexual, lesbian, or what?) and she was unable to bear children - so, she had a hysterectomy. Then, through artificial donation - Thomas was impregnated. He just had a baby girl. In case you ever think your identity has been stolen or somehow is in jeopardy just think about this small baby girl just brought into the most confusing  "family" you could possibly imagine. 

This is our reality. 

Our world is one where gender is confused, sexuality is exploited and reversed, families are incomplete and unstable and where the lines of truth and morality are blurred. 

No wonder the Proclamation was such an inspired document - written over 12 years ago- prior to the tide of homosexual & lesbian marriages, trans-gender operations and artificial insemination. It maintains validity.

In an age where the voices of truth and righteousness are being shut down & silenced, we must speak up. There is a right way and we dont need to be ashamed of it. Just because something is popular, comfortable or even possibly attractive does not mean it is correct. God has established a plan and a role for each of us, His children. We must share the sanctity of these roles and help to clarify and educate those around us.

To quote directly from The Family: A Proclamation to the World: "All human beings-male and female-are created in the image of God.  Each is a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents, and, as such, each has a divine nature and destiny.  Gender is an essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose."

We dont need to be confused. Gender is given to us from God and with our gender and our individual souls, we have a unique purpose.  Men and women have specific roles and abilities. These individual roles and abilities do not need to compete with each other, but rather they are complimentary. Differences in our individual natures and propensities breed success not weakness or a need to feel weak. When we can confidently assume our individual roles as men and women - embracing our gender and our true selves, we inherit and attract light, happiness and success.

Mr. Beatie is obviously confused with his identity.  Being born one gender, changing part of his anatomy to switch genders but maintaining part of his original gender and then giving birth as a heshe is all very complex emotionally and physically. Not to mention being married, being sterile, and then artificially inseminating yourself to procure a child. Its all so complex and creates such a haze as to what is right and what is wrong. And many people would say that if you can achieve it- it is right. 

But, that is not so. 

Just because something can be manipulated, transformed or even brought together against social norms and odds, doesnt mean it is right. 

When asked about the birthing process, Mr. Beatie said "I see pregnancy as a process and it doesn't define who I am. Ironically, being pregnant doesn't make me feel any more female or feminine."

This is a very interesting statement.

If the body that you have and the actions you pursue do not define you as a person - what does? Let me say that your actions and your body do define you as a person. If you have boobs, you are a girl. Men have other parts that establish them as males. Your actions are your choices and that defines you. One cannot excuse specific actions with a campaign flag of gender neutrality and social liberation. It doesn't work that way. You get the whole kit and caboodle. You cant be pregnant and then say it doesnt define you. It does.  Unfortunately its hard to say what gender Mr. Beatie is physically because of his part changes and recent pregnancy. But, he was born a woman and that gender gives "him" essential premortal, mortal and eternal purpose.

And I dont buy the whole line of "being pregnant doesnt make me feel any more female or feminine." 

1. First off - he is claiming his gender is a woman by stating he doesnt feel "more" like a woman.
2. How can you go through the birthing and pregnancy process and walk away so removed emotionally that you dont feel the wonder and the womanly power of carrying a small child in your womb for 9 months? It seems preposterous to me to make such a claim.

We are in the throws of gender wars, ladies and gentlemen. Again, I repeat, this is our reality. And we MUST be vocal about the lines of truth and the definitions of identity. We cannot be silent and we must not be fooled.  This is yet another tactic of the adversary to destroy souls, dissuade families from starting, and disassemble current families. Make no mistake. Make no mistake. 

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Are we really that inept?

I wanted to make a short note about technology...

