*Toastmasters*

Well, I just went as guest to one of those Toastmasters public speaking clubs, thinking I would not like it at all. It was actually really fun and I am considering joining, especially since I have not joined an official club since my days in 4-H. I was actually a guest to their holiday party, so I figured I would get up and speak a little bit since I showed up and ate their food. I actually won a prize too! I was definitely the youngest person there by far, as usual. The group seems pretty nice and supportive though, with each person having their own quirks and what not.

It couldn't hurt to get more used to public speaking, especially since my last speech was during my Masters degree program when I ended up passing out...haha fun times :p. I was luckily behind a podium, and most people did not notice at first because I am only a mere 5' 3''. I am just glad that never happened in high school, where people would be less concerned if i was okay or not...and more concerned about pointing and laughing at me, LOL.

But on another note, I cannot wait for this day at work to end...there are 2.5 to 3 hours standing between me and the holiday!!!!

I haven't updated this blog in a loooong time!

Hey everyone! I just might start up this blog thing again...it has been forever! xoxo

Oh and ps...I am not married anymore, so that last post does not necessarily apply anymore. It was for the better though, I am much happier now with a much more deserving man <3!!!! :)

*A thought*

When I had to drive my boss to our other office today, it left me really thinking about some things. We were discussing how what was your normal social life when you were single completely changes when you get married. This is not necessarily a bad thing, just a normal course of life. When single people want to do something on a whim, it is not as easy to just up and do those things. You have dinner to make, cleaning to do, and then getting to bed in a decent time because your job is depending on you to be there. And when people want to do Friday and weekend events, that is the only time you can really spend with your spouse for long periods of time outside of work. Granted, I do still definitely make time for special friends. And when you are married you have the whole opposite sex friends issue, and you have to make sure your spouse is comfortable with that. Sometimes I just have a problem with people complaining that we never see each other, but then they can never commit to a time/day to see you...and you no longer work on a whim. I guess it is fairly obvious, but I guess it is just something I never put much thought into.

On a side note, the new bathroom project is coming along nicely, just lots of mess and clean up along the way.

Funny clips to go with my post

Haha dooooomed (I couldn't embed this for some reason)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IATr2I2VgSY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IrR9iHH9psQ

The infamous "pull the stick out" clip

The cutest one, Aaden!

Haha...wow...

Kate Gosselin...as bad as the octo-mom?

I figured I would start a blog and see how it goes!

I just felt that I had to make some comments about the Jon and Kate Plus 8 show on TLC. I don’t know if any of you watch this show, but if you do, I would also like to know your opinions on this.

Lately there have been all of these cheating scandal stories, that Jon is cheating with a 23 year old and that Kate is cheating with her bodyguard. And if you watch Season Four, you can definitely tell a difference in their marital dynamic as compared to the previous seasons. But anyway, cheating or not cheating, I think it is really sick how Kate in particular is exploiting her children in order to make money, and it is especially sad how their marriage is diminishing partially because of the show and the toll it will or already is taking on their children.

Then Kate’s own brother and sister in law come out and say the show is a sham and has been for a long time. Apparently, Kate came to Jon six months ago and told him that it was over. But she wanted to continue doing the show, so it is rumored that he can have girlfriends on the side and that they can lead separate lives, but have to ham it up for the cameras. I mean, their kids may be young, but they aren’t blind or stupid. Jon and Kate may think their kids are not aware, but if their parents are never together…they can probably start to at least notice a difference. Apparently, Jon wanted to quit the show but Kate insisted that they continue on. Kate’s brother also noted how Kate comes off as “Super-Mom,” baking, cleaning, doing laundry, etc…when that is far from the truth. She has help for that, which is fine…but don’t act like you do everything all on your own then!

Apparently they make around 75k per episode, with Season 4 having about 40 episodes. So, if you think about it…college is not an issue for all 8 of their children. Plus, Kate never appears exhausted or worn out anymore, she even has time to get her hair done, her make-up is always perfect, she gets those horrendous orange fake tans now, etc. She NEVER looks like what a mother of twins and sextuplets would look like if she were actually being the “Super-Mom” and “super-homemaker.”

But it all comes down to, when is enough really enough? If you have enough money that you have a nice home, you can both stay home with your kids and do not have to work to make ends meet, and your kids are well taken care of and will be for the rest of their lives…life is really freaking amazing for you and your family! At this point, you have enough money to spend time with your kids OFF CAMERA, and you shouldn’t need the financial benefits of the show to be happy.

I am not totally defending Jon here, but she speaks to him in such a way that is unacceptable. Yes, all married couples and couples in general have their arguments…but this can be over the top. Criticizing your husband over breathing is more than a little over the top. Plus, if he is cheating, she called it off between them…not him. Although, Jon should be smarter about this stuff, because his actions affect his children as equally as Kate’s actions.

Bottom line, I think that these children are being exploited.