Day 20- Your Views on Drugs and Alcohol

I remember doing the D.A.R.E. program in elementary school and junior high. I was proud to wear my black t-shirt and participate in all the activities to promote against using drugs and alcohol. Oh, how times have changed.... LOL



No, I'm not a druggie or a boozer. I'm just a human being that has, through self-education and personal experience, have made proper judgements toward using drugs and alcohol. As much of an experimental person that I am, I do have my limits... and those limits are definitely in the drug category.

Alcohol:
I'll admit it, I am a fan. Domestic beers, mixed fruity drinks, malt liquors, wine, and hard liquors... I have my favorites in all of those categories. Most of the time, I drink when in social situations, but there is the occasional time where I order a drink or two with dinner or just have a glass of wine while sitting out on the back deck enjoying the weather. I do not drink to get drunk. To me that's just not appealing. However, if I am playing drinking games and it involves hard liquor, I either stop and switch to water or decide not to drive home. As long as people know what their limit is and they don't try to drive or something else while under the influence that could get themselves hurt or killed, then I don't see anything wrong with it. It would also be a little hypocritical of me to work at a bar and grille if I thought alcohol was the worst thing in the world.

Marijuana:
I've always been curious to trying marijuana, and I've done it a few times (and pretty recently, but I don't necessarily want to admit the details on that, lol). I've hit off a bong and I've smoked blunts (and yes, I inhaled... no Bill Clinton syndrome here). I know how it feels to be high off of marijuana. I also remember learning in D.A.R.E. that marijuana is the "gateway" drug that leads you to trying others. Yea, that's bullshit. I also have been educating myself on the legalization of marijuana (which I fully support). I see how it helps out people with medical ailments, especially to cancer patients who have little to no appetite. Oh, and smoking weed is a HELL of a lot healthier than smoking cigarettes (and there are no addictive substances).

Cocaine/Crack: My only interest in this is watching the movie Blow.



Heroin: I can't think of this without referring to the scene in Pulp Fiction where she mistakes it for cocaine. Other than the enjoyment of watching this in the movie, I am not interested.

Meth: I've had a couple close friends use it. They had some interesting stories... and I'm definitely not interested in trying it.

Shrooms: Not Interested, but I had a friend use them occasionally in college.

PCP: Not Interested

Acid: Not Interested

LSD: Not Interested

Ecstacy: This one I am on the fence about. It might be fun to try, but I don't think I ever will *Shrugs*

Caffeine: My body is a little dependent on it from time to time.... and I don't feel guilty at all because it's LEGAL!!!!

Other Drugs That I Can't Think of: Not Interested

So, there's my views on drugs and alcohol. I told you I wasn't a druggie or alcohol abuser!!!   :-P


Wait....



Is chocolate a drug??? That one can be a problem for me, hehe....

Day 19- What Do You Think of Religion? or Politics?

I'm not going to talk about religion. I already did that, remember??? If you didn't, here's the link.

*rubs hands together*

This is all about politics! Funny how I have blogged about the two subjects that are considered no-no's in social situations. What can I say??? I love the controversy! I consider myself a Moderate, leaning toward the Liberal side. No, I don't have mixed feelings on issues, I just happen to have viewpoints that fall on both ends of the political spectrum.



When I was 20, I took an American National Politics class at Longview. One of the activities we did was to take a test to see where we stood politically. It asked all kinds of questions, from viewpoints on the death penalty, taxes, gun control, and abortion, among others. After tallying up the results, I noticed I had an even number of conservative and liberal answers. So I was literally a moderate.

Since I took that class (and received an A... go me!), I have been a lot more active in educating myself on issues. Some of the issues that really peaked my interest include the legalization of marijuana, Proposition 8 (gay marriage in California), and Senate Bill 586 (Missouri Strip Club Laws). I found myself spending hours researching them on the Internet and thinking about how they would affect businesses, people, and the economy.