I just purchased a new phone. You see, my 2-year old cell phone is past its prime. I could wait until it stops working all together - that would be the risky, adventurous thing to do. Part of me wanted to hang on to the phone even longer just to beat the cell phone creators system. But, I broke down. You see, my current phone only works intermittently. So, I decided to stop the madness and purchase a new phone. *gasp*

Its a process I dislike. Contracts, rate plans, upgrades, fees, rebates, models, etc. After much research and chatting it up for almost my whole lunch hour withe the ATT retail guy, I made a choice. It seems like a nice basic phone (after my rebate, it will be $50 - perhaps the most inexpensive reliable phone available) and I like the way it looks. I think I could drop it a couple times and it will hold up. I am not naive enough to think I could go without dropping my phone. Additionally, it is nice, new and stable. Hopefully it wont freeze randomly or just decide to stop and turn off. (I didn't even have voice activation set with my old phone and yet, it would just follow these type of commands from an unknown source.)

Tonight, while charging my new phone and I decided to take a little gander at the instruction book which came along in the package. Note that the book weighs more than my old and new cell phone put together. A small tree was sacrificed so I could have my little instruction book. 

And what happened next is what spawned this whole blog entry. Remember that my phone is blue tooth enabled and you can listen to mp3 sound files on it as well.

I couldn't really believe that our society has come to this level of need and stupidity. Really. 

Are you ready?

This is a direct quote from my little manuel:

"If you are listening to music whilst out and about, please ensure that the volume is at a reasonable level so that you are aware of your surroundings.  This is particularly imperative when attempting to cross the street."

Yes, stupid. Take your earplugs out of your head to avoid becoming road kill. That would be the smart thing to do. 

This daily "DUH!" moment was co-sponsored by LG & at&t. 

Seriously though, who writes those manuals? And better yet, who was the idiot that filed the lawsuit which made it necessary to include that little suggestion. You know it happened somewhere.

(Pretty soon the editor will write "avoid placing phone in mouth to eat to avoid destroying your digestive system" and "to avoid cauliflower ear do not talk on the phone for more than 10 hours a day")

That quote alone almost motivates me to read the rest of the 100 pages to find more quality, life saving tips and instructions. And, for those of us with short term memories, dont worry. There is a section at the very end of the book to take notes. Yes. You can take notes about how to save your life whilst crossing the street. 

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American Idol - Take Two!

Yep. Somehow I got suckered into the auditions yet again. Round one wasnt enough and I am a glutton for a strange time.  This year it was AI auditions in SF. And, joining me were two cohorts - Tommy (now Dr Tommy since he passed his dental boards) and Holadai. She is a mutual friend. We all crowded into the cow palace with the other thousands of unsuspecting folks and waited. And waited some more. They lined us up outside at 5am and didnt let us in the palace (why is it a palace? it certainly isnt warm, beautiful or cozy. Just a large ugly space) until 8:30. Then we waited. And waited. Seeing a theme? Its a good thing I had friends there, and we had a good time together. I had my 30 second shot at lifelong fame around 4:30 in the afternoon. Yep - and after all that waiting, it was over. Good thing I have a day job. And I didnt hang my hat on this audition. 'Cuz I was one of the many "cows" set on the chopping block to get cut. Its very arbitrary how they select the "golden ticket" recipients. 

You are set in front of a panel of 2 judges - if you are lucky, they may be older than you and may have some musical experience. Most of them just barely fit under the heading of "American Idol Staff." They line you up in a row of 4. Each person steps out of line, one at a time, and is asked to sing. When they feel you have sung sufficiently to their taste (usually about 30 seconds) they ask you to step back into line. If they like you, they may have you sing again, or they may have a discussion with you. If they really like you, you get a golden ticket. For those they dont like (but not those they strongly dislike - if they dislike you enough, you go through for pure entertainment value) they tell you thanks and better luck next time. The canned line is "your vocals arent strong enough. go home and practice that." At least that is what our line of four was told. You then step around the table and your wristband is chopped off and you are free to go back into the real world.

Now, let me say a few words about the line up process. And it is a process. You first must get a wristband and ticket (like a concert ticket) which is obtained after you sign a waiver of privacy and showing two forms of ID. This is done for 2-3 days before the actual audition day. The number on the ticket tells you when you will audition on the real day.  So, some people camp out allllll night prior to day one of registration. Its funny because they say camping out is not allowed, but people do it any way without any fall out. 

