Fitness Boot Camp, Day 2

Well, boot camp has killed me. Ok, not quite KILLED me, but it has definitely kicked my butt. Yesterday, I was so tired that I went straight home afterwards and took a three hour nap. I literally can barely walk up the steps to our apartment, sit on the toilet, walk, bend over, or any other habitual daily activity. When I woke up this morning, I thought of every reason in the world to skip camp today. I couldn't even roll over in bed without needing to groan in pain. I made it out of bed, though, but didn't do my hair because I couldn't raise my arms up high enough. Camp was slightly better today, because I paced myself much better (instead of going all out the first half, then feeling nauseated the last half, like on Monday).
In just two days I have done countless push ups, crunches, jumping jacks, bicep curls, pull ups, lunges, sprints, and other painful activities I don't know the names of. The worst part about this, is that my lovely husband, who wanted me to do this in the first place, is out in the field. I'm sitting at home having to fend for myself. I'm seriously contemplating putting a plug in Brody's butt so he doesn't have to poop for the next few days. When he whines at the front door I cringe... To get to the grass I must go down a small flight of stairs, then walk across the parking lot. Doesn't he know??

Amanda and I were planning on watching Twilight together yesterday, but needless to say I was good for nothing after boot camp. I postponed it today, and fortunately I felt okay after camp today, and spent a couple hours at her house. We watched Twilight and ate pecan pie (don't judge me! I can have it, because I'm working my butt off in the mornings now). She introduced me to Winn Dixie's fresh baked ready-to-eat pies which are amazing. I refuse to get addicted though. I refuse, I refuse, I refuse.

I'm back at home now, and excruciatingly sore. I'll probably be on this couch the rest of the night, with small trips outside for potty breaks. Fortunately American Idol is on tonight, to pass time.

Thats all I can write for now. When I type, my forearms are unhappy. And I'm at my body's mercy at this point in time.

Thanks for the Memories

A couple weeks ago on Facebook, I got this crazy idea to completely read through my old blog from high school, on a site called Xanga. I actually didn't think it would even exist anymore and/or would have deleted all my posts from way back when, but amazingly I was able to remember all my log in information, and voila -- I had access to the past. 

It literally took me hours upon hours to read through three years of posts, but I never really noticed the lapse of time. Mostly, I laughed out loud at the memories of the "good ol' days", and sometimes I would cry, or roll my eyes at the way I was so in love with people who are no longer in my life. It amazes me how experiences can shape you and lead you on to the path of maturity, and when those experiences have done their job, we erase them from our mind either intentionally, or just because time fades them. 

Blogging may be a fad now, but I truly believe its one of the better ideas that has come from modern technology. Keeping journals and diaries is part of every little girls' world, but now those experiences can come to life and can be shared by every big girl. Its a candid look into someone's life, and I find it fascinating. I admit, my life and writing ability isn't the most enthralling phenomena on the internet, but ten years from now I can look back on this and laugh, cry, and roll my eyes. 

I guess I should start making these blogs more interesting, then. I'm starting to believe I will bore my future self.

Here are just a few of the memories that were worthy of posting on Facebook. They are worth sharing. My mom reads these blogs and I think she'll remember a lot of them.

I miss Anna everyday. I wish she could come to Georgia for a week or something.

Saturday, January 24 2004
"I just got back from the Verizon Wireless store, and found the cell phone I'm going to get next. One of those picture phones!"
[Dude, there was a time before picture phones? I can't remember it!]

Wednesday, February 25, 2004
"Anna and I went over to my friend Chad's house to try some cake he made, and I was cutting the cake with a spatula in his house, when Anna decides that I'm taking too long, so she grabs the spatula and presses down so hard on it that it completely broke in half!! OMG we started laughing so hard.. I couldn't believe it. Then Chad makes it worse and goes "That's my dad's favorite spatula!!" I felt sooooo bad. I think I should buy him a new one. Haha. So sad."

Thursday, February 26, 2004
"Anna bought Chad a new spatula and brought it to school today. It was sooo funny. Its a really nice spatula, too. Lifetime guarantee.. In other words, Anna Proof. We took pictures and got one of Anna and I with the spatula. That'll be good memories forever!"
Remember how his dad ended up hating the Lifetime guarantee spatula?? ha!

Friday, February 27, 2004
"We brought home Anna, Katie, Jordan, and Chad today. Katie, Chad, Anna, and I sat in the back (me on Anna's lap). Anyway, as we were pulling out of the school parking lot, Anna and I saw this freshman guy who is SOOOOOO cute, and we both started yelling "That's Him!" (we had been talking about him 7th period) so we started describing him to my mom. He was in front of our car, going to his car with a few of his friends, and we couldn't see his face. My mom kept waiting for him to turn around, but he never did. So Anna decides to roll down the window and yell "BLAAAAKE" really loud. Now.. keep in mind that this kid has NO CLUE who we are. A few minutes before, Chad had just told us what his name was! So he turns around as we all duck and try to hide behind the seats, cracking up laughing the whole time. He kept staring at our car, and my poor mom and Jordan were in the front and not able to hide behind anything. My mom just shook her head at him like she didn't know who called him. Ha ha. It was the funniest thing in the world. As we drove past him, he kept staring at our car, and we were all hiding behind the seats in the back."
[Anna.. I thought we yelled FIDO?? Where did that come from?]

Tuesday, March 02, 2004
"Yesterday when my mom and I were dropping Anna off at her house after school, my mom remembered that she had a bag of pads in the trunk, and she was starting to get really embarrassed because she thought she forgot to cover them up and thought they were visible when the trunk was opened. Since we take so many people home, we all put our backpacks and stuff in the trunk. So anyway, Anna was the last one to drop off yesterday and when she was getting her stuff, I whispered to her and asked if she could see the pads. So she starts DIGGING through the trunk, then a few moments later she holds the bag up and yells "Yep! They're right here!" ... Did I forget to mention there were two men in front of the house next door?"

Monday, March 08, 2004
"Today, my geometry teacher just out of the blue told me I blink a lot, lol. The whole period he kept looking over at me and start blinking really fast. Hahaha.

Anna came over to work on our P.E. project. We have to make up a game that can be played in P.E... Our game is called Peg-A-Leg. hahaha. Yeah, I'll leave that up to your imagination ;)"

Tuesday, March 09, 2004
HEY!

This is Anna because I am once again over at Katelyn's house so I thought I would be extra special and write Katelyn's daily xanga report. Don't tell her I told you though. Um, but she will figure it out sooner or later. Like in 1 min. Anyway, today I (I am speaking if I was Katelyn) had an extra special day with R i mean Schedule and we talked and such. Katie looked really cute with her crush sunglasses and PE was rather boring as usual. Okay, some random music just played and it scared me. Um, Also, I went to math and saw Anna...I liked her butt. No jk. (but seriously my mom did) Lunch was rather exciting, I got to talk to everyone and then debate with Anna on how to do our Peg-a-leg form. Anyway, Nice seeing everyone on here and Hi Ligaya! that was my shout out and anyone else?? Hmmm okay HI Blake, Katie, Johnathan, Kaitlin, Anna, and others Don't look katelyn! yes okay! bye bye!!,

ANNA------>hehe

Friday, March 26, 2004
"In Geometry today, the phone rang, and since I sit closes to it, Mr. Tucker asked me to answer it. As I was walking to the phone, he told me to say "Room 1104, Blinkie speaking", so I did. I think it was a parent or something on the other line, and she just asked for the teacher. Afterwards, Mr. Tucker gave me five extra credit points, because he thought I was too shy to say that, so he was proud of me, lol. It was cool."
[I MISS MR. TUCKER!!]