The one I was most passionate about was Senate Bill 586. Matt Bartle (R) decided to present a bill that placed a lot of limits to the adult entertainment industry. It passed this summer, and has greatly impacted the industry... and not in a good way. I don't mind the fact that such businesses are not allowed to be within 1,000 feet of certain businesses, like schools and residential areas. What bothers me is the fact that those facilities can no longer have alcohol, the dancers in the strip clubs cannot strip down any less than wearing a bikini, and that some businesses are losing a lot of money due to the fact that they have to be closed by midnight. This is virtually killing off a lot of business in the state. I predict that all of the bordering states of Missouri (and yes there's 8 of them) will profit off this. We will see a lot of residents crossing state lines to be entertained from time to time. Needless to say, I do not support this law at all. I'm keeping an eye on it because there are already lawsuits from strip club owners and employees.

I personally believe that everyone should attempt to get involved in politics. I'm not saying to the extreme, but just enough that you understand what issues are affecting your community, your state, and nationally. There's nothing wrong with that... you just may learn new things and prevent yourself from doing something that may cost you later. Knowledge is power, people! Educate yourself!!!

Happy Birthday!

On November 19, 1983, at 8:57 am... a little girl was born, weighing 6 pounds, 8 ounces.

27 years later... and a lifetime's amount of trials, tribulations and excitement... I am here today and ready to have a great birthday!

I must give a shout out to others who share my birthday.... Nancy Caldwell, Leslie Sanford, Bruce Stimpson, and Elizabeth Robertson. Also, celebrities... Meg Ryan, Jodi Foster, Calvin Klein, and former Chiefs player Larry Johnson.

And now.... birthday songs!!!









Yes, I had to be a dork, didn't I??? LOL

Day 18- Your Views on Gay Marriage

"Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found. Such a union, often formalized via a wedding ceremony, may also be called matrimony." -wikipedia.org

Marriage is a beautiful thing. It is also something that is regulated by the government. The government prevents bigamy and multiple marriages from legally happening. It keeps records in city and state offices. It also regulates individuals under 18 to gain permission from a parent or legal guardian before they are allowed to marry. But, they do not recognize gay marriage. I see that as a problem in our society.



I am 100% supportive of gay marriage. When it comes down to it, I don't see why gender has to be a factor when wanting to get married. It's not like the gay community is another species... we are all human beings and are capable of falling in love. It's like the government wants to pick and choose what the gay community can and cannot do. Can they adopt a child? Yes. Can they get same-sex benefits at many employers across the country? Yes. Can they marry? No.

I'm sorry, but that's fucked up.

This is a major reason why I have been following Proposition 8 in California, especially since the Supreme Court declared the ban on same sex marriages unconstitutional back in August. With the election results from a couple weeks ago, the California voters have elected (or re-elected) officials that are in support of Proposition 8 (even though most of the country voted Republican). I am glad to see that the people have continued to show their support with gay marriage.

A few weeks ago, one of my good friends posted a couple videos from http://www.funnyordie.com/ onto my facebook. I came across one called Prop 8: The Musical...



This was an extremely entertaining and smart video. I applaud Funny or Die for taking the time to create this, and I loved how many celebrities got involved. I hope that this helped many people realize that gay marriage isn't a bad thing. It's just a simple concept about love. I wish that more political issues could be expressed this way... more individuals my age would probably be more involved in politics then.

I'm going to keep an eye on Proposition 8 and how the Supreme Court will handle things in the coming weeks. Then I hope to see in future elections (hopefully as early as the next Presidential election) that more states will propose same-sex marriages. Oh, and that I will be able to attend a gay wedding someday soon!

Day 17-A Book You've Read That Changed Your Views on Something

When I was in high school, I noticed some of my friends were getting really into this book series, even forming get togethers to discuss the awesomeness of these books. Then, I was at a guy friend's house, where he decided to pop in the movie based on the first book. I just rolled my eyes thinking this is just kid's stuff... I'm not going to get wrapped up in this trend.