Once you are there on audition day, after your number is called, you line up in the four across formation. Keep in mind that there are thousands of people in the venue. So, to keep the pace going, they have about 12 audition booths an keep the lines of 4 about 5 lines deep at all times. The booths are right next to each other and the only sound barrier in tact is a thin sheet like drape. 

It is truly a cattle call. 

Its not a talent competition. Its an entertainment program. And money & ratings are at the heart of the agenda. Never forget that. Sometimes as a viewer, we get caught up in the "magic & mystique" of certain shows. But, we must never forget what is always on the forefront of the producers mind. 

Money.

Its not personal, they dont ask for your name, they dont care about you or your family. They dont even care what you did to get there. They simply size you up in 30 seconds or less and with a roll of the dice, you are in or out. Simple and succinct. Its numbers and luck. And luck, ladies and gentlemen is rarely a lady. 

For those lucky folks who are liked by their panel judges, they receive a golden ticket. Its really just a goldenrod colored 8 1/2 piece of paper with their number on it. They will then go at a later time to audition in front of Nigel Lithgo (the exec producer of the show) and a second producer. At this point in time you sign more paperwork excluding your agency to discuss your proceedings with the media and disallowing you to post your success on any websites, blogs, etc. You also are not allowed to get paid for any shows or gigs you may have scheduled. In short, AI owns you. Body and soul. (remember the show doesnt begin live tapings until Jan, so you are bound to these rules until then). If you pass the double producer audition, you are then sent in front of Simon, Paula and Randy. Thats the part everyone sees. 

And thats the process. And I took part in it. Wierd, crazy and typical hollywood. Thank heavens I'm not the next American Idol (or even in the running for it). I am though, forever YOUR Sacramento idol :)

--Shannon 

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Ode to Tradition

Tradition comes in many ways! One of the more recent, but tasty traditions in the Simmons house is "Grandpa Dougs" root beer. Its delicious. Its a part of many celebrations. Unfortunately we drank up the last of the stash before dad went to Siberia.  In hindsight we should have made a new brew (when I say we, I mean dad) and put it in someones wine cellar. That would have been great. But, since that didnt happen, I bought the next best thing. Henry Wienharts root beer. I made it a part of my Fourth of July Celebration!

On the Fourth, I woke up relatively early and attended the stake celebration at Mission North park. It was packed! There was a pancake & sausage breakfast. (great for me - one less meal to cook). All the bishops we on the griddles! The kids ran around and the parents sat on blankets and talked while watching their broods. It was quite nice. I really like community "small town" type events. There was even a little parade. So cute. Jonah was a part of it.

On my way out, I decided to shortcut by crossing the little stream. As I looked for the most narrow part of the stream, a group of children (9yrs and younger) spotted me and I was an instant audience! It was so wonderful.  Young people have such a world of their own - and they have so much knowledge - soaked in like a sponge.  I learned a very valuable lesson that I am going to pass on.  I think they would want me to.

"How to catch a craw-dad"

first, you get a stick.  And some string.  You tie the string to the stick. The you need a paperclip. You put the paperclip at the other end of the string.  Then you can use bits of hot dog to put as bait.  When the craw-dad eats at the bait, you pull him up and put him in a bucket. If you have a net, that is cool too because its easier to catch. Once you get the craw-dad in the bucket, you dump the bucket out. You dont really need to keep the craw-dad.

Yes, there it is. Pure genius! They shared other secrets of the stream and such, but its best to leave those by the water.  They will save for another day and another passerby.

I also attended the Arden Park parade. I went to my friend April's house for a BBQ. After that I went to Cal Expo for the fireworks. That was  a lot of fun! It was there that I broke out the root beer and toasted to good times! Love ya dad!!!!

All in all it was a great day and I feel so blessed to be in this great land with great freedoms. 

Shannon

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