Thursday, July 01, 2004
"Yesterday was Katie's birthday part We all met at Katie's house and ate pizza, then we went bowling. Jordan, Katie, Blake, Jane, Jonathan, and I drove to the bowling alley in the same car. On the way there, we talked about termite eggs being laid in someone's mouth, then hatching and all the babies would start coming out of the mouth while the person was talking. APPARANTLY, according to Jordan, a lady ate meat from Taco Bell that had termite eggs in it and they got embedded in her gums.
On the way home our conversation consisted of how in Idaho (or some other state, can't remember which one) speed bumps are called 'Slow Humps' and Katie's mom thought that was really funny. Then Jordan started talking about how we should have a Humpday.... and I have NO IDEA where that came from. He just started jabbering away about that and I was just like....... okay Jordan"

Friday, November 12, 2004
"Ok so last night was the best thing ever. I had all my friends over (Katie, Blake, Anna, Jordan, Kim, Megan, Cody, and Garret and Shane came by for a bit too). We watched What Lies Beneath because Cody was set on a scary movie. ANYWAY it was a really good movie but watching movies like that with Anna freaks me out because she screams then I scream and then its just 1000 times scarier... if that made any sense. I know it made sense to Anna and I guess thats all that matters lol. The movie was pretty long, though, so we didn't get to play Catch Phrase which is just a TRADITION. This weekend people, ok? And we'll tape it so we can add to what we taped last night. ANNA GONE WILD!! hahahaha. Not really. Well not like that anyway. More like Anna Gone Spazzy. First she goes on an advertisement for a plastic cup, then she trips over Katie, then throws a pillow at me, then advertises a wine bottle, then tears up my moms decorative grapes, throws them at me, proposes to me, asks me to be her bodyguard.... I think thats it? Oh yeah I'm so putting that on video tape so we can watch it when we're like 80"
[hahaha I remember this night so well.. And I still have the video tape!]

Friday, November 19, 2004
"Today was awesome. After school, Anna came over and we goofed off for about an hour before Blake came over and we all ate dinner at my house. We had Frugatti's and they made fun of me because I took practically all the toppings out of my calzone. Then we ate a triple chocolate cheesecake which was SO rich but SO good.
Let see... after that we went to Megan's and jumped on her trampoline for forever and a year. It was so awesome. My sides hurt from laughing so hard (and getting thrown into the air a few times...)
P.S. Anna... DON'T CHILL THE CHILDREN!!!! Haha I told you I'd put that in my Xanga. Wasn't there another Xanga moment today? I can't remember..."
[Wasn't this the night we weren't supposed to be on the trampoline?? And Anna almost broke it?]

Friday, November 26, 2004
Lets see.... how 'bout some lovely pictures??


Anna and Me. Aww :)


Anna, Jordan, Blake, Katie, Jane. I love this pic.


Vanilla Pepsi: It does a body good.


Jane, Katie, and Me

Sunday, December 05, 2004
"...We watched Garret and Cody try to beat each other at who could go farthest on the unicycle. Then Cody showed us the dead ducks his brother had brought back from hunting, and Anna flipped out because she thought Cody was going to beat her with it. Afterwards we drank some more Chai out in the courtyard and Garret and Anna told jokes, which was really funny. Anna: A barn CAN'T JUMP!!. Cody's mom said she was going to take Garret home, so we were cleaning up and then I dropped one of the mugs and it completely broke. I felt sooo bad. But its kind of funny how accident-prone I am. I mean... go figure. And THEN when Anna and I are together... we are the most accident-prone people ever. Anna - does SPATULA ring a bell? geez aweez. ;)"

Tuesday, December 21, 2004
"... Anna and I went to go see The Notebook in the dollar theater. It was the 3rd time I'd seen it... and it was great as always :)
After the movie we went to Frugatti's and laughed so hard. I was imitating my hamster jumping when I scared him, and when I threw my hands up I let go of my fork and it hit me in the eye. I think we all peed our pants. My poor mom almost gave herself a hernia. I didn't think we were going to be able to get her out of the restaurant.
The past 2 days have been the best EVER. I spent like 30 hours straight with Anna. We laughed soooo much. I think we have like 10 new personal jokes. "
[Dude, I remember almost stabbing myself with that stupid fork. And I don't think I've ever seen my mom laugh that hard.]

Sunday, Janary 09, 2005
More pictures!!


Anna!!


My seductive look. Oh yes.


Kissy


I love that picture


Drunk on Shirley Temples...


Hiding out in the tree.

Tuesday, March 08, 2005
Jeremy Camp Concert Pictures!!
Concert Pictures!! OMG.. the most amazing night ever.


In the elevator! It had a mirror roof lol..


...And finally in the Convention Center... waiting for the concert to start. So we took goofy pics to pass the time.

First up were Monk & Neagle who were AWESOME.
..And we got a picture with Michael Neagle afterwards. He was so nice. Anna came up to him and was like... "What'ssss uppppppp NEAGLE?" and he goes "What's up GIRL?" Cute Cute.


Friday, March 11, 2005
"Cruisin' around Rosedale with Blake, Anna, Nick, and Macy is the most fun I've had in a really long time... Hahaha my cheeks hurt from laughing so much."

Friday, March 18, 2005
"Tonight I went to Olive Garden with Anna, her mom, and Blake. It was so fun. So many funny stories. And song time! Part of your woooooorld.... haha."
That's the night I became obsessed with Skye Sweetnam's version of Part of Your World

Monday, March 28, 2005
"Toilet papering a completely random house with Cody, Anna, and Chris is the craziest thing I have ever done, and I can't stop laughing."

Tuesday, April 19, 2005
"The lunch conversation today was SO funny, Anna...
"Did you say... Billy... I love you?"
"Say I'm a bird!"
"Everybody Come On!"
And the best....
"WOMAN'S FERTILIZER?"
hahahahaha.

Thanks chica for making the day so much better. *Muah*"

Sunday, May 15, 2005
Prom was amazingly awesome.


We always have to take goofy pics.




The girls: Me, Anna, and Katie


At dinner: Outback Steakhouse. Me, Anna, Blake


The dance floor!

Saturday, June 04, 2005
"Cody, Blake, Nick, Anna, and Me went to Boomers and rode the go-karts, then the bumper boats where these little 10 year old boys got me soaked because I had a white shirt on. Little perverts. They just kept chasing me yelling "White Shirt! White Shirt!!" Yes, and afterwards I was getting lots of weird looks. Walking through Boomers with a see-through shirt is quite embarrassing. Afterwards we went to Carl's Jr. where Cody ordered a cock-a-cola and 5 waters. OMG. And then we chucked ice out the window as we were driving and it made me laugh so hard that I spit water alllll over the place and Nick called me a retard.
Yes, yesterday will be yet another memory to write down in Anna's yearbook, which I haven't yet finished signing. Still many more memories to remember."