So then I'm in my first semester of college, in awesome St. Louis. I'm noticing news stories where religious groups are burning the books because of their satanic beliefs. I have professors discussing the books in class, and raving about how excellent they are (and I was going to a Catholic-based university). Hmm... these books have sparked controversy and are becoming more and more popular. I thought that maybe I wrote off these books too soon and consider giving them a chance.

In early October 2002, I'm walking around Target and decide to buy the first two books. They were inexpensive and I thought that if I didn't like them, I could just return them. I head back to my dorm room, with some Halloween shaped mini frosted cookies, and start the first chapter. A few chapters later, I knew that this was the beginning of a wonderful journey (and returned to Target the next evening to buy the other two books that were published).



I had finally become a fan of the Harry Potter books.



It's funny how something I thought was ridiculous at 17 turned out to become my favorite book series of all time. Sometimes unexpected sources will make you rethink your views on something... and work wonders. I also learned how society, especially hardcore Christians, judged these books before they read them. There are no satanic beliefs, the characters celebrate Christmas and Easter! They aren't promoting witchcraft, they are just people who have wizarding talents in their DNA. I recalled at the end of my semester in St. Louis, discussing with my Great Aunt that the books are not bad. I recommended that they are ideal for older children, and individuals my age.

I am happy to say that I own all seven books (in hardback) and with the exception of the first film, have seen all the movies in theaters (most of them at the midnight showings). With that said, I am looking forward to this weekend, since part one of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows will be in theaters (actually, on my birthday). I'm going to try to go to the midnight showing, if there are any tickets left! If not, sometime during the day Friday. I can picture it now... and am really excited to see how well they do with the final book!!!

Day 16- Someone or Something You Definately Could Live Without

Allergies suck.

Once, sometimes twice a year, I have to deal with seasonal allergies. Most of my allergies come from pollen and dander, so I try to avoid the outdoors for a couple weeks in the Spring, and sometimes a week in the Fall. Sometimes it feels like I just have a cold, but other times, it can make me feel completely miserable.





When I was little, I had some extreme cases of allergy attacks. I remember rubbing my eyes to the point where the bags under my eyes got so swollen that I could barely see, or my eyes would be so dry that it was difficult to blink. I used to have nosebleeds that lasted for a half-hour or more. It got pretty annoying having to hold tissue while pinching your nose for that long, not to mention how red my nose would be afterwards. My body would randomly breakout with hives... and had to take those weird oatmeal type baths to get rid of them. I had to deal with these ailments until my family and I moved to Lee's Summit.

I don't know if it was because we were living in a brand new house or if I was just growing out of it, but my allergies got significantly better. The nosebleeds virtually disappeared. I was not dependent on allergy medications. It was a huge sigh of relief to be able to spend more time outdoors.



My allergies remain pretty mild to this day. However, I do keep my own personal stash of Claritin just in case I need to use them. It's still annoying having a runny nose or dealing with itchy eyes, but I deal with it like every other allergy sufferer out there. But, if there was a way for me to live without allergies, I would take advantage of it in a heartbeat! Here's to wishful thinking...

Day 15- Something or Someone You Couldn't Live Without, Because You've Tried Living Without It

We all go though many things in life, causing some sacrifices to get you through the days. I've been able to make some decisions in the past where I could live without things, mostly in the entertainment route or having the ability to make materialistic purchases. However, something that I gave up for a while made me realize how much I relied on it and needed once it was gone... a social life.

When I was 19, I was going to college and I had a part time job. I had plenty of time to gather with friends. Some of us would go to Orlando's to dance each weekend (since it was one of few bars where you could get in at 18). Other times, I would meet up with people at the drive-in, or any of the many restaurants around town. It was fun, carefree, and you never know where you would end up next. I absolutely loved those days and took in every moment.

I miss those days a lot.

I touched on my inactive social life a little bit on my Sacrifices blog. Spending more than half of your waking hours each week to take care of an ailing grandparent, then spending the rest of the week at home doing normal household activities really makes a social life non existent. I'm not saying that if I were able to go back in time and change that, I would. I actually would leave things as they were, since I was able to be there for my family.. through the good and stressful moments. Plus, when I was married to Brian, he would get out and socialize, leaving me at home with Truman, or I would be at work.

