Do you ever wish, on days like today, after an especially long and exhausting week, you could come home to this standing in your doorway? Yeah, I thought so.
From the time I was 6, I have adored Harrison Ford, as Dr. Jones. I don't know what it is but men in tweed blazers, oxford shirts, glasses, bow ties and khakis drive me wild. Add intellect, engaging conversation and I'm hooked.
Indiana Jones is one of the main reasons I earned a BA in Anthropology. Although most people think of Indiana as an archaeologist, I feel his character is more of a socio-cultural anthropologist, which is what I am. Either way the man and his character are fine.
My favorite scene in the entire triology is the bedroom scene between Kate Capshaw, "Willie" and Dr. Jones (Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom). Willie coyly asks Jones what kind of research he does. He answers nonchantly that he's a scientist. With further prodding from Willie, Jones finally admits as a scientist, his favorite research focuses on nocturnal behavior, especially mating rituals. I don't know why I think this dialogue is so clever but I have always enjoyed their exhange of sexual inuendo in this scene. I often wish I could have a similar encounter with a Dr. Jones or the equivalent thereof in mind, dress, behavior and physique. No such luck at BYU. All married. I've already checked out the Anthro Program at GW and there's nothing there either. Perhaps, a PhD program will yield the desired results. :)

Is that an orgy of concert tickets?

This morning I bought tickets to the Richmond Chili Cookoff.

Then I bought tickets to the DC 101 Chili Cookoff.

THEN, in order to cap my day, I got presale tickets to Melissa Etheridge at Constitution hall on Aug 10!!

I love the outdoor concerts (thus the first two purchases) but I would tattoo Melissa on my body. I adore her. I'm a "fan" in the sense of fanatic.

Long live summer concerts!!

Chances are if you read this blog you've heard about 'Big Love.' I've been waiting to form an opinion about it until I could get my thoughts straight on the issue. I've watched the second and third episodes and I'm done watching.

So. Polygamy's the basic issue of the show. To be honest (and maybe a bit shocking) I don't have an issue with the theory of polygamy. Those of you interested in the answer can ask me why offline. I do think that this is a glorified version of the actual practice and is as far off base as Carrie (Sex and the City) being able to afford both her rent and Jimmy Choo twice a week. It's TV. Exaggeration happens.

If the show was simply about a man married to several women I wouldn't even bother to be disturbed by it but I am. Why? There are catch words and phrases that are distinctly "Mormon" and the language is used intentionally to blur the line between "Mormons" and polygamists.

I've heard arguments that say the filming mocks ordinances. I don't agree. Odd things happen in any religion and any sane person can argue against the 'weird' things they show (blessing of a hunting rifle, for instance). Richard Dutcher has filmed several ordinances and while I'm personally not comfortable seeing them on film, it's his right to do so.

Personally I don't think that the subject matter is bad either. This show exposes a segment of our population that needs a voice. The current practice of polygamy is abhorrent in the extreme but it's rarely talked about. Maybe the portrayal of the very young women being married to old men will spur some help eradicating this practice. Maybe it will force people to examine what is really happening in these communities instead of joking about the pleasure they'd derive from having multiple wives themselves. Who knows?

What I do hate about the program is the syntax. People are identified by their language; LDS people especially so. We have sayings that cross cultural boundaries and languages. They are part of our identity. I can safely say that no matter where I am in the world if I hear a person talking about going to "institute," I can assume that they are LDS. Sayings and expressions are a form of identification and this program uses phrases that are "Mormon" to portray a practice that is not. It bothers me.

Do I mind that I have a chance to explain what I really believe? Of course not, assuming I get that chance. Do I mind that these phrases will become more well known? No. But I'm afraid that now they will be popularly associated with polygamy.

I think that some LDS people fear the close examination of the outside world. It's been a tough road for our religion with "outsiders." We have been conditioned, I believe, to be a bit reactionary when there is intense scrutiny. But I also know that times of pressure and intense scrutiny are the times the produce the most amazing results.

Will I watch again? No. And I think that throwing a huge effort into getting the show canceled will only serve to feed the fire. In this case I'm going to stick to my circle of influence and let go of worrying about things outside it. Regardless of the status of the show it's brought dialogue about a problem that I think needs a solution and the opportunity to address some misconceptions. That's enough for me to see the silver lining in the thunder cloud everyone's yammering about.



I'm going to open this post up to comments but if it gets snotty they are going right back off, FYI.

As we were en route to the Mall yesterday morning, my brother called. He had just picked up his devil cat Chef from the vet. As the pictures demonstrates, instead of being "put down" the furball got a haircut, her first I might add. From the look on Chef's face it is easy to discern the beast hates all of humanity. Named after Leonid Brezhnev, this demonic vessel will attack anyone who threatens her singular position with Josh. The unlikely duo are as "thick as theives." It will be interesting to see if this haircut will introduce new challenges to their relationship.

As the photo on the left shows, this is what is called a "lion cut." The body is completely shaved with the exception of the feet, head and tail. Having visited the National Zoo this afternoon with Steph and Jacqueline, the haircut doesn't resemble a lion at all. If you ask me Chef looks more like a poodle than jungle royalty.

Anyway, knowing Chef, I couldn't keep from laughing and subsequently sharing. Although she's a cat, she still has her pride and I know, despite her love for Josh, she'll seek revenge. Having been on the receiving end of some bad haircuts, I totally sympathize. Whatever happens, Josh will get what he deserves because, not even Chef deserves to suffer the kind of humiliation born of a haircut like this.