Wednesday, June 08, 2005
OMG today was hecka fun.
From seeing Anna in Centennial's parking lot and hanging out the windows to overly PDI (hahaha Anna...) in the theatre....
[OMG Anna do you remember this? PDI... Public Display of Intercourse! In reference to the kids behind us while we were trying to watch Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants!!]

Sunday, June 19, 2005
"I <3 Anna.
I <3 my curfew being at 12 instead of 11.
I <3 driving around with Chris driving.
I <3 Anna's laugh.
I <3 personal jokes.
I <3 Anna and I's tanning hearts (and playboy bunny)
I <3 hot fudge brownies..
I <3 my dogs
I <3 our turkey call
I <3 listening to rap music in a car with friends.
I <3 laughing.
I <3 watching home videos.
I <3 taking pictures with Anna.
I <3 crazy spur-of-the-moment ideas.
I <3 being able to talk openly to 2 people in my life. They are all I need.
I <3 songs with meaningful lyrics.
I <3 playing Catch Phrase with friends & family.
I <3 lunch with friends.
I <3 joy rides with friends.
I <3 everything with friends.
I <3 how Anna knows what I'm thinking and one look can set us off laughing.
I <3 getting new messages on MySpace..
I <3 random Starbucks trips.
I <3 being able to be myself around the people I love most.
I <3 feeling pretty.
I <3 thinking of all the things I <3."


.... And then I quit Xanga! This took me ALL DAY to do so I hope you guys laughed. hehe =)

Lyric Obsession

So, I just heard a new Miranda Lambert song, and of course, love it. Anything she does is amazing, but this is even better, because its a song about the military/war/politics, etc. Anyway, I was looking up the lyrics to post on my Blog, and then realized that Miranda's version is a cover to Merle Haggard's original song. Whoops. I guess I'm not too knowledgeable about classic country.
I do know, though, that country music is the most patriotic. And no matter who sings it, it gets me pumped up.

Fightin' Side of Me

Miranda Lambert..... or Merle Haggard

I hear people talkin' bad, 

About the way they have to live here in this country,

Harpin' on the wars we fight, 

An' gripin' 'bout the way things oughta be.

I don't mind 'em switchin' sides, 

An' standin' up for things that they believe in.

When they're runnin' down our country, man, 

They're walkin' on the fightin' side of me. 

They're walkin' on the fightin' side of me.

Runnin' down the way of life,

Our fightin' men have fought and died to keep.

If you don't love it, leave it:

Let this song that I'm singin' be a warnin'.

When you're runnin' down our country, hoss,

You're walkin' on the fightin' side of me.

I read about some squirrely guy,

Who claims, that he just don't believe in fightin'.

An' I wonder just how long,

The rest of us can count on bein' free.

They love our milk an' honey,

But they preach about some other way of livin'.

When they're runnin' down our country, man,

They're walkin' on the fightin' side of me.

They're walkin' on the fightin' side of me.

Runnin' down the way of life,

Our fightin' men have fought and died to keep.

If you don't love it, leave it:

Let this song that I'm singin' be a warnin'.

When you're runnin' down my country, man,

You're walkin' on the fightin' side of me.

You're walkin' on the fightin' side of me.

Runnin' down a way of life,

Our fightin' men have fought and died to keep.

If you don't love it, leave it:

Let this song that I'm singin' be a warnin'.

When you're runnin' down my country, hoss,

You're walkin' on the fightin' side of me.

As I was cruisin' today, with the windows rolled down and Brody shotgun beside me, this song came on. And it was perfect, to say the least. When I sing at the top of my lungs and make up my own drivin' dance moves, Georgian drivers look at me weird. Its a Cali thing, I guess... or maybe just a Katelyn thing?

I got no money in my pockets

I got a hole in my jeans

I had a job and I lost it

But it won't get to me

'Cause I'm ridin' with my baby

And it's a brand new day

We're on the wings of an angel

Flyin' away

And the sun is shinin'

This road keeps windin'

Through the prettiest country

From Georgia to Tennessee

And I got the one I love beside me

My troubles behind me

I'm alive and I'm free

Who wouldn't wanna be me

I got no money in my pockets

I got a hole in my jeans

We're on the wings of an angel

And I'm free

Ahhh.. The fact of me being broke was quite alright at that point in time.

Drew is out in the field until Wednesday, so its just me and Brody (aka Bubba). I start boot camp tomorrow, so if I survive, I'll write about the experience tomorrow. 

Brody Video!!!

I'm so proud of myself for figuring this out. haha.

Picnic Pictures

My boys and I had a wonderful time at Flat Rock Park today. I think Brody liked it the best, though. Here are a few pictures from our fabulous day.

I'm still trying to figure out how to upload the video of Brody chasing sticks in the creek. It is so, so cute. Hopefully I'll be able to get it on here later.

Teeny-Bop

Up until last night, I thought the Twilight mania was stupid. A bunch of teeny-bopper girls swooning over a stupid vampire? Give me a break. Well, my curiosity finally got the best of me so Drew and I went to see it at the dollar theatre last night.

OK, count me in on the mania.

It was awesome. Normally I despise anything unrealistic, such as vampires, but this completely changed my mind. I'm going to buy the movie, and start reading the books... I've been looking for a new series to start anyway. 

I really, really wish my Kindle worked so I could buy the book right now for cheap. But, of course, it broke right when I was becoming reliant on it. Just reading a regular book seems so yesterday. Good grief I really am turning into a teeny-bopper.

To add to that, I'm officially addicted to Twitter and texting Google. Did anyone know you can now text Google? You send any question to 466453 (GOOGLE) and it texts you back with the answers. Last night, I found out the weather for the next week in Columbus, movie times, directions from Bakersfield to Las Vegas, and how many teaspoons are in a tablespoon. I'm hooked. What was life like before we could text Google? That was just yesterday, and I can't even recall.

The last two nights I have made dinner and Drew has LOVED them. I'll post the recipes sometime later today, as they are definitely worth sharing. Buffalo-style pizza and homemade chicken flautas.  Yum.

Well, thats about all the time I have right now. The weather is absolutely GORGEOUS today... Perfect for a road trip in the jeep to Flat Rock Park. We are going to pack lunch and have a picnic with Brody. I'll take pictures.

Love you all... And to you in Bakersfield... I love and miss you... 21 days until I'm there!!

*Swoon*

Kris Allen is my boyfriend. And yes, mom, Drew is aware of that. 

I Caved In...

... and got a Twitter. You can see my updates automatically on my blog...

<------ Right there over on the left hand side. 

Pretty neat, huh? Well, I think so. I, like, won't even have to blog anymore, because I can say everything that I'm doing AS I'm doing it, from my phone. Whaaaat.

I just had a cup of Dunkin' Donuts coffee, which has been rumored is the best coffee ever (even better than Starbucks -- blasphemy!!), and I must admit... It is quite yummy. Drew and I got a small bag of regular roast, with Cinnamon Coffee Mate. I may have just found my new [current] love. I am so hyper now. I can't even type in literate sentences.