It can really mess with your head when you aren't able to spend time with friends. I'm surprised I was able to deal with it so well. Then again, there is this website called Facebook... lol. However, I do have a good ending to what I've noticed is a little bit of a sob story.

Four months ago, my social life came back... with a vengeance!!! It started with my first time going to The Rocky Horror Picture Show. After that.... meeting with the girls at several different bars/clubs in the city, going to the movies, bachelorette parties, my sister's wedding, bonfires, hanging out at friend's houses (watching movies, drinking beer, telling stories), and more!!! It feels awesome being able to spend time with my friends again, plus getting to know new ones better. It's amazing how much you really missed having the ability to get out and socialize when it's been close to nonexistent for a long time.

*Grabs social life..... doesn't want to let go.

Day 14: A Hero That Has Let You Down

I really don't have a hero that has let me down, so I am going to change this one up a little bit!!! To all comic book geeks/lovers out there, I dedicate this blog to you!



Dear Batman,



You have been widely admired by the masses. In my lifetime, there have been six live-action films, one pretty awesome afternoon television show, and lots of rides named after you and your enemies in Six Flags theme parks (among many other things). Even though you are very popular, I have a major grievance with you as a superhero, and it sorely disappoints me because I am a fan.

When I think of superheroes, I expect for he/she to be born with some extraordinary skill or talent or that something happened to them that caused them to gain those things. Think about it. The X-Men were all born with their talents, same thing with the superheroes in The Incredibles. Superman was born on a different planet where they all had extraordinary talents compared to us on Earth. Spiderman exists because Peter Parker was bitten by a radioactive spider. The Hulk was a result of genetic mutation. You don't apply to any of these.




Now, I do give you credit for dealing with the murder of your parents in your youth (sorry that happened to you, by the way), causing you to seek vengeance against those who did that. That also happened to Matthew Murdock (aka. Daredevil) and Peter Parker. Vengeance is huge in the comic book world... and it also drives you guys to continue to capture criminals after your initial hunt.

Most superheroes have mediocre or poor jobs, causing them to deal with their crime solving without financial assistance. As Bruce Wayne, you are a very successful businessman. This allows you to be able to afford all the wonderful gadgets and vehicles you rely on to fight crime. If you were not born into the family, or the industry, you would probably have never been able to become Batman in the first place. You would just be a normal, average person that would have spent the rest of your life wanting to seek revenge for your parent's murders. Or, you would have found the right people, killed them, and would be serving a lifetime sentence. Either way... money doesn't buy happiness, for you it just adds fuel to the fire.

I'm sorry I had to blow up your ego like that, but it had to be said. I just cant take you seriously as a superhero. It's bad when I consider Mermaid Man and Barnacle Boy better superheroes than you, since they have natural abilities unlike yourself. I mean, if you can live with that fact, then good for you! Just know that you won't be able to convince me that you are the best superhero out there. Sorry.




Good luck with teaming up with Robin and Batgirl,

Casey Leigh

Quotable

We all have them. Movies that have so many good lines that, between yourself and a few friends, can basically sum up the entire story. A lot of these quotable movies are comedies, but there is the occasional drama or cult film that works its way into the list. I have several movies, comedies and others, that I quote more than some of my absolute favorite films. Please enjoy these movies and the lines that I just love to quote!!!

The Hangover


"You just nailed the baby!" "Are my glasses okay?"
"They gave out rings during the Holocaust?"



"Not at the table, Carlos."
"When I woke up on the roof, I found $80,000 of Bellagio chips in my pocket. Looks like we're going home with some money, boys!"
"Hey! There's Skittles in there!!!"





Pulp Fiction


"In the fifth, my ass goes down."
"That's a pretty fucking good milkshake. I don't know if it's worth five dollars but it's pretty fucking good."
"I'll be there in three shakes of a lamb's tail."
"Oh man. I shot Marvin in the face."