Following Steph's lead I decided to take the Relationship Quiz. Naturally, it told me something I already knew. See results below:

Your Ideal Relationship is Serious Dating
You're not ready to go walking down the aisle.But you may be ready in a couple of years.You prefer to date one on one, with a commitment.And while chemistry is important, so is compatibility.

Amber in Sunday School recently during a lesson about Abraham and Issac: "All I'm saying is if your father puts wood on your back--run like hell."
_______________________

Gwen to Rae on Rae's French: "You may be done but if you say it that way, you're dead."
_______________________

Rae looking straight at Amber: "Now that's a little tart!"

Below are the results of a kissing quiz I took tonight. I found the link on Steph's solo blog and well, in the fight between curiosity and logic, curiosity was the victor. According to the quiz I am a "passionate kisser."
I also took the "How You Are in Love" quiz. The results, although not a total disappointment, were undesirable. Therefore, they will remain unknown to all but me.

You're a Passionate Kisser
For you, kissing is about all about following your urges (true)
If someone's hot, you'll go in for the kiss - end of story ("hot" is not limited to looks, it can also mean hot for me)
You can keep any relationship hot with your steamy kisses (duh)
A total spark plug - your kisses are bound to get you in trouble (more trouble than I would care to admit)

These are some thoughts I've had in recent days that I want to record before they dissipate forever.
I love the ability I have, as a woman, to hush men. Often while passing two men engaged in conversation they will cease speaking when they see me. Their conversation will not resume until after I have passed. I am not sure why this occurs but I have noticed it a lot lately. I have also observed men doing this as other women pass. Some women may perceive this behavior as immature or perverse but I don't. Most women probably don't even notice that men do it. It is something my girlfriends and I have never discussed but I have come to relish the reverence of the hush and appreciate that I can initiate it.
Friday as I was descending the Dupont South metro escalator a man passed me wearing cologne. Although I love cologne, most men I have dated did not wear it. This was probably a good thing. Cologne has this incredibly seductive power. Its a power that defies all explanation. All I know is when a man is wearing cologne, especially a scent I find appealing, I'm ready to go. Its an automatic turn on. Like heated seats in a luxury sports car. I even find it difficult to concentrate because my entire focus becomes, "how can I get closer to that?" Long after this stranger passed I was still craning my neck and breathing deeply to hold onto the smell. Sigh. If only all men had that kind of class.
Saturday I spent the day studying beneath the Library of Congress's hallowed dome. President Hinckley has said that good books are like friends. I believe that's true. Sometimes I can find comfort in a story that I can not find in a friend. I love libraries. They represent a culmination of knowledge civilization has managed to preserve and pass on. I feel so inspired every time I gaze up at the statues of history's great men. The reverence the art and architecture invoke is incredible. How can one, witnessing such mortal accomplishments, doubt man's ability to become like God?
For the past three days we have enjoyed sunny spring-like weather. Friday and Saturday, as I was walking through the City, all I could think was, "this is the perfect day to fall in love." Did I? No, but there is always the hope and for now that will suffice.

Yesterday was one of those days you can't easily classify. You know, it defies simple summation. It wasn't a "bad" day but it wasn't a "great" day either. It was an honest mixture of both positive and negative.
The good...
During one particularly low point yesterday I noticed an older couple sitting on some steps near my office. The woman's face was turned so all I could see was her profile. She also had long hair, which she wore down and it hung loosely across her cheek. The man although facing me failed to notice my presence until I passed because he was kissing his partner. I would like to think the intamacy was motivated by love more than lust, but who knows? Either way, I couldn't help but smile. And for that, I thank them.
I would also like to thank another stranger who kindly offered his seat to me on the metro. I was just about to give up on humanity altogether, well really just the male half, and then this stranger offers to stand so I can sit. In addition, the man was young and very attractive. All I could think as I sat there watching him was, "I know exactly how I'd like to thank you."
Then there was Manuel. Manuel is my fabulous Georgetown hairstylist. If he wasn't gay I would totally go for it. There is something about a man doing my hair that is ohhh soo satisfactory. (small moan, devilish grin) My last two visits to Manuel's have been questionable. Please don't misunderstand. I am always pleased with my hair but he's been keeping me at his salon for lengthy amounts of time.
Yesterday was different, though. After showering me with kisses he worked me right in and then didn't charge me. Granted, all I got was a bang trim but the experience really improved my feelings about our relationship.
So, to all the strangers and Manuel I encountered yesterday who saved the day from total worthlessness...THANK YOU!
**Disclaimer: Stephanie always contributes to the positive aspects of each day.

Everything in life has rules and R.A.G.S is subject to them as well. We're discovering that we have "The 75% Rule" with startling accuracy. Last night was the perfect example. 75% of us watched the Oscars. 75% of us are in the Langley ward. 75% of us now live within 5 miles of each other. 75% of us scrapbook. It's rotating, you see. We've discovered that it's all about tringulation! Every now and then we drop to a 50% on something or hit 100% but that just averages out to 75% eventually.

I had funnier stories to share about it but I'm old and I stayed out far too late to watch a silly awards program last night. I'll have to be funny later.

"I'm not saying 'Let's form a crusade and invade the sinners in Maryland..."

Me: I feel listless today. I think it's the weather. Just all BLAH, you know?

Gwen: Try diet pills. I'm buzzingly listless. I don't WANT to do anything but I just can't help it!