Yesterday Amanda and I went to Olive Garden and Ben & Jerry's for our lunch date. She told me that Olive Garden has a lunch special for unlimited salad, breadsticks, and soup for only seven bucks. SEVEN bucks! So yummy. The lunch special didn't include my Black Tie Mousse Cake (I think I would have fainted from sheer excitement if it did), so I refrained from getting it, also because we had previously decided on Ben & Jerry's... fresh scooped at the Ben & Jerry's store, which is just 100 times better than the containers from the store, that all y'all in Cali only have. muahahaha. 

Whew. There are only so many run-on sentences you can type without wearing yourself out.

Anywho... check back later today to see my Twitter Updates!! Cause I'll be doing something else! hahaha.

<3

Don't Bill Our Heroes!

I am infuriated at the following, and have been in an uproar about it for the past two days when it was brought up on my debate board. 

If you want proof that Obama lied and made promises he never intended to keep during the election, eat your heart out:

Article during the election:

Obama says he needs to earn troops' respect
by Rick Maze - Jul. 7, 2008 12:20 PM
Army Times
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama knows that to win military votes, he has to prove himself.

"Precisely because I have not served in uniform, I am somebody who strongly believes I have to earn the trust of men and women in uniform," Obama said as he contrasted his lack of service with that of Republican presidential candidate John McCain, a former prisoner of war, Vietnam veteran and Navy retiree who has years of experience in Congress working on national security issues.

"I do not presume that from the day I am sworn in, every single service man or woman suddenly says, This guy knows what he is doing,' " said Obama, a freshman senator from Illinois, in his most extensive interview to date on a wide range of military issues.
The 46-year-old former community organizer and civil-rights lawyer will formally become the Democratic Party's presidential nominee at the party's August convention in Denver.

Obama said he hopes the military community will see him as "a guy looking out for us and not someone trying to score cheap political points."

Military members and their families deserve better pay and benefits, he said, and although money might be hard to find for a generous increase, he supports increasing basic pay to keep up with inflation and private-sector salaries, and he believes housing allowances need to be increased so young service members and their families can afford adequate places to live.

He also wants to spend more to improve veterans' health care and reduce the wait for a disability claim to be processed.

"I don't know a higher priority than making sure that the men and women who are putting themselves in harm's way, day in and day out, are getting decent pay and decent benefits," he said. "These are just basic requirements of a grateful nation."

And now that he's elected... guess what he is proposing?

Hypocrite.

http://ourvoice.legion.org/story/1448/legion-white-house-dont-bill-our-heroes

WASHINGTON, DC (March 16, 2009) – The leader of the nation’s largest veterans organization says he is “deeply disappointed and concerned” after a meeting with President Obama today to discuss a proposal to force private insurance companies to pay for the treatment of military veterans who have suffered service-connected disabilities and injuries. The Obama administration recently revealed a plan to require private insurance carriers to reimburse the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in such cases. 

“It became apparent during our discussion today that the President intends to move forward with this unreasonable plan,” said Commander David K. Rehbein of The American Legion. “He says he is looking to generate $540-million by this method, but refused to hear arguments about the moral and government-avowed obligations that would be compromised by it.”

The Commander, clearly angered as he emerged from the session said, “This reimbursement plan would be inconsistent with the mandate ‘… to care for him who shall have borne the battle…’ given that the United States government sent members of the armed forces into harm’s way, and not private insurance companies. I say again that The American Legion does not and will not support any plan that seeks to bill a veteran for treatment of a service connected disability at the very agency that was created to treat the unique need of America’s veterans!”

Commander Rehbein was among a group of senior officials from veterans service organizations joining the President, White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emmanuel, Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric Shinseki and Steven Kosiak, the overseer of defense spending at the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). The group’s early afternoon conversation at The White House was precipitated by a letter of protest presented to the President earlier this month. The letter, co-signed by Commander Rehbein and the heads of ten colleague organizations, read, in part, “ There is simply no logical explanation for billing a veteran’s personal insurance for care that the VA has a responsibility to provide. While we understand the fiscal difficulties this country faces right now, placing the burden of those fiscal problems on the men and women who have already sacrificed a great deal for this country is unconscionable.” 

Commander Rehbein reiterated points made last week in testimony to both House and Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committees. It was stated then that The American Legion believes that the reimbursement plan would be inconsistent with the mandate that VA treat service-connected injuries and disabilities given that the United States government sends members of the armed forces into harm’s way, and not private insurance companies. The proposed requirement for these companies to reimburse the VA would not only be unfair, says the Legion, but would have an adverse impact on service-connected disabled veterans and their families. The Legion argues that, depending on the severity of the medical conditions involved, maximum insurance coverage limits could be reached through treatment of the veteran’s condition alone. That would leave the rest of the family without health care benefits. The Legion also points out that many health insurance companies require deductibles to be paid before any benefits are covered. Additionally, the Legion is concerned that private insurance premiums would be elevated to cover service-connected disabled veterans and their families, especially if the veterans are self-employed or employed in small businesses unable to negotiate more favorable across-the-board insurance policy pricing. The American Legion also believes that some employers, especially small businesses, would be reluctant to hire veterans with service-connected disabilities due to the negative impact their employment might have on obtaining and financing company health care benefits.

“I got the distinct impression that the only hope of this plan not being enacted,” said Commander Rehbein, “is for an alternative plan to be developed that would generate the desired $540-million in revenue. The American Legion has long advocated for Medicare reimbursement to VA for the treatment of veterans. This, we believe, would more easily meet the President’s financial goal. We will present that idea in an anticipated conference call with White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emmanuel in the near future.

“I only hope the administration will really listen to us then. This matter has far more serious ramifications than the President is imagining,” concluded the Commander.

Modern Math and Gun Control

I just received these e-mails and think they are too good not to share.

Fifty two Years of Math 1957 - 2009

Last week I purchased a burger at Burger King for $1.58. The counter girl took my $2 and I was digging for my change when I pulled 8 cents from my pocket and gave it to her. She stood there, holding the nickel and 3 pennies, while looking at the screen on her register. I sensed her discomfort and tried to tell her to just give me two quarters, but she hailed the manager for help. Why do I tell you this?

Because of the evolution in teaching math since the 1950s:

1. Teaching Math In 1950s
A logger sells a truck load of lumber for $100. His cost of production is 4/5 of the price. What is his profit ?

2. Teaching Math In 1960s
A logger sells a truck load of lumber for $100. His cost of production is 4/5 of the price, or $80. What is his profit?

3. Teaching Math In 1970s
A logger sells a truck load of lumber for $100. His cost of production is $80. Did he make a profit?

4. Teaching Math In 1980s
A logger sells a truck load of lumber for $100. His cost of production is $80 and his profit is $20. Your assignment: Underline the number 20 .

5. Teaching Math In 1990s
A logger cuts down a beautiful forest because he is selfish and inconsiderate and cares nothing for the habitat of animals or the preservation of our woodlands. He does this so he can make a profit of $20. What do you think of this way of making a living? Topic for class participation after answering the question: How did the birds and squirrels feel as the logger cut down their homes? (There are no wrong answers, and if you feel like crying, it's ok.)

6. Teaching Math In 2000s
If you have special needs or just feel you need assistance because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, childhood memories, criminal background, then don't answer and the correct answer will be provided for you. There are no wrong answers.

7. Teaching Math In 2008
Un hachero vende una carrtada de maderapara 100 pesos. El costo de la producciones es 80 pesos. Cuanto dinero ha hecho?