Office Space


"I could set the building on fire."
"I have eight different bosses right now."
"PC Load Letter"? What the fuck does that mean?"
"I can't believe what a bunch of nerds we are. We're looking up "money laundering" in a dictionary."



Waiting...


"There are few things in this world more unsettling than going in the back to grab some condiments and end up staring at a huge, steaming pile of cock."
"Yeah and take anything that he gives you with a shot of penicillin."



"Ma'am, I don't doubt the steak was over-cooked, but did you have to eat it all before you complained about it?"
"You know, we should probably feel guilty, but she broke the cardinal rule. Don't fuck with people that handle your food."




Forrest Gump


"Dear God, make me a bird. So I could fly far. Far far away from here."
"Mama always said, dying was a part of life. I sure wish it wasn't."
"Stupid is as stupid does."
"That's all I have to say about that."





Napoleon Dynamite


"She said she doesn't want you here when she gets back because you've been ruining everybody's lives and eating all our steak!"
"Vote for me, and all your wildest dreams will come true."
"Napoleon, give me some of your tots."





Dumb and Dumber


"Just when I thought you couldn't possibly be any dumber, you go and do something like this... and totally redeem yourself!"
"We got no food, no jobs... our PETS' HEADS ARE FALLING OFF!"



"They're driving an '84... Sheepdog."
"That's as good as money, sir. Those are I.O.U.'s"





Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby


"Someone didn't love you enough when you were little, did they?"
"Hi, I'm Ricky Bobby. If you don't chew Big Red, then fuck you."
"If you ain't first, you're last."




Boondock Saints


"Fuck ass!!!"
"Now, you Irish cops are perking up. That's two sound theories in one day, neither of which deal with abnormally sized men. Kind of makes me feel like Riverdancing."
"I ain't getting him no fucking bagel."




Clerks II


"I left the coffee pot on again, didn't I?"
"Say what you will about Jesus, but leave the "Rings" out of this."
"How the fuck do you always have like two good-looking girls who want you?"
"Sometimes, in the heat of the moment, it's forgivable to go ass to mouth."



And... to finish off my quotable blog.... I have this video of 100 Best Movie Lines in 200 Seconds!

Day 13: A Band or Artist that has Gotten You Through Some Tough-Ass Days

Dear David Cook,



I have been a fan of yours since I watched your audition on American Idol. Your voice was captivating and I was excited to watch you move forward each week and perform some amazing songs! I was a fan of the show before your season, but having a Kansas City connection made things a lot more exciting! I was there at Blue Springs High school during your Homecoming and watched the mayor give you a key to the city. When Ryan Seacrest called your name as the winner, I was so happy for you that I started to cry. It was very cool to walk around town and see David Cook t-shirts everywhere. But, with all your achievements in landing your dream job, you also helped me.

At the time that you were on the show, I was in the middle of going through a divorce. The man I was married to was verbally and physically abusive, and he put me in a very dark place. I'm normally have a very positive, outgoing personality and some of that had disappeared. Somehow, watching you on the show each week gave me something to look forward to, and eventually brought me out of the darkness. Since then, I am back to being the happy, outgoing girl that everyone loved about me. I have continued to follow your career and have seen you in concert four times.

My son became a fan of you, just by watching American Idol with me. One day in late 2008, I was walking around Blockbuster when I realized that your brother, Andrew, was in the store. He ended up behind my son, my sister, and I at the checkout line. My son starts talking to him (like he did with a lot of people at that age, he's a very friendly kid) and starts bringing up that he just saw David Cook and David Archuleta on the Teen Choice Awards earlier that evening. I burst out half-laughing, half in shock that my kid would talk about that, of all things, to Andrew. Your brother was very cool about it, he replied to my son "Well, did you know that David Cook is my brother?" Ever since then, my son sporadically talks about meeting David Cook's brother at Blockbuster.

I am proud to be a fan of yours. I loved your first album and am anxiously awaiting to hear you second one, whenever it comes out. I know you have been working hard and hope to be as entertained with it as the last one!
Thank you for being you.



Always a fan,

Casey Leigh    :-)