A LITTLE GUN HISTORY

In 1929, the Soviet Union established gun control.

From 1929 to 1953,

about 20 million dissidents, unable to defend themselves,

were rounded up and exterminated.

------------------------------

In 1911, Turkey established gun control. 

From 1915 to 1917,

 1.5 million Armenians, unable to defend themselves, 

were rounded up and exterminated.

------------------------------

Germany established gun control in 1938

 and from 1939 to 1945,

 a total of 13 million Jews and others who were unable to defend themselves 

were rounded up and exterminated.

------------------------------

China established gun control in 1935. 

From 1948 to 1952,

 20 million political dissidents, unable to defend themselves 

were rounded up and exterminated.

------------------------------

Guatemala established gun control in 1964. 

From 1964 to 1981, 

100,000 Mayan Indians, unable to defend themselves,

were rounded up and exterminated.

---- ------------- -------------

Uganda established gun control in 1970. 

From 1971 to 1979, 

300,000 Christians, unable to defend themselves,

 were rounded up and exterminated.

------------------------------

Cambodia established gun control in 1956. 

From 1975 to 1977,

 one million educated people, unable to defend themselves, 

were rounded up and exterminated.

-----------------------------

Defenseless people rounded up and exterminated in the

20th Century because of gun control: 56 million.

------------------------------

It has now been 12 months since gun owners in

Australia were forced by new law to surrender 640,381 personal firearms to be destroyed by their own Government, a program costing Australia taxpayers more

than $500 million dollars. The first year results are

now in:

List of 7 items:

Australia-wide, homicides are up 3.2 percent.

Australia-wide, assaults are up 8.6 percent.

Australia-wide, armed robberies are up 44 percent

(yes, 44 percent)!

In the state of Victoria alone, homicides with

firearms are now up 300 percent. 

Note that while the law-abiding citizens

turned them in, the criminals did not, and criminals still possess their guns!

While figures over the previous 25 years showed a steady

decrease in armed robbery with firearms, this has changed

drastically upward in the past 12 months, 

since criminals now are guaranteed that their prey is unarmed.

There has also been a dramatic increase in break-ins and assaults of the ELDERLY. 

Australian politicians are at a loss to explain

how public safety has decreased, after such monumental

effort, and expense was expended in successfully ridding Australian

society of guns. The Australian experience and the other historical

facts above prove it.

You won't see this data on the US evening news 

or hear politicians disseminating this information. 

Guns in the hands of honest citizens save lives and property and, yes, gun-control laws adversely affect only the law-abiding citizens.

Take note my fellow Americans, before it's too late!

The next time someone talks in favor of gun control, please

remind them of this history lesson.

With guns, we are 'citizens'. Without them, we are subjects'.

During WWII the Japanese decided not to invade America

because they knew most Americans were ARMED!

If you value your freedom, please spread this anti-gun control message to all of your friends.

The purpose of fighting is to win. There is no

possible victory in defense. The sword is more important than the shield, and skill is more important than either. The final weapon is the brain.

All else is supplemental.

SWITZERLAND ISSUES EVERY HOUSEHOLD A GUN!

SWITZERLAND'S GOVERNMENT TRAINS EVERY ADULT THEY ISSUE A RIFLE.

SWITZERLAND HAS THE LOWEST GUN RELATED CRIME RATE OF ANY CIVILIZED COUNTRY IN THE WORLD!!!

IT'S A NO BRAINER! DON'T LET OUR GOVERNMENT WASTE MILLIONS OF OUR TAX DOLLARS IN AN EFFORT TO MAKE ALL LAW ABIDING CITIZENS AN EASY TARGET.

I'm a firm believer of the 2nd Amendment! If you are

too, please forward.

Georgia On My Mind

Drew and I have come to the realization that the world revolves around Georgia.

You don't realize how often it is mentioned in songs and television until you live here and it stands out.

Being a country lover, I hear it in practically every song. And even Drew's punk rock songs mention Georgia. And last night even my new favorite show Castle was set in Columbus. I love it. Drew, on the other hand, thinks we are being haunted by Georgia. He hasn't quite developed my love for it, to say the least.

Thank the Lord he did love Tennessee, though. I think I may be able to convince him to live there or in Kentucky someday =)

Down where I was born it was heaven on earth.

The Flint River washes that red Georgia dirt.

The sun sets slow and the stars shine bright.

We raised cotton, corn, a little cane, and kids.

You either lived on a farm or wish you did.

Jesus always walked close by our side.

Where I grew up, we rode in trucks.

There's a lot about life you can learn on a bus, 

How to lie, how to fight, how to kiss, how to cuss.

The closer we sat to the back, the smarter we got.

We were poor, we were ugly, we were all best friends.

White-eyed, baptized, and still wantin' to sin.

Thank God we get more than just one shot.

Where I grew up, we rode in trucks.

That's us with our tailgates down in the parking lot.
That's us with mud on our tires when it rained a lot.
In my mind, I can still see us now, ridin' down Buck Island Road.
It wasn't that long ago, it's apart of my soul. Yeah.

Down where I was born, it was heaven on earth.
The Flint River washes that red Georgia dirt.
The sun sets slow and the stars shine bright.
Where I grew up, we rode in trucks.

My kids will [hopefully] get to grow up around here... Somewhere. ha.

Last week, the weather was SO bright and sunny every day, and absolutely gorgeous. It stayed in the low 80's for two days. It was perfect. Drew was so excited that he could finally take the top and doors off his Jeep and drive "Georgia style". Well, that was a fantastic idea, except that the doors and top were still off when the Georgia rain attacked us for two days straight. There was literally never enough time for Drew to put everything back on. He ended up just draping a tarp over the top of the Jeep, which caved in within a couple hours.

I found it funny. Well, until this morning when Drew had to go to work and realized that driving in the rain in a stripped Jeep would not be fun, so he took my car. An hour ago the rain FINALLY broke and it is beautiful and sunny yet again. I would love to take Brody to Flat Rock Park, but I'm stuck here. Ugh. The sun better do a good job of drying the inside of the jeep so its drivable tomorrow.

And here is the information on the Boot Camp I mentioned in a previous post. I enrolled myself in the 2-week course, and have a feeling I will hate life for the first couple days.

"Columbus GA Adventure Boot Camp is a four week outdoor fitness program that offers fitness instruction, nutritional counseling and motivational training - packed with fun and energizing activities designed to help you reach your fitness goals. Whether you want to lose weight to fit into that special dress, shed the extra pounds from a pregnancy or just get fit before that special occasion, this is the program for you!"

Expected results when you complete camp are:

• 3-5% reduction in body fat
• 5-12 pounds weight loss
• 25% improvement in strength
• 100% Gain in self confidence
• 1-3 inch decrease in the midsection
• 25% improvement in endurance
• Greatly improved posture
• Better relaxation

"Exercises include: Core conditioning, distance running, muscular strength, jumping rope, circuit training, hiking, sport yoga, fitness kick boxing, pilates, sport drills, obstacle courses, surprises, and more!"

Oh, and just in case that doesn't sound fun enough, upon registration I had to sign an agreement that I will not be late, will not miss a day, come prepared with all my gear, will never cuss, will put 100% effort into everything, and a lot more I can't remember. For each offense, the consequence is at least twenty pushups. 

Drew is already laughing at me. Jerk.

Anyway, thats enough for today.

Questions of the Day:

What would you like written on your tombstone?
"They would have seen Gina!!"

(Aww only Danielle will understand that. It really is super funny though. I hate explaining personal jokes.)

What's your favorite ingredient to cook with?

Anything chicken. Dur.

American Radio

My current love: American Radio by Carolina Rain

The first time I kissed Julianne in a Chevy Van 

It was my old mans, 

it was George Strait's baby blue. 

And when she move back to San Jose, it was Missing You and Purple Rain 

That I leaned on to get me through. 

Its been the soundtrack to my life since I remember 

My memories are all in stereo. 

American radio, keeps me singing along, living my life to the words of the songs 

Of lovers, dreamers and hopeless believers, like me. 

No matter where I go I can always find an old friend somewhere there all the time 

To sing me right back home on American radio 

All I have to do is hear two notes, of give me three steps and im back on a boat with my Grandad in 1989 and all I need to hear are the first few words of Jumpin' Jack Flash or even Free Bird and I'm ready for a good time 

American radio, keeps me singing along, living my life to the words of the songs 

Of lovers, dreamers and hopeless believers, like me. 

No matter where I go I can always find an old friend somewhere there all the time 

To sing me right back home on American radio. 

It was Randy Travis on the beach, 

and Barry White in that back seat. 

The ups and downs, my highs and lows, Ive lived them all in stereo, American radio 

Well, I'm still singing along, making up half of the words to the songs 

Of lovers and dreamers and hopeless believers like me. 

No matter where I go I can always find an old friend somewhere there all the time 

To sing me right back home (sing me home) 

ya, Come on sing me right back home on American radio 

American radio, American radio

Someday soon I'm going to change some of the lyrics to include MY songs that have literally gotten me through life.

Last Week in a Nutshell.

So much has been happening the last few days. I have barely even had time to get on the computer, let alone write a blog entry. As some of you may know, I am actively involved in an online message board community, and even they noticed my absence. I signed on Wednesday to see a new topic specifically for me, and asking me where I've been. I should probably be sad to say that people I know only through the internet noticed me being gone, but it actually made me feel pretty special. I guess I should probably look into something other than online communities. ha.

Lets just say I am not too happy with the Army right now, and have experienced some major cons to the military life this week. Drew and I have been having a major financial crisis due to various things, but this month I had a mis-communication with our bank and the car payment for Drew's jeep was withdrawn the same day our rent was also supposed to be deducted. Well, the rent check bounced, so on Tuesday we were frantically trying to get the whole situation worked out, but anything that could go wrong did go wrong. Unfortunately, our Columbus bank account will not automatically deposit out-of-state checks. They put a five day hold on them to clear, which is very inconvenient when you need the money immediately. And, come to find out, absolutely NO store in Columbus will cash personal checks. Drew was allowed to come home for a couple hours to help me, but by the end of the day we gave up hope and realized we would have to pay the fine for the late rent check. 

A friend of ours told us about an Emergency Relief Loan the Army provides for soldiers, which gives a certain amount of money at no interest. When it is ready to be paid back, it can start to be withdrawn from a paycheck. We were told it would be no big deal to apply for, so we decided that that would be the way to go. Of course, though, it did turn into a big deal. Drew applied for it Wednesday morning, and by Wednesday afternoon his first sergeant called him in. The chain of command came to the conclusion that we are "living beyond our means", and we were "ordered" to move to a house on-post. As soon as Drew told me this, I obviously was furious and had plenty of concerns... I don't see how living on-post will help us, when it is going to take all of our BAH? Right now, our apartment is about $100 less than our BAH so how can that be considered living beyond our means? And if they are going to order us to move, they BETTER move all of our stuff for free, and get us out of our lease without any penalties. We also owe the apartment complex a $500 pet fee for having a large dog upon our lease expiration, so are they going to pay that as well?

On Thursday, we went to post and got to walk-through the only house that was available for immediate move in (they wanted us to move by this weekend). It was an old, two-story duplex with three bedrooms, and two and a half bathrooms. Our two bedroom, one and a half bath apartment is too big for us right now. Also, the new house had absolutely no carpet anywhere, and it shared a yard with the neighbors. My biggest concern was that Brody does NOT like little kids, and the first thing we saw when we drove up were the neighbors' three young kids playing in the yard. Fantastic. I expressed these concerns to the housing agent, and she told us of another on-post community that consists of smaller houses with their own fenced yard. We drove through that area, and loved the looks of them. They all were brick, southern-style houses with screened front porches. Of course, none are currently available and we would have to be on a waiting list (anywhere from one week to two months wait). Our plan was to put our name on the list, and hope that Drew's chain of command would be okay with the fact that we are at least trying for on-post housing. 

The next step was to talk to our apartment complex and see what the process would be to break our lease. On Friday, Drew called the finance manager, and was told that the military clause (which protects soldiers from penalty of needing to break a lease due to official orders, such as deployment or PCS) does not cover orders to move on-post, since they are not considered "official". Consequently, we would have to give sixty days notice to vacant the unit, and if we moved out before then, we would still owe two months rent. Also, we would lose our deposit and any money that we have put towards the apartment thus far. 

That pretty much puts the moving plan to a halt. Drew has a four day weekend, so on Tuesday he is going to have to tell his sergeant that there is no possible way moving would help us. Please pray that they understand, because they have the ability to make our lives hell if they choose to do so.

On a happier note, Drew has a FOUR DAY WEEKEND!! I have been hanging out with Amanda a lot this week, also. Wednesday we went shopping for a birthday present for our friend Jessica's son, who had his first birthday on Friday. Then on Thursday we took her dogs to Flat Rock Park and walked one of the trails. Friday, I went with her to take her dogs to the veterinary clinic on-post, which was an experience in itself. The entire hospital was unorganized and chaotic, and neither of us felt comfortable. There were way too many dogs crammed into one small lobby. Fortunately, both her dogs were excellent. I think they were more relaxed than we were.

Yesterday, Drew and I went to Danny's first birthday party and had an awesome time. Danny is SO adorable, and he was very worn out at the end of the party. Everyone stayed long after he fell asleep, and we didn't get home until after midnight. When we got home, I set the alarm clock wrong and it didn't go off to wake us up for church. Last Sunday we were in Nashville, so this is the second time in a row we have missed it. We feel horrible, so have agreed to do extra devotionals and bible studies tonight.

Today has been a lazy day. Right now we are watching Mr. Brooks... one of my favorite movies ever. Later we are going to go to Winn-Dixie, because we finally have some money to get groceries. Drew and I have made a pact to start eating healthier and get in better shape.

Which reminds me that I forgot to write about the Fitness Boot Camp I have enrolled myself in. I'll write much more about that in the next post!

Love,

Katelyn

Healing Hand of God

I have seen the many faces of fear and of pain

I have watched the tears fall plenty from heart ache and strain

So if life's journey has you weary and afraid

There´s rest in the shadow of His wings

I have walked through the valleys, the mountains and plains

I have held the hand of freedom that washes all my stains

If you feel the weight of many trials and burdens from this world

There´s freedom in the shelter of the Lord

I have seen the healing hand of God

Reaching out and mending broken hearts

Taste and see the fullness of His peace,

And hold on to what´s being held out

The healing hand of God

I have touched the scars upon His hands

To see if they were real

He has walked the road before me

He knows just how I feel

When you feel there is not anyone

Who understands your pain

Just remember all of Jesus' suffering

I have seen the healing hand of God

Reaching out and mending broken hearts

Taste and see the fullness of His peace,

And hold on to what´s being held out

The healing hand of God

Cast all your cares on Him for He cares for you

He's near to the broken and confused

By His stripes our spirit is renewed

So enter in the joy prepared for you

I have seen the healing hand of God

Reaching out and mending broken hearts

Taste and see the fullness of His peace, 

And hold on to what´s being held out

The healing hand of God.

Thank you Jeremy Camp.

This song has gotten me through a HORRIBLE day.

Country Lover's Dream!

Wow I just realized how long it has been since I last wrote. Time flies by when your husband is actually HOME! Drew got home around 4 pm on Wednesday (I foolishly trusted his sergeants when they quoted a dismissal time of 10 am. Never again!) and we celebrated by going out to eat. He, with the help of my strong hints, chose Olive Garden for dinner and we had a wonderful time. In the middle of dinner, though, we suddenly realized we were missing our finance class. Its the first time we have just completely forgotten about it, and it made the situation worse due to the fact we were out spending money. Whoops. Drew hadn't had a good meal in a week, though, and it was much needed. Besides, when that Black Tie Mousse Cake arrived at our table it was like God saying, "Yes, you both deserve this." Okay, MAYBE I'm pulling at strings there, but overall dinner was worth it and our budget will be back in full swing for this week. 

On Thursday, Drew left for PT at 4 am, and got dismissed right after their morning session. He was back home at 9 am before I was even out of bed. He broke the news to me that they would have the weekend off! Finally! The first free weekend in a month!

In late December, we had bought tickets for a show at the Grand Ol' Opry and were planning a weekend trip to Nashville. Well, when we got to Nashville, we ended up finding an American Bulldog puppy for sale (now commonly known as Brody) and our plans changed. Drew called the Opry and asked if there was a way to keep the tickets on hold for a future show. To my disbelief, they did agree to hold the tickets and we could redeem them at any time. Or so I thought. Where the miscommunication occurred, I have no idea, but the truth was that the tickets would only be held until the end of January, and apparently Drew knew that. 

So my thought on Thursday morning... What would we do with our free weekend? Well, redeem our Opry tickets and spend time in Nashville, of course! I checked the internet to see who would be playing, and low and behold... Carrie Underwood and Josh Turner! Some of my favorites! I was ecstatic, and couldn't believe my luck.

See a problem with this story?

When I finally told Drew my plan, he got this, "Oh man, I'm in trouble" look on his face. "Baby, the tickets were only good until the end of January... I thought you knew that... I thought you were just going to let them go... I didn't know you had been thinking about them this whole time..." blah blah blah. What?!?! Why would I just nonchalantly let GRAND OL' OPRY tickets go?! I'm a country music fanatic, I would hold onto those with my life. I was defeated, and upset. I took a shower, and when I got out I heard Drew on the phone with someone, so I hurriedly threw on some clothes and ran into the living room. 

"Uh hi ma'am, my wife and I had bought tickets to a show in December, but never used them and put them on hold, and I was wondering if they are still available ... Oh they expired in January? ... Oh, well I'm in the military and have not had any available time to use them and this is my first available weekend, and we were unaware that the tickets would expire, and ... [I need to give my wife a special weekend, and this would mean so much to her, and she is terminally ill and it would be her last dying wish to go the wonderful and historic Grand Ol Opry, and you would just be a hero to us if you could pull some strings...] (okay, that was an edit but you get the point). In the end, the manager told Drew that she would call him back and let him know if we could use the tickets for Saturday night's show, which was already "Sold Out." 

Sure enough, a half hour later she called back and said we could redeem the tickets for the last two side-by-side seats in the house. They were limited view mezzanine seats, but we were in. 

Did I mention I have the best husband ever?

Friday night, we went out with two of Drew's friends to play pool (which I was awesome at!!) and for hookah. We went to Waffle House at 1 am, and have decided it is SO much better than Denny's, especially late at night. Oh, and I absolutely love grits. Who would have known?

We left for Nashville Saturday morning, Brody in tow, and took our time on the way. We stopped a few times, including Atlanta for Starbucks. Finally in Nashville, we explored Opryland Hotel and downtown. The show was at 9:30 at the Opry and was so good!! I loved it. Even Drew liked it, which surprised me (he's not exactly the classic country type). Ray Price also performed, and I have to admit, he is a dang good singer for being over 80 years old. After the show, we went to Dave & Buster's for dinner. I had never been before, but always heard people talking about it, so figured it would be a  good opportunity. It did not disappoint!

Well, now we are back home and yet again, I'm sitting here waiting for Drew. I'm looking forward to Dancing With the Stars season premier tonight. My mom just told me that Melissa from the Bachelor will be competing. She was a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader, so I think she will be really good. There is my fluff talk for the day. haha.

Hope everyone has a fabulous day!!

Right here waiting....

Drew was supposed to be home at 10 am this morning, but has yet to walk through the door. Urgh. 

Brody is doing much better this morning. He made it through the night without needing to go outside, and his diarrhea is completely gone. There is still three days worth of antibiotics, but Brody is starting to get smart about swallowing the pill. I have to back his butt up to a corner so that he can't run away from me, and it usually takes three tries to get him to swallow. He really is the best puppy ever, and I pray that he grows out of his nervous personality.

QOTD:

What do you collect?

Model racehorses. Anything horse related, really. And I used to collect souvenir spoons, but have been lacking lately.

Blah.

I don't really feel like writing today. I'm in a pretty down mood. I just miss Drew, and am worried about Brody. I took him to the vet today and have to keep him on a bland diet and antibiotics for the next few days, but the main problem is just his personality in general. He is SO timid and nervous about anything and everything. So much so, that I'm scared he will turn aggressive as he gets older. Yesterday Amanda came over to the apartment and Brody never really did warm up to her, and she was never able to pet any part of him except the top of his head. 

Drew called me this morning when I was still half-asleep and we talked for about ten minutes. He should be home Wednesday morning. It seems like forever away.

Politically Correct Debate

I've been getting involved in this debate board lately, and its really interesting. I didn't mean to get addicted to it, but I posted my opinion on one topic, and now find myself responding to many other topics. 

Here's the one that has my interest today:

Do you use the words gay and retarded a lot? For example, "That's gay," meaning "that's stupid." Or, "God, you're so retarded," etc.
Do you find it acceptable? Unacceptable?
Do you use it in private, around friends you trust? Not at all?

Anyone who knows me and is reading this probably just laughed, because you know that I use the term retarded ALL the time. Last year, on my Myspace, I even had one fact about me written: I use the terms "jerk" and "retard" quite frequently. They are terms of endearment =)

Key to the following debate: Red = My Side  Blue = Opposing Side

Here's my response to the original questions:

I use both terms frequently, particularly retarded, and have never met anyone who has been offended (or at least, told me so) by the way I use the words, because its pretty obvious that I do NOT mean them in an offensive way towards a particular group of people.

Just to point out, I have a good friend who's brother is mentally challenged, and two of my co-workers/friends are lesbians, and when I'm around them I do make a conscious effort to not use those words, but when I slip they did not take offense to it, and laugh.

I think this society is way too caught up in political correctness, as I was also saying in the other thread on this topic. My friends and I call each other "Gangsta" sometimes, and "Hobo". Do we mean it in a derogatory way towards those groups? Not at all. Its just the generation of 20-something year-olds and younger that have made this terminology the norm, and I don't have a problem with it when its not blatantly used against a certain group.

This was the first post in the thread from someone who does not find these terms politically incorrect, so obviously, I got a lot of questions in return. Fortunately, other people on my side started jumping in and holding up my end of the debate.

If you don't think these words are offensive and it's okay to use them, why would you try not to use them in front of those people? Obviously you realize that there might be something wrong in doing that. If you had a child with Down Syndrome would you want others to use the word retarded when making fun of something? This has nothing to do with political correctness, it's plain and simple, it's cruel.

[Following response courtesy of another user]

To me this debate isn't just about the word retarded, or the word gay. It's about language & the bottom line is there will always be a word or phrase that another is going to find offensive. ...
I also disagree with the argument that because someone chooses to not use a word around a certain someone, due to whatever the reason may be that that person would then have to admit that they ARE indeed wrong & that word shouldn't be used. No, it's called being polite & there's nothing wrong with that, but neither does it mean that using that word is wrong. As an example, I have friends who are a certain religion & so there are words I refrain from using around them, it's not because *I* feel the words are wrong I am simply trying to be respectful of them. It's a situation I think we will all find ourselves in & we use our best judement while in them. If this is the example that's going to be used then I'm going to go out on a limb and say were ALL wrong in one way or another, because no doubt every single one of us will at one point in our lives find ourselves in a similar situation, & while in that situation we'll have to decide how best to behave.

Words are never just words. They are what we use to communicate, they are all we have. Can you(general you, that uses these words) really find no other way of expressing yourselves other than using gay or retarded? Why would you still want to use them? Since there are so many words, why not pick others that don't insult entire groups of people. I guess I just don't get how anyone can justify using them.

My response:

Anything and everything can be seen as Politically Incorrect. If someone chooses to do so, they can take offense to any chosen word. I wouldn't even put in the effort to come up with a "nicer" word to say, because give it a couple years and it will probably come up in a debate. 
I mean, people take offense to the word CHRISTMAS now. How dare we say Merry Christmas, because thats offensive.
Lets see...
Should white be changed to Caucasian?
Black to African American?
Short to vertically challenged?
Old to experienced?
Fat to big boned?

I could go on and on.

I disagree that "anyone can take offense". If you say "that's so gay" and you mean something is stupid or bad or lame, how is that "anyone can take offense"?

Because I believe its a choice to be offended. I mean, obviously some things are so blatantly rude if said directly to someone. But, if its said in a joking manner and not meant towards any specific PERSON, then what is there to be offended at? It wasn't directed at you. And besides, its usually said over a situation or to an object... It doesn't even compare.

[Different User]:

I use the word retarded and gay. I never mean it in an offensive way and would never use the word r.etarded to someone who is mentally challenged. Not because I am ashamed that I use the word, but because I do not mean it in the way of making fun of someone who is mentally slow. If I knew specifically that someone did not like the word or was truly offended by it then yes, I would try to respect that and not use that word.
I try not to be offended by every little thing. I try to remember when I hear people speaking that most of the time people aren't trying to be mean and I feel that without malicious intent then there is nothing to get bent out of shape over.

I would still like to know from those of you who do not think the use of the word retarded is wrong, would you feel different if YOUR child had special needs?
As an adult, we can rationalize the meaning of a word. A child can't. If people walk around thinking it's okay to use such a word and you say it in front of a child that does not give the outward appearance of having a special need, are you seriously okay with having hurt that child/mother's feelings just because YOU think the word is "just a word" and someone like me and my [daughter] just need to get over it?
Politically correct or not, there are just some words or images that are wrong to say or use. I don't need someone to be pc around me and my kid. I need people to be caring and compassionate.

Me:

I can't speak the WHAT IF I had a child with special needs. Yes, perhaps my viewpoint would be altered, but from my current perspective I wouldn't see that happening. I would be concerned for my child's feelings, but even children without special needs get their feelings hurt all the time in school and in the real world, and its up to the parents to be their safe zone and reassuring place. Nobody can shelter their children so much as to not get their feelings hurt. I'm not judging your parenting AT ALL, but thats just my honest opinion. From what I've seen through my high school years (which only ended two years ago), kids are just as mean to kids like them than to those that are different.

What you're not understanding, or choosing not to understand, is that kids with special needs do not JUST have the capacity to get over it just because you want to keep using the word. It's not about me changing my parenting style. My [daughter] has Asperger's and there is a 60% rate of clinical depression amongst kids with Asperger's in their teenage years. MORE THAN HALF. Just because people think that I'm the one who needs to grow a thicker skin? Or that I need to teach my [daughter] that she does? What if she does not have the mental capacity to grasp what YOU want her to? Why can't you just think beyond yourself and what you WANT to say. If it doens't hurt YOUR feelings, but it does hurt someone else's, why can't you see that and choose something esle to say? This word, retarted, is not about being politically correct.

I understand that I'm not in a position to pretend that I know a lot about children with special needs, or have any knowledge about Asperger's, and I find your information interesting. However, I strongly believe that if people who have the same viewpoints as me were associated with your daughter, we would NOT be contributing to the problem. A) Because obviously it shouldn't be said around your daughter, anyone would agree to that and B) I would not use the term around you if I knew you felt so strongly against it.
We DO NOT use the term in a demeaning or malicious way. In fact, the only way that you would ever hear me use it is if you happened to overhear a conversation between my friends and I. I don't go around town purposely calling things or people retarded.

The poster goes on to describe the trials she has personally been through with her daughter's feelings being hurt, and her viewpoint as a mother with a special needs child. I don't want to post her personal issues for the sake of her privacy, but the stories are very touching and really made my heart go out to her and her daughter.

My final reply:

I can honestly say that you have opened my eyes to speaking like this in public and to people I don't know well enough. I'm not going to say I will try to stop saying those terms with friends, but I will recall your situation if I accidentally say it in the hearing-span of strangers. I don't have kids yet, but in the future I definitely don't want my children to be the ones that hurt or segregated your daughter. I understand that I will need to make a conscious effort to not say it in front of my children.
I will still debate this topic, but your story did soften me and I think you're doing a great job as an advocate for your viewpoint. Thanks for being willing to share so much of your personal life.

And her:

OMG. I SWEAR to you that this is the nicest thing ANYONE has EVER said to me. You don't even know me, or my daughter, or what I have gone through here, and yet you were willing to put yourself with me while reading my words. Thank you. Really. Your post just meant so much to me, I'm in tears as I'm typing.
You truly, TRULY "got" what I was trying to say.
Thank you.

So I guess, technically, I lost the debate. But it does feel good. Its amazing how just having respect for someone else's opinions and being able to see their point of view can impact so much. Pretty cool.